They all stopped to camp as night slowly swallowed the horizon.
The wind grew calmer.
Soon, the crackling of firewood filled the quiet forest.
Akube took a silent stroll around the perimeter, activating Observed to scan the surroundings.
Meanwhile, Dranexx joined the others in setting up camp.
"Hey Dranexx, mind giving me a hand with this tent top?"
Uto called out while struggling with one of the support poles.
"Sure, man."
Dranexx walked over and grabbed the opposite side.
Together, they adjusted the supports.
"So..."
Uto glanced at him.
"What country are you guys from anyway?"
Dranexx paused for half a second.
"Oh, we came from a far deserted village called Jugelia."
His expression remained calm.
"Oh man... I just made that up."
Uto suddenly froze.
"...Jugelia?!"
Dranexx blinked.
"I've heard of that village before!"
Uto stared at him.
"It's some kind of legendary Westland where high-level monsters like Blood Ogres are executed for rituals."
His voice carried clear excitement.
"They say the people there are extremely skilled."
Dranexx maintained a calm expression.
"Wait..."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"It's real?"
"That was just a made-up name..."
"I can't believe there's actually a place like that."
"Wooo, hold up!"
Soza nearly jumped from his seat.
"You two are from that village?"
He looked visibly terrified.
Uto nodded repeatedly.
"I knew you guys were something special..."
He laughed nervously.
"But I never imagined you were from that deadly land."
He looked at Dranexx carefully.
"What are you even doing out here?"
Dranexx forced a relaxed smile.
"Oh, we just wanted to explore the outside world."
He shrugged.
"Jugelia is... well, a desert paradise."
"Nothing much to do there except high-level training and monster hunting."
He folded his arms.
"We figured it was time for a change."
"I see..."
Uto nodded slowly.
"I can't even imagine how strong you must be."
He chuckled.
"Anyone from there could probably take on ten no, twenty Orgs alone without breaking a sweat."
"You think so?"
Dranexx asked casually.
"Of course!"
Uto answered immediately.
"Blood Ogres are S-Rank monsters."
"And you guys execute them for fun."
He shook his head.
"That's insane."
Idanru shivered.
"Just thinking about it gives me chills..."
The fire crackled loudly.
For a moment, everyone sat quietly.
Then Uto spoke again.
"So what do you plan to do when we reach the city?"
He pointed into the darkness.
"You could join the Adventurers' Guild, Merchant Guild, Mercenary Guild, Assassin Guild..."
He thought for a moment.
"If I had to recommend something, the Mercenary Guild would fit you perfectly."
"The Adventurers' Guild suits me better."
Dranexx answered immediately.
"I'm here to explore, not fight for old geezers."
Amanda leaned forward slightly.
Her cheeks were faintly flushed from drink.
"Hmm..."
A playful smile appeared on her face.
"Confident and perceptive."
"I like that."
"Thank you."
Amanda's smile widened.
"If you're gentle..."
She lazily twirled a strand of hair.
"I might even let you spend the night with me."
"Huh?!"
Uto nearly choked.
"What are you saying?!"
He buried his face in one hand.
"Oh no..."
"She's drunk."
He sighed deeply.
"Please pardon her."
Dranexx grinned.
"No problem..."
He shrugged casually.
"Though I might take her up on that offer."
"You're kidding, right?!"
Uto stared at him.
"Relax."
Dranexx laughed.
"But older women do have more experience..."
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"According to old logic."
Laughter erupted around the campfire.
"Wait..."
Soza pointed at him.
"How old are you anyway?"
Dranexx smirked.
"Old enough to do whatever I want."
"Jeez..."
Uto laughed.
"You've got some nerve."
He shook his head.
"Well, what do I expect from a Jugelia citizen?"
Everyone laughed again.
Meanwhile...
A short distance away from the campfire...
Akube lay on his back.
His eyes were fixed on the sea of stars above.
Footsteps approached.
"Figured I'd find you here."
Akube smiled slightly.
"Hey, bro."
Dranexx sat down nearby.
"What're you thinking about?"
A grin appeared on his face.
"Some scheme to destroy a Grandmaster?"
Akube scoffed.
"Woo, man."
He shook his head.
"That's too far."
He glanced at Dranexx.
"What grudge do you even have against the Grandmasters?"
For a brief moment—
Dranexx's expression hardened.
"Not all of them."
His gaze drifted upward.
"Just... specific ones."
A faint frown appeared on his face.
"For starters, yours."
"She's too proud."
"It pisses me off."
He folded his arms.
"And the Grandmaster of Truth..."
"And the Grandmaster of Faith."
His eyes narrowed.
