《My legendary class is Husband Of Deathwill Sisters?!》


 Chapter 1 - Legendary Class

    Chapter 1: Legendary Class


    "I will see you soon in the game world, Alex!"


    "Yeah, I will search for you immediately."


    Alex brightly smiled at his girlfriend, who was about to fly abroad. Due to her family''s matters, Olivia was forced to choose between her mother and father.


    Both her parents decided to divorce, and they also wanted to start a new life in different countries.


    But as her parent''s divorce hurt her, Olivia''s life was also about to change significantly. She would need to change school in her last year and leave her friends behind, to say nothing of saying goodbye to her boyfriend for a long time.


    That hurt her much, and Olivia had been in a sulky mood for some weeks. She often cried to Alex.


    However, the world''s technology had advanced so much that the first immersive game was finally revealed on the market.


    That immersive game utterly broke what was the common gaming as players would enter the game with their bodies and minds.


    It was like the opening of a new world.


    And in that world, Alex and Olivia could meet every day, just like in real life.


    That was exactly why both of them were smiling right now.


    "Will you really search for me immediately after the tutorial? I heard you already made some plans with boys," Olivia clutched Alex''s clothes and deeply looked into his eyes.


    Alex shrugged, "You will have to deal with them for a little."


    Olivia chuckled, "I would rather deal with them after I gain power in the game world. For the first day, I will hang out with my friends then."


    "We can''t tell how we will adapt to the game, anyway. I might need your help to stay brave before monsters. I can''t look lame before my cute girlfriend, can I?" Alex jested with a chuckle.


    "If you don''t focus, I will look cooler than you. I will not play healer and instead go for full dps to clear the whole world!" Olivia clenched her little hand and loudly declared.


    "Hmm¡­ I haven''t decided on my class yet¡­" Alex pondered openly.


    The couple talked for a little while longer before going their ways. Unfortunately, the time for Olivia to go came, so she turned around and joined her mother.


    Alex waved at them, then turned heels as well.


    On his way back home, he wondered what class he should play. All classes sounded exciting in a world where he would move with his body.


    ''Well, we choose the class in the game, so I will try out newbie weapons in the tutorial, then decide in the first city,'' Alex decided.


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    [Welcome to the Avander World.]


    [Choose your nickname.]


    "There we are! I am really in the game world! Damn awesome!" Alex clenched his hands from excitement as he stared at himself in the mirror.


    He was in the character creation room, so he could view himself from every angle. Before appearing here, Alex entered VR Capsule, so he knew that he wasn''t dreaming, nor someone had pulled a prank on him.


    He was truly in the game world!


    The Avander World was the name of the game.


    From its promotional videos, all players knew what amazing world awaited them. However, the character creation was pretty lackluster.


    It didn''t offer many cosmetics. Players couldn''t change their gender and couldn''t make themselves unrecognizable. All they could do was add some small characteristics or change hair color.


    Alex assumed that too many changes could lead to mental problems in real life, so he casually checked what the game offered, then lifted his hands to type the name.


    After he clicked on the nickname message, the window turned into a floating keyboard. Here, Alex typed [Lexta].


    It would be his nickname.


    However, a sudden message window appeared before his eyes.


    [You have been chosen by fate!]


    [Do you want to receive the Legendary Class?]


    "Legendary Class?!" Alex dilated his eyes as he stared at the sudden message.


    He didn''t expect that. Who would, actually?


    In the promotional videos, the developers told the world that players would take their class from martial artists or other special facilities. They also could stumble on a unique class in the tutorial.


    But no one ever mentioned the legendary class in the character creation!


    "I am so lucky!" Alex''s cheerful voice boomed in the room.


    He clicked [Yes.], and that was when his whole life changed.


    [You have received the Legendary Class.]


    [Husband Of Deathwill Sisters.]


    "Wait a second¡­" Alex blinked his eyes.


    [You can not be teleported to The Tutorial.]


    [Your destination has been changed.]


    [Deathwill Household.]


    Alex couldn''t read his class information, yet another power took hold of his body. He felt pressure all over himself, and he felt like he would soon sink into the ground. However, it was nothing lethal as it was just teleportation.


    Since it was his first teleportation, Alex''s body needed to adapt to these dimensional feelings.


    Furthermore, his destination was not The Tutorial, close to the character creation room but farther away. Therefore, Alex felt more pressure, and his bones cracked.


    He then disappeared from the character creation room.


    [Your nickname has been changed.]


    [Alexander Deathwill.]


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    "Who are you?" A childish and cute voice woke up Alex from his stupor.


    He was on his butt, his hands touching the cold floor. Since the teleportation was so abrupt, Alex failed to process what had happened.


    He blinked his eyes, then lowered his eyes a little.


    Before him, a kid no less than four years old stood. She wore an adorable black dress and hugged the white plush horse. Her big eyes never blinked as she stared at Alex.


    She then whispered in a probing tone, "Daddy?"


    "No! No! No! I am not your Daddy!" Alex waved his hands, flustered.


    Although he was shocked how far the technology went, as the NPC before himself was like a natural person, Alex didn''t want to be called [Daddy].


    He was too young for that.


    He stood up and smiled widely. He didn''t want that kid before him to get scared or wary of him as she should be connected to his tutorial.


    "There''s a reason for us to be together here. I can be your friend, instead. How about it?" Alex spoke softly.


    And as his words sounded nice, the kid nodded brightly.


    But as she did, her head suddenly fell off her neck.


    "My name is Celia! And this is my horse, Kubo!" she said as if nothing had happened.


    But Alex froze, and he stared slack-jawed before the young lady. He didn''t know how to react, and he was astonished to see the black hole in place of Celia''s neck.


    Her little arms went up, and she presented her white horse plush as if nothing had happened!


    "I am Alex¡­" he introduced himself and pressed Kubo''s plush head.


    Celia happily grinned, "Take Kubo, Alex!"


    "Yes," Alex took the plush.


    He then saw how his new friend went up to pick her head. She put it on casually, then turned around and smiled widely at him.


    If it weren''t for that incident, Alex would think of her as a cute and polite human girl. However, the reality was different.


    She was half-dullahan.


    ''The race doesn''t matter. She is as innocent as any other kid. But well¡­ This should be my tutorial¡­ As since I got that weird class, I should meet wives here,'' Alex thought inwardly.


    Although he was eager to go through The Tutorial, he had received a new class, so he needed to take things differently.


    "Where is your mom?" Alex asked.


    That mom should be his ''wife'' as per the legendary class.


    Celia nodded, "Mom is not here to play with me. She is fighting the hungry demons!"


    "Hungry demons¡­ Doesn''t she need help?" Alex asked.


    He was level one, but perhaps his class would help the lady.


    Celia replied, "Mom is strong! She can fight them alone! Aunts will also help after they return, you know?"


    Alex nodded, agreeing with Celia.


    But he was also quite tense. He learned that there were three wives here, and all of them fought in this tutorial.


    Now that he had time, Alex looked around.


    On his right, he saw a vast black castle with withered gardens. Those gardens were in a bad state, and the building also looked old with scars. Battles left scars, since there was a sharp claw on one of the towers, and also the time left scars because Alex saw a few bricks with natural holes within.


    Below him, he saw an army of skeletons wandering around mindlessly.


    As if his eyes asked a question, Celia and Kubo pointed at those skeletons, "They have appeared again. But they are too weak to break our home, so we are okay! Let''s play hide and seek, Alex!"


    "We will play hide and seek later¡­ What about tea?" Alex asked.


    He wanted to check his class, so a tea party sounded like a good plan to do so. It should make Celia a little busy, and he would have time to read all information.


    "Tea Party!" Celia''s eyes gleamed in excitement, "Yes! Tea Party! Let''s go!"


    It would be her first tea party.

 Chapter 2 - Legendary Treasuries

    Chapter 2: Legendary Treasuries


    "This is your seat, Kubo! This is yours, Alex!" Celia pointed at two chairs with her little finger.


    She skipped her way to one of those chairs, then gently put down her white horse toy on it.


    Before Alex took a seat, he told Celia he would help her make the tea. He didn''t want his new small friend to hurt herself. And as Celia said to him that it would be her first tea party, he also had an inkling that she had never made a tea.


    The castle''s kitchen was old dated, but Alex and Celia found a way to prepare a hot tea.


    She often saw her mother preparing dishes here, so Celia more or less knew some stuff.


    That was how Celia introduced magic stones to Alex.


    From a blue crystal, water came. And from the red one, fire. He could use those stones thanks to his game system.


    All Alex had to do was click [Yes.], but Celia didn''t know about it. She just imagined Alex to be a strong person!


    "We have to wait now. I heard that time passes quickly while we sing. Do you know any songs?" Alex smiled widely.


    He wanted Celia to give him some time. But it would be rude of him to tell her to be quiet, which could also hurt her feelings. Thus, he told her to sing, and it was his best idea so far as Celia''s voice was like an angel.


    As Alex listened to her chirping, he opened his game system. He followed the same procedure as in the character creation, so he drove seamlessly across its settings.


    ''I got a lot of messages¡­ Strange, shouldn''t those messages be turned on from the start?'' Alex questioned inwardly.


    He then clicked the messages.


    [Your nickname has been changed.]


    Alex''s forehead creased.


    His different nickname meant that his girlfriend couldn''t add him to his friendlist. His friends were the same¡­ He planned to contact them later on, but it turned out that he would have to do it in real life¡­


    ''I am already isolated here anyway¡­ Unless there are other players¡­ I don''t think that''s the case, though,'' Alex believed that no player should be here, at least now, since this place was related to his legendary class.


    [You have entered The Deathwill Castle.]


    [You have become The Deathwill Castle''s Master.]


    [Due to your poor relationship with The Deathwill Sisters, you can only see the Deathwill Castle''s map. Other than The Master''s bedroom, all other rooms are currently locked for you.]


    [The Deathwill Castle''s facilities are locked for you.]


    ''That''s harsh¡­ But I need to level up and form good relationships with my wives. That''s my game adventure,'' Alex commented inwardly.


    He didn''t know how to feel. In real life, he had a girlfriend, so he didn''t lack romance. But the game world already looked too real. He also spoke with a cute dullahan, who was no different than a real person.


    Things could get really complicated later on.


    Moreover, Alex promised to meet with his friends and girlfriend later on. If he spent too much time here, they would feel betrayed by him!


    ''Regardless of my real life''s factors, three wives sounds like genuine fantasy. I can''t be disappointed, can I? Unless the wives are bothersome ladies¡­'' Alex found his first ''real'' problem soon enough.


    He didn''t really know what kind of progress he would have to go through to have a good time with his wives. What if they were bloody and sadistic women? He would have to work really hard, wouldn''t he?


    He smiled, ''At least I know that there''s one normal person.''


    Alex turned his eyes toward Celia. She noticed his eyes and smiled at him. But then, she arched her head back so much that her vision spiraled.


    Her head dropped behind, and she rolled on the cold floor!


    "Haha! Do you find it hard to keep your head?" Alex helped Celia.


    He carefully held her head and brought it to her hands. After she attached her head back to her neck, Celia carefully nodded.


    "Mom said I am too weak. I can''t control my mana and abilities, so it''s really hard," she looked down sadly.


    She didn''t mind her head rolling from time to time, but her weak control hurt her.


    After Alex asked more, Celia told him that she couldn''t help her mother because she was weak.


    "That''s cute of you. I am sure your feelings support your mother in her battle with hungry demons. Because of you, she can fight better," Alex smiled widely.


    "Really?" Celia asked as if she really needed confirmation.


    Alex nodded once again.


    Both of them smiled then had the tea party.


    That was where Celia sang again.


    And Alex reached the best part of his class.


    [The Deathwill Castle''s Treasury.]


    [The castle''s treasury hold treasures to support you on your path. Your access to them is denied as you have a weak level and low relationship with your wives. You can choose a different path, however.]


    [Kill your wives-]


    "What a stupid path," Alex blurted out.


    Celia blinked her eyes, "Did you say something, Alex?"


    Since she had been singing, Celia didn''t hear him well.


    Alex patted her hair and shook his head, "You misheard."


    "Okay!"


    As Celia returned to singing, which became her favorite hobby quickly, Alex closed his eyes.


    From what he learned, The Deathwill Castle was his power. He would be able to unlock facilities here and train himself. He would be able to increase his stats easier than others and get rooms such as [Alchemy Room] and [Barracks.]


    He could develop his army here and do other epic stuff.


    That was because he was the husband of three Deathwill sisters. However, the game was like real life, so Alex also could take a different path. He could leave this castle and return with different strengths to conquer it without the sister''s help.


    After all, there were subclasses. And it wasn''t like Alex couldn''t ask for help. However, even though the system offered him this choice, and he could take even different approaches, such as stabbing the sisters back after getting their trust, Alex wouldn''t be able to go for such choices.


    He had heart.


    And Celia was already his good friend.


    ''Legendary Class gives me a castle and direct contact with the Deathwill Sisters. I should think of subclasses then,'' Alex turned his eyes toward the system.


    [Due to your relationship with Celia, you can see the legendary item in The Deathwill Castle''s Treasury.]


    [The Dullahan King''s Sword.]


    ''I should become swordsman,'' Alex decided.


    "Alex! How was my singing?! I have become better, right?!" Celia suddenly asked.


    Alex glanced at her, then apologized, "I needed to check a few things in my system. At first, I could read and listen to your voice at the same time, but then I got so engrossed in those messages I didn''t hear you."


    "Eh¡­" Celia looked at him, disappointed.


    Alex once again apologized, "Kubo looks pleased, though. Sing more for us."


    Celia''s mood immediately took a great shift.


    "Okay!" And a cute half-dullahan started singing again.

 Chapter 3 - Sara Deathwill

    Chapter 3: Sara Deathwill


    [Alexander Deathwill Lv.1 HP: 100/100 MP: 100/100]


    After enjoying a good tea, Celia went asleep. She hugged Kubo, and both of them wrapped themselves in soft blankets.


    Left alone, Alex left the room.


    That was when he noticed that he couldn''t return to the room no matter how hard he pressed the knob. It turned out that he needed Celia''s invitation and that her mother''s relationship with him blocked the doors.


    Thus, Alex entered the withered garden. He opened his system and checked his stats. His stats hadn''t changed yet. But Alex believed his legendary class would accelerate his growth, and he was sure he would gain more stats than your average swordsman.


    He lifted his eyes and looked at the dark sky, "I should find a sword for myself and try those skeletons head-on."


    Alex didn''t want to waste time.


    He also didn''t feel like sightseeing too much of the castle. He would rather do it with the lady by his side, and in his situation, it should be with three ladies.


    He chuckled and opened his minimap.


    "If the world turned into a game for them, the skeletons should''ve dropped some items for them. Maybe I will find the sword or other weapons around the gates," Alex pondered openly.


    He went to the enormous gates.


    Those gates were the first and the sturdiest defense of the whole Deathwill Castle. In the past, they had protected many citizens. Many merchants and people would go in and out through those gates.


    They were so wide that they could stuff four carriages going in and out at the same time!


    "Haha! There''s a weapon," Alex chuckled as he spotted a few weapons littered on the ground.


    Those weapons were low-level weapons. There was blood on those weapons, so Alex inferred that they were a recent loot.


    ''That blood should belong to the Deathwill Sisters,'' Alex narrowed his eyes, ''From what I saw, skeletons have low levels. But even a low level can inflict some pain. I should be careful from now on.''


    He took the bone sword.


    [The White Skeleton Sword(Epic) Attack: 71~~120]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    Ding!


    [Quest!]


    [Elias Deathwill''s Successor Quest! #1]


    [As you have revealed your desire to learn swordsmanship in the Deathwill Castle''s grounds, the mechanisms left by the former master have extended its hands toward you. By holding the bone sword, you can learn a few swordsmanship skills from the skeleton''s life.]


    [Chilling Slash - Slash skeletons thousand times to learn this skill. Critical strikes count as ten slashes.]


    [Shattering Thrust - Thrust your sword a thousand times against the skeletons to learn this skill. Critical strikes count as ten thrusts.]


    [Bone Parry - Parry the skeletons'' attacks a thousand times to learn this skill. Perfect parry will count as twenty parries.]


    ''Elias Deathwill¡­ The former master¡­ Who exactly was he?'' Alex looked at the first message first.


    He knew that this person and his mechanisms had chosen him.


    One of those mechanisms just allowed Alex to learn abilities from the bone sword. He could absorb skills from an unknown human and get a swordsman subclass in this way.


    ''I wonder if these mechanisms activated because I genuinely want to form a good relationship with the Deathwill Sisters.'' Alex didn''t know how far the magic in this world could peek into players'' hearts.


    It was already heaven-defying for humans to create such a game, so Alex was getting really curious.


    However, the game developers had told all players beforehand that they would never answer any plot-related questions. They wouldn''t explain game mechanics and intervene in the world''s history.


    Players and NPCs wrote the history.


    Alex shrugged. He didn''t care much about it. He was just glad he got an answer to his current predicament.


    He disliked wasting time, so with the sword in his hand, Alex opened small doors next to the enormous gates.


    He passed through it and revealed himself to the closest skeletons.


    Two skeletons turned their skulls slowly. Their bones cackled, notifying others of the sudden lifeform.


    Alex that lifeform bared his sword, "Let''s learn swordsmanship."


    As if his call stirred their souls, skeletons'' red eyes shone brightly. Their killing intent surged, and they made their way toward a lone human.


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    [You have killed Lv. 2 White Skeleton]


    [White Skeleton dropped¡­]


    [You have leveled up.]


    [You can assign two stat points.]


    [Alexander Deathwill Lv.3 HP: 200/200 MP: 100/100]


    Alex was one of those players who didn''t fear skeletons or other monsters. It wasn''t just because he knew it was the game world and that he could respawn at any time; Alex never failed to enter the battle mood.


    In real life, when his friends needed help, he would always gather enough courage to stand up to them.


    It was something similar right now.


    Alex also didn''t like how skeletons wandered around his castle. And from what he learned, Deathwill Sisters often headed outside to clean monsters.


    As the master of this place, Alex couldn''t chicken out. He also had people to fight for, so he easily entered his battle mood.


    But it was not the best part.


    Since Alex had no players around and he only spoke to the half-dullahan kid, he couldn''t really distinguish this place from real life. Even though he and Celia had statuses above their heads, Alex unconsciously treated this world as the real one.


    That was the best part.


    He fought as if he had one life. He fought so seriously that his instincts sharpened. He saw through skeletons'' all patterns, and Alex even found their weaknesses.


    [Your swordsmanship proficiency has reached F Grade.]


    [You have learned Bone Swordsmanship(F)]


    As those messages popped on his retina, Alex swung his sword. He slashed at the skeleton, and he immediately noticed the difference in the damage!


    "Great," Alex smiled with content, "Fighting with the sword is pretty fun. I feel like a real swordsman."


    He laughed and locked his eyes on incoming enemies.


    However, Alex didn''t move. He lowered his sword instead, and he stared at the person returning home.


    She wore thick black armor, so Alex could only gaze into her eyes. She had blue eyes that shone brightly like moons as if her two hues concealed two souls within.


    Those eyes were similar to Celia''s, so Alex knew her identity. But in her eyes, he saw much more experience and many different emotions.


    Still, even those emotions were far from exciting and innocent, Alex couldn''t think about her struggles. Her pretty face compelled him to look at her and enjoy her mature beauty.


    [You have met one of your wives, Sara Deathwill.]


    [You have met your husband, Alexander Deathwill.]


    Sara tilted her head, her blonde bangs sliding to the side, "So his successor has been chosen¡­"


    Her tone was indifferent. But who would blame her?


    Sara had a daughter, Celia, so she already had her fair share of experience with the man. And then, someone totally unfamiliar becomes her husband through the game system.


    She had all rights to be indifferent.


    But it was a fact that Alex was chosen.


    Thus, Sara paid attention to him.


    "How long have you been here?" she asked.


    Alex replied, "I had enough time to introduce myself to Celia and Kubo. I think we have become good friends."


    Hearing her daughter''s name, Sara''s eyes narrowed. But then, Alex mentioned Kubo, which was utterly unexpected.


    She chuckled faintly, then raised her spear. In one crescent moon slash, Sara erased skeletons around Alex.


    Her tone milder, she then approached him, "I will wait for you in the dining hall."


    "Sure," Alex nodded with a faint smile.


    [Sara no longer feels indifferent to you.]


    [Your relationship with her has increased significantly.]


    [Friends.]


    Her daughter''s friends were her friends as well.


    Alex was happy with that progress. He glanced at her disappearing back, then shifted his eyes to the skeletons.


    Knowing their pattern and weaknesses already, Alex rushed at them with confidence. For some reason, he was faster and stronger.


    Perhaps, the beautiful lady''s smile had given him a secret buff!


    [You have leveled up!]


    [You have leveled up!]


    [You have leveled up!]

 Chapter 4 - Skeleton Capitan

    Chapter 4: Skeleton Capitan


    Alex''s stats rose significantly.


    He was already level ten, so his HP and MP were higher naturally. Thinking about his future and current weapon, Alex put stats into STR and AGL, which raised his strength and speed, respectively.


    [Skeleton Capitan Lv. 15 HP: 1500/1500 MP: 500/500]


    [Your unique class has brought the peculiar monster to the Deathwill Castle''s grounds. Click here for more explanation.]


    After Alex skimmed through the explanation, he learned pretty exciting information. First, Alex learned the name of the person he was absorbing abilities of.


    It turned out that the sword he held belonged to a guy named Cain. Alex learned a little about that guy''s past; it was quite tragic.


    Secondly, Cain''s general, Jan, had just emerged before Alex.


    It went without saying that Alex''s Legendary Class, the sword''s origin, and the Deathwill Castle affected each other.


    In this place, Alex would grow the best.


    ''And I can help Deathwill Sisters at the same time, so everything is laid out to help me,'' Alex inferred inwardly before turning his eyes to the skeleton capitan.


    The Skeleton Capitan hadn''t emerged perfectly yet. His bones coalesced into a full figure a few seconds after Alex had finished reading the additional plot information.


    "Other than a general hat on your skull, you don''t look different. Let''s see whether you are the same as your soldiers!" Alex shouted before rushing at the boss.


    Skeletons were easy opponents because they needed time to turn on their engines. They would first glare at their enemies, then slowly make their way toward them.


    But after a few breaths, those skeletons would turn into challenging opponents.


    With so many of them gathered en masse, Alex had tasted the peak of their abilities more than once.


    What about the skeleton capitan?


    BANG!


    "It''s not just a hat difference! Huh!" Alex parried the fast slash with a smirk on his face.


    It looked like he had charged mindlessly, but he paid close attention to the boss'' movements. Therefore, Alex wasn''t surprised by its quick and instant reaction.


    He defended himself skilfully against the skeleton whose engine had been on from the start.


    "If you were like your troops, I would''ve ended you already," Alex spoke with confidence.


    And he wasn''t saying those words to impress the lady watching him from afar. He was sure he would end the boss in a few moves since his swordsmanship rose and his information about them exposed their weak spots.


    Alex swung his sword.


    [Critical Strike! -245 HP!]


    His speed was notable, but the coldness oozing out of his sword was much more impressive. It was his new skill that Alex had learned just a few minutes ago.


    Chilling Slash.


    This skill sucked a little of his mana, increasing Alex''s damage. To say nothing of this additional damage, Alex''s first offensive skill also left his enemies cold, slowing their movements considerably.


    For now, Alex could apply slow around the inflicted wounds.


    But with such excellent skill, Alex already looked forward to the future where he would freeze enemies en masse with just one wide slash!


    That was an epic fantasy all players looked forward to.


    BANG! BANG! BANG!


    Alex''s slashes were nearly all critical strikes. It wasn''t his luck but hours spent fighting the capitan''s troops. He also was fast, decisive, and confident in his abilities, so Alex never missed, as if he was a swordsman from the beginning.


    [Capitan Skeleton Lv. 15 HP: 451/1500 MP: 124/500]


    "Heh. It''s time for the best, isn''t it?" Alex smirked and moved his limbs to perform the perfect thrust.


    However, before his weapon went forth, Capitan Skeleton roared loudly.


    He used his last remaining mana to use his epic skill.


    [Capitan Skeleton has called his army!]


    All white skeletons in the vicinity had reacted to this roar. Their eyes flashed with killing intent that would send shivers down to an average player. Their movement was no longer stiff, and they jumped toward Alex like professional athletes.


    The boss'' scream flared up their engines, and they madly slashed their weapons at Alex.


    Faced with such blatant and furious attacks, Alex bared his sword and defended himself as much as he could.


    He parried a few enemy moves, but Alex suffered three times more wounds for one block.


    It was the first time he fought against this many opponents whose strength reached the peak level. He was surrounded by them, so he also had a little room.


    But Alex never closed his eyes. He remained clear-headed, and no stress halted his movements. He found gap after gap, and when his HP reached shallow heights, Alex''s plan fruited.


    He went through many skeletons, playing them like fools, then approached Capitan Skeleton from the side.


    "Return to where you have come from, capitan," Alex uttered in a tone more chilling than his [Chilling Slash].


    He thrust his sword forward.


    [Critical Strike! -9999999 HP!]


    His sword was laced in [Shattering Thrust] Skill.


    And as the damage he did was awe-inspiring, Alex''s second offensive skill was notable as well. That skill lowered the defenses of his enemies. In a way, it shattered the enemies'' bones. However, its last passive effect was the best.


    It was the execution effect.


    Such a powerful effect demanded a specific prerequisite¡­ And it was the bone¡­ Alex''s enemies had to have bones. Moreover, their bones had to be exposed for this execution effect to work.


    This was the best skill against skeletons and a few other undead enemies!


    [You have killed Capitan Skeleton Lv.15]


    [You have leveled up¡­]


    [You have leveled up¡­]


    [You have found an epic item: The Capitan''s Hat.]


    "Were you a capitan or general?" Alex chuckled as he stared at the crumbling bones.


    He was carefree since other skeletons didn''t move.


    They sensed their general''s death, which sounded impossible in their minds. They stood frozen as if Alex had become their new commander.


    Unfortunately, that was not the case.


    A few minutes later, the white skeletons rendered Alex an enemy.


    But Alex had already enough of fighting against them.


    He went back to Deathwill''s Castle.


    "Alex! We have been watching!" Celia waved at him from afar.


    She was in her mother''s arms and looked particularly happy. In her hand, her plush toy, Kubo, went back and forth as she had been waving her hands with an overjoyed heart.


    Alex could only smile warmly.

 Chapter 5 - Plot Thickens

    Chapter 5: Plot thickens


    [Sara Deathwill Lv. 25 HP: ??? MP: ???]


    Although her stats were hidden from Alex, her smile was that of a great friend. It seemed like Celia had spoken about everything that had happened between her and him. Of course, their friend relationship didn''t turn to [Best Friends], but Alex was much more pleasing to the eye.


    And for Alex, Sara''s genuine smile warmed his heart.


    It didn''t take a genius to see how depressing their situation was. They were confined in a castle, waiting for a man they had no clue about.


    Moreover, Sara had a daughter. Her little girl only had small plush as her friend, and she also didn''t have a father.


    So seeing them like that, Alex felt content. Even if his contribution to that happiness was not much and those were NPCs, he felt genuine joy from the bottom of his heart.


    He approached them and smiled widely, "Today is the first time I hold the sword. Did I do well?"


    He asked his friend first.


    Celia nodded, and she put her little hand on Kubo''s head. They both expressed their joy to Alex, as he looked strong and cool.


    "You are strong, Alex!" Celia chirped cutely.


    "Thanks!" Alex smiled like a kid and bumped his fist against Celia''s tiny fist.


    He then shifted his attention to the blonde-haired mother.


    They looked briefly into each other''s eyes.


    Then, Sara let Celia go.


    She whispered gently while ruffling her daughter''s hair, "Let''s play hide and seek."


    "Will Alex play with us?" Celia asked, her eyes going between Alex and Sara.


    After Alex nodded, knowing Sara''s plot, Celia brightly smiled and ran away from them, shouting that she wouldn''t seek first.


    She immediately went to her favorite hiding spot, "Alex is seeking first!"


    As Celia was no longer here, Sara took a seat and invited Alex to talk.


    It was time to reveal things that were beyond the system.


    "Our circumstances are so odd that I haven''t introduced me yet. I am Sara Deathwill, half dullahan, half-human. Pleased to meet you, Alex," Sara bowed respectfully before the player whose surname was already like hers.


    In her home clothes, long pants, and black sweater, Sara''s curves were all available to Alex''s eyes.


    But since he didn''t want to show such side and more crucial matters pressed him, Alex just made a short summary of her beauty in his mind; model face and housewife''s voluptuous curves.


    Since she was a mother, that short description of her body was on the spot. It also looked like Sara was an exceptionally calm and responsible person.


    Alex wasn''t stiff in her presence, even after she had revealed her race.


    In Sara''s case, she was genuinely pleased to meet Alex. She knew that the successor to her family''s castle would soon come here, so she had many thoughts about it.


    She had many doubts and worries, but her primary concern was about Celia. What if that person imposed some weird rules and hurt her little girl''s life? That would be the worst.


    She also feared that the person would come when she was outside. And it had actually happened.


    However, what happened next went beyond her imagination.


    Her daughter found no fear in Alex, and she approached him. Then, they became friends, and Celia had a good time indeed.


    Therefore, Sara would reveal a lot of information to Alex.


    "I am Alexander. Also pleased to meet you. Alex for good buddies," Alex smiled widely, revealing his white teeth.


    Sara chuckled and nodded, "Then¡­ What interests you the most?"


    "Of course, I am mostly interested in you, Deathwill Sisters. I''ve learned about the class benefits already, so I know that we need mutual understanding and a good relationship. But, what exactly happened to you? Are you¡­ confined here?" Alex asked the last question softly.


    While he could leave this place and go to average cities where other players respawned and began their quests, Alex had a suspicion that it was not the case for the sisters.


    Sara sighed, "We must protect this place. It''s not only because it used to be our home, but also because this is the only place where we can hide."


    "Hide?" Alex asked again.


    And this question needed much more background.


    Therefore, Sara stood up and went to make tea. Once she came with snacks and drinks, she put them on the cold table and started the story.


    "Elias Deathwill¡­ That''s the name of our father and the person you''ve inherited the castle from. He was¡­ strong human. One of the strongest." Sara spoke about her father in quite an indifferent tone.


    But within her eyes, she was more disappointed than ever.


    "He was known as the strongest swordsman. He surrounded himself with people of the same caliber, if not just a little worse. But the reality is that you will never be able to fill all seats with exquisite people.


    But he tried and made many empty promises," Sara shook her head, dejected.


    Sara told him so far that Elias Deathwill was a greedy man. He wanted to be above everyone; at the same time, he wanted his people to be just a step behind him.


    He wouldn''t accept people who were much weaker than him, even if their fields differed significantly.


    To have so many talents in his kingdom, Elias Deathwill made too many empty promises. Worse, he forgot about what he swore to fulfill and just lived his life. His people worked for him, believing he would help them solve their problems and the other stuff he had promised them.


    "The worst was what he did to our mothers¡­ So as you know, my father was a greedy man. He wouldn''t bed a weak woman, nor he would marry someone with no background. But as he had his pride, women of the same caliber were similar.


    In other words, they wouldn''t share him with other women," Sara clicked her tongue, clearly annoyed by that past.

 Chapter 6 - I Found You

    Chapter 6: I found you


    "I always believed I had one mother and no sisters. But the reality was that my father hid his relationships. He was also so clever that all his wives never found out about others, even if they visited the castle and lived here for days with him¡­ Don''t ask me how he did that," Sara sent a peculiar glance toward Alex before continuing her story.


    "But when the world changed, and we received those status windows and other privileges, my father''s lies and empty promises became exposed," Sara chuckled, which was unexpected.


    But after her following words, Alex let out a chuckle as well.


    It turned out that the system revealed too much information.


    The promises that he made, the promises that he forgot, and other lies that he kept well hidden from the world; all of them flashed in Elias Deathwill''s eyes.


    They appeared as quests.


    The same happened in nearly all residents'' hearts.


    "My father was scared that the gods sent him this information. He got so paranoid he believed that others would see through his quests soon¡­ Of course, we have learned that we can give those quests to players and let them help us. In return, we will have our problems solved, and the players will receive the reward from the gods," Sara''s story was reaching the end.


