I can see it now. It's as if time itself has slowed to a crawl. At this speed… they're nothing to me. I can cut them down in a heartbeat.
In a blur, my sword cleaved through the air.
I swung my blade twenty times in a single breath. The dark hounds didn't even have the chance to howl. They collapsed, shredded into chunks of flesh.
"I've only been using martial arts and basic abilities until now," I muttered aloud, shaking the blood from the sword. "I haven't had the chance to fully test myself with a blade. This should be enough practice... but perhaps a few more won't hurt."
The sun had already begun to dip below the horizon. Scarlet and gold hues washed over the field littered with corpses.
Three hundred sixty-seven. That was the number of dark hounds I'd slain. The air reeked of blood and scorched fur.
With a sigh, I sheathed my sword and turned toward the mountain trail. "Time to check on Amelia. Hopefully, she's finished."
---
I rapped lightly on the wooden door. "Amelia."
It opened almost immediately. Amelia's face lit up with excitement. "You're back! Hurry, come inside—I've succeeded, just like I promised."
I followed her up to her laboratory, situated in the highest room of her mountainside home. The interior pulsed faintly with alchemical energy, thick with the scent of herbs and mana.
She presented four vials resting in a crystalline case. Each shimmered with a silvery light, glowing faintly with soft warmth.
"This is it," she said, pride filling her voice. "The potion I told you about. I managed to create four vials of the Elixir of Life—it can extend your life for several years."
I stepped closer. The light wasn't just mana.
This… it's infused with divine energy. Strong, radiant… holy.
"Where did you acquire divine energy?" I asked, squinting at the vials. "I can feel it—your mana couldn't have masked it from me."
She raised an eyebrow, impressed. "You noticed? Even though I cloaked it with several layers of mana… You really are something, Angel. Well, I'll tell you. I used to serve as a priest in the Luminos Church. I learned a divine skill—'Bless.' It's an ability passed down to priestesses and priests. It allows us to imbue objects, even liquids, with divine power."
Bless… I made a mental note. If I can learn that skill… I could elevate my apothecary's capabilities beyond what's possible with just mana.
"I'll keep two vials for myself," Amelia continued. "The remaining two are yours. Also, here's your reward—thirty gold and fifty silver coins."
"Thanks. I'll take them," I said, pocketing the coins. "It's time I returned to the Luminos Kingdom. There are still things I need to handle."
"If you ever need medicine or more elixirs, just come to me with the right ingredients," she said, waving as I headed for the door.
"Sure," I replied, waving back.
I already have my own apothecary in the Sky Realm… but allies like her are always welcome.
---
As I passed through the capital's gates, whispers followed in my wake. Eyes glanced at the symbol embroidered on my arm—the crest of the Astallon family.
"Isn't that the Astallon insignia?"
"He must be from their line—maybe an adventurer? Or a secret heir?"
Rumors bloomed like wildfire. But I could hear every word.
Thanks to chi manipulation, I can extend my senses. I hear them all—like I'm everywhere at once.
---
"Angel! You're back!" Diana greeted me with a smile, rushing over from the front desk.
"I just returned from RockDragon Mountain," I said, brushing dust from my cloak.
"Must've been dangerous. Even if it's a lesser species, a Rock Dragon's still a dragon. You should be careful."
I can't exactly say it was fun... but it wasn't difficult either.
"Yeah," I said aloud. "Its skin was the biggest problem."
"Why not take a break? You've just returned from a major quest."
"I might," I replied. "I'll head to the inn first."
"Okay! Rest well!" Diana called out.
I returned to the inn and, once alone, activated the teleportation circle. The world twisted—and I reappeared in the Sky Realm.
---
It's been three weeks since I last visited.
The clouds stretched beneath my feet. Floating isles, gardens, and villages dotted the expanse. The world I forged was thriving.
"Everyone seems to have adapted to this world," I mused.
My apostles gathered quickly, except for three who were notably absent.
"We greet the Lord Angel!" they chorused.
"Chronos," I addressed the nearest. "Update me."
"Yes, my lord," he said, bowing. "The village homes have been reconstructed in the style of our old world—traditional, but refined. And the villagers have adopted our culture seamlessly."
Wait… who told them to teach culture?
"As for the Asura Brothers' training," Chronos continued, "the men undergoing it have shown progress. While not yet at soldier level, they are capable of fending off demonic beasts emerging from the forest."
"And Maria?" I asked. "Where is she? And the others?"
"Lady Maria is currently resting. She expends divine power to bless the villagers, but their prayers and devotion restore her strength. As for the others—they are either stationed at Xinjiang's Heavenly Sect protecting your throne or out in the world, forging names for themselves."
Wait… Xinjiang? My eyes narrowed.
"How did they even get to Xinjiang?" I asked.
"Raijin successfully created a gate using a teleportation jade slip," Chronos explained. "It's in the mansion basement, my lord."
So they managed to establish a bridge back into the world of Martial Road… impressive.
"Well, I only came here to check on things," I said. "I'll be heading back now. Let me know if anything changes."
"Yes, my lord."
---
"Diana," I said upon reentering the guild. "I'm ready for another quest."
"Already?" She blinked. "Well… I'm not sure what to recommend. Why don't you check the quest board? You're only three missions away from ranking up to B."
I nodded and scanned the board.
Not much… ah. Goblin subjugation. Heh. This could be fun.
"I'll take this one," I said.
"Are you sure?" Diana asked, concerned. "Those usually need a full party…"
"I don't need a party," I said with a grin. "I defeated a dragon alone, remember?"
Diana pouted slightly. "Just don't get arrogant, okay? Be careful."
"I will," I said with a wave.
A village plagued by goblins… sounds like something out of a dark tale. But it'll be their end soon.
---
"Thank you for coming, young man!" said an elderly man—William Kahn, the village's patriarch. "We've been under constant attack. They've taken some of our women and children. No one dared help… until you came."
"You don't have to worry anymore," I told him, meeting his gaze. "So long as I'm here—no monster shall dare approach."