Hey guys I've read your comments and I will start editing more of my work now. Thank you for the advice to those who spoke so from now on I may change my perspective to a past tense in my sentence structure to hopefully let the story flow better. Though.....I may have not started doing this till later in this chapter. But hopefully the quality is much better and will start to get better as time progresses. I usually type the story on my phone throughout the day then transfer it to my computer before submitting it. Though I understand the errors in grammar that I'm doing, I just don't catch it during the transfer so hopefully the quality gets better and you guys can enjoy the story much more..

Hopefully you guys are cool with my roundabout way of providing information by now as I don't just immediatley give information about every character. Through out the chapters since they are from the perspectives of each character you get a little bit of information about everything as the chapters go on.....

Enjoy......

Chapter 6: Getting Stronger

“Hehehe let’s burn him”

“Yes burn him hehehe take this!”

“Ha, gonna have to make it a lot hotter than that.........flicker.”

My vision blurred and the small winged purpled creatures called imps eyes show disbelief as I leave brief multiple after images of myself in a burst of speed. I appear right in front of the one who threw a ball of auburn flames towards me and before he has a chance to react I reach and grab him by the throat. Those flames really aren’t even enough to singe my arm hairs off. I guess this is what it’s like to have such a high fire resistance.

I gripped him tighter and hoisted the little imp in front of his 2 friends and choked his frail neck with my arm.

“Gah... Grrggs”

Snap!

‘Oh oops......I broke the little guy’s neck with my arm strength. Wow my strength is really getting to become formidable, it’s almost scary. Though I say that these small winged creatures range only from level 7-12 each. So they aren’t much of a difficulty to handle as their natural defense is quite puny. After mom decided it was ok to let me hunt with Hlökk watching over me, I went out and began to explore the surrounding areas of the forest around our cabin for the last few of days. We found and hunted a few horned rabbits and I found that they were much more difficult to catch than their small level lead me to believe. I must say if I hadn’t absorbed the skill flicker prior to to it, they would have been a real challenge to catch due to the brief bursts of speed they can use which allows them to avoid danger rather easily. The skill costs 50 mp to use but gives a severe burst of speed and leaves a brief after trail of your images as you thrust in whatever direction. It has a 5 second cool down but I can probably cut that down as well with time and practice.

However, after acquiring monster skills I found out a little more about my Demonic Absorption ability has a few catches to it.

It’s an amazing ability that not only allows me to absorb abilities it allows me to take on some of the monster’s traits greatly boosting my stats as well. Though consuming more than two monsters of the same species does nothing. Another thing I found out after looking at my skill list, the skills absorbed are transferred to the Racial Skill’s list and are not under the same rules as normally learned skills. For non monsters, skills learned have 7 stages of mastery but a monster’s skill is completely different and does not have similar stages.

The skill Flicker I had learned only showed a proficiency mark next to it saying 1/100. Originally I assumed that if I just use it enough it would grow faster but after using it a few times in practice the number stopped going up. I’m not sure the level of masteries they have but they are not the same as skills one would learn by much simpler means like cooking or my hand to hand combat skill. If an individual wanted to learn cooking or hand to hand combat one would have to perform an action repeatedly 1000s of times to learn something or if certain conditions are met, thusly they grow in a different way than the monster skills do. Though with me having accelerated growth I also can learn certain abilities while the essence of the world tree is still inside me.

I guess it makes since as monsters who use these skills for life and survival, have different methods of strengthening themselves than we do. But I couldn’t raise the skills so easily after absorbing them. My other three racial skills along with Loki’s blessing also don’t have 7 levels of mastery as well as they don’t have any proficiency icon next to them. So maybe it’s impossible to improve those abilities or effects. Though I’ll only know with time I suppose.

The flicker skill is also quite the difficult skill to use as I have to always be mindful of what’s around me before dashing as to not to crash into something. It took me a few try’s but I’m slowly getting the hang of it.

“Wah.....ah run away!”

I grab the other one by the back of its head as he tried to scurry away and then slam his skull into the ground. His HP dropped to 0 and died instantly.

‘Now....where’s that third one?”

Even though I only need the two bodies to gain whatever useful skills an imp can give me I’m busy trying to gain experience and these monsters are serving as good practice. Due to my lifestyle of fighting a lot while growing up, I quickly got use to taking on multiple enemies. These monster’s give a considerable amount of experience too even though they aren’t very high leveled. That is something Hlökk found out from Loki as not only am I receiving a blessing from him that lets me gain experience quicker than the average human, the World Tree Essence that is currently inside of me drastically increases experience gained by anything I do almost 10 fold while also ages my body until reaching my past self. Honestly that is quite the extraordinary item he gave to me. But what do you expect from the essence of a tree so large and mighty it’s capable of holding up an entire world. Too bad it won’t stick around forever.

‘What did Loki have to do to receive something like this because according to Hlökk this sort of thing isn’t given out so candidly and can’t be reproduces in several 100 years. But apparently he somehow managed to receive two of them, one for me and one for Kaylan......So I guess she has been training quite hard as well since she’s been here I need to catch up. Ahhh......I wonder where she is right now. Why Loki decided to separate us I’ll never know? Probably one of his stupid games. I guess I’ll have to ask him next time I see em.’