    She shook her head for the last time, "In his mental dilemma, my father exposed his quests to his first wife, my mother. She saw through his lies and fought him in the castle. Then, other wives and his whole kingdom saw through his quest list.


    They all¡­ learned what exactly my father thought about them and how he neglected his promises."


    Since there was no way for him to continue being the king and the strongest swordsman, Elias Deathwill used special techniques. He sent his castle and other facilities to the unique leveling ground zone.


    He prepared a class for his successor and passed him all his quests.


    "W-Wait¡­ He passed me his quests?" Alex asked with widened eyes.


    And that was when the hidden list appeared before him.


    He just peeked at the top of the list, and that was enough to make Alex tremble no end. People were truly in need, yet Elias Deathwill focused solely on himself.


    Sara smiled faintly, "My mother was a high-class woman. She often praised her husband and spoke about true love¡­ After all, her husband made her believe that she was the only one in his heart¡­ When she learned the truth, her shame took over her, and she fought against him.


    Now, I don''t know where my mother is¡­ She is not in her home. I also have no place in that kingdom anymore¡­" Sara bit her lips.


    She had two homes. One was the kingdom her father made; another was the dullahan''s kingdom.


    The former was no longer active, and the latter had kicked her away. No, dullahan''s wanted to wipe off the shame, so they put bounties on Sara and Celia.


    And that was exactly why Elias Deathwill named the class ''Husband Of Deathwill Sisters''.


    That was because his daughters needed the help the most. And frankly, he cared about them more than anyone else.


    He didn''t know that the system would offer many paths for Alex to take. But luckily for him, his successor turned out to be a pretty good guy.


    He wouldn''t ignore sisters, nor he would ignore the new quest list he had just received.


    Alex would take those problems and quests head-on!


    ''It''s like I got a list of all unique NPCs¡­ I have a long adventure ahead of myself,'' Alex''s adventurous heart palpitated.


    But then, he glanced at Sara, who had been looking at him intensely.


    He turned off the system windows and extended his hand toward hers, "I found you."


    "Haha!"


    Now, he could only go and look around for Celia.


    They were playing hide and seek, after all.


    And though Alex didn''t say anything after Sara shared the story about his class, he kept holding her hand throughout the whole hide and seek game.


    In this way, he told her he would work hard to get her quests.


    "Mom! Why are you two holding hands?" Celia asked after Alex found her.


    Alex smiled widely, "I am also holding yours."


    "True! Are we going somewhere?" Celia asked with little sleepy eyes.


    Her new friend chuckled, "You two go to bed. I will also return to my world."


    "Oh! A new world!"


    Mentioning the new world wiped off Celia''s sleepiness. She wanted to hear more about the new world, so Alex told her a little story about it. He spoke in a slow and gentle tone, making her little eyelids fall down relatively easily.


    Alex then turned around and faced Sara, "I will be going. Good night."


    "Yes, good night. See you tomorrow."


    "Yeah. I will be back as soon as I can," Alex smiled widely.


    His body turned into particles as if he got killed. However, those particles were blue, meaning he had logged out successfully.


    Once he left the capsule, Alex yawned.


    He felt way more tired than he thought. His body also perspired more, perhaps due to the battles he had gone through.


    He smelled so much that Alex immediately headed to the bathroom.


    "I could''ve asked about her sisters," Alex saw that Sara was also worried about her sisters.


    He inferred that the other two sisters should be back home already. But they were not, meaning that their battles were still going on.


    What were those hungry demons? Alex grew curious.


    But he knew he would spend time cleaning those monsters soon enough. He also didn''t want to speak about more worries after Sara had told him about her father and her own story.


    Well, all he knew was that dullahans searched for her. But he believed that Celia''s father also should be guilty of something.


    After all, she had never mentioned him.


    And Celia also called Alex [Daddy] before, so it was like she didn''t know about him at all¡­


    This made Alex ask a simple question, "When their world has become the game? Celia is four years old, so¡­ less than four years¡­"

 Chapter 7 - The First Day Was Madness!

    Chapter 7: The first day was madness!


    After Alex left the bathroom, he became too sleepy.


    He still talked a little about the game with his parents, then headed straight to his bed. But of course, as the young man in the modern era, Alex extended his hand for the phone.


    Before sleeping, he would check popular social media accounts and message his girlfriend.


    It was now crucial for Alex to keep himself in touch with Olivia.


    "Ugh¡­" Alex squinted his eyes from the bright screen.


    He then saw countless messages piled up in his notifications. Most of them came from his friends, who had been feeling betrayed throughout the whole day.


    Alex would play with them during his first day, but due to known reasons, things had changed significantly. He was in a special zone that needed his attention. Alex also had two girls to spend time with within that black castle.


    Two more girls were also around, fighting monsters, as he thought.


    ''Honestly¡­ Is it okay for me to tell them my nickname?'' Alex pondered inwardly as he stared at the phone with narrowed eyes.


    Knowing about Elias Deathwill''s past, Alex believed that this surname was known in the Avander World.


    If his friends carelessly mumbled out his nickname around peculiar NPCs, they would danger themselves with quests against him.


    Alex scratched his hair, ''The game this real; would NPCs just accept refusal? They would force them to tell all they knew about me¡­ It kinda goes against the player''s safety, though¡­''


    Alex fought against skeletons on his first day, which left him with profound experience. But his meeting with dullahan kid and her mother was much more influential.


    He felt like he was in another world, not the game.


    Sara and Celia were too real. Their reactions were genuine, and no way their answers to his actions were scripted.


    That was why Alex didn''t think he was overthinking.


    There was a high chance enemy NPCs would use his friends to find him and Deathwill''s Castle.


    Alex didn''t want to endanger his new friends, so he typed on his phone.


    [Alex: I logged in late, then I found a hidden quest. Sorry, but I will be playing alone for a while.]


    Alex and his friends had a group chat.


    Everyone reacted to his message with emojis with stars in their eyes, showing their excitement. Even his girlfriend, Olivia, was happy for Alex. In the game, this real, epic quest could lead him to the greater heights, and she supported him genuinely.


    Seeing their excitement and jealousy was a nice and amusing thing, but Olivia''s support warmed him the most.


    He sent her a private message and asked about her game time, then revealed a little secret about his ''hidden quest''.


    [Alex: I was in contact with exciting NPCs. I couldn''t tell who was more alive, you know?]


    [Olivia: Our experience with martial artists was the worst!]


    [Alex: What happened?]


    In Olivia''s case, the martial artists were too swarmed. Not only them, but even beginner grounds lacked monsters. Players fought against each other frequently, swinging their weapons wherever they could.


    It was chaos from the start.


    Then, each beginner city had a limited amount of martial artists and other NPCs who could give class quests.


    Queues were overwhelming and long, and at some point, NPCs were so fed up with players that they wouldn''t even talk with them. They would send their quests to players with red and scrunched faces.


    Some of those NPCs had scars and other terrifying faces. For the group of young ladies, this experience was far from the best one.


    As the lady who chose spear as her primary weapon, Olivia stood at the helm of her group. She had a heated argument with her martial artist NPC.


    Nothing good came out of this quarrel, and the ladies were sent to fight monsters without any tips and clues.


    And as the world was crowded no end, they fought more with players than monsters¡­ Some white knights appeared to protect them and use this situation to gain their favor. But they didn''t know how valiant Olivia and her friends could get!


    Then, they teamed up with Alex''s friends, and they moved en masse to secure as many monsters as possible.


    [Alex: What level are you?]


    Alex was flabbergasted.


    But he was even more eager to check videos from the first day as all events sounded too chaotic. In school, he would backread their group''s chat logs to get an even better view of his friends'' gameplay.


    Olivia''s reply shocked him deeper.


    [Olivia: We are just level three¡­]


    They played for the whole day, yet their levels were around five. His good buddy was lucky enough to level up to level six¡­ Other than that, everyone else was much weaker.


    However, fighting against players must have been a unique experience as well.


    Alex cheered his girlfriend and left a few lovely voice messages for her to sleep to.


    [Olivia: You won''t tell me your nickname?]


    [Alex: Hidden Quest requires me to stay silent.]


    [Olivia: What! Do you have an assassin class quest or something?]


    [Alex: Haha! Better, you know?]


    No more messages followed after that.


    But a few minutes later, Alex received a long voice message.


    ''I want to see you¡­'' Olivia''s voice touched his heart.


    Even though it had been just a few days without them seeing each other, they were used to seeing each other every day. And as she was abroad, Olivia genuinely planned to pester and cling to him for as long as she could.


    Of course, Alex wouldn''t oppose it as he knew how spoiled Olivia could get at times.


    They have been a couple for a few years now.


    He smiled at her message, then sent a heart emote before closing his eyes.


    He no longer could keep up; drowsiness took him away.


    -


    -


    -


    -


    "Madness¡­" Alex whispered as he watched the videos from the first day.


    For his breakfast, he had cereal as usual. He always ate his breakfast in a few minutes, but he spent much more this time. He kept staring at the screen, forgetting to move his spoon.


    But the wave of players pushing against each other and fighting for monsters left Alex beyond shocked.


    He was slack-jawed, and he didn''t even finish his breakfast before going to school!


    "I am so fucking lucky, am I not?" Alex whispered.


    Unfortunately, his mother heard him!


    "ALEX!"


    Alex waved his hand, shook his head, closed the doors, then headed to school with a peculiar expression.


    He was luckier than he thought.

 Chapter 8 - Her Theory Is Confirmed!

    Chapter 8: Her theory is confirmed!


    [Capitan Hat! Grade: Epic Durability: 100/100]


    [Lv. Requirement: 12]


    [+10 Charisma, +250 HP.]


    [Unique effect(Epic): Skeletons, who were in Jan''s troops before his death, won''t attack you while wearing this hat. You will be able to see their location on the map.]


    Alex wasn''t fond of his second epic item.


    Although it gave a fantastic charisma stat and an excellent HP, Alex found the hat uncomfortable. He often raised his hands to correct it, but that was far from helpful. Instead, it made him fix the hat more.


    The unique effect was pretty nice, though.


    On his minimap, Alex saw many red dots. Those white skeletons wouldn''t attack him, and he would be able to clean them up quickly.


    However, as his level went up, Alex found those skeletons much weaker. Other than the boss or other capitans, who else could pose a threat to him here?


    Of course, those skeletons were around his castle''s grounds.


    If he went beyond, Alex would find much more enemies. For example, the hungry demons.


    Alex was curious about them.


    Fortunately, Sara and Celia were there.


    "They are no different than skeletons. They return after we kill them. But, their strong point is that they have intelligence and their memories stay intact, even if we kill or purify them," Sara explained.


    Alex nodded, "I assume you level up on them?"


    "Yes," Sara nodded.


    And before Alex asked another question, Sara said, "Are you curious about my low level?"


    "Yes," Alex didn''t have to hide that.


    He was already level twelve, and that was after the first day.


    On the other hand, Sara had level twenty-five. Her daughter was level one, but that was not surprising at all.


    However, the Avander World''s change happened two years ago.


    In other words, the residents had two years to prepare for the players'' arrival.


    Alex didn''t know much about it, but Sara gently explained it all.


    "It is probably due to our parents'' bloodlines, but we were given a chance to level up," Sara looked to the past.


    When the world changed, and the gods'' blessing swept through them and their lands, the residents had received the most shock. Of course, that was arguable, as many monsters appeared across the lands.


    But residents quickly found out that their powers halted.


    Those who were level one couldn''t level up at all. Their skills'' proficiencies could still go up, but just barely. The progress was close to non-existent.


    But some NPCs received a chance.


    "Reset your levels and skills, and level up from scratch," Sara parted her lips with a melancholic look.


    Back then, she had so many thoughts about the world''s change.


    It was the embarrassing matter that her inward desires became quests that she could give to players, but the chance that had appeared to her gave her new ideas. She and her husband could level up.


    They had more means than most NPCs.


    They could stand up on their feet and not rely on players at all. Instead, they could have their own ground and work for a more fantastic future.


    But then, Sara''s father came with the news. He dropped heavy event, and her whole life changed again.


    "I''ve reset my level. And my other sisters did the same. It still took us some time, but we have been on our own for two years now. As far as I am concerned, I have been leveling up for more than one year and a half now," Sara said.


    Alex understood her situation, but as the young man, he couldn''t hide his emotions that well.


    One year and a half, and she was just level twenty-five.


    It looked like there was more to it.


    Sara saw his face, but she remained silent.


    Alex scratched his chin with his thumb, pondering deeply, "I think¡­ you need more EXP to level up than players¡­ You are a peculiar resident, after all."


    "Looks like our fate to support players is set, no matter whether we are unique residents or not," Sara uttered with a bit of self-deprecating tone.


    A heavy mood unfolded between them.


    He squeezed his brain and replied after a short break, "You girls lack the last puzzle. That puzzle is me. Let me catch up to your level, then we will see level up together. I am sure we will fill each other''s weaknesses and soar."


    His optimism was infectious as Sara''s eyes lit up with hope. It wasn''t like she had never thought about her father''s successor and what he could bring to their lives. But as he said it himself, Sara was more hopeful than ever.


    She thanked him for cheering her up with her genuine smile, putting down Alex in one place as he could only stare at her with a similar smile.


    Their relationship progressed steadily.


    -


    -


    -


    -


    "How did you summon that skeleton?" Sara asked.


    She and Alex were outside the castle. They were surrounded by the skeletons, whose red eyes remained calm.


    No skeleton pointed their weapons at them, so their talk was peaceful.


    Alex remembered the Skeleton Capitan then clicked on the system messages. He had a quest log, and his other notifications were stored up here, too, "It was the combination of my class and Deathwill''s Castle."


    "The lands that stretch far beyond what we see¡­ I am confident those lands store enemies that my father faced in his prime," Sara stared at the faraway dark mountains with narrowed eyes, holding her spear tightly.


    She turned her eyes to Alex and smiled faintly, "That''s just my theory based on what you''ve shared with me. While I know no one named Cain, the name Jan is familiar. If I am correct, my father clashed with them. He won and killed them all."


    Alex nodded.


    The killing was a light topic in the Avander World. People were killed for all reasons, and it was common to have wars here. It was the perfect layout for the gaming experience as players could take many sides.


    But Alex still found it uncomfortable, solely due to his short experience with Sara and Celia.


    Of course, residents never took killing innocents as the light topic. They also condemned vile practices, such as necromancy and other things requiring many lives to boost an individual or group''s strength.


    Sara said her theory, "We don''t know what price or techniques my father used to send his castle and prepare the successor. We don''t know this place too¡­ The sky is dark, clouds are always black¡­ It''s like the night is always here¡­ Dullahan part likes this environment, but my human side yearns for the sun."


    Alex glanced at her, then patted her shoulder, "I can leave, so you girls will be able to leave with me soon. Your theory is also good. We must face your father''s past and grow stronger by going through his enemies.


    I fear that hungry demons might be not the only intelligent beings, though," Alex replied.


    Sara then chuckled, "But as you can see¡­ There are a few fewer skeletons than before. I had killed a few of them before you logged in."


    She was lucky enough to kill skeletons that used to be in Jan''s troops.


    Because of it, Sara confirmed something useful, "White Skeleton from Jan''s troops will no longer respawn. That''s sure because you have killed their general. In other words, this land hides much more bosses for you to level up quickly."


    "That must be the case!" Alex nodded with a broad smile, his eyes shining, "I should get a different sword. You girls must have looted every skeleton here, right?"


    "Of course we did," Sara gave an encouraging and confident smile, then the second day of hard work began.


    But as it was a fantasy world, Alex never found it boring. He practiced parrying against many opponents and other valuable stuff.


    He then found another Skeleton Capitan!


    "Let''s do it," Alex sneered.

 Chapter 9 - Hidden Quest Completed

    Chapter 9: Hidden Quest completed


    [You have completed the first hidden quest - Mobs Quest]


    [The former soldiers and their generals were nothing but pests in Elias Deathwill''s eyes. You have managed to kill them all and erase their presence in your early level stages!]


    [You have gotten an additional reward!]


    [Elias Deathwill''s Swordsmanship(S)]


    It had been roughly six days already.


    In nearly a week, Alex found all the Skeleton Capitans. He defeated them in grand battles, then looted and soaked their experience. His Bone Swordsmanship''s proficiency rose, increasing his familiarity with the undead weapons.


    In his hands, the bone sword was stronger. Alex could bring out more of its damage. Furthermore, his Bone Swordsmanship worked well with [Shattering Thrust], allowing Alex to expose his enemies'' bones faster.


    Of course, he hadn''t tested it yet because his opponents were mostly skeletons.


    After he defeated the last Skeleton Capitan, Alex noticed the hidden quest. That hidden quest rewarded him with peculiar skill.


    But the hidden quest itself was pleasing to the eye.


    It erased the skeleton''s presence around Deathwill''s Castle. No more skeletons would spawn in the vicinity.


    While it was great for one''s peace of mind, the skeletons were a great source of experience. In the future, should Alex get more friends or NPCs to level up, he wouldn''t be able to use the same method.


    Nonetheless, it was more about the message.


    After Alex had cleared those skeletons, a content smile spread on his face. He had a way to remove the monsters and turn this dark castle and land into a better environment, not only for himself but his wives too.


    He checked other rewards from the hidden quest.


    [Bone Seal(???) - You currently can not see through its information.]


    Alex received a unique seal.


    He threw it into his inventory since it didn''t reveal any information. Back in the Deathwill Castle, he would store it in the treasury.


    Now, onto the best reward.


    [Elias Deathwill''s Swordsmanship(S)]


    "One-handed swordsmanship¡­ Did he use his left hand for something else?" Alex pondered loudly as he read the information about the new passive skill.


    This passive skill was ranked S, so it immediately became the best skill in Alex''s hands. That skill allowed him to use any sword with one hand and bring out their strongest damage.


    Even better, Alex could equip any sword, regardless of the level requirements. He still would face limitations depending on his status and environment, but it was still a terrifying skill.


    ''If I get my hands on the Dullahan King''s sword, I won''t need to look out for weapons for at least a few hundred levels¡­ Am I exaggerating a little?'' Alex chuckled.


    He recalled the weapon''s name he saw due to his relationship with Celia. That dullahan king''s sword surely was a weapon for many levels as it was the legendary weapon.


    Alex swore to work hard to get all treasuries.


    And as excitement washed through him, Alex turned around to return to the castle. But as he did, he noticed that Sara and Celia were on their way toward him.


    He approached them.


    Celia was the first one to speak.


    Holding her plush, she grinned, "You look so stupid, Alex!"


    "I didn''t choose this outfit, you know?" Alex replied with a sigh.


    [The Capitan''s Set!]


    From head to toe, Alex wore general clothes. Since all of them were epic items dropped from the Skeleton Capitans, their appearances were close to intact. A few scratches could be seen around Alex''s chest and arms.


    But even without those scratches, Alex would look odd.


    Those clothes didn''t look good on him, and he also found them uncomfortable¡­


    "So why do you wear them?" Celia asked, hugging her toy.


    Alex took a deeper sigh, "Their stats are useful. I get a lot of HP, so I can focus more on strength and agility¡­ Well, they also give charisma, but I think it has opposite effects on you two¡­"


    It wasn''t just Celia who found Alex''s looks odd. Sara also laughed at him from time to time.


    In the beginning, she wanted to hide it. However, Celia quickly exposed her mother''s mood.


    Ever since then, Sara kept looking at Alex with curved lips.


    Even now, she extended her hand and fixed his hat.


    The mood in the castle was much merrier now that Alex had appeared. Those clothes contributed to it a little, so Sara didn''t want this magical time to disappear.


    What was more important was that her daughter laughed way more. And so, if it was necessary, she would use all means to keep Alex wearing those clothes.


    Celia extended her hand too, and she played with Alex''s cheek, pulling them toward herself.


    Alex stood motionless, letting these two enjoy themselves.


    "At least Kubo is my ally," he jested, poking Celia''s cheek with her toy.


    Celia gasped, "When did you take him away?!"


    "What do you mean? He joined my side on his own," Alex sneered widely.


    As if it poked her little heart, Celia puffed her cheeks and thrashed in her mother''s arms to snatch away her toy.


    "Kubo can''t move yet!" Celia shared a little of her dream.


    Alex titled his head, "Yet? Hmm."


    Celia didn''t reply to him. She bit her lips and stared at him with tearful eyes. To such an adorable sight, Alex couldn''t stay still.


    He immediately gave her plush toy back.


    After three of them played for a little, they all returned to Deathwill''s Castle.


    -


    -


    -


    -


    "It''s been already a week¡­ Shouldn''t we look out for your sisters?" Alex asked after tasting Sara''s dinner.


    In a game world, food was much different.


    It was also more unique in Deathwill''s Castle as sisters hunted monsters for meat¡­ They were heavily limited by their resources, but Sara''s cooking was like a skill itself, and she did wonders in the kitchen.


    Both Alex and Celia asked for seconds already.


    As she returned with the plates, Sara replied, "I am not worried about Schnee, but we should look out for Stella."


    Before Alex asked for more details, Celia stopped eating, and she raised her eyes, "I am going to be left alone again?"


    Alex patted her head, "Just for a few hours. We will return with your aunt. Isn''t it great? We will have more people to play hide and seek with."


    Celia shook her head, "Schnee always bullies me in a hide and seek! And Stella never plays seriously with me!"


    Celia shared a little about his other two wives'' personalities in those two sentences. Alex''s curiosity grew deeper.


    He ruffled Celia''s blue hair, "I will talk with them to play our game seriously. How dare they ignore the princess?"


    "Am I a princess?" Celia''s eyes twinkled.


    Alex nodded a few times, "Of course. For their rude behavior, they must play hide and seek and tea party seriously with us for one week! That''s your turn to bully them."


    Celia grasped the spoon tightly and nodded decisively, "I will bully them!"


    "Great," Alex laughed out loud.


    He took his spoon and took a mouthful of Sara''s soup.


    [Your relationship with Sara Deathwill has risen significantly.]


    Alex stopped eating and covertly took a glance at Sara.


    She felt his eyes and smiled at him, "Interested in your other wives?"


    And a change in the relationship was immediately noticeable. She never used the word ''wife'' in Alex''s presence.


    But now, she was eager to talk about her sisters.


    Alex jested, "Do they also bully you in a hide and seek?"

 Chapter 10 - Lazy Healer And Weird Cat

    Chapter 10: Lazy healer and weird cat


    "Do they also bully you in a hide and seek?"


    To his words, Sara burst out laughing.


    She covered her lips and shook her head gently. As her laughter subsided a little, Sara turned her eyes to Celia, who had been staring at her as if wronged.


    How many times did her daughter request assistance against her aunts?


    Celia wanted to bully back, but she never had a chance.


    Now that Alex was with her, she would make them play with her all games she had heard about back in the Dullahan Kingdom.


    Seeing how excited her daughter was, Sara momentarily lost herself in thoughts. As she did, Alex and Celia dug into her dishes.


    After some time, Sara replied, "They don''t even dare to try. If it wasn''t for me, Stella would continue to laze around in the castle.


    Before I tell you a little about your wives, how do you see me?" Sara asked curiously.


    They had been together for a week now.


    Although Alex always logged out quite late, he spent most of his free time with them. Of course, he logged in late due to his school. He couldn''t neglect his studies.


    But as per many mothers'' worries, many other students got too addicted to the new world.


    Alex saw far fewer people in his school. That was quite an odd feeling as school rules were pretty strict in his area.


    "How do I see you? Well¡­ You appear as a collected and responsible woman," Alex replied to Sara''s inquiry.


    He heard many times how children changed parents. He didn''t know whether Sara was one of those, though.


    She nodded with a dazzling smile, "I always used to be strict with myself¡­ The one time I let my rules go was when I fell in love¡­"


    Sadness flashed in Sara''s eyes.


    And as she noticed four eyes deeply looking at her, Sara quickly changed her topic.


    ''I guess she doesn''t want to speak about Celia''s father,'' Alex took a furtive glance at his little friend.


    As he guessed, Celia looked sad. Her head low, she stared at a nearly empty bowl with squinted eyes and unconcealable longing. She yearned for a person who would help her mother make their lives merrier.


    Other than daddy, who else could it be?


    Alex didn''t move. He didn''t want to give any thoughts to his little friend. He maintained silence and listened to Sara''s talk.


    "Stella is like the embodiment of sloth. I wouldn''t be surprised if she were to be a sin of sloth. She is so lazy that she doesn''t walk unless necessary. So how does she move? Well, did I pique your interest?" Sara spoke too fast, actually.


    However, Alex knew the reason.


    He spoke louder and spoke more than he should, "She doesn''t walk¡­ Anyone would think she just doesn''t move, but you just asked me how she moves instead¡­ Hmmm¡­ I believe she uses some technique?"


    Celia lifted her eyes and raised her hand, "Stella uses wings!"


    Sara nodded.


    And as the last topic, about Sara''s love, had utterly evaporated from everyone''s hearts, Sar spoke slower, and her smile returned.


    She replied, "Her mother hails from the winged tribe. One has to cross seven mountains and reach the clouds to even speak with them. As someone with pride, my father obviously challenged their grounds¡­"


    The Winged Race was peculiar. They held two elements, holy and wind. Only those from the royal bloodline could wield two, but Stella somehow could use a little of her wind despite choosing the holiness as her primary class.


    They said that her laziness brought out the wind elements. After all, Stella flapped her wings slowly, so slowly that she wouldn''t be able to fly without wind mana.


    Alex didn''t know whether he should laugh or cry. But the former was much better in their mood. He laughed as he imagined the lazy lady moving her wings.


    He also had a good image of Stella.


    Sara and Celia openly talked about her looks.


    "Mom is more beautiful!" Celia shouted, then pushed her plush toy''s head down, making Kubo agree with her words.


    Alex was also forced to agree. Well, he didn''t mind.


    "Schnee is the opposite. She is fickle, energetic and she likes to tease a lot. Her personality is surprising because she is a cat woman, and her mother would be good buddies with Stella¡­ I guess it''s my father''s genes'' fault," Sara sighed.


    Even to her, Schnee was too much.


    That kitty surely would take her time and play with hungry demons. She wouldn''t just fight them to death but make sure that those hungry demons would think twice before attacking her.


    Of course, some might think that it was a good idea.


    However, the hungry demon''s mental was formidable. And then, Schnee''s worst side was that she had some sadistic tendencies. That was precisely why Sara couldn''t efficiently deal with Schnee.


    Sara spoke about the cat woman''s worst side in a whisper so Celia wouldn''t hear about it.


    Alex nodded, "I am glad that I met you first."


    He spoke genuinely.


    From what he learned, Schnee was the worst. If he really were to become her husband, he would need to keep an eye on her the most.


    Stella was also troublesome. That was because Alex didn''t like to laze around nor waste time doing anything literally. In his world, one wouldn''t find Alex watching random videos on the net or him taking a nap after school.


    He always tried to use his time wisely.


    Of course, Alex played a lot of hide and seek with Celia and Sara. However, was it really wasted time? Alex genuinely enjoyed a new experience as no one from his family had a child as young as Celia yet.


    And his relationship with Sara was crucial. For her, Celia''s happiness was the priority. He always made sure that three of them would do many things together.


    Other than fighting skeletons, that was indeed the case.


    Alex never thought about it as wasted time.


    Besides, he often socialized with his friends. After school, he would usually have some fun with them and his girlfriend¡­ But now, the times had changed, and their lives became chaotic.


    He also did his best to spend some time with his parents on Sunday, when neither had to work.


    "I guess I really want to meet your sisters and my wives. Let''s head out immediately after the dinner," Alex said.


    Sara nodded, "Out of two, I am mostly worried about Schnee¡­ She might go too deep into the forest and enter the lands where even she would be endangered."


    All Deathwill Sisters had reset their level.


    Since not every NPC had this chance, all three were peculiar ladies. However, Deathwill''s Castle was in even more unique land. Their environment never forgives, and they all should tread carefully.


    Alex understood that, so he prepared for the adventure as much as possible.

 Chapter 11 - Ultimate Skill

    Chapter 11: Ultimate Skill


    "We will be waiting for you! Come back fast, mom, Alex!" Celia held her plush toy tightly as she stared at her mother and friend.


    Alex and Sara smiled at her broadly, then turned around.


    They ran straight to the location where Stella, one of Sara''s sisters, was.


    Due to the level and stats difference, Alex was slower. However, Sara matched his speed, and they comfortably ran in their direction.


    It wasn''t like running at full speed was efficient. That would wear down their stamina too fast, bringing adverse effects.


    "It hurts to leave her alone like that," Alex commented.


    Sara glanced at him, "She''s a strong girl."


    "I know," Alex chuckled.


    But inwardly, he knew that Sara shared the sentiment.


    No one would make their children live in such a dark land as well. Of course, since Celia was also half-dullahan, she didn''t really mind the dark sky. However, the castle was in a devastating state.


    Although repairing it was part of his plan, Alex decided to prioritize it. He wanted his friend to have a nice room; with more colors if that were what Celia wanted.


    Alex chuckled and peeked into his inventory.


    [Health Potion(Low)x25]


    [Health Potion(Strong)x1]


    Since Alex was a newbie player, his inventory lacked good stuff. That changed after he swore to prepare well for the adventure.


    He went to the treasury and tried to open it.


    Of course, the grand doors didn''t open to him. But they spat potion whose effectiveness was labeled [Strong]. In their current state, that was a life-saving potion.


    Alex also checked his equipment and sword''s durability.


    While his clothes were more or less acceptable in terms of durability, his sword was on the verge of shattering. Even without the system, Alex would be able to tell that his bone sword soon would crumble.


    He checked other swords from the skeletons and stuffed them in his inventory. He also took food with himself.


    That was pretty much his preparation.


    As the player, Alex could die and refill his hunger. But Sara and her sisters were different. He also didn''t want to die and leave them alone, so the food was still important to him.


    "I am just saying this in case, but I can die. If things turn south, I will use my body to buy time," Alex repeated this sentence for the third time already.


    At first, Sara nodded. On the second time, she just stared at him.


    And now, she turned her eyes toward him and asked, "Will you really respawn?"


    "Of course," Alex nodded decisively.


    He hadn''t died in the game yet, so Sara couldn''t tell whether the system didn''t lie to her. What if players actually were the same, having just one life like them? It would be a surprise to players and NPCs.


    Naturally, the penalty for dying was severe. Players would drop at least one valuable item after death, and they also would lose a lot of EXP. But that was still not the worst.


    ''We can respawn after twenty-four hours,'' Alex inwardly whispered.


    He heard about this penalty from his friend. On their adventure, they had faced one of the forest bosses. Many players often died in the first time run because they didn''t know about the boss''s abilities.


    It was a similar case for them.


    But when twenty-four hours penalty greeted them, Alex''s friends regretted their rush. For a whole day and night, they were lifeless. Other games didn''t even excite them, and they stared at the VR game''s videos with jealousy and dead eyes.


    Before that, though, they sent a few complaints to the game company, to no avail.


    Alex didn''t think much of that penalty. If he could save his wives with his death, he would do it without any thoughts.


    But in that short exchange, he also no longer cared about the penalty. He saw concern in Sara''s eyes, undoubtedly due to their relationship progress.


    She was worried about him.


    It didn''t matter whether that worry stemmed from Alex being Celia''s close friend or her own heart.


    Alex was genuinely happy.


    His happiness lasted until the duo noticed the golden pillar on the horizon.


    Seeing that pillar, Sara''s speed heightened, "It''s Stella''s Ultimate Skill!"


    NPCs, whose level reset, had their ultimate skills. It was an Ultimate Skill that didn''t require any level. It allowed them to increase their stats for a short time. That buff was adequate to their current level.


    Without that Ultimate Skill, it would be much harder for them to stomp in the world. Their whole lives would be harsher.


    "Ultimate Skill¡­ So hungry demons must have progressed!" Alex inferred.


    He sped up to not lose Sara from his view. Of course, Alex had already tested whether he could invite her to his party or not.


    And as she was in his party, he wasn''t worried about her whereabouts.


    -


    -


    -


    -


    After Alex caught up, the golden pillar was gone.


    In its place, two peculiar individuals emerged. One of them was Stella, Sara''s sister.


    In her current form, she looked like a goddess. Her two wings spread widely and shone with bright holy light. Her white hair fluttered vividly as if she was surrounded by tornadoes.


