[b][i]Karnage : here you go, please forgive any errors.

V2 Chapter 4-

Outside of Serpent Falls -

On the outskirts of Serpent Falls Sol stood motionless peering into the eyes of an S-Rank beast, both Fanged Blades in his hands as he stared at the creature what seemed to be a cross-breed between the upper body of a praying mantis and the lower body of a horse. It seemed to be missing one of it's four arms and Sol had a faint gash across his chest which slowly healed but went unnoticeable to the S-Rank beast as the blood blocked it's view. It had two medium sized wings on it's back which made it look weird and were too small to be used for flying.

However, judging by the expression on Sol's face, this was not an easy enemy. A gust of wind blew and both enemies charged towards one another, the Fanged Blades in Sol's hand had joined together and swung them like a lumber-jack together in a rotating manner chopping towards the Praying Mantis-horse hybrid!

An intense heat gathered at the tip of the blades and a light wave of heat shot out from the blades before they had even chopped downward at the beast! The Praying-Mantis wasn't weak at all and it's spear-like arms shot out like a flicker of light, faster than the eye could see!

*CLANG* *CLANG*

The sound of metal clashing rung out, a few sparks flew to the side, however the light waves of heat coming from the blades always transmitted it's fierce blazing power to the Praying Mantis hybrid damaging it several times!

The same could be said with the Praying Mantis' Fangs, it's sheer sharpness and wind supporting effects caused several clean and deep cuts to appear on Sol's body. Not only was this Praying Mantis fast, it possessed the Wind element and it's attacks supplemented by the speed increasing element made it a very difficult opponent. Not to mention it's attack carried brutal wind cutting force which hit Sol with every exchange.

Sol found out the reason for those wings, whenever he would prepare to launch a technique to hit it; the mantis would use a gust of wind accompanied with it's wings and natural speed to pull a great distance away from Sol and protect itself. Then, it would charge right back at him after he stopped the technique with an incredible power and speed.

The Praying Mantis never dangerous and Sol knew this, it was very very intelligent and different from the impulsive Crystal Spider Queen.

[Tyrannical illusionist!]- Sol

Sol immediately entered his orthodox styled dodging method which greatly reduced the pressure from the piercing jabs as fast as wind. Every time the spear like jabs came, his muscles would twitch and his body with shift at an irregular angle dodging by only a hair's breathe. His skin cut with every dodge yet his face showed no change in reaction to these minor wounds, this was Light affinity at play.

*CLANG* *CLANG* *CLANG*

The battle continued and the wounds piled up, however Sol was at the better end because his wounds healed as the battle raged on-

Soon the Praying Mantis came to a startling discovery! As it happened to glance at the previous wound on Sol's body it became startled when it noticed the red lines of blood were only just that, red lines of blood. The wounds were nowhere to be found! It couldn't take it's eyes off of Sol because it knew it would surely lose it's head, it just happened to glance at it out of luck and became terribly afraid.

Light affinity!!

The Praying Mantis quickly decided to flee as this battle would cost more than the reward! But, would Sol really let it go? He had long predicted the Praying Mantis would try to flee! In truth he could have long killed this Praying Mantis with a few tricks, however Sol had planned on fighting a complete battle with it to consolidate his new rise in power to the 7th Order.

Sol crouched and bent his body, as he prepared to shoot forward with Infernal Piercing Fang! At the same time the Praying Mantis had turned it's back to escape and was about to summon a gust of wind beneath it's wings-

[SCREEEEECHHH]

Suddenly a terrible screech came from the Heavens! The two had immediately became startled because the power of this screech shook the entire floor!

Sol looked up and saw Bird-Type beast approaching, it had fire on it's wings and flames on it's head and looked like an eagle. This beast had a tremendous body, it's wings caused gales of wind to shoot off as it came speeding towards the heavily injured Praying Mantis! Seeing this Sol's pupils contracted like a serpent's in anger as an intense fire burned within it's golden fierce light-

[Y-You want my prey?!!] -Sol

Sol immediately became enraged as he stared at this peak S-Rank Flaming Eagle, Sol immediately turned direction towards it!

[INFERNAL PIERCING FANG!!] -Sol

*BOOM*

*DRRR*

An imaginary Huge Flaming Serpent had surrounded Sol's body as he shot forward towards the beast issuing a terrible drilling sound!

