Arzael stood atop a pile of demon corpses, the Crimson Edge still dripping black blood that hissed into the hot air.
He waited for the Gatewalk cooldown to finish.
"Seems like one level will suffice."
The words came flat, like a statement of fact that needed no argument.
He opened his status, letters floating in the air
Status
Level: 19
Name: Arzael
Race: ???
HP: 630 / 900
MP: 520 / 570
STR: 46
AGI: 33
VIT: 42
INT: 29
LUK: 10
EXP: 280 / 600
Available Stat Points: 10
Active Skills:
Shadow Pierce (Lv. 1)
Gatewalk (Lv. 1)
Blood Reaving (Lv. 1)
Blood Manifest (Lv. 1)
Crimson Execution
Shadow Step
Passive Skills:
Cursed Blood
Pain Conversion (Lv. 1)
Without much thought, Arzael stored his sword back into his inventory.
[Skill Activated: Gatewalk Lv.1]
The air before him split, forming a black vortex tinged with red. In an instant, the scorching heat of the hellscape was replaced by the coolness of the night forest in the Overworld.
Beneath a large tree, Seraphina was still asleep, leaning against its trunk. Her white hair fell across part of her face. On her lap, Puff, the small white rabbit with long ears and cloud-soft fur, slept, its belly rising and falling slowly.
Arzael approached silently and sat beside them. His fingers brushed Seraphina's hand.
A faint warmth flowed from her skin, healing his wounds little by little. At the same time, exhaustion demanded its toll, and his eyelids grew heavy.
"Just for a moment," he thought, before his body sank into sleep as well.
Arzael opened his eyes slowly, his red gaze piercing through the thin morning mist that blanketed the area where they had rested overnight.
Seraphina was still leaning against the tree, her body relaxed yet still firm, as if every inch of her trained to maintain tension even while asleep.
Puff, small and lively, bounced on Arzael's shoulder, trying to grab attention with her cheerful voice, signaling she was awake first.
"Wake up, wake up, Arzael~! It's morning already!" Puff shouted energetically, her long ears dancing along with her voice.
Arzael took a deep breath, glancing at Puff for a moment, his face still cold. "Quiet," he said, low and firm. Puff merely huffed, wrinkling her nose as if challenging him.
Seraphina turned her head slightly, her tone flat. "Puff. Don't bother him," she said, but made no forceful move.
Puff hopped a little forward, looking at Arzael's face. "Why are you sleeping so close to Seraphina? Do you like her? Huhuh, I could tell… oops, don't get the wrong idea!"
Once everyone was awake, they prepared themselves and continued their journey.
Arzael looked ahead, expression unchanged, his eyes scanning the path they would take. "Say that again, and I'll throw you," he replied tersely. Puff just giggled and pressed closer to Arzael's neck
Seraphina walked on his right side, her steps calm and precise, like a shadow following Arzael's lead.
Puff occasionally looked around, commenting on every tree trunk they passed, insects flying near their heads, or scattered wildflowers along the path.
Day One
They pushed through dense forest. The damp ground resisted their steps, tree roots winding like black snakes ready to twist the ankle of the careless.
Puff, despite being small, moved nimbly, hopping from one low branch to another, occasionally asking, "Arzael, are you sure we're heading toward the Valiant Capital City? Don't tell me I have to count our steps!"
Arzael only nodded slightly, focusing on the sun's position and the morning stars, ensuring his mental coordination with the terrain. He paid little attention to Puff's comments.
Seraphina walked beside him, her movements smooth yet efficient. Puff occasionally chirped, "Look! There's a bird with a funny face! Arzael, do you see it?" Arzael glanced briefly, judging it was no threat. "Not interested," he replied curtly.
The sun slowly rose, shining through the gaps in the trees. They exited the forest by afternoon and found a small river. Arzael observed the clear water, stepping firmly to cross despite the fairly strong current.
Puff, always curious, dipped her front paws and squealed, "Aah! So cold! But refreshing!"
Seraphina stepped past Arzael. "Be careful," she said briefly, more of a reminder than a warning.
