Axelium del Mongranus de Magnus reverted to a humanoid shape as the senses of his real body activated. He didn’t need to breathe, but still found himself gasping for breath, trembling with rage and defeat.
That human made a fool out of Axelium and with just a small fraction of his power.
As if fate itself set up his demise, he could no longer lock the dungeon, not even for maintenance, due to challenging the human. Wanda’s magic extended that invitation to anyone he decided to bring inside. If he wanted, he could bring in the world’s most powerful sects and there wouldn’t be a damn thing Axelium could do about it.
Normally, to enter an S-ranked dungeon, one must prove their worthiness. There were requirements. But now all of Axelium’s work was gone. Just like that.
He roared. He was a dragon king. How dare they treat him like this!
He sighed as he regrew to his dragon shape and grabbed the pipe sitting next to his diamond throne. As he relaxed into a trip of magic poppy and demon’s happy fern, Axelium thought about that master magician.
He was like nothing he’d ever seen. A saint and a master magician at once. He wouldn’t be able to control his full powers, not without fully understanding what it meant to be a menace to reality itself. The system engraved within trained his body somehow so that one day it’d be able to withstand that level of magic.
“You can try whatever you like, Wanda, but that puny human will not be able to defeat me. That potion he drank… It won’t surprise me again. If that’s all he’s got, then you are wasting your time with these games, bitch. I will not allow your meddling to disrupt my conquest.”
I knew I should listen to Milia, postpone the chest opening for tomorrow morning and get some rest, but my loot senses tingled too much. The last loot fiesta was quite valuable, having turned Mandi into a metal-winged angel.
I also wanted to actually put some of the knowledge I gained to use. If we couldn’t beat the Axem using magic, then potions and contraptions were our only hope. Unless I somehow broke through to some crazy realm… quickly, like I’d been doing. Even with this hypothetical powerup, the potions would need to climb with me.
Magic was an aid, not my full power. As a potion maker or alchemist, I seriously had to get creative to win my fights. No more of this fair fighting, head-on bullshit like an adventurer. Aside from getting caught off-guard, which I needed to limit.
Maybe I was angrier than I realized at being forced into drinking the summoning potion. The system gave me the victory and sure, I did a ton of damage, but I really wanted to be able to protect the peace with my own abilities.
Peace. I created the shop in order to live such a life, to raise a family, and yet, I found myself getting my hands dirty. Again. Just as the system wanted.
I should be insulted for getting rewarded like a good little doggy, but within, instead of raging like a child throwing a tantrum, I calculated, planned, and wondered. If I couldn’t beat the thing as a non-fighter, then I’d simply have to get good. Use what I knew. Perhaps it wasn’t a coincidence that the system gave me the potion of angel summoning, the ultimate bane of the undead.
My eyes widened. I held the key to defeating the Axem the entire time, but just lacked the materials to do so.
“I can kill the Axem without lifting a finger,” I said, eyes still wide. The others looked at me as if I’d lost my goddamn mind. “But it’s a complex potion. He’s an undead creature, right? Well, how would he feel about an angel showing up to his doorstep?”
“How do you know this would work?” Chenzu asked. “Trust me, my friend, you do not want to take an undead leader, much less a dragon king, lightly. They’re the stuff of nightmares.”
“Milia could banish it for one, even at her level,” I said. “Sure, he was weakened, just a shadow, but this wasn’t any ordinary shadow. Some of the dragon itself was there, his mannerisms, the presence, the aura. Even the garbage-like breath. I don’t know much about shadows, except from the many I read in fantasy novels.” I left out video games and TV shows. “A shadow usually doesn’t look exactly like the real thing, just an outline, right?”
“That is correct,” Milia said, nodding. “Normal shadows are just condensed mana, a spell, and commands. Some powerful magicians can talk through them, but they’re usually not very strong. They don’t last long either.”
“So what do you suggest?” Ramon asked. “How do you plan on summoning an angel? Are you able to message Wanda?”
“Potion of angel summoning,” I said. “Nothing to do with messaging Wanda. The problem, as I’ve stated, is that it’s a complex potion. That’s why we’re taking the trip to the city. To get an alchemy book that teaches diagrams and all the other complicated nonsense. I’m going to take these new skills, destroy the Axem, and then the S-ranked dungeon will be something we’ll farm maybe once every few months or a year. If it doesn’t blow up.”
“There’s no telling what it will do,” Milia said. “This is quite new to me. Something I’d get to experience for the first time.”
I smiled at her, feeling a bit happy that despite the craziness of the Axem’s power, she was willing to trust me enough to join me on this crazy adventure.