“Hmmmm......damn where did that little bastard go?”

I glance around a few bushes and passing by a few trees as I seemed to have lost the third one. I turn around and behind me sitting on a high hanging branch is a purple crow, it’s Hlökk and she is observing my progress from a distance.

“Hmmm.....Presence Sense!”

At the moment I say that a small radar appeared on the bottom right corner of my vision and showed a small red dot no more than a few meters from me. Flicker is not the only skill I gained from eating the rabbit meat a couple of days ago, as I also gained a rather useful skill to view what’s in my immediate surroundings. A truly invaluable skill and would come in handy in this particular situation. Monster’s have such useful abilities. I’m sure there are human equivalent skills out there somewhere but these are truly useful for a hunter.

After walking closer to the small red dot on my display I see it is no more than a foot away from me, I look up but still don’t see anything. ‘Could he.....have a stealth ability of some kind?’

Turning my attention around as to see the movement of the dot I really can’t even hear a sound of him around me......hmmmm.

‘It should be right........here!’

“Wahhh!!!”

I rotated my body with a spin kick towards the direction of the point on my radar, my leg grazed something small and soft and I heard a scream from the hiding imp as his camouflage got deactivated and was sent flying. The image of the small purple winged creature shot forth like a canon and splattered on a nearby tree.

I walked closer to see if he was still alive but the blow must have killed him. I wonder if he died by my kick before he hit the tree, but I guess I’ll never know. The power of my strikes are starting to get truly fearsome. I wonder what my strength stat is right now, though I promised myself I would wait just a little longer to view my status because I wanted to be truly surprised by my growth in this world and not meticulously check on it after every battle. With the world tree essence inside me my experience gained is not normal and I think may also be why I was able to acquire other kinds of skills originally like hand to hand combat so quickly as well. ‘Seriously though why does Loki keep me so in the dark about these things?’

I started to rip off the imp meet and tear out it’s heart along with the first one I had killed. ‘I hope I get that camouflage ability from before as that could be useful. But sadly my skill acquisition form Demonic Absorption is randomized. Lucky for me though low leveled creatures don’t have a lot of skills to use so my odds are much higher at receiving a certain skill.

“Ugh....I don’t have time to go home and cook this meat so.........perhaps I should just take a bite out of this here?” I somehow got the urge to consume this meat in front of me raw like it was normal.

‘I can’t believe I’m about to eat raw meat, a heart for that matter but I don’t really want to stop and cook right now either since I’m busy training.’

Munch....

“Mm.....wow its actually.....kind of tasty. Wow eating raw meat straight after a kill wow who’d know it would taste so..........delicious”

As I was enjoying the meal I quickly realized......

‘OH Crap! Hlökk is still watching me. She saw me eat these hearts like a monster!”

I turned around and saw Hlökk in her bird form looking away from me as if trying to shield her eyes from what I had done.......’Ah oh well I don’t care anyway.’

You have gained a new skill!

Fire Ball

You have gained a new skill!

Hide Presence

You have gained affinity in fire magic!

3% added to fire resistance.

‘Yes!....I got that hide presence ability from that little imp from before how lucky. Hmm and apparently gained some fire affinity as well. Good....I’ll have mom help me with learning fire magic when I go back for lunch as Fire is one of her specialties in magi, or so she says. But first lets try it out.’

Upon activating the skill a medium sized flame appeared in my hand and lit up my face in an auburn tint....even though it was hovering only inches over my hand I didn’t have any since of pain. Just a slight warmth and tingling sensation running through my hand........’hmm so this is magic?’

I then activated Hide Presence and my whole body started to pulsate and my skin began to blend in with its surrounding like the small imp had done before. ‘Ya know I kind of resembled one of those alien species that clicked a lot from those old movies with arnold.....what was his name again? Oh well this is good these skills can really help out!’

Acquiring a new skill with Demonic Absorption is kind of a weird feeling. Though I don’t know how I somehow acquire the knowledge and understanding of how the skill works or the properties of the flame I am using. But altering the flame in any way or using this magic manipulation I also have, I’ll need to study much more with mother as magic is still very confusing to me.

“Well I guess that’s enough for right now so we should head back for lunch”

I started to walk back towards Hlökk who had remained quiet. I guess the site of me consuming those imp hearts so barbarically must have been quite displeasing.

Though that’s fine I don’t blame her, she has already talked and shared with me a lot of information today about this world we are currently in.

First off I’ve found that there are 5 major continents in the world of Middle Earth in which we are currently residing. We currently live in the Eastern Continent towards the southern eastern region which is surrounded by forests and mountain ranges known as the Jheroki Mountains. Though this continent has several human and demi-human species the continent is actually run and mostly populated by a large elf city somewhere up north hidden deep in a sacred forest where the majority of them live together. They have low birth rates but their longevity and magic is much higher than the human population. It is even rumored the elven race descended from fairies and are are essentially not even considered mortals anymore. I really hope to go and see an elf in person one day so hopefully I’ll be allowed entry there one day.

Now on to the other continents. The central continent is where the human Emperor and several human kingdoms call home. Humans in this world hold the largest population throughout the major species and this has made them the most dominant amongst the races currently. Though this is for a variety of many different reasons coming into play, it is not necessarily because they are the strongest race.