    Were it not for her torn clothes, she truly would''ve looked like an angel.


    But her robes spoke tales about her predator.


    And as Alex shifted his eyes to the hungry demon, he clenched his hands.


    It was a werewolf with piercing red eyes. He stood on his two with slouched back. On his face, Alex saw an irritating smile.


    His two claws let out thick and dark energy. That was his weapon, and those claws had hurt Stella and torn her clothes.


    "Oh no! Looks like your sister has come to help! I am really fucked, am I not? Haha!" His tone was derisive and likewise annoying.


    [Wolfen Demon Lv. 30 HP: 3405/5000 MP: 2357/3500]


    [Hungry Demon.]


    [You have met the hungry demon for the first time.]


    [You have learned new information about them from Elias Deathwill''s Diary.]


    ''He left the diary in the system.. How thoughtful of you, father-in-law,'' Alex jested inwardly.

 Chapter 12 - Side-character

    Chapter 12: Side-character


    "You are just level 30, yet your strength far exceeds that. Even if you are classified as a boss, you shouldn''t be strong enough to make Stella use her Ultimate Skill. What happened to you, and who are you?" Sara pointed her spear at the hungry demon.


    Wolfen Demon widely smiled, revealing his sharp teeth, "I am the descendant of the true owner of this land. You pests who invaded us will soon become our food. You will pay for your ignorance."


    Although he looked like a wild beast, Wolfen Demon''s intelligence was high. He knew that he stood no chance against Stella and Sara.


    If it were just one winged woman, he would maybe manage to kill her and make her sacrifice. But since Stella''s Ultimate Skill had already healed her up to full HP, he still had doubts about it.


    But now that Sara came, he knew he would die soon.


    If that was the case, Wolfen Demon decided to gather as much intel as possible. He wanted to see more of Stella''s Ultimate Skill, and he also wanted to bring out Sara''s Ultimate Skill!


    He would gladly die for that much information.


    Therefore, Wolfen Demon''s stance didn''t change. He stood with confidence and spoke in the same annoying tone.


    He also took the first step forward and pounced at Sara!


    His sharp claws soon cleft Sara. Fortunately, she quickly took a few steps back and replied with a fast thrust.


    At the same time, holy mana fell onto her like a waterfall.


    "Tsk," Sara clicked her tongue and bit her lips.


    Although holy mana was a great source of power against holy demons, Sara was half-dullahan. That race couldn''t tolerate holiness, and they used different energies to strengthen and heal themselves.


    However, Sara''s human side helped her mitigate the painful effects. That human side also accepted Stella''s blessings, increasing Sara''s stats tenfold!


    "I will support you. Kill him. Fast." Stella''s lazy voice rang out from the top.


    She descended behind Sara then poured her whole mana onto her. In her Ultimate Skill form, Stella''s skills would ensure that Sara''s HP never fell below 50%.


    Swathed by the holiness, Sara shouted, "Heal him too, you sloth!"


    "Sure¡­" Stella closed her eyes.


    In her case, healing Wolfen Demon would inflict tons of damage. That was how she could deal with those demons alone, even though her class was [Healer].


    BOOM!


    [-474 HP!]


    Sara''s thrust left considerable damage behind. And as she took her spear back, she immediately added a few more cuts and slashes.


    She was much stronger than ever before since her sister was forced to reveal her peak form. Her dark armor shone in two colors, and she looked like someone who couldn''t decide between holy and dark mana.


    But while it looked like that, her two energies blended well. It was perhaps a sisterly bond she had developed in a plight!


    "Ahhh!" Wolfen Demon roared loudly.


    He didn''t expect the healer''s buffs to be this strong. Each of Sara''s attacks felt heavy and strong, to say nothing of how easily they penetrated through his skin.


    Not only did Stella''s blessing increase Sara''s damage penetration, but Sara also had her skill which helped her deal with tough opponents.


    Those two blended and inflicted tons of damage!


    He barely could fend off against her spear. And when he found a gap and saw that perfect timing to strike back, Stella''s healing fell on him.


    That holy energy stopped him, even if it was for just one second. But in that one second, Sara already covered her gap and increased her defenses.


    "AHHHH!" Wolfen Demon grew frustrated.


    Sara smirked, "You haven''t answered my first question. What happened to you? No one of you has ever displayed this much strength."


    As she had said before, a level thirty hungry demon should never force one of them to reveal their Ultimate Skills. And if it weren''t for Stella''s peak form, Sara wouldn''t be speaking with him in such a haughty way.


    Wolfen Demon didn''t reply. Instead, more dark red miasma left his body. That was his raw mana, and he seemed to go for his ultimate skill.


    Naturally, both Sara and Stella wouldn''t let him use it.


    Before his technique coalesced, Stella used one of her skills and marked him. A holy cross appeared on the demon''s chest.


    Sara''s spear was already in the move, even before that holy technique had appeared.


    As if expecting it, her spear pointed at the cross. The moment her spear went through Wolfen Demon''s chest, the holy energy burst out from within, splitting his body and turning it into the fountain.


    He burst out like a balloon, his bones, flesh, and blood splattering around.


    Alex stood behind Stella, like a mob, "Damn¡­ Is that how it feels to be a side character?"


    He was nothing but amazed.


    He heard many stories about Sara''s fast and decisive spearmanship from Celia. Still, he thought of these as stories fabricated through respect and love toward her mother.


    He knew there should be a grain of truth to these, but oh how wrong he was!


    Alex also saw the blessing effects.


    For a moment, he was stupified with how many effects Stella had come up with! Even if it was due to her Ultimate Skill form, the amount of these was heaven-defying.


    Right now, he understood.


    He understood how lucky he was to become associated with them.


    These two were legendary NPCs; one of the best partners players could get in the game!


    "Who?" Stella heard Alex, so she turned around and looked at him.


    Hearing how she lazily spoke and cut off some words, Alex smiled and scratched his head, ready to introduce himself.


    But as their eyes met, the system messages flashed.


    [You have met your husband, Alexander Deathwill.]


    [You have met your wife, Stella Deathwill.]


    "Husband?" Stella asked with narrowed eyes.


    Alex nodded, "Well, that''s how it is. Your father chose me as his successor."


    Stella nodded, and a hint of happiness crept onto her face, "So you will take care of me. Carry me¡­. Home."


    "¡­" Alex blinked his eyes.


    Before he noticed, Stella saddled him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her little nose in his hair.


    Her eyes closed, she prepared herself to sleep.


    "Did she just teleport?" Alex whispered, "Hey! Hold tighter!"


    He quickly found out that Stella was too lazy to hold onto him. He properly held her legs and leaned forward just to make sure she wouldn''t fall off.


    Sara came with quivering lips and an awkward smile, "She must be too tired after using her Ultimate Skill. Forgive her, okay? I will reward you back home."


    Alex shook his head, "I did nothing, so I will carry her back home. She is pretty light, you know?"


    "Thanks." Sara smiled widely.


    Alex found out that she was rather too happy.


    And as he turned his eyes to the left, he noticed her level went up two times!


    "Oh. Congratulations," Alex was also happy.


    He knew how hard it was for them to level up.


    Sara grinned, "Two levels in one battle! This feels so rewarding!"


    Sara would''ve hugged him tightly if it weren''t for armor or perhaps Stella on Alex''s back. She was that happy and relieved.


    But as she looked over her sister, Sara''s happiness subsided¡­


    "Stella should have received the same amount of EXP¡­ How come she didn''t level up?" Sara carefully examined her sister.


    But as she held no means to look into Stella''s system, she could only wait for her to wake up.


    Alex also peeked at Stella''s status.


    [Stella Deathwill Lv. 27 HP: ??? MP: ???]


    "Maybe she is close to leveling up," he reassured Sara before returning back home.


    On their way, Sara showed the loot.


    One of the items was quite interesting, so much that Sara couldn''t hide her happiness.

 Chapter 13 - Charm

    Chapter 13: Charm


    Alex and Sara returned to Deathwill''s Castle.


    Both of them thought that Celia would welcome them with open arms. However, the little girl was caught by a certain cat woman.


    "Let me go! Let me go! I want to see mom!" Celia cried as she thrashed in Schnee''s arms.


    She couldn''t escape her at all.


    Schnee just kept hugging her, pinching and pulling Celia''s cheeks. Since Celia was a cute girl, it wasn''t odd for Schnee to not hold back. However, she should have already let her go, shouldn''t she?


    After all, Sara and Alex were already before them.


    But Schnee just lifted her eyes and stared at both of them with a peculiar smile.


    [You have met your husband, Alexander Deathwill.]


    [You have met your wife, Schnee Deathwill.]


    Fortunately, as she did lift her chin, her back straightened, so Celia no longer felt immense pressure on her little head.


    Other than high strength, Schnee''s chest was so big that Celia couldn''t raise her head at all!


    "Mom!" Celia finally got her freedom.


    She skipped her way toward Sara.


    Sara took out one of the new items she had looted from the hungry demon.


    It was an egg.


    [Demon Egg.]


    While Alex found it a little weird to give a demon egg to children, Sara was absolutely fine with it. That demon egg would hatch into a trustworthy companion to protect Celia from all dangers in Sara''s absence.


    But more than anything, Celia would get a close friend to accompany her 24/7.


    "What is it?" Celia asked as she held the egg carefully.


    Sara smiled widely, ruffling her daughter''s hair, "It''s the demon egg. If you carefully take care of it, the egg will give you a friend."


    "Will it be a horse?!" Celia''s eyes twinkled as she imagined the demon horse.


    Her dream, which Alex already knew about, was to get an epic horse. All dullahans had their own companions, the undead battle horses.


    Celia''s dream was to get a unique white horse, just like her plush toy, Kubo.


    Sara knew that it was unlikely for the egg to become an undead horse, so she awkwardly smiled and lied, "We don''t know what will hatch."


    "Okay! I will take care of it!" Celia held the demon egg dearly.


    Alex stared at them with a warm smile, ''I guess that''s normal for them¡­ I actually forgot that Celia wants to have an undead horse¡­ Undead horse or demon horse; there''s hardly any difference.''


    He again saw the difference between kids from his world and the game world.


    But as Alex held sleeping Stella and stared at the mother-daughter duo, the other person in the castle made her move.


    [Schnee Deathwill has cast one of the charm skills on you.]


    [She can not charm you due to your legendary class.]


    As those two messages appeared, Alex widened his eyes. He didn''t move, to not expose what he just saw. Instead, he clicked on the second message and read the explanation.


    [Elias Deathwill follows the old customs. He values loyalty and expects his women to believe in him wholeheartedly. Their trust in him must be doubtless. Therefore, women of the same surname can not charm you or use any other mind skills on you.]


    ''This hypocrite''s skill has helped me greatly here,'' Alex commented inwardly.


    But as he stared at the system message, Sara noticed his lost eyes.


    She asked in a soft tone, "Are you okay, Alex?"


    "Ah, yes¡­ I suddenly feel a little weird, though," Alex scratched his hair, awkward like never before.


    He wasn''t a good liar, but he hoped he would be able to cover Schnee''s scheme.


    Sara faintly smiled, "Check your system. It has all information about you. You should see what has gotten into you."


    Even stuff like [Headache] would get recorded by the system. It would inflict debuffs, depending on the headache''s severity.


    Sara alluded to it, so Alex clicked on the system.


    He once again lied, "Let''s see¡­ Uh¡­ It shows questions marks."


    Unbeknownst to Sara and Alex, Schnee inwardly sighed with relief.


    But at the same time, Sara''s worry deepened. Even Celia looked at Alex with big eyes, staying silent in her mother''s arms.


    Sara touched Alex''s forehead, "Your mana flows calmly¡­ I also can''t sense any evil energy within you¡­. But to make sure that no other hungry demon marked you, I will prepare the cleansing bath for you."


    "Thank you," Alex faintly smiled, but he inwardly felt terrible.


    He knew that the sisters'' resources were limited. So due to his lie, Sara would waste one of them.


    As Alex wasn''t fond of it, he inwardly cursed at Schnee.


    "Schnee. When did you return? I am glad you are fine," Sara turned her eyes toward Schnee, who had been on the ground with her tail frozen.


    Schnee smiled widely, "I returned an hour ago. Sorry for taking this long, big sister."


    She pushed her big chest up to show off who was actually the big sister. Then, she stood up and faced Sara with a sneer.


    "But it looks like my absence was in your favor," Schnee turned around and went to her room.


    No one could enter that room, even the master of Deathwill''s Castle.


    Sara stared at Schnee''s back.


    She found Alex''s words suspicious.


    Inwardly, Sara whispered, ''I would''ve noticed if the hungry demon marked Alex. In her Ultimate Skill, Stella would be even more sensitive toward it. In other words, Alex shouldn''t have any evil energy within himself.''


    Her eyes gleamed, ''Alex shouldn''t have any thoughts about Schnee yet¡­ Celia also wouldn''t come close to a person with an evil heart.''


    Kids were sensitive toward bad people. They would instinctively tell whether a person had bad intent or not. And like the undead, Celia should be able to sense evil much better than other kids.


    As for Alex and Schnee, it was their first meeting. Even if he knew about Schnee''s sadistic tendencies, he shouldn''t be thinking of splitting the sisters apart.


    If he had such an idea, he should first learn more about Schnee; and not lie about some unknown disease.


    He sounded stiff and odd, too.


    ''Schnee¡­ You also should talk with him first, even if you don''t like the idea of being his wife,'' Sara sighed.


    That day, Sara prepared a unique bath. However, it was not the cleansing bath. It was a bath that helped Alex regenerate his stamina faster.


    The resources came from Sara''s pocket. That kind of unique bath was one of the rewards Sara usually gave herself after arduous work.


    She didn''t have many of those ''bubbling pills'', so she tactfully held back every time. Before the Deathwill''s Castle event, that relaxing bath was her regular bath, though.


    It was an immensely relaxing bath, so Alex felt great. He didn''t know what that bath implied, still thinking that Sara wasted one of her precious resources.


    But he took that as the present and promised to reciprocate in the future.


    He logged out with such a relieved expression that Sara and Celia laughed out loud.


    "See you tomorrow."


    "Good night, Alex!" Celia waved her hand.


    Sara also whispered soothingly, "Good night."

 Chapter 14 - Stellas Room

    Chapter 14: Stella''s room


    After the bath in the game world, Alex didn''t feel like leaving his VR Capsule at all.


    Since VR Capsule was comfy to ensure that no player suffered any body injuries, Alex could just close his eyes and go sleep.


    He did precisely that.


    And a few hours later, his mother woke him up with an angry face.


    "It will get smelly if you keep doing that," she whispered in a disappointed tone.


    Alex awkwardly laughed and immediately escaped to the bathroom.


    "It''s weekend, so I can just hop in and play¡­" Alex whispered.


    He first looked over some videos on social media.


    But as he stared at a much more stabilized game world, Alex was lost in thought.


    The person in his mind was a blue-haired cat woman. He recalled her golden eyes that concealed deep emotions and her frozen tail that stood erect as if on alert.


    Alex cursed Schnee since she forced him to lie.


    But as he thought about her, his thoughts changed.


    He knew a little about Sara''s predicament, but what about the other two?


    They had a reason to stay in Deathwill''s Castle.


    Alex believed they had enough means to leave the castle''s grounds since their father cared about them. Of course, the new world was a great source of monsters to level up, so they could leverage the world as well.


    ''Schnee¡­ If you are wary of me, I will show you that I hold no ill thoughts toward you,'' Alex smiled faintly.


    The more he thought, the more relieved he became.


    After all, Sara was similar to Schnee. She was still wary of Alex, even though she didn''t show much of it.


    But she was much more open-minded. She talked with him and showed off more of herself.


    ''I wonder how our relationship would look like if I didn''t meet Celia first,'' Alex could only imagine such a scenario.


    Then, he thought about Schnee. She was suspicious of him and resolved to one of the hidden techniques right off the bat.


    It didn''t work, but it showed off her resolution.


    ''I can only hope she did it for her sisters. If she could control me, she would ensure their safety this way. They would be able to build up the Deathwill Castle for their own profit and get treasures from the treasury,'' Alex thought in such a way.


    Perhaps, it was naive. Perhaps, it was a wrong thought. But that was his own thought, and he would believe in Schnee until she revealed her true colors. If his assumption turned out wrong, Alex would regret his choice.


    But since he was wary of her, too, he wouldn''t let her take away his legendary class and break the relationship with Sara and Celia.


    ''If there were NPC''s dialogues, it would be easier,'' Alex chuckled, ''But such a real-world has its own charm.''


    The Avander World was authentic. Its residents were like real humans, which was a charm that no game would topple soon.


    Everyone was fully immersed in that game, revealing their true colors.


    -


    -


    -


    -


    "Alex! You are here early!"


    "I have a lot of free time today," Alex chuckled, ruffling Celia''s hair.


    Out of all people in Deathwill''s Castle, Celia was always the first one to greet him. It was like she had a sensor to him.


    But that was simply because she had a little to do in the castle. She was too young to help others, meaning Celia could only wander around sadly.


    It was a little different this time.


    She held the demon egg, "Mom helped me pour my mana into the demon egg. Because of my mana, the demon egg''s hatchling will recognize me as his master!"


    "Amazing!" Alex clapped his hands and spoke in an astonished tone.


    Pleased by his reaction, Celia giggled.


    She led him to the dining hall.


    "Did Schnee bully you today?" Alex asked.


    Now that the sisters were back in the castle, Celia''s life should turn much merrier with them around.


    Unfortunately, that was not really the case.


    "Stella is sleeping, and Schnee hadn''t left her room yet!" Celia replied, "We can''t bully them yet!"


    "Indeed," Alex nodded.


    He promised to help Celia bully the sisters and make them play hide and seek with them.


    But inwardly, he was a little glad that Schnee confined herself in her room.


    He didn''t know she would turn out to be this peculiar lady!


    Now, he was a little skeptical about bullying this cat woman.


    Fortunately, Stella had left a good impression of Alex. She didn''t look bothered by their couple status, and she even took the initiative to hug him.


    "How about we go to aunt Stella?" Alex suddenly said.


    Celia raised her big eyes and nodded, "Okay!"


    They turned around and headed straight to Stella''s room.


    Alex knocked on the doors, "Stella! Wake up. It''s me, your husband! I am here to take care of you."


    "What will you do, Alex?" Celia was curious.


    Alex chuckled, "Ladies must take care of themselves. They have to take a bath, take care of their skins and eat healthily. A little exercise won''t hurt them, either. Stella seems like a lady who would rather sleep all day, so I must take care of her. She also uses wings to move, right? Her body needs proper exercise."


    Celia''s eyes gleamed in interest, "Mom and I run around every morning!"


    "Have you never thought about inviting Stella?" Alex asked with a big smile.


    Celia nodded, "She didn''t want to!"


    Alex burst out laughing, then knocked on the doors again.


    ''Did she hear us?'' Alex thought inwardly as there was no reaction from the inside.


    He also used more strength, knocking louder, to no avail


    "I guess exercise can wait. Just a bath and food should do for today!" Alex decided to take a different approach, eliciting ''Ehhhh'' from Celia.


    She looked at him with squinted eyes.


    However, that worked well.


    [You have access to Stella Deathwill''s room.]


    "Let''s go inside," Alex proudly whispered.


    Celia blinked her eyes, "You can enter?"


    And as the doors opened, Celia''s eyes widened.


    Both of them entered the room.


    Celia immediately jumped, "What a mess! My hatchling can''t see this!"


    She hugged her egg and turned around. In the next second, Celia ran away from the room, "I will return without my demon egg!"


    "Sure¡­" Alex replied in a whisper, his eyes squinted.


    In Stella''s room, he saw a mess he had never seen before.


    Her clothes littered the ground, walls, and ceiling. Some of them hang on the chandelier and furniture.


    Those clothes alone were a big part of the mess. They were sweaty and dirty¡­ It also seemed like Stella didn''t take care of them for years! It was surely a little less than years, but their smell was pretty sharp and nauseating.


    No wonder a little kid such as Celia ran away.


    Worse, Stella even wore her torn clothes to sleep.


    Alex could only stare at her with disappointment.


    ''What did my mother do to make me clean my mess?'' Alex thought inwardly.


    He then raised his voice, "Stella! If you want to sleep, you must clean your room! Otherwise, I am taking that bed of yours!"


    In the past, Alex similarly lost his PC.


    He approached Stella, took her into his arms, then carried her to the bathroom. In that bathroom, he told her to take off her clothes.


    She opened her eyes a little and stared at him with a wronged look, "You said you would take care of me¡­"


    Alex was no longer here.


    He returned back to her room.


    [Stella''s Emperor Bed has entered your inventory.]


    [Your inventory is full. You can not stuff more items here.]


    [Your stamina wears down faster.]


    [Your stats have been halved.]


    "This is ridiculous. How big is that bed?!" Alex shouted.


    He felt much heavier than ever before. That feeling drove him insane after a few steps, and he really wanted to throw away Stella''s big bed from his inventory.


    But it was necessary to keep it inside!


    He took a seat on the chair and waited for Stella''s return.


    However, Celia returned first.


    "I am back. Do we clean the room?" Celia was eager to help.


    Seeing that angel, Alex''s lips curved up unconsciously, "We will wait for Stella¡­ Wait, will she clean herself?"


    Alex trembled, "What if she can just sleep without a bed?"


    Celia stared at him deeply, "Stella can sleep whenever she wants!"


    "Call your mother¡­" Alex whispered with closed eyes.


    "Okay!" Celia didn''t mind running around the castle!

 Chapter 15 - Careful Steps

    Chapter 15: Careful steps


    Although it was surprising for Celia to call her this early, Sara dropped all her free time and followed her to Alex''s side.


    She was surprised to see Stella''s room open.


    Even to her, Stella never revealed what was inside.


    Sara also didn''t think of herself as the leader of the sisters. It was true that they were confined in the castle, but with their unique strengths, all had enough means to break the castle''s grounds.


    Their father also wouldn''t like to keep them all in one place against their wishes, would he?


    Besides, the Deathwill Castle was vast.


    And by vast, it was truly vast. It was like the whole kingdom was stuffed in one place. This castle held so many facilities that the sisters didn''t check them all even after so many years.


    They all used what was useful for them, though. Of course, due to their relationship with Alex, all facilities were also limited to them. Even though the castle was great and it supported all, both sisters and Alex needed to become closer to let its powers fruit.


    Thus, it was good to have privacy and a safe zone in their own rooms. No sister ever pressed to enter one''s room, which was like that until now.


    But as Sara entered the room, her shock disappeared from her face. She stared around at the mess with narrowed and dead eyes.


    "Ignore the privacy issue; she wouldn''t even invite me to this mess¡­" Sara whispered to herself.


    She was sure that Stella never mentioned her room due to the mess inside. If it was a few months ago during their first meeting, Stella probably would''ve invited and showed off what her room held inside.


    But now, it was utterly impossible.


    However, Alex''s presence was the ticket to that mysterious place.


    Looking at him, Sara smiled, "Do you need my help?"


    "I would like you to take care of Stella in the bathroom. She is probably sleeping as we speak¡­" Alex said with a similar dead tone.


    He suspected that Stella''s laziness came from some curse. No way someone was born this lazy to not even take care of one''s bed!


    He pointed at Stella''s private bathroom and sighed.


    Sara''s eyes gleamed as she found it surprising, "Stella rode you back to home. I don''t think she would mind you taking off her clothes and helping her take a bath. Well, that''s enough words from me. I will check her."


    "We will clean the room then!" Celia raised her hand and offered her help.


    Alex stared at them with a faint smile.


    Of course, inwardly, he replied to Sara''s words.


    ''I know she would be fine with me going inside.''


    But Alex didn''t say it out loud.


    He even suspected that he distanced himself from Stella in this way. Although it was bad for the current him, Alex hoped that his efforts would bloom in the future.


    Even though his experience with girls was heavily limited due to his school, current relationship, and young age, Alex was already eighteen years old.


    His interest in girls was like any other male around his age. He was highly interested in women''s bodies, even more in Stella''s curves as she had hugged him with all her might.


    He wouldn''t mind helping her take a bath and even wash her body. But he still called Sara and didn''t step into Stella''s bathroom.


    The reason? Schnee.


    He didn''t want to give more reasons for the cat woman. For now, she held all rights to avoid and even try to use him as this whole relationship was too forced. But before all of this happened, Alex naturally wanted to form good ties with them.


    ''I can''t step over boundaries, nor I can''t step away too much. For now, I can only clean the room and then show my support to Stella,'' Alex whispered inwardly.


    He smiled at Celia, and both of them started arduous work.


    From afar, Schnee had an eye on them.


    And it was solely because Alex left the doors open.


    -


    -


    -


    -


    "We are back. I helped myself too and took a good bath!" Sara returned with a wide smile.


    She held Stella tightly and guided her back to her own room.


    It was odd, and any outsider would think that this room belonged to Sara instead.


    Of course, only two entities were in Stella''s room; and these two knew the ladies very well.


    "Back," Stella said, her eyes on Alex.


    Alex and Celia looked into each other''s eyes, then the young man stepped forward.


    "As you can see, we have cleaned your room. We put your clothes here," he pointed at the red bin in the corner.


    His other hand ruffled Celia''s hair, and she seemed overly pleased with her hard work. Alex also often praised the girl, and they bonded even more.


    Stella followed his eyes and looked over the red bin.


    Alex smiled widely, "Yes, we have left some dirty clothes for you. And I also have snatched your bed. If you want me to give it back to you, you have to move the remaining dirty clothes to the red bin. Use your wind magic."


    Although it was a miracle for the half-human, half-winged race, Stella could use wind magic.


    Alex didn''t think she would move and extend her hands for those clothes, so he immediately recommended wind magic.


    Stella felt the pressure coming from everyone, even Celia.


    As the aunt, she would disappoint the little lady, so Stella lifted her hand and guided the dirty clothes to the red bin.


    Alex took the red bin, "We will take care of those clothes. Have a nice sleep."


    He summoned Stella''s bed, then left the room together with Celia.


    Left alone with Stella, Sara smiled at her, "You should say ''Thank you'' next time."


    Stella just nodded.


    But as she landed on the bed, she felt the fresh fragrance.


    Not only did Alex open all windows to ventilate her room, but he also found new blankets. For Stella, her bed felt much different. That change was for the better, of course. She closed her eyes with a wide smile on her face, which surprised Sara.


    But if Sara had access to Stella''s room, she would''ve done the same.


    Thus, she realized Alex''s plan well.


    His plan was to make Stella used to the fresh bed and room.


    ''He will leave her room alone for a week, then return. Rinse and repeat, then poor Stella will get used to this comfort and become at his wish,'' Sara chuckled inwardly as she closed the doors.


    For some reason, she didn''t find her thoughts dangerous, even if it meant that Alex would truly get Stella as his wife.

 Chapter 16 - Cool Image!

    Chapter 16: Cool image!


    "You are the last one," Alex whispered beneath his nose.


    He stared at the black wolf whose HP had been heavily chunked down by him. His new swordsmanship, [Elias Deathwill''s Swordsmanship], turned Alex''s life upside down.


    It was not the first time for Alex to go through tremendous change.


    The first significant change started with Deathwill Sisters, then his new swordsmanship broke common sense.


    For Alex, it didn''t really make any sense yet. However, the damage difference between one-handed and two-handed styles was like heaven and earth.


    If he held the sword with two hands, he would use the common swordsmanship or the bone swordsmanship. The latter was pretty good, but Elias Swordsmanship, which was one-handed style, seamlessly outclassed all Alex had.


    Alex didn''t know how he should utilize his free hand yet.


    GROWL!


    "Don''t be so mad at me! Haha!" Alex chuckled.


    The wolf before him was in an opposite mood. He knew he would die soon and that Alex had been preparing to deal the final blow.


    Therefore, the wolf pounced.


    With his jaw widely opened, the wolf looked as intimidating as he could get. His red eyes flashed with genuine madness, turning him even more feral.


    It was not the first time Alex saw such madness. In the beginning, he was a little frightened as a wolf could display much more emotions than skeletons. However, he was now accustomed to their wrath.


    And the wolf couldn''t be in a different mood. His opponent utterly dominated him with his one-handed style, dealing eye-popping damage with each slash and thrust.


    For the last blow, Alex thrust his sword laced in the [Shattering Thrust].


    [-999999 HP!]


    And as Alex''s slashes had exposed the wolf''s bone, he smoothly inflicted the execution effect onto the monster.


    That absurd damage number appeared again before Alex''s eyes, making him feel content.


    [You have killed the black wolf.]


    [The black wolf has dropped raw meat¡­]


    [The black wolf has dropped¡­]


    Although there was no way for him to deal such damage with normal thrust and slashes, as that damage was simply the execution damage, he still could flaunt to others about it and show off.


    Unfortunately, there was no one to show off¡­


    "Shield is no good for me¡­ I guess I should learn magic," Alex looked at his free hand, clenching and unfolding it.


    He had tried using a shield in a battle with the black wolves. Those monsters were common monsters that had inhabited the forest around the Deathwill Castle. Their level was around fifteen, so they were good opponents.


    Those wolves were good training partners for Alex and his talent, though.


    Thus, as he focused on one-handed style, Alex thought of taking out a few different weapons against them.


    He used his left hand to hold a shield. Of course, Alex didn''t have any skills and proficiency in a shield. It was solely to see whether he would enjoy such a style.


    And as wolves had crashed onto his shield, Alex struggled to use his sword. He also found it hard to fight with shield and sword simultaneously against many monsters.


    Thus, he dropped that idea.


    It was simply not his style.


    Next, Alex took knives and other weapons he could use as secondary. His aim was not bad, but Alex felt like it didn''t suit him, either. Different weapons also didn''t satisfy him, and he focused more on the sword instead.


    But there was one thing that Alex hadn''t tested yet.


    Magic!


    In the beginning, it was just a random idea. But the more he thought about himself with one sword in his right hand and the lightning bolt in his left hand, the more Alex wanted to learn magic.


    It was the image that tempted him every day.


    Unfortunately, Sara and Stella couldn''t help him with it. He also couldn''t ask Schnee about it due to obvious reasons.


    [You have stored the black wolf''s loot in your inventory.]


    Alex looked over the drop, then turned heels, and left the scene.


    He looked like a lone commander leaving the battlefield.


    That general equipment set truly didn''t suit him¡­


    -


    -


    -


    -


    "Welcome back, Alex!" Celia greeted her friend upon his return.


    Alex smiled widely, "I am back."


    Celia was his best friend out of all people living in his castle. She always would greet him and spend the most time with him.


    They shared a few secrets with each other. For example, as Celia told him about her dream of the white undead horse, Alex shared his cool sword and magic wielder image.


    Both of them swore to reach those goals one day!


    The recent topic was demon egg. Even now, Celia held onto it dearly and poured her mana in.


    "It should hatch soon, right?" Alex asked.


    He glanced over the egg, finding a few veins around it. Those veins were here before, but they were never this bright. It looked like blood filled those passages, and they would soon burst to reveal the hatchling.


    Celia nodded, "Mom said it too! We will have a new friend soon!"


    Alex couldn''t help but smile.


    He put the loot into the castle''s fridge, which was meat from the wolves. He stored other consumables such as fur in one of the magazines, then returned to the dining hall with Celia by his side.


    After a good meal, Alex and Celia went for a walk.


    "Did you drop a new equipment?" Celia asked with starry eyes.


    Alex sighed, "I think nothing will top this general set anytime soon. Those skeleton bosses were unique, and I can''t find any clue about wolves. It will also hurt us if I eradicate them."


    After all, the wolves were a good source of food.


    Celia knew about it, too, so she nodded.


    "Unlucky!" she added with a bright smile.


    Alex replied in the same tone, "Unlucky indeed!"


    They went around the castle, looking around without deep emotions. For Celia, that sight was a common sight. And for Alex, he knew that the castle had suffered some severe wounds in its prime and that the teleportation here wasn''t as easy as it seemed.


    His first teleport literally cracked his bones, after all.


    "I should start looking out for the garden¡­ Let''s see¡­" Alex opened his system and clicked onto his class.


    He was the castle owner, so he had management in his game system.


    [If you want to bring life to your castle and let the gardens flourish, you must learn the ''Gardener'' subclass.]


    [You can invite Gardener to your castle too.]


    Alex caressed his beardless chin, "The second option sounds the easiest."