Everyone watched with barely concealed excitement, including Milia, as I opened the first S-ranked chest, its platinum beauty preparing to vanish when I collected the item.
A green pyramid, the size of my cube, floated from the chest.
[Portable Camp Management System with Mini Lab. Item rank: SS. Item quality: Extraordinary. Whenever you’re ready to settle down while on a journey, this is what you’re looking for. Comes with an automatic campfire starter, you can spawn as many chairs as you need, you may spawn a cabin with multiple rooms if the space is there, or multiple royal grade tents. Automatic heating and cooling included. It also comes with basic sentry golems capable of taking out A-ranked demonic beasts and stunning S-ranked beasts. If you’re camping in a zone with SS, SSS, or above ranked beasts, then you’re probably in a land of chaos or not in this world. In that case, don’t camp or sleep. Warning, this is not a replacement for a home. It will be considered a clan zone. Opal, Yukihara, or Aku can serve as its spirit host. Not that you should need one. This is a gift from Wanda.]
I stared at the amazing device. We all did. A gift from Wanda, special devices that defied logic in every way possible, could grab the attention of even an emperor. They were incredibly rare, that much I learned, but sought after to the point that wars would be waged if one couldn’t acquire them as loot drops in A-ranked dungeons.
No one knew that S-ranked dungeons existed except for the people we told. Fuck, if this secret got out, the Lord Ruler might move his capital to Kyushu and my life of peace out here would be done. That or he might set up some kind of outpost in hopes of charging for entrance. No, we were able to freely enter the A-ranked dungeon. In fact, there were no guards whatsoever near these dungeons, meaning if a kid wandered inside, they’d be on their own. The Lord Ruler or any of the officials wouldn’t know nor bat an eye if word somehow got to them.
“I didn’t know one person could receive more than one gift from Wanda,” Nuwa said. “My father would flip if he were here. He’d quit his job as headmaster and try to become your personal scholar, dedicating everything to you.”
“That’s… just weird,” I said while inspecting the emerald pyramid further. “When his wife comes for him, I’d throw him under the bus in a heartbeat. He’d get the beating with the flipflop, not me.”
I decided not to activate the pyramid’s interface, ignoring Nuwa’s knowing gaze. Some things never changed with humanity. The angry flipflop was one of them.
Opal flew around the device, awed, even making noises, an indication that she’d become its spirit host, whatever that meant. There wasn’t a description, but I trusted the pixie to explain it.
“You know, we should get a scholar in this town,” Milia said. “I don’t know if it will help rank it up, especially with the costs of building a house of scholars attuned to the kingdom’s system.”
“Pfft, this town doesn’t have the mountain of platinum to spare,” Harmony said. “If we did, I would’ve suggested that to my father a long time ago.”
“We don’t have the spirit coins either,” Chenzu said, shaking his head. “But a house of scholars in this dainty E-ranked place would pave the way for a decent future. Especially with research and development.”
“Couldn’t Nate just…?” Milia paused, shaking her head. “Never mind.”
I knew exactly what she was about to say, but quickly stopped herself. I did consider sharing some of the knowledge from my world, eventually, and little by little. I simply hadn’t been here long enough, knew very little.
I manifested the second S-ranked chest, drawing everyone’s attention again. A house of scholars sounded like something to eventually get around to when it came to improving the town—and, by extension, my shop—but for now, we could only work with what we had.
A glowing ring emerged from the box, as well as a bag of gold and a smaller bag of platinum coins.
[Ring of Force Fields. Item rank: S. Item quality: Extraordinary. Twice per day, you may briefly generate a powerful shield capable of blocking up to King-realm strikes and magic. This ring cannot be overcharged. You may summon one rock golem to defend you once per day.]
That presence of the ring reminded me that I could’ve just teleported back to Milia. Sure, the Axem probably prevented escape and it risked leaving my apprentices and disciples to fend for themselves, but still. Dammit! I’d mostly used it as a walkie talkie. I wouldn’t make that mistake again. One should fight and work smarter, not harder. Lesson learned.
Yes, in my defense, I was disoriented when he suddenly attacked from underground, knocking me many meters through trees. It may be no more than a miracle that I survived that, but I still wouldn’t make excuses for it.
I put the ring on my finger.
“It’s a force field ring,” I said. “But with just two charges a day. I can block King-realm attacks. It can also make a rock golem once a day. Not that I’ve ever seen one.”
Ronica pouted. “That would’ve been handy earlier.”
“That’s what I’m saying,” I agreed. “But I suppose, better late than never. It’s not like I expected to receive a reward just for warding off the Axem.”