The southern continent is home to several demi-human villages and tribes as well as the home of the Golden Eyed Beast King. A large black beast man known as Walrung Lionel and he is what has stopped the progression of the human settlements in the southern continents for a long time. Though the south is predominately demi-human territory, due to the large differences in characteristics between demi-human species, they aren’t exactly united together at the moment like the elves. This is what has caused them to fall prey to the humans beginning to start up settlements in the southern continent recently.

The western continent is home to the dwarves who live deep in the Mountain City of Hiroshi. Apparently this is also home to many dragon species and is very difficult to conquer completely due to the hazardous environments there. Since dwarves tend to stay in there cities and forge while hoarding their gold not much is known about that regions entirety and is mostly unexplored. I’m told also that many other races hardly live there as well since the environments there are too harsh and change rapidly.

The northern continent is primarily governed by the demon race. The demon race however is less united than the elves and humans but more so than the other demi-human tribes. There is constant in fighting there between demon families and kings due to their warlike mentalities. Due to their overall strength and tenacity this is the one place the humans have not been able to colonize in yet.

Amongst the demon villages and settlements there are many very strong demon lineages that are similar to the human noble lines in royalty. They have been around for a very long time and pass down their unique families demonic powers to their children making their family lines even stronger.

There are many strong demon kings in the northern continent and are constantly fighting one another but apparently they are all united under one demon Lord who is a supposed monster incarnate that has lived for centuries. This according to my mother, though she has only heard stories.

‘I don’t care though who it is, I’ll be paying a visit there someday.....hopefully someday soon. I obviously need some answers to a few things and I can’t think of a better place to go ask some questions in my own special way. But I need to become much stronger first. Hlökk had said that not all demon races are blood thirsty monsters and many aren't that different from human families so I shouldn’t go butchering them all due to my own past experiences. But I’ll deal with those issues when we get to them won’t I.’

Now that could be all but apparently there are many more sentient races in this world and apparently not all have been identified yet as much of the land is still unexplored. I believe this may also be due to the war of the Gods Loki had previously mentioned which decimated a large portion of the population on this planet. It probably greatly stunted the growth of this world too as the technology and understandings in very simple matters I’ve noticed are not all that advanced.

In the seas surrounding the continents are a race of sirens that resemble mermaids and are home to many sea kings. They have some alliances between other races and are also not united entirely together between other races. This is to allow safe passage through open waters but they are a race that cannot be ignored in this world’s power struggles either. Apparently there are also other aquatic type species of demi human that are something of river tribes. My mother told me she saw some when she was younger. She said they were very majestic and had a very profound beauty to them, but it was hard to understand what they looked like based on her descriptions.

Truly this is a big world. Roughly twice the size of my own according to the information I’ve gathered. A long time ago apparently the 5 continents were all connected but due to the war of the God’s the lands were greatly altered and changed. Looks like this may be a long journey but I know what I need to do!

‘I need to get stronger! I need to heal my mother and then reunite with Kaylan in this world. Though I don’t know how long it’s going to take.’

As I had headed back home for the day Hlökk flew overhead and followed. I wonder what she’s thinking about. So many things passed through my mind as we ventured back through the forest.

Cassandra Kraiser’s POV:

It has only been a few months since I’ve joined the Asher families royal guard. I originally thought I was to serve under King Asher but I was quickly placed as his youngest daughter Lucy’s personal knight. There aren’t many female knights in Asher Kingdom but I’ve wanted to be a knight since I was little. Though this isn’t what I had in mind when becoming a knight.

I can’t complain though, I made an oath of honor to the Asher’s and to protect the king and his family with my life. I Cassandra Kraiser am from a strong noble lineage and our family has had close ties with the Asher’s for several generations. Though this generation of Asher’s aren’t as heroic as their father or father before him. The Asher Kingdom was founded around a hundred years ago when settling in the Eastern Continent by the current king’s father who was known widely for his strength in battle.

The current king as well has made a name for himself as a warrior that many look up to. Though his children are rather odd.

Lucy is a young 12 year old girl who is a rather tom-boyish and likes odd things for a girl her age. She constantly gets into trouble and wants to go on adventures with me and her other servants that can be a huge handful at times. She also can have a problem with showing proper respect to those under her but that can be expected from royalty. In respect to that regard however she is nothing like her other siblings.

Currently right now I am leaving my morning training session to go to the royal throne room. There is to be an announcement made by the king and he has asked his three children and their servants to be in attendance.

I entered into the royal throne room and see the king sitting there accompanied by his wife. She is currently holding his hand and looking down at me. I bowed my head and went stand where Lucy and her other servants are while we wait for everyone else to arrive.

Lucy is currently wearing a pink dress with her blonde hair up and she seems to be playing a game with her servant Lori. Lori is a half elf with light blue hair and large ears and is quite intelligent. Standing on the other side is another one of Lucy’s personal servants and shrouded in all black stealth clothing. Her face is covered but a short amount of her bright purple hair and cat ears are showing out of her dark cloth. Her name was Cana and she is a member of the neko race of cat people and considered an expert at stealth operations. Though she doesn’t talk much.