 Chapter 17 - Pinky Promise

    Chapter 17: Pinky Promise


    "But it also comes with a great danger," Alex sighed.


    He never revealed his nickname to his friends, so why would he risk any information about his castle? If he invited an NPC here or player with a gardener class, he would danger Celia, Sara, and Stella, to say nothing of dangerous Schnee.


    It would give her more reasons to turn her sisters against him.


    Elias Deathwill was famous, and so was his kingdom. As he thought, other kingdoms and nobles could give players quests to find Alex and his castle.


    It was hard to tell what was going on outside.


    Alex also understood that those gardens would take a lot of time. They had been withered for years, and his castle was by no means a normal place. Perhaps, even those gardens hid mysteries that only a skillful gardener would be able to see through, to say nothing of him taking care of those plants.


    "It makes the first option even less appealing," Alex clicked his tongue.


    But as he skimmed through his system, Alex clicked on his large quest log. In that window, he searched for the gardener person. And as he had suspected, Elias Deathwill had managed to bring one of the best gardeners to his side.


    Worse, he showered her with empty promises! In the end, the gardener left him with a broken heart!


    That gardener was the forest fairy queen''s daughter, Remia.


    "It''s impossible for me to do everything alone¡­ I should go outside and find Remia, then help her and ask for father-in-law''s forgiveness¡­" Alex whispered beneath his nose.


    After reading the quest log, Alex knew what had happened between Elias Deathwill and Remia.


    It was one-sided love.


    Remia loved the hypocrite father-in-law, but her feelings were never reciprocated. Worse, Elias Deathwill made some promises that sounded as if he would take her as one of his wives.


    Alex couldn''t tell whether it was intentional or not, but he leaned toward the former.


    However, only women with powerful strength could enter Elias Deathwill''s eyes. It didn''t matter whether their backgrounds were powerful; only women whose own strength was high could charm the hypocrite king.


    Unfortunately, Remia was not one of those women due to some reasons. Even though she could lay out a powerful garden that would bring many valuable effects to the castle and Elias'' lands, she never entered his eyes.


    "It''s worth a try¡­" Alex concluded after reading the quest log.


    From the description, Remia was a naive lady, but she was also a kind-hearted woman.


    He believed she wouldn''t succumb to anger or thirst for revenge. But that much was easy to check.


    Alex''s mission was to see the forest fairies'' home and learn whether they searched for Deathwill Castle or Elias Deathwill himself.


    If they didn''t, then it would be good for him to search for Remia and talk with her.


    Alex more or less had a plan.


    ''It''s a good reason for me to go outside and check the game world with players¡­ I also should meet Olivia. I can''t leave her alone for too long.'' Alex''s girlfriend needed him as much as the sisters did.


    He confirmed his plan and turned toward Celia.


    "Eh? Are you crying?" Alex froze and asked in a soft tone.


    Before him, Celia held her demon egg tightly, her eyes welled. Due to gathered tears, Celia''s beautiful eyes shone brighter.


    She stared at him deeply while trembling no end.


    "Y-You will return?" Celia stuttered, then bit her lips.


    To such a side, Alex couldn''t stay still. He went onto his knee then hugged Celia tightly. He just couldn''t help himself as she seemed in deep sorrow.


    But he understood the crux of her pain. She never had friends, and she was also abandoned by her father. In fact, Celia didn''t even remember him. It was impossible to tell whether magic was in a play or it was due to her young age.


    Alex ruffled Celia''s hair, "I will return. Of course, I will. I also plan to bring back some presents. What would you like?"


    "You must return, Alex! Don''t leave mom and me alone!" Celia pressed her little nose on Alex''s shoulder, then wiped off her tears.


    She didn''t want any presents. All she wanted was him returning to their side!


    "Let''s make a pinky promise, then. If I dare to break the promise, I will suffer the incurable disease! Oh, I know! My head will fall off like dullahan, and only dullahan princess, Celia, will be able to fix me. That is only if I get her forgiveness!" Alex promised.


    He extended his pinky finger.


    Celia stared at him, then extended hers. As their fingers were coiled, the promise had been made!


    Alex added, "There will never be any disease as I will return as fast as I can."


    "Okay¡­" Celia nodded slowly.


    "Still, I will bring presents to everyone," Alex reassured his little friend, then stood up.


    Since Celia didn''t tell him what she wanted, he could only ask around people in the big cities. If no one could help him, he would buy a big plush toy that would be a giant version of Kubo.


    As for Sara, Alex also felt like he wouldn''t miss his present.


    Celia told him before that Sara liked to relax in baths. After a bath, she would paint her nails and play around with makeup. That was quite surprising as Alex had never seen her in makeup.


    But then, Celia explained.


    Sara would only spend a few minutes at most in her makeup. That was because she couldn''t imagine herself fighting in makeup or painted nails. She would always wash all cosmetics off her body in just a few minutes after getting them.


    For some reason, Alex found it immensely cute.


    And now that Alex was here, Sara had more time for herself. Of course, she still trained her skills for most of her free time. Nonetheless, Alex felt like he would find a good present for her.


    "What about Stella and Schnee?" Alex thought out loud.


    Celia shrugged.


    -


    -


    -


    -


    "Golem," Stella said.


    Alex''s eye twitched, "Golem?"


    "Golem," Stella repeated.


    Why would this lazy girl want a golem?

 Chapter 18 - Golem

    Chapter 18: Golem


    Alex didn''t just dislike wasting time.


    If his presents turned out to be useless, he utterly would despise them. And that wouldn''t be just because he would waste time preparing that present, but also because his friends would get nothing more than just a nice gesture.


    Of course, it depended on the present and circumstances.


    Alex didn''t want to screw up his first presents for the Deathwill Sisters in his current situation. Those would be more like sovereigns, but the point was still the same.


    He wanted to build his relationships carefully.


    That was why he simply asked. Other than Sara, he would ask everyone and note down their wishes.


    He straightforwardly asked what Stella wanted.


    "Golem?" Alex repeated.


    He lowered his eyes and stared at Stella deeply.


    She was on the bed, curled up with her eyes closed. She didn''t turn toward him and maintained that cute and lazy posture. The blanket covered her body up to her little head, so Alex couldn''t see too much of the lady''s beauty.


    However, that was not the point of his visit, so Alex didn''t pay attention to it.


    "Golem," Stella replied in her usual, lazy tone.


    That led to the next question; why?


    Alex didn''t ask her straightforwardly this time, though.


    Because he knew that he had probably distanced himself a little from Stella, Alex wanted to solve her desire on his own.


    That was a good move. After all, people often remembered little gestures more than anything else. And constantly asking questions could annoy the lazy lady as well.


    He recked his brain and contemplated.


    "You¡­ You want a golem that will do your duties, right?" Alex uttered.


    Hearing his words, Stella opened her eyes a little. She turned around and looked at him with expectations and unconcealable happiness.


    While the latter was an excellent sight to see, since Alex''s choice of holding back his questions pleased Stella, the former was wrong.


    In a nutshell, Stella wanted a loyal servant.


    Perhaps she used to have servants that would take care of her. But that was impossible in the Deathwill Castle with many enemies lurking around and even more challenging opponents searching for them.


    But a golem would be existence without intelligence. He would have programmed moves, and he would serve Stella faithfully.


    "You don''t want to take care of me. So, golem." Stella said.


    Alex looked at her, then burst out laughing, "I can''t believe it! Haha!"


    He brought a chair closer to her bed, then sat down. He continued laughing, leaving Stella a little puzzled.


    But how could he not laugh? She really wanted a golem that would do duties for her!


    "I will take care of you. Didn''t I help you already?" Alex wiped off his tears and smiled widely at the lazy healer.


    Stella nodded slowly, "You did. Thank you."


    "You are welcome," Alex chuckled.


    Still, his laughter didn''t halt. He kept looking at Stella with a broad smile, laughing to himself in a little weird way.


    Stella didn''t comment on it.


    After some time, Alex calmed down and said, "I will continue taking care of you. Still, there will be days when I am off to some work. You can''t expect golem or servant to take care of those little duties in my absence, can you?"


    "Why?" Stella asked.


    Although it might have looked like the princess'' attitude, Stella genuinely asked her question. If she had a golem, that existence would function using her mana. If she had a servant, she would pay her.


    Was there something wrong with it?


    Alex read Stella well, so his reply was on the spot, "You see¡­ Everyone takes care of those minor duties by themselves because we don''t need others to help us. Of course, it''s always a great help if someone helps us.


    I guess taking a bath together with your sisters is good for bonding. The same goes for cleaning up your room and other little duties," Alex nodded.


    But then he made a grave expression, "But you never know what might happen. One day, your golem might stop functioning. One day, your servant might get unsatisfied with her income and use her absence to negotiate a better deal. In the long term, that servant might grow too greedy and simply leverage you until you go bankrupt."


    And as Alex started talking about feasible scenarios, Stella properly turned around and hovered her eyes on him.


    He talked so much that even Alex thought of some of his words as bullshit. But in that magical world, no one knew what exactly could happen.


    Perhaps, Stella didn''t think of his words as bullshit because of how erratic her world was.


    "And you know¡­ I am too weak to even get a golem!" Alex burst out laughing again.


    A golem would be like a pet. From what he saw on social media, pets were pretty rare existences. They were so rare and unique that players would accept any player with a pet to their parties.


    It would be too hard for Alex to get one, to say nothing of finding clues about golems.


    Stella pouted.


    Alex shrugged, "Now that I am here. Let me ask you¡­ Have you taken a bath today?"


    Although Stella could use some of her skills to cleanse her body, it was still not comparable to regular hygiene.


    Therefore, Alex asked and stressed that information to her.


    Stella didn''t say anything, confirming that she spent another day lazing around in her bed.


    Alex sighed and shoved his hands into her blanket. He didn''t even ask for permission, as that was not needed with this peculiar lady.


    "Take a bath, then change clothes on your own. As for your present, how about something else?" Alex asked while carrying Stella to the bathroom.


    She glanced into his eyes, "Golem."


    "¡­"


    It turned out that Alex would need to consult others about a present for a lazy woman. He could only hope he wouldn''t miss and give something useful for Stella.


    After he closed the bathroom, Alex bid farewell to Stella.


    He would notify Celia and Sara about Stella in the bathroom, just in case, she would simply ignore his request. It would be pretty bad for her to sleep in the bathroom, after all¡­


    He then went straight to Schnee''s room.


    Ever since he saw her for the first time, Alex and Schnee avoided each other. It was mainly the cat woman who ignored him, so they never talked to each other.


    Knock! Knock!


    "Are you in your room, Schnee?" Alex asked and patiently waited for a response.

 Chapter 19 - Kitty Charm Skill

    Chapter 19: Kitty Charm Skill


    ''She is not responding,'' Alex inwardly said.


    He didn''t want to impose himself onto Schnee, but wasn''t it a perfect time to have their first talk? It wasn''t like Alex came without any reason, and similarly, Schnee also shouldn''t just ignore him like that.


    He could''ve taken much worse paths and plotted against sisters'' wellbeing. He could''ve done so many evil things already.


    ''Well¡­ She might think I am faking things,'' Alex sighed.


    He still believed it was a perfect time for some conversation. Thus, he decided to give himself a little more time before going his way.


    And after additional thirty minutes, Alex''s patience bloomed.


    Schnee''s doors opened. She came out in her casual clothes, exuding a pleasant aroma that had quickly assailed Alex''s nose.


    "I couldn''t bother myself with you, so I went to take a bath. I am not fond of bathing, so you are lucky," Schnee crossed her arms beneath her ample chest.


    She glared at Alex with narrowed eyes.


    ''Another one? Well, she is a cat woman,'' Alex replied inwardly.


    It was probably due to her race, but Schnee''s bathing was always quick. She took some time today since Alex was the reason she went to the bathroom this early.


    But even after spending more time in the bath while ignoring him, Alex didn''t go away. He patiently waited, and his efforts bloomed!


    "I will be going outside soon. Do you want something? You can think of it as a present or sovereign," Alex maintained composure, smiling widely.


    However, he needed to exert much more willpower than ever in his life.


    That was because Schnee wore pretty tempting clothes. Her shirt was cut, revealing her stomach wholly. Her chest was also big, pushing her clothes up a little more. If Alex bowed before her, he would be able to easily peek at her naked breasts from below.


    Her short pants were also too short. To say nothing of her long legs exposed, Alex could throw his eyes into her pants and see some of her panties.


    She showed too much of her skin.


    Behind her, a playful cat tail danced¡­


    And the fact that she was a beautiful woman didn''t help Alex, either. She also liked to tease, so switching from innocent to sexy was simply a trifle. She came straight out of the bathroom, so Schnee quickly played around with her looks.


    "Present?" she repeated, her finger coiling around her wet hair, "Hmmm¡­ I know! Elias Deathwill. Bring him back here, and I will give you a kiss. How about it?"


    Alex chuckled, "I want to give you a present because I want to do it, not because I want you to reciprocate. And even if your kiss might be worth more than kingdoms, I still have to politely refuse.


    Who knows where that hypocrite is, after all?" Alex titled his head and shrugged.


    Schnee hugged herself seductively and asked, "Hypocrite?"


    Alex''s last sentence somewhat intrigued her.


    Noticing it immediately, Alex nodded, "Well. If you think I have been chosen as his successor because I am the same, you are wrong. He is a hypocrite that demands loyalty and unquestionable trust from his women. Yet, he never planned to give the same, equal love.


    If it were me, I would be pretty open and vocal about it," Alex replied seriously.


    Schnee''s playfulness disappeared, and she gravely stared back at him.


    And from that short exchange alone, Alex completed the sisters'' introduction.


    First, he knew that Sara was disappointed in her father. But if push came to shove, she probably would protect and side with him. It didn''t look like she harbored a killing intent toward him.


    As far as Stella was concerned, she probably didn''t care. At worst, she might dislike her father because he hadn''t prepared enough stuff for her, mainly loyal servants.


    And lastly, Schnee.


    That cat wanted blood.


    From the steps she took toward him, Alex was sure of it.


    [Schnee Deathwill has used a charm skill on you.]


    She once again used one of her charm skills on him. However, the reason behind her move was much different this time. She wanted to charm Alex and confirm his words.


    Unfortunately for Schnee, she was doomed to fail. And the reason for her failure was exactly the person she despised.


    But as she made her way toward him in cat and seductive steps, Alex braced himself and deeply stared at her, "You can''t charm me."


    He revealed her ploy.


    Then, Alex added in a deep and confident tone, "I don''t know your plan for this castle. But if you want to use all of its power against your father, then you are fated to fail. That is because I will use this power for my growth.


    I will level up and unlock other facilities. This castle''s power will fuel my and my friends'' growth. For now, I won''t reveal it to anyone as I care about Celia, Sara, and Stella. I also keep you in consideration, Schnee."


    Schnee sneered, "If you invite other players now, you will draw a certain line between you and my sisters. You can''t invite players yet."


    "True. But I have to reveal a little of my plans to you. Unlike your sisters, your goal seems much grander. Or at least that''s how I feel right now. I am not that close with any of you to know what you really want¡­" Alex smiled faintly.


    Each sister was unique. Each of his ''wives'' required Alex to take different steps.


    And in that spur of the moment, Alex decided to face Schnee head-on.


    He revealed her ploy, then told her his plans.


    He really wanted to spend time with his friends. He also wanted them to help him with the castle''s enemies, mainly the hungry demons. In that way, he also would introduce wonderful people to Celia and make her life merrier.


    But more than anything, Alex wanted to enjoy the game to the fullest.


    He wanted everyone to have a good time, so leveling up was a must!


    "Give me your charm skill," Alex said bluntly, "You can''t charm me, but I also shouldn''t be able to charm you. If I am correct, you excel in various buffs and debuffs skills. Charm is just one of your skills."


    "So?" Schnee tilted her head, seeming amused.


    Alex sneered widely, "You can''t charm me, and I won''t be able to charm you with my low proficiency charm skill anytime soon.


    However, that''s as far as charm skill goes. People can naturally fall in love. If you make my heart skip a beat, it will be my loss. And if my low proficiency charm skill scratches your heart, then that will be my win," Alex revealed his plan to face Schnee head-on.


    He gave her enough time to think about it.


    Then, Schnee nodded, "Sure."


    [Your relationship with Schnee Deathwill has progressed.]


    [Schnee Deathwill has passed, Kitty Charm Skill, to you.]


    [You have learned Kitty Charm Skill.]


    "Wait¡­ This is a passive skill?" Alex nearly face palmed himself.


    In his show of confidence, he didn''t check the skill''s information. He just accepted it, and it was his mistake.


    Of course, that skill wasn''t anything terrible.


    "You will appear as cat-man to everyone. Only those who truly love you will be able to see your human self," Schnee grinned, extending her hands.


    She wrapped her arms around his neck, her ample chest splashing onto his, "I quickly get bored of my clothes. For a present, I want you to buy me the highest quality pajamas. Thanks!"


    Then, she let him go and went back to her room, swaying her big ass left and right.


    Alex stood dazed, but his composure was great!


    -


    -


    -


    -


    "How do I look to you, Stella?" Alex asked probingly.


    Stella opened her eyes, then whispered, "Cat."


    "Cat¡­ I am really a cat man in your eyes, huh¡­" Alex shook his head.


    He indeed looked like a cat to her!


    And that''s how everyone would perceive him as such!


    "Handsome Cat," Stella added.


    "Thanks for the encouragement," Alex sighed, then gave her a head pat.


    And from that day onward, Stella would ask for head pats.

 Chapter 20 - Schnees Lucky Box

    Chapter 20: Schnee''s lucky box


    "R-Return¡­ Okay?" Celia cried just before Alex turned away.


    He had already said his goodbyes, but Celia kept stopping him. Her tearful eyes and trembling self were just too much for Alex.


    He thought of another pinky promise, but that wouldn''t solve anything, would it?


    Alex smiled awkwardly at Sara.


    She was also here, holding her daughter tightly.


    In the beginning, Sara was beyond shocked to see Alex''s cathead. She immediately connected dots and realized that it was Schnee''s doing. But something much more astounding muted her.


    It was naturally her daughter.


    In Celia''s eyes, Alex was the same. He didn''t become a humanoid cat on two legs, and he was still human.


    The reason for it was simple; the charm skill didn''t work on Celia.


    After seeing it, Sara''s shock melted, and she faintly smiled. For little ones, it was easy to form a bond with others.


    Alex and Celia quickly became friends. But deep inside, Celia wanted to have a father. Although it was too confusing to her and she didn''t know her feelings, Celia''s little heart knew all answers.


    She saw a fatherly figure in Alex, even though he was just eighteen years old student.


    But it was really simple. After all, Alex spent time with Celia. He played games and ate Sara''s dinners with her, and they genuinely shared their dreams.


    That alone was enough for a little one to develop a love for Alex.


    "He will return. Didn''t you make a pinky promise? Now, now¡­" Sara smiled sweetly as she ruffled her daughter''s hair and hugged her.


    "I-I know!" Celia rubbed her little nose against Sara, her heart trembling!


    Before Celia cried more, Sara urged Alex to take a leave.


    "I will be back as soon as possible," Alex added before opening up his game system.


    In that system, he operated to his class window.


    Here, Alex saw a few options exclusive to him only. One of those options was naturally a leave ticket. He could form as many leave tickets as he wanted, but just for himself.


    For others, such as his friends, Alex needed class points.


    He hoarded class points by spending time with the Deathwill Sisters. Other than it, Alex could get those points through killing monsters and doing chores. He got many points after taking care of Stella''s room.


    He could make invite tickets through those points. Of course, those points also had more options, but those were held back for the future.


    [You have used a leave ticket.]


    [You have been sent to a random location.]


    [Severlam Province(Lv.1 - Lv. 35)]


    That was Alex''s first journey to the ''normal'' world.


    -


    -


    -


    -


    "What kind of skill did you give to Alex?" Sara confronted Schnee.


    Although Alex had explained a little of his current state, he didn''t have enough time to explain all details. In short, he told Sara that he and Schnee had a bet between themselves.


    Since Sara suspected Schnee''s scheme before, she headed straight to her room after putting her daughter to bed.


    Of course, Sara also had her own reason to come here. She wanted to see how much Schnee trusted her.


    "Have you seen him already? Of course, you have. You two are so close already," Schnee broadly smiled, her tone sultry and suggestive.


    Sara didn''t show anything on her face after those words, "He just said goodbyes to Celia and went to the outer world."


    "Hmmm~~" Schnee hummed, taking a few steps closer to her sister.


    Soon enough, these two were just a few inches apart. They could smell each other well, their breaths scratching each other''s lips. A slight move forward would make their gorgeous faces bump into each other.


    That kind of sight would be impossible in the former Deathwill Castle.


    They didn''t even know of each other''s existence in the past. But each daughter was known as a prodigy in their mother''s families. Their abilities were so unique and powerful that people willingly ignored their human bloodlines and sides, to say nothing of their compelling looks.


    If it were the castle from the past, all guards and servants would look at them with wide eyes and hidden excitement.


    Alas, the Deathwill Castle was pretty empty.


    Only Schnee''s golden and Sara''s blue eyes shone in that dark world swathed in silence. But in those eyes, both of them saw support. That unique bonding stemmed from Elias Deathwill, their father.


    Even if he was scum, he developed legendary class and a safe zone for his daughters. He had it all to genuinely love others; alas, he had failed. Unfortunately for him, out of his three daughters, only one would side with him after all he did.


    "That''s the skill," Schnee chuckled and flicked her fingers.


    The silence around them and Sara''s bright eyes reminded her of her current situation. She didn''t want to face her sisters as an enemy or worsen their relationship. Therefore, she exposed the skill she had given to Alex.


    Sara confirmed the skill.


    "Come in. We have to keep a little decorum, right?" Schnee beckoned Sara to come into her room, "We don''t want to become worse than barbarians; isolated and impudent. I will show you a little of my hospitality."


    Sara nodded and followed her sister.


    In that room, Sara took a seat and apologized, "Sorry for not trusting in you. I am glad you two had a talk."


    If Schnee showed a different skill, Sara would''ve encouraged Schnee to talk with Alex. She wanted all her sisters to give him a chance.


    In her eyes, Alex wasn''t a bad person. Celia also helped Sara learn more about him.


    "But if two of you ended up with charm skill on the line¡­ Did you use it on him during your first meeting?" Sara added a question.


    Before replying to her, Schnee came out with snacks and drinks. She dropped them on the table then jumped onto her chair.


    She comfortably sank in and nodded to Sara''s words.


    Then, Schnee asked with a smile, "Say, Sara. You gave him a chance. Does it mean you would give Elias Deathwill a chance as well?"


    "I would," Sara replied after a short pause.


    Schnee''s smirk slowly went away from her. She stared emotionlessly at her sister, then dropped the topic.


    She added in an indifferent tone, "That bastard gave us enough hell. I would rather kill him and return to my true home¡­ I had so much fun here¡­ I still can''t return, though¡­"


    Schnee reminisced about her home. It was land inhabited by cat people, and she was pretty infamous here from young days. It started with pranks, then Schnee showed off her unique prowess.


    But as those days flashed in her mind, Sara also recalled her home.


    Tears soon flooded her eyes and tumbled down on her red cheeks.


    Schnee blinked her eyes, perplexed by those sudden tears, "Why are you crying? What did happen in the Dullahan Kingdom?"


    Sara''s tears came out because of Schnee.


    The cat woman wanted to kill their father. Still, the incident that had happened in Sara''s home made her reevaluate the family''s bonds.


    If their father could prepare the whole legendary class and grounds for them, then there was hope for him and their mothers.


    Sara genuinely believed in this.


    To Schnee''s inquiry, Sara didn''t reply. She wiped off her tears and apologized, "I''m sorry."


    Schnee, without any trace of her usual self, replied, "If my intel is right, there should be the Dullahan King''s Sword in the castle''s treasury. Don''t even ask me how did that bastard get that sword. But if it''s true, you can leverage it in the future."


    Sara didn''t ask how their father got his hands on it.


    Instead, she asked, "How do you know it? I can''t see any items inside the treasury."


    Schnee chuckled, "We, cats, have peculiar skills. Before the successor arrived, I did my best to open facilities for myself."


    Sara said with squinted eyes, "I am scared to ask about your skills."


    "A lucky draw is one of them. How about I give you one?" Schnee fished out a box that was around adult head''s size.


    She put it on the table.


    "Isn''t it costly?" Sara asked.


    Schnee shrugged, "I can make one each year. It pains me to part with it, but in my big sister, I trust."


    It was oddly satisfying to have this kind of Schnee.


    For that reason, Sara accepted the box.


    She held it carefully, then looked over the system''s message.


    [Schnee''s lucky box!


    Schnee has cultivated this lucky box for one year. By opening it, her royal bloodline will bless you with one random skill.]


    Sara took her eyes off the box, "It can be a negative random skill, right?"


    Schnee turned her eyes to the side, "Perhaps."


    That reaction told Sara enough, "What kind of negative skill did you get?"


    "Nothing significant," Schnee replied with a stoic expression.


    Sara saw through that lie, but she didn''t press further.


    Instead, she promptly opened the box.


    [You have learned Love Map Skill.]


    [Description: You''ve learned the ordinary skill, Minimap. On that minimap, you can use Love Map Skill. It will show you the location of people that you share a mutual love with.]


    "Minimap? Isn''t it what players have? You are luckier than me!" Schnee stood up, her tail erect and trembling.


    Sara awkwardly smiled, "Thank you, Schnee."


    "Didn''t I add more responsibilities to you?" Schnee sighed, "If one of your beloved stays for too long in a danger zone, you will be the first one to check on them, won''t you?"


    "Oh, I see," Sara realized Schnee''s intent.


    Her sister wanted to lift a little of Sara''s burdens! Knowing how responsible Sara could get, it was indeed Schnee''s intent. She also wanted to tighten the bond between her sisters now that Alex had appeared.


    "Can you see Alex''s location?" Schnee teased.


    Sara shook her head, "I can only see Celia."


    Schnee crossed her arms and nodded, "I guess you aren''t his type. Well!" she raised her chin and sneered, "I also wouldn''t date an old man."


    "Who are you calling old?" Sara''s blond bangs went up, and she stared intensely at her sister.


    "You, mommy," Schnee pointed her finger at Sara, then broadly smiled.


    A small fight erupted between them.

 Chapter 21 - You Gotta Problem With That, Girl?

    Chapter 21: You gotta problem with that, girl?


    [Severlam Province(Lv.1 - Lv.35)]


    [Alexander Deathwill Lv.17 HP: 1200/1200 MP: 550/550]


    Alex appeared in one of the common leveling lands.


    His location was random, so he didn''t make any plans beforehand.


    Since Severlam Province''s lands stretched from level one up to thirty-five, it was the land where beginners started and learned how to play.


    In those newbie lands, players held weapons more decisively. After all, they tried many weapons in the tutorial and tasted their first actual combat here.


    But the game world wasn''t just about fighting.


    Players learned more about NPCs and subclasses. The former was an essential topic as players couldn''t just go through system dialogues. They had to interact with NPCs and show their goodwill and wits.


    Although most players would get the same quests from martial artists and other important NPCs, unique players with either talent or eloquence would get more unique quests.


    It wasn''t weird for NPCs to approach people they deemed suitable.


    Subclasses also opened many paths for players and allowed for much versatile gaming.


    The Avander World was abundant in resources, so everyone indeed would find something for themselves.


    Players could find resources everywhere, but three peculiar sources stood out.


    One of them was naturally nobles. Every province belonged to kingdoms or clans. For years, those people amassed thousand of unique resources.


    They could use their treasures and the quest system to reward players.


    It was highly recommended to associate with those nobles and build a relationship with them. Alas, not every nobleman accepted players under their wings. For now, most players received just common quests.


    The second source came from the curse.


    That was how NPCs called monsters that respawned regularly. Those monsters appeared everywhere, meaning that the curse encompassed the whole world. From time to time, boss monsters emerged from the curse.


    If left untouched, those bosses would create their communities.


    And the third, the most unfathomable and the most challenging source of resources; the dungeons.


    Until now, the world recorded the dungeons known as [The Tower Dungeons]. Those dungeons were pretty simple, and they required people to climb up the floors. The difficulty rose by going higher.


    A few of those dungeons were open to all. They were scattered across the globe, not hidden at all. Their forms also threatened the population as they looked like gods'' fingers trying to reach the heavens.


    This information had been provided by Alex''s good friend, Tomo Homie.


    -


    -


    -


    -


    [Olimiss has accepted your friend request.]


    Unfortunately for Tomo Homie, Alex added his girlfriend to his friendlist first. He couldn''t risk others finding out about his connection to the Deathwill Castle and sisters yet.


    If it weren''t for Olivia''s situation and her parents'' divorce, Alex probably would spend a little more time with the Deathwill Sisters and solo play.


    However, Alex also genuinely wanted to hang out with his girlfriend. Besides, the solo play was never on his mind since he was a pretty sociable guy.


    Knowing about his feelings and Olivia''s case, Alex added her to his friendlist.


    [Olimiss: You went with your real name?]


    Alex''s finger froze.


    He never wondered about it, but how could the game know about his real name? His nickname wasn''t close to his full name, and his VR Capsule wasn''t signed or anything like that.


    It was utterly weird for the game to know about it.


    [Alexander Deathwill: Don''t tell anyone about my surname. This is related to my class quest.]


    [Olimiss: Sure. Where are you now?]


    [Alexander Deathwill: Somewhere in Severlam Province. My minimap is black, so I can''t tell.]


    [Olimiss: You can buy a map in the province''s capital. It will reveal common leveling grounds and what you can find here.]


    Although it was weird for the game to know his name, Alex didn''t dwell on that. With how social media revealed too much information nowadays, Alex inferred that known social platforms were connected to the game. And that was how the game world knew about his real name.


    He couldn''t think of a different reason.


    Thus, he replied to Olivia and learned about the minimap features. If he were to buy a map from the province''s capital, his empty minimap would get filled with standard information.


    [Olimiss: I will book carriage to your province. Can''t wait to see you, Alex!]


    [Alexander Deathwill: Same. I gotta work hard to find the city.]


    After Alex exchanged a few more words with his girlfriend, both of them closed the chat and patiently made their way toward each other.


    However, Alex didn''t have it that easy.


    Looking around, he saw the dense forest and thick roots sticking out from the ground. Branches fell off like a waterfall in some places, giving Alex a headache. He decided to just move forward, but even that was hard to keep up.


    "It would be lucky if my first random location turned out to be the forest fairies'' kingdom. Can''t be too lucky, I guess," Alex voiced out his thoughts, a little irritated.


    He just wanted to leave this forest and find a road to one of the cities. From here, it would be too easy for him to find the city and other players.


    He would find Olivia and have good gameplay with her.


    He sighed and stepped forward, ready to overcome this crisis!


    -


    -


    -


    -


    "Out of all players and their equipment I''ve seen in this game, you hold the crown, Alex," Olivia covered her lips and whispered slowly to her boyfriend.


    She threw him a funny glance and grinned to herself.


    That was because Alex''s current equipment didn''t suit him at all. Of course, he was well aware of it, as even Celia pointed it out. His little friend simply told him he looked stupid in those clothes.


    But worse, Alex''s equipment suffered some losses, to say nothing of his body. He had a few scratches from head to toe. From his cheek, blood oozed out. Olivia also spotted a few leaves sticking out of his hat.


    He looked dirty and funny at the same time.


    "Keep that crown to yourself. How come I ended up in a forest maze? That forest maze didn''t have any monsters at all!" Alex wiped off the blood on his cheek and shook his head.


    Olivia chuckled, "People speculate that this forest maze hides the underground dungeon. If you managed to find it, you would be the first player to find the second dungeon type. At least you found me."


    To his girlfriend''s broad smile, Alex grinned and hugged her. He left a speck on her lips, then his smile widened.


    At last, they could hug each other and casually talk to each other face to face!


    "How do I look to you?" Alex asked curiously.


    In his arms, Olivia extended her hand and took a leaf from his hat, "Not my taste. I can only pray that those clothes are related to your class quest."


    "No. I mean, do I look like a human to you?" Alex corrected his words.


    And as Olivia blinked her eyes and stared at him intensely, Alex understood that Schnee''s charm skill didn''t work on Olivia.