Arzael lowered his gaze briefly, making sure the water wasn't too deep and the current wouldn't impede their progress.
Day Two
They emerged from the river and entered an open field. Tall grass brushed their ankles, and the wind carried the scent of wet earth and wildflowers.
Puff began hopping around, chasing tiny butterflies and trying to scare birds perched on branches. "I can catch one! Just wait!" she said, leaning toward Arzael.
Arzael remained calm, observing the path from afar. "You whisper too much, can you be quiet?" he said coldly, expressionless. Puff looked at him, then smiled mischievously. "Aah, you're so cold, but I like it!"
Seraphina walked beside him, occasionally glancing to ensure Puff remained safe on Arzael's shoulder.
Her steps were steady, unhurried, and the wind brushing her face didn't alter her expression at all.
Day Three
Heavy rain fell. Arzael pulled down his hood, observing the slippery terrain, tree roots now more dangerous because of the wetness. Puff shivered on his shoulder, pressing against his neck and shouted, "Aaaah! I hate rain! But it's fun, right?"
Arzael looked at the gray sky. "Focus," he said tersely, guiding their steps through the muddy path.
Seraphina stayed calm, only slightly quickening her steps when puddles blocked the path.
Day Four and Five
They crossed low mountains. The path grew steeper, sharp rocks and cliffs testing their balance.
Puff occasionally hopped from Arzael's shoulder to a lower rock, exploring every crevice. "Eh, do you see that? A small cave! Could be a hiding place… or lunch!"
Arzael inspected the path, ensuring Puff's safety. "Don't go down alone," he said flatly. Puff turned, smiling, and climbed back onto his shoulder. "Okay, boss! But it's exciting being up high like this!"
Seraphina walked steadily on the other side, occasionally kicking loose stones aside with her feet or her staff.
Their steps synchronized, as if they were already used to each other's rhythm.
Day Six
They entered a sparse pine forest. The scent of resin and wet soil filled the air. Puff began whining, "I'm hungry, you didn't bring snacks, did you?" Arzael exhaled lightly. "No."
Seraphina, expression still calm, glanced at Puff. "Hold on a bit longer."
Puff nodded, muttering softly on Arzael's shoulder, "Okay, but I still want a snack…"
Day Seven
They crossed vast grasslands. The afternoon sun reflected off the tall grass, casting long shadows. Puff hopped around, occasionally squealing, "Wow! As far as the eye can see, nothing can stop us!"
Arzael looked at the horizon, evaluating potential threats from a distance. "Be careful. Don't go too far," he said coldly.
Puff climb back onto his shoulder, grinning mischievously. "Yeah, yeah, but the view is amazing!"
Seraphina walked beside him, the wind playing with her long white hair, her face calm. She occasionally glanced at Puff.
Day Eight
They reached the edge of the forest.
The city appeared in the distance, tall buildings blending elf architecture with medieval style, towers adorned with bronze and stained glass, and bridges spanning over shimmering rivers.
Puff cheered, "Wow! This is amazing! Even cooler than Eterna!" She bounced on Arzael's shoulder, patting him excitedly.
Arzael observed the city with his crimson eyes, taking in every detail from afar, expression still cold. "So far, safe enough," he murmured, scanning the city gates and patrols.
Seraphina walked alongside him, her eyes observing people moving in the open market, different races coexisting, and guards stationed at every entrance.
She remained calm, though the new city smells and the unfamiliar crowd made her slightly more vigilant.
Puff leapt about, cheering, "I can help find food! Or a toy shop! I'm curious about those tall buildings!"
Arzael glanced at her briefly, exhaled lightly, then moved forward toward the city gate. "We enter. Need to adjust our strategy and find a place to rest before exploring this area further."
They walked slowly, Arzael keeping a steady rhythm, Seraphina on his right, Puff on his shoulder.
The Valiant capital city felt alive: merchants arranging goods, races coexisting peacefully, children running, dragons flying above, and the evening light reflecting off colorful glass towers, casting beautiful shadows on cobblestone streets.
Arzael watched every corner, assessing potential threats, strategic points, and escape routes in case things went wrong.