Anos savored each bite of Luna's cooking, delighted by the familiar flavors. Her dishes evoked a sense of home, surpassing any exquisite delicacies outside.
"I'm going out later," Anos announced, his eyes locked on Luna's.
Luna's eyebrows arched in surprise. Normally, Anos avoided nighttime excursions, opting for cozy evenings with her.
"Is it dangerous?" Luna asked, concern etched on her face.
Anos smiled reassuringly, his gaze holding Luna's. "What danger?"
Luna's expression softened, trusting Anos' judgment.
Anos didn't want to worry Luna, so he kept his destination a secret. He knew that if she found out he was heading into the treacherous Demonic Beast Domain, she would be frantic with concern.
"I'll be back soon," Anos said, standing up from the dinner table. He smiled reassuringly at Luna, trying to alleviate any doubts she might have.
"En, be careful," Luna replied, her voice laced with a hint of apprehension. She gazed up at Anos, her eyes sparkling with affection.
Anos' heart swelled with love for her. He walked around the table and gently wiped away a grain of rice from the corner of Luna's mouth. "You had some rice here," he said softly.
Luna's eyebrows arched slightly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Oh?" she whispered.
She lowered her head, slowly eating another mouthful of rice. Anos couldn't help but notice how adorable she looked, her shyness only adding to her charm.
_System Notification:_
_Scumbag Charm Value + 20,000_
_Reason: Successfully triggered shy response from target, strengthening bond_
Anos chuckled inwardly, delighted by Luna's endearing reaction. He felt grateful for these quiet moments they shared, away from the dangers of the outside world.
...
After dinner, Anos set off towards the outskirts of Flower City. He hailed a taxi, which dropped him off at the city's perimeter. The area was desolate, with scarce civilian presence. Instead, warriors milled about, preparing to venture beyond the barrier or returning from grueling battles.
Anos surveyed the scene, noting the telltale signs of combat on the warriors' bodies. Some bore light scratches, while others had severe injuries – missing limbs, gruesome scars, or crude bandages. The harsh reality of their world was starkly evident: to level up, one had to confront and defeat the monstrous Demonic Beasts lurking outside.
Every city within the Five Great Empires was encircled by a protective barrier, safeguarding against demonic invasions. These barriers allowed free passage for humans, while keeping the beasts at bay. Sentries and warriors from esteemed organizations – the Temple, Bounty Hunter Association, and Magic Court – stood guard, ever vigilant.
Their roles were akin to those of the People's Liberation Army on Earth, protecting citizens and maintaining order. Anos recognized the familiar insignia on the warriors' armor, symbolizing their allegiance to these revered institutions.
As Anos prepared to cross the barrier, he steeled himself for the perils ahead.
After crossing the barrier, Anos entered the treacherous realm of the Demonic Beasts. The landscape shifted from orderly cityscape to untamed wilderness. Humans dotted the horizon, fellow adventurers and warriors seeking fortune and experience.
This proximity to Flower City ensured relative safety, as Demonic Beasts rarely ventured so close. Sentries and warriors patrolled the area, swiftly eliminating any threats. Only an exceptionally powerful Demonic Beast could breach this perimeter, and even then, it would likely arrive with a horde, signaling an all-out assault on the city.
The contrast between the city's order and the wilderness' chaos was striking. Anos emerged onto a neglected highway, flanked by dense, primal forests. Decades of neglect had allowed nature to reclaim this territory, transforming it into an uncharted expanse.
Agility: 123
Spirit: 80
A ferocious Demonic Beast, driven by an insatiable hunger for violence. Its martial technique, Devouring Spirit Claw, condensed Demonic Qi into razor-sharp claws, unleashing devastating close-range attacks.
Anos' lips curled into a subtle smile. "Tonight's hunt begins with a fortunate encounter – a 9-star Spirit Building Realm opponent."
His eyes locked onto the Bloodthirsty Demon Wolf.
Anos' aura surged, radiating intense energy. The Bloodthirsty Demon Wolf's attributes remained etched in his mind.
The beast charged, but upon sensing Anos' 5-star Spirit Condensation Realm aura, it fled in terror.
"Dream on if you think you can escape!" Anos declared, spirit energy swirling around him.
With a burst of speed, Anos chased the retreating wolf. His superior realm allowed him to close the gap rapidly.
In mere seconds, Anos would have caught up, but the dense forest hindered his pursuit. Twenty seconds passed, and the Bloodthirsty Demon Wolf was now within striking distance.
Just as Anos prepared to strike, the cunning beast slashed a nearby tree with its claws, sending it crashing toward Anos.
The fallen tree blocked Anos' path, momentarily halting his pursuit. The Bloodthirsty Demon Wolf seized the opportunity to widen the gap.
Anos' eyes narrowed. "Clever, but not clever enough."
Anos' relentless pursuit continued unabated. As the tree trunk hurtled toward him, he unleashed a swift, precise punch, cleaving it in two with a resounding crash.
The tree's splintered remains rained around him as Anos condensed spirit energy in his right hand. "Spirit Fist Blast !" he declared, his voice echoing through the night.
A brilliant blue spirit energy blast coalesced, taking the shape of a gleaming spearhead. With a burst of speed, Anos launched the attack.
The Spirit Fist Blast shot out like a cannonball, illuminating the dark forest. The blast homed in on the Bloodthirsty Demon Wolf, which let out a terrified howl.
The beast attempted to dodge, but Anos' strike was too swift. The energy blast struck the Bloodthirsty Demon Wolf's side, sending it crashing into a nearby boulder.
The impact was colossal. The boulder shattered, sending rocks and debris flying in all directions. The Bloodthirsty Demon Wolf's body crumpled, its bones shattered.
As the dust settled, Anos approached the defeated beast. A faint glow emanated from its corpse, signaling the transfer of experience points.
The System's notification echoed in Anos' mind:
"Ding... You killed Bloodthirsty Demon Wolf."
Reward:
Experience + 500
Spirit Energy + 100