Chapter : 18 Level 1 cleared

In the heart of Sendai, Japan, Dylan Gray sat at the dining table, voraciously devouring his meal while engrossed in the ongoing drama. On the screen, Azazel was in pursuit of Emma, attempting to persuade her of the success of his sacred gear research.

Despite Azazel's earnest efforts over the past five years, Emma playfully poked fun at his endeavors. Her stern demeanor, though, belied a hidden fondness for Azazel's childlike charm. At times, the line between Dylan being the child or Azazel seemed blurred.

"Dammit, this happens every morning," Dylan mused, reflecting on the routine. Over the five years, he had grown to an impressive height of 2 feet 11 inches, his once-crimson eyes transformed into a vibrant blue due to burgeoning spiritual powers and achieving Apprentice level 5th phase fist strength at 16kg and a top speed of 150m/s, Dylan's growth was undeniable.

"Well, Azazel is quite an amusing guy, if you ask me. His intelligence shines through in developing something like a sacred gear that seals a living soul," commented Liridian, a spectral presence floating above Dylan.

As the domestic scene played out, Emma's voice echoed, reminding Dylan to finish his meal before heading to school. "Yes, Emma," he replied, maintaining the habit of addressing her by name, avoiding the traditional 'mom.'

The intricate family dynamic unfolded during Dylan's upbringing, shaped by Azazel. In this revelation, Azazel disclosed the supernatural truth to Dylan — that he is a fallen angel, and his mother, Emma, hails from a high noble devil family. Their love story involved escaping to the human world to be together, resulting in Dylan's birth.

Despite the seemingly absurd narrative, Dylan had no choice but to accept it, concealing his own secret. This intricate tale forms the foundation of the current family structure: Dylan Gray, the son of Azazel and Emma Gray. Albeit still addressing them by their names.

"Azazel is intelligent or not, but he is definitely a pervert, seeing how many times he tried to peek inside the bathroom while Emma took a bath," Dylan remarked to Liridian.

"Well, you're also no less than a pervert," Liridian shot back.

"What are you saying? I am not a pervert. Come on, I'm not a simp who always runs after women," Dylan retorted.

"Oh, really? Five days ago inside Almenia when I was in a different compartment doing some work, what were you searching on the computer?" Liridian said, causing Dylan to stop midway through his meal as he took a gulp. "What are you trying to say? I was just trying to see the capabilities of your computer," Dylan stammered.

"Capabilities, huh? I knew long ago that you're a hidden pervert. But I don't get it—why were you trying to watch now when your stick can't get up?" Liridian said solemnly.

Dylan nearly choked on his food. "Bastard, I am not a pervert. I just saw a unique filter for searching, so I was checking it out, nothing else," Dylan explained his reasons.

"Yaaa, yaaa, like anyone will believe you," Liridian scoffed.

Time drifted as Dylan found himself in his elementary school class, seated at his desk, enduring the monotonous drone of math lectures—2+2 equals, and other trivialities that offered no challenge to his advanced mind. He propped his head with one hand, a visible display of boredom.

"Why do I need to come to school? I've already studied all this," Dylan mused, yawning in the midst of his thoughts.

"You'll need to tell everyone you're an adult in a child's body for that," Liridian quipped in his mind.

"Liridian, project my presence into the class. I'm coming inside," Dylan declared, closing his eyes as he entered Almenia. "Activate the first-level challenge. It's about time for that skeleton to return to its grave," he added.

In the arena, Dylan stretched, ready for the impending challenge.

**Level 1 initiated. Defeat the opponent in 10 seconds to clear level 1** a cryptic announcement echoed.

A skeleton emerged, its eye sockets glinting with a sinister light, ready to torment Dylan once again.

"I really don't like him. Look at that smile, even though he doesn't have a face. But I can feel the smirk," Dylan muttered. He smoothly drew a 40 cm blue futuristic sword with a slightly rectangular hollow handle. His eyes glowed bluish as two similar dual blades, named Fly Cutters, hovered on opposite sides of Dylan as he can now use two blades at the same time, his focus fixed on the approaching skeleton.

"I couldn't predict his strength before, but he's undoubtedly an Apprentice level 5th phase Warrior. However, I hold the advantage of being a spiritual master," Dylan mused, taking deliberate steps forward.

The match commenced as the countdown 1..2...3.. reached its conclusion. In a swift motion, Dylan lunged toward the skeleton, delivering a powerful blow that was skillfully blocked. A confident smirk played on Dylan's lips; he knew the skeleton would attempt to counter.

Seizing the opportunity, Dylan's two Fly Cutters zipped through the air, targeting the knees from behind. The skeleton lost balance, creating an opening for Dylan to unleash a barrage of rapid attacks.

With 5 seconds remaining, the skeleton responded by tossing its sword into the air, propelling itself skyward. In a fluid motion, it caught the sword mid-air, landing gracefully and immediately engaging Dylan in a swordlock. The skeleton then switched hands, aiming for a decisive strike, only to be thwarted by the intervention of Dylan's Fly Cutter.

With 2 seconds left, Dylan wore a confident smirk. "You lose," he declared, slashing from the skeleton's neck to its chest. As skeleton vanished wearing the invisible smirk.

