POV Logan
I woke up an hour before the scheduled meeting. Needing a moment of solitude, I decided to do some exercise before heading out on the hunt. After getting ready quickly, I made my way toward the mountain that loomed majestically opposite the forest — the one causing trouble, overrun with monsters.
The path was steep and demanding, but the climb gave me a sense of freedom and mental clarity. The crisp morning air filled my lungs as I scaled the rocky slopes, my thoughts falling into place with each step. The higher I climbed, the more breathtaking the view became, revealing a stunning panorama of the surrounding lands.
I paused for a moment to catch my breath and take in the endless landscape. That's when I spotted creatures I had never encountered before. Stone serpents, moving with surprising fluidity despite their rigid appearance, slithered between the rocks. Their skin resembled rough stone, blending almost perfectly with the terrain.
Not far from there, I also came across white bears — but these were unlike any ordinary bears. Long, sharp horns protruded from their heads, giving them an appearance both majestic and fearsome. These creatures seemed to stand watch over the mountain, silent guardians of this secluded and mysterious place.
"Analyse."
Name: Dedos | Race: Magical Reptile | Age: Unknown | Profession: Underground Guardian | Level: 35
Vitality: 200 | Magic Power: 90 | Attack: 100 | Defense: 300 | Speed: 90 | Endurance: 150 | Agility: 139 | Intelligence: 100 | Physique: 250 | Willpower: 120 | Calculation: 110
Skills: Rock Throw, Quicksand, Mineral Armor, Stone Camouflage, Underground Tunneling
Unique Skills: Earth Wall, Earth Resonance
Legendary Skills: (None)
Element: Earth
Titles:
• Guardian of the Underground
• Elder of Stone
The stone serpent seemed strong, but nothing compared to this bear:
Name: Garonne Bear | Race: Magical Bear (Polar Species) | Age: Unknown | Profession: Tribal Guardian | Level: 45
Vitality: 300 | Magic Power: 158 | Attack: 200 | Defense: 300 | Speed: 90 | Endurance: 150 | Agility: 139 | Intelligence: 500 | Physique: 300 | Willpower: 180 |
Skills: Polar Claw, Ice Shield, Freezing Howl, Frost Strike, Boreal Crush, Mark of Frost
Unique Skill: Blizzard
Legendary Skills: (None)
Element: Ice
Titles:
• Tribal Chief
It had tremendous vitality and defense, along with some noteworthy skills. But what impressed me most was its intelligence stat.
"Could it be one of those monsters capable of consciousness?"
I wanted to test myself against it, to gauge the power of my attacks. I stood before it, waiting for it to charge at me. But it ignored me entirely, and that's when I noticed — the bear had cubs.
"So, not all monsters are aggressive," I muttered, continuing calmly on my way.
Realizing they meant no harm, I kept jogging for a while, letting myself be carried away by the physical effort and the tranquility of the environment. The stone serpents, too, paid me no mind, gliding peacefully between the rocks without any sign of hostility.
After some time, I finally reached the mountaintop. There, an awe-inspiring panorama unfolded before me — a magnificent view stretching as far as the eye could see. Majestic mountains rose on the horizon, forests spread like endless green carpets, and rivers shimmered under the rising sun.
I sat quietly on a flat rock, letting the cool breeze brush against my face. It was the perfect moment for reflection. Recent events replayed in my mind like a film.
"Alfred and his men are anything but sympathetic to me. In fact, I'm convinced they're plotting something against me. As for Aria… her presence here isn't some random coincidence. Chance doesn't exist; there's always a logical explanation. Are they planning to use her against me? Most likely. But if they think they can trap me, they're sorely mistaken. They have no idea what I'm truly capable of.The real question is: how am I going to change this rotten society? And above all… who exactly is this goddess? What's her true goal?"
My thoughts drifted back to the day I was summoned into this world.
"Should I go as far as killing my former classmates if they stand in my way? Most likely. Here, weakness is paid for in blood. But what intrigues me the most are the dungeons: why do they exist? What's their true purpose? And the blatant inconsistencies I've found in the history books… they can only point to one single origin: that damned goddess."
"But enough of that one thing at a time," I muttered as I rose to my feet.
My gaze swept across the horizon, taking in every detail of the breathtaking landscape sprawling before me. After one last lingering look, I drew in a deep breath and steeled myself for the next step of my journey.
