Chapter 17 – Wings of Power

The wind howled past Qin Sheng as the Silverwind Wyvern soared through the skies, carrying him effortlessly above the vast forests surrounding the town. The sensation of flying was unlike anything he had ever experienced. The world stretched out beneath him, vibrant and alive.

Lia, riding a rented mount below, waved up at him. "Show-off!" she yelled, laughing.

Qin Sheng grinned and guided the wyvern into a tight spiral before descending smoothly next to her. The wyvern let out a triumphant screech, its wings folding neatly against its sides.

"Okay, I'll admit it," Lia said, brushing her hair out of her face. "That's pretty awesome."

Qin Sheng chuckled. "Told you. This little guy is going to make things way easier."

They continued their journey toward the Intermediate Zone's entrance, where the real challenges awaited. Along the way, Qin Sheng noticed several players gathered near a large notice board, pointing and murmuring.

[World Announcement: Player Qin Sheng has bonded with the first Silverwind Wyvern Hatchling – A-Rank Mount/Pet.]

Players turned to stare as Qin Sheng passed by, their eyes filled with envy and admiration.

"Is that him?"

"He's the one who cleared the Hidden Verdant Dungeon!"

Lia smirked. "Looks like you're famous now."

Qin Sheng sighed. "Not sure if that's a good thing."

As they approached the entrance to the Intermediate Zone, a system notification appeared.

[System Notification: Access to Beginner Zone unlocked. Minimum Level Requirement: 15. Recommended Party: 3-5 players.]

Qin Sheng was still at Level 12, but with his new minions and mount, he felt confident.

"We need to level up a bit more before entering," Lia noted. "The mobs here are brutal."

He nodded. "Let's grind nearby and get to 15."

---

Verdant Wilds – Outer Edge

The forest teemed with aggressive monsters—beasts twice the size of those in the Novice Zone. Qin Sheng dismounted and summoned his two minions: the F-Rank Verdant Guardian and the E-Rank Forest Guardian.

"Spread out and draw them in," he commanded.

The Verdant Guardian, wielding its moss-covered axe, charged into a group of snarling wolves while the Forest Guardian used its roots to ensnare enemies, dragging them toward Qin Sheng.

He activated Eclipse Slash, his blade glowing with dark energy, and cut through the wolves in a single sweeping arc. XP notifications flooded his vision.

[+500 XP]

[+450 XP]

Lia fought beside him, her daggers flashing as she danced between enemies, striking vital points.

"Nice moves," Qin Sheng complimented.

She grinned. "Told you I'm not just for show."

As they continued, Qin Sheng's system pinged.

[System Notification: Level Up! Level 13 reached.]

He allocated points into Strength and Agility, feeling the immediate surge of power.

---

Hidden Glade

After hours of grinding, they stumbled upon a secluded glade shimmering with a faint light. In the center stood an ancient stone pedestal with a glowing orb atop it.

[System Notification: Hidden Event Triggered – Trial of the Glade.]

Lia stepped forward. "Looks like we found something interesting."

The orb pulsed, and spectral creatures emerged, surrounding them.

Qin Sheng readied his sword. "Guess this is our next challenge."

The battle was fierce, but with his minions and Lia's precise strikes, they cleared the waves. The final creature—a towering Spectral Guardian—charged at Qin Sheng.

He dodged and countered with Eclipse Dominion, dark tendrils erupting from the ground and binding the guardian.

"Finish it!" he shouted.

Lia leaped onto the bound creature, her daggers plunging into its core. The Spectral Guardian let out a hollow wail before disintegrating.

[System Notification: Trial of the Glade completed. Reward: Gladeheart Amulet – Increases Agility by 10%.]

Qin Sheng handed the amulet to Lia. "This suits you better."

She blinked, surprised. "You're giving it to me?"

He shrugged. "We're a team, right?"

A faint blush colored her cheeks. "Thanks."

[System Notification: Level Up! Level 14 reached.]