Into the Helsinki mountains (part-2)

The barrier checkpoint was manned by two guards in combat suits, equipped with energy rifles. A scanner device hummed softly next to them, displaying entry requirements.

[Minimum Level: 80 (Party Leader)]

Noah and Xerx approached the checkpoint.

One of the guards held up a hand. "Party registration."

Xerx and Noah handed their ID cards. The guard took them and scanned those two, registering them as a party. With Xerx being level-256, minimum entry required is achieved and both of them were given a green signal.

"You're clear," the guard said, stepping aside. "Stay safe."

Noah and Xerx stepped forward.

As they crossed the barrier, a wave of dense, untamed energy washed over them. The atmosphere changed instantly—the air thicker, the sounds sharper, the feeling of something lurking in the shadows undeniable.

Noah exhaled, clenching his fist. "I need to level up atleast ten times more before this mission is over."

The wilderness of the Helsinki Mountains was nothing like the forests Noah had fought in before. The air carried the scent of damp moss, the distant howls of unseen creatures echoed through the trees, and the ground was uneven—covered in roots, jagged rocks, and patches of wild grass.

Noah remained a bit confused at first, as this isn't the forest he remembered, but luckily for him, he had Aria, which can pull up the Map with their GPS location intact when conventional smartphones don't work in this mana-dense region.

Noah and Xerx moved swiftly, their boots crunching against the soil. Noah had an eye on the holographic screen floating before his eyes. It was not only displaying their positions but also displaying red dots, indicating the monsters that are moving around.

"So, what exactly are you looking for?" Noah finally asked as they traversed the narrow woodland path, purposely leading them toward a herd of monsters.

Xerx didn't answer immediately. Instead, he activated his ocular ability. They started glowing in yellow. "Something specific. You don't need to worry about it. Just focus on the path." He replied in the end.

Noah shrugged. "Alright."

Not long after, a Black-Tusk Howler lunged at them from the trees—a hulking, gorilla-like beast covered in dark fur, with massive tusks curving from its lower jaw. It roared, shaking the nearby trees.

Species: Primate

Level: 76 (Tier-1)

Grade: Unique

Monsters are divided into six grades. Common, unique, king, legendary, and mythical. A unique grade monster is 2 times stronger than the same level common monster. A King grade monster is 5 times stronger than unique grade (10 times stronger than common grade). A Legendary grade is 10 times stronger than King (50 times stronger than unique, 100 times stronger than common), and mythical are just a myth, only existing in the legends.

And this one is only a unique grade Tier-1 monster, which shouldn't be a big deal to Xerx.

However, Noah reacted instantly, trying to take it for himself.

His body vanished from its position, his movement so fast that it left a blur. The monster barely had time to turn before Noah's palm strike enveloped in flames hit its chest.

A burst of purple mist erupted from the wound as the beast staggered, but Noah didn't stop. He flipped over the creature, giving successive three rapid punches.

The monster hit the ground with a dull thud.

[EXP Shared: +12,800]

Xerx, who had been watching from a short distance, let out a small chuckle. "You weren't kidding. You don't need protection."

Noah wiped the blood on his hand against the pants. "Told you."

The hunt continued.

By noon, Noah had already reached level 10. Of course, it isn't done just by himself. As he registered Xerx into his party (not to be confused with the official party registration), whatever they killed, Noah received half of the experience points. Perhaps, it is because Xerx's level is quite high. He didn't sense any changes to his body as experience points adding to his character as a portion of his stem cells were slowly being mutated into mana. Perhaps, he would realize when he levels up.

Meanwhile, Noah also realized something else. He already came to terms with the fact that he also needs a huge amount of experience even to level up by one, despite the fact that he is only a level-10. However, the fact that experience needed has doubled after he reached level-10 put up a heavy mental stress on him. He couldn't help but imagine how much experience he would need to reach level 500? He might have to hunt down the dragons.

The experience gain had slowed significantly. As expected, the higher the level, the greater the requirement.

By evening, he hit level 16, more than what he expected. His stats had shot up—each one reaching 1,600.

Xerx also realized that he got a little bit stronger (leveled up) but didn't understand why, when he neither consumed any high-quality beast meat nor absorbed any spirit core. He only hunted down weak monsters that came at him, and nothing else.