"I want to see how far I can go against them."
Akube turned his head toward him.
"You're strong."
His voice was serious.
"I know that."
"But you saw it yourself."
"They're on a completely different level."
Silence lingered between them.
Then
"Dranexx..."
Akube spoke again.
"Do you believe there are other universes out there?"
Dranexx looked toward the stars.
"I do."
"The Heavenly Palace alone proves it."
His eyes reflected the night sky.
"That realm feels like an entirely separate universe."
"Different timelines."
"Different laws."
He shook his head.
"There's no way one universe could contain nineteen Grandmasters at once….We've already seen that a single Grandmaster can threaten an entire universe."
Akube nodded slowly.
"So you believe in multiple timelines...parallel universes?"
"That's exactly why I need to grow stronger."
Dranexx answered immediately.
"I want to see it all myself."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"You've read those Japanese novels, right?,Look at how their cosmology is structured."
"Layered worlds."
"Higher realms."
"Outer gods."
His gaze sharpened.
"I have this feeling...Our world is structured on an even larger scale."
His expression became serious.
"And something deadly is waiting for us in the future."
Akube exhaled slowly.
"Maybe."
He closed his eyes.
"But right now..."
A quiet breeze passed through the forest.
"We survive the present."
Then A whisper.
"I... am... waiting..."
Dranexx immediately stiffened.
His eyes widened slightly.
"That voice again..."
His expression darkened.
"This makes it the second time now."
Slowly His eyes narrowed into the darkness beyond the skies.
Something Or someone..Was watching.
Arrival at the Kingdom of Nacia
The next day, they continued their journey until the towering walls of the Kingdom of Nacia came into view.
"Wooo..."
Dranexx stopped walking.
His eyes widened slightly as he stared at the colossal walls stretching into the distance.
"It's huge!"
A grin spread across his face.
"So this is the Kingdom of Nacia?"
Uto smiled proudly.
"Yes."
He folded his arms.
"Not to brag, but Nacia is one of the most successful kingdoms in all of Lumeria."
"Really?"
Akube raised an eyebrow.
"Yes."
Uto nodded confidently.
"Our kingdom has remained undefeated for thousands of years."
His chest puffed slightly.
"We possess the strongest military force."
"Hmmm..."
Dranexx narrowed his eyes toward a marching unit clad in silver-blue armor.
"Are those kingdom knights?"
Soza nodded.
"Yes."
"They are called the Syria Knights."
A hint of pride entered his voice.
"They are the elite military force that has protected our kingdom for generations."
Dranexx smirked.
"Compared to Jugelia..."
His gaze remained fixed on the formation.
"They seem more armed and organized."
Uto glanced at him carefully.
"Jugelia is far away and small..."
He paused.
"But that does not mean weak."
"According to ancient history, they stopped waging war over three thousand years ago."
His expression became thoughtful.
"Many believed they no longer existed..."
A smile appeared on his face.
"Until we met you two."
"I see..."
Dranexx nodded slowly.
Suddenly Akube's voice echoed inside Dranexx's mind.
Wait... what are they talking about?
Dranexx responded immediately through thought communication.
I made up a random village name... and it turns out to be real.
Akube froze mid-step.
Hold up.
Are we communicating through thoughts right now?!
Yes.
Dranexx's mental voice remained calm.
Akube grinned.
You haven't even been in this world for a full day and you already understand the system?
Unlike you...
Dranexx replied casually.
I'm more observant.
His mental tone sharpened.
I don't plan to obey this world's laws.
I plan to define them.
I will override its concepts and become divine.
Akube smirked.
Not until I surpass you first.
I won't let you get ahead of me.
A faint grin appeared on Dranexx's face.
Sounds like a challenge.
"Hold it."
One of the guards stepped forward.
His hand rested on the hilt of his sword.
"Who are these boys?"
"They're from a distant land."
Uto answered calmly.
"They seek refuge in Nacia."
The guard looked toward Dranexx and Akube.
"Are they under your responsibility?"
"Yes."
Uto nodded.
"Whatever happens is on us."
The guard remained silent for a moment.
Then—
"...Very well."
He stepped aside.
"You may pass."
Once inside the city Dranexx turned toward the party.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Thank you."
He bowed slightly.
"You've helped us a lot since we met."
His expression softened.
"I don't know how to repay you."
Amanda smiled warmly.
"There's no need."
She waved a hand dismissively.
"We simply help others..."
A playful smile appeared on her lips.
"As long as we don't regret it later."
Akube grinned.
"Trust us."
He pointed at himself proudly.
"We always repay our debts."
Amanda suddenly leaned closer toward Dranexx.
