061 THE MONSTER IN THE RIVER

061 THE MONSTER IN THE RIVER

"Time to go," Leo said, pulling Yun-Yun away from her revenge frenzy as the last slaver met his end.

They swiftly slipped out of the Black Market before anyone could catch up to them.

"Woa, that was fun," Yun-Yun said.

"Do you know what the consequences are of killing so many people in the Black Market?"

"Will you get blamed for this?" Yun-Yun asked apologetically, realizing the trouble her revenge might bring.

"I was wearing a mask—they won't recognize me. But you weren't, which is why the slavers noticed you," he explained.

"Sorry."

"It's fine, there are none of them alive to tell," he replied. "But I have to ask—how did you manage to cast those spells? And so many of them?"

"When I was resurrected, the seal on my magic was loosening, I didn't realize it before but after casting the first time, I realized I'm getting back some of my former power," she explained.

"That's fantastic! What is your magic tier now and what was that spell you just cast?" he asked, curious.

"For now, it's around Cakra Svad minor 1, I chose a spell that we can use together," she said, a hint of excitement in her voice.

"That's great! That's the same tier as my magic", Leo said then asked, "Were you a peak tiered Svad before they sealed your magic?"

Yun-Yun hesitated then replied, "Actually, it was the peak of Cakra Man."

Leo's jaws dropped.

"How did someone at that insane level of magic get her magic sealed by a curse?" he asked.

"I sealed it myself. I need to complete my ascension quest", she said.

"I don't understand", Leo asked.

"Usually, upon ascension to the Man tier there will be a Destiny's Retribution", she explained.

"Yes, I received that early."

"Don't worry you will not receive another for a while. Destiny usually punishes only during a major tier breakthrough. Upon ascension to Ana tier, we must complete an ascension quest otherwise our magic would never ascend", she said.

"How did you know?" he asked.

"I have somebody who told me about my ascension quest. When the time comes for your ascension, I can help you too", she replied.

"Thanks."

-----

After what happened at the Black Market, Leo decided to leave the city as soon as possible.

The main army of the Gullee family had taken the long land route, marching around a mountainous region to reach the eastern battlefront—a journey that would take months.

But Leo and his team, unburdened by the logistics of a full army, opted for a quicker path.

They set out on a galley, navigating the narrow River Night as it wound through the mountains, a shortcut that would save them precious time.

As their galley passed between two towering mountain peaks, the river suddenly churned without warning. The waters surged and then parted, lifting the boat high before letting it drop to the rocky riverbed below.

Before them loomed a monstrous creature.

It was massive, with a shell like a tortoise covering its back, and the grotesque face of a bald rat. Its enormous limbs bore claws sharp enough to split stone, which it promptly demonstrated by crushing nearby rocks with ease.

With a fierce snarl, it hurled chunks of shattered stone toward them, each one crashing dangerously close to the galley.

"Oh no, we're doomed, it's a Kappa! We should have taken the long route!" Kasshyek shouted in panic.

"And miss the scenic views? No way," Leo replied, his gaze fixed on the looming monster.

"This creature is the guardian of this river. It must be demanding a toll payment," Yun-Yun said, her voice steady despite the chaos.

"Nobody uses my river without leaving behind some treasures," the Kappa growled, its voice rumbling like distant thunder.

Name: Unknown

Race: Kappa Demon

Magic: Cakra Svad, Minor Tier 3

Animosity: 100%

"This creature is a demon," Leo announced, his voice steady but filled with curiosity.

"Yes," Yun-Yun confirmed, stepping closer. "He's a naturally born demon of this world."

Leo's brow furrowed. "Is he like Lusifar?"

Yun-Yun shook her head, her tone shifting into one of explanation. "There are many kinds of demons in this world. Some are ambitious and wicked, relying on blood sacrifices to fuel their growth and power. But not all demons follow that path. Some are passive, allowing their demon magic to develop naturally over time. This Kappa is one of those passive demons, unlike Lusifar."

"So, there are good demons and bad demons?" Kasshyek asked, raising an eyebrow.

Yun-Yun hesitated before answering. "It's not as simple as good or evil. I can't say if the Kappa is inherently good or bad. What sets him apart is that his magic doesn't rely on sacrifice or harm to grow. In that way, he's more like the mages of this world—though he was born as a monster."

"What do we do now?" the soldiers asked.

Then Kasshyek's eyes lit up with an idea.

"Master, you have the Mirror of Gullee! We can pool our blood to activate its magic and strike the monster!" he suggested urgently.

Leo nodded, handing him the mirror.

The soldiers gathered around, quickly channeling their magic into the family treasure. As they did, their faces grew pale, the strain of the sacrifice taking its toll.

Suddenly, a brilliant blast erupted from the mirror, shooting toward the Kappa.

The creature was taken by surprise as the beam struck it squarely. Its massive size rendered it unable to dodge the attack. With a roar of pain, the Kappa fell to the riverbed, wounded but still formidable.

"Should we continue to strike with the mirror?" Kasshyek asked Leo, glancing nervously at the wounded Kappa.

Leo scanned the creature once more.

Animosity: 100%

Fear: 30%

"Fear wasn't there before," Leo noted, a glimmer of hope in his voice.

"What does 'Fear' mean?" Yun-Yun asked, intrigued.

"The Kappa is afraid of us now, by a little. I guess," he replied.

"We should kill the Kappa now", Kasshyek suggested.

"Even if our Mirror of Gullee can defeat the monster," Yun-Yun reminded, "Our soldiers would be exhausted after the fight. There is no need to kill the creature. There could be more danger in the river we may face later."

"What do you suggest?" Leo asked.