“I still can’t believe you actually saw the Axem,” Harmony said. “It’s been a legend and horror story to scare children in our town for so long. Milia’s forest had to put up with the Axem’s aura until you came along.”
“That ring isn’t as underwhelming as it may seem,” Chenzu said, scratching his chin. The beastkin folded his arms. “There aren’t many things capable of blocking a King-realm attack. Who will be facing such power?”
“I did,” I said. “The suit Milia made for me can block that level of power too, but only once.”
“It can?” Chenzu asked then turned to gape at Milia. “How?”
“A lot of work,” the dryad replied. “Magic, skills, and patience. Also luck. Not all creations turn out successful.”
“It explains why you’re in that office all day,” Chenzu said. “Magic sewing’s one of the rarest and most difficult skills in the world.”
I gave the dryad a look that likely showed appreciation and how impressed I was. Great with a sword, could control the earth, and her love for blueberry pie was more adorable than I’d like to admit.
I decided not to think about the lack of leftovers.
Milia gave me an almost-shy smile. “It’s not so bad once you get the hang of things.”
Nodding, I opened the Forest Protector chest, which was a solid green treasure box. A glowing ball of mana emerged and shot toward me so fast I barely had time to react as it absorbed into me.
[Your farm and domain are now considered clan territory. Your heavenly attunement rank increased to D. Due to this, your potion insight has increased to medium. You can now detect whether a potion is real or not. Something that will be quite helpful in a big city. Your days of getting scammed are shrinking. You are now attuned to Milia’s forest. See clan menu for any further details.]
System, I don’t get scammed, I thought, trying not to think about the IRS back at home. The electric currency guy appeared in my mind again as a grinning shadow, before vanishing. My blood ran just a little cold trying to remember if the guy even smiled or he was just another one of those investment bros. You know who I’m talking about.
Not in the mood to hide anything from anyone, not even Muiy who now raved animatedly about the in-depth flavor of blueberry pie to an amused Lucas, I told them the prompt.
Approval practically glowed in Milia’s eyes as she hugged me, nearly taking me to the ground.
“Forest attunement is considered an honor in my homeland,” Milia said excitedly. “It is almost the human equivalent of being knighted, except by the land itself.” She kissed me. “Congratulations.” Milia’s sudden excitement caught everyone by surprise. “Chenzu, bring out the drinks and play your ridiculous songs. This should be celebrated.”
“Could you tell me more about this?” I asked, laughing, even more curious about dryad culture. I picked up pieces of it through Milia, but not much. Her personality overshadowed almost everything.
If we weren’t marrying through Kyushu’s tradition, this night would probably be turning up to one hundred ten percent based on the dryad’s reaction.
“Forest attunement or, in better words, Acceptance of Gaia, Mother of the Land,” she explained.
“Isn’t it… impossible for humans to get this attunement?” Iris asked. “No offense, Master Nate.”
“I said call me Nate,” I told her. “I certainly don’t want to go out in public…” I paused with them staring blankly at me.
“Wanda’s jumping bottom, you’re the one who made it weird,” Ronica said, unaware of her choice of curse words. “How many times have we defended your marriage? Adore it.”
I sighed, knowing she was right. They’d been supportive to Milia and me the entire time, but still. The master thing was a kink from Earth that bit my ear every time I heard it. I needed to get over it eventually. Damn humanity and its kinks.
“So about the attunement,” I said, deciding to drive everything back on topic. “Also, celebrating tonight before the trip is a bit… Well, I don’t mind a drink or two, but that’s it.”
“The attunement is usually something that elves, dryads, and other forest-born receive if they’re deemed extraordinary by the spirit of Gaia,” Milia explained while holding my arm. “I got it for being a guardian, and it wasn’t until after I shed tears, sweat, and blood fighting for the forest.”
I blinked, noticing Muiy staring at me.
“What? Got a problem, squirt? Take it up with management,” I said, grinning, and pointing upward.
“Let’s celebrate tonight,” Milia said. “Later, you can step into the forest and feel what it means to be attuned.” She pouted. “If you had this earlier…”
“Of course,” I said, annoyed. “Receive really helpful passive ability after getting my ass handed to me. Now I wonder if she’s just pitying me after laughing her ass off.”
[System notice. The forest attunement is much greater than you realize. You proved yourself, survived when you should have probably died, and have shown many times that you care for the forest. Special forest potions now available. See clan menu.]
I was hoping the system would give me spirit coins, but I didn’t actually complete a quest.
Unable to take Milia’s eagerness lightly, I kissed her. “Fuck it, let’s go celebrate. I’ll allow everyone to drink. Fruit juice.”
The teenagers glared at me. Cheetara hopped into my arms.
