Signs of Trouble

While going down on the stairs, Elena remembered something she wanted to ask. Looking up at Audrey with her head tilted to the side, she questioned - “Audrey! I have a question. You had quite a lot of points on Will. Do you know what does it do?”

She looked down with a smiling face as she stopped for a moment to answer her question. “Hmm… I don’t know how much you know, but to cast magical attacks, you need to focus on what you are doing. And what do you need to focus on something?”

Understanding her question, Elena nodded and told her that will was necessary. Without the will to focus, people couldn’t use their Mana! “Right, Will. It also has other uses as it turned out… People have feelings. Now the thing is that… depending on your feelings, and your Willpower, you can make your attacks more powerful. This is especially true when talking about magical attacks. So the stronger your will is, the more your emotions can affect your attacks.”

“Thirdly, you need the Will to fight, to struggle, to prove your worth, your strength and such. So the more Willpower you have, the more willful person you become. So without a strong will, you can be swayed and affected by others more easily. This can be good and bad at the same time. I’ve been a willful person for all my life, so when our world transformed and these stats appeared, I had forty Will as a default. I guess I can’t increase it without turning into a more Willful person.”

“Also, considering how young you are and that you have twenty-five is something really good. Believe me. I’ve seen a few people’s stats, but some of them had only ten or fifteen, even though they were adults!” Hearing her explanation, Elena felt surprised.

Her face suddenly turned into a curious one as she asked. “And what about that Jake you talked about? Have you seen how much Will he has?” Audrey made a helpless face as she raised her hands and shook her head sideways, telling her that no one has ever seen his stats up till now. A few seconds later, they arrived at the canteen. Unlike yesterday evening, it was filled to the brim with people, who were eating and chatting loudly.

So much noise… I’ll have to find a quieter place. It seems like I don’t like loud things. Elena thought, discovering another aspect of hers. Audrey led her towards the kitchen. After using Inspect, Elena found out that the woman serving the food was only at the second level. Even below her. As a natural born predator, she couldn’t understand how people couldn’t kill and had problems leveling up. In her opinion, it was as easy as breathing.

After receiving a plate of instant soup and a loaf of bread, she was sent away. She walked out of the dining hall. Seeing her lonely, small figure, Audrey felt sorry for her. She thought that Elena was a lonely person. Although it was true, she didn’t need more than the presence of other living beings. She was content with living among them, observing them, or maybe killing them. Audrey quickly rushed after her with her food, which didn’t escape a few people’s eyes. Jake was also one of those people.

He was always looking out for the most important members, while the less important people didn’t catch his attention that much. But that was natural. I haven’t seen that little girl before. Is she new? He thought to himself as he continued eating his breakfast.

Elena found a small mound in the yard and sat down on it. As the soup came in touch with her lips, she realized that it was cold. Using her fire magic, she heated it up in a moment.

Your skill has leveled up: Fire Magic Lv. 1

Interesting. Using Fire Magic outside is easier. I guess it’s because there is more oxygen. She thought, realizing that the environment did affect the use of Elemental Magic. Audrey also arrived at the same time and sat down beside her. “Why are you eating here, alone?” She couldn’t help but ask, even though she understood it herself as she was a loner not too long ago.

“I just like it when it’s silent,” Elena answered as she continued eating. When they finished their breakfast, Elena stood up and told Audrey that she was going to leave.

“B-But why? We just brought you here yesterday! Is something wrong?” Audrey exclaimed, feeling sad that her new friend was about to leave. Elena looked at her as if she would be an idiot, not understanding her. After a few seconds, she realized why. She started laughing as she answered.

“Haha~ Are you stupid? I’m just going out to hunt… *Chuckle*” At that, Audrey slapped her forehead as she started apologizing, telling Elena that it was her bad.

“Ugh… I really would like to go with you, but I can’t. I have to go out and gather some food with the others. The nearby stores have been emptied and the monsters are quite dangerous further away. It might take a whole day, depending on how many times we will be stopped,” Audrey told Elena with a sorry look on her face. Audrey took a liking to her, maybe even more so than to the other humans.

Although she knew that Elena wasn’t a human, she found more relevance to herself in Elena than in the others. Usually, people were looking for others with similar interests to theirs. Despite not knowing what Elena liked, her personality was quite similar to hers, or so she thought. Audrey was similarly dark minded. She was just showing her playful side most of the time. Her past had a big part in her current personality, which was by no means surprising.

“No problem. I’ll be alright by myself. But I have a question,” Elena said and Jake came out of the school exactly at the time when Elena continued. “Why don’t you just take some seeds and use Nature Magic to grow plantations. You’d have much less problem with food and you could focus more on training and leveling.”

Both of them heard a clapping sound as she finished her sentence. “Nice! I’ll be honest. I haven’t thought of such a thing before and probably others neither. How should I call you, little one?” Jake questioned her with a smile as he stopped in front of them.

“Elena.”

“Elena… You have a nice name. You are really clever for your age. Don’t you want to introduce your little friend to me?” Jake asked with a knowing smile, with his hands behind his back.

With her face stiff, Elena shook her head sideways. “Ah… is that so? That’s quite sad. Miss Shadow Progenitor,” He chuckled as he added.

Audrey quickly stood in front of Elena to defend her. “Hey, she is my friend, so don’t hurt her… She has no ill inten-”

Jake started laughing upon seeing her sudden seriousness. Waving his hands, he said - “I know, I know. You spent a whole night with her as I’ve heard and you are still alive. I’d like to know more about you, though no is no. But I’m still hoping that you’d share a few things with me in the future. Believe me, I’m just serving my own people’s safety.”

“Actually… I didn’t say no. To be more exact, I didn’t even talk…” Elena chimed in since these two just started talking to each other, completely ignoring her in the process.

