"Beautiful woman, just why are you following the commands of this weakling? I'm stronger than him. Side with me—I'll treat you with respect and love," Mystic offered, his eyes sincere.
Evernight's lips curved into a amused smile. "Unfortunately, you don't have what it takes."
Igaris approached Mystic and said, "I would've loved to spare your life and make you one of my subordinates, but unfortunately for you, I don't like the way you threatened me and my family.
So, you have to die…"
Igaris whispered near Mystic like the Grim Reaper himself.
In that moment, Igaris wasn't like any ordinary teenage boy. His expression was cold, unforgiving.
He hadn't killed anyone before, but today, that would change.
Because he needed to awaken his inner beast. To get vengeance. To take back what he lost.
Everyone will pay.
Every last one of them.
"N-No, don't—"
Puchi!
Mystic's voice faded into oblivion, his eyes losing their luster.
The broken blade, the very one he had shattered, had pierced his heart.
As his body fell with a thud, Igaris looked at his hand which was now stained with fresh, warm human blood.
His heart beat violently, hands shaky, and tears of lost innocence welled in his eyes as he gazed at Mystic's lifeless body.
But soon, he clenched his fists, refusing to show any weakness.
He turned away, wiping his tears.
Then, he walked toward the Griffin to acquire it.
Evernight watched him closely, unable to understand why he cried in that moment.
"Was it really that difficult to kill a human?"
She wondered to herself in puzzlement.
But the more she observed him, the more she realized, he wasn't just any human boy.
He was a unique specimen unlike any she had ever seen.
In the past, she would've loved to make someone like him her pawn.
But now, she was his.
Strangely enough, she didn't find the idea of serving him that repulsive anymore. It was a little tolerable.
Her impression of Igaris had changed in just a few hours.
Because she was now aware that he was a rising force, one with greater potential than anyone she had ever known.
"Maybe… just maybe, with him by my side, I could finally complete my goals?"
"Uh.. What am I thinking? He's still a brat."
Evernight shook her head, dismissing the idea.
On the other hand, Igaris was done with the Acquisition on the Griffin.
[ Name: No Name ]
[ Species: Royal Griffin ]
[ Power Rank: Elite -7 ]
[ Loyalty: 100 % ]
[ Abilities: Wind Manipulation, Stone Body ]
---
The mighty Griffin, once formidable and dangerous, now lowered its head nuzzling against Igaris with its soft fur.
Igaris gently caressed its mane, not mistreating it just because it had previously belonged to Mystic.
With the acquisition complete, the contract was now void. The Royal Griffin belonged to him.
And as always, Igaris would treat it well just like he did with everyone under his command.
Well… except for the undead. Caressing one of them was simply impossible idea.
"Now… where should we go next?" Evernight muttered, her voice curious.
Igaris leaned against the Griffin's warm body, its soft breathing soothing him as he pondered deeply about his next steps.
He would be forced to return to his world after 30 days, and two days had already passed.
So, he had to use the remaining time as wisely as possible to grow stronger by himself.
He couldn't rely on his Subordinates all the time.
Because he wasn't certain whether he could bring his Acquisition Army into his world.
Just to be safe, he needed to look for Summoning Arts, in case he had to start from scratch over there.
Of course, that didn't mean he would stop expanding his army.
Who know if he could bring them with him.. Then it would be a great boon in achieving his goals.
With that plan in mind, he summoned the map he had obtained from Eagle.
Carefully studying it, he began to form a plan to scavenge for treasures, artifacts, or Summoning Arts hidden within the ancient sites scattered across the Forsaken Land.
Evernight stepped closer and glanced at the map curiously.
She simply observed without making any comments, though a strange glint flickered in her eyes. Like a quiet mystery yet to be spoken.
"Let's go there."
Igaris pointed to a spot on the map labeled Sun God's Shrine.
Upon seeing the name, Evernight's lips curled into an almost imperceptible, cold smile.
"I have no problem with that," she replied calmly on the surface.
"Alright, it's decided then. But first, we need to find shelter to spend the night. We'll depart at dawn tomorrow."
Igaris glanced around but couldn't find anything useful to build a makeshift hut.
To spend the night peacefully, he needed fire and blankets for warmth.
The sun had already set, and the chill was creeping into his bones.
Just then, Evernight let out a quiet chuckle.
"Haha... My Liege, you're really slow-minded sometimes. Why build a shelter when you have that bird? You could practically sleep in its thick fur... So soft and warm." She said with a mocking smile.
"Uh?" Igaris paused, glancing at the Royal Griffin in silence.
She was right. That could work.
The Griffin's lower body resembled a lion's, with less fur, but its upper body especially the neck and shoulders was covered in thick, dense, soft feathers and fur.
With its massive size, it could easily serve as a living, premade bed.
But... what about the smell?
He cautiously crept closer and sniffed.
To his surprise, it wasn't unpleasant. In fact, it smelled surprisingly clean—perhaps even natural, like fresh wind and wildflowers.
More importantly, the Griffin's body radiated warmth, more than enough to shield him from the desert's nighttime chill.
But before settling into the Griffin's soft warmth, Igaris climbed onto its back, preparing to leave the area.
Mystic's and friends allies could arrive at any moment to investigate.
He had to be careful.
Maybe by tomorrow, his name might already be on their list of suspects.
.