ROOOAR!

Hovering over Peter’s back, an ethereal black dragon roared to the skies. The dragon’s majestic aura demanded all inferior species to bow in deference. On the other hand, Peter was currently losing his mind enduring the pain from the dragon’s blood. In order to fuse with the dragon’s blood, he not only had to let it freely rampage through his body, but also fight off the remnant soul of a dragon.

If the remnant soul won, Peter would essentially go insane. This was a battle over control of the mind. Compared to the mental fight, the destruction and reconstruction of the body was trivial.

‘GET OUT OF MY HEAD! GET OUT! GET OUT! YOU CAN’T TOUCH THOSE MEM- NO, NO! NOT THOSE! GET OUT!’ Within his mind, Peter and the dragon waged war. The dragon aggressively attacked Peter’s memories, aiming to extinguish them and replace his memories with its own. Luckily for Peter, after dozens of mental collisions, the dragon’s remnant soul began weakening until it faded into nothing.

“Ow…ow…ow! My head feels like it’s going to split!” Holding both hands on his head, Peter let out a string of unspeakable curses. As he ended his tirade, he finally noticed that his right arm had regrown. It was no longer a stump, but a fully grown arm! His new grown arm was silky smooth with barely any hair, but had the same muscle density as his before.

“Ding!”

[Dragon’s blood has fused with the skill [Mind’s Eye]. New Skill has been generated.]

[Tyrant’s Eye – Ex. Unique]

[Passive: Heightened Senses]

[Active (Domain field): Expand senses to cover 100meters. 100 Mana/Min.]

“Ding!”

[+15 All STAT and +1500 to HP, Mana, and Stamina.]

As the notifications announced his new skill, the stinging pain from his head also stopped.

~Whistle~

‘This is better than what I got from the Mystical Core. Heh, I like the sound of tyrant.’

~Five minutes earlier~

Rem and Anne heard an agonizing scream from the roof. They promptly ran out of the storefront door and towards the stairwell. However, they were tackled by James and Mason, who held them down reasoning that it was still too dangerous.

“Look the screaming stopped, Peter must be okay. We shouldn’t distu—” Mason was interrupted by the noise of bricks collapsing. With dread filling their hearts, Anne and Rem charged past Mason. As a transforming wolf-man, Mason’s speed was similar to a wolf. Mason quickly caught up to the duo that were half way up the stairs, and pulled them back.

“Mason! Sir Peter is risking his life up there for us! Let me go!” Sharing the same sentiment as Rem, Anne also began kicking Mason. Taking the abuse, Mason continued to silently hold them back. After letting out a flurry of kicks and punches, Rem and Anne finally stopped resisting.

Anne hatefully looked at James and yelled, “After all Peter did for us! You’re just going to abandon him?!” Unable to retort, James could only pleadingly look at his son, but was met with resistance. His son’s defiant glare made James feel worse, but he was determined to not put his son in danger.

“Waiit..wait! AGGHHH!”

Peter’s bloodcurdling scream destroyed any last hope James had left for Peter. However, at the moment, Mason loosened his grip and allowed the duo to escape. Anne and Rem ran towards the roof expecting the worse, but were met with the same sight as yesterday.

“Sir…sir Peter are you okay?” Rem inched closer and closer to Peter. However, what happened forced both of them two their knees. They watched a mythical black dragon emerge from Peter’s back roaring up to the skies. Under the pressure, Anne and Rem both blacked out and fainted.

A heartbeat later, Mason and James arrived on scene and noticed three bodies on the floor. They also noticed the huge wolf with its head stuck in a wall next to them. They were flabbergasted by the sight and curious about everything that happened. Mason and James ran towards Anne and Rem first. Feeling a pulse coming from both their bodies, they finally walked towards the bloody and writhing mess.

Peter was covered in blood and flailing around like a dead fish. James tried to help Peter up, but he was pushed aside by an invisible force. The invisible force that shrouded Peter in darkness gave off a sinister, but commanding aura. Despite being only ten feet away, James was gripped by primal fear and struggled to stay standing.

Seeing no way to help Peter, James and Mason simply stood by the door and watched Peter’s transformation. At first, Peter roared with a beastly voice. However, after three or four more beastly roars, they could faintly hear Peter’s voice. After each successive roar, Peter’s voice became more distinct until the roaring ended.

“He…He’s not yelling anymore… Does that mean he’s dead?” Mason fearfully looked at the black mass covering Peter’s body. Unsure how to reply, James inwardly prayed for Peter’s success while waking Anne and Rem up. Suddenly Peter let loose a string of unspeakable curses. After he finished, he saw four dumbfounded faces.

“What are you guys doing here?”

“Peter?! You’re okay!”

“Of course I am! Now explain!”

James told Peter that Anne and Rem heard him scream in pain. Then he told Peter about how Mason prevented the duo from reaching the roof, which earned Mason a grateful nod from Peter.

‘These kids… man, it would have been so embarrassing if they saw me running away…’ Shaking off the thought, Peter walked to the wolf and looted it. He opened three green boxes on the spot and received two weapons and one skill book.