After laughing loudly, Jake answered - “Haha, you are right. Unfortunately, I don’t have too much time left at the moment. A powerful monster just entered somewhere it shouldn’t have, so I’ll have to leave and teach its place to it…” Inspect.

Name: Jake Hughes

Level: 38

Not too much info… Elena thought while making a helpless face and releasing a sigh. Jake turned around and left the place. Elena looked at Audrey - “By the way, last night I noticed that everyone had weapons. Where can I get my hands on something better than this…?” She asked while holding up her fabricated spear.

“We were lucky because we saved a guy who was smithing weapons as a hobby. A really rare hobby… but it came in handy! Do you see that building with a smoking chimney? That’s his forge. You can go there and ask him for a weapon, but since I still have a little time, I’ll go with you,” Audrey answered while pointing towards the biggest stone building on the courtyard.

They took their ways towards the forge immediately. As they went closer, Elena felt the air turning hotter and hotter and hammerings were resounding in the surroundings of the building. Since the door was closed, they knocked on it and waited patiently. Five minutes later, a petite looking guy opened the doors. Seeing Elena’s surprised face, he talked - “Don’t look at me like that. My body turned like this after the apocalypse. Everyone is questioning me about this…”

Seeing his annoyance, Elena apologized, winning a good score at him. “Good morning, my name is Elena and I’d like to ask you for a weapon. If possible…” She requested politely, making the Smith smile.

“Good morning to you too. I’m called Triston and I’d like to make you a weapon. I also would like to remark that you are really little to hold a weapon. But this world is kind of crazy and I don’t want you to die because you had nothing to use, so I’ll make you one. Come to me this afternoon. It’ll be ready by then.” Triston answered as such, in an equally polite manner, which after he asked what she wanted.

After telling him that a spear or two daggers would be fine for now, Triston closed the door. Elena and Audrey looked at each other. Sighing loudly, the latter talked. “Time is up… I’m sorry but I have to go now. I’ll make sure to collect some seeds and try out what you said. Be careful with your hunting, you little monster.”

With a pouting face, Elena answered. “Why am I called little all the time? Also, you should watch out for yourself instead of reminding me… you rookie!” Turning around, she left Audrey, who started laughing loudly.

She turned into a shadow behind one of the buildings and went past the gates without anyone noticing her. But there was one person who heard and saw everything, meaning Elena’s race as well!

----

A few hundred meters away from the area of the school were only monsters at the first and the second level, so she had to travel slightly further. “Are you strong enough already?” Elena asked while looking at Dred, who shrugged his shoulders as an answer. “Hmm… let me try!”

But she soon had to find out that her legs were touching the ground. Although Dred didn’t have any problems with standing, carrying her was impossible. Biting her finger, she got off of him, thinking - Only a few days! Hehe. I’ll mount you, no matter what!

Shaking his head, Dred turned away. He didn’t mind it even in the least bit. He just found her childish trying to be funny. Finding a park in the city, they entered it.

It was nothing like the jungle. Nicely and orderly planted trees and bushes were everywhere and there was a fountain as well, though it wasn’t working. Elena leaned slightly forward and walked silently.

New Skill Acquired: Stealth

After walking in such a manner for a few meters, she has got such a notification. Not bothering with it, she focused on the monster in front of her. Inspect.

Race: Trap Tendrils

Rarity: Uncommon

Level: 7 (Threat Level in Stealth: 10| Threat Level while Visible: 4)

It was a plant type monster. It didn’t have a mouth above the ground. Only its tendrils formed a lump of greenery on the ground. People could easily step on it, thinking that it was just a usual tendril. If not for Elena moving carefully and observing her surroundings, then she could have been caught easily! Seeing its threat level, Elena would have surely died if she was to be caught by it.

She sneaked up on the monster and focused on the spot where its tendrils were leaving the ground. Its mouth is probably at the center, she thought with her brows furrowed. Raising her right hand, with her spear in hand, she threw it towards the ground. Before it could reach the terrain, Dred made the earth split and a clear path leading to the monster’s mouth opened.

It opened its stupid mouth to eat the spear, but its body was penetrated and it was killed on the spot.

Caused Damage: +200 Damage

“Yes! Now, that’s what I like!” Elena shouted in her mind happily, not making her position clear, for every monster nearby. After devouring the monster, she felt slight changes in her body and surprisingly, something new entered her mind. The pleasant notifications were a proof of her new knowledge.

New Sub-Skill Acquired: Stealth >> Evade Sense

You have gained: +2 Agility; +2 Vitality!

You have leveled up to Lv. 4!

Your skill has leveled up: Devour Lv. 2

Sucking in a breath of fresh air, she talked to herself silently. “Ah~ It’s nice when you get so many notifications at the same time.”

But while she was happy about her advancement, another creature was waiting for the right moment! Seeing her easing up, the Green Boa attacked immediately. She felt a gust of wind behind her back. Not doubting her senses, she rolled forward on the ground. The Green Boa still managed to graze her back, leaving a shallow wound on her back.

Received Damage: 1 + (Bleeding effect for 5 seconds: 0.1 Damage)

If there was a plus before the number, it meant that the attack was a critical strike, while if there wasn’t, it meant that it was normal damage. Dred jumped towards the side of the snake, while Elena spun on the ground. Her spear flew in an arc, cutting the mouth of the snake. Her lightning-quick spear left the boa’s mouth and she moved it down to evade Dred’s body. He caught the side of the snake and tore out a chunk of meat from its body.

It received fifty damage. Knowing that now it would be in a disadvantageous position, it wanted to slither away. “Thinking of running? Little shit…” Elena said with gritted teeth, feeling angry that she was ambushed. Stomping on the ground, walls of earth appeared in its way. It simply slithered up on it and wanted to leave. But that was the trap! She threw her spear and it pinned the tail of the boa to the thirty centimeters tall earth wall. It quickly turned around and coiled up into a defensive position.

