Chapter 12 : Mission.

Abyssal Bone Forest Academy – The Mission Area

The mission area of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy was as lively as ever, filled with all sorts of acolytes. Some stood in small groups, whispering amongst themselves, while others wore dark expressions, their robes tattered and stained with fresh blood. The air was thick with the stench of iron, mixed with the lingering scent of burnt flesh and acrid potion residues.

Occasionally, a few grey-robed acolytes strode in confidently, exuding powerful magical energy. Some carried large monster carcasses over their shoulders, while others levitated their spoils with unseen forces. Envy and admiration followed in their wake as onlookers stared, some in awe, others in resentment.

At the very heart of the mission area stood a black rock wall, its surface smooth yet eerie, like polished obsidian. Glowing green text shimmered across it, listing available missions. Most of the assignments involved extermination tasks, resource gathering, or reconnaissance. However, some missions glowed blood red, radiating a foreboding aura that made even the more experienced acolytes hesitate. These were life-threatening tasks, promising lucrative rewards but carrying high risks.

In a quieter corner of the square, four figures stood together, their expressions ranging from impatience to excitement.

"Where is Leylin? Are we sure he's coming?" Raynor crossed his arms, tapping his foot against the ground in annoyance. He was a stocky young man with sharp eyes and a well-built frame. His brown robe was worn at the edges, evidence of frequent travel.

"It isn't time yet. Stop being impatient." Kaliweir replied, his tone steady. He was slightly taller than Raynor, with broad shoulders and an air of quiet authority. He carefully polished the edge of a black cleaver, its blade stained with dried blood. His movements were methodical, almost ritualistic.

"Leylin?" said a green-haired girl, Lilisse, her emerald eyes flashing with interest. "Leylin, the one said to be a Potioneering genius, just behind Merlin. He advanced to Level 2 Acolyte barely a week after Jayden! He even brews potions and earns a fortune from them. Why would someone like him want to join a simple mission with us?"

"He's from the same region as us. It makes sense he'd prefer familiar faces," Raynor muttered, though he wasn't fully convinced.

"I hope you introduce him to us properly," a red-haired girl, Neela, said with a wide smile. She had an exquisite figure, her voluptuous frame barely hidden under the academy robe. Her voice carried a coquettish lilt, and her gaze flickered with interest.

Raynor gulped, trying to avoid staring at Neela's chest. He looked away quickly, his expression somewhat gloomy.

Just then, a familiar voice interrupted them.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Leylin stepped into the clearing. He was dressed in black and grey leather armor, a grey pair of gloves, and black boots that barely made a sound on the stone floor. A Cross Blade hung at his waist, polished and sharp. Over his back, he carried a crossbow, alongside a large black sack. His presence was calm yet imposing, his sharp brown eyes surveying the group without emotion.(Image)

"We only just got here ourselves," Kaliweir said, sheathing his cleaver.

Leylin's gaze swept over the gathered acolytes. "Is this the team?"

"Yes, let me introduce everyone," Kaliweir said with a small smile.

"The green-haired girl is Lilisse, and beside her is Neela. Both are apprentices under my mentor and advanced to Level 2 Acolyte just a few weeks ago."

"Hello, Sir Leylin!" Neela stepped forward eagerly, her eyes shimmering.

"It's truly lucky to be on a mission with you!" She stuck out her chest slightly, her tone sweet and teasing.

Leylin immediately recognized her intention. If he showed even the slightest interest, she would likely throw herself at him without hesitation.

Raynor's face darkened further, his fists clenched tightly.

Leylin merely gave a polite nod, ignoring Neela's obvious flirtation. Instead, he turned to Kaliweir and asked, "What's our mission?"

Kaliweir, sensing Leylin's disinterest in small talk, immediately got to the point.

"We're taking a simple mission—patrolling the academy's perimeter and clearing out a Red-Eyed Raven infestation."

Leylin nodded. This was expected, he was aware that they would take this mission but he had to confirn just in case.

'A.I. Chip, scan everyone,' Leylin commanded silently.

[Beep! Kaliweir. Strength: 2.6, Agility: 2.8, Vitality: 3.1, Spiritual Force: 4.1. Status: Healthy.]

