"It's been ten days since I last saw Seraphine and Senkoku. I can only hope they're okay... and my two familiars too. And here I am, standing in front of a summoned dungeon. Tsk. As if dealing with monsters wasn't enough—now the system's summoning dungeons on top of it."
"Are you ready?" Zeyna's voice came from behind me, calm but filled with purpose.
"Yeah, everything's set. The items are good to go," Lilith added, her tone just as focused.
I was about to move forward when Zeyna suddenly stopped me. "You can't come with us," she said, her voice steady but resolute. "We'll handle this."
I froze, confusion creeping up. "What? Why not?"
Lilith glanced at me with a teasing smile. "You're on a mission, right? From Lord Copy-Paste?"
"...Yeah," I muttered, feeling the weight of my responsibilities again.
Zeyna's expression softened, and she stepped closer to me. "You can go your own way," she said, her words tender now. "I've cherished the time we've spent together."
Before I could respond, she pressed her lips to mine, pulling me into a deep, lingering kiss. Her arms wrapped around me, and I instinctively hugged her back, holding onto the moment like it was slipping away too quickly.
The kiss lasted longer than expected, and when she finally pulled back, she whispered in my ear, her breath hot against my skin.
"Do I really need to do that?" I asked, my voice betraying the blush creeping across my face.
"Yes," she replied, a mischievous smile dancing on her lips. "You do."
With a heavy sigh, I turned toward Lilith, who was watching me with curious eyes, as if waiting for something. Without thinking, I reached out, cupping her cheek gently. Her skin was soft beneath my touch, and I felt her breath hitch as her face flushed a shade of crimson.
I leaned in, my lips brushing against hers softly at first. But as she leaned into me, her hands grasped the fabric of my shirt, pulling me closer. The kiss deepened, her warmth igniting a fire I couldn't ignore. For a moment, time seemed to slow as we stayed locked in that embrace, her kiss speaking volumes.
"See you," Zeyna called out, her voice filled with a mix of cheer and determination as she and Lilith headed toward the dungeon.
I stood there for a moment, watching them disappear into the distance. With a quiet sigh, I murmured to myself, "Only two more." Then, without a second thought, I teleported to my next target, ready for whatever came next.
I arrived, groaning as I shifted my sore muscles. Damn, that was a long way. My butt's still cramping from all that teleporting.
I looked around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings.
"Huh," I muttered, wiping my eyes as the world came into focus. "Now I'm in China?"
I scanned the area, completely awestruck by the view. The Li River stretched out before me, a vast serpent of water winding through towering karst mountains, their peaks sharp and jagged against the clear blue sky. The mist hung low over the water, giving everything an eerie, yet beautiful atmosphere. The air was thick with the scent of fresh water and earth. It was... tranquil. Majestic, even.
[System Notification: You have arrived at your destination — Li River, China.]
Yeah, no kidding. I could see that.
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the world pressing on me once again. There was no time to waste. A mission to complete, and I wasn't about to let anything distract me.
But still, I couldn't help but admire the place for a second longer.
After all, how often do you get to see a view like this? Even a guy like me needed a moment to take it all in before diving headfirst into whatever the hell was waiting for me next.
I walked around, admiring the scenery. The flowers swayed gently in the breeze, their colors vibrant against the backdrop of the clear sky. I couldn't help but wonder how this place had managed to remain untouched by the chaos of the monster invasions. China was vast, sure, but it was also strong. Not just strong in size, but in resilience.
I paused for a moment, taking in the peaceful surroundings. It was hard to believe that the world had shifted so dramatically just months ago—monsters, systems, all of it. Yet here, everything seemed so... untouched. The quiet hum of nature was a sharp contrast to the battle-hardened world I'd become accustomed to.
I couldn't shake the feeling that, despite everything, there was still beauty in the world. Maybe it was just the calm before the storm, or maybe... maybe it was something else.
But I couldn't stay here forever. I had a mission, after all. And in this world, no place was truly safe for long.
I sighed and continued walking, the peace of this moment slipping away as I refocused on the path ahead. There were still battles to fight, and I had no intention of backing down from them.
As I walk through the forest, the hairs on the back of my neck prickle, like someone is following me.
As I walked, I glanced at both sides, trying not to look suspicious so I wouldn't alert the person following me.
As I trekked deeper into the forest, the weight of the situation pressed down on me. The path ahead was uncertain, and it was clear that I needed to adjust. I paused, glancing at the sky to estimate how much time I had before darkness fully took over. "Guess I need to change my equipment," I muttered under my breath.
Three days ago, I'd bought new gear—sleek, efficient, and designed to give me an edge. I needed it now more than ever. Slipping between the trees, I found a secluded spot. Time to hide and get suited up.
First, I reached into my pack and pulled out the Titan's Grip Gauntlets. The heavy iron gauntlets slid over my hands with ease. They were bulky but well-crafted, designed to amplify the force of my punches. A simple jab would hit with the power of a sledgehammer. I flexed my fingers, the enchanted iron offering both protection and lethal strength. Perfect for the close-quarters combat I'd soon face.
