Ivar's fingers trembled as he held the viscous liquid, It was black as its core's color. staring at it for a long moment before finally tipping it into his mouth. Ivar's throat worked silently, swallowing his fear along with his pride.
Gulp!
Blink!
His pupils dilated to black pools in the firelight.
"I feel noth—ARRRGHH!" His scream tore through the night as he collapsed, writhing on the ground. Never in his life had he known such agony—his muscles burned every fiber igniting simultaneously, his bones twisted, and his very organs seemed to writhe inside him.
Jasper's stomach lurched as he watched his friend's torment. In the game, such scenes had been mere pixels and sound effects, sanitized suffering rendered in digital comfort. But this... this was the raw, viscous reality of pain made manifest. The wet sounds of Ivar's gasping breaths, the way his fingernails split as he clawed at the earth, the involuntary spasms that wracked his frame—it painted a picture no description could do justice.
"Leader," Jasper's voice emerged as a hoarse rasp, his throat suddenly dry as desert sand. "Isn't there anything to ease his pain?"
The clan leader's features remained stoic as granite, "This trial is necessary, brother. Pain is the forge, and he must be both hammer and blade. If he cannot endure, he will never become a true warrior."
Ivar clawed at the earth, his body a prison of fire and knives. For a fleeting moment, he regretted ever seeking this power—until the memory of his humiliation flashed before him. His wife's tears and his own weakness. Rage surged through him at the very thought of regret.
Nooo!
With a roar that could have shattered stone, Ivar forced his convulsing body upright. His legs shook like saplings in a hurricane, but they held. Sweat and dirt streaked his face in war paint patterns, and his eyes blazed in determination, ready to fight against any pain.
The barbarians erupted like a volcano of sound—cheers, whoops, and battle cries that shook the very trees around their camp. Even in agony, his will fired their hearts.
The pain lasted what felt like an eternity before finally, mercifully, fading. Ivar slumped, his limbs shaking ceaselessly.
"Well done, warrior." The clan leader clapped, pride in his voice. "You've fought a battle greater than any blade could bring."
Jasper exhaled in relief, stepping forward. "I think I did well by trading that stage 5 core," he said, his voice carrying a note of satisfaction mixed with relief. "By the time we need an identical core, we will be powerful enough to obtain it with ease." His hand found Ivar's trembling shoulder, "You did well, my friend. Congratulations on being a predator at last."
"Ha… ha… ha…" Ivar laughed weakly, his body still trembling from the searing pain that had just wracked him. "Thank you, Master. I'll protect you well… from now on.
Noticing that, Jasper smirked, "Just focus on recovering now. Our enemies are far stronger than you think; we still need to work hard."
"Yes, Master." The response came automatically, as if he was waiting for those words.
Jasper turned to face the clan, his voice carrying across the gathered warriors.
"Listen well," he began, "There's something you must know—something about the Predators' Paths." He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "I don't know if you've heard this before, but we are brothers. Your strength is mine, and mine is yours. So today, I'll share with you the three paths a Predator can take…"
As he spoke, the barbarians listened intently, their eyes alight with revelation. By the time he finished, a newfound respect burned in their chests—not just for the knowledge, but for the man who had shared it. The bond between them had deepened, forged stronger by trust.
The next day, they bid farewell to the clan and set out toward the royal city, accompanied by Azm and twenty other barbarians, double the number that Jasper asked for.
Ivar marveled at his newfound strength—though the change was subtle, the difference was undeniable. As they traveled, he chatted with the others about their first time consuming a core. Though they had started at different stages, one thing united them: the agony had been unbearable, especially those who started at higher stages.
"Will the pain be this bad every time I consume a core?" Ivar asked, a shiver running down his spine at the thought.
"Don't worry, that kind of pain only happens the first time you drink that horrible liquid. The second time is as easy as drinking water. However, the major development from tier 10 to tier 9 is painful—still, it's not like the first time."
Jasper went back to Hungry Apple Wood forest, slapping the last batch of goblins.
Battle Result:Jasper Wins!HP Remaining: 1440/1500SP Remaining: 1260/1400EXP Gained: 200Loot: Broken Rusty Dagger x1, Goblin Hide x4, 2 gold coins
"This Bold Broken Rusty Dagger followed me for the second time like a lovesick stalker. These goblins' items are always trash."
