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Defeated [-̶̧̛̻͕̹̩̖͕̑̈́̂͗̾͊̓͌̀͗́͝ͅ-̵̖͎͖̤̌̇̿̓̿̌́̆͛͆͘͝-̵̧̣̩͚̗͕̤͙͉̱͕͎͔̟͐̑͊͌ͅ-̶̻͕̲͓͈̼̥̰̘͔͛̍̊̒̉̈́̐̂̋̕͝ -̶̧̛̻͕̹̩̖͕̑̈́̂͗̾͊̓͌̀͗́͝ͅ-̵̖͎͖̤̌̇̿̓̿̌́̆͛͆͘͝-̵̧̣̩͚̗͕̤͙͉̱͕͎͔̟͐̑͊͌ͅ-̶̻͕̲͓͈̼̥̰̘͔͛̍̊̒̉̈́̐̂̋̕͝ -̶̧̛̻͕̹̩̖͕̑̈́̂͗̾͊̓͌̀͗́͝ͅ-̵̖͎͖̤̌̇̿̓̿̌́̆͛͆͘͝-̵̧̣̩͚̗͕̤͙͉̱͕͎͔̟͐̑͊͌ͅ-̶̻͕̲͓͈̼̥̰̘͔͛̍̊̒̉̈́̐̂̋̕͝ - Lvl.-̶̧̛̻͕̹̩̖͕̑̈́̂͗̾͊̓͌̀͗́͝ͅ-̵̖͎͖̤̌̇̿̓̿̌́̆͛͆͘͝-̵̧̣̩͚̗͕̤͙͉̱͕͎͔̟͐̑͊͌ͅ-̶̻͕̲͓͈̼̥̰̘͔͛̍̊̒̉̈́̐̂̋̕͝]!

Experience is awarded for defeating a corrupted piece of the world!

…

Defeated [-̶̧̛̻͕̹̩̖͕̑̈́̂͗̾͊̓͌̀͗́͝ͅ-̵̖͎͖̤̌̇̿̓̿̌́̆͛͆͘͝-̵̧̣̩͚̗͕̤͙͉̱͕͎͔̟͐̑͊͌ͅ-̶̻͕̲͓͈̼̥̰̘͔͛̍̊̒̉̈́̐̂̋̕͝ -̶̧̛̻͕̹̩̖͕̑̈́̂͗̾͊̓͌̀͗́͝ͅ-̵̖͎͖̤̌̇̿̓̿̌́̆͛͆͘͝-̵̧̣̩͚̗͕̤͙͉̱͕͎͔̟͐̑͊͌ͅ-̶̻͕̲͓͈̼̥̰̘͔͛̍̊̒̉̈́̐̂̋̕͝ -̶̧̛̻͕̹̩̖͕̑̈́̂͗̾͊̓͌̀͗́͝ͅ-̵̖͎͖̤̌̇̿̓̿̌́̆͛͆͘͝-̵̧̣̩͚̗͕̤͙͉̱͕͎͔̟͐̑͊͌ͅ-̶̻͕̲͓͈̼̥̰̘͔͛̍̊̒̉̈́̐̂̋̕͝ - Lvl.-̶̧̛̻͕̹̩̖͕̑̈́̂͗̾͊̓͌̀͗́͝ͅ-̵̖͎͖̤̌̇̿̓̿̌́̆͛͆͘͝-̵̧̣̩͚̗͕̤͙͉̱͕͎͔̟͐̑͊͌ͅ-̶̻͕̲͓͈̼̥̰̘͔͛̍̊̒̉̈́̐̂̋̕͝]!

Experience is awarded for defeating a corrupted piece of the world!

I was bombarded by a dozen different notifications the moment I finished off the corrupted island. It worked just like the Cursed Boulder— or rather, the corrupted boulder. Each time I destroyed a piece of it, the corruption would regeneratre from the remnants and grow even more numerous.

A single swing of the Sword of Alexander was enough to break the corrupted island. Technically, that defeated it the first time around. But it came back stronger each time, so I resorted to using [Radiant Slash], not sure if that would make a difference.

Apparently, [Champion’s Slash] worked with [Radiant Slash]. Not just that, it felt like it could meld its power with any offensive slash-attack I had. Perhaps not to the same efficacy as with [Radiant Slash]— which destroyed all of the corrupted island and its regenerating pieces in a single strike— but it would certainly deal a lot of damage.