Then, without hesitation, I let myself fall into the void, the rush of cool wind now lashing against my skin with invigorating intensity. The sensation of free fall—of surrendering completely to the forces of nature brought with it a strange, intoxicating sense of freedom.
"I stopped being afraid the day the person dearest to me took her own life," I murmured, my thoughts drifting back to Saori, whose memory still haunted me.
Her loss had carved into me an unshakable determination and a complete indifference to danger. The ground was rushing up fast, but I kept my hands in my pockets—calm and unflinching. Just before impact, I stabilized myself midair, using my powers to control my descent. My landing sent out a powerful shockwave of air, scattering dust and dead leaves in all directions.
Standing there at the foot of the mountain, I felt more alive than ever—the solid ground beneath my feet, ready to face whatever challenges awaited me.
As I continued on my path, my eyes were drawn to a heart-wrenching scene in the distance. The white bear I had seen earlier was ambushed by a group of humans. She was desperately trying to protect her cubs, her once-pristine fur now stained with blood. Every movement she made was filled with pain and sheer determination.
"She's done for, guys! Let's finish her quickly her cubs will fetch a fortune!" shouted one of the men, his eyes gleaming with greed and cruelty.
Their intentions were clear, their thirst for profit making them merciless. The men grouped together to unleash a combined attack, summoning both fire and lightning. A devastating blast of energy shot toward the bear, threatening to reduce her to ashes. But the attack never reached her. A shimmering wall of protection rose up, halting the strike cold.
Approaching the wounded bear, I gently stroked her head, feeling her labored breaths and fading strength.
"You fought well. Don't worry I'll handle them," I whispered, my fingers brushing her blood-matted fur. The men, stunned and furious, turned toward me, their eyes blazing with anger.
"Who the hell are you? Why are you protecting that monster?!" one of them barked.
"This 'monster' is harmless. Why do you want her dead?" I asked, my voice calm yet laced with challenge.
"For the money, of course!" one adventurer sneered, his face twisted with greed.
Their motive was as simple as it was vile; their humanity completely eclipsed by avarice.
"I see. I just wanted to confirm… but now you'll have to leave her alone," I said with a slight nod.
The adventurers burst into mocking laughter, their expressions hardening with contempt.
"What the hell are you saying? Get lost, or we'll kill you too!" one of them spat, his voice dripping with menace.
There were six of them, all around level 30 formidable foes for most. But for me, it was the perfect chance to get some exercise and test my abilities.
"Leave this beast alone, and I'll forget your threats," I warned, my eyes glinting with cold determination.
The leader chuckled, pointing at me mockingly.
"Ha! Kill him!" he ordered, and instantly a barrage of destructive magic surged toward me—a deadly mix of fire, lightning, and ice.
Without hesitation, I raised a triple-layered barrier around the bear and her cubs. The attacks slammed against it with a deafening roar, but the barrier held firm, protected by my will and power.
The exhausted bear looked up at me, her cubs huddled close.
"Stay here," I murmured with a reassuring glance.
Turning back toward the adventurers, I felt a palpable surge of energy rise within me.
"You've made your choice. Now it's my turn," I said in a voice as cold as ice.
I lunged toward the adventurers. My mind was sharp, my body ready to react to the slightest movement. The six men, startled by my speed and resolve, unleashed another storm of spells.
I weaved through their attacks with razor-sharp agility, my movements swift and precise, slipping through the chaos of fire, lightning, and ice like a phantom.
But even with my vigilance, the adventurers managed to coordinate a massive combined strike. The explosive force hit me, and this time, I couldn't fully evade it. The impact sent me skidding back a few meters.
"Another hit like that, and I'll start taking real damage," I said flatly, unfazed, continuing my relentless charge.
The shock that their combined attack hadn't stopped me made them falter for just a heartbeat one heartbeat too long.
I closed the gap with one man before he could react, grabbing his head and slamming it into the ground. With my free hand, I touched the earth, channeling energy. A stone spike erupted upward, piercing through his skull, his blood splattering across my face.
"That's one. Five left," I stated coldly, my gaze shifting to the others.