*SCREECH*

The beast upon seeing Sol charging at it let out another terrifying screech as it changed target to meet the Flaming Serpent! Naturally it took priority over it's attacker, it's beak lit up with a red burning luster as it came crashing towards Sol, it's entire body covered in flames diving like a comet.

Right before the two attacks had collided, five round shells appeared between the both attacks from the imaginary Flaming Serpent's mouth!

*BOOM*

A loud explosion rung out! A heavy green smoke blasted out among the explosion of flames! The eagle flew back into the sky, it's eyes bloody and angered as blood leaked from it's beak and green powder clung to it's feathers and body. Sol flew backwards down towards the ground, his arms soaked in blood, bent awkwardly and looked broken yet he still firmly held both Fanged Blades!

The Flaming Eagle was a Peak S-Rank and quite a powerful beast!

The Praying Mantis who was hidden behind some bushes seeing this, quickly turned around and shot toward the plummeting Sol with a gust of wind beneath it's wings! It was happy it stuck around and might be able to eat this strange human as well as a peak S-Rank beast that seemed to be weezing heavily in the air and unable to keep it's balance!

Sol had long felt the blood-thirst and knew the Praying Mantis was awaiting in the bushes and had pretended not to know it was incoming. As soon as it approached Sol's back and was merely a few meters away, Suddenly Sol's arms lit up!-

**ROAR**

Two terrible roars issued out in unison! Two dragon-like heads appeared from Sol's arm shooting towards the Praying Mantis! Their muscular golden-scaled bodies carried with it an explosive striking power as they descended on the Praying Mantis!

*CRUNCH* *CRUNCH*

The Praying Mantis tried to flap it's wings to quickly change direction with a gust of wind in panic but was much too late! The twin Basilisks immediately bit down and ripped off it's wings in mid-air!

The Praying Mantis let out a terrifying howl as it was sent slamming towards the ground! The twins were furious as their different colored eyes gleamed with a cold glint and sinister hatred! It dared to attack their father with a sneak attack? Before the Praying mantis could do anything Hydrian sprayed it's acid-like poison all over it's eyes, Hydreas ripped off it's remaining three arms as they begun to slowly rip apart the Praying Mantis in mid air before they even hit the ground!

Hydreas nibbled bit by bit at it's flesh slowly while it was still alive and breathing, Hydrian slowly dripped it's acid-like venom in one spot on the Praying Mantis's horse like body. The proud S-Rank beast issued screaming sounds as it was tortured beyond anything it had ever felt. It had to be known, Winged Golden-blooded Basilisks were amongst the cruelest of creatures and were not existences that anyone would take lightly, they tended to have quite an unforgiving nature.

While this was going on Sol had long gotten up, he viciously shook his shoulders and swung his arms back into place, the Light affinity quickly started it's work as Sol threw a few pill in his mouth from his runic ring. The medicinal properties of the pills immediately spread to Sol's body amplifying the Light affinity's effects. The Peak S-Rank Flaming Eagle likewise tended to itself and combusted a terrible flame on it's body immediately burning off all green-powdered poison from it's body and stared furiously at Sol as it trembled to regain it's bearing!

(What a dangerous human...Such disgusting means) -Flaming Eagle

The Flaming Eagle stared dangerously at Sol afterward it shifted it's gaze to the both Basilisks torturing the Praying Mantis, then it appeared to give up. It flew up into the sky after regaining it's bearing from the poison and shaking off the last effects. Sol noted that his poisons were much weaker on a Peak S-Rank beast and understood he had to create something new or find a new formidable herb.

Sol turned as his golden-magma colored hair flickered in the wind, he stared at the Praying Mantis issuing out weak cries and after a while it had finally died. The both twins spat acid and fire and completely burned the corpse into dust, they had no intention of eating that disgusting meat.

Sol seeing this let out a laugh, he noticed whenever Hydrian was angry, Hydreas would become mellow and follow her quietly. He started noticing, Hydrian wasn't as simple as he thought and only truly acted when it matters, it seemed her cruelty and killing intent was above Hydreas' once it was unleashed and it seemed Hydreas had long submitted to Hydrian being the bigger twin.

