The twilight forest was a sight to see, especially here, in this place Jane had shown us.

Here, in Eagle-rocks' territory, near the southern edge of Little Bush and thus close to Murkstall mountain range, the monsters had based their nest since time immemorial.

Jane had practically tamed them all.

I was blissfully bathing my body in the last few rays of the Sun, sprawling on the tallest of the Eagle-rock Nest's peaks. Remembering the past, when I once asked momma Jane why she was so obsessed with Eagle-rocks.

I was still young back then, but I could remember it clearly.

We had finished a Taming lesson, one of the many she imparted to me to unlock my Tamer Sub-Class. Although I did not lack the talent in archery and the hunt's art, I was a late bloomer in the art of taming.

Obviously, we were by the treehouse, and M.J. was carving a statue of an Eagle-rock for me to bring to the little Nova.

She chuckled hearing my silly question, "Why do you only tame Eagle-rock's momma J.?" but she stopped carving when she answered, and her gaze went to the sky.

"Because they remind me about myself. Birds that carry their heavy load around with them, forever pushed down but still, managing to soar high in the sky, in complete freedom. And when they descend for the hunt," she added, mimicking the descent of a predatory bird on its prey, "Their burden becomes their strongest weapon."

Of course, back then, I had just an inkling of an idea of what she was talking about, but at the present moment in time, I knew exactly how she felt.

I could picture myself precisely as she had described. And yet, I did not feel anything about the birds. Maybe they were not what I was like, they didn't represent me.

"Loke, come eat!"

Alistar's call brought me out of my reverie. I shot up, then threw my knife toward the ground.

The next moment I was picking it from the ground as I manifested with a burst of cold wind near the cave's entrance.

It was a comfy place that Jane had built for herself; she said she had excavated it by dint of her fists.

It even had windows that went all the way through the other side of the rock walls to let the light in, but most importantly, to be wary of any incoming unwanted visitor.

She was there with us while the sack of Dark Crystals was waiting on the ground.

We would eat first, then promote our Skills and divide our income into equal parts.

Nova was there with us, too; we would treat her as if she had come with us.

Naturally, I had not allowed her to follow us, but I had promised her that she could follow us wherever she wanted by the time we started hitting the Dungeon.

Suffice to say; we ended up talking about the Dark Crystals while we ate. It was an irresistible topic.

"So, two for Jane," I said, recapitulating, "Two for Alistar; three for Faruq; one for Ro; one for Nova, and one for me."

"Since they were forty-seven, it leaves us with… thirty-seven Dark Crystals. So, six for each of us, I'd say the spare one should go to Nova since she'll surely have to Promote one of her Rogue Skills if we bring her to fight in the Dungeon," Roana said.

"I don't know, I'm not comfortable with taking three just because I have Skills to evolve," Faruq objected, "I'll give one of mine to the Captain and use one of those I'll get from the division."

"Why, Faruq? You really don't need to. Also, I need mostly Shiny Stones. So just use it and don't make me order you. I know you take them to heart."

"All right… captain. Just know that I don't feel good with this; I'm going to need to repay you all, some way or another."

"Good. I like having somebody that wants to return me a favor," Roana exclaimed.

"You don't need to repay any of us, Faruq. You've done way more than enough," Jane pitched in, "protected us from the Inquisition twice with just your presence."

"Somebody would say you've got ties with them if they didn't know you better!" Alistar said jokingly, making us all laugh.

"That… does not count; it was the natural thing to do; why would I have my friends go through the problem if I could evade them?"

"It's the same for us, dude," Alistar said, "We are friends, as you've just said, and that's how we decided to do things. So, no taking backs. No renouncing, and eat your fish soup; it's getting cold. I hate it when people don't properly taste what I cooked." He was more serious than he looked as he said that last part.

Alistar did indeed care about his fish, I thought, amused. I, on the other hand, did not really like cooking. If I could avoid it, I did. I mostly cooked for Nova. But tasting my cookery made her want to learn how to cook herself, and not because she wanted to reproduce my art… oh no, she tried to escape it.

Now she was much better than me, and it had taken her only a few weeks. I was really not fit for the job.

"I suggest we Promote our Skills as soon as possible," M.J. said after we finished eating and splitting the rewards. "If you do so, you might go to your first Dungeon delving at the height of your power. Don't you think so?"

I concurred, "Yeah, we should do so."

"Good, so you'll have to stay a few more days to train," she said. "Especially you, Loke. I can understand Nova being still too young to master the Forms. However, no one stays, barely Practitioner after three months of my training. We've got to fix that," she grievously added.

Of course, that was her objective...

I should have realized it sooner that she would not have let me go; she probably wanted to talk about not letting Nova go into the Dungeon.