Laughing at it, both Dred and Elena shot balls of fire towards the snake. To their surprise, it used water magic to defend itself. Dred turned into a shadow on the ground and entered the boa’s. Shady arms grew out of the ground and coiled around its body. While the snake was focusing on breaking free, Elena made a long, thick, and heavy piece of stone shard, with a diameter of one meter.

It fell down and crushed the coiling snake, killing it on the spot. Dred left its shadow and stood alongside Elena as they started devouring its body.

You have gained: +1 Strength; +1 Wisdom; +1 Agility!

Snakes were patient and clever and they weren’t lacking in strength either. On the other hand, the damage notifications and the health points weren’t just random numbers. Elena was only grazed, so she didn’t take more damage than one point. The bleeding effect was also weak and since her bleeding was going to stop in just a few seconds, the effect would also disappear quickly.

Using a combination of light, nature, and water magic, Elena healed the wound on her back in but a moment. After using Sense and making sure that her surroundings were clear of threats, they sat down to meditate in turn. When they were once again filled to the brim, they moved forward in the park. But as it was a small one, they soon found themselves on the streets. There were mammoth-like animals, which were pushing the cars aside to find something edible. The poor monsters were really stupid as they didn’t realize that the asphalt wasn’t a plant.

Race: Mammoth

Rarity: Uncommon

Level: 7 (Threat Level: 4)

Using ShadowStep, she turned into a black cloud and appeared behind one of the monsters. To her surprise, it welcomed her with a kick. Luckily, she had good reflexes, so she evaded it with a backflip. Using dark magic, Dred shot a ball of darkness towards the side of the animal. It reacted quicker than what its size let others think. But it was a bad move because Dred’s magic struck its face, making it rot.

The monster screamed out in pain and it started thrashing around. Seeing the enraged monster, both of them knew that going too close was dangerous. It kept swinging its head and its pointy, long tusks were more than threatening. Dred and Elena looked at each other with helpless faces. Shrugging once, Elena held up her palm, while Dred opened his mouth. Both of them showered the monster’s body in their magical attacks, killing it in a few seconds...

You have gained: +3 Strength!

After devouring its body, their muscles went through an evolution once again. They turned around, only to see the other mammoths encircling them. “Shit…” Elena couldn’t help but curse out in a low voice. Looking down at Dred, she asked. “Shall we flee?”

He turned into a shadow and rushed through the monsters, leaving them behind in a moment. Elena followed in his steps. Although the mammoths started attacking them with magic, it was useless when they were in their shadow forms.

They didn’t turn around and attack them in the usual way because when they used those shady arms, they could be damaged. To attack, they had to materialize, so unless they wished to die, they had to flee. But this didn’t mean that they wouldn’t return!

After disappearing from the monsters’ views, they returned to do their own things. Elena and Dred appeared in a nearby store, which had its shop-window broken in. There was dried blood on the broken glass and the glass shards on the ground were also telling tales of the things that happened here.

Not bothering with it, Elena simply squatted down and observed the monsters. What should we do? The forest is too far away and using large-scale nature magic is impossible for me at the moment. She started thinking to herself of possible ways, which would make killing these monsters easier. Spotting a broken building on the road, her eyes sparkled.

Turning into their shadow forms, they entered that building. It was a really old edifice and the tremors of the apocalypse shook its foundation, making huge cracks appear on the side of it. Using her Sense skill, she found nothing inside. Feeling happy that she could work freely, she has got to work.

Using Earth Magic, she drilled large holes into the walls, at the front of the building. It started creaking as the building turned more and more unstable, but she didn’t care about it. After leaving the construction, she stood in the alleyway behind the apartment complex.

Both of them shut their eyes and focused on the earth below their feet. They even used Sense continuously to amplify their senses. Feeling the earth elements, both of them stomped on the ground, making the ground move downwards at the front of the building. As its foundation disappeared, it immediately fell forward.

Smoke raised into the air, while loud booming and creaking resounded in the area. Large pieces of stone and iron fell to the ground, along with the rest of the building. The iron rods inside it pulled even its back forward. She knew of the iron inside the walls because metals were a part of Earth Magic, even if it was only a sub-category.

The monsters in front of the building were crushed into bloody pulps. They died without any chance to retaliate or defend themselves. Focusing on the wind, she cleared up the huge dust storm from the air. She felt cold sweat pouring down on her back because she felt very tired. Mana.

Mana: 2 / 136

Okay… I need better mana control to use large-scale magic. This sucked me dry even though I should have been able to do it much more easily. She thought to herself, feeling a slight headache. Her body turned devoid of Mana too suddenly. They slowly and carefully walked out of the alleyway and devoured the remnants of a few monsters.

Entered a building nearby, they went up to the top floor where they entered a room. Seeing how messy it was, she decided to go to another one… After so much time, she regained a small part of her Mana. Using nature magic, she covered the door in thick greenery and leaves. She jumped onto the comfy bed and sat down with her legs crossed. Allow notifications.

She thought, resulting in tens of notifications appearing in front of her. Their Sense jumped to the second level, while Mana Control to the third level. Meditation was also very close to reaching the fourth level, which would be very good at her level. Devouring so many bodies, naturally made it jump to the third level. A few of their elemental magic also stepped into the first or second level.

They devoured so many fallen monsters, that their bodies were still evolving. Using that moment, they also started training their bodies and meditating. Feeling tired, Elena opened the upper half of her status window.