Sol immediately began is hunt for other S-Rank beasts, the Flaming Eagle remained in the sky looking down at him coldly. How could it forget this human? It was a King of the Sky and yet this human dared to get in it's way, it would certainly not forget and waited for the opportune time. This is why beasts with pride and egos were extremely dangerous, especially ones from the sky.

After watching Sol hunt for a while from far in the sky, it noticed Sol feeding something and it's eyes locked in on Sol's hand. When it saw a tiny green snake coiled around his hands eating, it's pupils contracted as a deep sense of fear welled up and immediately departed in a flash as if it had seen it's most terrible and hated enemy completely forgetting about revenge.

(A Dark Emerald Nagar!) -Flaming Eagle

The tiny green snake had no idea the sort of fear it invoked on an unseen enemy and greedily ate the failed poison remnants in Sol's hand with a pleased face. Sol found it strange that whenever this little green guy was around, the place would be strangely quiet but he never paid any notice to it.

**

Meanwhile, in another Kingdom called Nar-

This Kingdom wasn't too far away from Earthernvale and was a rival city of sorts, the King of this city was a man called Frau Veles Einclad. This king was known for his brutality and tyranny and the people of this city despised him but would never say anything in fear they may incur his wrath, the people who've incurred his wrath have never ended up well.

Adding to the fact that the men under him were extremely cruel, savage and abused their authority to the extremes, this place was hardly a place one could live without encountering some tragedy. The eyes of the people seemed lifeless and the place was ripe with strife and poverty, a few children could be seen running about in the streets looking weak and malnourished. It was an incredibly sad sight to see.

A silhouette was making his way through the crowds, his figure was hooded in black but one could see armor shining as the sun reflected off it. This man seemed to be in a hurry, and the armor he wore looked strangely familiar, it was the armor of the Scout's Brigade of Earthernvale. This man was clearly not from this city yet moved about as if he knew every inch of the place.

As he passed through the bustling streets, no one blocked his way as they could sense the urgency and intensity of the man. His eyes also looked quite mean and vicious and not the sort of type people would want to provoke.

The man oddly began making his way towards the Royal Palace which stood in the middle of the city, erect and grand giving off a magnificent radiance. The guards upon seeing this suspicious man quickly placed their hands on their hilts and raised their hands-

[Halt! Turn around or die! This is the Imperial Palace, are you looking to get your face cut open?] -City Guard

[Are you looking to die friend?] -City Guard 2

The vicious cloaked man, fished his hands through his cloak without stopping and brandished a golden medallion. The guards upon seeing this became immediately pale and their legs limp!

[Take me to the King before I take your heads!] -Cloaked man

The man's voice was harsh, vicious and carried an incredible bone deep arrogance, The men immediately bowed and offered a welcoming gesture.

[F-Forgive our rudeness Milord! Right this way!] -City Guard

The man unhurriedly followed the two city guards and entered the palace, despite how poor and desolate outside the city looked; inside was grand and rich like the masterpiece of a famous artist. It held many pieces of valuable art and distinguished statues, the curtains were made of the best material and shimmered in the light producing an otherworldly feel. It was littered with gems and jewels, and looked absolutely divine.

The guards then led the man towards the King's chamber, before the door was opened the sounds of feminine pleasurable moans could be heard and even..some males.

The guards seem to be worried about who should knock, seeing this the arrogantly cloaked man gave a cold snort and brushed them aside and knocked-

*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*

[Who dares?! I said no one was to disturb me, come in and show me your face! Today if you don't die a horrible death my name isn't Frau Veles Einclad I promise you!!] -King Einclad

The arrogantly cloaked man then pushed opened the door, before him he saw several women and a few feminine looking men on the King's bed. They were all chained to the bed and couldn't move more than a few feet from it. A sour smell rose and wafted over to the arrogantly cloaked man yet his expression did not change despite his disgust.

Among the naked chained "slaves", a black-haired young man about 30 years of age was the only one wearing a robe. The robe was elegant and golden but were stained with all manners of nasty human excrement. His face revealed a disgusting perverse smile that seemed to never wash off of his face.

(How filthy!! This piece of disgusting trash!! How can this man call himself a King?!) -cloaked man

Seeing the cloaked man remove his hood and reveal his appearance, the King was taken back and his black detached eyes revealed surprise.

