There was suspicion in her eyes, but also relief. The ability to detect Hushclaws was a game-changer.
“I figured out how to use another skill from my beast,” Ren answered.
He could have kept the Mana Zone entirely hidden. But that would limit him. Mana Zone was too useful to not use in battles. He needed it to farm high-level monsters efficiently. So he framed Mana Zone as a detection ability. Not a casting domain.
The Hushclaws went still.
Notifications appeared.
[Level 2 Hushclaw killed.]
[15 days lifespan gained.]
[10 EXP gained.]
[Level 5 Hushclaw killed.]
[523 days lifespan gained.]
[1000 EXP gained.]
Ren’s eyes flickered.
One low-level. One high-level. It was almost as if the high-level one was supposed to be a distraction while the low-level one, the one harder to detect, was supposed to finish the job.
Am I looking too much into it? Ren thought.
Freya went to collect the Cores and meat from the monsters. She did not salvage the exoskeletons since it would be too much weight to carry.
Ren remained in his earlier position. He was checking his status.
Level 2 Hushclaw only gave fifteen days and ten EXP.
He had expected reduced EXP from lower-level monsters. But reduced lifespan gain as well? That was interesting. The system clearly scaled both rewards based on relative strength. It meant hunting weaker monsters was inefficient.
At the same time, he couldn’t simply avoid leveling up to exploit EXP scaling. His [Name] represented the Domain of Oneself—the core that held all other Domains within it. If his Domains of Class, Elements, and Spells grew too strong while his Domain of Oneself remained weak, the imbalance would cause his body and soul to rupture. Leveling up was not optional. It was necessary. It strengthened the Domain of Oneself.
I need to keep hunting high-level monsters if I want to level up… and if I want to gain more lifespan, he thought.
Ren opened his Status and focused on his Talent.
[Talent: Heir of Demonic Magic]
[Description: You are the last heir of the Empire of Demonic Magic.]
[Effect: You can absorb a portion of Lifespan, and 10 times the normal EXP amount from your target upon killing them. You can use Lifespan to replace Mana and fuel your Spells with Lifespan.]
[Total Lifespan: 85 years, 245 days]
I’m still in net positive of about one and a half years. And that’s despite keeping Mana Zone active at maximum range. This is good.
He had decided to keep Mana Zone active for as long as he could. It trained his mental endurance and allowed him to react instantly to threats. More importantly, it forced him to control multiple spells simultaneously. At the moment, his limit was three active spells at once. That had to improve.
“Here, these are yours,” Freya said.
She handed him the extracted Cores and the wrapped meat. He accepted them and stored them in the pouches she had given him earlier.
“You should sleep now. It’s my turn to keep watch,” she added.
Ren could see the faint hesitation in her eyes. She actually wanted him to keep watch. That made sense, he had an ability to detect the invisible monsters.
“It’s fine. I’ll keep watch. My ability is suited for this place,” Ren said calmly.
“Isn’t it exhausting to keep it active?” she asked, sitting beside him.
“It is. But we don’t have much choice, do we?”
A faint, wry smile crossed her lips.
“You should sleep,” Ren said after a while, noticing she was not going back to sleep.
“I can’t even if I wanted to. I’ve been sleeping barely thirty minutes at a time for the past two months. My internal clock won’t let me sleep anymore,” she said.
He wondered if that was why she invested so heavily in physical stats. To compensate for fatigue. But something didn’t add up. If she had been here for two months, she should have located the nearest Base by now. She could rest safely there.
Why stay awake as if she had no safe place to rest?
He wanted to ask.
He didn’t.
Freya had already proven that she chose what information to share.
“Alright. Do what you want,” Ren said finally.
He closed his eyes and entered meditation.
Five minutes later, blue notifications appeared.
[EXP: 1010 → 10]
[Stats: 0 → 10]
Ten stat points.
He placed three stat points into his [Name].
[You have leveled up. Strength +1, Agility +1, Constitution +1, Mana +4]
Level 4.
His body felt steadier, and more responsive.
Next, he increased [Fire Bullet].
The screen was updated.
[Fire Bullet]
[Rank: Normal]
[Level 3 → Level 4]
[Description: A compact sphere of condensed flame launched at high speed. Emits a scorched scent and leaves a faint heat trail. Base Range: 12m → 14m. Impact: Increased heat concentration that allows it to scorch light armor and ignite sturdy dry materials → strong blunt impact combined with concentrated burn damage, capable of warping light metal and igniting most materials on contact.]
[Modification: For each unit of extra mana added up to 15 units of Mana, the range can be increased by 10%.]
He prepared to negotiate. Before he could begin, a familiar intention surfaced.
Did he want to strengthen the modification?
Yes, Ren replied.
Okay!
Another notification appeared.
[Modification: For each unit of extra mana added up to 15 → 20 units of Mana, the range can be increased by 10%.]
Thanks, he muttered, surprised by its nice personality once again.
He ran quick calculations. The base range was now fourteen meters. With twenty units of lifespan invested, the range could increase by 200 percent. That meant forty-two meters without the Mana Zone. If fired from the edge of his ten-meter Mana Zone, the total effective reach from his position would approach fifty-two meters. That was more than enough to redirect the giant woman’s gaze.