Name: Elena

Race: Progenitor Shadow (Legendary)

Level: 8

EXP: 13 / 90

Class: Unselected

Specialization: Not Available Yet

Health: 175 / 175

Mana: 160 / 160

Titles: The Only One

Strength: 70

Vitality: 35

Agility: 25

Will: 35

Intelligence: 40

Wisdom: 36

They mostly gained strength and vitality from devouring these large monsters, so they could focus on increasing their magical strengths. Elena didn’t focus too much on precision at the moment since she didn’t need it. At least, that was what she thought. Considering her speed, correcting the difference wouldn’t be that hard. She was surprised to see that her Will increased, but she didn’t realize that her mind turned more stable. This was because she has grown again. Although her body was taller only by five centimeters, her mind had grown more under her training.

On a side note, as long as they caused it, anything counted as experience. For example, this time they didn’t touch the monsters, yet they still leveled up four times consecutively. This was because they caused the building to fall on the monsters, killing them in the process. This system couldn’t be cheated. Even if someone were to steal the last hit of a very powerful monster, the person who would gain the most benefits would be the one who caused the most damage to it.

Standing up, her body cracked, along with Dred’s. They felt energized and powerful after such a huge change in their bodies. Their eyes lit up with a strange glint, which was different from the ones before.

Since her sense was on the second level, she could sense everything in her surroundings, as long as it was within two hundred meters. And her senses caught fresh meat! There was a group of humans nearby, observing the caused damage. Their senses didn’t catch Elena because they were only around the tenth level. The masking ability of Elena’s and Dred’s stealth was enough to escape!

Evade Sense came in handy at these times! Knowing the reason why they didn’t notice her, she couldn’t help but look at her skills. Listing them one by one, she read the description of each of her skill.

Stealth Lv. 0

The owners of this skill are able to escape the senses of other beings, using their own abilities. Having this skill will increase the chance of not being noticed by 100%

Evade Sense is a sub-skill of stealth and it grows along with Stealth.

The sub-skill works passively and uses the knowledge of the owner.

Devour Lv. 3

This is an exclusive skill for Shadow Progenitors. They are able to devour the body of the beings they killed, gaining their best aspects. Depending on the specialization, this skill could do much more.

ShadowStep Lv. 1

Shadows are everywhere and there is a node connecting them. The owners of this skill know how to enter the node and teleport behind their targets, creating a possibility for instant backstabs. Currently, it costs 10 Mana / Use

Inspect Lv. 2

This is a skill, supported by the World System. It helps in identifying anything.

Works with 100 % accuracy on non-living things.

Depending on the level of this skill and on the owners’ talents at measuring up their opponents, it gives a rough idea about their strengths. Results might be inaccurate.

Mana Control Lv. 3

This skill shows the ability of how much the owners can control their own Mana. This skill has a hundred levels and each level means a percent.

Reaching the maximum level of this skill means that the owners can control their Mana perfectly, without any leakage or side effect.

Meditation increased the amount of Mana she could regain per second, while Sense was useful for what its name said… With her newly gained knowledge, she left the room, alongside Dred. She rushed down the stairs silently. Jumping onto the wall, she propelled herself forward and landed on the ground gracefully. Her long black hair flew through the air, leaving behind a nice fragrance because of Audrey’s shampoo from last night.

She looked like an angel, but her mind was nothing of the sort. She was thinking of how to kill those people, depending on the kind of people they were. If they weren’t the kind she liked, then she would kill them. Turning into a shadow on the ground, they went through the alleyway and entered the humans’ shadow, without any of them noticing.

“What happened here? The whole building collapsed. Could it be that someone was fighting?” One of them questioned while walking up and down, carefully.

Another guy stopped behind him and grabbed his left shoulder, saying - “Listen. I don’t think that we should stay here for long. We are very close to that damned Jake’s territory. We stole away a week’s worth of food from them and then escaped. I don’t think that staying here is wise. What if this was caused by one of his little servants. They would do anything for him anyway. Tch…” Clicking his tongue, he finished his sentence.

Two girls from behind also beckoned him, wishing to leave the place as quickly as possible. Turning around, he answered. “But listen! After such a fight, maybe someone was seriously wounded. We just have to take the killing blow and level up!” Not knowing the truth behind the system - because he was mostly focusing on leeching off of others - he thought that he could level up quickly.

That was exactly the reason why all of them were still only at such low levels. They were afraid to fight dangerous battles and they wanted to steal away the kills, instead of doing something. But their bodies couldn’t sense danger and evolve as a process and they wouldn’t turn more experienced either. Jake threatened them that he would send them away if they were to continue with their habits. Having enough of his commanding, they stole away the food they gathered and then ran away.

But they had to realize that life outside wasn’t that easy. They had one way to stay alive, and that was to fight the monsters, which weren’t edible in every case. Not attacking, Elena was waiting for the right moment patiently. When the first guy went close to one of the girls, Elena jumped out of his shadow and thrust her spear forward. She felt the feedback through her spear as it slowly penetrated the guy’s skin and pierced through his flesh.

She couldn’t help but smile upon feeling it, like a crazy maniac. Her spear left through the chest of the guy, leaving behind a hole in it. His heart was pierced, which was naturally a critical strike. Her spear also entered the chest of the girl, surprising her greatly. Her eyes opened wide and she tried to catch her breath, but her penetrated left lung didn’t help her in that.

Dred used Dark Magic and shot the other guy straight in the head, making it rot into nothing more than a skull. He fell to his knees lifelessly. He had a sword on his back, which made it clear that he was the physical type. Both of them picked out the physical fighters at first. Elena used Nature Magic through her spear and vines sprouted in the girl’s body, making it explode from being filled up.

The last girl was a magical type, so Dred’s strength was way above hers. He jumped at her throat and tore it out, spraying blood on his face and chest. Although Elena wouldn’t do such a thing, Dred was a monster. Finding it delicious, he ate the entire head of the girl, which was followed by her chest.