Her voice lowered into a whisper.
"If you wish to repay me..."
A teasing smile appeared on her face.
"Don't forget my offer."
Dranexx blinked.
"Ah..."
He scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"Okay."
"Amanda."
Uto cleared his throat.
Amanda immediately straightened up.
"Oh, nothing."
Soza sighed deeply.
"Typical Amanda."
Uto pointed toward a large building further ahead.
"That building over there is the Adventurers Guild."
Dranexx and Akube followed his finger.
"If you want to survive here, you'll need to join a guild and earn money from quests."
"We will."
Dranexx nodded.
"Thank you again."
Uto smiled.
"We'll meet again."
The two groups parted ways.
Akube stretched his arms behind his head.
"So..."
A grin appeared on his face.
"Which guild are you choosing?"
"Adventurers Guild."
Dranexx answered immediately.
"Really?"
Akube looked surprised.
"I'm joining the Mercenary Guild."
"Ah."
Dranexx shrugged.
"Okay."
A moment later Akube burst into laughter.
"Relax!"
He nearly doubled over.
"I'm joking."
"We're joining together."
Dranexx stared at him.
"..."
"You're such a jerk."
"HAHA!"
The two entered the large hall.
The building buzzed with activity.
Warriors.
Mages.
Demi-humans.
Adventurers of every kind filled the room.
A beautiful demi-human receptionist smiled as they approached.
"Welcome to the Adventurers Guild."
Her ears twitched slightly.
"Are you here to register?"
Akube froze for half a second.
She's pretty...
His eyes widened.
And a demi-human too...
"Yes, please."
Dranexx answered.
"Alright."
The receptionist placed several documents on the counter.
"Please sign here."
She pointed toward a crystal orb.
"Then place your hand on the magic orb."
"Me first."
Akube immediately stepped forward.
"Slow down, idiot."
Dranexx grabbed his shoulder.
The receptionist giggled softly.
"No need to rush, sir."
Akube smiled shamelessly.
Dranexx sighed.
Then stepped forward.
"How does this work?"
"It stores a portion of your mana or aura."
She explained patiently.
"We appraise it to determine your elemental attributes and suitable rank."
"I see."
Dranexx placed his hand on the orb.
The crystal immediately glowed brightly.
"Interesting."
His eyes followed the shifting colors.
"You too, sir."
Akube stepped forward and repeated the process.
Moments later The receptionist stood up.
"Mr. Dranexx."
"Mr. Akube."
She bowed slightly.
"I'll be right back."
The two waited.
Dranexx leaned closer.
"What rank do you think we'll get?"
Akube shrugged.
"No idea."
A few moments later, she returned.
Her expression looked strangely complicated.
"You two are..."
She paused.
"...exceptionally strong for first-time registrants."
Akube immediately straightened.
"You've both been assigned A-Rank."
Silence.
Complete silence.
Dranexx's eye twitched slightly.
Damn.
That's too high.
I wanted to keep a low profile...
Now everyone will notice us.
Meanwhile—
Akube's face lit up.
"Oh great!"
He grinned.
"Thank you!"
Then he immediately leaned forward.
"By the way...What's your name?"
"You may call me Asunal."
Akube smiled.
"Nice name, Asunal."
She smiled politely.
"You may now select a quest suitable for your rank."
Both boys nodded.
"Alright."
##
Dranexx stepped toward the quest board and folded his arms.
"So..."
His eyes scanned the requests pinned across the board.
"Which job are we taking?"
Akube immediately pointed toward a particular quest.
"Look at that one."
A grin spread across his face.
"Sky Dragon Subjugation."
His eyes sparkled at the reward amount.
"That payout is huge."
Dranexx glanced at the quest details.
"Alright."
Without hesitation, the two accepted the request and departed for the designated location.
---
Several hours later—
They arrived.
A vast mountain range stretched before them.
The wind howled across the cliffs.
Dranexx narrowed his eyes.
"So this is where we fight the Sky Dragon..."
"About that..."
Akube pointed toward the clouds.
"Are those the dragons over there?"
High above them—
Massive winged creatures circled through the skies.
Their shadows swept across the mountains below.
Dranexx activated his skill.
"Appraisal."
A faint glow appeared in his eyes.
Then—
His expression changed.
"...What?"
Akube glanced at him.
"What is it?"
Dranexx looked back toward the sky.
"That's not a normal Sky Dragon."
His eyes narrowed.
"These are Emperor Sky Dragons."
Akube stared upward again.
"Yeah..."
He scratched his cheek.
"And there's a lot of them."
His expression became puzzled.
"Why would the guild mislabel this?"