Next, I grabbed the Windstride Boots. These boots were light as air, designed for fluid movement. They weren't just for running—they allowed me to dance through the air, my feet barely touching the ground as I moved. The wind magic imbued in them hummed under my soles, promising faster, more precise kicks. I laced them up, feeling the surge of energy.
The Ironclad Armwraps came next. They were like a second skin for my arms—reinforced with enchanted iron threads to protect my forearms and knuckles. With these wraps, every punch would hit harder, every block more stable. No room for errors when I was in the heat of battle.
I unrolled the Furystrike Leggings, woven from enchanted leather and reinforced with dragon scales. They were flexible enough to allow rapid movement but durable enough to withstand the toughest blows. With every movement, I felt my legs growing stronger, more precise. The runes etched into the fabric were like a silent promise—each kick I delivered would land with force.
Then came the Searing Fist Bracers. I strapped them on, the cool metal warming instantly as the magic within them activated. With every punch, my fists would ignite, searing through flesh and bone with fire and raw energy. The impact would burn deep, leaving my enemies reeling.
Next was the Thunderclap Belt. I cinched it around my waist, feeling the subtle hum of its enchantments. It wasn't just for holding up my gear—it balanced me perfectly, and with every movement, it stored kinetic energy. A well-placed strike, and the belt would release that energy in a shockwave, amplifying the damage of my blows.
I slipped on the Bladed Kicks Greaves. These weren't just for protection—they were designed for offense. The tips were sharp, adding slashing damage to every kick. Each strike would cut through defenses, making my legs as deadly as any blade.
Finally, I put on the Viperstrike Gloves. Fingerless and sleek, they allowed for maximum agility. The retractable spikes on the knuckles glinted in the fading light. Perfect for rapid strikes and precise damage in the heat of a fight. With these gloves, I'd be ready for anything—quick jabs, grapples, you name it.
With all my gear in place, I felt the familiar surge of confidence flow through me. My body was covered, my weapons ready. Now, I was prepared to face whatever lay ahead.
I've been walking for an hour, but all I've seen are rabbits, birds, and other animals — no monsters in sight.
"How long do you plan on following me?" I said, my voice low and sharp. Before she could react, I blinked out of sight and reappeared behind her, silent as a shadow.
She stiffened, instinct kicking in, and spun around with a wild kick aimed straight at my head. I watched her move — fast, but not fast enough. With a slight tilt of my body, I dodged it effortlessly, my eyes cold and unreadable.
"You'll have to do better than that," I murmured.
She let out an exasperated tsk, her gaze narrowing with suspicion.
"How did you sneak in here?" she asked, voice tinged with disbelief. "The guards shouldn't have let you through. Only me and my sister are allowed in this part of the forest."
I blinked, taking a half-step forward, my expression unreadable. "Guards?"
Her eyes flashed, as if the question itself irritated her. "Yes," she said, her tone firm, almost defiant. "We have three hundred guards outside this forest. They're stationed in every possible direction, making sure no one gets past. You shouldn't have made it this far without someone noticing."
I tilted my head slightly, a small smirk playing on my lips as I studied her. "Three hundred, huh? That's impressive. But it seems I'm just… not someone they notice."
"You?!" she snarled, her eyes flashing with determination. In an instant, she charged at me, her body moving with lightning speed.
I grinned, unfazed by her rush.
She didn't hesitate. With a fierce spin, she leaped into the air, her leg glowing with fiery energy. "Phoenix Feather Kick!" she shouted, the name of her signature move echoing in the air. The kick was a high, spinning arc, radiant with flames like the wings of a phoenix.
The heat from the attack hit the air with a sharp sting, and I could feel the burn as it came closer. The force of the blow would ignite anything it touched and stagger the target for a moment, leaving them vulnerable.
But I wasn't about to be caught off guard. With a quick sidestep, I let the flames whip by, the air around me crackling with heat. Her kick missed by inches, and before she could recover, I was already a step ahead.
"Impressive," I murmured, watching her land with a slight stagger. "But not enough."
I couldn't resist the temptation to taunt her. With a slow, deliberate motion, I swung a hook kick through the air, my foot cutting a wide arc toward her. The move wasn't meant to hit — it was meant to provoke.
Her eyes narrowed, and I could see the flash of irritation cross her face. "You're really asking for it now," she growled, her frustration barely contained.
Without wasting a second, she launched herself at me, throwing a flurry of punches. Each one came at me fast, sharp, and with precise intent.
I dodged and blocked her blows with ease, my movements calm, controlled. "For someone your age," I said with a smirk, "you're pretty good."
Her cheeks flushed, and she scowled, embarrassed but undeterred. With a snarl, she unleashed even more rapid punches, her fists a blur in the air.