Wasting no time, I dashed toward the two nearest men, still reeling from the loss of their ally. A flick of my will, and sharp stone spikes erupted from the ground, skewering their feet and pinning them. Walls of jagged stone closed in around them mercilessly.
"No! No! No!" one screamed in a final desperate plea before the spikes impaled them from all sides.
"Three left," I announced, my voice cutting through the tension.
Blood trickled down the stone walls, pooling on the ground. I walked through it without hesitation, each step echoing the weight of what I'd just done. My heart pounded, a wave of nausea rising as the reality of killing a man for the first time settled in. It felt far different than I had imagined.
One of the remaining adventurers collapsed to his knees, tears streaming as he pleaded.
"Wait, man we can make a deal!" he stammered, panic etched across his face.
"Too late," I replied icily, charging at them with full speed.
"Bastard!" he screamed, unleashing a barrage of spells with the others.
I dodged nimbly, scooping up two stones along the way. With deadly precision, I hurled them each stone piercing through the heads of two men, leaving them lifeless on the ground. Only one remained. Desperate, he launched his ultimate attack.
"Die! Infernal Blast!" he roared, releasing an immense pillar of fire.
At this range, dodging was impossible. I plowed straight through the flames, a searing flash of agony tearing through my right arm completely burned.
With a sudden, brutal motion, I grabbed him by the neck, lifting him off the ground as if he weighed nothing.
"Don't kill me, I beg you!" he pleaded, his eyes wide with terror.
"I'm not going to kill you," I said, watching a fleeting spark of relief flash across his face.
Without another word, I hurled him violently to the ground. Using my magic, jagged stone spikes erupted from the earth, piercing through his arms and legs, pinning him completely. I stepped closer once again, my gaze merciless and cold.
"You said you weren't going to kill me!" the man screamed in despair.
"Me? No. But she will," I replied calmly, as a massive white bear approached, her eyes blazing with protective fury.
"No, please… No… AHH!" he shrieked in horror as the bear, with a single powerful swipe, tore his head clean off, splattering my clothes and face with a warm spray of blood.
I stood there, chest heaving, the pounding of my heartbeat echoing in my ears. The scene around me was drenched in brutal violence bodies lying lifeless in pools of crimson.
For a moment, I froze, paralyzed by the weight of what I had just done. I had killed his men… in cold blood. A violent nausea surged inside me, climbing up my throat like burning acid. I doubled over and vomited, my body wracked with uncontrollable spasms. My entire frame trembled, unable to bear the crushing weight of what I had committed. These were my first kills, and the feeling that consumed me was nothing like I had imagined.
I tried to steady myself, to reclaim control, but another thought crossed my mind—perhaps I should eliminate Alfred's group as well. The mere idea made my stomach churn violently, and I vomited again, even harder than before, my body rebelling against me.
The bear, a silent witness to the massacre, stared at me with a gaze that almost felt mocking.
New Title Acquired: Friend of Beasts
Animals and wild creatures sense a familiar presence within you, free of threat. Whether it's ferocious predators or frightened familiars, your aura calms their aggressive instincts and inspires trust. Where others see monsters, you see potential allies. Where others see only prey or danger, you recognize life fragile and precious.
Name: Logan | Race: Human | Age: 18 | Profession: Avenger – ??? | Level: 60
Vitality: 410 | Magic Power: 170 | Attack: 150 | Defense: 145 | Speed: 129 | Endurance: 159 | Agility: 143 | Intelligence: 290 | Physical Strength: 189 | Willpower: 300 | Calculation: 280
Skills: Analysis, Concealment, Haute Couture
Unique Skills: (None)
Legendary Skills: (None)
Exclusive Skills: Vector Control, Ultra-Fast Learning, Encyclopedia
Elements: (None)
Titles Acquired:
• Goblin Exterminator
• Merciless
• Clay Pigeon Shooter
• Insatiable
• Friend of Beasts
Monster Encyclopedia
Garonne Bear
Type: Magical Mammal
Physical Description – Garonne Bear
The Garonne Bear is a majestic and imposing creature, a titan of flesh and crystal whose very presence can freeze the blood of even the bravest souls. Monumental in size, it can easily exceed three meters in height when standing on its hind legs, while its massive weight leaves deep impressions in the earth with each step.