It’s true that humans in this continent aren’t very friendly to demi-humans but that was never something that seemed to be apparent with Lucy. She found them all rather fascinating which is why she picked her two servants personally. Though her older brother Dominic is known to take notice to many female demi-humans he lays his eyes on but that is another thing entirely. Her older sister Olivia however I don’t know much about as she is something of an enigma to me and everyone else.

“Oh my am I late?"

Entering into the royal throne room is the soon to be crown prince Dominic accompanied by his personal guard. Walking behind him I can see the image of an overly large bald man in dark red leather armor with muscles bursting through the openings. He was wearing dark red gauntlets on his wrists and he looked to be very formidable. His name was Ponchius and he was originally a member of a prestigious guild up north that boasts in absolute strength and brutality. Lord Dominic paid a large fee to take this man under his command. Standing behind him however was a shorter more dignified looking man with short black hair. He had silver armor that sparkled in the sunlight and a large one handed sword around his waste that had a blue mist surrounding it. It was the legendary Frost Sword that he had inherited from his father upon his death only months prior.

Aldus was from noble birth and after acquiring the sword he quickly rose the ranks and earned the attention of the crown prince Dominic thus becoming his personal knight. Dominic prided himself in acquiring strong individuals under him and these two clearly were his pride and joy. The two were of incredible strength known around the region and Aldus was said to soon pass the level 100 barrier which is a great accomplishment. I myself am only level 65 which is considered to be quite formidable and much above the average adventurer. Though I am still only 19 and have much more room for improvement.

Though this man Aldus was much more powerful than myself, he was nowhere near the level or strength of the 9 legendary heroes or the 12 Sages. He was however noticed as a rising star in the eastern continent due to his fame in owning a legendary weapon and had a great future ahead of him.

I can’t imagine the money that was spent in acquiring these two individuals. Dominic was nothing like his father the king. Though he came from a prestigious family known for their strength in battle and connections to the central continent, he didn’t quite live up to the legacy of his family name. Dominic grew up very privileged as the son of a king and was given anything he asked for as the eldest son. Thus turning him into someone who views anything he wants as his. Though he had some considerable talent with a sword when he was younger, he soon gave up his growth in sword skills claiming he was meant to rule not to fight. Something his father before him would never have said....’I suppose we all have our own paths in life.’

“Oh Cassandra you do look lovely this morning. Even covered in sweat your face and bright blonde hair glistens in the sunlight. Are you sure you wouldn't want to join me later for a bath?”

“And for the last time I’ll tell you no. Not until we are wed.”

“Oh my how you make me wait forever to enjoy myself. Mhmhmhm someday I’ll finally have you my lady.”

He walked by and brushed my cheek then walked past me and to stand next to Lucy.

‘Yes....it’s true. I am to someday wed the crown prince of the Asher kingdom due to my own families wishes in strengthening our families bonds. Though it’s not that I disagree with political marriages between noble families, I just assumed the man I’d someday marry would be different is all. He treats women no differently than all the other men in higher society, but that is just the point. I want to be seen as a partner and cherished by my lover not as some conquest.’

Though that is just something normal in this world, the men of power and royalty are known to take many wives and mistresses to extend their family lines. Tis a common occurrence. I just assumed when agreeing to the marriage I would be treated similarly as the current queen of the Asher kingdom. King Asher is not much like other royalties and has only taken one women in his lifetime. He treated his queen as his most prized possession and seemed to truly cherish each word that came from his wife’s lips. Though his son the prince doesn’t seem to have acquired the same beliefs as he did.

“Sorry I’m late.....I was busy with some of my hobbies!”

Entering into the room now was Lucy’s older sister Olivia. She was very mysterious to everyone and not much is known about her exploits. Though she does seem to have a rather interesting personality.

“Good.....Since everyone has arrived it is time to make the announcement.”

Straightening his figure while still holding his wife Liriana’s hand he continued to speak his orders to us.

“We will be leaving tomorrow to Aldain to receive the duel request that my son Dominic has received by the current crown prince of Aldain. Though I am told you will not be fighting Dominic?”

“Yes....yes.....I’ll have Aldus and Ponchius accept the duel on my behalf and show the king of Aldain’s son he isn’t even worthy of facing an opponent as me.”

As he said that the king and his wife made odd faces when hearing their son say that. Though the King quickly acknowledged that it was probably for the best as the prince of Aldain currently wielded the dreaded Infernal Whip. It was a very dangerous weapon I’m told and is almost on par with Aldus' Frost sword. It was said to have slain over two hundred men in the colosseum in Aldain already.

“Ok granted. Though know this Dominic. If that is your decision, should your champions lose you will still bear the responsibilities that come with a loss. No exceptions!”

“Haha! As if they could hurt my champions father. While most princes and kings pride themselves for their strength or techniques with a weapon, I am going to be a wise king who rules over the land with his intelligence. I haven’t the need to jump into the colosseum which is why I’ve selected strong combatants as my personal guard.”

“Bahahaha!”

Looking over I see the one laughing to be Olivia the elder sister of Lucy trying to contain her laughter.

“What is it!” Dominic asked angrily.

“Oh nothing.....I was just thinking of something that happened earlier is all and made me laugh....hehe”

“Eh whatever...”

