Talk

Back in the dark place.

Two silhouettes could be seen talking to each other.

"So let me get this straight...after I passed out, you brought me to this place and rested," Kevin continued, "Then you heard a rumble... and the next moment the island was already in the air"

Laura just nodded in response as she placed her hands on the head, filled with complicated feelings.

"Although I can't understand what's happening, there's definitely something strange going on...I've never seen trees this huge before," Kevin said.

"That's not the only thing, the mana here is more proficient than anywhere I've been," Laura muttered before adjusting her mask.

"I noticed that too," Kevin replied, "Well, since there's no way for us to reach China with our current power...let's survey this island first and then figure out what to do."

Kevin stretched a bit before putting on his backpack. After some thought, Kevin decided to put on the white mask as well, just in case.

"What? If you can wear a mask, why can't I?" said Kevin, noticing the piercing look that came from Laura's way.

"By the way, what is your god power and realm?" asked Kevin suddenly.

"Why should I tell you?"

"I'm sure there are dangerous creatures dwelling on this island, so I want to know whether you are a burden or not."

Laura, seemingly agitated by such questions, answered proudly:

"Superhuman Third Realm, Water Mage"

'Did she just say the third realm? Mage? Isn't she many times stronger than me?' Kevin questioned himself, wondering why she didn't fight back earlier, but after a throughout analysis, Kevin understood the reason.

If she can control water, that means the current situation is disastrous for her since there isn't even a hint of a liquid source. Of course, she could have defended herself by using physical strength, but in the end, Kevin would overwhelm her with a rain of attacks.

'So she used her god power to stay alive...well, her god power is pretty strong,' Kevin thought, once again eyeing Laura who was standing on the spot, hands crossed as if waiting for something.

"What? Did you think I was going to tell you about my god power? Funny," Kevin snorted as he tapped the bracelet on his wrist, causing a dark costume to instantly spread across his body, "You're good enough not to be considered baggage, now let's go"

"YOU--" Laura's pride was hurt after hearing such words from someone her age. All her life she was always considered a genius, so Kevin's statement was just unacceptable to her.

However, there was nothing to do, so Laura just followed Kevin to the exit of the giant tree while many cruel thoughts flashed through her mind, which she resolved right after.

"By the way...I still don't know your name," Laura said.

Kevin turned around as golden sunlight fell on him, reflecting off his pale hair. Looking straight into Laura's face with abysmal eyes Kevin mumbled:

"Kevin, Kevin Gray"

Kevin didn't find any reason as to why should he keep his identity a secret, so telling the truth wasn't such a problem.

'Kevin Gray?...I'll have to investigate him once I'm in the military, I'm sure dad will have information on him' Laura thought before continuing walking.

Kevin stepped out of the hole once again getting the chance to survey the vicinity. Although the island was presumably dangerous, considering the amount of mana it holds, but the view from the top of the sanctuary is still incredible.

'Oh yeah, I forgot something' Kevin thought as he opened the system panel and looked at the servant's function.

***

[Servant: Markus]

[Cultivation: Superhuman stage 1]

[Specie: Human]

[God Power: Flying]

***

'So you're the strongest servant now," Kevin said in his mind as he tapped on the [Flying], causing another blue window to appear.

[Flying - lets the user float in the air]

[Note: Mana consumption is rapid]

'Well, not bad,' Kevin thought before closing all the screens. Although Markus was strong, his potential wasn't that good. The fact that he's a human is already a big disadvantage because, unlike the beasts, he won't be able to get other god powers in the future.

Still, [Flying] already makes him a decent servant.

"What are you doing?" asked Laura confusedly from behind. She saw every action Kevin did, tapping the air several times while sometimes laughing wryly. She was really starting to wonder if Kevin was in his right mind.

"None of your business," Kevin replied as he turned towards the forest that could be seen just beyond the huge tree, "Let's go"

Kevin marched towards the forest, kicking his black boots into the green grass as Laura followed from behind, still keeping a considerable distance.

"By the way, have you explored the area around the island yet?" asked Kevin.

"No"

Laura's short answer caused Kevin to exhale deeply as he proceeded further.

Laura still couldn't forget Kevin's words and the fact that all of her classmates had died, caused her emotions to fill with endless anguish and anger.

Only one thought surfaced in her mind: Become stronger.

Strong enough to be able to defend everyone around, no matter the situation.

"Shh..." Kevin stopped suddenly, signaling Laura not to move.

Checking the surroundings, Kevin noticed a slight sway in the air, coupled with the faint sound of footsteps. Alarmed, Kevin ducked to the ground as Laura followed his actions.

Though neither of them believed the other, they could act professionally in the face of danger and not worry about any feelings.

Continuing to crawl, Kevin stuck his head forward and tried to catch the pageant of the noise.

'Lion?' said Kevin mentally.

In the distance, a medium-sized creature could be seen gleefully nibbling on a piece of bone. Its eyes were slightly closed from opening the mouth too widely, however, the tinge of danger could still be sensed, incoming from its body.

The animal's fluffy hair moved a little as its head suddenly turned to Kevin, who felt a piercing gaze pass right through him.

"He sensed us," Kevin calmly informed Laura, who nodded in response. From the mana that fluctuated around the beast, it was easy to tell that this creature had reached the level of superhuman and though it was impossible to determine which realm, Kevin believed in his own strength.

'Well, let's see if my training paid off," Kevin stood up from the spot and walked forward, letting the lion fully see the intruder's body.

"Laura, I can handle him by myself," Kevin said.

"What? Did you go insane? He's clearly stronger than the first superhuman realm. This is pure suicide. You won't be able to defeat him alone," Laura said annoyingly.

"Who says I'm alone?" Kevin's eyes flickered with darkness as numerous dark creatures obligated from behind his back.

Three similar wolves, one larger than the others, a huge bear, and the familiar silhouette of her classmate Markus.

"Markus?" Laura said aloud as she stood up and extended her hand towards Kevin's servant, but to her surprise, Markus didn't even flinch in her direction.

"What the hell did you do to him?" asked Laura as she clicked her tongue. Even though she didn't like Markus, Laura was still angered by the fact that he had turned into this dark creature.

"I will repeat once again, you don't ask any questions regarding my power" Kevin replied before turning his head to Laura, "I can only tell you that he is already dead and there is no point in trying to communicate with him."

Laura was still unsatisfied with his answer, but Kevin's cold eyes forced her to click her tongue once again as she turned around, reverting to the spot.

"ROAARRR" a loud roar echoed through the area, causing Kevin to unconsciously cover his ears. The servants from behind, on the other hand, didn't seem to be as affected by the noise.

As Kevin looked ahead, he could already see the slowly approaching beast, which had a slight reddish glow on its fur. Suddenly, a fireball formed right in front of its mouth, flying straight at Kevin, who was still dazed from the previous roar.

"Rum, block it," Kevin ordered as one of the servants stepped forward and extended its hands forward. The hair around Rum's body prolonged as he greeted the incoming fireball.

Visible smoke spread from Rum's body while the fireball slowly decreased in size until disappearing altogether.

The servant was severely injured, but after a few moments, the wounds in the middle of its body disappeared, leaving Laura and the Lion dumbfounded.

'This beast...that roar wasn't so simple, it distracted my mana flow and broke my concentration' Kevin said in his mind as he put his stoic face back on, 'A beast with two powerful god powers...I have to make him my servant no matter what'