    He couldn''t be happier, even though it could be just the game reading their relationship.


    Olivia touched his intact cheek and asked, "Has your race changed? Are you a vampire?"


    "No, that''s the blood loss," Alex burst out laughing.


    "Then where does this question come from? Tell me!" Olivia''s eyes twinkled as she grew curious.


    To her inquiry, Alex shrugged and waved his hand to the NPCs commoner. The lady turned her eyes to him, then cautiously asked what he had called her for.


    Of course, Alex immediately asked the same question.


    "You look like a cat," she replied, then looked strangely at Olivia.


    Olivia squinted her eyes, "What''s up with those eyes? I find cats cute. You gotta problem with that, girl?"


    "No, no! I will take my leave, then!" the commoner lady bowed slightly, then ran away from the peculiar couple.


    Alex slapped Olivia''s back slightly, "Here we go. Your Yankee self. Stop scaring others."


    Olivia crossed her arms beneath her chest, then lifted her chin and looked in the opposite direction, pouting, "I didn''t like her eyes."


    "Thanks, though. I can''t believe I singlehandedly turned you into a cat lover from a dog lover. Everyone won''t believe me," Alex wrapped his hand around Olivia''s, then they went toward the city.


    Olivia smiled widely, clearly overjoyed, "I can make a few exceptions! So you ended up with cat class, hmm¡­ How did it happen? I want details! Details!"


    Although Olivia said it, she knew that her boyfriend wouldn''t tell her now. Otherwise, he would''ve said about it already. She couldn''t hold her curiosity back, and as she had nothing to hide from Alex, Olivia acted a little childishly. Her usual self around him was a spoiled girl who wanted to have his all attention.


    Alex used his free hand to scratch his cheek, "Well¡­"


    "You hide something sus¡­" Olivia whispered in a jesting tone.


    Alex glanced into her eyes, "What do you think about a love relationship between player and NPC?"


    "Eh?"


    -


    *Author''s note: I saw other authors shamelessly asking for gift castles. They would offer one chapter as a reward. I find it pretty lame, but worth asking, right? Not gonna promise any chapters, though. It''s pretty late now, but if I find time tomorrow... Have a nice day.*


    *Yankee in japanese - juvenile deliquent.. That''s how Olivia used to be a few years ago, but Alex tamed that side.*

 Chapter 22 - Hero And Villain

    Chapter 22: Hero and Villain


    A relationship between player and NPC.


    It was one of the hottest topics on social media. At one point, it was the number one topic that most players vehemently talked about.


    After all, players already knew how natural NPCs were. Everyone could see many emotions behind the game''s residents and their unique reactions. Of course, not everyone received special treatment, but it didn''t matter.


    Social media had everything covered.


    Many players shared their unique quests, relationship progress, and other NPC-related stuff that turned the game into a much better world.


    Even though it was still not possible to stream or make pictures in the game, players believed each other wholeheartedly.


    They all agreed about NPCs.


    It was perfectly fine to treat them as if real. If the game company took the system away and the relationship bar, no one would be able to tell players and NPCs apart. Of course, that was a slight exaggeration as both worlds had different cultures.


    Thus, players could tell who was who without looking at the statuses. Still, if the player hid their status window and acted as NPC, it could get quite dangerous.


    Nonetheless, in another world with a peculiar culture, players could truly taste a lot of unique relationships, even with players themselves.


    After all, it was much easier to break up with others as one simply could just delete another player from the friendlist and leave a short message behind.


    Alex read many stories about relationships with NPCs during his school breaks.


    Most of those stories came from horny guys and girls that had never been in a relationship. They just looked forward to raising the relationship bar and getting all fruits of their development for themselves.


    In a nutshell, they wanted NPC just from themselves.


    And that was what other players pointed out.


    If one could get a rare NPC for their side, wouldn''t they get unique quests all for themselves? Not only that, but all skills and special plot stories would fall into their hands!


    Thus, from another perspective, it was worth genuinely improving relationships with others and trying their luck with beautiful ladies and handsome guys.


    Many recommended keeping it as a side quest as solely focusing on a relationship with NPCs was too risky, and one could end up wasting a lot of time.


    But Alex had it much different than others. In fact, he had it the best.


    "You are interested in a harem?" Olivia bent her back and asked with her eyes deeply probing her boyfriend from below.


    Alex looked at her, "Is harem already that popular? I thought you would''ve asked a different question."


    "For example?" Olivia smirked and straightened her back.


    Alex pondered for a second, "For example, whether it is normal for me to treat NPCs as real people."


    "Haha! Even without asking you, I know you fall into the hero category. Otherwise, you would''ve ignored that NPC commoner from before," Olivia chuckled.


    "Hero Category?" Alex asked.


    "You haven''t heard about it?" It was Olivia''s turn to get surprised.


    She quickly explained.


    The current player base was divided into two categories. The first category was [Hero], and people from that category treated NPCs like real people. They were willing to form a genuine relationship and have a lot of fun with them.


    The second category was [Villain].


    Those people saw NPCs as quest machines, no more. In their eyes, NPCs should give quests, fulfill players'' necessities, and no more. They demanded residents of the Avander World to provide them with quests forcefully.


    They wouldn''t think twice before killing NPC. In fact, a popular term started to rise in fame in the Villain Circle.


    "EXP bags," Olivia sighed, "Villain Guilds have some treaty with each other. In a few provinces, they openly force quests and even kill NPCs in a broad light. They don''t care about other players'' feelings and quests. They are ruthless and selfish."


    It led to the creation of justice and evil guilds, but that was a topic for another day.


    "Villains¡­" Alex whispered beneath his nose, his eyes narrowed.


    He looked concerned and in deep thought. One could think he was seriously thinking about something.


    In his hues, Olivia saw a will to protect. To protect that certain someone, Alex would kill the opposition.


    Killing players would never weigh his heart, as that was how gaming was. But NPCs were a different matter.


    Although Olivia could tell what Alex''s reverse scale was and what would have to happen for him to go against NPC''s lives, that sight of him still made her redder.


    She blushed and stared at him with unconcealable excitement.


    A vivid memory from their high school first-year flashed in her mind. In that particular year, Olivia saw Alex''s ruthless side once.


    "Sorry, I spaced out," Alex apologized. He then found Olivia''s dazzling smile.


    She shook her head and replied softly, "I haven''t thought about it because of my parent''s divorce, but I will see more of My Yankee Alex in the game!"


    "What Yankee Alex?" Alex''s eye twitched, and he pinched Olivia''s little nose, "You mean that first-year incident?"


    Alex didn''t want to recall that incident, but his girlfriend''s words indicated that year and incident.


    Back then, they entered high school as freshmen. It was a new school, and both of them ended up in different classes.


    So every long break was reserved for only them. They would meet and eat together like a couple.


    However, on her way toward their usual spot, Olivia was approached by four upperclassmen. They took Olivia to the alley and wanted to play with her body and bully her.


    Alas, for them, they took a demon instead.


    Olivia beat two of them alone in the blink of an eye. She was Yankee and beating up others used to be every day for her. Even though it was in middle school, those techniques and experiences helped her cope with the situation.


    Alas, two other guys didn''t stay idle.


    While the third guy threw himself to stop Olivia, the fourth one took his lit-up cigarette between his fingers. He wanted to smear it on Olivia''s face and sully her beauty!


    But that was when Alex found them.


    "You threw punches so well! My heart was pounding with relief when I saw how you beat them two! And then, you forced them to smoke all their cigarettes at once. They puked, and their vomits mixed with blood.


    Serves them right! I was so excited!" Olivia clenched her little hands and threw a few punches.


    Alex stared at her with dead eyes, "Don''t make me remember that. I felt like a different person."


    "You protected me," Olivia smiled softly, "I will never forget it."


    Although Olivia turned that incident into an exciting memory, Alex recalled his girlfriend''s tears. Thus, while she was proud of him, he was also proud of her as she overcame that incident well.


    He smiled, "I fear you will use ''Yankee Alex'' too much in this game. Let''s don''t talk about that incident anymore. Let it sink into our hearts as that side of mine would have never come out if I didn''t have my other half."


    "Hmmm!" Olivia read between the lines and hummed.


    -


    -


    -


    -


    [You have bought Severlam Province''s Common Map.]


    "Thank you," Alex thanked the NPC lady, then turned around.


    Olivia held his arm, and they went around the city.


    Alex felt overjoyed by the number of people and players going around. He felt like he was finally in the game and that he could enjoy it to the fullest.


    Now that he had Olivia by his side, he truly could go all out and be free from all burdens.


    Well, there was still a minor burden on his heart.


    "We kinda got derailed from our initial topic, didn''t we?" Alex chuckled.


    Olivia smiled as well, "Harem topic, right?"


    "Relationships between player and NPC¡­ Yeah, I guess harem," Alex rolled his eyes.


    Olivia patted his back, "Whatever you have in mind, I will wait for you to introduce me to your NPC friends. It''s a game, so you have to try all adventures, right? Actually, out of all people I know, you might be the one to keep up a harem."


    After all, a harem was not that easy to keep. One needed to nurture feelings, and it was also costly.


    While players could just log out, NPCs lived in that world. And then, much more responsibilities stepped in.


    Her boyfriend was pretty responsible for his age, so Olivia nodded her head with confidence.


    Alex stared at her oddly, "You are pretty open-minded."


    "As I said, it''s a game. What about me, though? Can I go for a harem too?" Olivia sneered as she asked this question.


    And as she predicted, trouble crept up onto Alex''s face.


    He grew a little nervous, and he scratched his hair too much. His lips parted from time to time, wanting to say something.


    Olivia covered her smirk.


    Alex gave up, "It might be too hypocritical of me-"


    Olivia chimed in, "Yes, very hypocritical."


    "I wouldn''t be able to stomach you and other NPCs," Alex genuinely said.


    What right did he have to stop his girlfriend from trying out a harem too? He already had good contact with the Deathwill Sisters. No, he was the husband. His main class was literally their husband.


    If things went as they should, he would end up with all three of them in love. He even challenged Schnee!


    "Luckily for you, I don''t have wet dreams of being drilled by two-"


    Alex stopped her vulgar words by putting his hand on her lips.


    Olivia licked his hand while Alex looked around, ready to apologize to NPCs and players.


    He then took his hand away.


    "I am not going to bother with a harem. It sounds like a chore," Olivia said.


    Alex sighed, "I won''t bring it out. Only if needed."


    Olivia laughed out loud, "Was it too much? Sorry, handsome! Haha!"


    To that side of hers, Alex could only smile, "I need more of your spoiled and cute sides."


    But inwardly, he was pretty content. After all, if she were to be too spoiled, Olivia wouldn''t be independent.


    Olivia sneered, "Show me your moves then, Alex. I want to see your skills. Let''s go to one of the popular leveling zones where I can scream like a fangirl. Time to make some pests jealous."


    "Where did my Olivia go?" Alex shook his head.


    *Author''s note; Maybe I was too honest in the latest chapter... Ah, oh good readers, give me a castle so I can continue writing... I really can''t write without a castle... Sniff... Sniff....*

 Chapter 23 - Kingdoms

    Chapter 23: Kingdoms


    After buying the map, Alex immediately used it through his system.


    His minimap was blank without any useful information. He had just one route revealed: the path he used from the forest maze to the province''s capital. But after the map disappeared from his inventory, Alex''s minimap flashed bright colors.


    Those colors filled his map with new information.


    "Alright. I have a first province checked," Alex whispered with a smile.


    Olivia smiled, "Good job."


    [Berden Kingdom''s Map - 3% Completed.]


    Although Alex saw the whole province on his minimap, the map he used was common. It didn''t contain all routes and information. He wouldn''t find any rare stuff through this map.


    Olivia also told him that some NPCs openly scammed players. They exploited the game system and hid the map''s grade, making players believe they were buying a treasure.


    That was why Alex didn''t bother negotiating. He just bought a normal map and left exploration to his party.


    And it was indeed a time for exploration.


    Not only did others look at Alex and Olivia weirdly, but Alex''s girlfriend also wanted to fight and see Alex''s skills. She wished to see if his high level was adequate to his skills!


    She was just level ten, which was not a bad achievement. However, those hardcore gamers and players with great luck had already reached great heights. They were near level twenty, so Alex was indeed one of the players with high level.


    But even worse, Olivia and her friends had suffered death blows. They couldn''t level up for one or even two days!


    Compared to her and other players, Alex had it much easier. He hadn''t died yet, and he also had good support from his class. He never had to fight for monsters, nor did he lack them around his castle.


    In fact, his enemies gave him much more EXP than common monsters. Then, Alex had a pretty easy path backed by his talent.


    Olivia herself was strong, and she possessed sharp instincts. However, she never went for a solo route. She always played with her friends.


    Some of them held her back, which Olivia didn''t mind as she was not unfamiliar with baby steps.


    Then, their EXP was split between them all, regardless of who did the most damage or work.


    "Their reactions to the forest fairies was weird, though," On their way toward the leveling zone, Alex recalled the NPCs that he had talked with.


    Besides buying a map, he also asked a few NPCs about the forest fairies. His goal was to check on Remia and whether her kingdom searched for Elias Deathwill. That was his second goal after spending time with Olivia.


    Olivia chuckled, "We ended up in the Berden Kingdom. They don''t mind demi-humans, but in the past, they were all about human supremacy."


    "I should''ve figured it out," Alex sighed.


    He didn''t like such discrimination. In his eyes, the Berden Kingdom lost a lot of value. Of course, he was glad that they took a turn for the better. The question was whether they took that turn out of their will.


    If not, and if demi-humans'' strength forced them to do so, then Alex suspected that their hearts harbored evil intent toward demi-humans.


    ''I should pay attention to other kingdoms. Not just because the Deathwill Sisters are demi-humans, but also because I am the Deathwill Castle''s master. At some point, that castle and their lands will be exposed to other kingdoms.'' Alex inwardly inferred.


    He didn''t know where the Deathwill Castle exactly was.


    From what Sara told him, they were in a land with demons and undead. Even wolves that Alex used to try various playstyles on were some kind of demonic breed. His minimap also didn''t help him find the exact location.


    "At least we learned some clues about them, right?" Olivia spoke, unaware of her boyfriend''s thoughts.


    Alex smiled at her, "Since they are far away, we can only focus on each other. For the rest of the day, we will hunt some monsters."


    "Hell yeah!" Olivia clenched her hands and made a victory pose!


    -


    -


    -


    -


    [Rain Mush Mushrooms House(Recommended Lv: 20-25)]


    Olivia chose a pretty hardcore leveling ground for their first couple leveling up. Its recommended level was two times hers, but that was what Olivia liked. She liked to risk and face hardships head-on.


    Alex followed her with a broad smile, letting her chose their destination.


    And at last, they had arrived.


    Before them, a vast forest spread its arms.


    At first glance, this place didn''t look anything special. Trees stood in harmony, not letting anything affect their mood. Compared to the forest maze, this land was also not dense, and one could probably go through it without any problem.


    Alas, on a closer look, Alex and Olivia found a few problems!


    "Is it really rain?" Alex asked.


    That rain was heavy. It sounded like water bullets dropped onto the ground! Once close, Alex and Olivia felt like that rain was like a water formation.


    Olivia nodded, "It doesn''t do any damage¡­" She looked at her hand soaked in the forest''s rain. It didn''t damage her body but made her forearm feel heavier.


    [You have been affected by Mush Rain.]


    "This will be a challenge, Alex!" Olivia retracted her hand and said with sparkling eyes.


    Alex threw her a glance, then pushed his hand in, "What''s the effect of this rain?"


    [You have been affected by Mush Rain.]


    [Your agility and stamina stats have been halved.]


    That rain soaked their clothes and invaded their bodies. It was peculiar defensive mechanisms that defended the monsters'' lives within the forest.


    And speaking of those monsters, one of them reared his head.


    It was a mushroom monster.


    Looking like a monster from chanterelle mushroom, the beast seemed pretty docile and cute. His eyes blinked as he stared at the couple¡­


    Then¡­


    BOOM!


    Out of nowhere, an acid hit Alex!


    [-317 HP!]


    It sank into his eyes, affecting his vision.


    Alex and Olivia took a few steps back.


    "I didn''t see anything¡­ Was it because of the rain?" Alex covered his eye.


    He took out a potion from his inventory then gulped it down in one go. Soon, his vision returned, and he was all fine.


    Of course, simply drinking a potion wouldn''t be sufficient if it were a battle. In fact, reaching full HP also wouldn''t mend his wound. However, Alex stepped out of the leveling zone, losing the monster''s attention.


    Then, he drank HP Potion and waited for the wound to mend.


    But if that mushroom monster was boss or one of the unique NPCs, Alex wouldn''t have such an easy time. He would have to go back to the city and get proper treatment.


    Or, he could return and fight with just one eye.


    Those mechanics made Alex remember that he was in the game.


    Olivia nodded, "That rain halved our stats, then the monster used its density to hide his attack. We have to be decisive with them. Let''s try this leveling ground properly, Alex."


    That leveling ground required a proper party and preparation. However, Olivia wanted to pay back the monster for what he did to her boyfriend. Besides, she would never take a step back from the challenge. Now that she was here, she wouldn''t return without trying them out.


    As for Alex, he also didn''t want to return empty-handed. Naturally, he also wanted to sink his sword in those mushroom monsters!


    He chuckled, "Stay behind me. We are charging in."


    "I got your back covered, handsome!" Olivia laughed.


    *Author''s note: Dear readers... Your presence here is a gift itself....*

 Chapter 24 - Dungeon Conqueror

    Chapter 24: Dungeon Conqueror


    "We are charging in," Alex drew out his sword.


    He held it diagonally in his right hand, looking through it at the forest. In that heated moment, Alex sincerely wished for a skill that would allow him a fast and powerful charge! Alas, Alex''s current skills were all about close combat.


    In his left hand, Alex clenched a health potion, however. He slipped it into his sleeve, in which it would patiently wait for its mission.


    Since Alex''s clothes were similar to general''s, his sleeve closely stuck to his skin. He wouldn''t lose this potion, even if he were to move his limbs like a boxer.


    That health potion was a low-grade item.


    Of course, using potions during a battle was quite wasteful. Just a scratch would stop its effects. Therefore, Alex planned to use it immediately after distancing from the monster.


    He put it in his sleeve before fighting because he couldn''t use his system seamlessly during the battle. He would have to click through system messages to take out a potion, which would be a fatal mistake.


    Not only he would waste precious seconds in the battle, but Alex also would expose himself to the monster, possibly losing the potion''s effects.


    ''It might be naive of me to use a potion in the rain that slows us down¡­ But I can''t waste my left hand, can I?'' Alex chuckled inwardly.


    Although players relied on the system heavily, it was a matter of time before they could use it through sheer will. In Alex''s case, he already could use skills through his mind alone. Just thinking about [Chilling Slash] was enough for him to bring out the skill.


    Alex didn''t know whether it was his talent. Perhaps, the time he''d spent with the Deathwill Sisters brought him closer to the game system.


    Anyway, he believed he would be one of the first players to use the system with his will alone.


    "Let''s go!" Alex shouted and began the charge.


    Behind him, Olivia nodded decisively. She also had her weapon drawn, her system no longer before her eyes. Nothing disturbed her vision.


    She followed her boyfriend as much as she could. However, Alex distanced himself considerably from her in just a few seconds.


    It was just a level gap. As a spear user, Olivia increased the same stats as Alex.


    Nonetheless, Alex knew she would catch up to him fast enough. He didn''t stop his charge at all.


    At last, the mush rain wholly drenched him wet.


    Alex felt his speed slowing down and his stamina bar going down faster. Those stats were so valuable to him that a spark of indignation rose in Alex''s heart.


    But he remained composed and vigilant of his surroundings.


    ''You are here, huh,'' Alex smiled inwardly, his eyes on the familiar mushroom monster.


    As if he was a guard protecting the forest''s border, the forest monster didn''t leave his former place, from which he''d attacked Alex.


    He reared his unique head and stared at Alex with killing intent.


    It was a great contrast from what he''d shown before.


    Alex smirked, ''No longer acting cute. Alright. His next move¡­ It will be obviously the same move¡­ Before, he attacked my eye¡­ So vital points¡­''


    After thinking of possible moves from the mushroom monster, Alex slashed his sword before himself. He inferred that the beast would repeat the same attack until Alex got close.


    He wasn''t sure whether his enemy would aim for eyes again, but Alex made sure his slash was wide and big enough to cover a few more vital points!


    His choice was right!


    The moment he swung down his weapon, Alex received the system message.


    [Your first weapon''s durability has fallen down by 5 points.]


    Fortunately, the acid didn''t have any corrosion effect!


    It took a second for Alex to read those messages. His body never stopped moving, and he was slowly getting closer to the monster.


    He did a few more swings. Alas, the enemy''s target had changed already. Alex''s right shoulder suffered the blow.


    But before any of the poison effects spread across his right arm, Alex thrust his weapon in! He inflicted considerable damage with his thrust skill, then three more [Chilling Slashes] swept through the mushroom monster.


    [-110 HP!]


    [-143 HP!]


    [-127 HP!]


    But for each slash, Alex received two blows!


    "This speed is too much of a bother!" Alex reacted loudly, kicking the ground.


    He distanced himself from the monster before suffering more losses. He didn''t know what kind of close skills the monster had, and Alex wasn''t in a state where he could try them head-on.


    He immediately fished out the potion, then gulped it down.


    That was when Olivia''s time to shine came.


    Bypassing her boyfriend from the right side, Olivia''s long spear sparked. Blue sparks swept through her weapon, increasing her speed. For a moment, she took all debuffs off her body.


    Her weapon was also longer, reaching the monster faster!


    BANG!


    "Lightning?" Alex''s eyes shone as he liked that element.


    His girlfriend didn''t reply to him yet. Instead, Olivia focused on her combo. After one thrust, a few more followed, each carrying lightning! She then retracted her weapon and loaded the crowd control skill.


    In short, CC was an effect that would disable opponents.


    Olivia''s spear let out more lightning. She then wiped space before herself in a cone, opening the wounds she''d inflicted beforehand.


    From those wounds, lightning rose, temporarily stunning her opponent.


    Buying herself a time, Olivia went to her boyfriend''s side, "Ready for a joint attack, handsome?"


    "With you? Always," Alex smirked, then the couple attacked together at the same time.


    Their combination was quite off, but their weapons successfully landed on the mushroom monster, ending his life.


    In his last moments, the monster shrieked. His body exploded like a mini bomb, his poison splashing on Alex and Olivia abundantly.


    They started at the purple stain on the ground with squinted eyes.


    "We kinda worked too much just for one monster¡­" Alex whispered.


    Olivia nodded, "Let''s try a few more, okay?"


    Although she liked to challenge herself, Olivia also knew that her boyfriend wouldn''t want them challenging themselves for the whole day. Alex wanted to be productive, and such challenges would be like wasting their time and efforts.


    She knew it well, so Olivia went for a compromise.


    They stepped forward and searched for more monsters.


    But just a few seconds later, the third party''s voice rang out in Alex and Olivia''s ears.


    "You two have never played any MMORPG. Who the fuck comes here unprepared? Where are antidotes? Are you really going to let this fucking rain affect you? How lame," A male''s voice in his early twenties came from behind.


    Alex and Olivia turned around, instantly finding a man in black clothes. He looked like a thief or rogue class, in particular, due to his black robe.


    But that black robe was a peculiar item!


    Upon a closer look, Alex noticed that the mush rain slid down his body!


    "Alex¡­ I think we found a big fish," Olivia pulled Alex''s clothes, her eyes on the man''s status.


    Although the man in black didn''t expose his nickname, he revealed one of his titles.


    [Dungeon Conqueror.]


    "Is he what I think he is?" Alex asked.


    Before Olivia replied, the man tilted his head, "Hey¡­ I will nicely explain it to you. In exchange, I want you to tell me where you got your class from."


    "What class?" Alex narrowed his eyes.


    "Don''t play dumb, okay? I am interested in your cat class. You looked pretty fast, even while affected by the mush rain," the man smiled.


    Inwardly, Alex sighed with relief, ''For a second, I thought he could see through my hidden nickname. Well, then¡­''


    Alex reciprocated the man''s smile and replied merrily, "Your black robe looks like a good item for this kind of environment. Give it to me, and I will give you a clue about the cat class. How about it? I find it a fair trade."


    "Hah. Someone wants to die," the man took hands out of his pockets and entered the battle stance.


    Now, Alex and Olivia were faced with a much harder enemy.


    And for Alex, it would be the first time fighting the player!


    The man revealed his nickname.


    [Marvel Levram Lv. 19 HP:??? MP:???]


    [Guild Master Of Vile Evil.]


    "It''s not like I planned to let you two just go," Marvel licked his lips.

 Chapter 25 - Second-Rate Villain

    Chapter 25: Second-Rate Villain


    Players had a few ways to hide and reveal their nicknames. The most popular one was by simply turning it off through the system. However, there was a better way for those who liked excitement.


    And that was by covering and taking off a piece of cloth that covered one''s face.


    Marvel took his hood off, exposing his face and status. Not only did his name become open for Alex and Olivia''s eyes, but also his guild and his role; the leader.


    He was the guild leader of the guild called Vile Evil.


    If before Alex and Olivia had doubts about this man''s association, his guild revealed that he was Villain.


    It also didn''t hurt to ask him.


    Alex smiled, "Villain, right?"


    Marvel sneered, his face twisted to look viler. Whether intentional or not, Marvel was doing a splendid job of acting as Villain. He was also pretty handsome, so he could pull many tricks with his looks.


    He grinned, "Villain sounds much better than Hero. Don''t tell me you two disagree with me."


    While Olivia didn''t have any opinion on it, Alex tilted his head, "It''s just a word. If a word turned you into a villain, you would be a second-rate villain at most, you know?"


    Although Alex''s remark didn''t move Marvel and his sneering remained the same, Marvel spread his arms and used one of his skills. Purple mist rushed out from his black robes, mainly sleeves.


    It started forming a cloud around him.


    "Poison?" Alex narrowed his eyes.


    He inferred that it was poison, but he could be wrong. Of course, from observation alone, Alex knew that this skill was a highly lethal one. It was so dense that he couldn''t see Marvel''s black robes.


    Marvel licked his lips again, "Words alone don''t make a villain. Though, I can see that I made your girl angry already."


    Olivia lifted her chin, "You are jarring, faggot. If it weren''t for the level gap and your unique title, I would''ve already kicked your ass. No, in this game, I would''ve already shoved my spear up your hole and made you scream like a little girl."


    Alex rolled his eyes.


    He knew the reason behind his girlfriend''s vulgar language. In short, it was their time. They had a challenge before themselves, a doable challenge. Those mushroom monsters required some work, but the couple could kill and fight them.


    Perhaps, they would''ve already found one of their weakness if it weren''t for Marvel''s sudden appearance.


    But because of the villain player, they couldn''t progress in this peculiar leveling zone.


    Of course, it was a normal gaming experience to fight players for their loot. That was why Alex was fine bickering with Marvel and even requesting his black robe. He also had an inkling that Marvel was a villain.


    Still, Olivia and Alex couldn''t level up and spend time with each other. In fact, Olivia still didn''t have time to talk about Alex''s skills and praise his luck and talent for swordsmanship!


    She had so many ways to make him smile and get spoiled as a reward! Yet, a third wheel emerged out of nowhere. Today, it was supposed to be just their time. Thus, player-killing never crossed her mind.


    How could Olivia be not irritated?


    The second reason was Marvel''s title; Dungeon Conqueror.


    Because of that title, Olivia deemed their chances of survival low.


    Alex didn''t reprimand her for her tone and just smiled, "Let''s distance themselves first. He should be a mage."


    "Yes," Olivia nodded and calmed down after Alex grasped her hand.


    Both of them distanced themselves, going behind the trees.


    "So, what is so special about his title?" Alex asked, sticking close to the tree, his head rearing from time to time to look at Marvel.


    For now, Vile Evil''s Guild Master didn''t move. He spread his poison around, his goal was unclear.


    Olivia also kept an eye on him, so she replied calmly, "You know about the dungeons, right? A lot of them emerged, and players have challenged them countless times. The first three floors are easy, but then it becomes much harder to advance.


    The Dungeon Conqueror is a title given to players that overcome all floors and get a reward from the dungeon''s treasury," Olivia concluded.


    Alex nodded gravely, "I see."


    On social media, Alex saw videos from the game. But to not spoil himself, Alex didn''t check videos that would reveal too much information. When he saw that player had achieved something grand, he would smile and watch more common videos.


    Of course, those videos were possible through an expensive VR Capsule. Most players couldn''t stream, take pictures and even take those videos. However, the most exquisite VR Capsules had a recording option.


    The system would record the player''s surroundings, then the player would be able to edit and make a unique piece for himself. In this way, they also could more or less get a good picture and stuff that was commonly impossible. Streaming was still not an option, though.


    "Haha. I didn''t go for an expensive capsule because I have something else to buy," Alex chuckled as he stared at the villain.


    Olivia''s eyes sparkled with curiosity, "What is it?"


    "I plan to visit a certain vulgar girl abroad," Alex genuinely smiled.


    And knowing who he wanted to visit, Olivia''s cheeks blushed. She stared at him absentmindedly, then butterflies filled her stomach. Her heart grew warmer and her lips curved into a dazzling smile.


    It wasn''t cheap to go abroad, especially for students. But Alex had worked diligently part-time, and his parents also promised to help him with travel costs.


    Thus, he soon would be able to visit Olivia. It was still some time before the holidays, so it wasn''t like Alex and Olivia would immediately meet.


    Still, Olivia was so overwhelmed with her feelings that she nearly dropped her spear. In fact, she wanted to hug Alex so badly that her body moved toward him.


    And that was a mistake¡­


    BANG! BANG! BANG!


    "Eh!" Olivia squealed, going back to her hiding spot.


    Just before her nose, a few acid bolts passed through. Olivia was familiar with those purple arrows.


    "Mushroom monsters! He called them!" Olivia promptly turned behind, finding dozen of mushroom monsters.


    She clenched her teeth and whispered, "I don''t care what will come out of it. I am going to fight him!"


    Alex was much calmer than his girlfriend, "A few of those monsters had aimed at him, though. So he is not beast tamer."


    Olivia bit her lips, looking at her boyfriend with impatience.


    He chuckled, "You don''t have to be so mad at him. Haha! If it weren''t for him, I wouldn''t have told you about the trip, you know? Clear your mind and focus. We still have some time left to level up here."


    Olivia nodded cutely, "Okay¡­"


    She was pretty impulsive and spoke more with her fists in the past. But a peculiar guy had tamed that side and brought her a lot of good friends. In those heated moments, Olivia''s heart would always listen to Alex, and she would do as he said.


    And as he wanted her to focus on their surroundings, Olivia''s senses sharpened so much she reminded a little beast herself.


    A cute beast, she was.


    Alex was more than pleased.


    He turned his eyes toward Marvel, "Why does it look like you have been forced to do little tricks, Villain? I think that''s the trait of a second-rate villain. What do you think, Olimiss?"


    "I think so too!" Olivia agreed loudly.


    Marvel shook his head, "You are trapped already, fools. Keep whispering sweet words to yourselves and wait for me to get you. Once I get close to you, you two will sink worse than titanic. Hah!" He whispered to himself, "That sounded like a good line. And it suits me too. Heh."


    It seemed like Marvel really liked his villain role. The question was whether his deeds would be as evil as he made them out to be.


    And in fact, letting players drown in monsters or his poison sounded pretty vile. Players like Alex had it worse since he slightly lowered his pain sensors.


    Olivia also wanted to have a real-life experience here, so she was the same.


    That villain wouldn''t simply kill them and get their loot!


    Alex and Olivia were sure of it.


    But in the end, that alone would make Marvel, a second-rate villain at most¡­

 Chapter 26 - No Time For Cuddling

    Chapter 26: No time for cuddling


    Although Marvel''s words told the couple that he would get close to them, he didn''t take a step from his initial position. Swathed in his purple cloud, Marvel patiently waited while triggering more mushroom monsters around him.


    Many of them directed their anger at him. However, similarly to the mush rain, Marvel rendered their indignation useless.


    But that exact move piqued Alex''s interest.


    How could a mere level nineteen player maintain such a defense for?


    "Even if his INT stat is overly abundant, he shouldn''t be able to keep this skill for too long," Alex whispered to his girlfriend.