I blocked each one effortlessly, my arms moving like a fluid shield. Then, with a slight shift, I countered with a palm strike — slow at first, but a little faster than she expected. She managed to block it, but the force behind the strike sent her stumbling back, her feet skidding across the ground.
"Kghh," she growled, her eyes narrowing into a fierce glare that made my grin widen. There was something about that look — the same fiery spirit I saw in Yuna, my familiar fox spirit. The kind of raw determination that made even the hardest battles feel like they were worth fighting.
Without a word, she dropped into her stance. Her body coiled low to the ground, one leg bent deeply while the other stretched slightly backward, her hands poised like claws, ready to strike.
I knew exactly what was coming.
With a fierce cry, she shot forward, her movements fast and predatory. Her arms sliced through the air with deadly precision, each swing like a razor-sharp claw. Then, her leg shot up, spinning through the air with the speed of a tiger's swipe, and her foot came crashing toward me with a brutal kick.
I grinned. Let's see what you've got.
Her palms came at me first, sharp as claws, and I met them head-on with my knee, absorbing the shock of the strike. The force rattled me, but I stood firm, never budging an inch. She was fast, no doubt about it.
Before I could fully react, her foot collided with my side, a ferocious kick aimed at knocking me off balance. I absorbed it with ease, the impact rocking me back slightly, but I didn't give ground. I pushed back, my smirk unwavering.
"You're quick," I said, voice dripping with amusement. "But I've faced worse."
She didn't take kindly to my words. Her eyes flared with challenge, and she squared up, readying herself for the next move.
"A tiger stance at your age?" I grinned, impressed by her form. "Guess I need to get a little serious."
Stretching my arm out, I cracked my knuckles and gave her a challenging look. "Try to keep up, okay?" The grin never left my face, though something darker, more intense, began to simmer beneath the surface.
I closed my eyes for just a moment, activating my first skill: Swift Mind.
In an instant, the world around me seemed to slow. My senses sharpened, and every movement of hers became clear to me, like I could read her every step before she even made it. My body hummed with energy as my reflexes accelerated. Everything, even the smallest shift in the air, was now within my reach.
I let out a breath, and my lips curved into a smile. It was time to end this. I activated my second skill: Whirlwind Rush.
Before she could blink, I was in front of her, moving with the speed of a storm. My first punch landed, but I pulled back just enough to make sure it wouldn't cause her harm. The force was enough to jolt her back, and I saw the surprise flash in her eyes. She wasn't expecting it, not at this speed.
But I wasn't done.
I continued my assault, my hands moving with precision, but I controlled the force with every blow. A flurry of punches rained down — quick jabs aimed at her guard, not meant to injure but to push her back, to test her. She blocked most of them, but the last one hit her square in the chest, the impact sending her stumbling backward.
She skidded a few steps, but I was already there, moving in again, my body a blur of calculated speed. I didn't want to hurt her, but I wasn't about to let her think she could win this easily either.
"You're good," I said, my voice low, eyes still locked on hers. "But don't expect me to hold back much longer."
I shifted my weight and launched a hook kick towards her head. She blocked it, but I was already moving, following up with a back kick aimed at her midsection. She ducked under it just in time, but I wasn't finished.
Without missing a beat, I spun low, my body moving in a blur as I aimed a downward kick straight for her. She backed up, narrowly avoiding the strike, and in one fluid motion, jumped into the air, spinning to gain momentum.
That was when I saw the opening. I dashed forward, closing the distance in an instant. Reaching out, I grabbed her by the wrist before she could react. With a swift motion, I rotated myself, using her own momentum against her, and slammed her down onto the ground, her body crashing against the earth with a thud.
I stood above her, breathing steadily, a smirk on my face. "Not bad," I said, eyes gleaming. "But you'll need more than that to take me down."
She growled, her eyes blazing with determination as she pushed herself back onto her feet. "Grrr… You're gonna regret holding back," she snarled, her voice low and fierce, the challenge clear in her tone.
I grinned, my stance widening slightly, ready to face whatever she had left. This was the kind of fight I lived for.
She cracked her knuckles, eyes never leaving mine. The air between us seemed to vibrate with the tension. "Bring it," I said, my grin widening as I dropped into a more prepared stance.
The moment I blinked, she moved.
Faster than I anticipated, she launched herself toward me with a series of rapid, fluid strikes — a combination of punches and kicks that I could barely keep up with. My hands flew up to block her strikes, but the speed and precision of her attacks were impressive. Each hit was a test of my defenses, each movement filled with a raw, fiery energy.
But I wasn't going down that easily.
I parried her punch, ducked under a kick, and with a swift pivot, sent my own counterattack. A spinning roundhouse aimed straight at her midsection. She blocked it, but I followed through, locking eyes with her in the chaos of the moment.
The ground beneath us felt like it was trembling as we both pushed forward, testing the limits of our skills. It wasn't just a fight anymore; it was a battle for dominance.