Its body is covered with a thick, silvery-white coat—soft yet dense—designed to withstand the harshest climates. Under the light, it reflects shimmering hues of white, blue, and silver, giving it an almost supernatural aura. The fur around its neck is longer, forming a sort of protective mane.
On its shoulders, chest, and flanks, natural crystallizations are clearly visible: mineral plates resembling iridescent quartz mixed with amethyst and turquoise, embedded within its flesh. These formations appear to grow slowly over the years, acting as natural armor against both physical and magical attacks.
Horns
A long crystalline shard, shaped like a single blue horn, emerges from its forehead, resembling an icy fang tinted with azure. This horn can channel mana.
Paws and Claws
Its massive paws end in enormous curved black claws, capable of tearing down a tree with a single swipe. Despite their sheer power, its movements remain measured and rarely aggressive—unless provoked.
Eyes
Its eyes are either a deep, glowing orange or an almost luminous blue, radiating profound tranquility. This peaceful gaze starkly contrasts with its powerful maw, capable of unleashing a terrifying roar when it feels threatened.
Diet:
Primarily honey and freshwater fishWild fruits abundant near rivers and forests
Element: Ice Affinity
Intelligence Level: Intelligent (possesses a rudimentary language; organizes into tribes or simple societies)
Disposition: Peaceful (only attacks if directly threatened or to protect its cubs)
Magical Traits
Garonne Bears maintain a natural connection with terrestrial mana sources. The crystals embedded in their bodies can synchronize with certain energy-rich zones.Their roars can resonate through the mountains for kilometers, serving both as a warning and a means of communication among individuals.They possess an innate affinity with the ice element, which they instinctively use to regulate body temperature during extreme heat. This thermal self-regulation allows them to thrive in varied climates, from snow-covered peaks to more temperate valleys. As such, populations of Garonne Bears can be found in many regions, often near rivers, forests, and mountains.
"It is said that a Garonne Bear can smell a single drop of honey from miles away."
Dedos
Type: Magical Reptile
Average Size: 6 meters in length (some ancient specimens exceed 9 meters)
Appearance: Skin resembles cracked stone, gray or earthy in tone, sometimes with metallic reflections
Element: Earth
Intelligence Level: Instinctive to Semi-Intelligent (territorial awareness, communication through vibrations)
Disposition: Peaceful (flees rather than fights; becomes aggressive only if provoked or cornered)
Diet:
Feeds exclusively on mineral-rich rocks (granite, quartz, certain crystals)Absorbs magical energy contained in rare stone veins
Special Traits:
Naturally reinforces its body by consuming minerals, becoming more durable with ageOccasionally creates stable underground tunnel networks, used by other creatures as shelters
Description
The Dedos is a massive and ancient creature, a living vestige of the world's geological ages. At the crossroads of earth's forces and reptilian nature, it embodies the solidity, patience, and immutability of the mountains it inhabits.
Its long, sinuous body moves like a river flowing through rock. Covered with thick stony scales, the Dedos' length spans several meters, with the oldest individuals exceeding 9 meters. Its irregularly hued scales ranging from ashen brown to calcareous beige to anthracite gray—appear fused with the very stone itself. Some scales are cracked like sedimentary layers; others are smooth and polished like pebbles worn down over centuries.
The oldest scales along its dorsal ridge sometimes display yellow striations, golden glints, or mineral mosses signs that the Dedos has lain dormant underground for years.
Head and Face
Its triangular head is heavily ossified, protected by a dense stone crown covering much of its skull. Two golden slit-pupil eyes observe its surroundings with almost ceremonial slowness. Its powerful jaw bears flat, thick teeth—not for tearing flesh but for grinding stones, which make up the bulk of its diet.
Texture and Adaptation
The Dedos is perfectly camouflaged within rocky environments. When motionless, its body is indistinguishable from natural rock outcroppings. This ability to blend with the terrain makes it a true master of its territory. Hunters say one could walk on a sleeping Dedos without ever realizing it.
Its skin is so dense it can deflect blades and absorb minor magical shocks.
Natural Specialties
Capable of creating or using underground tunnel networks to move unseenBy digesting magical minerals, it accumulates terrestrial mana, which it can later releaseCan enter a petrified stasis form, literally becoming indistinguishable from a rock until awakened by specific vibrations
"What you mistake for a stone may well have fangs. What you believe eternally asleep may one day start crawling again."