"Doesn't matter."
Dranexx shrugged.
"The more we kill..."
A grin appeared on his face.
"The more we earn."
He looked toward Akube.
"You get me?"
Akube smirked.
"Let's make it interesting."
"A challenge?"
Dranexx raised an eyebrow.
Akube pointed toward the sky.
"Whoever kills more dragons gets the bigger share of the reward."
Dranexx laughed.
"Heh."
"Don't cry when you lose."
Akube cracked his knuckles.
"In your dreams."
The two exchanged confident grins.
"GO!"
Dranexx looked toward the sky.
"Hmm..."
He rubbed his chin.
"How do I kill them without destroying the forest...?"
His gaze drifted downward.
"If I draw a sword from The World of Cavalry..."
A faint smile appeared.
"The entire area might vanish."
He paused.
Then snapped his fingers.
"Oh."
"That'll work."
Dranexx bent down and picked up a long tree branch.
Akube stared.
"Seriously?"
Dranexx ignored him.
"Hell Flame Slash."
The branch instantly ignited.
Infernal flames erupted across its surface.
The surrounding air distorted from the heat alone.
Then He casually swung it.
BOOOOOM!!
A flaming arc split the heavens.
Thirty Emperor Sky Dragons were sliced apart instantly.
Their burning bodies plummeted from the sky.
Using nothing but a stick.
Silence.
Dranexx blinked.
"Wooo..."
He looked at the destruction.
"That was too much."
A nervous smile appeared.
"I need to tone it down."
He glanced at the burning horizon.
"Or I'll burn the whole forest."
Akube looked upward.
"They're flying..."
He crossed his arms.
"And I'm grounded."
A grin slowly appeared.
"Hmmm..."
Then
"I've got it."
He raised his hand.
"Rising Water Jet."
Dozens of highly compressed water spears erupted upward.
Like missiles.
BOOM!! BOOM!! BOOM!!
The sky exploded repeatedly.
One dragon after another fell from above.
Thirty-eight Emperor Sky Dragons crashed toward the earth.
Akube smirked proudly.
"At this rate..."
He pointed at Dranexx.
"I'm winning."
Dranexx stared at the growing mountain of dragon corpses.
"...Now how do I carry all this?"
He scratched his head.
Then suddenly remembered something.
"Item Box..."
His eyes brightened.
"That's what they call it in those Japanese novels, right?"
A grin slowly spread across his face.
"If I don't have one..."
He snapped his fingers.
"I'll create one."
The surrounding mana trembled.
"Hyper Containment."
A new skill was born instantly.
"Hyper Containment"
A dimensional storage capable of containing anything Even an entire planet.
Dark space opened beside him.
One by one The dragon corpses vanished into the rift.
Dranexx nodded in satisfaction.
"Well."
"Problem solved."
He glanced toward Akube's location.
A mischievous smile appeared.
"Now...Let me go disturb him."
Akube looked toward the remaining dragons.
"Three more..."
He stretched his shoulders.
"After that, I'll go steal Dranexx's kills."
A grin appeared.
"Blazing Shotgun."
A massive blast of condensed flames erupted upward.
Before it could connect
BOOOOM!!
The three dragons exploded instantly.
Akube froze.
"..."
"What?"
His eye twitched.
"What just happened?"
A familiar voice answered from behind.
"Too slow."
Akube slowly turned around.
There stood Dranexx.
Smiling.
Akube immediately pointed at him.
"THAT WAS MY PREY!"
Dranexx shrugged innocently.
"Looks like I win."
Akube clenched his fists.
"Jerk."
Dranexx laughed.
"Don't cry, twerk."
Akube nearly exploded.
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING TWERK?!"
Dranexx burst into laughter.
Their rivalry burned hotter than the battlefield itself.
Far away in the kingdom of Brugia
"Sneeze!"
Lisa rubbed her nose.
"Who's talking about me?"
She stood before the enormous gates of the Kingdom of Brugia.
A nation where Elves, Demi-humans, and Humans coexisted.
The kingdom was powerful.
Prosperous.
Feared by neighboring nations.
Yet despite its strength Brugia had never managed to defeat the mighty Kingdom of Nacia.
Time and time again Nacia's military power crushed them.
Lisa looked up toward the massive walls.
"Well..."
She stretched her arms.
"First things first."
A determined smile appeared.
"I need money."
Her eyes landed on a large building nearby.
The Mercenary Guild.
A grin formed across her face.
"Let's see where my power can take me."
She stepped forward confidently.
The large guild doors opened before her.
And somewhere far away Two monsters continued arguing over who killed more dragons.
Neither willing to admit defeat.