After the battle result window disappeared, the ogre's roar emerged again, but this time it was barely audible.
"The roar last time nearly stopped my heart. This time, I think you are roaring under your hide, Mr. Ogre. Prepare your cheeks for some premium slapping."
Jasper – Lv. 7
HP: 1440/1500 | SP: 1260/1400
[Attack]
[Guard]
[Items]
[Flee]
VS
Ogre – Lv. 10
HP: 4000/4000
"This Ogre's HP Bar is a cheat. This fight will be quite long and tough."
Round 1
Jasper – Lv. 7
HP: 1440/1500 | SP: 1260/1400
Ogre – Lv. 10
HP: 4000/4000
Jasper's turn:
[Attack] – With quick steps, Jasper launched a successful slash.
Damage dealt: 220
Ogre's HP: 4000 → 3780/4000
SP -10 → 1250/1400
"Well, the damage is better than last time, but still not enough."
Ogre's turn:
The ogre was furious over his dead minion; he charged in rage, punching Jasper in the chest.
[Block] – Jasper jumped back, reducing the damage taken greatly!
Damage taken: 80 (170 blocked)
Jasper's HP: 1440 → 1360/1500
"Nice me, that was a good block, but honestly, his damage is still quite strong."
Round 2
Jasper – Lv. 7
HP: 1360/1500 | SP: 1250/1400
Ogre – Lv. 10
HP: 3780/4000
Jasper's turn:
[Attack] – Jasper dashed, piercing the Ogre's shoulder!
Critical Damage dealt: 320!
Ogre's HP: 3780 → 3460/4000
SP -10 → 1240/1400
"This is going to take forever."
Ogre's turn:
The ogre's punch hit perfectly, sending Jasper meters back.
Damage taken: 270
Jasper's HP: 1360 → 1090/1500
"This is not the best approach. At this rate, it will take forever, and I'll end up losing even if I use my potions."
Round 3
Jasper – Lv. 7
HP: 1090/1500 | SP: 1240/1400
Ogre – Lv. 10
HP: 3460/4000
Jasper kept thinking about how to face this monstrosity. The game was static in front of him, waiting for his decision. Suddenly, an idea struck his mind. "Is this possible?"
Returning to the battle command, he pressed:
[Attack]
[Guard]
[Items] ←
[Flee]
Then he chose [Equipments], changing his weapon into The Broken Rusty Dagger. The game didn't give him time between the last goblin fight and the ogre, so he couldn't see that item's stats.
Jasper's turn:
[Attack] – Jasper attacked, scratching the Ogre's forearm.
Damage dealt: 60
Ogre's HP: 3460 → 3400/4000
SP -10 → 1230/1400
"Gasp! No way! I wasted an attac—"
Infected! The ogre is in a state of sickness; the longer the battle, the weaker he gets.
"What? Niiiiice, it worked!"
Ogre's turn:
The Ogre's muscles stiffened; he couldn't move smoothly. He missed.
"Sorry, Mr. Dagger for calling you trash. You were really a big help in this fight. I'm trash, I was too blind with prejudice to see your true value."
The rounds kept going, with mostly Jasper dodging or the ogre missing. Even if the ogre dealt damage, it was blocked.
At Round 18, the ogre fell to the ground in defeat.
Battle Result:Jasper Wins!HP Remaining: 1010/1500SP Remaining: 980/1400EXP Gained: 500Loot: Ogre's hide x 1, Ogre teeth x 4 , 10 gold.
"This ogre is wealthy, just like me. He also has some minions, and he is ugly too."
But he is stronger than you, dear user.
"Ha ha ha, I can't deny that. Still, I won against him. And slowly but surely, I'll be a predator myself and slap every Ogre to death."
You need to start with goblins first.
"That goes without saying. Those green-skinned pests have been the bane of my existence since my mercenary days. I'll never forget how exhausting life became with them constantly ambushing me every time I tried to gather herbs in peace." He rolled his shoulders, feeling the satisfaction of victory in every fiber. "Let's submit the quest now!"
Reaching the village, he went to the boy, submitting the quest. The whole village seemed happy, and a lot of NPCs were gathered, celebrating.
Young kid:
"Thank you, Big Brother, for saving our village! Your deed won't be forgotten by anyone here. You're a true hero!"