[Dark Steel Blade – Unique]

[Effects: +20 AGI + 15 STR]

[Skills (Penetrate): Coats the blade in dark aura and penetrates armor. Costs 500 Mana.]

[Mystic Hammer – Rare]

[Effects: +15 STR]

[Skills (Double up): Hammer will strike at double STR. Cost 20% Stamina]

[Steel Claws – Rare]

[Passive: None]

[Active: Transform arms into steel claws for up to five minutes. Costs 200 Mana/min.]

Mason looked greedily at Peter’s loot, but was dissuaded by Peter’s taunting grin. “Rem. Want to trade your blade for the [Mystic Hammer]?” Looking at the hammer’s skill, Rem immediately replied, “Yes sir! I want to trade!”

After their exchange, Mason also stepped up and hesitantly asked, “Can…can I also trade? My people have SYSTEM items as well.” Peter sheathed the [Dark Steel Blade] and told Mason, “Sure, but I don’t have much to trade. This skill book is the only thing I have to offer.” Mason reassured Peter than their people didn’t have anything higher than a rare item and would love to trade for the skill, [Steel Claws].

“Let’s head out.” Peter said

After Peter killed the [Evil Moon Wolf], the wolves didn’t even bother growling at the group. As the group walked out the Newport Centre, a mix of pride and accomplishment could be seen on their faces. They walked into a monster’s nest, survived and grew stronger. Walking next to Rem, Anne shyly asked to see Rem’s status screen. Rem happily complied and said, “Status window”

Rem Gold

Level: 18

Title: Brave Soul

HP: 500/500

Mana: 20/20

Stamina: 370/370

Primary Stats:

STR: 32 + 15 AGI: 16

CON: 21 + 10 INT: 5

VIT: 15 + 10 WIS: 2

Auxiliary Stats:

LUK: 20

Free pts: 4

Skills:

-

‘Ah! Rem is stronger than me now. Uhh what should I say?! Maybe… I…I am happy for you?’ Anne turned beet red thinking about her feelings towards Rem, but Rem thought Anne was embarrassed to show her own status window. Rem closed his status window and obviously changed the subject.

Anne Feylin

Level: 17

Title: None

HP: 50/50

Mana: 380/380

Stamina: 80/80

Primary Stats:

STR: 6 AGI: 29 + 15

CON: 2 INT: 12

VIT: 3 WIS: 38

Auxiliary Stats:

LUK: 3

Free Points: 0

Anne easily saw through Rem's act and showed her status window.

“Hey Anne, why do you have so much WIS?” Rem’s question was loud enough for the rest of the group to hear. Peter looked at Anne strangely and also wondered why she would input her points into WIS.

“My skill takes up a lot of mana. WIS is the stat that gives me more mana.” She replied

“How much mana does your skill require?” Rem nervously asked

“150 Mana/Min.”

Since Mason and Rem didn’t have any skills, they didn’t know about the ridiculous mana requirement attached to rare skills and above.

“My heal costs 300Mana per use.” James said

“Heh, that’s nothing. My strongest skill costs 300 Mana and Stamina.” Peter bragged

Mason and Rem were shocked and Rem even began to regret adding so many points into STR. “Don’t worry Rem. STR is just as good of a pick as WIS. You will be using stamina more as a melee fighter.” Rem snapped out of his depression and felt hope swell up again.

‘This kid is such a simpleton.’ Peter thought.

“The hospital is around fifteen minutes away. I think we can get there before eleven.” On their way to the hospital, the group killed everything in their way. The monsters level ranged from fifteen to twenty, which wasn’t much of a threat for the group.

‘Twenty armed men. That’s pretty good security.’ Peter surveyed the hospital when they were within 10 meters. As soon as the approached the hospital, ten armed policemen pointed their guns at the group and the foremost policeman yelled, “Not a step further.” Unwilling to expose his strength, Peter let Mason do all the talking.

“Staff Sargent Joey! It’s me Mason from the 33rd precinct! Mabel sent me on a reconnaissance mission yesterday, but I was lured into a werewolf’s nest. These guys saved me!”

The policeman lowered his guard and shook Mason’s paw. Despite having the appearance of a wolf man, the policeman didn’t seem to care much and let the group in.

~Whistle~

“Electricity, heat, food and water? You guys got everything” Peter commented

“Shut up and walk.” One of the policeman replied

Peter shrugged and continued examining the place. The group noticed that only one out of every three overhead lights was turned on.

‘Looks like they don’t have much electricity though. Water seems abundant.’ Peter mentally noted

After passing through four more corridors, the group of five entered an office. The policemen didn’t enter and remained outside. Sitting on a wheelie chair was a five foot’ ten inches, grey-haired man wearing a doctor’s coat and casual brown khakis.

He walked with a straight posture, typical for people in the upper class. He strolled over to Mason and tapped his forehead. The green glow from the man’s finger entered Mason’s forehead. After a few seconds, Mason’s fur fell off, his snout flattened, his claws retracted and his yellow eyes became a tranquil blue again.