    Olivia smirked, "Sounds just right."


    They exchanged glances, then threw themselves in Marvel''s direction.


    In their current predicament, the couple could take two options at most. Well, other than the third one, which was dying together, Alex and Olivia could either; go for the caster or dwindle the mushroom monster''s numbers.


    It didn''t take long for them to reach an understanding.


    Marvel was a much easier target!


    For them, going against one mushroom monster took around a minute. It was pretty long in the battle where one mistake cost lives. Now, the mushrooms were everywhere, to say nothing of the villain constantly drawing them closer.


    And then, as far as Marvel was concerned, he was a player.


    He was much more vulnerable than a simple monster! Other than his limited resources, Marvel was one of the newbie players. Yes, he had a talent and good luck since he''d conquered the dungeon.


    But that didn''t mean he wasn''t a new player.


    Alex''s sword also should inflict more damage on Marvel. After all, Alex''s swordsmanship came from a legendary class, and its grade was S.


    No dungeon conqueror had announced their rewards openly. They also hadn''t revealed their classes, items, and grades. Other than their first grand achievement, nothing was known.


    "You save me some trouble," Marvel''s smile and jarring tone remained the same.


    He lifted his hands, pointing them at the incoming couple. Marvel redirected all mushroom monsters'' acid at Alex and Olivia in the next second. In short, he threw the monsters'' indignation at his enemies!


    Alex and Olivia narrowed their eyes, their rush not halting at all.


    After Marvel''s skill reached them, both cut down acid as if their speed and strength didn''t matter at all.


    Olivia and Alex''s bodies warmed up with excitement in that short exchange. Their focus sharpened. They shrank distance from their enemy. That adrenaline rush froze the mush rain''s negative effects, allowing their stamina to keep up with their plan.


    Albeit shocked, Marvel didn''t let anything transpire on his face. He continued leveraging the forest and its inhabitants, throwing and hurling poison toward his enemies.


    But then, Alex increased his speed, nearly teleporting toward him.


    His eyes wide, Alex shouted in a thrill of the moment, "Your weaknesses are so obvious, Marvel! Let me tell you something! I can see those acid bolts as clear as the sky!"


    His sword rose, then he promptly lowered it down. His blade cut through the villain''s dense poison as if butter, leaving Marvel beyond shocked. If before he could maintain his composure, now, Marvel''s face turned into a comedian.


    His lips quivered, and he took a step back, "Fuck! You aren''t a normal player!" He thought he had an easy couple to test his skills, yet the truth was different!


    Alex smirked in triumph, then jumped behind.


    In his place, Olivia hopped in. Her spear howled in lightning, and she quickly performed her fastest and strongest combo.


    And as Marvel excelled in poison, his stats such as defense, stamina, and vitality were indeed low. Once he got exposed, the gap between him and Olivia crumbled. Her spear hurt him, pain twisting his face.


    But even though Marvel felt a genuine pain, he still managed to hail his hand, "You are going down with me then, girl!"


    Like a second-rate villain, Marvel wanted to inflict as much pain as possible on the hero before his demise. In his eyes, Alex was one of those heroes.


    But as his hand burst out with purple mist, going after Olivia, Alex''s quick reflexes kicked in.


    He wrapped his hand around Olivia''s waist, bringing her closer to himself, "I guess that''s why my left hand is free. I have to keep my girl safe."


    He looked down on Marvel, whose face scrunched uglier. For obvious reasons, Alex''s smile looked arrogant and condescending.


    For the guild leader, that kind of expression was a scar to his pride.


    Contrary to Marvel, Olivia wore triumph all over her. She clenched her spear, then shoved it into Marvel''s heart, thus, inflicting the critical strike!


    Her lightning skill and spearhead drove Marvel insane. He felt a pain that reminded him of his dungeon struggles.


    But back then, he was a much different person. He wasn''t testing new skills, and he wasn''t as arrogant as now. Therefore, he didn''t miss the glimpse of survival. That eventually turned into a successful dungeon conquest.


    However, at this moment, Marvel faced the legendary class and his girlfriend, whose talent was on par with Alex.


    "You laughed at us for not studying this leveling ground¡­ Look at yourself now. You failed to research the mushroom monsters, lowering their overall strength. Unlike them, you can''t hide the acid bolts in the heavy rain," Alex lifted his sword as he revealed Marvel''s weakness.


    He genuinely smiled, pleased with this victory, "Next time, think twice before attacking someone."


    Marvel howled, "You damn bastard! Next time, I will humiliate you two so much you will never enter this game again! I will fucking melt your clothes, expose it to the whole world and make you scream in agony!"


    Alex chuckled, "So much for the Vile Evil."


    Initially, Alex wanted to end Marvel''s life with a slash. His HP was so low that this one slash would be enough. However, since Marvel shared his plan for their second meeting, Alex decided to show him the gap between them.


    [Shattering Thrust]


    [-999999 HP!]


    [You have killed Marvel Levram Lv. 19]


    "How?" Marvel''s lips let out that one word before his death. His voice was so lost that he sounded cute in his last moments.


    Olivia laughed, but just for a few seconds, "Are we going to die, handsome?"


    Alex glanced into her eyes, "We won''t. I don''t want to see you dying even once, nor do I want to take a break anytime soon."


    [You have equipped the Medusa''s Apprecitance Robe.]


    [Mush Rain no longer affects you.]


    "It feels so good to get back stamina and agility!" Alex loudly exclaimed, nearly moaning.


    His girlfriend looked at him oddly with a smirk, "That sounded sus."


    "Maybe because you are still in my grasp?" Alex replied with a broad smile, making his girlfriend less worried and more cuddly.


    Alas, Olivia couldn''t cuddle yet!


    "I will make an exit route now," Alex let her waist go, then looked ahead of himself.


    For a second, he felt like he saw a thousand eyes looking at him. The small mushroom monsters blocked his way from all directions, even the sky!


    They were literally everywhere!


    In this plight, Alex''s smile didn''t waver.


    He darted forward like a bolt, heralding an epic escape route!


    *Author''s note: Thanks for the support.. Three reviews needed(It''s free). And since I am here again, maybe castle *whistle* *whistle*

 Chapter 27 - Epic Escape

    Chapter 27: Epic Escape


    [Your equipment set bonus has been halved.]


    The equipment set was one of the best gaming features.


    It increased the items'' bonuses, added a peculiar stat, and some even blessed players with unique effects to help them with their another world adventures. Those effects were only possible if a player gathered all equipment pieces.


    That feature compelled players to search, exchange and look around the world for their items.


    Of course, the completed set gave the best bonuses, but having two or three pieces also would provide a player something in return. It all depended on the equipment and its rarity.


    In Alex''s case, he had it way too easy. He found a way to find the skeleton bosses, and he had hunted them all alone, gathering all pieces near effortlessly.


    Many would be jealous of him.


    And now, Alex took off a piece of that unique general set.


    He fished a black robe out of thin air and donned himself in the new item, negating the mush rain completely.


    [You have equipped Medusa''s Apprecitance Robe.]


    [Epic Item from Medusa''s Apprecitance Set.]


    Alex was not a magician. He didn''t take that item out of nowhere! It belonged to Marvel, and that second-rate villain did a good job dropping it for the couple.


    With that item on his body, Alex''s stats more or less returned to his peak. He wasn''t in his peak form, obviously due to moving around the forest, fighting the mushroom monster, and contesting the villain.


    Then, Alex took off one of his set items. His stats naturally halved.


    But even if that was the case, Alex was no longer at the Mush Rain''s mercy. That was the reason he felt like his power returned.


    It was as if he had gone through serious training in a peculiar chamber. And now, he returned to show off.


    It wasn''t just a feeling, though. He indeed had reached a profound understanding of the swordsmanship!


    That was because he had faced mushroom monsters and their acid in two forms.


    The first form was the one he had seen in the beginning. The form that used the Mush Rain to hide itself.


    Alex faced that bravely.


    He then slashed through the second form, which came from Marvel''s technique. In that form, Alex easily saw through it. He followed every poison arrow closely, cutting them down precisely.


    In all of this, Alex was nerfed through the environment. Since that nerf was unexpected, Alex didn''t have time to properly adjust to it. He fought with ''new stats'' and his instincts alone, honing his abilities at every step.


    And after his stats returned, Alex''s understanding and strength bloomed in the forest!


    SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!


    "You no longer¡­ can hide that acid bolts!" Alex shouted, his voice carrying his thrill.


    After killing Marvel, he didn''t have time to check other loot. He just searched for the best piece and equipped it immediately. Of course, that piece was what he had been looking for.


    And then, he immediately threw himself forward.


    He rushed in one direction, slashing through every acid bolt. His speed never slowed down, and he was even picking up the pace!


    From behind him, Olivia was doing a splendid job of following her boyfriend. She wasn''t too close, but also not too far away.


    Alex didn''t have to stop nor turn around to keep her safe. All he had to do was just to go forward!


    Moreover, Alex''s sword was also ''happy''. Alex''s new understanding and the forest experience allowed him to see through mushroom monsters, meaning that his slashes didn''t cost him any durability points.


    Even in that deluge of poison, Alex''s equipment durability hadn''t lost even a point!


    Olivia was the same!


    At last, Alex was just a few steps away from the mushroom monsters. Since they had teemed this area, they had formed a thick wall to prevent humans from escaping. Their numbers exceeded what this area could hold.


    Only a powerful wind mage would be able to throw them all away at once!


    ''We just need a narrow path!'' Alex was intensely focused.


    He gently tilted his wrist, then performed his special thrust. Unfortunately, mushroom monsters didn''t have any bones! Still, Alex''s skill left a small dent on the monster wall.


    He quickly took his sword back, then repeated the move for as long as possible.


    Perhaps, it was because of his one-handed style, but Alex effortlessly added thrusts to his enemies.


    Then, the surrounding monsters finally had pounced at him.


    They wouldn''t stay idle, looking at their buddy, would they?


    Their forms went after the couple. Their plan was to burst out their bodies, taking the couple down with themselves. Those mushroom monsters indeed had such a suicidal ability.


    Of course, Alex wasn''t aware of it yet.


    But their move didn''t escape his eyes.


    [Chilling Slash.]


    His eyes shone with coldness as he channeled that skill!


    For a moment, the surrounding monsters felt chill in their short forms. It was so unfamiliar that all of them froze, including the monsters going at Alex.


    Immense coldness like an absolute zero loomed over their forms. Then as Alex drew nearly a 180 arc with his sword, the cold feeling became a reality.


    [Your skill, Chilling Slash, has advanced!]


    [Chilling Slash has gained a new effect.]


    [Soul Freeze.]


    Pah! Pah! Pah!


    All vile monsters dropped onto the ground, their forms cut. Although they didn''t die from that slash alone, their bodies couldn''t move.


    They were frozen in fear.


    Alex didn''t even look at them, his eyes on the front. His hues still carried the chill, similar to Sara''s blue eyes. In fact, their eyes looked too similar, as if Alex imprisoned souls here as well.


    [Shattering Thrust]


    [Chilling Slash]


    Repeating these two moves, Alex slowly made his way out. When he saw no more monsters before him, he glanced behind. He confirmed Olivia''s safety then left the forest with a grin.


    "We did it¡­" Alex whispered tiredly.


    Olivia was also out of breath, primarily due to her low level, "I think¡­ I have fallen in love again¡­"


    It sounded as if Alex''s swordsman side charmed Olivia again. It was not the first or second time she used those words!


    Her boyfriend burst out laughing while sprawled on the ground, "Again? Ugh!"


    "What are you groaning? I am not heavy, am I?" Olivia asked after dropping exhausted onto her boyfriend.


    Alex rolled his eyes, "I have no stamina left, and my defenses are vulnerable now. It would hurt, even if you were as light as a feather."


    "I am already as light as a feather," Olivia whispered with her face in Alex''s robe.


    She took a comfortable spot on his chest and closed her eyes happily.


    Alex stroked her hair. He was also content after their survival!


    What they needed was each other''s embrace. Alas, the poison all around them had been dwindling their HP down!


    Alex looked over his inventory, "Marvel was truly generous. He dropped an antidote as well."


    "He is so generous that the redemption path has opened for him," Olivia sneered.


    Alex asked, "Redemption path?"


    "You know¡­ Some villains return to the good side, right? They go through redemption arc," she nodded on Alex''s chest, then opened the vial, "With such generosity, he has such a path available."


    She then parted her rosy lips and drank the antidote.


    Alex lifted his head and looked at her oddly, "If anything, such a path will open around end game. Did you forget his words already? Haha! He was so mad."


    "He sounded like a rebellious teenager. I already forgot his words," Olivia replied.


    But more than anything, Marvel dropped an epic item!


    No way he would go through the redemption path anytime soon!


    The couple cuddled enjoyably, even though their clothes were messy. In fact, what they were going through now was one of virtual reality''s cons.


    Fights could get really messy, and the players'' equipment had the worst.


    The system didn''t provide any cleaning option, so players could only take care of their equipment alone.


    Alex and Olivia didn''t have anything to fix their clothes in the leveling ground.


    "Well, I already thought about it," Alex surprised his girlfriend.


    He took plain but fresh and clean clothes out of his inventory. It was just a t-shirt and pants, but those were indeed enough.


    Olivia stared at him with jealousy, "I didn''t¡­ prepare spare clothes¡­"


    But to her second surprise, Alex took out the same clothes again!


    "Handsome! I love you so much!" Olivia cried as she took those clothes.


    Using the system, both of them put them on in a flash.


    In those new clothes, Olivia could cuddle as much as she wanted.


    Alex gave her a head pat, then let her stick to him for some time. But since Olivia could get really rough with her cuddling, Alex prepared himself to give her a noogie.


    In the meantime, his legendary class silently reacted.


    [You have formed a connection with the player, Olimiss.]


    Alex once again didn''t get a notification. In fact, he was busy calming down his girlfriend. But that connection was on the same level he had with the Deathwill Sisters!


    He would learn about it soon.


    [You have created your own skill, Cuddling(F).]


    [Cuddling - Regenerate your stamina faster by exchanging warmth with the person you love!]


    A few minutes later¡­


    "Eh¡­ How come my stamina is full already?" Olimiss moved her body around, no longer feeling any exhaustion.


    Alex blinked his eyes, "For some reason, our stamina regenerated faster."


    He opened his system notifications.


    "Ah."

 Chapter 28 - Blue Blood

    Chapter 28: Blue blood


    "Ah¡­" Alex realized that his system notifications once again betrayed him.


    They didn''t show what had been going on while the couple cuddling. In a way, it was pretty nice since the system didn''t stop them.


    But as their stamina returned relatively fast, Alex opened his system and checked all notifications.


    He was quite perplexed.


    He no longer cared about the system messages. His legendary class filled his mind as he realized that he could connect with ladies other than the Deathwill Sisters. This opened a new route for Alex.


    Because of that route, Alex would have it easier introducing Olivia to his ''game'' wives. He would show them that his legendary class had accepted her and that she genuinely loved him.


    Currently, Alex saw no problems introducing Olivia to Sara and Stella. As usual, Schnee was still a problem. But this time, Alex was also a part of that problem. He bravely took Schnee head-on and proposed a challenge with charm skill.


    How could he even think of introducing Olivia if his relationship with the Deathwill Sisters was still not that good? Besides, he talked about the game harem just now, so it would look way too ugly if he were to reveal his class and wives.


    Alex thought solely about this topic. He didn''t think of a different route, which was accepting more players and NPCs into his harem.


    After all, a connection with Alex wasn''t your typical connection.


    Didn''t he and Olivia create a skill right now?


    "We got a new skill¡­ Well, only I have it in skill set, but you are the reason it has come out," Alex chuckled.


    Olivia''s eyes sparkled, "Did you just say we created a skill?"


    "Haha! Yes," Alex nodded with a gentle smile.


    He knew how cuddly Olivia could get. At the beginning of their relationship, she wouldn''t let him easily go. That was the worst in the school as Alex had to apologize to teachers for his unruly girlfriend.


    Back then, Olivia was still more of a delinquent. She only showed her cute side to Alex, no one else.


    Thus, it could get hazardous!


    Alex shared the skill description, but he kept the connection to himself. He would show it to Olivia later on.


    But that skill, [Cuddling], indeed came out because of Olivia''s love for it!


    And Olivia also understood that creating a skill of out their desires was a feat worthy of the legendary class! Although she didn''t pursue it, she was too happy and excited for her boyfriend.


    She couldn''t hide her anticipation for the future where he would reveal it.


    "It''s grade F. We must cuddle more to evolve it further!" Olivia changed the topic and immediately went for her boyfriend''s body.


    Not being shy, Alex wrapped his arm around Olivia. They spent the rest of the day cuddling rather than leveling up.


    Of course, Marvel had sent his guild members after the couple, but they had changed location already!


    At last, the sky turned darker. Gods sprinkled stars all over it, adding beautiful scenery for their world residents. As romance heated in many places, Alex and Olivia were just about to say goodnight.


    Holding her in his arms, Alex stared into Olivia''s eyes, "Tomorrow, we will use this robe to exploit this leveling ground. We have to hurry before Marvel returns with more of his buddies."


    "Wanna skip school tomorrow?" Olivia asked.


    She was familiar with skipping classes and school. Though Alex fixed that side of hers, she wouldn''t shy away from taking one or two days off if need be.


    Alex tilted his head, "Should we?"


    He knew that the second-rate villain would use his guild to bother them. It was less likely for Marvel to return in person, but he surely would use his current connections to make things harder for the couple.


    He had lost his unique item, so Marvel should return indeed. However, since his guild members had been missing the couple many times after his demise, Marvel already decided to forget about it. He spent 24h penalty thinking about his future plans.


    Although Alex didn''t know about it, he felt like he shouldn''t waste his current chance.


    He nodded, "Tomorrow morning. Let''s level up as much as we can here."


    "Yes!" Olivia sneered widely, happy that her boyfriend had agreed with her.


    They said goodnights to each other through a deep kiss.


    And with that feeling lingering on their lips, the couple went asleep faster than usual.


    -


    -


    -


    -


    [Olivia: Alex! My mother was actually watching after me! I must go to school¡­ She keeps saying how final exams are essential! This woman! What does she mean to not repeat the same mistake? *cri*]


    Alex stared at his phone with a wide smile.


    He copied Olivia''s crying emotes, then sent it back.


    [Alex: Oh, how sad¡­]


    [Olivia: Don''t bully me.]


    Alex wasn''t so surprised, though.


    Many students had skipped school already. It was just typical for their parents to look after them. As Olivia and Alex were in their last high school year, their final exams determined their future.


    Even if it wouldn''t, a good score would help them greatly in their adult life.


    Alex wished good luck for his girlfriend, then packed his stuff for his school.


    After eating breakfast and having some good talk with his parents, his whole family left the house and went to fulfill their responsibilities.


    On his way toward the school, Alex met one of his buddies.


    His name was Tom.


    In the game, he was known as Tomo Homie.


    Tomo Homie would always share good stuff with Alex. Important information such as dungeons, bosses, and so on would always reach Alex''s ears. Tomo was kind of a nerd, and he could talk endlessly about his hobbies.


    Now, the game was his top hobby.


    And Alex was one of those guys who would willingly listen to him. He also would find a perfect time to say and ask something without stopping his good buddy''s enthusiasm.


    Alex was a good listener, and he was also pretty astute.


    "Sup," Tom lifted his hand.


    Alex did the same, "Sup, sup." And he gave him five.


    If it were a normal day, Tomo Homie would already be talking about his class, party, and gaming experience.


    But this time, Alex parted his lips first, "Dungeon Conquerors. Tell me about them."


    "Oh, are you finally interested in them?" Tomo Homie chuckled.


    Alex nodded.


    "Talking about them irks me a little," Tomo Homie sighed, "World is not fair! There are truly people with blue blood, you know?"


    "What does it mean?" Alex rolled his eyes.


    "Dungeon Conquerors. All of them are either celebrities or children of wealthy people. Why can''t they share a little of their luck with us? Give us a castle or something¡­" Tomo Homie clicked his tongue.


    Alex titled his head, "So you say that Marvel was either celebrity or rich peep?"


    "He is a rich son. His father owns e-commerce worldwide," Tomo Homie explained, "Have you met him in the game?"


    "Yes. I also killed him," Alex sneered.


    Tomo Homie went ''Oh,'' and sneered as well, "Then, I have a lecture for ya."

 Chapter 29 - Shy Assassin

    Chapter 29: Shy Assassin


    Lecture about the dungeon conquerors.


    Tomo Homie''s choice of words wasn''t wrong, even if it might sound weird. After all, those dungeon conquerors raised their fame without revealing their skills. No one could tell whether they relied on items or possessed a unique class.


    In fact, one of them was so secretive that she hid the information about the dungeon she had conquered.


    So, how could Tomo Homie even give a lecture about them?


    Simple!


    As the saying goes, nothing disappears from the internet. And as the majority of the world already had access to the net, the range of information exchange was vast.


    The dungeons were also popular in the Avander World. If it weren''t for Alex''s legendary class and his situation, he would''ve already visited one of them.


    Therefore, it was impossible for the dungeon conquerors to not have any crowd during their floor climbing. They couldn''t just leave without revealing their new skills since the players'' greed was immense.


    No way people would let those dungeon conquerors escape to the safe cities after conquering the tower, would they?


    There were also rumors about players on the last floor with the dungeon conquerors. Even if sharing was caring, no one would share the unique drop with foreigners, particularly in such early stages of the game.


    With so many fights going around, the dungeons were even messier than the madness during the opening days!


    "Those wealthy guys spent thousands to erase clips and information from the social media," Tomo Homie explained.


    Alex nodded. He wasn''t surprised in the slightest.


    After all, that was how the modern era was. It was hard to hide big moves, be it Earth or another world. Even if only a scant amount of people could get to the upper floors, that number of players was still significant since the game had millions of players playing daily.


    He was also a good example. Just from fighting Marvel, Alex had revealed his execution skill to the broader scene. He also made enemies with one of the villain guilds.


    His name must''ve reached a few peculiar players already.


    And since Alex also stood out with his looks, there was a high chance that others would recognize him far easier. Fortunately, he looked like a cat to others! That was his blessing in disguise!


    "You are really persistent, aren''t you?" Alex chuckled.


    His friend did a good job digging all information about the dungeon conquerors. Although he didn''t get any news about their skills, his assumptions were on the spot. Alex knew about it as he bluntly asked what Tomo Homie knew about Marvel.


    When Tom simply said ''Poison Mage'', Alex was confident that he could rely on Tomo Homie to gather information. It wouldn''t be wise to blindly believe in all data. Still, it was good to have some understanding about future enemies and allies.


    Naturally, as the legendary class and someone with the castle, Alex already looked quite far to the past. Other than his visits with the world''s royalties and clans, Alex also planned to have some allies from the player base.


    He believed in his friends, but that was not enough.


    From what he learned, no one had a unique class. It would take some time for them to hone their abilities. And those with already epic classes wouldn''t waste their momentum. It was fair of Alex to look a few steps ahead.


    Alex learned about the dungeon conquerors as much as he could. He knew who was villain, who was hero, and who was neither. He learned about their current professions, such as guild leader and so on.


    And then, Tomo Homie and Alex reached the school gates.


    "So crowded¡­ Why is there just one entrance?" Alex sighed, eliciting a nod of approval from his homie.


    They entered the queue leading toward their school. Alex and Tomo Homie couldn''t even spot their other friends in such a crowd!


    But Tomo Homie''s eyes noticed a particular lady.


    "Look at her, Alex," he whispered.


    Following his gaze, Alex noticed a second-year student. He knew about it from her uniform and the people around her.


    However, no one really wanted to stay too close to her for some reason. There was a small gap in the whole queue. She stood emotionlessly. Her apathetic expression sullied her beautiful looks.


    Alex whispered back, "Dancing Shadow?"


    "Yep. It is her. I didn''t know we had a wealthy peep in our school. Don''t they usually go to private schools?" Tomo Homie replied.


    He wouldn''t mention your ordinary wealthy peep. That lady was one of the dungeon conquerors. In fact, she was the most mysterious one as she had managed to hide most of her information.


    But because of that, many assumed that she had an assassin class.


    And that was the truth indeed.


    Alex asked, "If she is really an assassin, then revealing her class seems slightly off¡­"


    Tomo Homie shrugged, "Well¡­ I went down to the second years'' floor a few days ago, and I found out that she has no friends at all. If she also has no wealthy peeps as her friends, then it makes sense, right? She wants to find a party."


    "Have you asked her, then? You have, haven''t you?" Alex smiled.


    His friend nodded, "I have¡­ She asked me about my class¡­ I just told her that I am your average healer¡­ She kept her indifferent eyes and asked quite a weird question."


    "Don''t keep me in suspense," Alex elbowed his friend, forcing him to spit out the weird question.


    Tomo Homie chuckled, "She asked whether someone has bullied me in the game. So I told her a nickname of that bastard who lured monsters at us during early levels."


    Alex rolled his eyes, then laughed.


    Their conversation about the game continued as usual.


    Little did they know that certain lady covertly glanced in their direction. That was no one other than Dancing Shadow.


    Although she stood in silence and alone, deep inside her, Dancing Shadow wanted to approach Tomo Homie and say one thing.


    [I killed that player a hundred times for you.]


    But she couldn''t approach them, for she was pretty shy.

 Chapter 30 - Work Hard To Get Cuddling Faster!

    Chapter 30: Work hard to get cuddling faster!


    After his day at school, Alex quickly returned home.


    He had revealed his battle with Marvel, but a few of his friends were well aware of what had happened, mostly ladies. It seemed like Olivia had already shared the news with them.


    Olivia didn''t reveal much, though.


    She told the news like a lady in love, instead. Her whole message was about how Alex dominated Marvel amidst the deluge of monsters. In fact, if she didn''t say that he killed Marvel through epic sword thrust, Olivia wouldn''t even describe Alex''s weapon.


    It was just about them, their struggle, and their predicament. One could imagine what kind of message it was.


    But in short¡­


    [My handsome overwhelmed that dickhead villain. If it weren''t for a level gap between him and me, I would''ve forced more of his apologetic screams. How dare he disturb our date like that?]


    Of course, Olivia went further.


    [When that clown tried to take me with himself, Alex saved me in nick time! He drew me closer, and I felt his heartbeat and warmth! That was so sweet! I got diabetes! If that villain left the scene back then, I wouldn''t even mind! No, I fucking would mind.]


    At last, Olivia described cuddling after their short adventure. She ended that lovely message by describing the kiss with her beloved.


    Of course, at this point, even Alex got a little heated. He couldn''t control his blush while staring at that message.


    And on his way back home, a little scarlet color crept onto his cheeks as he recalled Olivia''s story-telling.


    He subconsciously ignored Olivia''s vulgar language. But in love, it was normal to often ignore the second half''s faults.


    After Alex returned home, he threw his schoolbag onto his bed. He took a quick shower then ate some light meal alone. His parents were still at work, after all.


    He then hopped into the game world.


    Knowing his girlfriend''s schedule and timezone, Olivia should be already waiting for him in the game.


    It was time to continue their journey.


    -


    -


    -


    -


    [Welcome to the Avander World.]


    Alex''s eyes flashed with bright rainbow colors. He momentarily closed them, then slowly opened. As he predicted, Olivia had been waiting for him.


    She smiled sweetly at him. If someone else saw them two, they would think that Olivia was the sweetest girl in the world.


    She looked that cute!


    But then, if they saw her messages¡­


    Alex titled his head, "No cuddling."


    "No!" Olivia cried, wiping her crocodile tears.


    Alex remained unfazed. He told her to control her tongue better, particularly in their friend''s circle.


    Although many of them were used to Olivia''s words, that was all because of Alex.


    And recalling how scared others were of her at the beginning of their friendship, Olivia no longer faked her tears and skipped her way toward Alex.


    In fact, Olivia needed to keep to her old habits. She lived in a different country yet spent most of her time with the same friends!


    Alex often asked her about her new school and stuff. And as he had thought before, Olivia didn''t really think of making new friends. But fortune was on her side as some nice girls approached her, willing to help her.


    "Handsome! Really, no cuddling?" Olivia asked again.


    Alex sighed and gave her head pat, "We will have to regenerate our stamina faster anyway. Be patient and work hard."


    "In other words, I have to burn my stamina as fast as possible. Got it, handsome!" Olivia grinned.


    Her dazzling smile curved Alex''s lips.


    He stared at her with big eyes, "I also have to control back, you know?"


    Understanding his words, Olivia''s eyes sparkled, her chest grew warmer, and she nodded decisively. Then, the couple talked about their plan for today.


    Their equipment was still dirty! In fact, both of them were in their spare clothes right now.


    Alex said, "A quick trip to the nearest city, that is."


    "We can''t let others scam us," Olivia nodded.


    "Scam?" Alex asked curiously, "Do those people really try to scam every occasion?"


    His girlfriend nodded, explaining more stuff to him.


    Since Alex had been leveling up in a castle and his enemies never had taken too much of his equipment''s durability, all he had ever got was their blood on his clothes. But dirty clothes weren''t a problem in the Deathwill Castle.


    Alex could efficiently deal with them through the castle''s magic stones system, nearly in all facilities. So far, he had used them for cooking and other daily life stuff.


    Sara also sometimes gave him a hand and took care of his equipment.


    In that time, Alex would spend time with Celia.


    But it was different for common players. Normal water wouldn''t erase if their clothes got too much blood. From that point onward, washing clothes in the river became impossible, and they would waste time.


    Other than blood, the monsters'' flesh and other liquids also heavily left the clothes dirty.


    NPCs leveraged that, and they were also skilled in washing all forms of liquids from their stuff.


    "We can only appreciate those little details," Alex smiled, not really disappointed in the game''s realism.


    But perhaps his time in the Deathwill Castle played a significant role in his view of the world. His girlfriend couldn''t tell yet.


    However, Olivia didn''t have that much luxury in her game life, so she sighed and openly complained.


    The couple spent some time in the nearest city.


    While NPCs took care of their clothes, Alex and Olivia went around the city.


    Alex used his great sum of money to buy a few stuff for his girlfriend. They also tasted the local food. He then decided to get some good things for Sara, and that would be the first present for her.


    After an hour, Alex and Olivia returned to the mushroom leveling ground.


    Alex looked around.


    It was still a relatively high leveling ground for most players. Thus, he didn''t find any soul yet. Perhaps, Marvel''s guys were hidden somewhere, but Alex and Olivia couldn''t care about them.


    He took out the black robe, then covered his face, "I will help you catch up to some top players. This place is our playground now."


    "Let''s go, handsome!" Olivia shouted, too eager to kill some mushroom monsters!

 Chapter 31 - Boss!

    Chapter 31: Boss!


    BANG!


    A tiny mushroom monster fell onto his back. His comical eyes turned into ''X'', making him look even more miserable. The beast had a deep laceration on his mushroom''s head, from which a purple liquid oozed out.


    It was the monster''s blood.


    In contrast to the little one''s loud fall, Alex silently sheathed his sword. His attacks had been as quiet as this remarkable swordsman''s move.


    He stared at the new mushroom specie with a gleeful smile.


    It was a white mushroom monster this time.


    Alex''s new enemies didn''t just look different. They were more agile; their tiny forms had been jumping around as if they were hoppers. Each jump left poison on the ground. Thus, even one touch would cost tons of health points.


    They also could shoot out acid like previous enemies, but those peculiar monsters preferred to first pounce at their enemies. In fact, they only resolved to such a move if need be.


    And against Alex and Olivia, the white mushroom was often forced to let out their acid bolts.


    Alas, that move was long since ineffective against the couple. It didn''t matter whether they used the Mush Rain for their advantage or not; the couple simply eluded those poisonous arrows as if nothing.


    Because Alex and Olivia dodged and attacked simultaneously, it indeed looked like they had never paid any attention to those long acid attacks.


    However, that was intentional. Not only they were matched couple, but they had also formed their link after hours of fighting together. They were quickly growing to be one of the dangerous player duos!


    And as per Alex''s policy, wasting stuff was wasteful. Once he got a good grasp of his skills, he perfectly avoided and attacked simultaneously. Then, his girlfriend mimicked his body movement, adapted to her smaller form, and formed a similar style.


    Of course, only one of them could wear Medusa''s Apprentice Robes.