“Yes well then you know Dominic for this duel that is being held at the colosseum in Aldain is a 3on3 match. According to my intel the crown prince will have an archer and a mage fighting along side him. Perhaps it is wise to have a ranged class of fighter as well.”

“No need your grace. They will not be a problem for us. We could handle them with just the two of us.”

Aldus answered stoically .

“Your confidence is well noted. Though you will have to take a third member into the duel, these are the rules!”

“Then give us some puny priest who can heal us from behind while me and Aldus lay those puny people to waste!. It’ll be easy my king!” Ponchius now entered into the conversation showing absolute confidence in his brute strength.

“Hmmm fine then. I’ll grant you one of our healers as I am not allowed to provide you with any of my personal guard. Though do not take those enemies lightly Aldus and Ponchius. It is my sons life you will be fighting for in this duel as well. They not only seek my son’s head but due to the present state in Aldain in their decreasing economy they need gold and reparations that the winning party receives. Which is why they have been asking for duels amongst other noble families and kingdoms. Quickly show them we are not a weak kingdom and will not fall to such greed or ideals!”

““Yes your grace””

“Then we leave for Aldain tomorrow morning. Prepare yourselves accordingly as it will take around a weeks to arrive there.”

As the two bowed before the king, Dominic showed a since of confidence in those he paid for and smiled back at his father arrogantly.

“Cassandra!!! Come, let’s all go play before we have to leave tomorrow!”

Lucy then grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the throne room and accompanied by Lori and Cana.

Vali’s POV

Hlökk and I have hunted in the forest now for a few days but I haven’t seen many other monsters besides horned rabbits or imps. We ran into a wolf from before and it was level 32 and incredibly agile. Its claws were enough to scratch the surface of my skin but my strength had overwhelmed it and I had eventually broke its jaw when trying to bite me. It died shortly after that. I also gained the ability Vicious Bite from eating him but I haven’t seen another wolf since then. Maybe now I can get an added bonus to my fangs should the need ever arise for it.

Right now we’re trying to hunt more but as my level has been steadily rising due to the constant training in the mornings and hunting throughout the day my stats I can feel are truly rising at an unbelievable rate. Though I’m waiting till tonight to check my status to see how much I’ve grown. I still want to find a few strong monsters somewhere in this forest before checking my status.

“ROAAAARRRRRRRR!”

‘Woh.......what was that?’

Hearing the sound of a loud and menacing roar that sent shivers down my spine I think to myself what could cause a blistering roar.....and does it know of my location?

Not being given a chance to think much more of it as something is thrown through the trees into the clearing and crashing into a tree several feet in font of me.

I cautiously walked towards the crumbled figure to see what it is and to my shock it is a severed head of a wolf.

‘Uhhhhh this is new’

Pushing the trees aside a large dark figure emerged from deep in the forest. It’s several feet taller than me and has bright yellow eyes which are staring right towards me. I notice the presence of a smaller figure several feet behind it and see it is covered in red fur and roughly the same shape as the figure in front of me. I’ve seen an animal like this in my world. Its a large gorilla like monster. It’s forearms are massive and easily larger than my entire body at this point. I’ve grown in the past several weeks from intense training and consuming monster meat but even if I didn’t have the body of an athletic15 year old this is still intimidating even if I had my old body back.

Before I have a chance to react something hits me with incredible force and I’m sent flying past the tree lines and crash through breaking branches from the trees behind me.

“Guahhh......oh wow. That’s quite the punch”

My shoulder is dislocated from the crash into the trees. That big bastard gorilla rushed me and I didn’t have enough time to react to his first blow which I can feel caused immense damage to my insides. But I’m a boxer.......I’m use to taking hits. While most martial arts work on not getting hit and evasion boxing isn’t really a martial art meant for battle as no one can take constant hits and survive. Though I did learn a lot about mental fortitude and discipline, so it’s going to take a lot more to take me down than something like this.

“Alright Donkey Kong it’s you and me let’s go!”

After forcing my shoulder back into its socket I put my fists up and advance towards the large overgrown monkey. I can see a small status over the giant ape. It is in red and has ? marks underneath the title Lord of the Forest.

I took steps towards the overgrown gorilla and he looked at me as if shocked I got up from that hit or disbelief I’m going back towards him. I’m guessing he’s not use to a foe that doesn’t immediately run away from him. He made a noise to the smaller red ape behind him and turned towards me now with a face filled with anger.

He lashed forward towards me and closed the distance in a second. He swung his great arm towards my left side and I narrowly ducked underneath him to deliver a blow to his ribs.

“Oraghh...”

‘Haha....that’s all I needed to hear. My blows are apparently strong enough to potentially hurt him which gives me the clearance to continue this fight. Lucky for me this big dumb monkey doesn’t seem to have any fighting techniques and just throws punches around wildly.’

“Raghhh!”

I lowered my body and plant a ‘Stunning Blow’ directly on his solar plexus to send shocks through his body. It hardly seemed to phase him but gave me a brief chance to deliver a jumping knee and activated ‘Powerful strike’ to his unprotected face.

