[You have defeated "Nivran, the Sunless Dragon" and gained 800,000,000 experience points!]
Ding! Ding! Ding!
[You have leveled up to level 367!]
[You have leveled up to level 368!]
[You have leveled up to level 369!]
With that done, though, Alex could finally sit down.
"Holy shit..."
Alphox was still present close to him, unmoving, probably injured from the attacks.
Alice was also still unconscious, the soul attack probably hurting so much as she wasn't used to it that her body immediately shut down.
But Alex knew that sitting around and doing nothing wouldn't cut it.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
Defeating a level 650 monster was a massive milestone for him, and it meant that he was in fact getting stronger.
He had needed the help of Alice and Alphox to win, but soon enough, he would be able to do it alone.
Getting up from his position, he immediately marched toward Nivran's body, placing his palm against it.
"Extraction," he whispered, his eyes wide opened, aura flaring in them, "Give me what I want."
Ding!
And so it did.
[You have extracted "Dragonheart Essence" (Artifact)]
A golden glow enveloped Alex as the notification materialized before him.
[Description: The heart of a legendary dragon, imbued with immense power. Rarely obtained due to the specific and challenging conditions required to extract it.
In exchange, it can be used for many things:
When used in alchemy, enhances the effects of any potion by a factor of 10, regardless of its original potency.
Capable of mending almost any injury, across all races. However, its regenerative effects are particularly potent when used on dragons.
And finally, it is one of the items needed to acquire the "Dragon" bloodline.]
"...?!"
The [Dragonheart Essence] materialized in Alex's hand, a dark, pulsating heart that beat rhythmically, surrounded by a golden, almost divine glow.
He stared at it, captivated and uneasy, as the artifact radiated immense energy.
The final line of the description echoed in his mind:
"It is one of the items needed to acquire the "Dragon" bloodline."
Alex's heart raced.
The opportunity was staggering.
He didn't have any clue as to how to obtain the [Dragon] or [Angel] race, but the fact that the description of this item told him that the [Dragonheart Essence] was required change everything.
He could feel the artifact's energy tempting him, as if whispering promises of unimaginable strength and dominion.
Every injury, every scar, was gone. His body radiated strength and vitality, more vibrant than ever before.
"It worked," Alphox said, his voice calm, "As expected."
Alex stood back, grinning as he crossed his arms. "You're welcome."
The dragon turned his gaze to Alex, a mixture of gratitude and something deeper, respect.
"You could have kept that power for yourself. Yet, you chose to save me. Why?"
Alex shrugged. "Let's just say I don't leave friends behind."
"Friends..." Alphox rumbled a low laugh. "Foolish, but commendable."
He stretched his wings wide, their shadow casting a commanding presence over the cavern.
"You have done more than heal me. I am stronger now than I was before. This... is a debt I will not forget."
Alex smiled, though exhaustion was beginning to weigh on him.
"I shall go rest quickly, then we can talk, human."
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Alphox nodded before vanishing back into his [Shadow Pet Space].
"..." Alex wanted to ask him about the bloodline, but oh well, now that Alphox was back, he had more than enough time.
Alex took a deep breath, exhaustion pressing heavily on him.
The battle had drained him, but his gaze shifted toward Alice, who lay motionless on the cavern floor.
Her pale face was streaked with dirt and blood, her chest rising and falling faintly.
Despite her injuries, she was alive, a small relief amidst the chaos.
*When he finally reached her, he knelt, his heart sinking as he saw the extent of her injuries.
"Alice..." he murmured, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
Her skin was cold to the touch, her breathing shallow.
This was the power of a [Soul Attack] on someone that was unprepared.
Later in the game, people would realize how dangerous they were and start actually preparing since there were ways to strengthen your soul.
But for now, no one had a clue.
Without hesitation, he slid his arms under her and lifted her gently.
Her body was limp, and her weight pressed against his already aching frame, but Alex held her close, careful not to increase her wounds.
His thoughts turned to the [World Map].
Summoning its interface, he navigated to the glowing icon that marked the [Fox Tribe Village].
It was a safe haven, one he knew could provide the care Alice desperately needed.
With a deep inhale, he focused on the destination.
"Teleport," he whispered.
The air around them shimmered, a soft hum filling the space as the teleportation process activated.
The cavern blurred and twisted, light bending in unnatural ways until it was replaced by the familiar sight of the [Fox Tribe Village].