Stolen story; please report.
He still had several stat points left.
Should I strengthen the Water Bullet? he considered.
No.
It was sufficient for suffocation and mid-range control.
If I level Fire Bullet again, the range might hit fifty-six meters without the Mana Zone…
In the end, he chose balance. He placed the last four stat points into his [Name].
[You have leveled up. Strength +1, Agility +1, Constitution +1, Mana +4]
He checked his Status.
[Name: Ren Buttowski (Level 5)]
[Class: Mage]
[Elements: Wind, Water, Earth, Fire]
[Spells: Mana Zone, Wind Bullet, Water Bullet, Earth Bullet, Fire Bullet]
[Talent: Heir of Demonic Magic]
[Strength: 8 / Agility: 10 / Constitution: 8 / Mana: 0 (sealed)]
[Free Stats: 0]
[EXP: 10]
Level 5 on my first day.
I must be one of the fastest—if not the fastest—among the Blue Stone Academy students.
When he had awakened as a Mage, he had almost given up on everything. Everyone looked at him as if he was some sort of monster. Even the “friends” whom he spent years with had turned away from him.
Now, he was likely stronger than most of them.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
Dad would be proud.
He imagined returning to Planet Gamora, stronger than anyone expected. Then he shook his head slightly.
I need to calm down. I haven’t even left this monster territory yet.
Ambition was good. Overconfidence was fatal.
He kept Mana Zone active and continued experimenting quietly.
He discovered something interesting. When he formed an Earth Bullet and held it stationary within Mana Zone, it began to fall after three seconds unless launched. Water Bullet did not.
Why is this happening? he wondered.
Water Bullet and Earth Bullet both had mass. Why did the Water Bullet not fall and while the Earth Bullet did?
He wanted to do more experiments until he sensed three Hushclaws. His eyes snapped open.
“Monsters,” he whispered.
Freya’s body tensed instantly. She did not leap up recklessly. Instead, she crouched slightly, hand resting on her sword hilt.
“Can you mark them? I’ll finish them the moment you do,” she said.
“…”
Ren remained silent. He was staring into the darkness beyond the salt ridges, feeling the three voids inside his Mana Zone.
“Ren?” she prompted.
“This is bad,” he muttered.
“What?” Freya frowned.
“Someone is controlling the monsters. The first time, it was one. The second time, two. Now it’s three. It’s like—”
“Like they’re trying to gauge our strength,” Freya finished, her expression hardening.
“We need to move,” Ren said.
If they didn’t start moving, they would be surrounded and swarmed by dozens of monsters soon. Perhaps, they were already surrounded. Ren’s Mana Zone had a range of ten meters. It was entirely possible that hordes of monsters were waiting beyond that.
“We can’t move. It’s night right now,” Freya whispered back urgently. “Moving will definitely make us visible to the giant decapitated lady. I told you the shadows of mountains and pillars make it hard to know what place is safe and what is not at night.”
Ren did not argue. Instead, he created two Water Bullets and fired them forward from his physical position. The bullets hit the monsters’ head. A split second later, he formed two new Water Bullets directly around the heads of the monsters, making it appear as though the initial projectiles had transformed after they landed. This way, Freya would assume all spells originated from his body, and he could keep Mana Zone concealed.
“The third one is on the left,” Ren said, pointing subtly. “I have a plan that will let us move at night. But first, let’s finish this fight.”
Freya nodded.
Blue lightning flickered around her hand as she drew her sword. The serrated teeth began to spin with a rising whine. She lunged. The moment the blade cut through air and struck invisible resistance, the shrill grinding sound echoed between salt formations.
At once, the oppressive sensation from the day returned.
The “gaze”.
Even hidden by several ridges, both of them felt it brush against their skin like icy fingers.
Ren’s stomach churned. Sweat beaded along his neck. Freya clenched her teeth and pressed forward, striking again.
Ren focused on the two Level 6 voids within his Mana Zone. He kept Water Bullets compressed around their heads and fired the shots at precise intervals, staggering them whenever they attempted to advance.
He deliberately left the smallest void to Freya.
Within seconds, the notifications appeared.
[Level 6 Hushclaw killed.]
[615 days lifespan gained.]
[1200 EXP gained.]
[Level 6 Hushclaw killed.]
[622 days lifespan gained.]
[1200 EXP gained.]
Both were Level 6. Just as he had predicted from their mass and shape.
“Mine was Level 3. It would’ve been dangerous if you hadn’t told me where it was,” Freya said as she returned.
Level 3 Hushclaws were light and left no depressions. For her, they were more threatening than larger ones. She took out a small pouch and sprinkled white powder over herself. The blood on her clothes slid off without soaking in. Ren noted it silently.
“We should have a short window before the next scouting party comes. Go collect the Cores. I’ll convert EXP in the meantime,” he said.
“Those look like Level 6 Hushclaws. Do you really need to convert the EXP you got from them? It would be only 1 stat point,” she asked, frowning.
She didn’t care he was giving orders to her since this was an urgent moment, and Ren’s ability to detect monsters was the only thing keeping them safe.