We already had the same conversation a dozen times, but I couldn't keep leaving Nova behind. She would end up doing something bad. And especially be all by her lonesome when she did it.

"I'm going to go to the Dungeon, momma Jane," Nova said out of the blue, drawing our attention toward her. "No matter what you say to my brother."

She then got closer, put her hands on her hips, and said, "I'm going to go alone if I have to, even if it is just to spite you guys. Okay?"

Momma Jane and I shared a look of defeat, then sighed at the same time.

"One just can't win against this kid…" She said, smiling.

"Yeah… she is not just a monkey anymore. She's evolved into an abyss monkey," I said.

"I would have said a Shadow monkey," Alistar intervened.

"Hey! Enough with the monkey," Nova replied.

"Really? I would have gone with a Nasty monkey," Roana added.

"Ro! You too!? You're a traitor!"

Faruq spoke, "You're all wrong; Nova is a princess…" Nova's eyes lit up at that, but he had yet to finish his sentence, "...a monkey princess, of course."

Realizing what he had just said, a second slower than us, she screamed, "Traitoooooors!"

We could help but laugh at her outburst.

She was our monkey, and we loved her dearly.

It was night then, and we were all holed up into the cave; everyone was using their Dark Crystals to promote their Skills while I counted the twenty-five Crystals I had prepared for Loki beforehand.

It was about time I evolved him.

"Are you ready, Loki?" I said, caressing his short fur. "You're going to sprout one massive beard. Nova is never gonna stop trying to ride you like some kind of Flow-cart, you know?"

I could see that although our connection had grown, he could not understand that phrase, but he would, eventually. I just needed to Promote my Skills.

I brought the Dark Crystals near his body, and he started glowing with light.

Loki (Juvenile Golden Netherlion) (Titan), Level 25, is about to evolve into Adult Golden Netherlion (Titan). Choose the ability that fits you best.

Fading Dash:

a burst of speed that may be used to attack your target or escape. Ethereal while Dashing (based on Agility and Focus).

Agility + 5

Focus + 5

Flow Beacon:

the ability to emit a beacon of stored Flow. The beacon can release up to five Crystals worth of Flow in the surrounding area (the amount of emitted Flow increases with the Evolution stage). The Flow is stored during the day and can be released whenever needed.

Constitution + 5

Focus + 5

Mass Taunt:

roaring will draw all enemies toward you (based on Strength and Willpower).

Strength + 5

Willpower + 5

I had thought long about that choice. Beacon was a good Skill, especially in Dungeons who lacked access to Flow.

As I had gathered from Aisha, Dungeons, like Sundoor’s Tower, were perpetually cursed by Shade, and yet, the same could not be said for the Fallen Kingdom's Dungeon.

According to Logan, the place had an equal number of Dungeon Halls blessed in Flow or cursed in Shade.

It was really situational, and personally, it would not be of much help for now.

Just as Mass Taunt wasn't if I wanted Loki to be still alive before the month had passed...

I went for Fading Dash then.

Redundant or not, Phase required a cooldown, which was not shared with Fading Dash. It was also an ability that would come really in handy if I ever managed to get myself an Ultimate Class, or, at least, if that would help utilize my Pet's Skills.

So I went with the first one.

Do you wish to feed one Dark Crystals and twenty-five Crystals to the evolving Juvenile Golden Netherlion (Titan)? (Following Evolutions will require Crystals, Dark Crystals, and higher forms of it.)

It was the higher forms of Crystals that preoccupied me. Would it require Evercrystals or that Eternal Dark Crystal that was listed as a Titan drop in the future?

And where would I even find them if it was so?

But I didn't have to worry now. There were still many levels to go through before I had to think about Loki's next evolution; although I didn't know the actual number, I expected his next evolution to be at level fifty.

When the Dark Crystals, then swiftly following, the twenty-five Crystals turned into light and got absorbed inside my lion; he was enveloped into a bright light, lasting only a few seconds; then, the whispers gave this fantastic piece of news.

Loki has 25 Attribute points to place.

Then the accumulated Soul fractions allowed him to reach level 26.

Loki has leveled up to 26.

Agility + 4, Constitution + 4, Strength + 4, Focus + 2.

They had doubled?

His Attribute gains had doubled. It was very interesting.

I started the allotment of points right away then Traced him.

Loki (Adult Golden Netherlion), (Titan), Level 26 (0/260.000)

Health: 100%

Stamina: 89%

Strength: Bite, Claws, Dash, Phantasmic State, Senses

Weaknesses: None

Abilities: Fading Dash, Ghastly Senses, Phase

Agility: 34

Constitution: 34

Strength: 34

Focus: 27

Perception: 30

Willpower: 26

Loki The Netherlion can phase through matter thanks to his Phantasmic nature. Although bound to his human companion, Loki can live both in the Physical Realm and in the Abyss. His senses, just like his body, have reached the adult state and can unleash the true prowess of a lion. This unique creature might evolve at level 50 into an Ancient Golden Netherlion.

