A terrible threat

"Congratulations! Your body has been purified and strengthened. Be sure to continue rigorous training to fully utilize these new enhancements."

Kito was perplexed by this revelation. Not fully understanding what it meant, he decided to consult his Artificial Intelligence. The AI explained:

"Although you can level up and increase your stats, that's not everything. Stats points only represent part of your abilities. They are added to your base attributes, such as strength, speed, and so on. These attributes can be improved through training, like regular physical exercise or the use of certain potions. The potion you ingested has purified and detoxified your body, increasing the efficiency of some biological functions. The immediate effects won't be spectacular, but in the long run, they'll be exponential. For example, you might benefit from better recovery or more fluid thinking."

Kito was very pleased with what he was hearing. But what the AI just said seemed to confirm one of his thoughts. Although he could increase his stats, he shouldn't neglect physical training, flexibility exercises, or any other form of exercise on the side.

Lysar, snuggled against him, raised her head and looked at him with relief. She was happy to see that Kito, so precious to her, was doing better.

As usual, Kito wanted to go to the forest. This time would be different, but he didn't know it yet. After having breakfast, he left with Lysar to the forest, and they both started hunting monsters.

Kito and Lysar had become a formidable duo, with the little dragon using her keen sense of smell to detect monsters from afar while Kito devised strategies to defeat them. Thanks to her speed and small size, Lysar was able to divert the creatures' attention, allowing Kito to attack their weak points more easily.

Over the hours, they had defeated many monsters, gaining experience and strengthening their bond. Kito could feel the effects of the purification vial beginning to manifest, and every movement he made seemed more fluid and powerful than before. It was subtle, but noticeable. The attacks he received also seemed to scratch him a little less.

However, as they progressed through the forest, they stumbled upon unexplored territory. The vegetation thickened, and the atmosphere became heavier and darker. Despite this, Kito and Lysar decided to continue their exploration.

Their advance led them to a clearing where a huge, ancient tree stood, unlike any they had ever seen before. Its presence was imposing and mysterious, and a strange symbol was carved on its trunk. The two adventurers approached cautiously, sensing the energy emanating from the tree.

At that moment, a quest appeared:

"The village will be attacked by a horde of monsters. Defend the village and survive.

Reward: New magical affinity, ?? Exp, Random item. Quest rank: S"

Kito and Lysar looked at each other with concern, understanding the urgency of the situation. Without wasting a second, they turned back and rushed towards the village, putting aside their fascination with the enigmatic giant tree. They knew that time was running out and that the village was in great danger.

Arriving near his house, Kito found his grandfather, already on alert. Kito briefly explained that he knew a monster attack was about to happen. His grandfather didn't question the source of this information and decided to trust him.

"Listen carefully, Kito. I went out because I sensed a massive concentration of mana and brute force in the distance. Thanks to you, we have gained a few precious minutes. In the meantime, prepare yourself mentally for what lies ahead, both for the battles and for what you will discover. As we speak, I have sent a message to your father who is informing the villagers. Now, let's quickly head to the village. Let me carry you, and I'll get us there in the blink of an eye."

Kito let himself be carried by his grandfather, who took him to the village at breakneck speed. Upon arriving, Kito expected to see panicked villagers, but instead, they were ready to fight, equipped with high-quality weapons and armor.

Addressing the assembled villagers, the grandfather declared:

"Listen to me. I know the children are supposed to be in our underground hideout, but Kito will stay by our side. I want him to see what is happening and try fighting some monsters. Watch out for him if there are any problems. For his part, he will not take unnecessary risks."

Hearing these words, Kaliana and Darius were speechless, horrified. They didn't want Kito to witness this. They also didn't know that Kito was used to fighting monsters, unlike Nerio who had guessed it.

Before they could protest, Nerio reassured them with an authoritative look: "I know what I'm doing. Kito must be present for this. You will understand why."

Kito was a little embarrassed by all this, but his grandfather was offering him an incredible opportunity.

The monsters were starting to arrive in the distance at a rather high speed. If the villagers felt so confident, it was because, thanks to Kito, although they thought the information came from his grandfather, they had had a few minutes to prepare properly, and these few minutes would be precious to them.

The monsters began to arrive, but curiously it seemed to resemble waves. The weakest monsters were the only ones advancing towards the village, probably as cannon fodder.

At that moment, his grandfather announced: "Long-range fighters, get ready. Don't waste your mana unnecessarily; this first wave is here only to tire us out. Assemble to cover all flanks, and leave the far-left flank to Kito. I will supervise him, but I want to test his abilities."

Everyone was surprised, but no one contested Nerio's authority and decision. Everyone seemed to hold him in immense respect.

"I didn't think we'd get here so quickly, Kito, but show me your true worth. Use all your resources, but don't reveal your baby dragon for now. However, you can use your dark magic here. Be prepared; the first wave is about to arrive."

As the first wave of monsters approached, Kito readied himself for the battle to come. With his grandfather's guidance and the support of the village, Kito would face the challenge head-on and discover his true potential. The fate of the village was in their hands, and together, they would stand against the approaching horde.