“Twenty-one and above, let’s have a toast,” I said. “To kicking the Axem’s ass, the city trip tomorrow, Chenzu’s upcoming song, and yadda yadda becoming the best clan, let’s go.”
The disciples cheered at hearing that. Harmony laughed, approving my words too much. Of course she’d love the clan thing.
“Milia, you should give him a dryad’s dance,” Chenzu said. “I heard about it from—”
Milia bonked him with a rolled-up piece of paper, blush furious. “Don’t push my grace, beastkin. That kind of dance is not appropriate and is only meant for private.”
I was curious, but wisely kept my mouth shut. Mandi laughed, gaining my glare.
“Hey.”
The others turned to look at me.
“Let’s name our clan.”
Lady Feathers took that awkward time to walk through the pet entrance, which caused Wolverine to move away almost instinctively from the peacock-like bird. She plopped herself into Harmony’s lap, giving me an idea. I pet the mana bird. “But before we do so, Harmony, I’ve got a potion request. It’s a test.”
I tried to sound casual, but the teenager’s eyes lit up with excitement, then shifted to determination, as if she was about to receive a holy mission. I gave her a look, but it didn’t work. She was already in her own little world.
“What should I make?”
“It’s not that serious,” I said. “But before I make you a direct assistant—”
Cheetara meowed her disagreement, pulling the grin from me.
“Play nice, Cheetara,” Milia said. The kitten actually seemed to sigh. She leaped over to Milia, snuggling into her.
I gave a Wolverine a head pat and a belly rub while explaining things to Harmony. “On this trip, I’ll need an assistant.”
“I’ll do it!” Harmony said. “There’s no way I’ll pass up the chance to improve my own skills.”
“Don’t get too excited, you’ll have to make some difficult potions,” I said. “My teachings will be harsh. There will be no babying. Are you sure you’re ready for—”
“I said I’m in,” Harmony growled.
“Good,” I said. “Make sure you’ve got everything packed with you. You may be in the mobile lab a lot. Milia will be sharing the space in case she needs to continue her work. Don’t spill anything on her wardrobe, please.”
Harmony pouted. “Wanda’s dancing rear, I won’t. I’m not some child.”
I snorted. Chenzu erupted into laughter, passing me a cup of an unfamiliar wine. Or at least I assumed it was wine.
“So, about that clan name,” Milia said.
Kelvin and Maxus both accepted drinks.
“I hope it’s not Cheat Force,” Kelvin said, his voice tired. “Not that I expect you to choose something that would give us away.”
“Hell no,” I said, laughing. “Cheat Force is something entirely different, used for emergencies. We’re going for a peaceful clan, with a focus on crafting.”
“That’s… never been done before,” Nuwa said. “But I like it. A clan that doesn’t focus on hurting people.”
“Yep, making cool shit and improving our skills,” I said. “We’ll sell the right things to adventurers and make bank in the process. Maybe one day, each of you will live in your own manor.”
Lady Feathers snorted. We looked at her. The bird gave us an innocent look containing secret mischievousness.
I took a long swallow of the berry-tasting wine and then gaped at Chenzu.
“It will be a while before I break that out again, my friend,” he said, grinning. “But try not to drink too much. It hits hard.”
“Warn me while Mandi’s pouring me my second glass,” I said, glaring at her. She smiled sheepishly.
“I’ve had it before,” Mandi said. “It’s delicious, but really strong.”
I stared at her.
“What? The law’s drinking age is sixteen,” Mandi said. “You’re just being overly strict.”
“Well, I am your teacher,” I said. “I’ve got my reasons.”
Harmony rolled her eyes, which got a laugh out of Alexander.
“Let’s do a toast. One cup only, alright? And less than half,” I said. “Give them weaker stuff. Alexander too.”
The former pirate king trapped in a child’s body gave an approving look, accepting his glass a bit too eagerly.
I assumed he’d failed to convince any of the stores around to sell a drink to what they believed was a ten-year-old boy.
We held our glasses in the air.
“To the forest attunement, an honor bestowed by the mother of the land herself, a recognition far greater than my betrothed realizes,” Milia said.
“To the new clan…” Lucas paused to look at me.
I didn’t fucking know what to name it. He smiled sheepishly at my glare, making sure I felt his buzzkill. Well played, brat. Well played.
“We’ll call ourselves The Rising,” I declared lamely. I sounded like a Marvel character when saying that.
“Not a very good name,” Harmony said almost in that critiquing noblewoman’s voice.
“Wait to shoot me down,” I scoffed.
“I like it,” the flower nymph said.
“At least somebody appreciates it,” I said.