It seemed that my guesses were as valid as those of the whispers.

"Look at him! He looks so fluffy!" Nova said.

Indeed, now that I saw him instead of focusing on his powers, I could see Loki's new form.

He was roughly one meter and a half at the withers, but the important part was his mane; it covered not only his head but his back and chest too. It was much more than I expected, and his hair was much longer.

"Oh, he really looks cute," Roana noticed too. They both got up to go pet him.

"Could that really be defined as a lion?" Alistar said, "He looks more like one of those plushes we found at the Dump."

"Hey, don't insult my lion. His stats are twice yours, and that's just the beginning."

Of course, I knew that, unlike sapients, monsters did not have bonus Attributes to take into consideration, just as they did not have all our Skills at their disposal.

"Anyway, how is your Promotion going, guys?" I asked.

"All set, just need to get those Skill points," Alistar said.

"Then let's stay and train, as momma Jane said. We could use your increased Bonus Constitution in the Dungeon."

"Well, I certainly won't just stay and train," Nova said. "I have no idea how long this is going to take. My Breathing Pattern wants two-hundred thousand points for its Major Perk… that's bound to take a while."

"Oh, indeed it would," I noted, "I guess that, if everyone is willing, we can leave when the others are done upgrading."

"It's confirmed then," Roana, still petting Loki, said.

We all agreed that when they were done upgrading their Skills up to their maximum level, except for Nova's Skill we would depart.

The next day we returned to the treehouse.

We had completely shaken our pursuers with our Eagle-rock stunt and were in the process of training our Skills.

Or at least that was what my companions were doing, I had left as soon as we got back, and since it was already twilight, I took my chance to escape.

I had to train nothing, and I was indeed not going to get into another intense session of combat training with momma Jane. I departed from them the very moment we reached the treehouse.

I left with Nova’s shouting of being unfair; yeah, I had had enough training for at least a year.

I intended to use my evolved Lion as a mount, but for the moment, Loki, who came with me, was still too weak to sustain long hours of intense trot with me on top of him.

So we disappeared, I transferred the Abyss out of that place, and Loki ran with me through the forest.

I would take advantage of the week it would take them to prepare for their Skill Promotion.

There were many things to do, meet up with Aisha, for example, or, even better, meet up with Harlow.

The only thing I couldn't openly do was going to the village.

Harlow spent a lot of time in the village to teach clock-tech to the willing and help us improve our- their poor Flow harnessing tech.

It was twilight by the time Loki and I left the forest's boundaries.

We found ourselves in the middle of icy Drylands.

It was incredible how the desertic zone transformed when the Shade Season dropped. No wonder why ice elementals and other cold-bound creatures littered the place.

I wanted to reach the eastern Dump and take care of a few swarms of the massive Frost-cats that started appearing during the cold season. They would be a good challenge for Loki. It was also the place in which I would, generally, meet up with Aisha.

The first time I met her after the release had been when the Inquisition came to look for us, to write our records. Aisha had come together with the Inquisition agent to Logan's place, where they had luckily found me.

We set up our meetings at the Eastern Dump then, where we could both talk without the fear of being caught, yet being inconspicuous given the Dump's nature, which hosted quite a few different groups of people who did not have a village to call home.

Of course, she would not be there, not today and especially not at this hour of the day. I would have to meet her a week from now. And she would let me know by sending a clock-tech sparrow with an encoded message to Logan’s house. The message would contain info about our meeting place.

So I would go to the Eastern Dump mainly to train Loki and gauge how much experience he would acquire until he was too tired to keep going.

I had been slowly training him to shift his active hours from day to night so that he could better accompany me on my adventures. Yet, he would need a Stamina recovery Perk. Maybe evolving my Return to Nature Skill would offer me something of the like since it had already given my pets the ability to heal while eating our prey.

So we sped to the Eastern Dump, the closest one on the eastern side of the City, it would not even remotely be the first time I visited it, and I would mostly go there to fight the creatures and then sleep a bit.

There were places only I could reach, and although Loki could not follow me there, he could freely travel to the Abyss for resting. He had been doing so in the last couple of months.

We would be able to reach it by the end of the Blessed Hour, but it was probable that we would encounter at least an elemental during the trip.

Twilight was barely over when I noticed them.

Far on my right, an Ice Elemental and a Dark-ice Elemental were battling among them.

I had no idea about the reason, but Loki and I would surely take that chance to end them.

However, Elementals were troublesome things. They were, respectively, a block of ice and one of black ice; they both had big arms and a smaller ice block, which acted as their head, floating above their trunks.

I had no way of dealing consistent damage to them if not with Shatter arrows and my Trick Shots' explosive effect. Mixed together, the two made quite the effects.