As for the act of defeating the corrupted island itself… well, it proved to be a much greater feat than just killing a single corrupted boulder. Not only was it far, far, far larger in terms of mass, it also had a greater area of effect with how afr its corruption could spread. Sure, I was higher-leveled now compared to when I fought the corrupted boulder, but it still awarded me an abundance of experience.

Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!

[Daeva Cambion – Lvl. 138] -> [Daeva Cambion – Lvl. 139]

Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!

…

Subspecies [Daeva Cambion] Level Up!

[Daeva Cambion – Lvl. 140] -> [Daeva Cambion – Lvl. 141]

Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!

Class [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!

[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 103] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 104]

Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!

…

Class [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!

[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 107] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 108]

Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!

“Huh.”

It gave me three levels for my Subspecies, and five levels for my Class. At first, I had been confused why it gave me so many levels for my Class considering I had only used [Warped Time], [Truth Divination], and [Draconic Fury]— although the latter two weren’t even directed towards the corrupted island.

I’d used [Draconic Fury] way earlier against the [Witch], and [Truth Divination] to convey my feelings to Novis, Bellum, and Oriur. The three of them had been upset at me. Although, Novis was the most afflicted, having been hexed. But I managed to break them free from that wicked magic.

Anyway, as I flew with the three baby Wyverns away from the [Witch]’s hideout and looked over my Status, I realized the reason why my Class had gained so many levels from the battle. It was in the name and the description.

“Riiiiiiiiiight, I destroyed the corruption, and I’m a [Draconic Apprentice]. That explains everything!”

I snapped my fingers. The sound drew the attention of those flying with me. Novis blinked at me with round eyes.

“Something wrong, mama Salvos?”

“Oh, it’s nothing! I just figured out something important…”

I waved a hand off dismissively. It was quite significant— knowing that destroying the corruption functioned as a Class objective for me. It meant that if I continued to battle the corruption, even if I didn’t contribute much from my Class, it would still gain levels from it. And perhaps it could finally catch up to my Subspecies.

Novis lowered his head as I hummed happily to myself. I was in my regular form right now, and he had no problems with that. Not after we’d found our resolution and he accepted me for who I was— partially thanks to [Truth Divination] helping break the hex. Still, he frowned and spoke softly.

“...[Witch]?”

He asked. I blinked and stared at the baby Wyvern. Fortunately, I was used to speaking with Willy, so I knew what he meant, even if he only said one word.

“Oh, the [Witch]? I took care of her. She tried to force me to make a deal with her so you’d be free from the hex. I didn’t kill her because I was afraid I wouldn’t have been able to cure you myself, but… I guess it turns out everything was fine!”

I beamed at him. The baby Wyvern stared at me in awe.

But this time, it was Willy who gave me a curious look. He had been accompanying me slowly from behind, and he had leveled a little bit from helping with the fight with the corrupted island. He wasn’t there when I fought the [Witch]. So, obviously, he had questions.

“Where?”

I tilted my head at the [Will O’ Wisp]. Then I made a sound of understanding.

“Where is she? Oh—”

Grimfang floated in a dark ocean. A beautiful canvas, speckled with light. Stars dotted the shadows like torchlight in a city of magic and wonder. Except, this was not a wonderful place at all.

The [Witch] couldn’t move. She couldn’t escape. That cursed Demon had trapped her, using an artifact as she tried to bargain with it. And now, she was stuck. She sighed.

“Fuck…”

“Remember that artifact I stole from that annoying Archdemon hunting down Daniel and princess Faith?”

Willy gave me a blank stare. I hesitated.

“It’s called the Ring of the Forgotten Prison. Epic Grade. You know?”

I produced it, waving it in front of the [Will O’ Wisp]. He gave no answer. I sighed.

“And I was trapped in it for a little bit?”

“...”

“...because I was being too cocky?”

“Ah!”

Willy exclaimed. His flames flickered as he faced me.

“Heh.”

“Oh, shut up.”

I rolled my eyes. We continued flying our way back to where we left the Beastmen as I looked over my Status.