[You....?] -King Frau

The cloaked man approached the bed, knelt and bowed to pay his respects-

[Leonel Adrias pays his respect to the King of Nar, Your majesty Frau Veles Einclad. Your servant has returned] -Leonel

The King Frau smiled hideously and immediately stretched out his hand which possessed the King's noble runic ring, for Leonel. It was obviously he wanted Leonel to kiss his ring, Leonel bowed his head and looked at the ring on the King's hand. It was covered in various liquids, which contents should not be discussed.

An intense hatred burned in Leonel's eyes for a split second before it disappeared leaving no traces of it, he kissed the ring resisting the urge to vomit which incited the laughter of the playthings on the King's bed. One could see shame on his face, but his anger was perfectly concealed.

[If you have returned..then that means you found out something worth having your family released?] -King Frau

His gaze revealed a penetrating craftiness as he stared at Leonel-

[Yes your majesty, I discovered something of grave importance. I'm guessing your majesty heard of the news about the meteor that crashed near Earthernvale?] -Leonel

The King Frau upon hearing this had his eyes lit up, he revealed a beckoning gaze towards Leonel who remained kneeling on the floor.

[Indeed, every Kingdom by now has heard of the news. However, we haven't heard anything at all in regards to the details. I'm guessing you're going to enlighten me right? Depending on what you say I will release your family. If you leave out any of the important details..then you should know what will happen] -King Frau

As the King said these words he revealed a malevolent gaze and a sinister smile, he looked like nothing short of a devil. Leonel instead hurriedly spoke, a bit of fear emerged in his eyes because he knew this man's temperament and he knew first hand how truly despicable he was.

[Yes your majesty, I understand. This loyal servant will reveal all the details he has learned] -Leonel

Seeing Leonel speak with sincerity and with fear, The King revealed a satisfied smile.

[Well, stand and speak] -King Frau

Leonel stood up and then looked towards the slaves on the bed, Seeing this King Frau furrowed his brows and understood that it may have been something truly great and Leonel was worried about security reasons.

[Don't worry speak freely.....They will never leave this room!] -King Frau

The King revealed a demonic smile which truly implanted fear in Leonel this time and he nodded as cold sweat ran down his back.

[My lord it was an artifact that fell from the Sky, it possessed weird sort of characteristics. It showed images that played with sound and it was incredibly smooth, also I did not sense any mana from it at all and it seemed to be powered by some other sort of energy. The power it gave off was amazing and I've never felt anything like it. What's more is the material is incredibly well crafted and made up of a type of metal I've never seen before] -Leonel

Hearing this, King Frau nodded as he heard similar details about the other artifacts, he exhausted quite a bit of gold and killed quite a lot of people to get that knowledge. Naturally he never shared it with anyone and this lowly guard would certainly not have access to that sort of information. King Frau came to a conclusion that the information was authentic and his gaze fell on Leonel.

[..You can't possibly believe that this information is worth saving your family right? These are things I already know] -King Frau

[No your majesty! There's more, the artifact possessed something inside!] -Leonel

Leonel hurriedly spoke, hearing his words King Frau's eyes lit up and knew that this was the type of information he had never gotten before. All the other times the artifacts didn't really have much beside metal and weird designs and after crashing a lot of it became destroyed.

Although the artifact Earthernvale acquired was in better condition than the rest, it wasn't enough to make King Frau organize an expensive expedition to retrieve it. Organizing a team such as that would not only cost a lot of money but it would also take a great deal of time and by then who knows where the Artifact would be.

King Frau was certain the Kingdoms closer to Earthernvale would also not be interested in just another regular and unusable artifact , but now upon hearing the urgency of Leonel's voice saying there was more he was surprised.

(Something inside it?) -King Frau

[Quick! Speak! What was inside it?!] -King Frau

The impatience on his face showed as his curiosity grew and Leonel knew it wasn't good to delay this man's excitement too long. Leonel was clever, he knew by drawing it out it would excite the King and it would increase the probability of gaining back his family.

[It would be better to say, someone, your majesty. There was someone inside the Artifact] -Leonel

The King's jaw dropped as his eyes flashed, he could not believe it! This was an incredible discovery! If that person knew how to recreate the weird artifacts in it's complete form, the person who owned that person would own the world! This was the King's thought patterns.