The Shatter arrow would explode upon contact given their body density, pelter them with metal shards. At roughly the same time, the Trick Shot that followed would do the same, and then each fragment, resulting from the Trick Shatter arrow explosion, would explode in turn.

One-shot practically turned into a little game of fireworks.

However, besides that and my limited Blow arrows, I had no other way to deal consistent damage to the creatures.

Even Loki, although he was formidable to resolve the Ethereal creatures problem, had no way to deal with Elementals.

A magician, with their ability to discharge vast amounts of Flow or Shade, was the only type of Class that could safely face Elementals.

If I ever met a Fire Elemental, for example, I would only have Stone Blow arrows to help me fight it.

Dark-ice Elemental, Level 40 (358.369/400.000

Integrity: 95%

Shade Capacity: 78%

Agility: 12

Constitution: 45

Strength: 36

Focus: 82

Perception: 20

Willpower: 20

Strengths: Constitution, Focus, Ice attack, Shade manipulation

Weaknesses: Agility

Abilities: Dark-ice Breath, Ice Breath, Dark-ice Spikes, Ice Spikes, Frost Terrain, Recovery, Shadow Shift

Dark-ice Elementals are Ice Elementals that share a deeper bond with the shadow aspect of Shade. They can switch from using Ice based spells to use Dark-ice spells.

Dark-ice spells inflict a weakening debuff and slow the target much more easily than regular Ice spells.

Stone weight: 0.403kg

The creatures did not have any Health or Stamina; they had no flesh and blood body to vaunt about. Their resistance was marked with their Integrity, which I already knew about, they could replenish it by infusing themselves with their own Shade Capacity.

Flesh and blood creatures, like us, were at a disadvantage in the face of such creatures. However, as much as our weaknesses were prominent, we just had to wait for the two fighting elementals to tire themselves out, then we could reap the rewards with just one massive Blow arrow explosion.

I leaned on Loki's back, who had decided to rest on the ground as we waited.

The wind was still not enough to impair our movements, yet we would have to find a hiding place sooner rather than later if it picked up.

The battle had gone on for more than ten minutes now... the Ice elementals were simply too resistant to each other's element and did not do enough damage to have a true battle. Yet if I had to suffer one of their attacks, I doubted that I’d survive even with my inherent resistance to Shade, I surely wouldn't if I got speared through by one of their Ice Spikes.

They were much bigger than any my Stone Blow arrows could produce upon explosion.

Still, I kept checking for their slowly lowering Integrity and Shade Capacity; I had decided on acting as soon as they reached the twenty percent mark.

Indeed they did.

I got up then, nocking a Crystal Blow arrow in all calmness; they were mine already, and that was because my powers became truly mighty at night.

I aimed the Blow arrow to the sky; then I let go of the bowstring.

The arrow flew high in the night sky, forming a descending arc then hitting the ground right between the two fighting creatures.

The regular Crystal Blow Arrow exploded, triggering the Trick Shot's explosion, which became an even more powerful blast of Flow-mimicked Shade.

The first explosions lit up the vicinity, but what turned out to be the best one was the second blast.

It washed over the two Elementals, shattering their already broken bodies apart.

I heard the whispers right away.

You've earned 4520 + 4603 Soul fractions. Soul fractions for next TechnoHunter level: 207.476/360.000

Logan had explained to me the reason why when Shade mimicked Flow into an explosion, it would show results twice as powerful as the original.

As it seemed, it was a rare occurrence of Flow and Shade fusion, called Full-Confluence. Flow and Shade were two elements that could just not exist in precisely the same spot.

If that came to be, they would repel each other.

In case they had unnaturally fused as it was for the case in which I copied Flow with my Shade trickery, Shade and Flow would repel each other so strongly that they would create an explosion capable of dealing a vast amount of damage. It was more than twice as powerful as the initial Shade or Flow Density of the base object.

It meant that if I shot a Blow Arrow with a Flow Density of one hundred, as it was in my case, and used my Trick Shot. I would effectively deal a second explosion whose Flow Density was two hundred points strong.

Although it was not cumulative, the subsequent damage would be enough to give pause even to heavily armored Sunguard.

However, to utterly bypass a Sunguard's armor resistance, Logan had explained to me that a Shade Density of one thousand if not more would be required, while it was upwards of two thousand Flow Density to really burst through their armor's defenses.

Oh, there just was so much I had to do, so much I still had to learn, and so many areas in which I had to grow that I felt as if I never had enough time.

But life was fun, I was free, and Nova was growing up.

I could do so many things if I wanted to, but I just had to find what I really wanted to do; and yet, as Loki and I set back out for the Eastern Dump, which we could already see from here, something told me that getting to know about the City was the next step I had to take for my journey.