The kid said what he said, then disappeared, walking away rapidly while Jasper couldn't even move.
"Hello? Are you kidding me? Did this kid dine and dash just now?"
Jasper fell into silence, puzzled by what just happened.
"Hey, ArmBrace!"
Yes, dear user.
"Can I be the new Ogre now? Can I unleash righteous fury upon this entire settlement for this blatant quest-and-dash robbery?"
Well, that's possible, but I don't recommend it.
Jasper remained silent for several long minutes. Finally, with the resigned sigh of someone who had learned to accept the absurdities of this game, he turned away from the village and continued his journey toward Luminara's royal capital of Tacaps.
The trip in and out of the game was smooth, and if anything happened, it was easy to deal with.
At the alchemy guild of Tacaps, he asked about Mr. K's location cautiously, fearing that someone would block him. However, finding him proved surprisingly easy. Thankfully, Jasper was an alchemist himself, or he wouldn't have been able to meet him.
Mr. K's laboratory was more of a storage room for monster materials and herbs than anything else.
K:
"State your business, stranger. What brings you to my domain?"
'Hateful! his face reeks of arrogance and greed.' Jasper thought.
[Talk]
"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me, Mr. K. I am Jasper, an alchemist from the distant lands of Zoliland. I came seeking information about the location of the greatest alchemist on this continent."
"Hmm... Even if I were to share such information, he wants nothing to do with visitors or students. The knowledge you seek would be worthless—better to abandon this quest before it begins."
"I want to become his apprentice," Jasper pressed, "I'll do anything—just tell me where he is."
"Anything?" Something shifted in Mr. K's expression. "Ahem. Considering your sincerity—and the fact that you've come from another kingdom—I can't stain my reputation by holding onto such information.
[Mute]
"Fu**er! I knew he was greedy at first glance. No amount of words would have moved his heart from the start. Pleas and honor would bounce off him like raindrops off glass. Ahh, I miss you, Master."
[Unmute]
"Ask whatever you will, Mr. K. It would be my distinct pleasure to assist a distinguished alchemist of your obvious caliber."
'This game is slowly transforming me into a bootlicker.' Jasper thought in frustration.
"Ah ha ha ha, now you speak my language!" Mr. K laughed with a sound like a moneybag being shaken. "You seem quite… strong and resourceful. Bring me these materials, and I'll provide you with the exact location you seek."
A list materialized before Jasper, glowing with soft golden light. As his eyes scanned the requirements, he felt a headache building behind his temples. The list was extensive enough to stock a small army's worth of alchemical supplies.
Holding his head from the headache he was about to get, he started the journey of gathering materials.
Ivar, Azm, and the others were laughing outside the carriage, while Jasper was too focused to even care about hearing them. Only the call of nature was able to disturb his focus.
With the ruthless efficiency of someone racing against time itself, he completed the material gathering quest. Each item required a horrible condition to acquire.
He finally returned to Mr. K's laboratory, submitting the quest.
"Remarkable! You've brought everything I requested in record time. Most impressive, Mr. Jasper. As promised, I'll honor our agreement and reveal the location you seek…" Mr. K paused dramatically. "He resides in the southeastern reaches of Hungry Apple Wood forest."
Jasper felt… No, he didn't feel anything. He lost all his feelings and sense upon hearing the location name.
"IVAAAARRR!" Jasper roar was Identical to the Ogre.
"What's wrong, Master?" Ivar answered, nearly jumping off the carriage.
"Let me commandeer the carriage—or better yet, let me pull it instead of the horses! I have to do something insane or I'll go mad!" Jasper declared, his voice showed that he was starting to lose it.
Ivar barred his way to the traces—but didn't stop him from climbing into the driver's seat. Jasper seized the reins, urging the horses forward. The weather surrounding him was so hot, despite it being early spring.
When they finally reached Serenith—or rather, positioned themselves five hundred meters away in a concealed woodland grove—the system calculated the precise distance and direction to his guild with mathematical precision.
"Let's start digging, guys." Jasper announced "I'll be going back to the guild to dig the tunnel's entrance."
After providing detailed instructions about tunnel direction, structural support requirements, and the precise engineering specifications needed to avoid catastrophic collapse, Jasper and Ivar climbed back into their carriage. Finally going back to their home.