He looked at Leonel deep in his eyes and knew the man wasn't lying, He let out a horrible laugh that scared Leonel to death.

[What?..Someone? What did that person look like? Was it a strange being? Give me all the details you have on him, certainly someone as meticulous as you have gathered everything]-King Frau

Leonel hurriedly spoke-

[Your majesty, his appearance was strange. He had long golden hair that gave off a fiery luster, this particular hair was strange in texture and didn't feel like usual hair. He had clear golden eyes that shined like the sun. His combat abilities have surpassed anything I've ever seen, he doesn't possess a dantian yet he can still absorb mana and strengthen his body's power.

I complained of an injury in my back to the Nightmaster of Earthernvale and he allowed me to go to the Royal Medical Ward. I held a nurse there at knife point afterward and sneakily made my way into Medical Saint Renissa's chamber. I found his medical records which she wrote down before she burned them, after that I tied up the nurse and quickly left the city to come here.

This is his medical report from Medical Saint Renissa, A Grandmaster of medicine your highness] -Leonel

Leonel immediately took out a scroll and gave it to the King who quickly grabbed it and began greedily reading. A range of emotions flashed through his eyes as he saw it, disbelief, shock, greed and even euphoria.

(This..This can't be real. Such a weird physique! We absolutely must find him and make him mine!) -King Frau

Leonel hesitated for a bit before he spoke once more-

[My lord, there have been some reports that claimed he died after doing a secret mission outside the walls of Earthernvale. I'm not too sure on the validity of these claims and the details of them...I didn't know what to make of it your highness] -Leonel

The King furrowed his brows, but then showed a sinister smile-

[Don't worry, he's still in Eathernvale I'm sure. Faking his death is something I would also do! Tell me did they show a corpse?] -King Frau

[No your majesty they did not, but..] -Leonel

[Enough! He is most certainly there, without a doubt. Do you think any King would send such a valuable specimen to die? They must have to be out of their minds to ever make such a stupid choice with such a treasure! I'm sure he's hidden somewhere inside there, probably already humping the King's daughters and maybe even his wives..hahahah] -King Frau

[They want to play that game of hide and seek? Fine! Vazula come forth!] -King Frau

Immediately a man dressed in black from head to toe came out from the shadows, no one knew where he came from but appeared like a ghost. He had one normal eye, and one blind eye with a scar and were his only noticeable features. He appeared besides Leonel and knelt on the floor, as he opened his mouth and a cold and detached voice issued out.

[Your eminence!] -Vazula

[Take this medical document, make slight changes to it so that it appears to be the secret contents of a drug rather than a human's bloodwork. Then make a copy of it and send it to every Kingdom within range of Earthernvale! Make sure they believe what Earthernvale has in possession is a drug and not a person!] -King Frau

Hearing this sinister plan, Leonel shook a bit but kept his eyes plastered to the floor.

[At your will, your eminence] -Vazula

The black silhouette immediately disappeared with the medical scroll in hand.

(You want to play hide and seek? Hahaha! I'll make sure the rest of Kingdoms flatten you and then I'll swipe in and take the treasure! I'm sure we aren't the only Kingdom that had spies inside Eathernvale, after all that city is built in an extremely beneficial environment for survival. I am surely not the only King who had spies planted within those walls, I am surely not the only one who coveted such a perfect geographical location! These spies will act as validity to the false message!] -King Frau

[If it wasn't for that wretched 2nd Queen, I would have spies planted deeply within their roots! Disgusting Mind-Warped Queen, for sure when the city falls I'll make sure to show you what's in my mind and between my legs! Hahahaha] -King Frau

[Good job Leonel! GUARDS!] -King Frau

The guards outside hastily came running in. Leonel hearing this got extremely nervous, but didn't dare move or show distrust and hoped the King would keep his word.

[Your majesty! Orders?] -Guard

The guard respectfully bowed before the King.

[Take this man to the dungeons, let him pick out his family and then take him to the treasury to receive a bag of gold coins!] -King Frau

[Yes your majesty!] -Guard

[Thank you, your highness!] -Leonel

Leonel followed the man out after gracefully paying his respects one last time, with eyes filled with happiness. The guard took a slight envious glance at Leonel but said nothing and led the way.