“If we’re going to run, even one stat point might save us. Now, go. I’ll explain the plan after I’m done,” he said, and began meditating before she could ask questions.
Freya stared at him with a frown. He was correct in saying that staying here would be dangerous if someone was controlling the monsters and using them to attack them. But moving was even more dangerous.
Ren completed his meditation after five minutes.
[EXP: 2410 → 10]
[Stats: 0 → 24]
Twenty-four stat points.
There was no need to level himself again immediately. His physical stats were adequate for now. His plan required range.
He began allocating points into Fire Bullet.
[Fire Bullet Level 4 → Level 5]
[Fire Bullet Level 5 → Level 6]
[Fire Bullet Level 6 → Level 7]
Fifteen stat points disappeared.
The updated description appeared.
[Fire Bullet]
[Rank: Normal]
[Level 7]
[Description: A compact sphere of condensed flame launched at high speed. Emits a scorched scent and leaves a faint heat trail. Base Range: 22m. Impact: powerful blunt strike combined with intense burn damage, capable of piercing reinforced light armor, warping metal plates, and igniting most materials instantly. Heat density remains concentrated on impact, causing brief internal combustion at the strike point.]
[Modification: For each unit of extra mana added up to 20 units of Mana, the range can be increased by 10%.]
The power increased a lot. And it will cause internal combustion now? Damn, it’s so good now that I almost want to use it to fight. Sadly, it’s night right now. Using it at night to fight will be dangerous since it would attract the gaze of the giant woman due to its brightness, he thought.
Then another notification appeared.
[Fire Bullet Spell has been modified.]
[Modification: For each unit of extra mana added up to 20 → 35 units of Mana, the range can be increased by 10%.]
Ren froze, noticing the modification was strengthened on its own.
The Spell believed he would want this. So, it strengthened the modification! the Fire Bullet Spell conveyed cheerful intentions.
Thank you, he replied internally.
With 35 units of Mana (Lifespan), the range increase would reach 350 percent. Twenty-two meters multiplied accordingly. That meant a maximum range approaching one hundred meters when fully fueled.
He still had nine stat points left. After brief consideration, he allocated seven into Water Bullet.
[Water Bullet Level 3 → Level 4]
[Water Bullet Level 4 → Level 5]
The updated information appeared.
[Water Bullet]
[Rank: Normal]
[Level 5]
[Description: A tightly compressed sphere of water fired at high speed. Carries a sharp, rain-clean scent. Effective range: 18 meters. Strong enough to fracture stone, pierce reinforced light armor, and stagger larger targets.]
[Modification: For each second the Spell is held, its damage increases by 1% up to twenty seconds.]
Ren wanted to strengthen the modification further. But there was no time. Five voids appeared inside his Mana Zone.
No, I still have time. They are cautious hunters. They won’t rush unless I reveal I’ve noticed them. I can finish the negotiation if I hurry! he told himself.
He focused inward.
Hey. Strengthen the modification, he called out to Water Bullet Spell.
No! He would hold the Water Bullet for longer if the modification was strengthened!
The five Hushclaws were advancing slowly. Freya hadn’t noticed them yet. At night, even heavy depressions were difficult to see.
Don’t increase the time in the modification then! Just increase the percentage of damage per second! Keep the cap at twenty seconds! he countered.
No! That— uh, wait… that’s a good idea?
I know. So do it! Ren hurriedly began his preparations to start fighting. Thankfully, the spell listened to him.
[Water Bullet Spell has been modified.]
[Modification: For each second the Spell is held, its damage increases by 1% → 3% up to twenty seconds.]
“Five monsters,” Ren whispered.
Freya’s expression sharpened instantly.
He fired a Water Bullet at each void, striking their limbs to mark their positions. Water splashed across invisible bodies, revealing outlines. Just as he prepared to choke two of them, three of the larger shapes—Level 6 by size—suddenly accelerated towards Ren. The ground shook lightly.
“They’re rushing!” Freya hissed.
Even the three smaller Level 3 Hushclaws, already wounded, lunged forward in Ren’s direction instead of retreating. Their leader had ordered them to attack him!
He kept Water Bullets clamped around two Level 6 heads, suffocating them while preparing to shoot.
Freya moved. In one breath, she was in front of the charging trio. Her body dipped low, chin nearly grazing the ground as she slid forward. Her sword swept in a brutal arc. Two sets of invisible legs were severed instantly. Blood sprayed into the night, painting shapes where nothing should have been. She spun and drove the blade upward into the neck of the third Level 6. The saw teeth screamed as they bit, grinding through flesh.
Ten seconds passed. Ren released the two charged Water Bullets, each now amplified by thirty percent damage. They tore through the skulls of the wounded Level 3 Hushclaws. He leapt aside as the final Level 3 rushed him blindly.
Freya wrenched her sword free and delivered two precise slashes to the crippled Level 6s before retreating toward Ren. They would bleed to death soon. There was no need to waste time killing them. She intercepted the last Level 3 before it turned around and attacked Ren.
“Where’s your Beast? Call it out!” she demanded in a tight whisper.