The force from my kick knocked the giant ape’s head backward and he arched his whole body backwards. From the devastating force from my kick I can hear the sounds cracking of his bones from the force given.He swiftly moved his arms while in a daze to grab me but I don’t allow him and deliver a kick right to the bastards ankle forcing him to lose his balance.

‘Here it comes bitch!’

As I jump on top of him to begin to do work on his face I delivered a few swings to his unguarded face. He struggles however I move around so he can’t grab me nor get up with my blows pounding him back to the earth. As I’m busy swinging something comes flying towards my head and crashes into the side of my skull. I jumped backwards off the great ape and feel the side of my head which is now bleeding.

‘Ahhh what the hell?’

I turned my head into the direction of the thrown object and I can see that the red ape is holding some crude tool in his hands that looks like a tomahawk of rock and stick tied together. His level is also unseen to me as I don’t have any skills to be able to see the stats or skill level of monsters much higher than me. Apparently that is a skill and of itself. I can see the title however and its name is Clever Ape. ‘Ah.....so he wants to join in the fun too huh.’

As I stared back at him in rage the large grey ape has now gotten up and looks back at me with intense hatred. I’ve somehow managed to destroy the monkey’s pride.

He then slams his fists into the ground which sends shockwaves throughout the ground and I quickly lost my balance. The ape didn’t miss this chance and lunges towards me and now has me in his large powerful grip.

“ROARRRRRRR!”

He roared loudly in my face and a rancid smell and saliva washes all over my face.

“Wow.....close your mouth fur ball. Let’s see how you handle me cranking up the heat.”

My whole body at this point erupts in flames and the hand that was holding me quickly let go and was enough to scorch the great apes muscular hand that held me.

After practicing a few magic lessons with mom I learned how to channel the flame from Fire Ball out other points in my body, not just through my hands. Though doing it this way takes up a much larger portion of MP and requires intense focus. I can’t keep it going for long so I simply deactivated it and ready my hands up again.

“Ok and since you bitches don’t fight fair I guess I won’t either.......Demonic Awakening!!!”

The air around me starts to swirl and scatter around me and I feel a dark unseen aura surrounding me. My muscles began to tense up and I could feel my heart began to race. This is the effects of turning on Demonic Awakening without being activated due to intense rage.

The ape somehow sensing my rise in power by the wind currents swirling around me it slowly took a couple steps back with a confused look on its face. It must be wondering how to attack me as I’m not some simple opponent he’s use to seeing. Somehow sensing a crisis it turns its head and makes a noise to the red gorilla behind it.

“No no.....bell hasn’t rung yet so no tag ins.”Saying this I jumped towards him and he has no way of reacting to my speed. I jump upwards to meet his gaze and swung my claw like fingers towards his bear neck.

Critical Hit!

A notification appeared but I paid it no mind as the great ape staggered backwards. He grabbed his open wound on his neck and the look of anger in his eyes is now gone.I found that my razor sharp nails have an interesting ability at passing through solid defenses quite easily. Though I’m not sure what it would be like to use on armor or steal, I imagine this apes leather is quite durable as apparently being a boss monster. However, it’s clear if used correctly can cause much more damage than my regular blows when finding critical points to attack.

I grabbed his other arm and kicked the same ankle from before and completely overpowered him. Sweeping his leg the great ape again found himself on his back with me jumping on top of him. I began to unleash a flurry of slashes at his bear chest and tore away at his flesh.

“ROOAHHhhhrrrrhrr”

The gorilla is in disbelief as it can’t seem to over power my strength and rid the nuisance that is on top of him. His health is slowly winding down as apparently a bleeding affect has been caused as well.

Whooooosh!

Another one of those strange objects from before is thrown at my head but I’m ready for it this time. I lowered my head and it simply passed over me while I continued to unleash attack after attack at the Lord of the Forest. Somehow I feel like my cognitive abilities have slightly rose as well in this state. Demonic Awakening is truly a fearsome ability and cannot be ignored.

“Let’s turn up the heat again shall we?”

I activate the Fireball skill in each of my hands to surround my fists and again start to slash away at the grey apes face and chest. Within moments of being attacked by the scorching heat and razor sharp claws on my hands the great apes health quickly vanishes and he stops struggling. His eyes rolled to the back of his head before he took his final breaths in this world.

Still in my demonic state I only have roughly 2 minutes using this before all my mp is used up, this is what me and Hlökk have determined much earlier. I look up towards the red furred gorilla who was holding the tool from before and it’s eyes look back as if it didn’t comprehend what it just saw. Me over powering the Lord of the Forest so easily was clearly not something this Clever Ape had foreseen.

“So you seem to be much smarter than this one......That’s an interesting tool you have there. I’m curious what sort of skills you have. Well.....since you seemed so eager to fight earlier

I guess I won’t keep ya waiting alright.”

I then used my spatial magic from Loki and teleported behind the red ape. ‘Haha.....he seems to be confused and doesn’t know my location. Should have ran away earlier....’

I lunged my claws into his unguarded back and pass through his flesh with ease and can feel his spine through my grip. His entire muscular figure jolts and is stunned by my action forcing it not to move. He’s clever......he should know his death is imminent.

I increased the strength in my grip and then severed his spine. After that the Clever Ape lost all strength in his body and dropped to the ground. It’s eyes slowly closed into darkness.......forever.