[Beep! Raynor. Strength: 1.8, Agility: 1.9, Vitality: 2.5, Spiritual Force: 3.7. Status: Healthy.]

[Beep! Lilisse. Strength: 1.9, Agility: 2.5, Vitality: 2.4, Spiritual Force: 4.3. Status: Healthy.]

[Beep! Neela. Strength: 2.7, Agility: 3.4, Vitality: 2.9, Spiritual Force: 4.6. Status: Healthy.]

Neela had the best stats, likely due to her background from a small Magus family. However, despite their advancements, none of them had properly mastered rank 0 spells yet. If combat escalated, they would be relying on their physical abilities more than magic.

'They're still amateurs,' Leylin concluded. But it doesn't matter, he can take care of himself, he has enough life saving means.

With their mission confirmed, they left the academy grounds. The sunlight pierced through the forest canopy, making Leylin squint slightly. The air was filled with the scent of damp earth and rotting leaves.

"Let's go," Kaliweir led the way, checking their map.

Their target was the southwest border, where Red-Eyed Ravens had been spotted in increasing numbers. Each acolyte had to collect ten right claws as proof of extermination.

"Before we proceed," Kaliweir turned to the group, "let's share our strengths so we can strategize properly."

"I'm Kaliweir. I have Knight-level physical strength and know a secret technique."

"I'm Neela," she said with a smirk. "I'm also at Knight-level and learning the Weary Hand spell, but I haven't mastered it yet."

"Lilisse. I'm still training to be a Knight, but my dart-throwing is decent."

"Raynor. I'm a Preparatory Knight, but I specialize in archery."

Leylin nodded. "I'm also a Preparatory Knight, but I've learned a spell."

Silence followed.

"You've already learned a spell?" Raynor's voice was incredulous.

Even Kaliweir looked impressed.

Neela's eyes sparkled. "You really are brilliant, Leylin. Do you know what people call you now?"

"A Potioneering genius, seen once every fifty years! If you didn't already have a mentor, you'd be swarmed with offers."

Leylin smiled faintly but said nothing. In truth, his achievements were due to the A.I. Chip and his unique soul properties. He hadn't done anything extraordinary yet.

"Alright, let's focus," Kaliweir interrupted. "The forest is dangerous. Stay alert."

The group moved into formation, trekking deeper into the woods.

[Alert! Unknown creature approaching. Threat level: Mild!]

Leylin's eyes narrowed. The first threat had appeared.

"Something's coming," he whispered.

The team stopped. Tension thickened then—A shadow darted through the underbrush.

"Whoosh!"

As the A.I. Chip's voice sounded in Leylin's mind, a series of intricate, light-blue lines formed within his vision. The projection provided a detailed topographic overlay, allowing him to see a red line snaking its way toward them.

[Beep! Iron Thread One-Eyed Snake detected. Species: Serpentine. Strength: 1.1, Agility: 2.1, Vitality: 1.6. Poisonous nature confirmed. High evasive capabilities.]

Before Leylin could relay the information, a black shadow burst from the grass with terrifying speed, its fangs gleaming as it lunged at Kaliweir's exposed throat.

Whoosh!

The knight's reflexes were razor-sharp. His black cleaver slashed downward in a controlled arc, intercepting the attack. The force of the impact sent the black creature hurtling back, skidding against the dirt before coming to a stop.

As the dust settled, its form became clear—a snake, nearly a meter long, with smooth, iron-thread-like scales glistening under the moonlight. Its single crimson eye burned with instinctual malice, and faint traces of blood leaked from its body.

"This is an Iron Thread One-Eyed Snake," Neela warned, gripping her weapon tighter. "Be careful of its venom! One bite is enough to paralyze you."

The snake tensed, its body coiling in preparation for another strike. But before it could move, Lilisse acted. From behind them, she flicked her wrist, sending three throwing knives spinning toward the creature.

Hiss!

The snake twisted with unnatural agility, avoiding two of the blades. The third, however, found its mark, cutting into its flesh and leaving a thin trail of blood.

"Heh." Leylin narrowed his eyes and pulled the trigger of his crossbow following the trajectory calculated by A. I. Chip.

Thwack!

A cold flash streaked through the air. The bolt struck the snake's head with lethal precision, piercing through its skull.