A cryptic message followed.

"Congratulations on clearing the first level within 10 seconds. Here are your rewards."

Two items materialized before Dylan: a 6cm white crystal filled with shining purple liquid and a card adorned with intricate patterns.

"What are these?" Dylan inquired, his gaze fixed on the mysterious objects.

"That's a Muya crystal. It will boost your cultivation process upon consumption, and the card contains the first form of the Nine Thunder Blade skill. Since you've reached Apprentice 5 level 5th phase, it's time to start mastering some skills," Liridian explained.

As Dylan held the card, it transformed into golden dust, flooding his mind with the forms and methods of using the Nine Thunder Blade's first form. "You'll need to practice to use it properly," Liridian advised.

Dylan then consumed the Muya crystal, and an immediate reaction ensued. His heartbeat surged, prompting him to sit on the ground for focus. A bluish aura enveloped him as his spiritual energy rose.

After a 30-minute meditative session, Dylan opened his eyes. "I think I broke through to Apprentice Level 6th phase," he announced, checking his increased spiritual power.

"Now that you've broken through, intensify your training to match your body strength with your heightened spiritual power," Liridian advised.

As Dylan returned to his class, sitting at his desk as the lesson continued for a few minutes. As playtime approached, he discreetly left the school, leaving his hologram behind.

Dylan ran towards the street and soon found himself in front of an ice cream parlor. "Finally, I can cool my body a bit," he mused. After purchasing an ice cream, he settled in at a nearby park, savoring the sweet treat and relishing his well-deserved rest time.

As Dylan enjoyed his ice cream, he heard distinct sounds and turned around to see a man dressed in shady clothes with a hat. Dylan, still licking his ice cream, eyed the figure suspiciously. "He is a devil, isn't he?" Dylan remarked in a low tone.

Liridian, scanning the mysterious man, confirmed, "Yes, you're right."

"It must be some kind of stray devil. Emma warned me about them, telling me to run immediately and use the necklace barrier in such situations, as stray devils have been increasing lately," Dylan mused, keeping a watchful eye on the mysterious figure.

"Let's follow him and see what he does," Dylan suggested, swiftly and stealthily tailing the man. They walked the streets for nearly 10 minutes, with Dylan shadowing the mysterious devil like a swift ninja. The devil suddenly halted.

"It seems like food has arrived on its own," he said, turning around. "Why don't you come out? I've already seen you," the mysterious devil declared.

"Oh, saw me? I was definitely hiding properly," Dylan retorted contemplatively.

"I saw you in the mirror reflection. But leave that aside. Since you're following me, that means you already know what I am. How about this? If you tell me why you're following, I will let you go," the devil proposed with a smile, his eyes concealed under the hat's shadow.

Dylan pulled out a pen from his pocket. "How about this? You tell me your purpose, and if you do, I will let you go," Dylan suggested, playing with the pen in his hand.

"Hahahaha, a small kid telling me he will let me go? Hahaha," the mysterious devil laughed maniacally, as if he had heard the joke of the year.

"Since you're so funny, I will tell you. I am here to find some human food because they are quite tasty," the devil said, licking his lips.

Suddenly, he fell to his knees, blood oozing out. He seemed bewildered, questioning his mysterious situation as he also lost connection to his both hands. Dylan, unnoticed by the devil, had pierced both his knees and shoulders with the pen.

"Wait, we can talk! I was joking; I had no such intention. It was just a joke," the devil pleaded, fear shining in his eyes.

"I heard on the news of mysterious disappearances of many people in the town recently. If my guess is right, it might be you," Dylan said, glaring.

"Die, you bastard!" the devil shouted as his head pierced through the pen.

"Dylan, check his pockets. There is something," Liridian instructed. Dylan found a small paper flyer with intricate patterns. He walked away from the scene, leaving the dead body on the road.

Back at the park, sitting on a bench, Dylan and Liridian examined the flyer. "This seems to be some kind of teleportation flyer," Liridian remarked after scanning it.

"Do you think I can use it even though I don't have demonic energy?" Dylan questioned.

"Of course. It's like a formula. All you need to do is use your spiritual power in a proper way to activate it," Liridian explained.

Dylan held the flyer and channeled his spiritual power into it. In an instant, the flyer shimmered, and he found himself surrounded by unfamiliar trees. "Where did I teleport to?" Dylan wondered aloud.

A mysterious voice interrupted his thoughts, "So, you're here, bunking class on your first day."

Dylan turned to see a lady with glasses, brown long curly hair wearing a black frock extending to her knees, paired with a white top. "How dare you bunk your class on your first day!" she exclaimed furiously.

"Huh? What classes? I don't even know you," Dylan replied, thoroughly confused.

"Dylan, she's also a devil," chimed in Liridian. However, before Dylan could react, the lady grabbed his hand and dragged him along with her. "Hey, where are you taking me?" Dylan protested, but his shouts went unanswered.

As the surroundings shifted once again, Dylan came out from cocoon of tress, founding himself in front of a large building. Small children roamed the area, making it clear he was in a school. "Wait, miss, I don't study in this school!" Dylan protested, but the lady completely ignored him, forcefully dragging him inside.

To be continued...

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