Level Gained!

Level Gained!

Level Gained! ...........

Several notifications spring up after I kill the red ape and then I recall I got a few earlier after killing the first one but didn’t have time to go through them.

“Wooohhh now that was a good fight, it got my blood pumping.”

“What were you thinking! Those monsters were both much higher level than you and you simply jumped in without any concern for yourself whatsover!”

Hlökk now in her human form approaches me from behind nagging at my actions.

“Ah...yah he was stronger than the average monsters we’ve run into but they weren’t so bad.” As i said that I began to collect both of my victims meat, leather, and hearts. Something tells me this leather could be used for something later and this meat might be an interesting cooking ingredient. Though the Lord of the mountains chest is ruined and probably unusable for anything.

You have received a new title!!!

Lord of the Forest

Strength + 15 Defense + 15 Health + 500

Weaker monsters will now cower in fear of your might and won’t approach you willingly

‘Oh....I got a title'

‘Oh nice. Apparently the big grey ape was something of the lord over this entire region and upon killing him I attained his title. What was that other ape’s title? Clever Ape?’

While reading the information and thinking this I started to consume the two individuals hearts.

You have learned a new skill!

Tool Creation

You have learned a new skill!

Lord’s Earth Shattering Smash

‘Oh wow both of these look interesting.’

Yah both of these abilities looked amazing and I could already see the profit of finding such rare monsters. Maybe luck has more to do with what I think it does, in the game it just gave you better drops and helped with evasion rate. Though these two monkeys even though one was a boss didn’t drop anything as it wasn’t holding anything but its meat and leather, as well as some crudely made tools that seem worthless to me.

‘It says here the ability for tool creation is the ability to bend materials together to create tools. Hmmm, this will be interesting to play with in the future. Also I got Lord’s Earth Shattering Smash, this must be that skill he used to rob me of my balance from before.......Awesome these will both do nicely.’

“I really wish you wouldn’t be so barbaric with attaining new skills. And do you not seem to care for your own well being?”

Hlökk showing her displeasure in my actions began to voice her concern while looking at me sitting on the blood soaked earth.

“Eh, what are you talking about. If it was too dangerous I wouldn’t have continued the fight and I always have you don’t I?”

As I answered this I smiled up at Hlökk and saw her staring back at me with a concerned look on her face.

“Well....that may be true but you should be more careful. Though I’m amazed at how you defeated those two opponents so easily....you shouldn’t grow too confident and just jump into fights so readily.”

“Aw....are you worrying about me Hlökk?”

“Your mistaken!”

“Haha ok. Well come on let’s go I want to get some more hunting in before returning home tonight I’m still not done training for the day.” Laughing to myself I answered Hlökk and started to adjust my shoulder that got dislocated from before. Though my body has gotten stronger it still is human at the end of the day so maybe I should be a little more careful.

“Are you serious?! You clearly have an injury with your shoulder and you just defeated the Lord of this Forest! Don’t you think you earned a break?”

As I started to rotate my shoulder that was still agitating me some I continued to walk through the lush forest.

“Eh a break? I just now sat down and shared in a nice meal. That’s plenty of a break. Now it’s time for round 2, just need to find an opponent, now let’s go...”

“Ughh.....your a very strange human.”

As I smiled to myself thinking of what my new status would look like when revealing it later tonight, Hlökk turned back into her crow form and we continued through the forest.

Hlökk’s POV:

This boy is truly a wild one. After somehow managing to claim victory over two much higher opponents and receiving substantial injury, all he wants is to continue hunting. Where does he find such will. Most humans would be elated at receiving a title and defeating a boss class monster by himself. Though he just simply shrugged it off and wished to continue with more training.

Does he do this for his sister? To become stronger for his mother? He thinks nothing of his own well being and jumps head first into a fight thinking it will all be ok. But he shouldn’t believe that. Many have fallen to such ideals and even gods are guilty of this. The greek god of War Aries would still be around today if he wasn’t the arrogant god that he was. Constantly living for battle and new challengers he simply believed all would fall before him.

Though when the war between gods that swept through the realms erupted he believed himself to be in his own personal heaven. He met the high god Kali on the battlefield and beckoned her for a fight. Though he was simply torn to shreds before the might of the Hindu Goddess of destruction if it was as easy as cutting through paper.

I wonder if this child will meet a similar fate some day. Though he doesn’t show the same arrogance as Aries. He seems to actually have a lot more on his mind but I don’t ever know what he is thinking. He’s constantly looking forward and wanting to become stronger. What love he must have for his sister and mother to push him to such lengths. To throw himself in such danger for the sake of becoming stronger. I’m guessing the agony of not being strong enough to protect those he loves has become his motivation.

Flying behind Kayle we both passed through the large and lush forest while the sun began to go down. I was told not to get involved unless absolutely necessary as per Loki’s orders. He doesn’t want Kayle to rely on the power of a Valkyrie but I think my presence has had somewhat of the opposite affect as this child simply jumps into fights since I’m here. Though I have no idea what he is really thinking....

“Woh....”

As Kayle stopped at the edge of the forest he made a sound of disbelief. I flew over and landed on his shoulder to see what he had gasped over.