Salvos (Secely’s Sentinel) (The Devil’s Daughter)

Species: [Archdemon of Pride]

Subspecies: [Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 141

Class: [Draconic Apprentice] - Lvl. 108

General Skills:

[Advanced Mana Manipulation] - Lvl. 8

[Corruption Resistance] - Lvl. 1

[Identification] - Lvl. 6

[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 2

[Rest] - Lvl. 5

[Wisdom of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 1

[Title Skill: General Status Effect Resistance] - Lvl. 1

[Ttle Skill: Invoke Wrath] - Lvl. 1

[Title Skill: Protection of the Sentinel] - Lvl. 1

[Title Skill: The Devil’s Grace] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)

[Racial Skill: Divine Essence of the Daeva Cambion] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)

Stats:

[Available Stat Points: 0]

[Vitality]: 180 (+30) (+10)

[Strength]: 180 (+30) (+10)

[Endurance]: 180 (+30) (+10) (+3)

[Wisdom]: 300 (+30) (+10) (+20)

[Agility]: 360 (+30) (+10) (+5)

Skills:

[Available Skill Points: 0]

[Barrage of Cinders] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)

[Demon’s Mark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)

[Haste] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)

[Intimidation] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)

[Faux Limbs] - Lvl. 20

[Nebular Construct] - Lvl. 24

[Radiant Slash] - Lvl. 15 (Maxed)

[Salvo of Vanity] - Lvl. 25 (Maxed)

[The Primordial Spark] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)

[Wings of the Netherworld] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)

[Passive - A Hunter’s Sense] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)

[Passive - Blue Flames] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)

[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)

[My Flame Shall Burn Until Eternity Ends] - Lvl. 1 (Maxed)

Secondary Skills:

[Available Secondary Skill Points: 4]

[Draconic Fury] - Lvl. 10

[Fragmented Pocket Dimension] - Lvl. 10

[Full Phase] - Lvl. 5

[Greater Teleportation] - Lvl. 5

[Manifestation of the Old Gods] - Lvl. 5

[Truth Divination] - Lvl. 3

[Warped Time] - Lvl. 20 (Maxed)

[Passive - Dragon Scales] - Lvl. 4

[Passive - Master of Material Manipulation] - Lvl. 2

[Passive - Weaker Regeneration] - Lvl.3

I hadn’t maxed out all of my Skills for my Subspecies just yet, but I knew I would soon. Both [Faux Limbs] and [Nebular Construct] were on the brink of it. Perhaps once [Nebular Construct] was maxed out, I could create more Primordial Weapons with less difficulty than before. As for [Faux Limbs]... having more limbs was always good.

I distributed my Stat Points evenly between [Wisdom] and [Agility], while also focusing on only [Draconic Fury] and [Fragmented Pocket Dimension] for my Class. With all that settled, I looked up as we reached the gathering of the Furious Whispers Tribe and the Grave Hill Tribe.

“She’s back!”

Mountaintooth called up to me. Heads turned as they cheered, and I slowly descended— this time, with Novis, Bellum, and Oriur accompanying me. Willy was there too, of course.

I turned to the baby Wyverns.

“And promise me you guys won’t lash out at the Beastmen, m’kay?”

“Y-yes, mama Salvos!”

They chorused hesitantly. My feet touched the ground a moment later as a gathering of Beastmen rushed up to me. The first in line was the [Leopard Beastman] from the Grave Hill Tribe. He looked slightly apprehensively, but he couldn’t help but speak.

“Did you… cleanse our lands from the curse?”

I shook my head and raised a finger. He flinched, but I explained.

“First of all, it’s not a curse. It’s a corruption.”

“A corruption?”

The gathered Beastmen exchanged confused looks. I nodded.

“Yep. That’s why you can’t use [Identification] on it. It corrupts everything it touches. You should stay away from it. Or destroy it before it gets too big. Anyway—”

I clapped my hands together as the Grave Hill Tribe members drew back, startled. I faced them.

“Second of all, yep! I did destroy it. The corrupted island was big. I can see why you guys were scared of it and turned to that [Witch] for help.”

They sighed in relief. But another voice spoke out.

“And what about the [Witch]?”

I turned around. It was Tuktox. The eldest of the Furious Whispers Tribe. He lowered his head at me, asking simply.

“Is the [Witch] dead?”

He wore a look of concern. It was a valid worry, since the [Witch] was the one who’d wanted his tribe dead— sacrificed for whatever reason. I gave him a reassuring smile.

“I dealt with her. In fact, here she is! You can do whatever you want with her.”

Tuktox paused. He stared at me.

