Amilo and his second in-command, Kilya, intercepted Leiu barely a minute after he dashed toward the corridors.Kilya jumped forward and swung her own greatsword but, like an unstoppable bull, Leiu crashed into her with enough force to blow her against the wall and almost knock her unconscious.Amilo’s scimitar took effect and let out the translucent and powerful energy before, shooting toward the crimson silhouette that was almost about to disappear from sight.Alas, even when it hit its target, the intruder didn’t flinch or slow down. It was as if Amilo’s attack didn’t register at all.“A-Amilo… what the hell? He’s growing stronger!”“If you can still move then get up!”Kilya inwardly cursed before wiping the blood off her lips and standing up.In fact, her guess wasn’t wrong at all: Leiu was indeed growing significantly stronger thanks to Inos’ curses. Even without them, the main ‘function’ of the Divine Goblin’s magic was to allow the user to strengthen himself the longer he fought

The Noules EmpireBlack Mountain CityHeadquarters of the Earth CoalitionThe top floor of the building was reserved for the high-ranking members of the organization, which was formed five years ago and started out as a small guild of Transcendents.In the main office, the so-called ‘Chairman’ of the Earth Coalition, Elena, sat behind her desk. The once young woman from five years ago had grown into a mature and more serious person.She wore a black business-suit, which was out of place considering she wasn’t on Earth. Then again, Black Mountain City had seen a significant change over the last couple of years.The buildings, roads, and laws governing this place were modern, so to speak. The city’s infrastructure was not unlike one of the big metropolises on Earth.In fact, it has become the most thriving city in the entire continent. Despite its near-total-destructive years ago, Black Mountain City’s population had exploded dramatically.It had more than 500,000 residents, most of wh

“Adrian Dravenham.” Emir kept staring at Leiu while speaking that name“Did you kill him?”“I did.”Leiu had no reason to hide it. To begin with, he didn’t think much of that young vampire. Xavier did tell him that Adrian hailed from an old Original Vampire Family, one not unlike Zeno’s in terms of history and power.Zeno, who saw Leiu unhesitantly admit it, let out a sigh. Her loyal confidant had briefed her about what happened, but she was still about how unhinged Leiu’s actions. Considering the circumstances, killing Adrian wasn’t totally unwarranted, nevertheless, it wasn’t a smart or wise move.“He was working with a Player. He kidnapped humans and fed on them.”Surprisingly, Emir didn’t flare up in anger or chastise Leiu’s actions. He merely nodded his head once while caressing his chin in contemplation.“All vampires, especially Original ones, are forbidden from feeding on human blood. We have evolved and we no longer need that to sustain ourselves. What Adrian did was unfor

One day laterNorth-Eastern coast of the Kantika Isle.A relatively big and sturdy boat was prepared for Leiu, Xavier, and Zeno.“I still think you should take them along.”“No. I can protect myself, father.”Emir gave up on his stubbornness and sighed. He had wanted the Red Hounds to accompany his daughter, but she adamantly refused.Leiu was already on the boat, patiently waiting for Zeno to say her farewell to her family.They had discussed everything important and decided on an appropriate course of action. Admittedly, it was Zeno who made most of the ‘deciding’, claiming that his reckless and usually stupid plans always involved charging into absolute chaos with the hope of succeeding.She was to be his guide and helper, stopping him from getting himself killed and ensuring he reached the Cocoon in one piece.A distance away, Maria was engaging in hushed whispers with Xavier.“Don’t mess this up, okay? Nudge them the right away but don’t be too obvious.”“A-ahem…” Xavier, who was

“We should reach the capital in 4 to 5 five, Mister Leiu.”“Okay.”Xavier scrutinized the youth before hesitantly suggesting,“I’m sure the long trip has worn you out, Mister Leiu. There’s a small lake nearby. It’s a good place to wash yourself and relax.”“No thank yo…” Leiu paused, looked at his linen shirt and dirty pants, which made him change his mind.The last time he showered was in the Kantika Manor. In contrast, Zeno would ask him to leave the carriage while she meticulously cleaned her body and changed into new and fresh clothes.“Which way is it?”“Go left and then straight ahead. It’s very close.”“Mhm.”Leiu stood up and went into the woods, not noticing the slightly tense face of Xavier.“I did it…” he mumbled while letting out a deep breath.It was early morning, so Leiu assumed Zeno was still asleep. However, she had already gone to the lake to bathe, and Xavier used this chance to make them meet in an unexpected and embarrassing manner.A couple of minutes later, Xavi