When Dred finished, both of them used Devour, and they also reached the ninth level. Only one level was separating them from their specialization, which was also an important thing. It was a talent tree where they could select their main specialization, depending on their classes. All of them had their own advantages, so it was important to choose the right ones.

She didn’t have a class yet because her race had a unique one, which would be unlocked on the tenth level. She could go for a different one, but that would be stupid as the class her own race has is a legendary and exclusive one. It was even above Audrey’s unique rare class. If it was a common class, then there was no marker beside it. If it was something better, then their status window would show ‘uncommon’, ‘rare’, ‘epic’, or ‘legendary’.

Switching classes wasn’t impossible as these were only bonuses. The world system wouldn’t block a person from evolving and developing as it wasn’t within its ability. It was only there as a guide and a helper. It helped in understanding the people their own strength!

Both of them gained four wisdom and four strength from the four humans. Two-two strength from the warriors and two-two wisdom from the Mages. Although it wasn’t much, it was more than cheating… Level and Experience.

Level: 9

EXP: 23 / 100

“Uh. A hundred. It’s going to turn harder from the next level onward. Well, it should be fine,” Elena talked to herself upon seeing the results. From the tenth level onward, the necessary experience after each level would increase by twenty. Looking down at herself, she was quite clean. Only her hands were bloody, which was still flowing down on them. Shaking it a few times and after using Water Magic, she was mostly clean once again.

She didn’t even dare to look at Dred. Still, after seeing him from the corner of her right eye, she put her hand on her forehead. “Now how am I supposed to clean you? You ruined your nice fur as well! Raise up your head…” She said with a slightly commanding tone and Dred obeyed. Squatting down, she used Water Magic to clean him and rubbed his neck and face. Surprisingly, his silky fur was very easy to clean as only after a few movements, it was shiny and new-looking once again.

After patting his big head, she stood back up. They left the area of the park and only a few patches of blood were left in their places, which sprayed further away. That would stay there for who knows how long, which would turn into no more but a shallow memory of those, who were once walking among the living. They will lie forgotten, as a part of Elena’s and Dred’s strength. That was the future of everyone they devoured.

The concrete jungle in front of her was filled with many monsters, but most of them were in the buildings. Entering them, she started clearing out the ‘trash’ from those buildings, leaving them empty. Seeing the long-awaited mass of notifications, she smiled happily. The stupid monsters’ classes were selected automatically, but that wasn’t the case with Dred. He could think just as well as a human could, so naturally, he was the one to choose what he wanted.

Although they would have loved to start picking their classes, it was likely that they would pass out after it, which would be definitely wrong. Such being the case, they had to restrain themselves and wait before doing it. Their senses picked up on a parking lot underground. After walking down, she felt slightly cold. Using her Mana, she warmed up herself with Fire Magic.

Looking at Dred enviously, she couldn’t help but remark on how good his fur was. If he could have answered, he would have said that having two hands and a mouth to talk with would be just as good. But in the next moment, she was surprised to see a window appear in front of her.

The Ogre Vault (Dungeon Level: 13) (Threat Level: 4)

This is the area of a dungeon. If you continue on your path, then you can’t leave it before reaching the first resting room. Do you wish to enter it?

Seeing its threat level, she decided to go through with it and maybe gain something good for herself. In the middle of the parking lot were three ogres. Inspecting one of them, Elena saw the following, other than the level up of her skill.

Race: Ogre

Rarity: Common

Level: 11 (Threat Level: 3)

Inspecting another one, she saw a different kind.

Race: Ogre Mage

Rarity: Uncommon

Level: 11 (Threat Level: 4)

Knowing what to do, she used ShadowStep and appeared behind it in the air since it was three meters tall. She swung her spear in an arc, cutting off its head with a single move. Her eyes looked cold and devoid of emotion. Nothing like her usual looks. The other two ogres punched forward. Grabbing the wrist of the left ogre, she used her strength to pull her body to the side, evading their attack in mid-air as a result.

She landed on the ground, right behind the ogres. The right one quickly turned around to kick her back, but by that time, it was attacked by Dred from the back, with a swipe of his paw. His claws were quite long and really sharp, not to mention his strength. The ogre fell forward, while Elena spun on the ground and kicked out the other ogre’s leg. The two ogres fell at the same time, one of them with its back, while the other one with its face first.

But the best was that both of them fell towards the same place. Focusing strongly, she mixed the earth and the fire elements with a ratio of four to six, creating lava right under them. Both ogres jumped up quickly, screaming in pain since they got on fire. Elena punched one of them in the stomach, making it roll into a ball, and causing internal bleeding.

Caused Damage: 5 + (Internal Bleeding effect for 30 minutes: 10 Damage)

Periodic damage was always per second, and even though she knew that it would die by itself soon enough, she didn’t spare its life. She spun her spear and thrust it down while looking ahead. Feeling something warm splashing on her feet, she knew that her attack was successful.

Dred jumped on the other ogre, making it fall on its back. But this time, he was waiting for it with a protruding stone spear. The ogre’s head was penetrated, while Dred landed a few meters away, completely clean. He stuck out his tongue upon seeing Elena’s blood covered feet. Her unusually cold face, turned into a smile as she chuckled upon seeing his mockery. Raising her spear, she realized that it wasn’t in the best condition. Inspect.

Name: Crude Spear

Rarity: Uncommon

Durability: 1/12

Effects: None

The stone shell, which was holding the knife together with the stick was about to break and even the stick has cracked at numerous places. If not for Elena, then it would have broken long ago under her strength. She was pouring her Mana into it, each time she used it. But her strength has outgrown this spear. It was unwise to use it anymore, so after dismantling it, she was left with the kitchen knife. They devoured their bodies, gaining two points to strength and one to intelligence.