“Wait—”

But he was too late. I produced the Ring of the Forgotten Prison, tapping it as I poured my mana into its enchantments. There was a flash—

And the [Witch] was standing there, blinking.

“What…?”

She looked around, puzzled. There were gasps. Screams. The [Leopard Beastman] and his tribe backed up warily as Tuktox nearly fell over.

“It’s the [Witch]!”

“She’s going to hex us all!”

“Why am I—”

The [Witch] started, clearly confused. But she paused as I raised the Sword of Alexander to her head.

“Do anything, and I’ll kill you. Understand?”

I eyed her dangerously. The [Rat Beastman] woman gulped. She nodded slowly.

“I-I… understand.”

I dusted my hands off as Tuktox and the [Leopard Beastman] stepped forward to take care of her. They still looked nervous, for whatever reason. I was here— it was not like she could do anything.

But Willy floated forward, sighing.

“Stupid.”

“What?”

I frowned at him. However, the [Will O’ Wisp] didn’t answer. He just kept a close eye on the [Witch] as a discussion broke out. I stood there, harrumphing in annoyance until I heard a cough.

I turned to face an Elf— the same Elf [Necromancer] I met just before leaving. Minnow Fellingchamp. He strode forward, clearing his throat.

“S-sorry for the interruption. I know you’re a busy lady. But… they wanted to speak with you.”

He stepped to the side as three figures approached me. I looked at the [Lion Beastman] cubs.

“Mountaintooth, Amberarm, Sharpbraid! How are you guys doing?”

I beamed at them. They stepped forward excitedly, exclaiming.

“Avenger! You did it again!”

“You defeated the curse a second time!”

“We knew you could do it!”

I raised my chin triumphantly.

“Well—”

But a growl cut me off. I looked down at Novis, Bellum, and Oriur. Well, only Novis and Bellum. They snarled at the [Lion Beastman] cubs’ approach. Mountaintooth, Amberarm, and Sharpbraid halted. They eyed the baby Wyverns, exchanging anxious glances.

“That’s enough, Novis, Bellum.”

I patted Oriur who didn’t growl, but instead hugged my leg tighter. Still, I ushered them forward.

“There’s no need to be afraid of them. Remember what I said?”

The baby Wyverns whined, huddling together in fear. But I stepped aside and waved Mountaintooth, Amberarm, and Sharpbraid forward.

“Come say hi. They’re just shy.”

Amberarm and Sharpbraid hesitated, but the lead [Lion Beastman] cub strode forward, trusting me. He came to a halt just before my legs, looking into the eyes of Novis. The baby Wyvern tried to avert his gaze, but I gently patted the baby Wyvern on the shoulder.

“This is Mountaintooth, Novis. He’s nice. He’s a friend.”

I spoke gently. Softly. Reassuringly.

“There’s no need to be afraid of Mountaintooth. He won’t harm you or me. Trust me, Novis.”

Mountaintooth nodded and proffered a clawed hand. The beastial boy smiled kindly.

“My name is Mountaintooth. It is nice to meet you, younger Novis?”

Meanwhile, Novis slowly met the [Lion Beastman]’s gaze. The baby Wyvern stepped forward, even with trembling legs. He reached out, accepting Mountaintooth’s paw.

“I have never seen a Wyvern until today. You look so majestic.”

The [Lion Beastman] cub whispered, still smiling. I watched as they shook each other by the claw-paws. Mountaintooth laughed as Amberarm and Sharpbraid edged forward, no longer as nervous, while Bellum and Oriur stepped out from behind me as well.

Novis, on the other hand, stood taller. Straighter. No longer as afraid or antsy as before. He looked up, meeting Mountaintooth’s gaze. The baby Wyvern returned the smile, trying to work his jaw. I leaned forward intently, watching Novis’ mouth shake. I could see him fighting against his fear. He forced himself to speak as the [Lion Beastman] cubs waited in anticipation. And—

“Grrr!”

I froze. Mountaintooth blinked.

“Uh, what?”

He exchanged a glance with Amberarm and Sharpbraid as Novis flushed. I stared at the baby Wyvern. For a moment, there was only silence. No one said a word. Then I scratched the back of my head.

“Oh, right.”

I looked apologetically to the [Lion Beastman] cubs.

“Wyverns can’t speak.”

They slowly processed this. And then their jaws dropped.

“Oops…”