    For the majority of their leveling up, it was Alex who wore those clothes. It was primarily due to his one-handed style and the choice of weapon. With her long spear, Olivia had worse chances of protecting her beloved.


    Alex could simply wrap his arm around her and keep her close while letting out wide and cold slashes.


    And then the most crucial point level gap.


    "Should I fully transit to one-handed spearmanship? Hmm¡­" Olivia pondered loudly.


    Her level was already fifteen. She had a much easier time here, and she also had an excellent partner to level up. In the beginning, Alex made sure to give her all EXP from the monsters. With his new item, their leveling up was too smooth.


    However, Olivia didn''t just want to leverage him. Every level up, she would face a few mushroom monsters independently. In the meantime, Alex would keep an eye on her and level up.


    She was strong, however. So Alex didn''t have to worry about Olivia''s life. And with her resolution, Olivia quickly raised her passive skills.


    Alex smiled, "Speak with one of your martial artists, then. Now that I think of it, I should meet them too."


    Although Alex was a newbie, the way he moved his sword was already above average. Perhaps, his legendary S Grade skill helped him more than he could. Nonetheless, no one could say that Alex had no talent.


    It would be good to meet one of those martial artists. But then, Alex thought of the origin of his swordsmanship.


    Elias Deathwill. That man''s people had been scattered across the whole world. It wouldn''t be a surprise if Alex suddenly met one of them. And then, tales of this man''s sword should''ve reached all swordsmen.


    If someone recognized it, Alex would get into a bit of trouble. With luck, he could turn that into his blessing. However, Alex wasn''t a person who would like to rely on luck and test waters.


    "Those old men and their attitudes should be more bearable now. If you show them your talent, they will give you pointers. I am sure of it," Olivia put her hands on her waist, then sighed loudly.


    She still had vivid memories of the opening day. She could recall well the martial artists and their annoying faces.


    Alex chuckled and passed her a potion, "I will think of it. Here."


    "Thanks," Olivia smiled broadly and gulped down the potion.


    Alex did the same, inwardly thinking, ''I should check quest log and see whether there''s a martial artist. Then, I can approach with the common swordsmanship and build trust with him¡­''


    Out of all players, Alex currently had the most options! But that was solely due to Elias Deathwill''s disappointing personality.


    Even now, Alex felt like sighing from remembering those empty promises¡­


    -


    -


    -


    -


    [You have encountered the Rain Mush Mushrooms House''s Boss.]


    [You are the first person to ever face the boss! You and your party will receive additional gold and EXP! You are guaranteed to receive at least an epic grade item!]


    One would think that it was luck that these two had received a chance to fight the boss for the first time.


    But Alex and Olivia fought well in the forest. They ventured deeper into its lands with confidence. They were like Mushroom Nemesis!


    It was also hard to stomp here without any preparation. Naturally, Alex had his black robe, and he could cope well with the constant rain.


    And so, it was not really lucky that Alex and Olivia spotted the boss. It was simply too bothersome for players to even go this deep. If there was anyone brave or prepared, they would''ve spotted this monster already!


    "He''s the Macho Mushroom, isn''t he?" Alex chuckled.


    On his side, Olivia''s laughter echoed like a bell, "Haha! He looks like it."


    Before them, three meters tall mushroom stood. He was a humanoid boss, his white-brown body filled with muscles. Within those, purple poison was pumping. He was still a mushroom monster as he had a peculiar mushroom hat.


    ROAR!


    "He doesn''t like your nickname," Olivia grinned.


    [Mush Boss Strongus Lv. 30 HP: 7400/7400 MP: 4200/4200]


    Strongus howled again, agreeing with Olivia.


    Alex shook his head, "Macho. You are going down."


    ROAR!

 Chapter 32 - Ten Seconds

    Chapter 32: Ten seconds


    "It is obvious that he doesn''t¡­ But I wonder if he has bones¡­" Alex asked while unsheathing his sword.


    His girlfriend shook her head, "I don''t think so¡­ Well! It''s not like we will not check it, right?"


    "Right," Alex sneered.


    Before the first boss in the outside world, Alex kept his composure. He looked fearless and even arrogant. But those who knew him wouldn''t think like that. Alex simply wouldn''t waste his time.


    If he had a monster before himself, he would go for him. Besides, he was already good at swordsmanship, so what was there to think?


    Alex also had his beloved next to him. He didn''t even think of taking a step back and letting this golden chance go.


    Moreover, Olivia was also thirsty for blood and achievements!


    Therefore, after Alex kicked the ground, throwing himself at the boss, Olivia did precisely the same! Following her boyfriend closely, the young lady tightly grasped her spear in her little hands, aiming at the monster''s vital spot.


    Heart!


    Since Strongus wanted to be that Macho Mushroom, his manifested form was that of a human. He revealed way more vital points for players, who were more or less familiar with their bodies.


    Therefore, Olivia and Alex didn''t overthink. With just a second of eye contact, the couple decided their combo.


    Going first, Alex shrank distance considerably fast. He faced the monster''s punch soaked in poison, but for now, that matter not. He dodged the punch by tilting his head to the side, then his sword went forward!


    Alex ignored the poison that had fallen onto his cheek. He focused on his enemy first, drawing deep slashes on its humanoid form.


    From Strongus'' chest, purple blood gushed out.


    [-240 HP!]


    [Critical Strike! -534 HP!]


    [-297 HP!]


    It turned out that his skin and flesh weren''t tough.


    But as if Alex needed to confirm that, his girlfriend came from behind him. Her long spear thrust forward, going after the wounds Alex had done. Lightning and sharp spearhead slipped into his body deeply.


    More purple blood fountained from the monster as Olivia''s skill was overly vicious. It grilled, drilled, and simply yearned for blood!


    At last, the monster counter-attacked. He spread his fingers widely and swept the area before him. From his fingertips, a dense poison dripped. That turned into acid arrows, similar to little mushrooms'' attacks.


    However, those were stronger and faster!


    Alex, who was already on the back-line, shouted, "Step back!"


    Olivia also noticed that quick move. She promptly jumped back, but Strongus still managed to leave a few wounds on Olivia''s arm.


    Dense poison melted into her body.


    [Bleeding Effect has been applied to you.]


    [You have been poisoned by the Strongus.]


    [The effects of the Mush Rain have been heightened.]


    [The poison has heightened ''Bleeding.'']


    Besides those terrifying effects, the poison took away ten health points every five seconds. That effect mixed with bleeding, slowly eating two players alive.


    That poison also touched Alex before, exactly when he had avoided the punch. His effects were lower due to the black robe and his higher level.


    Moreover, Olivia was hurt by the poison arrows, so her HP fell even more.


    Alex didn''t waste any second. He drank antidote, which ceased the adverse effects. That antidote was one of the stuff he had bought while waiting for his clean equipment.


    Olivia also had it, but she couldn''t take it out due to the monster close to her.


    Alex immediately filled the gap and helped her, "It''s just leveling ground''s boss. He shouldn''t have too much of abilities!"


    But as Alex said those words to reassure his girlfriend, Strongus opened his jaw. Stinky breath escaped from him, going after Alex.


    In such a close distance, he simply didn''t have any chance to avoid that. A disgusting smell went through his nostrils. In the next second, Alex couldn''t move his body at all.


    [You have been paralyzed.]


    [You can''t move for five seconds.]


    Five seconds was more than enough.


    In one second, Strongus turned his fist into a powerful weapon. His white skin turned purple. His hand was no longer soft. Instead, poison within him became so dense that his attack points went up three times!


    That punch sent Alex flying.


    He flew past Olivia and hit the tree heavily. His body slid down the bark. Due to the shock, Alex couldn''t lift himself from the ground.


    [You have been stunned for ten seconds.]


    It was simply due to his weak stats.


    In that short time, Olivia got rid of the poison effect. She ran toward her boyfriend, then spun around.


    With her eyes piercing Strongus, she bared her spear, "I am not taking even one step from here!"


    She was ready to protect her beloved!


    Strongus didn''t have feelings, though. That show of love and resolution didn''t stop his maddened charge. His three-meter form grew bigger in Olivia''s eyes, then she recorded him hauling his hands to bonk her down!


    His two hands joined, and he smashed them down.


    Olivia''s spear went up before the monster made fun of her. Her weapon roared in lightning, stopping Strongus momentarily.


    At most, Olivia could buy just a few seconds. She was well aware of it.


    Not only does Strongus have two times her level, but the weapon she held was also a perfect weapon for level ten-fifteen monsters. She could equip it at level ten, so Strongus'' boss body simply outclassed her.


    And then, Strongus was boss.


    Players would usually gather in at least a perfect party that consisted of a tank and healer. If Alex and Olivia had their friends around, they would''ve been healed. Similarly, their mage friends would''ve barraged the boss with their offensive skills!


    Alas, they were alone.


    [Your weapon, Brown Spear, is on the verge of destruction. Its durability has fallen below ten percent!]


    Even though her weapon cried, Olivia didn''t let it go. Her lightning dwarfed over the weapon''s cracks. And as she could maintain the skill, Olivia''s focus remained the same.


    She locked eyes on the monster and kept pushing forward.


    Unfortunately, Olivia''s feet had long since sunk into the ground. Strongus had been slowly pushing her toward Alex, who was still during crowd control.


    At last, her weapon snapped.


    [Your weapon, Brown Spear, has been destroyed.]


    Ten seconds passed.

 Chapter 33 - Her Choice

    Chapter 33: Her choice


    The Game System.


    In the resident''s eyes, it was unfair power. Not only that power allowed every player to develop into monsters, but the gods behind it were also openly supporting the players. Rewards from level up, income from killing monsters and people, experience to make their strength soar faster; all of it came from the system.


    Ordinary NPCs also could use a little of those features. Their systems were heavily limited, and even those chosen as unique NPCs were the same.


    Strongus could see his stats, HP and MP, and the damage he did to others. Of course, he was not so intelligent monster, so those stats were more of a bother to him.


    But after ten seconds of attrition battle with the young lady, his system flashed with a cold message.


    It was the literally cold message.


    [Your soul has been frozen.]


    [You can not move most of your body.]


    Strongus'' eyes shifted to that message. He skimmed through it as if he genuinely could understand those words, then he promptly retracted his vision.


    Before him, Olivia fell onto her bottom.


    But from behind, Alex''s sword went forward with its chilling intent. He took a wide slash, and his new effect stretched toward the boss before his blade cut through the monster''s skin!


    That coldness stemmed from Alex''s soul!


    In his stunned state, Alex was unconscious. He couldn''t see what was going on. He blackened out as if he was in real life. That was how real the game could get and how bothersome it could become in some cases.


    In those ten seconds, his girlfriend exerted her whole strength for him. Despite her low-level equipment, Olivia was far from scared! She only fell after Alex''s crowd control vanished, and his consciousness returned.


    To pull it off, Olivia needed unprecedented resolution and love!


    Alex understood it after his slash went through Strongus.


    His slash was so vast that it went from shoulder down to waist! Dozen of blood squirted from the monster. A deep laceration spread widely as if a ravine formed on the boss! His flesh dropped onto the ground.


    Alex left that wound out of spite. Just a glance of his girlfriend falling with blood and poison drove him mad, taking out a peculiar side of his, a side that Olivia would always fan and fangirl over.


    [Legendary Critical Strike!]


    [-2430 HP!]


    And now that he understood to what lengths did his girlfriend went, Alex took hold of his emotions and pushed his sword onto the boss. His right hand went up and down vehemently as if he was an artist who suddenly got enlightened to make a masterpiece.


    But as Alex was a swordsman, his brush was the sword. He kept chunking down the monster''s HP rapidly!


    When Strongus'' instincts urged him to retaliate after his body was no longer frozen, Alex tilted his sword and parried all his punches. Of course, poison still splashed on him, but Alex couldn''t care less.


    It was not a time to return and take the antidote. No one was here to keep the boss busy anyway.


    Moreover, Alex never felt this strong. In fact, he kept increasing his speed, as if Mush Rain suddenly became his ally.


    The reality was different. Alex kept producing adrenaline, which rushed through him all. His legendary class urged him to protect the lady he was connected with, Olivia. It was a reasonably new connection, but Alex and Olivia had never doubted their feelings.


    Right now, they were just a young couple. But in the future, they would marry!


    Thus, Alex''s class [Husband] also worked for Olivia.


    And her husband would never let her die!


    Slash! Slash! Slash!


    Amidst his slashes, Alex checked his status. He noticed how bleeding and poison drained his HP down¡­ But similarly to him, Strongus was losing HP as well. No, the mushroom boss was losing even more!


    And from the monster''s reactions, it was clear he grew fearful and desperate.


    Alex decided to kick the monster away and get room to breathe.


    BANG!


    Strongus flew a few meters away, then Alex promptly fished out an antidote from his inventory. He stuffed his mouth with it, then applied its effects.


    He locked his eyes on the boss.


    And as Strongus fell onto his back, he lifted his hands and touched his chest. A peculiar and scary-looking wound was so broad that it could stuff his big hands. In fact, Strongus shoved his hands into his chest.


    From within, Strongus took his purple heart. He slowly lifted it up to his jaw.


    "Final¡­ stage¡­" Alex whispered.


    He wanted to take a step forward and get rid of that heart. But as he took a step forward, a jolt of electricity went through him. Immense pain soon flooded his system, and he realized what poor state he was in.


    He barely stood. Thus, he couldn''t move, let alone get rid of the boss'' heart.


    Behind him, Olivia got onto her feet.


    She slowly approached her beloved, "Leave it to me¡­ And if I die, then it is my choice. Get it? You''ve done a splendid job protecting me, handsome!"


    Even though she was full of bruises and blood, Olivia''s smile remained the same. She was like a little sun in that gloomy forest.


    Alex faintly smiled, "You too, darling."


    He left a speck on Olivia''s lips, filling Olivia with a little more energy.


    "My engine is ready!" Olivia clenched her little hand, then dragged herself to the grotesque monster.


    Strongus had always been gross since he was mushroom who wanted to be that macho! However, with so many wounds on him, particularly that wide laceration on his chest, Macho Mushroom looked like a creature from hell.


    Olivia stomped on him, not repelled by that sight. She then extended her hand toward the heart, squeezing it tightly.


    After the heart popped, Strongus'' body exploded like a mini bomb.


    [Your party member, Olimiss, has been killed.]


    [You have killed the boss, Strongus.]


    [You have leveled up.]


    [You have leveled up.]


    [You have¡­]


    Alex stared at the messy ground with a clenched fist. He sighed and pushed himself closer to get their spoils. No one deserved them other than him and his girlfriend! If Marvel suddenly appeared here and snatched all of those, Alex would swear to kill him and strip him naked of all equipment and items.


    Fortunately, no one was around.


    Alex stuffed his inventory with unique items.


    After properly healing himself, he turned around and made his way out of the forest.


    He really wanted to log out and talk with Olivia.


    And from the beginning, Olivia knew about Alex''s goals. He had two of them. One of them was to spend time with him. The other was to visit the forest fairies'' lands and do his mission here.


    She wanted him to reach the unique forest and fulfill his goals.


    And with how much time and care Alex had poured into her in the mushroom leveling ground, Olivia would never allow herself to stop his journey with 24 hours ban.


    Deep inside his heart, Alex knew that he had failed his job. As the higher-level player, he let Olivia make a sacrifice. It left a sour feeling within him.


    But with a good choice of words, Olivia mitigated Alex''s pain.


    As she knew how to take care of her boyfriend, Alex knew what he had to whisper to his lovely girlfriend.


    That was why he wanted to leave the game and make a call to her.


    No normal monster could stop the man who wanted to talk with his girlfriend!


    And after that call, a new day would begin. It would herald his journey straight to the forest fairies.


    Not only did Alex have good intel from Tomo Homie, but he was also alone. He wouldn''t focus on leveling grounds or anything else. He would go straight to the location he had been looking for.


    *Author''s note: This chapter will go premium soon. Thank you for reading and supporting me.. I hope some of you will stay with Alex, the husband, and enjoy his adventures.*

 Chapter 34 - Fifty Ways

    Chapter 34: Fifty ways


    Fighting for a whole day with monsters, then facing the boss, put a high toll on Alex''s mind. He wasn''t playing the game from his PC but from VR Capsule, from where he intensely focused, moved, and reacted.


    Although his body didn''t hurt him, he found it hard to keep his eyes open. He also perspired more than usual. It looked like the gaming experience put some pressure on his real body.


    He stood up and made a quick way to his bathroom.


    On his way, he snatched his phone.


    -


    -


    -


    -


    Splash!


    After jumping into his bathtub, Alex immediately laid down comfortably. With his eyes closed, he relished the hot water going through him. His muscles relaxed, eliciting a soft moan from him.


    He no longer smelled his sweat. Instead, white foam teemed Alex''s body, bringing a pleasant fragrance, which rushed to his nostrils.


    ''I understand why Sara would fall in love with baths¡­'' Alex thought with his arms wholly sinking in hot water.


    Although this bath wasn''t comparable to the one he had in another world, Alex still could relate to Sara and more or less understand her feelings. In another world, she had been fighting hungry demons for years.


    And her level barely went up. She was doing it more for her and her daughter''s safety.


    ''Game world is truly breaking our common sense¡­ Well, it''s not like I had a luxury bath on Earth,'' Alex thought with a faint smile.


    He hailed from a little above average family. His family had a big house with two cars, and they never had monetary problems. Alex always received some pocket money as well. Compared to others, Alex had a good time, which he thanked his parents for.


    He respected their hard work.


    And as Sara flashed in his mind, Alex also remembered his little friend. He wondered whether Celia had already got her pet. But that thought masked what was quite obvious.


    ''She should be worried¡­'' Alex sighed.


    In the end, he couldn''t mask his feelings. Deep inside, he knew that Celia was already worried, even though he had been outside for a short time.


    He really hoped that she got her pet and that the new friend would make her forget about him for some time.


    But thinking of her, Alex couldn''t help but imagine himself as a father. He was far from a reliable and experienced man like his father, so that image didn''t last long.


    Still, he promptly disagreed with Celia on their first meeting as he thought of himself as someone too young. Now, Alex thought about his experience and reliability to keep a big family safe without any money problems.


    In a game, he had to get stronger and open various possibilities for people close to him. It was easier said than done, though.


    But it was pretty small but lovely progress as he thought mainly about Sara and Celia''s needs.


    ''Are you also thinking about your daughter?'' Although Alex wasn''t Celia''s father, he thought of her and hoped she was doing fine.


    What about her real father?


    -


    -


    -


    -


    "I am studying!" Olivia said through the phone.


    On her side, she was lying on the bed. She was on her stomach, her legs going up and down cutely. In her hands, Olivia held a big tablet. She had a video of some guy explaining her math course.


    Around her, books littered Olivia''s bed.


    "Hmmm¡­" Alex, who was still in the bath, hummed.


    He drew Olivia''s picture in his mind. And knowing her habit of throwing all her stuff onto the bed, Alex had drawn near-perfect picture, as if he could see through thousands of kilometers.


    But Olivia misunderstood that silence, "I am really studying¡­" She sounded so serious but lovely that Alex burst out laughing.


    He still felt fatigued, but that much wouldn''t stop him from laughing.


    "I know. You also suffer the side-effects of the ban, don''t you?" Alex chuckled.


    Most players who died would just mindlessly spend their time in their houses. No, after their first death, they would try out much stuff, but that would just show how mundane their lives were before the game.


    Of course, they believed in that due to how exciting and immersive the game was. Thus, on their second death, the players would mainly kill time by gathering information from other players.


    They would watch videos, read the forum and prepare more for their in-game adventure.


    Olivia used to be the same. But after her time with her beloved, Olivia extended her hands for her studies instead.


    And she did it without Alex urging her to do so.


    Partially, Alex was happy. But he could see that Olivia hadn''t made any close friends yet.


    He didn''t let it show in his voice.


    Instead, he sounded relieved and happy, "Call me if your favorite online teacher won''t be able to help you."


    "Won''t you be busy tomorrow?" Olivia asked softly.


    "If I can find a time to tell my girl that I love her in fifty ways, I will also manage my schedule to give her some online courses," Alex chuckled.


    On the other side, he heard the tablet falling onto the ground. Indeed, his girlfriend grasped her reddened cheeks already.


    "Fifty ways?" Olivia stuttered; her voice was unique. It was that kind of a tone that she would only let her beloved hear.


    Alex nodded, "Forty for your hero moment. And ten for your studying."


    Although Olivia had a lot of delinquent tendencies, she loved cute things. When Alex visited her house for the first time, her room looked plain. But then, the closet burst out, and many cute things rolled onto the ground.


    Lovely dresses, a cute teddy bear, and more stuff left Alex shocked back then.


    He still remembered his expression, which he saw in Olivia''s room mirror. He rolled his eyes so much he thought they had left him. He titled his head and stared with a gentle smile, which dangerously asked, ''Why do you hide them for?''.


    On that day, Alex also found out that Olivia''s mother was the same. He couldn''t understand how her father never managed to see through his wife''s side. Still, it was not Alex''s business.


    Instead, he made sure that Olivia showed her cute side to everyone. He started by hugging her teddy bear and not letting him go! Every time he visited Olivia''s house, he would complain about his teddy buddy.


    At last, Olivia took out all her stuff and even let her mother see through it. After Alex heard about it, he believed he helped the couple as much as he could.


    If their daughter could wear lovely dresses, what stopped her mother?


    "Well then¡­ You set my heart on fire." Alex whispered in a similar tone.


    Olivia nodded a few times, "Mmm!"


    And Alex continued his lovely whispers until he ran out of them.

 Chapter 35 - [Bonus Chapter]Lost Kingdom

    Chapter 35: Lost Kingdom


    School continued as usual.


    Alex confirmed a few stuff about forest fairies with his friend, Tomo Homie. Tom also passed him some unnecessary information along with important stuff, but Alex was glad nonetheless.


    He already found out that forest fairies were open to players. Most demi-humans weren''t that friendly toward players yet. They had their own plans and rules prepared for players, and forest fairies weren''t excluded from that list.


    The Forest Fairies Queen was known as level hundred existence. She had a strong guard, around fifteen levels below her. And then, she had the whole clan of forest fairies with their levels around fifty.


    Of course, Alex was well aware of unique NPCs similar to Deathwill Sisters. He believed that each clan and kingdom had selected some people to reset their level and helped them level up.


    ''No¡­ Not everyone can get this chance. They should find as many people who can reset their level, then raise them,'' Alex corrected his train of thoughts, ''But if the forest fairies queen got such a chance, would she take it?''


    Although Alex didn''t know her personally, he believed she wouldn''t take this chance. For NPCs, it was way harder to level up. It was an arduous path. Losing one hundred-level existence would expose the forest fairies to their neighbors.


    "There are two demi-humans kingdoms in our continent, Alex," Tomo Homie continued his heated talk.


    One demi-human kingdom consisted of bug type of race. Bees, ants, butterflies, and so on¡­ All those demi-humans were under the Green Kingdom.


    And then, the second type was about beasts. Wolf Races, fox races, and so on. They were known as the Beast Kingdom.


    Those kingdoms consisted of many clans.


    But although they were under one kingdom, the main purpose of their kingdoms'' existence was to protect their lands from humans and other vile existences. Other than it, all demi-humans had their own freedom. If they wanted to mate and become closer to humans, feel free.


    However, the strongest existences, such as the kings and the queens, never allowed themselves to form a close relationship with humans and other races. And then, the strongest tribes had just business relationships. That was for obvious reasons.


    Still, the clans wouldn''t mind fighting against each other and seizing the territories. In fact, they had rather friendly tournaments where they fought for some land.


    ''If the forest fairy queen became low level, others would seize some lands¡­ And although they formed a kingdom mainly against humans, Elias Deathwill still managed to get on their good side¡­


    This man¡­ How far did his hands reach?'' Alex shook his head.


    Even though it was the game''s beginnings, players had made significant progress with NPCs. They had a lot of intel, which was shared through the forums. But even in those forums, Alex never heard about the dullahans, the winged race, or even the cat race!


    His Deathwill Castle was in a different zone, so perhaps, the same went for the Deathwill Sister''s mother''s families? Even though Alex and other players couldn''t use teleports yet, high-level NPCs indeed had their ways to go between continents.


    "There''s a lot of lands to go through," Alex chuckled, "But is there a land that no one has access to?"


    "Yep," Tomo Homie nodded, "I bought all maps available. It was a hassle to trade with players, but it was worth it! That''s how I found insurmountable mountains with thick clouds teeming around them. There''s also a land of the lost kingdom."


    As Tomo Homie mentioned the lost kingdom, Alex''s heart skipped a beat.


    "Tell me more about it," Alex said while barely keeping his feelings in check.


    -


    -


    -


    -


    [Welcome to the Avander World.]


    The usual rainbow light blinded Alex.


    He then opened his eyes again.


    [Alexander Deathwill Lv. 22 HP: 1850/1850 MP: 820/820]


    [Your equipment''s durability has reached a dangerously low percentage.]


    Because of his desire to speak with Olivia, Alex had logged out a few meters away from the forest. He had many battles here, which slowly debilitated his equipment. However, Strongus inflicted the most damage.


    That punch that made Alex unconscious still lingered on Alex''s mind. As he felt it, his equipment was the same. But as items couldn''t speak, at least yet, Alex could understand their feelings by looking at their status.


    Their durability was so low that they cried.


    ''If it weren''t for an epic grade, this equipment would be useless for me. I still can go with it, but it would be good to invest some money into the sword,'' Alex pondered inwardly while slowly walking away from the mushroom forest.


    On his way, he saw players going to this peculiar leveling ground. Their parties full of tanks, healers, and long-range classes filled Alex''s heart with jealousy.


    But as their numbers and friendship swathed Alex enviously, items within Alex''s inventory surely would plant the same feelings within those players.


    "Look, cat."


    "A catman."


    "It''s a catman."


    "You think he is a unique NPC?"


    A few players gathered around Alex, but he dismissed them by lifting his hand. It was funny of them to think of him as the NPC. But it was not the first time. During his date with Olivia, many NPCs deemed Alex one of them.


    Of course, he looked like a catman, so those humans just thought he was NPC. If it weren''t for Olivia and how she spoke to Alex, players would also think of him as the NPC.


    And Marvel would''ve been the same.


    ''There''s a high chance that the forest fairies might think of me as the NPC. I should use this skill to my advantage. But before that,'' Alex grinned, clicking on one item in his inventory.


    The treasure that would make all mages around him jealous; Strongus'' Poison Veins(A), Strongus Acid Arrows(B).


    Those were highly advanced skills!


    ''If I find a good sword and lack some money, I will sell these,'' Alex decided.


    If luck was on his side, meaning he wouldn''t need to sell the skills, he would keep them in his inventory for future use. Perhaps, some of his friends would turn into a poison mage or get a class related to poison.


    In fact, the latter would be much better. After all, he fought Strongus together with Olivia. If it weren''t for her, Alex would''ve died too. That was why he preferred to split the gold or find the use for these skills with her.


    But as Olivia was still banned and Alex couldn''t know what awaited him, he decided to keep going.


    ''I will ask Sara to share some spear techniques with my girl,'' Alex thought, and then, he went, ''Ah''.


    Sara held her spear with one hand, and it was precisely the style that Olivia wanted to try out!


    "Oh well," Alex grinned and increased his pace.


    As he said before, he would go straight to the forest fairies. However, it wasn''t unusual for people to make stops on their journey. Alex would check the auction house in one of those stops and find a sword suitable for his new level.


    His journey stopped in one of the prominent provinces where the renowned auction house stood.


    Players and NPCs frequently made their deals here.

 Chapter 36 - Lies

    Chapter 36: Lies


    Still in the Berden Kingdom''s lands, Alex continued his journey toward the forest fairies. He went through a few cities and villages, taking short breaks to relish his adventure. Besides, Alex adventured with NPCs and other players.


    The former were residents of this world, and they acted naturally. They weren''t thirsty for blood and lands, and they required stops.


    Alex was one of the rare players that went along well with most NPCs. In the beginning, some people were wary of him due to his catman''s looks. However, Alex''s attitude and his goodwill reached the hearts of foreigners.


    He talked with them during their ride from one city to another to kill time. But what was killing time quickly turned into curiosity and a desire to learn the new world''s customs.


    At last, Alex said goodbye to his new friends.


    He left the carriage before one of the biggest cities in the Berden Kingdom.


    [You have paid entrance fees.]


    [You have entered Harlo City.]


    [Welcome to the Harlo City, player!]


    Although each city had its own governor and army, Alex didn''t have to interact with them. He used the system to pay the entrance fee, then the invisible barrier barring his way disappeared.


    Guards still glanced at him. Their job was to make sure that no one carried an ill intent toward their home. Unfortunately, as players were eccentric and quite strange fellows, it was way harder to see through them.


    In Alex''s case, he was a catman. His looks left the guards curious. But Alex''s pleasant smile and how he paid the money immediately showed that he wasn''t one of those demi-humans who would throw tantrums on the streets.


    "This city lives their own life," Alex muttered beneath his nose.


    Harlo City had one of the biggest auction houses on the whole continent. Just that alone drew many merchants to their lands. Naturally, people wouldn''t waste such a golden chance.


    They opened countless businesses in those lands, bringing their assets here. This city''s governor also didn''t fail his task. He welcomed businessmen with open arms and provided low tax rates and hospitality.


    Thus, Harlo City was one of the most advanced cities.


    Seeing how much it differed from the beginner cities and villages, Alex''s plans had considerably changed.


    Here, he would buy expensive pajamas and other presents for the Deathwill Sisters. He also secretly wanted to try out some booths.


    But to not derail from his path, Alex gave himself a short amount of time.


    ''I should check auction house first before buying presents¡­'' Alex chuckled.


    If he bought presents first, then visited the auction house only to find out that he lacked some money, Alex would facepalm himself and sell Strongus'' skills. He wanted to avoid precisely such a scenario.


    Besides, he always could buy presents after visiting the forest fairies.


    -


    -


    -


    -


    "I''ve underestimated this city¡­" Alex stood blankly.


    He didn''t have a map for this city yet, so he quickly got lost. Countless people and carriages filled the streets, bustling with life and happiness. People were here to buy and enjoy their money.


    They were also regular visitors who knew most paths.


    Alex had been genuinely struggling in those lands without a map until a peculiar encounter.


    "Um¡­ Ano¡­" A young voice called Alex.


    He felt his sleeve pushed down by someone from behind. As Alex turned around, he noticed a lady smaller than him looking into his eyes. She was just head shorter, and she wore brown robes, which covered her whole body.


    But as she lifted her eyes at him, Alex saw her green hues and lush green hair. She had pale skin and lost expression on her face. But that uneasiness didn''t take away her beauty; instead, it made her charmer.


    [You have met one of Elias Deathwill''s acquaintances, Remia.]


    "Yes?" Alex inquired softly, not letting anyone see through him, particularly Remia.


    Although he thought that someone had arranged this meeting for him, he couldn''t let anything transpire on his face. He asked like anyone in his situation would.


    Remia bit her lips, "I am lost."


    "So am I, Miss," Alex faintly smiled.


    Hearing him, Remia inadvertently clenched his sleeve tighter. She didn''t have much strength, but she exerted enough pressure to let Alex know. And then, she sighed.


    Alex whispered, "I feel much better knowing that someone shares my plight. Some bystanders'' gazes can become really disturbing, right?"


    "Yes, you are right! If it weren''t for those clothes, I wouldn''t have been able to cope with them," Remia replied with a little awkward smile.


    In just an exchange of a few words, Alex and Remia became familiar. After introducing themselves, they decided to go through the city together and find what they had been searching for.


    It turned out that Remia was also looking for the auction house.


    And with a few more questions, Alex inferred that she wasn''t fond of humans. In fact, in her heart, she was too wary of them. But that much was expected after Elias'' betrayal. Still, Remia was as naive as it sounded in the quest log.


    Thus, as Alex had confirmed her naivety, he also believed in her kind heart.


    ''Now then¡­ I found the person I have been looking for before the forest fairies'' home¡­'' Alex whispered.


    Alex could only do the opposite if Elias used words to cone others and showered them with empty promises. He could only speak with Elias Deathwill''s acquaintances through actions!


    Although Alex believed that honest talk could solve a lot, Elias Deathwill had sown enough distrust into his people. In their case, words hurt more.