Their intelligence grew because they learned from the ogres how to store more Mana, in the same place with the same capacity as before. So although their Mana Veins didn’t widen this time, their knowledge of how to store their energies did.

They found a hole in the walls and after going through it, they had to kill two more such groups, resulting in four more strength and two more intelligence, before finding the final room. They also level up to the eleventh level.

With sixty experience points out of a hundred and forty, she was quite sure that after killing the boss, both of them would level up. Still, with their Mana not even full, they entered last room. There was a throne, made of human bones, and a huge, four meters tall ogre was sitting on it. Strangely enough, the room was spacious enough for its big size.

It stood up, hitting its chest and roared loudly. The room echoed with its voice. It felt surprised upon seeing her disappear, not realizing that she turned into its shadow, along with Dred. They jumped out behind it. Elena cut its tendons with her knife, while Dred tore them out with its bite. Screaming out in pain, the ogre jumped forward as much as it could with most of its tendons missing. It also spun in the air and wanted to slap them into bloody pulps, but expecting it, they were already in their shadow forms.

The ogre’s big hand went through their shady figures. Right after that, they immediately materialized. Elena kicked the ogre in the stomach, but without any result other than her, falling backward. Dred wanted to attack it differently, but seeing the falling Elena and the extending right hand of the ogre, he quickly pushed her to the side. Before the ogre could catch him, he turned into his Shadow Form.

Feeling annoyed that its hand went through its target once again, it roared angrily. Stomping on the ground, long earth spikes grew out of the ground, wounding Elena’s back. Luckily, the spikes went back into the ground as quickly as they came. It would have taken out a lot of Mana from the Ogre King to keep it up. She shut her eyes for a moment upon feeling a slight pain rushing through her back.

But her will kicked in. Feeling angry at the monster, her pain went away. Her green eyes turned completely red as she swung her fist forward. A fist-shaped ball of fire shot out of her arm, which had at least half of her remaining Mana in it. It struck the ogre king’s face, making it fall backward. Dred used Nature Magic at that time, to root its legs.

He did this because the ogre was about to stomp once again. It shot a ball of water at its own head, extinguishing the fire. But its face turned charred black under the heat of the fire. Elena jumped forward and inserted her knife into the chest of the ogre. But she soon had to find out that its chest was too big, not to mention that the knife was barely able to penetrate it.

She jumped back with a surprised face, knowing that its heart was deeper in its chest. Looking at Dred for a moment, both of them nodded. The ogre made a punching move and a dark ball came out of its right fist. Using Light Magic, Elena dispersed the darkness. Dred shot five blades of wind towards the ogre, which was doubled by Elena. Right after doing so, she jumped to the wall behind her and then towards the chest of the Ogre King.

The ogre pulled up its arms, and then swung it outwards, dispelling the wind blades. But it was surprised to see Elena appear in front of its eyes, even though she was much smaller than it. With a winning smile on her face, Elena stomped on the knife in its chest and applied some Dark Magic on it to add fuel to the fire. Its chest rotted in a small area, but it was perfectly enough for the knife to enter deeply and penetrate its heart.

The ogre had lots of vitality, so it still wanted to take revenge. Catching Elena’s legs, it grinned evilly, ready to smash her into the ground. Feeling panicked, Elena realized that there was no way out for her. Luckily, she had Dred. After this, she will be sure to focus, until seeing the corpse of a monster. The first-hand experience taught the most! Dred’s huge ball of Dark Magic reached its head, making it rot in a single second. With its brain dead, the Ogre King fell to its knees and then collapsed.

Elena fell on her back, but that much was nothing. With her breathing ragged, she stood up, while a small cursing left her lips. “Fuck it… I was really stupid. I’ll never in my life let down my guard as long as I’m not alone with Dred! Thank you, really…” She said as she squatted down in front of him and rubbed her face on his head. Repaying the favor, he also rubbed his head on hers and licked her face, leaving behind a smaller patch of blood.

“Ugh… you could have gulped it down before dirtying me, though it doesn’t matter at this point, hahaha. Come, let’s go back to that Jake’s territory for now. I wonder if Audrey is back already,” she said while standing up and clearing her face with her wrists and some Water Magic.

They sat down to meditate, resulting in one more notification. After allowing it, there were so many of them, that her view was blocked. This was because many of their elemental magic leveled up, along with their racial skills and normal skills. But one of them picked up their interest.

The Ogre Vault (Dungeon Level: 12) (Cleared)

This dungeon was cleared by you. Since this dungeon doesn’t have a core, it is possible to turn into its owner. In case you answer with yes, this will turn into your territory. You’ll be able to spawn ogres at the tenth level, but they can’t leave this area. Serving you will be their duty. You may leave the area. Do you wish to turn into its owner?

“... Yes! Why not? If nothing more, then at least I can farm experience through these stupid ogres!” She thought happily and answered with a yes. A menu appeared in front of her. She had to spend fifty Mana for a single ogre to appear. Trying it out, Mana started swirling in the air and took the shape of a standard, stupid ogre. After killing it, she realized that she didn’t get experience for it.

Feeling downhearted she muttered. “I could have realized it… We get experience after fighting and it is also dependent on how proficiently we do it. My body doesn’t feel the slightest bit of danger and I won’t gain new knowledge from these pieces of shit as they don’t even retaliate. Damn! Useless ogres!”

Inspecting the dungeon once again, she saw that its name changed to Elena’s Dungeon. After devouring the body of the huge Ogre King, she saw what was under its body. Seeing that it dropped something, she inspected it with a smile on her face, feeling happier.