‘Wow...the land is barren and dead. The grass on the ground is black and dead as if it hadn’t received rain for decades. It looked nothing like the surrounding forest we had just came from. All we see in the distance is the Jheroki mountains surrounding by a thick fog. What could have done this I wonder? It is clearly not natural and I can sense a strange unpleasant aroma as if the use of magic still lingers in the dirt.

Kayle pressed forward and continued with no words, simply wanted to investigate this phenomena over the dead earth.

“I sense a great deal of magic lingering over this place Kayle. I wonder what could have caused it.

“Hmm....Presence Sense!....I don’t see anything in the surrounding areas”

“You know I have my own sense abilities as a Valkyrie, so you don’t need to keep using that. Though yes....we should explore more as I too am curious as to what has caused this damage so close to your home Kayle.”

“Ya know you can call me Vali now, It is the name my mother named me. And hey I need the practice anyways.......so what do you think did this?”

“Hmm I’m not sure ka.....ok Vali. I wonder what could cau..............Kayle hide NOW!”

“Huh”

“I said get behind cover immediately!”

He jumped behind the cover of a rock and I could sense the presence of an intense and powerful being. ‘What is this that even sends my senses on high alert?’ Then I heard the sounds of an unpleasant voice that echoed through the surroundings.

“I smell the blood of a Valkyrie mhmhmhmhm. Where are you hiding daughter of Odin!”

‘That voice? It truly sounds like something ominous.

“Kayle...er Vali....remain here while I go check this out. Please listen to me!”

I then turned into my Valkyrie form and am now wearing my battle armor that shines as bright as a star. I exit from behind the rock to see where the voice had originated from.

“Oh there you areeeeee.......Such a little one hahaha. And what is a Valkyrie doing on my masters land?”

Coming from the immense fog surrounding the base of the mountain face is.......a reaper? No....a King Reaper!

Covered in a long black cloak surrounded by a black aura with a hood over its skeleton face. It had a giant scythe with an intense miasma leaking out of it that stings my skin even from so far away.

‘They are not just normal undead and are agents of the God of the underworld Hades. They have incredible power and can match a Valkyries strength. They are considered very dangerous beings that wield a death Scythe that is said to cause immense damage to ones soul.But what is this one doing all the way out here? He said master? Why would Hades be in middle earth?’

“So a king reaper shows himself.....and what of Hades?! Are you telling me he broke the treaty and has caused this much destruction to this land!”

“Ha? Who said I follow such a master Valkyrie? I serve another......”

“And who would that be skeleton?”

“The name is Malthiel wench! And i would not be disrespected by such a foolish girl as you. Besides I needn’t answer such questions from you who is about to perish!”

My eyes begin to glow and my armor begins to shine with my voice rising!

“Hah.....you dare to challenge a Valkyrie. I am the Valkyrie of storms, prepare to hughh!”

Before I was given the chance to finish my sentence and intense wave of dark pressure rushes over me as Malthiel took out his large death scythe and swung it towards my direction. I tried to put up a barrier in time to stop it but the force was too powerful and shattered it quickly sending me crashing into the rock behind me.

‘Ughh......this power......this is much more power than a King Reaper should be able to wield.’ My body can’t move for some reason as that last attack has somehow immobilized me briefly. Ugh.....what did he do to me?

Malthiel starts to walk towards me and laughs quietly to himself.

“Cough...cough.....Kayle.......vali...if you can hear me....run. Don’t fight him ok just get out of here.”

I whisper this hoping that Vali behind me can hear and somehow manages to escape. I don’t hear a reply. Good.....so he got away. Though this day may be my end I can’t allow anything bad to befall the boy I was sent to protect. He has abilities that lord Loki may someday require to change this world. I hope......someday accomplishes what he has set out to do.

I hope....he somehow learns to heal his mother and reunite with his family.......though I’ve only known him for a short time. I’ve enjoyed watching over him as he’s grown in this world. He seems to be a good man.......I wish for his happiness. I truly do.

“Any last words Valkyrie?”

The king reaper Malthiel raises the scythe towards me before preparing to take my head off.

‘So.....this is how I meet my end. I don’t even get to show my true strength as that powerful blast somehow immobilized me to be able to do anything. So pathetic for a Valkyrie.....goodbye Loki......Elyria my....friend.......goodbye........Ka...”

Crash!!!!!

“Wahhhhh”

I wait for the execution that never comes. I hear Malthiel make a noise of bewilderment after a large crashing sound that reverberates the earth is heard.

I looked up and saw Malthiel who was originally floating, get up and now standing on his two legs. His death scythe is several feet away from him as he has appeared to have dropped it. The sound of that heavy weapon hitting the earth must have been what caused the whole earth to shake. But how.....

Standing a few feet away from Malthiel was Kayle breathing hard. He must have somehow charged in and crashed into the king reaper before finishing off his strike. The disruption of of his skill dissipating from his powerful death scythe crashing into the earth left a crater in the planets crust.

“Ah....guess the bell finally rang for round 2”

With that cheesy line he turned his head to the side and gave me a smile before he looked back towards his opponent. ‘

‘No.....He can’t fight that being alone.......I.....have.....to help him!!!!’

End of Chapter