The creature spasmed violently, its body curling into itself, even as crimson fluid pooled beneath it. Despite being decapitated, its tail thrashed against the ground, a macabre display of lingering nerve activity.

"Ah!" Lilisse flinched.

"It's already dead," Neela scoffed. "That's just a natural reflex. Haven't you studied neurology?"

"Nice shot, Leylin," Raynor praised, his expression filled with admiration.

Kaliweir, still composed, sheathed his cleaver. "Only the poison sac and the skin are valuable. If anyone wants to collect them, do it now. The scent of blood will attract predators soon."

"I'll handle it," Raynor offered. He crouched beside the corpse, skillfully extracting the necessary parts.

Leylin, however, remained silent, his mind focused on a different kind of reward.

"A.I. Chip, Devour!"

A subtle ripple spread through Leylin's sea of consciousness.

In the dark void of his mind, the soul of the Iron Thread One-Eyed Snake appeared—faint, writhing, resisting. Yet, under the Soulbound Devourer relentless pull, the wisps of its existence were absorbed, digested, and converted into raw energy.

[Beep! Host's attributes have increased.]

[Leylin Farlier: Strength: 3.1, Agility: 3.2, Vitality: 3.1, Spiritual Force: 4.1. Status: Healthy.]

Leylin exhaled. 'A slight increase… understandable, given the snake's weak nature.'

"Let's move," Kaliweir ordered.

Ten Days Later – The Black Forest

A Red-Eyed Raven perched on a crooked branch, its alert gaze scanning the landscape. The crimson glow in its eyes flickered as it ruffled its feathers, sensing danger in the shadows.

Whoosh!

An arrow cut through the air, aimed straight at its chest.

The raven reacted instantly, flapping its wings and swerving mid-flight.

Yet, before it could escape, three throwing knives streaked toward it from another angle.

The Red-Eyed Raven twisted its body in a seamless motion, dodging all but one of the knives. The blade nicked its wing, causing a slight falter.

With a furious caw, it descended toward an open patch of ground.

A shadow burst from the shrubbery.

Kaliweir, both hands gripping his cleaver, swung downward with a brutal strike.

Whoosh!

A burst of wind accompanied the attack. The blade, aimed directly at the Red-Eyed Raven's body, should have been fatal.

But the raven wasn't ordinary prey.

A flicker of intelligence glowed in its eyes.

With inhuman precision, it raised its claws, blocking the cleaver with a resounding clang!

Kaliweir stumbled back. "Tch—stronger than expected!"

The Red-Eyed Raven shrieked in response. Instead of retreating, it lunged forward, aiming for his face.

Kchhh!

Its razor-sharp talons slashed through the air.

"Pandora—Greygonger!"

A swift incantation echoed as a green ball of liquid shot forward.

The Acidic Aqua Shot splashed against the Red-Eyed Raven's body.

Psshhh!

White mist rose as the raven's agonized screech filled the air.

Seconds later, the sounds stopped.

Where the creature had once been, only a few charred feathers remained.

Kaliweir exhaled sharply. "Damn thing was tough."

Neela approached. "Are you hurt?"

"No, but it put up a fight," he admitted.

Leylin, standing nearby, calmly observed. "The timing of the Acidic Aqua Shot was crucial."

"A.I. Chip, Devour!"

Another wave rippled through his consciousness.

[Beep! Devouring complete. Host's attributes have increased.]

Leylin felt the boost, though it was minimal after ten days of hunting. Even so, every advantage counted.

Kaliweir crouched by the remains and used a stick to sift through the feathers. He retrieved two black claws, their edges gleaming ominously.

"These are the only parts intact," he sighed. "The Acidic Aqua Shot is strong, but it corrodes everything…"

"Hmph! Without Leylin's spell, you'd have been injured," Neela muttered.

Kaliweir didn't argue. He knew she was right.

"With this, we've gathered enough materials." He turned to the others. "Should we head back?"

Raynor and Lilisse, visibly tired, immediately nodded.

Neela agreed. "We couldn't even get proper sleep in this cursed forest. Let's return to the academy."

Leylin glanced at the darkened sky, his thoughts unreadable.

'This world is full of opportunities.'