This was King Frau's way of making his subordinates loyal, he had one golden rule. No matter how tyrannical or cruel he was, he would keep a deal. He always kept hostage whatever you held dear, if you performed your task as ordered then you would be rewarded.

He ruled with the most cruelest and cold-blooded means which incited fear, and used this system of rewards to counter-act it and give one hope! It was a truly cruel system!

Now only the King and his slaves remained within his chambers.

[Izula, when he picks out his family, follow him home and kill him and give his family an extra bag of gold coins] -King Frau

The King let out a demonic smile as another black silhouette disappeared from behind him.

(Can't have a loose end spoiling my plans can we? Besides, I promised you I wouldn't hurt your family...I never said anything about you) -King Frau

The slaves let out heretical laughter mixed with moaning and the debauchery within the King's chamber continued-

**

On the outskirts of Serpent Falls-

Sol finished his hunt for the day, he moved back towards Serpent Falls to call it a day. A little green serpent coiled around his wrists, looking at the moving scenery with lively eyes. It seemed it had grown accustomed to being in Sol's presence now and it usually never departed unless it's parents came.

Sol didn't mind looking after the little guy, and as Sol was riding Hydreas, it seemed to like feeling the wind blowing against it. Hydrian made it very clear to the tiny green snake that anywhere above Sol's neck is her territory and the little green guy had no room to refute and so chose Sol's wrists.

*Awoo*

All of a sudden, loud howls rung out in the air and Sol's face drastically changed!

[Rabid Wind Wolves!!] -Sol

*Howl*

Sure enough, the loud howls came speeding towards Sol's direction! Fighting these guys was something Sol did not want to currently do, he could naturally kill them but at a great cost. He was sure he would have to use every single last bit of his poison and that wouldn't leave him in a good spot and not to mention, he was surely going to be exposed to death quite a few times.

Rabid Wind Wolves usually roamed in dreadful packs of nothing less than 100, even God-Rank beasts avoid them if their leader is a peak S-Rank. In a manner of speaking these guys were much more dangerous than Bloodmana Wasps in the sense that they roamed about and ate everything in it's wake as opposed to having a nearby hive.

Hydreas immediately picked up the pace, but Sol knew it was much too late. The pack this time was too huge and they had gradually gotten cut off by the sheer numbers. Hydrian immediately dove off of Sol's neck and enlarged to Hydreas' size staring coldly at the silhouettes appearing from out of the bushes.

Sol immediately withdrew all of his shelled poisoned balls and prepared for a death match. Although Sol truly didn't want to engage in a fight with these beasts, he wasn't afraid of them. If they attacked, he would surely slaughter!

As the silhouettes finally emerged from out of the forests, Sol could see their appearance. Grey-Green colored fur, saliva filled mouths and crazy reddened eyes! Sol's gaze remained calm as he stared behind those silhouettes at a larger one that finally showed it's head! The leader of the pack!

He was at least three times bigger in size, and looked at least 10 times as savage. It had a sneer on it's face and killing intent burst forth from it spreading amongst the area quieting down the rest of wolves. Seeing the leader wasn't a peak S-Rank, Sol suddenly felt his confidence rise as he prepared to engage in a full slaughter!

As soon as the Wind Wolf leader's eyes landed on Sol, or more specifically...his wrist. The leader of the pack suddenly stopped in it's tracks. It had a look of confidence in it's eye right up until it spotted that tiny green snake on his wrist. As if struck by lightning, it's paws began to tremble and the intelligence in it's eyes became completely visible and was no longer clouded with thoughts of hunger.

It lifted it's tail, placed it between it's legs and immediately kicked off running toward the direction it came from! A look of complete and utter horror in it's eyes! The pack seeing this slowly followed where the leader looked at, upon noticing the small green and cold eyes all flew up and sped off!

It became desolate! Not a single wolf remained!

The entire area smelled like dog urine and one could see the nasty yellow stains all around the ground leading off into the distance. Sol was completely dumb-founded....he narrowed his gaze on the tiny green snake who seemed to be boasting proudly and wildly hissing on Sol's palm giving off an air of arrogance. Sol seeing this couldn't help but shake his head and laugh, he decided to return to his cave and hastily made movements.

He knew something was up with this serpent, at first it was merely speculation but now he was sure. He decided to immediately go ask Old Black about this tiny green guy that could make even peak S-Ranks run away.