Name: Bow of Mages

Rarity: Rare

Durability: 40 / 40

Effects: Channeling your Mana through this bow will increase the speed and power of your spells. +30 Wisdom to your magical attacks!

Description

A rare bow, which was dropped after a hard-fought battle, against a more powerful monster. Using this bow, the owners can cast magical attacks more easily, with increased strength.

Since this dungeon didn’t have a core, this bow was given by the World System. Picking it up, she put it on her shoulder and left happily. The path back was easier than ever as her strength was way above those trash monsters. She leaned out on a corner and looked at the humans, who were walking on the top of the walls. It was daytime, so going in without being noticed would be harder. Using her sense, she felt most of the humans. Naturally, she didn’t know of those who had disrupting abilities.

Turning into patches of shadows, they slowly went from shadow to shadow, until reaching the bottom of the walls. It happened at that time, that the Sense of someone rushed through her body. They started shouting and rushed towards her on the walls. She quickly turned into her humanoid form, before anyone would see her.

Seeing a little girl under the walls, surprised the guards, but they didn’t fall head over heels upon seeing her. Furrowing his brows, the guard captain, called Claire, questioned Elena. “Who are you?”

Scratching the back of her head, she answered. “Well, I am a new…” not knowing whether to say 'a member' or 'a visitor'. But after some thinking, she decided against lying. “Visitor. I was taken in yesterday by Miss Audrey and the others.”

Raising her brows, she asked - “Audrey? Then are you that non-human thing? I’ve heard the news about you… are you sure that we should let you in?” She finished her sentence as she started laughing at her small posture. Naturally, she didn't mean the question. She asked it only to ridicule her.

Furrowing her brows, Elena petted Dred’s head as she answered. “Well, you can trust me as long as you don’t attack me. But if I’m not welcomed, then I’ll gladly leave…”

At this time, Krin jumped up to the walls and shouted at Claire. “Hey! Stop bothering her. Whatever she is, she is just a little girl. Open those gates.” He was still as unbothered as ever, but he still defended Elena. Although he looked heroic, Claire’s words made Elena suspicious.

“Krin? Why would we let her in? You we-”

“Shut up! She can come in because I said so. You aren’t just a guard captain for nothing. Talk only if I asked you to. Tch…” Clicking his tongue, he jumped off the walls and went back to the school. He wasn’t always a part of Raven’s and Audrey’s team. They went with two guys this time, who Elena haven’t met yet. Elena entered the area, feeling slightly down. She was unwanted here and she knew it, which only made it even more unpleasant.

She decided to leave once Audrey returns. She can always come back to meet her if she feels lonely. If nothing more, then they would at least let her in. Or she could sneak in as well… though she needed to be a little stronger.

She entered the school to Claire’s displeasure. Claire didn’t like that a monster was living at a better place than her, even though she herself was a human! She was living in a tent, which was just a tiny hole, not to mention that when it rained, the knocking rain was really loud, making it hard to sleep. Jake didn’t say anything against Elena staying at Audrey’s place either, which only infuriated her even more.

Elena started her usual training in Audrey's room. Dred didn’t like Claire as she hurt his dear Elena. She was very important to him as they were like a set. They were born together, they fought together, and they would die together. Shadow Progenitor’s pets could take many shapes. Elena’s turned into a Devouring Panther, but he could have turned into a snake and other such beings. He really hated Claire and in his heart, he decided to do something against her.

A feeling of calmness filled Elena’s mind as she opened her eyes and thought of her class.

ShadowMoor (Legendary, Exclusive)

Description

This class is available only to the Shadow Progenitor race, which has three aspects, Devouring, Stealth, and Demonology. It’s advised to pick this class as it boosts the racial abilities of your race or provides you with other powerful spells/skill/passives.

It doesn’t restrict you in learning either spells/skills, rather, it makes it easier by enhancing your Devour racial trait. This Class mainly deals with your racial traits, assassinating, and summoning techniques, perfectly mixing melee and magical attacks into a perfect form of destruction.

Your race was born to destroy. This class was born to be a means to destroy.

Without even thinking about it, she selected it and three choices appeared in front of her. She had to select her specialization!

Lv

Class: ShadowMoor (Exclusive, Legendary)

Devourer

Stealth

Demonology

10

Devour Skill: The owner of this skill has a chance at gaining access to the memories of their fallen preys and devour their most powerful skills as well. You can also use your shadow to turn Devour into a curse type of magical attack.

Subtlety: Passively increases the effect of stealth by 100% ShadowStep won’t break stealth anymore and you’ll be able to attack in your Shadow Form, without your body materializing.

Shadow Pets: Grants you the ability to summon shadow pets, which would serve you for the time being.

1 shadow pet / 1 level

2 Mana / Shadow Pet / sec

As your skill and Wisdom grows, its strength and Mana cost will follow.

...

...

...

...

This was the last thing that worked illogically. When people picked a specialization, the World System ‘loaded’ the new knowledge into their minds.

Each time she had the possibility to select one of the three, she could choose any of them. But what she picked for the first time would stay her specialization as long as she didn’t switch class. And the most powerful abilities were always the first. When would she gain the next chance, she didn’t know either. Her ancestors were too funny and never added it to their inherent memories…

Elena chose the Devourer, while Dred chose the Stealth. After deciding on them, the other two options turned gray and faded away. Elena was truly curious about what was Audrey’s specialization. Unfortunately, since she didn’t show it to her, Audrey didn’t show hers to Elena either. But Elena didn’t have a specialization at that time, so she couldn’t help it.

I wonder what does a High Mage have… I’ll pull it out of her! And I still have to ask her about something… I hope that things aren’t as I think them to be. She thought while frowning slightly, feeling sad just upon thinking of that possibility. Devourer.

