Deep within Black Rock Mountain, in the an outrageously massive cavern riddled with volcanic holes and infested with ferocious lizards, Special Agent Katrina and Jonathan Stellar Link were reaching the end of their arduous ‘journey’.They had killed hundreds of Magma Lizards, and both were finally reaching their physical limits. Even with the help of a System, Jonathan wasn’t an all-powerful, unstoppable human.The System in his possession derived power from misery and anguish. It heavily relied on the user’s mental state, and the worse it was, the stronger he would become.For a man like him, who had been through hell and suffered again and again, it was a suitable System, but that didn’t make it diverse.It was considered a ‘Minor’ System, significantly inferior to the Paths of Extinction System, which was one of the three Divine Scriptures.“It’s there!”Jonathan smashed his hands together and let out an uncontrollable black mist that protected him and blew all the incoming lizards
“Don’t you have any money?”Zeke unlocked the door to his apartment and hesitantly looked back as he asked the Witch. However, once he saw her piercing glare, he quickened his steps and went inside.Basically, Jennifer Savbra appeared in front of her and demanded to accompany him home. Apparently, she was sent here to monitor him, but she didn’t elaborate on the details. For example, why would the Witch Queen be interested in him? What did the Witch Association want from him?He only understood the need for secrecy, after all, Jennifer was the commander of her nation’s armies. A very important figure and an incredibly strong witch. Her presence here would alarm the three Departments and they wouldn’t let her roam around so freely. Even if they were generous enough to let her stay at Zeke’s side, they would closely monitor her to avoid any problems.“This is much better.”As if it was her own apartment, Jennifer sat on the sofa and spread her legs and arms. Noticing the fidgety youth s
The Sunken Metropolis was the Southernmost city of the Nezulian Republic as well as the most bustling civilised settlement. There was also Poudel City and The capital, both of which were similar in size, located North-West and North-East of the Sunken Metropolis. Poudel City was a proud and relatively ‘new’ city that housed the companies and public organisations. It had breath-taking sights for tourists, but the downside was that its inhabitants were mainly wealthy businessmen, government officials, and rich merchants. It was one of the pillars of the Nezulian Republic, a fortified settlement ruled by Madam Jevani, the head of the Department of Finance. It was a day like any other; The sky was clear, the wind was mixed with the heat of the summer, the streets were crowded with people heading to work. Poudel City was similar to the large cities found on Earth. In terms of the technology integrated into communication, transportation, and construction, it was superior to the Capital
Poudel City was in utter chaos, the streets were ravaged and the buildings were damaged.In the Eastern sector of the city, the Proto-Demons had already set up somesort of a camp. They quickly built mediaeval structures made of bones and strangely-colored wood, which made the whole thing look unnatural with all the modern buildings around it.“This is unacceptable. Did you forget what we came here for?”A Proto-Demon with light red skin, long black hair, and a pair of coal-like eyes, was facing one of his kin, specifically the spear-wielding one who had briefly faced Madam Jevani.“We do not have the forces to launch a full-on invasion. We’ll be massacred in a week! Why did you kill the humans?!” Lashed out General Gajin Cordis. In response, his particularly indifferent kin, which didn’t belong to the same tribe as him, sneered and shrugged,“We are the superior race. Before there’s any talk to be had, we need to establish our dominance and show that we can crush them at any time.”A
“The survivors in the Northern, Central, and Southern sectors have been secured and brought to the safe zone. However, we were unable to enter the Eastern Sector without encountering enemy forces.” A solemn middle-aged Special Agent, with a body riddled with scars, reported to the higher-ups sitting around a large table. However, the man was neither fearful nor too respectful to his superior. The only exception was the Minister of External Affairs, who had volunteered to join them and was the person in charge of most of the Special Agents. “The whereabouts of Madam Jevani, subsequent to her battle, remain unknown. In addition, the invaders have caught around 50 hostages, all of which are imprisoned within web-like cages.” “So we’ve reached a stalemate.” Michael Lopmore, looking more annoyed than before, shook his head and leaned back on the chair. “We cannot suffer to let them in our city any longer. We have to act decisively and swiftly.” Declared Bhak Djinn, whose hands were clas
Jennifer Savbra and Sulong Braveheart were taken to the already crowded meeting room, in which the higher-ups were awaiting for the reports.The first person to react was Kleya, the Nightmare Witch. Upon seeing the brown-haired and relatively petite Commander, she frowned.“Jennifer?”Likewise, Jenny’s body stiffened as she instinctively performed a military salute. Silya was kind enough to give her an abridged briefing, but it was still daunting to come face to face with Kleya.“...”With a blank face and clenched fists, Jennifer walked towards her direct superior. She wasn’t feeling guilty about her actions, after all, she had left her capable confidant in charge of the outpost. Moreover, it was the Witch Queen herself who had hinted about Zeke’s identity, so it was to be expected for her to go and seek him out.Still, Kleya seemed to be oblivious about the relationship between Zeke Orland and Jennifer, and from the look on her face, she wasn’t that pleased to see the Commander appe
“I am what you call a System Holder. Either I help you or I die.”In a situation like this, lying would have severe consequences for him, therefore, Zeke opted for speaking the truth. Of course, he only revealed the tiniest bit of it, but from the surprised look on the General’s face, it was apparent that he knew about the Systems.However, unlike the exaggerated and fearful reactions of humans, the Proto-Demon was merely surprised. He didn’t look threatened or become hostile.‘I also can’t directly oppose General Zhang and the rest due to the oath.’ Thought Zeke to himself as a sigh escaped his lips.“So it wasn’t out of compassion or kindness.” Commented Gajin Cordis, a soft smile forming on his demonic face.“As a civilian living in the Nezulian Republic, I want to defend my homeland. However, I wouldn’t surrender myself to the enemy forces out of ‘compassion’ and ‘kindness’. That’s plain stupid and outright suicidal.”“...”Gajin’s pupils dilated in a strange way as his stare inte
“Stop!”Gajin, who was struggling against Michael Lopmore, shouted and twisted his body to the side, firing multiple flaming arrows toward Bragdt’s direction.Alas, their potency was too weak as they were hastily fired, so Bragdt was easily able to deflect them with a swift sweep of his long spear.Essyna, who had been severely weakened from Kleya’s magic, knelt on the ground and gasped for breath, her body trembling ever-so-slightly.Like a hideous monstrosity, Bragdt’s mouth opened wide until it covered the entirety of his ugly face. His intention was clear as he crept closer to Essyna, seemingly about to devour her.Zeke leaned forward and activated ‘Champion of Speed Mode’ while using ‘Self-Injection’ to boost his stats. Like a literal bolt of lightning, he shot at Bragdt while unleashing multiple deafening thunderbolts.Fortunately, his interception did work on Bragdt and forced him to side-step and thrust his spear.As the spear was inches away from his torso, Zeke’s body let ou