    Alex glanced at Remia, "I am looking for a sword. I should be able to find one in the prestigious auction house. What about you, Miss Remia?"


    Remia clenched her hands, "Poison techniques!"


    Alex squinted his eyes.


    That was too much of a coincidence, was it?


    "Sounds dangerous," Alex jested.


    Remia quickly got flustered, "T-That''s not what it sounds like, okay?! I am not trying to poison someone! I¡­ I want strength¡­" After waving her hands, Remia dropped her head low.


    Alex went through what he knew about her before replying, "It''s important for healers to learn about poisons, though. Just as a high medicine dosage can turn into poison, a person who controls poison can stop it and extract it from the patient.


    Having poison techniques isn''t anything evil, Miss Remia. Doctors sometimes are forced to use it for a smooth treatment in my home," Alex smiled broadly.


    And as he smiled from the bottom of his heart, Remia lifted her head and thanked him sincerely, "Thank you very much, Mr. Alex. I will engrave those words into my heart."


    She sounded so lovely and kind, but Alex thought otherwise.


    For the first time ever since their talk, he heard a different tone in her voice. It was as if she forced herself to not trust anyone, thus, sounding fake.


    Alex didn''t comment on that. He didn''t let anything show on his face.


    Because he knew that what she did was right. For a person who had been hurt by empty lies, not believing in strangers was perfectly fine. And to not hurt him, Remia simply lied.


    Although Alex should had been hurt from that show, he was relieved instead.


    It was essential to learn from mistakes, and it seemed like Remia had been working on her weaknesses.


    After a few hours¡­


    "We found it¡­" Alex said in a little hoarse voice.


    Remia nodded, her face paler and a little sweaty, "Finally¡­"


    The auction house was before them.

 Chapter 37 - Momma Blue

    Chapter 37: Momma Blue


    The Harlo City''s Auction House was before them.


    It was a grand building with three floors. Its appearance matched the city''s architecture, but it still stood out due to many guards and people coming in and out. Traffic here was the worst, but Alex and Remia found room to breathe.


    They weren''t particularly in awe due to their exhaustion.


    But after calming down a little, Alex couldn''t help but leave some soft remarks, "They could have left some signs on the streets for newbies such as us. Regardless, it''s still a pretty good place."


    "Yes. It doesn''t look bad." Remia nodded.


    Alex marked the auction house on his minimap. On his first continent, it probably would be one of the places he would constantly visit.


    He smiled widely at Remia, "Shall we go in and check the interior?"


    Although he knew that his journey with her could end at this very moment, Alex didn''t want to let this chance go. Before Remia did anything, he proposed to keep their adventure together.


    Remia took it as Alex''s goodwill, and she agreed, "You are a good person, Alex. Thank you."


    A few minutes later, Remia inwardly thanked heavens for bringing her closer to Alex.


    That was because the auction house required its clients to have a significant amount of money. They wouldn''t let poor players and NPCs enter the building.


    With the system, it was pretty easy to confirm whether one possessed enough money or not.


    The system never lied, after all.


    -


    -


    -


    -


    [A few minutes before Remia thanked the heavens.]


    Alex looked ahead of himself.


    [Harlo City''s Auction House - Every resident must possess at least ten gold coins to enter the auction house. For players, it depends on their level.]


    Before the system checked his level, Alex clicked on the resident route. He opened his inventory and selected golden coins. After the system confirmed its authenticity, Alex received the free pass.


    He didn''t want the system to expose his player status yet.


    He then shifted his eyes to Remia, "Do you lack money?"


    "T-That''s¡­ not really the case¡­ It''s just that ten gold coins is too much!" Remia said as if trying to find an excuse.


    However, ten gold coins were more than just a significant amount of money.


    Alex was a lucky fellow since he had the whole Deathwill Castle for himself. He fought monsters here alone. And then, he found a clue to the skeleton bosses, which had rewarded him with an adequate amount of money for solo clear.


    He was one of the wealthiest players in the Avander World.


    "Let me try something," Alex gave a reassuring smile to Remia.


    He then clicked the auction house system.


    His idea was simple; take Remia as his business partner. He wanted her to enter the auction house together with him. At worst, Alex would just invite her to his ''player party'' and make her fulfill her goals.


    Fortunately for him, the auction house''s system had an option that allowed residents and players to invite their partners or party members.


    It wasn''t really a surprise. Who wouldn''t like to show off his wealth? And then, the majority of male species would love to show off with the ladies by their side. After a bit of thinking, Alex genuinely smiled as that was simple people were.


    Alex used the resident route and invited Remia to his business relationship...


    Seeing the system promptly opening itself before her with a question, Remia''s green eyes blinked. Soon, those dazzling hues sparkled as she realized Alex''s intent.


    "I will repay your goodwill in the future, Alex!" Remia bowed.


    Alex shook his head, "It''s nothing, really. I can do this much since I currently don''t have a company. Now, let''s head in. We can''t block the queue."


    "That''s true," Remia peeked behind, then promptly ran after Alex like a little squirrel.


    And that was when the new world opened for both of them.


    While the exterior was simple and matched the city''s architecture, the interior was grand on every step. Red carpet, exquisite paintings, vast chandelier, and more importantly, personnel that was handsome and breath-taking.


    Men wore suits and shone dazzlingly while the beautiful women simply drew attention with their exposing clothes and mellifluous chuckles. They offered drinks to guests, even before the auction started!


    The lady naturally approached Alex.


    After he refused the drink, she fished out a list of items that would be soon on the auction. But before she passed it to Alex, the lady left a kiss on the paper.


    Alex didn''t really mind such a show, but he wondered whether it was just a service or something deeper hidden behind that gesture.


    In the corner of his eye, he found out that other women did the same. One of the guests kissed the list back, winking toward the lady. She winked back and whispered something to his ear.


    ''Ah, so they also offer this kind of service,'' Alex understood the meaning behind the kiss.


    Everyone who entered the auction house had a considerable amount of money. Of course, most players were still poor since they were still new to the world, but NPCs already proved that they had at least a few gold coins.


    Since Alex looked like NPC, the lady offered herself for a night.


    Alex didn''t reciprocate those feelings, so he thanked for the list, then added something from himself, "Unfortunately, I have to refuse. But if my situation were different, I would''ve been more than honored to have such a beautiful lady like you for a night."


    "I was just looking forward to a new experience," the lady said, her eyes on the race she had never seen before; a catman, "But now, I am genuinely saddened. Such a gentleman."


    Alex grinned with contentment.


    Right now, he was surrounded by NPCs. And all males showed enough respect to the ladies. Perhaps, they were famous, or maybe their identities were more than just the auction house''s personnel.


    Thus, Alex didn''t want to just bluntly refuse.


    He simply said that he was already taken.


    But more than anything, Alex didn''t want to lose Remia from his eyes. He still didn''t want to lose his golden chance!


    "That item list¡­" Alex said while looking at his game system.


    It had absorbed the list and presented the items in a more straightforward form.


    Remia said, "Since players use this auction house as well, the auction has three phases; the players'' items, the residents'' items, and then grand items."


    The first was simple; the players mainly were low-level, so some high-leveled residents wouldn''t even bat an eye on those items from monsters and dungeons. They would think of them as a waste of time.


    Only players of the same level would be interested.


    Thus, most players would appear on the first stage. NPCs would spend their time with themselves, talking about their businesses or other stuff.


    They would enter the auction''s stage on the second phase.


    The third phase was for grand items. That phase came out after one of the players brought an epic item.


    Alex nodded, "I think I will spend time on the player''s phase, then leave." He already had an eye on one of the swords.


    Remia agreed, "Me too. I see that there are a few simple poison techniques for low-level players. I will try to buy them."


    -


    -


    -


    -


    [Welcome to the Avander World.]


    "Hehe, boi. I am here!" A player known as Rasmus Claps rubbed his hands.


    He was eager to start another enjoyable gaming experience. But before he took a step forward, his eyes flashed with the system message.


    [Your item has been sold on the Harlo City''s Auction House.]


    [Three gold coins have been transferred to your inventory.]


    "Huh?" Rasmus Claps rubbed his eyes, "How come they sold it for three gold coins?! I am fucking rich now!"


    He thanked the auction house for their hard work! He also promised to continue his business here!


    Of course, Alex was the one who bought his sword.


    But that sword wasn''t even worth three gold coins. Hence, Rasmus Claps'' excitement and joy.


    The sword he put on the auction wasn''t even an epic item! It was just a unique sword. In the Avander world, the highest grade was currently known as the legendary grade. Epic was one step below the legendary grade.


    Most players used common equipment, which was naturally the common grade. The unique grade was after common.


    And Rasmus Claps sold a unique sword.


    "It was just some sword with ice affinity. It increased [Intelligence] rather than [Strength] or [Agility]. Who would fight for that sword?" Rasmus Claps wondered loudly, holding his chin in bewilderment.


    If he knew that one of those players had legendary class, what his reaction would be? Even better, if he knew that the second player was the dungeon conqueror, Momma Blue, the popular celebrity, what his response would be?


    Rasmus Claps shrugged, "Probably some idiots who luckily stumbled on a gold chest! Damn, three gold coins! I should go to the auction house myself! Hehe!"

 Chapter 38 - Successor Quest #2

    Chapter 38: Successor Quest #2


    It was as if Alex was supported by the gods themselves.


    He had met Remia before reaching the forest fairies'' home, and he even had items that he could use to become closer with her. But since even Alex thought of it as too coincidental, he didn''t dare to bring them out yet.


    But on the auction stage, Alex''s fortune ended.


    "Two gold coins," A melodious voice laced with maturity rang out.


    A few players jumped from surprise as they were familiar with that tone. They immediately stood up and looked around to find the woman behind the bid.


    Even some wealthy NPCs had their interest piqued; their eyes were going around the stage to find the lady.


    As their eyes landed on them, they exclaimed in amazement, "It''s a player with blue blood."


    Momma Blue, the celebrity from Earth, became the center of attention.


    While everyone had their eyes on her, she sat indifferently in her seat. She rested her head on her right hand while keeping her left hand high to continue the bidding.


    Her right leg rested on her left knee, making her seem like a lofty person. In her eyes, nothing other than the sword remained.


    And as she was one of the famous actresses on Earth, no one could doubt her beauty. Even now, her indifference and ripe beauty compelled the audience to stare at her.


    Alex was no different.


    It was rare to see celebrities in person. And since the game was so real-life, Alex indeed met one of those celebrities in person. However, it was not a pleasant or exciting meeting.


    Since the beginning, he had been fighting with her over the ice sword.


    [Ice Breath Sword(Unique) Lv. Requirement: 20 Attack: 340~~370]


    [The sword made out of the unknown''s existence''s breath.]


    [If equipped, your INT will increase by 5%.]


    That sword wasn''t anything special. In fact, there were better swords for twenty-level players. Those swords increased stats that all swordsmen preferred.


    No one would wear a sword with [INT] as primary focus unless the sword had excessive attack damage.


    But that sword¡­ had just a bit more attack than common swords. Therefore, it was not worth it for a common player to get it.


    Alex was different.


    His sword skill had received a new effect, [Soul Freeze], a crucial crowd control skill in his arsenal. His [Chilling Slash] gradually slowed people, making them feel fear.


    But that peculiar crowd control froze Alex''s enemies'' souls, rendering them useless.


    Alex believed that the ice sword would help him with his skills. He also wanted to use magic through his left hand. Ice Magic didn''t sound bad at all.


    The more Alex thought about cold magic, the more he liked it.


    He dropped his lightning image and left that element to Olivia.


    But Alex''s dreams shattered when the celebrity appeared out of nowhere! She was striking, both with her money and beauty!


    ''Did she just glance at me? I see¡­ Two gold coins are your limit,'' Alex felt Momma Blue''s eyes.


    As he turned to the side, he saw her blue eyes staring down at him. She still remained indifferent, but Alex saw that she was not as challenging as before.


    ''No... The fact that she looked toward me says enough. She can''t bid further¡­ I will just end this now,'' Alex inferred.


    He raised his bid, "Three gold coins."


    "Three gold coins! Did you hear it, everyone?!" The lady on the stage vividly shouted; her voice echoed for a good while.


    Everyone surely heard her.


    Of course, no one said anything.


    No one would pay three gold coins for the unique sword that was just for level twenty. And even if mystery hid behind that sword, no one risked that.


    [You have won the Ice Breath Sword for three gold coins.]


    Alex sighed after receiving the system message.


    He sank in his chair and closed his eyes. He also massaged his temple.


    It was not worth spending this much money on the unique sword. Of course, Alex comforted himself that he hadn''t used the Strongus'' skills to get a sword for himself.


    There were expensive swords, but he wasn''t so desperate to go for them. In fact, Alex no longer thought about them after spotting the Ice Breath on the list.


    ''Next time, I will speak with Sara and sell some bone swords here. They must have accumulated a lot of skeleton swords and other items¡­ We can use it to rebuild the castle,'' Alex thought.


    He promptly left after getting the sword.


    Since Remia was also done with her bidding, they left with something in their inventories. Overall, it was quite a good day.


    ''I had a bidding battle with Momma Blue. Some peeps will be jealous,'' Alex chuckled.


    After thinking of the auction house''s event, Alex no longer felt terrible.


    Even if he had spent three gold coins for the unique item, he saw some emotion on the celebrity''s face. And that emotion was genuine, not the one she would show for the movie character.


    He would talk about it with his friends tomorrow.


    "She looked pretty shocked," Remia said.


    Alex grinned, "I know, right? She drew so much attention, then shared some spotlight with me. I am victorious here, regardless of the bidding."


    Remia carefully looked over Alex''s face, "Three gold coins is still too much, though."


    Alex coughed.


    -


    -


    -


    -


    "It''s time to part," Remia whispered, then bowed before Alex.


    But as Alex didn''t want to lose this golden chance, he replied, "Are you perhaps the forest fairy, Remia?"


    Remia lifted her head carefully, "Yes¡­ Why do you ask?"


    Although she wore clothes that hid most of her body, Alex could''ve peeked at her little round ears. It wasn''t surprising for him to exactly know her race.


    But Remia naturally remained cautious.


    Alex nodded, "I am on my way toward your forest. If you are returning home, then it would be my pleasure to accompany you."


    "Um¡­ Well, we can go here together. But if my people refuse your entry, you can not ask me for help," Remia said.


    She received Alex''s kitty grin for a response, "I wander the world with good intent. You don''t have to worry about it, Remia."


    "I hope so, Mr. Gentleman. Haha~~" Remia pulled down her hoodie and grinned to herself.


    And knowing to what she had alluded to, Alex''s body grew hotter. He awkwardly followed her, then their journey toward the forest fairies began.


    -


    -


    -


    -


    After spending nearly all day in the city with humans, Remia wanted to spend the rest of her time within the forest''s embrace.


    Forest Fairies found human culture quite uncomfortable too.


    That was mostly because humans didn''t go along with nature. For example, they formed cities, which polluted air with their factories. And then, simply putting down a brick house sullied the nature, to say nothing of the whole city.


    Therefore, Remia and Alex slowly walked through the forest.


    It was¡­ not a wise choice.


    "Here you are¡­ The guy who spends three gold coins on a fucking unique sword. You have this much money, and you dared to leave the city without any bodyguards," An unknown NPC said.


    His eyes were on Alex.


    [Alex Lv. 22]


    While it was pretty complicated for NPCs to hide their names, players had no problems. They could blend into the communities well.


    Alex pushed it further, and by leveraging his side-effect from Charm Skill, he managed to create a fake nickname for himself.


    Of course, if someone killed him, they would see his true name.


    Alex took out his sword and faced the group of hoodlums, "Bandits? You don''t look like bandits, actually."


    His eyes pierced through them¡­ And that was when Alex had received a new system message.


    [You have spotted the hungry demon.]


    ''Where?'' Alex narrowed his eyes.


    From his legendary class and first encounter with those species, Alex had learned a few things about them.


    ''I thought they were mainly attacking the Deathwill Castle¡­'' Alex and Elias Deathwill thought the same.


    Of course, Alex''s knowledge came from his father-in-law''s diary. In that diary, Elias had encountered those demons in ''dark'' lands.


    He had never heard about them in the outer world. Perhaps, as he had left everything for Alex, Elias Deathwill had met more of those demons.


    Well, no one knew what this old man was up to nowadays.


    But his legendary class helped Alex immensely.


    Not only did he spot the hungry demon somewhere, but he had also received another quest!


    [Elias Deathwill''s Successor Quest #2]


    [Protect Remia.]


    [Reward: Battle Spirit(S)]


    ''That''s something you should be doing, hypocrite¡­ If it weren''t for your empty lies,'' Alex sighed.


    He lifted his sword and said, "Stand on my left, Remia."

 Chapter 39 - Together

    Chapter 39: Together


    Although Alex told Remia to stand on his left, he didn''t start a battle with his strongest style; one-handed swordsmanship. It wasn''t because he thought he would overwhelm enemies regardless of the style.


    In fact, if his enemies proved to be a challenge, Alex could use it to form a deeper bond with Remia.


    Actions said more than words. However, Alex still didn''t plan to leverage their plight. He had other reasons for going for two-handed swordsmanship.


    The reason was simple; the hungry demon.


    The system told him about one hungry demon, so the group of humans from the Harlo City probably wasn''t aware of the demonic existence in their ranks. And even if they were, Alex wouldn''t show his strongest skill from the get-go.


    He clenched the hilt with two hands, then waited for his enemies to come.


    "I will help," Remia whispered.


    Alex nodded, "I can fight them head-on and slow them down. What about you?"


    He knew that Remia was not a mage or a warrior. She had more of a crafting class that had helped the Deathwill Castle in the past. She had blessed the castle with her nature, enhancing both its looks and defenses.


    She was a weak woman.


    ''No, she used to be a weak woman,'' Alex corrected his thoughts.


    Immediately after he did, Remia''s voice rang out in his ears, "I am not sure about new poison skills and whether I can use them¡­ so I can only help you stop them for a short time."


    Alex brightly smiled, "That''s great! I count on you, Remia. Now, I feel more confident in our survival. My swordsmanship is strong, but I still find it hard to fight against many individuals at once."


    "You can count on me!" Remia''s smile brightened as if the sun had just reared.


    She clenched her hands, feeling the warmth coming out from the bottom of her heart. In recent years, it was rare for others to rely on her. It was worse when it came to fighting others.


    Her techniques weren''t suitable for battles. And then, Remia joined one of the human kingdoms despite her mother''s warnings. In fact, her mother once told her that she would regret that choice and her life would turn worse.


    After her mistakes, Remia took a different path once again. She didn''t decide to stay in her home and enjoy life as a princess, but took her life into her hands and went outside once again, this time, to get her independent strength.


    Therefore, Alex''s words encouraged her greatly.


    [You have connected to the forest!]


    ''I connected really fast!'' Remia inwardly exclaimed.


    Her tone was filled with content. Sometimes, it would take her much more time to connect to the unfamiliar forest. During that time, she was as vulnerable as level one NPC.


    But for some reason, she connected in less than three seconds.


    And then, Remia used her skill, "Flexible Roots!"


    From the ground, countless roots rose! For a moment, they reminded Alex of zombies coming out from their graves. Those roots were thin but strong. And as they coiled around hoodlums, their power utterly stopped them!


    Only one person was left intact!


    Remia''s eyes widened, "So strong?"


    Alex grinned, "Well done, Remia. I won''t waste any of your mana!"


    While Remia stood overly shocked by her display of strength, Alex whispered a few good words into her ears. Although it might look like he was deliberately cheering her on, he naturally enjoyed her progress and strength.


    And then, Alex naturally didn''t waste any time!


    Holding his sword tightly, he rushed forward. His new weapon, Ice Breath, sparkled as Alex utilized his [Chilling Slash].


    Speaking of his weapon, Ice Breath looked like a normal sword made out of blue steel. Its appearance was far from its description, meaning that no one would think of its origins as mysterious breath.


    [Critical Strike!]


    [-650 HP!]


    [You have slowed down your enemy by 3%!]


    Those effects would stack and increase with more slashes. But as Alex looked at his first enemy, he immediately dropped an idea of utterly slowing them down.


    They were weak.


    He inflicted a few more slashes, then thrust his sword in.


    "AHHHHHH!" The first hoodlum cried out while dropping backward.


    He landed on his bottom. Then, his eyes immediately went up as Alex was way stronger than they thought!


    He couldn''t even react to Alex''s moves!


    And then, he looked around.


    Remia''s branches were still holding his buddies back. No one could break free, even after using their power-up skills!


    They thrashed and groaned in nature''s embrace.


    But as the first enemy fell, Remia let the second enemy go.


    He immediately pounced at Alex.


    Alas, Alex already knew who would pounce at him. Remia simply told him. Thus, he was well prepared for the enemy''s charge.


    The second fool had a sword in his hands, but even that weapon didn''t help him with Alex.


    He simply parried all his attacks, then brought him onto the ground!


    One by one, Alex and Remia slowly destroyed the enemies that had their eyes on them from the very beginning.


    "You are the last one," Alex uttered coldly.


    The last human raised his eyes at Alex and replied, "You made a wrong choice by not killing them."


    To this last enemy, Alex was naturally more cautious. After all, this last one should be the hungry demon. And after his words, Alex was sure of it.


    "You are the lucky one, aren''t you, Remia?! You found a strong bodyguard for yourself! Hehe!" the demon revealed his true nature.


    From a male in his early twenties, he became a humanoid existence whose skin was withered. His height shrank, and he looked like a small gray goblin. Only his red eyes stood out, but it was probably the source of his demonic strength!


    Remia trembled, "You were after me?"


    "Why would I care about some catman with three golds and a unique sword?!" the hungry demon howled.


    Before he exerted more of his strength, Alex threw a thrust.


    Alas, the demon''s aura blocked him off.


    ''Two-handed style won''t do much here,'' Alex thought.


    But that little move gave too much room for the demon goblin.


    He extended his hand toward one of the unconscious humans, then used a skill on them. That human flew toward him, then the goblin sucked his vitality.


    All human NPCs fell prey to this skill.


    [You have received 1240 EXP!]


    [You have received¡­]


    [You have received¡­]


    Alex saw a few messages telling him about the humans'' deaths. Those messages left him conflicted since Alex had reasons to think of this world as the real one.


    Naturally, the demon goblin didn''t give time for Alex to think about the fallen.


    His small form rose, and he became two and a half meters tall monster. His small limbs became thicker and more muscular. His whole appearance screamed of a battle mode where he would dominate his enemies.


    The hungry demon sneered, "Remia. You have two choices. Work with us and help us find the Deathwill Castle or die. In either way, we will find his location!"


    Alex narrowed his eyes, ''So they are after Remia due to her connection with hypocrite¡­ But aren''t there demons already? How come they don''t know the location?''


    [Elias Deathwill''s Diary - I naturally dealt with a few hungry demons before I left the castle to my daughters and my successor. I confirmed that the seal worked seamlessly!]


    ''Seal¡­ They want to break the seal!'' Alex connected the dots.


    The existence of those demons was still a big mystery, but they were in important locations. One of those locations was the land where Elias Deathwill threw his castle to.


    Those demons knew how powerful that land was. After all, the skeletons that were Elias'' enemies came out from the ground.


    They became Alex''s enemies, helping him level up significantly. There could be much more undead enemies, so no wonder those hungry demons would want to use or become closer with them.


    Alex raised his voice, "That lady is with me. And this time, I won''t let anyone die."


    "Shut up, catman! You are insignificant!" the demon goblin roared at Alex.


    Alex smiled faintly, "Let''s follow the same pattern, Remia."


    "Y-Yes¡­" Remia, who had been scared like never before, nodded belatedly.


    She felt hopeless and weak. That had been how she usually felt while recalling the events from the future. Only today did she feel better and valuable, yet the sudden appearance of the demon goblin had shattered her happiness.


    She was the reason Alex could die as well. It couldn''t get any worse for her, could it? Remia looked down sadly, her eyes tearing up.


    But as Alex said those words, he grasped the sword with one hand. He drew his companion''s attention, compelling her to look at him.


    Remia found his back oddly familiar as if he inadvertently followed someone''s style! And the more she locked, the faster her heartbeat became.


    Alex reassured her, "We will surprise him."


    "We?" Remia whispered back.


    "Yes. We will kill him together," Alex nodded decisively.


    [The Demon Goblin Lv. 35 HP:??? MP:???]


    He was a powerful opponent.


    He hid his stats and exuded so much pressure that it was hard to breathe. That only escalated after the goblin took the first step forward.


    The ground shook.


    "Kill me? If you manage to kill me, then good job! Haha! I will come back! I''ve become one of them, one of the hungry demons! Our hunger is more insatiable than those shitty players! Their power will be ours!" he felt overly proud of being one of them.


    He stomped once again, "But can you really kill me? You two little pests?"

 Chapter 40 - Different Circumstances

    Chapter 40: Different circumstances


    The Demon Goblin''s presence was overwhelming.


    He exerted so much of it with just steps alone that Alex and Remia felt like going down to bow before him.


    In spite of this aura, Alex managed to lift his sword. His body powered up with adrenaline and genuine killing intent, making him cope well with the pressure.


    But as Alex was doing fine, the same couldn''t be said about Remia. She fell off a few times, and it was harder for her to get up with each fall.


    The Demon Goblin also didn''t wait for her to adjust. He kept coming closer; his presence was multiplying.


    Alex glanced behind, "I didn''t say those words for a show, Remia. I won''t let you die today. Before he gets to you, he has to go over me! That''s why, as long as you can see my back and feel my presence, don''t think about him! Just focus on trapping all evil around us!"


    "I¡­ I will," Remia stuttered due to her fear.


    She recalled an event from the past. On that day, the man with similar swordsmanship displayed his strength. His back was reassuring, even more than Alex''s. But that man had so much more strength that it was not surprising.


    But there was a clear difference between him and Alex.


    Alex always looked out for her.


    Every time she fell from fear, Alex would glance at her and confirm her state. He would show his care and encourage her to stand up. He would carefully support her, even with the monster before him!


    ''It''s not just me looking at him and getting protected. We fight together¡­'' Remia whispered inwardly, her heart warming up.


    That was a clear difference.


    It was not one-sided protection. Alex needed her as much as she needed him. Therefore, they would fight together and take down the monster to keep their lives intact!


    "Alex! Don''t you dare to die! I have yet to show you my tribe! The forest fairies are waiting to show you their forest!" Remia encouraged Alex back, her voice as decisive as his.


    Looking back, Alex smiled widely, "Now that you have promised to personally show me the forest fairies, I can''t die, can I?"


    "You can''t!" Remia faintly smiled.


    And as she did, she unconsciously connected to the forest again. But this time, her connection was more profound. It was as if she turned the forest into her particular fairy forest, enhancing its properties tenfold.


    She became one with the forest around her. For this short amount of time, Remia felt like a different person. It was a valuable and important feeling that would help her in her future endeavors.


    However, she didn''t pay much attention to it. In her eyes, the demon unfolded. She deeply focused all she had on him, utilizing her technique.


    "Forest Cage!" Remia shouted.


    Her voice echoed throughout the whole forest as if birds conveyed her wish to all trees and bushes around her.


    Similarly to before, the roots rose. Their speed was much different than before, to say nothing of their sturdiness. But as Remia used her strongest skill, it was naturally not the end.


    From above, countless branches snapped. Those branches extended toward the goblin from the sky, becoming a cage to trap him. Leaves gathered in abundance, dropping onto the wooden cage as if an avalanche.


    As those leaves were enhanced by raw mana, they stuck tightly to the cage, barring the hungry demon''s vision.


    In the meantime, Alex rushed forth, "Well done, Remia!"


    He was amazed by the whole forest movement that was straight as if from a fantasy movie. But as he knew that this skill was used to ensure their survival, Alex didn''t let himself gaze at the forest''s might.


    He promptly charged at the hungry demon.


    ''This goblin looks down on me. He won''t expect the strength behind my swordsmanship! I must seize the momentum and inflict as much damage as possible. Then, we will wear him down!'' Alex thought.


    Since the demon goblin had his stats hidden, his HP and MP must be outstanding. Alex didn''t even think of killing him in just a few moves.


    "Catman!" The Goblin Demon howled; his eyes were on Alex.


    Now that Alex went through Remia''s skill, the demon could land his eyes on him. Of course, the forest was Alex''s greatest ally now. It wouldn''t become an obstacle for him, and it would show him the way toward the monster.


    In his cage, the hungry demon had been punching the wood endlessly. His demonic energy splashed around, trying its best to taint nature.


    To no avail!


    And as Alex appeared, the demon saw a gap in which he noticed his escape route. His only obstacle was some funny catman swordsman.


    But as Alex looked funny, his strength was immense.


    He thrust his weapon against the monster''s falling punch!


    [Critical Strike!]


    [Critical Strike!]


    [Critical Strike!]


    His sword''s tip sank into the demon''s punch. And then, Alex quickly drew a few more slashes across the demon''s arm and chest. He didn''t care whether it was luck; Alex proudly sneered at those critical strikes.


    Those heavy slashes drew out so much blood that the goblin demon became smaller.


    "You little rat!" he howled while holding his arm!


    Alex smiled and took a few steps back.


    "I won''t let you escape!" the demon goblin immediately used his other hand to catch Alex.


    Alas, the forest stopped him from touching Alex. A few more branches fell like a waterfall, allowing Alex to return safely.


    -


    -


    -


    -


    ''My successor quest wants me to protect Remia. We can even let this goblin escape, and I will finish the quest successfully,'' Alex thought on his way toward Remia.


    After inflicting overwhelming slashes on the Demon Goblin, Alex''s confidence rose. He cooled off his head and thought calmly.


    It would be best to kill the demon as his death could drop useful items and even clues related to this peculiar race.


    Now that Alex knew that everyone could become one of those hungry demons, he wanted to gather as much intel about them as possible.


    He returned to Remia''s side.


    "We can see his HP and MP now¡­ If we focus-" Alex returned with great news.


    But on the other side, Remia looked worse than Alex had thought.


    Her mana was dropping low at a significant pace. The connection also put a high toil on her mind, so her stamina and even health points went low.


    She looked pale, sweaty, and quite miserable.


    Alex hid his sword in his inventory, then took her into princess carry, "Let''s escape."


    "B-But he will chase after us! It''s dangerous to stop now!" Remia said, her voice desperate and a little sad.


    Alex shook his head, "It''s fine. I''ve hurt his arm significantly. And he also used humans to boost his strength. This power shouldn''t be a permanent boost. Besides, with so many wounds on his arm, his bleeding must also be lethal.


    He has to take care of his wounds, or he will just die," Alex whispered.


    Remia looked into his eyes, "The hungry demons¡­ can respawn like players, right?"


    Alex gulped down, "Yes. That''s why we have to escape right now!"


    He held her tightly and escaped from the forest.


    Knowing that Remia was right, Alex didn''t dare to stay in the same forest anymore. That goblin demon could be like players, meaning that he could use sacrifice tactics to chase them!


    Alex also recalled Sara''s words.


    After killing the Wolfen Demon, she told him about her impression of him. If her words were right, the Wolfen Demon wanted to bring out her Ultimate Skill and see through her true strength.


    ''This goblin will be the same. But there''s a difference now.'' Alex smiled faintly.


    There were just five individuals in Deathwill Castle''s lands, including Alex. In the outer world, there were many players and NPCs around.


    The Demon Goblin couldn''t afford to chase them for too long.


    That was why Alex felt reassured and confident about their survival chances.


    He glanced behind, "Your skill stopped."


    "Yes¡­ I can''t keep it up any further," Remia nodded in Alex''s arms.


    The forest returned to its initial state, letting out the demon. A powerful wave went after Alex and Remia as the Goblin Demon locked his killing intent on them.


    Fortunately, the Goblin Demon stopped chasing them after a few minutes. No one knew what he had stumbled upon.


    Alex and Remia sighed with relief.


    Remia then glanced up, "Alex¡­ Your hands feel¡­ like human hands¡­"


    As Remia was still in a princess carry, Alex''s hands held her arm and legs tightly. She didn''t feel soft paws. Even if Alex held her through her clothes, there should be some softness, right?


    "Well¡­" Alex awkwardly smiled.


    [You have completed your quest.]


    [Battle Spirit(S) has been added to your skill set.]


    "It''s a long story," Alex said, knowing that he couldn''t hide his true self from Remia anymore.