Devourer

As a true devourer, you can start devouring anything, even if it is still alive and you are fighting with it. Caused damage grows with the skill level. Its effects are similar to Dark Magic as the target will start rotting. Usable through the owner’s shadow. If used in combat, it consumes 2 Mana / Second which will increase along with the strength of this ability.

Checking out Dred’s, she nodded.

Stealth

If not owned, then teaches the skill Stealth. Atop of Subtlety, this once again increases the effects of Stealth by 100% Stealth will feel so natural, that the owner will use it unconsciously, making it hard to notice his/her presence. Unless there is a difference of a hundred levels, neither Senses nor Inspect will work on the owner. Increases agility by 10%

“Ooh! That’s also really nice! You’ll turn the shadow, protecting me forever and ever. Hehe~ I’ll cover you back, dear little Dred. Alright?” Elena said aloud as she started laughing happily. Especially after what happened today, she couldn’t help but think twice about going near the humans. Depending on what she finds, she might abandon Audrey as well. Dred's stealth didn't affect Elena as she could see and sense him perfectly. Naturally, this was because of their Blood Bond.

Luckily, she didn’t have to wait for long. With a few shallow wounds and scratches on her body, Audrey entered the room. She looked really tired after a long day. But upon seeing Elena, she felt slightly more energized and greeted her with a smile and a hug. Not feeling Elena’s arms around her back, she frowned, feeling slightly unhappy. Looking up, she saw Elena looking at her seriously.

“W-What’s wrong?” Audrey asked nervously.

Elena grabbed the sides of Audrey’s head, startling her for a moment, but she didn’t resist her pulling. With their foreheads touching, Elena was looking deeply into her eyes, searching for the truth, asking. “Did you tell anyone what I am?” Audrey’s eyes opened wide and instead of guilt or nervousness, a feeling of sadness appeared in her eyes. She said ‘no’ with a small voice, feeling sad that Elena felt suspicious of her.

Suddenly, Elena hugged her, saying. “I’m sorry. I trusted you, but I had to be sure…” Opening her eyes wide, she put her hands on her back unconsciously. A smile formed on her face as she started caressing her back. After staying like that for a few seconds, she started frowning, asking what happened. As Elena told her everything, she hit the wall with her fist, causing the walls to tremble and shake.

“Who the hell does she think she is to say such things? Stay here. I’ll talk to her and teach her when to shut her mouth!” Audrey said as she stood up, wishing to leave, but Elena caught her hand and told her something in a serious way.

“Wait. There is still more. It was probably Krin who told my race to everyone, but I’m not sure of it. He was the one who defended me and let me in, but…” after telling Audrey what happened with Krin and how he interrupted Claire, even Audrey frowned.

“Krin? But I didn’t think that he is the type to care about such a thing. But… his mother and father were killed by a monster, in front of his eyes. I could understand if he was to hate you… though it would be still wrong. I’ll try to find out more about this,” Audrey answered, trying to go away once again. Stopping her for the second time, Elena asked something after showing their stats to Audrey.

Name: Elena

Race: Progenitor Shadow (Legendary)

Level: 12

EXP: 10 / 160

Class: ShadowMoor (Exclusive)

Specialization: Devouring

Health: 195 / 195

Mana: 220 / 220

Titles: The Only One

Strength: 75

Vitality: 39

Agility: 25

Will: 55

Intelligence: 44

Wisdom: 45 (+30 Only for attacks)

Elemental Magic:

Fire Lv.1 (52%); Water Lv.0 (54%);

Wind Lv.1 (23%); Lightning Lv.0 (25%);

Nature Lv.1 (5%); Earth Lv.1 (23%);

Light Lv.1 (1%); Dark Lv.1 (20%);

Resistances:

Magical: 45

Physical: 37.5

Passive:

Stamina: 195

Precision: 125

Skills:

Inspect Lv. 2 (52%)

Mana Control Lv. 3 (32%)

Meditation Lv. 4 (9%)

Sense Lv. 2 (5%)

Stealth: Lv. 0 (78%)>>Evade Sense

Racial Skills:

Devour Lv. 3 (80%) (+Active Skill)

ShadowStep Lv. 2 (32%)

Shadow Form Lv. 3 (28%)

...

Name: Dred

Race: Devouring Panther (Legendary)

Level: 12

EXP: 10 / 160

Class: ShadowMoor (Exclusive)

Specialization: Stealth

Health: 200 / 200

Mana: 180 / 180

Titles: The Only One

Strength: 107

Vitality: 40

Agility: 35 (+3.5)

Will: 50

Intelligence: 36

Wisdom: 40

Elemental Magic:

Fire Lv.1 (12%); Water Lv.0 (34%);

Wind Lv.1 (32%); Lightning Lv.0 (45%);

Nature Lv.1 (43%); Earth Lv.1 (25%);

Light Lv.1 (2%); Dark Lv.2 (2%);

Resistances:

Magical: 40

Physical: 31

Passive:

Stamina: 200

Precision: 175 (+17.5)

Skills:

Inspect Lv. 3 (7%)

Mana Control Lv. 3 (43%)

Meditation Lv. 4 (12%)

Sense Lv. 2 (5%)

(+200%)Stealth: Lv. 0 (78%)>Evade Sense

Racial Skills:

Devour Lv. 3 (80%)

ShadowStep Lv. 2 (3%)

Shadow Form Lv. 3 (1%)

...

“I have a question. What do you say if I say that I want to kill that Claire?”

Elena decided to show everything to the only human she believed in. Maybe this was dangerous, but she wanted to know if there was at least a single person, who could accept her as she was. Even if she was to kill someone for as much as discriminating against her.

Audrey was left with her mouth opened wide both at what she asked and what she saw.

The only question left was…

What was she going to do?