“Mason. Why don’t you introduce us?” the man grinned

“Of course, Dr. Mabel! This is Peter, the leader of the group and their most powerful fighter. I’ll be honest Dr. Mabel, but I think he’s actually stronger than everyone in the building!”

Dr. Mabel shot an inquisitive look at Peter, but immediately stopped staring when he sensed faint bloodlust oozing from Peter. From the minute he walked in the room, Peter felt two different killing intents aimed at him. However, Dr. Mabel didn’t know that the killing intent wasn’t targeted at him.

After a small nod, he shifted his gaze away and traced the bloodlust to two men hiding in the shadows. ‘Maybe they’re scared I’ll do something?’ He released his killing intent and didn’t pursue the matter.

Trying to keep his smile, Dr. Mabel gestured for Mason to continue. “This is James; he was infected by a gremlin. He was also the first person I met in this group. Finally, these two teenagers are Rem and Anne. They are also powerful fighters.” Mason concluded his introduction and ardently looked at Dr. Mabel.

Dr. Mabel examined the three and moved towards James. “I can heal you, but first you have to take off your mask and scarf.” He warmly smiled at James and then tapped on his forehead after James uncloaked himself.

Ah!

James green skin turned back into a healthy color and his face no longer had lumps. Feeling his normal patchy skin again, James began to profusely thank Dr. Mabel. Politely accepting his gratitude, Dr. Mabel kept insisting that it was his pleasure.

‘Ugh. I think I’m going to be sick.’ Peter inwardly barfed, but seemed unmoved on the surface. Rem hugged his father, while Anne thanked Dr. Mabel several times. Dr. Mabel brought out three glasses and poured fine scotch.

Peter’s eyes lit up and immediately sat down. Surprised by Peter’s sudden show of goodwill, Dr. Mabel handed the entire bottle to Peter. However, Dr. Mabel felt a bit heartbroken watching Peter chug the bottle like water.

“Ahh! Good stuff doc! I haven’t had a good drink in two days!” Exhilarated after drinking fine scotch, Peter accidently patted Dr. Mabel on the shoulder. ‘Crap. That really was an accident!’ Seconds after the violation of privacy, two men came out of the shadows. ‘Well, I guess were going to fight then.’ Peter aggressively unsheathed both blades and exploded his killing intent towards the two new guests.

After resisting the remnant dragon soul, Peter’s killing intent was a dozen times sharper than the past. Previously, using the slayer title, Peter could only control a portion of his killing intent and allow the other portion to flow freely. However, after his mental fight with the dragon, not only did his will grow more tyrannical, but he also learned how to fully control his intent.

The two figures were forced to their knees and barely managed to stay conscious by stabbing their thigh with a dagger. Peter inwardly felt guilty about his behavior, but he couldn’t afford to seem weak else the entire group would be taken advantage of. “Oy, I only released a smidgen of my killing intent. If I wanted to, I could’ve killed your doctor at any time, but I’m not one to repay kindness with malice.”

Dr. Mabel felt cold sweat running down his back, but didn’t want to concede the upper hand to Peter right off the bat. “Although you were a bit excessive, consider us even. I admit, I was a bit eager and perhaps that made you suspicious, but I mean no harm. Our hospital lacks people like you, fighters.”

After leveling the playing field, Dr. Mabel paused and sincerely gave a ninety degree bow. “Allow me to apologize on behalf of my two guardians. I would also like you all to stay.” This act had earned Peter’s trust. ‘A leader who knows when to take a step back. This is a quality that is hard to come by. Perhaps I should also take a step back.’

Thinking along that line, Peter pulled Dr. Mabel up and reeled in his killing intent. The second he restrained his killing intent, one of the guardians on the floor fled back to the shadows. However, the other guardian boldly exerted his killing intent again.

“Dr. Mabel. I have already compromised and released my killing intent. I recommend you tell your guardian to stand down.” The guardian turned pale and angrily yelled, “Who are you to tell Dr. Mabel what to do?!”

“Silence! Be grateful Peter has spared your life. Get out, now!” Dr. Mabel said

After the guardian left, Dr. Mabel and James acted as if nothing happened and hit it off. As a scholar, James was naturally well-versed in many fields, but they shared one common interest: psychology. Bored, the trio left Dr. Mabel and James to their own devices and walked around the hospital.

“Hey Rem, can…can we take a picture together?” Anne said. Rem’s face turned bright red, but fiercely nodded. Seeing the lovey-dovey couple, Peter felt sick and abandoned them as well. ‘God damn brats, don’t bother with his old man! Not like I wanted to be in the picture.’ Peter pouted and lightly kicked the sole of his shoe while walking randomly around the hallway.

“This is a restricted area.” A voice called out to Peter. Brushing off the man, Peter turned around and muttered, “Restricted areas? Seriously? What do you even have to hide?” He activated [Tyrant’s Eye] and immediately understood the need for secrecy. Inside the room contained shelves of medical supplies, food and weapons.

The afternoon was coming to an end, and Peter started to feel mentally exhausted, especially after fusing with dragon’s blood. After getting lost multiple times, he finally stumbled across the stairs to the second floor, which had a huge red sign with the words residency painted across the middle.