As the sun began to dip behind the mountains, they made their way back to the barrier.

"You didn't find what you were looking for," Noah remarked, glancing at Xerx.

Xerx cracked his neck. "Nope. But I expected that."

"You gonna keep searching tomorrow?"

"Yeah."

Noah hummed in response. It didn't really matter to him. He had gained thirteen levels in one day. But he wasn't satisfied yet.

He needed more power.

The hotel lobby was dimly lit, the warm yellow lights casting soft shadows against the polished wooden floors. The faint hum of the heater filled the air, along with the distant chatter of other guests.

Noah and Xerx stepped in, walking toward the front desk. A middle-aged man in a uniform greeted them with a polite nod.

"Welcome back," the receptionist said. "Looking for rooms?"

"Yeah," Xerx replied. "Two singles if you have them."

The receptionist tapped on the holographic screen in front of him, scanning the available rooms. After a moment, he frowned.

"We only have one room left," he said. "A pentasuite."

Noah raised a brow. "Pentasuite?"

"It's a five-room luxury suite with a private lounge, a kitchen, and high-end facilities," the receptionist explained. "It's expensive, but it's the only one left."

Xerx sighed. "Tch. Guess we don't have a choice."

"I can take the couch," Noah offered.

"Yeah, right," Xerx snorted. "No big deal."

Just as the receptionist was about to confirm the booking, a loud voice interrupted them.

"Wait! That suite is mine."

The atmosphere in the lobby shifted.

A young man—no older than twenty—strolled toward the desk, flanked by two men in suits. He had slicked-back platinum hair, sharp features, and an arrogant smirk playing on his lips. His outfit was high-class designer wear, the kind only the rich elite could afford.

Noah's eyes narrowed. "Who is this clown?" He wondered.

The receptionist tensed. "Sir, the suite is first-come, first-served. They are already in the process of booking it."

The young man scoffed. "So what? Do you know who I am?"

Noah exchanged a glance with Xerx. The older warrior looked entirely unbothered.

"Should I?" Noah asked, deadpan.

The young master's smirk twitched.

"My name is Lucas Alden," he declared. "Heir of Alden Conglomerate, the second-largest energy supplier in the entire Western Hemisphere."

Silence.

Noah blinked. "And?"

Lucas' face darkened. "And that suite belongs to me. If you understand what's good for you, you ought to scram away now."

Xerx exhaled through his nose, already bored. "This is a waste of time."

Lucas snapped his fingers. One of his bodyguards stepped forward—a towering man with an iron mask covering half his face. His aura surged, revealing a Tier-4 Astron Warrior.

The lobby grew tense. A few guests turned to watch, sensing the hostility in the air.

Lucas crossed his arms. "I suggest you hand over the room before things get… messy."

Noah felt a flicker of amusement.

He turned to Xerx. "Wanna handle this?"

Xerx stretched his arms. "Of course. I'm also too bored after fighting those weak monsters."

With a single step forward, Xerx vanished.

Lucas barely had time to react before a sudden gust of wind blasted past him. A heartbeat later—

Xerx was already behind him.

His breath tickled Lucas' ear as he spoke in a low, amused whisper.

"You should be the one to walk away."

Lucas froze.

The bodyguard moved to strike, but—

THWACK!

In a blur of motion, Xerx's elbow slammed into the guard's gut. The impact sent a shockwave through the room, shattering nearby glasses. The Tier-4 warrior crumpled to his knees, gasping for breath.

Silence fell over the lobby.

Lucas staggered backward, eyes wide.

Xerx smiled, voice calm. "Not interested in fighting you, kid. But if you really want the suite, feel free to try again."

Lucas clenched his fists. He wanted to argue. Wanted to lash out. But deep down, he knew—he was outmatched.

"Fine," he spat. "Enjoy your night while you can. This isn't over."

With that, he turned on his heel and stormed out. His guards scrambled after him.

The lobby slowly returned to normal. The receptionist, who had gone pale during the exchange, cleared his throat.

"Um… here's your keycard."

Xerx took it with a smirk.

"Thanks."