42
Anon sat on the room's floor, intensely focused on controlling his mana. He concentrated on preventing his mana from instinctively covering his body every time his mind perceived danger.
Crack
Suddenly, a cracking sound echoed from his leg. It was the sound of his bones snapping like twigs. His body wasn't accustomed to this gravitational force.
The pressure from the gravitational force relentlessly crushed Anon's bones and internal organs.
"FUCKKK....H-Hey, that's the 15th bone. Use the locket on me. I feel like one of my kidneys is about to burst," Anon cried out, looking at Ion.
"No, this time, I'll use it on the 20th. Your internal organs can endure this force; just focus on your concentration. For your information, I didn't have one of these troll lockets when I trained here," Ion explained, smiling at Anon.
"How did you even survive, then?" Anon inquired.
"My master would occasionally give me some low-grade healing potion to drink. One of the reasons my bones are so strong is because of this room," Ion replied.
"Why aren't you giving me that locket? It won't interfere with this process, will it?" Anon asked.
"It will. If I gave it to you, it would heal your bones before they could break properly. Thus, you'd feel little to no pain. However, you need to experience this pain to strengthen your body for the technique," Ion clarified.
Ten minutes later...
Crack
"FUCKKKK...20. Oi, old man!" Anon yelled.
"Hmm...here you go," Ion said, tossing the locket to Anon.
Anon caught the locket, but in doing so, one of the bones in his hand broke.
Crack
"Damn it..." Anon muttered as he reached for the locket with a broken hand.
As soon as he grasped the locket, his body began to heal. After three seconds, he was restored to his original state, yet he felt even stronger and sturdier than before.
'I'm definitely getting stronger, and I can feel it,' Anon thought as he gazed at the troll locket.
"Here you go, old man," Anon said, tossing the locket back to Ion.
"No, you keep it," Ion insisted, throwing it back to Anon.
"What? Why?" Anon asked in confusion.
"Set it aside and use it whenever you see fit," Ion replied.
"Why are you doing this now?" Anon questioned, puzzled.
"I do as I please, but remember one thing: the more you temper iron, the sharper it becomes," Ion explained.
Anon quickly grasped Ion's message. "I understand," he replied, placing the locket aside and attempting to stand.
'What a beast. When my master brought me here, I couldn't even sit up straight for the first three days, and he's already trying to stand,' Ion thought, smiling as he glanced at Anon, who was struggling to rise, but he ultimately succeeded.
An hour later...
Anon was now standing, though the immense pressure still weighed heavily on his bones. While his bones were no longer breaking, he could still feel the force.
He began walking slowly, then exclaimed, "Hey, look, I can walk now," while sporting a smile.
"You're still progressing rather slowly... I was running by this time," Ion remarked as he observed Anon.
'Running, my foot. I began walking on the seventh day. His drive to become stronger is simply unparalleled. Even he can't outdo himself when it comes to the will for power,' Ion thought, smiling as he glanced at Anon.
Three hours later...
"Oi, look at me, old man. I'm running like a racehorse," Anon proudly declared, dashing from one end of the room to the other without difficulty. He had stopped using the troll locket an hour ago and was now solely relying on his own control.
'His bones have already adapted to this room. What a remarkable monster?' Ion thought as he stood and walked over to Anon.
"Stop," he commanded.
Anon immediately halted his running and turned to Ion, still grinning.
"Yes...?" Anon responded.
"How long does it take you to cover the distance from the entrance to that wall at the far end of the room?" Ion inquired.
"Um... about 60 seconds, I suppose," Anon answered.
"Good... make it 30," Ion ordered.
"What? That's impossible!" Anon exclaimed in shock.
Ion didn't respond verbally. Instead, he walked toward the room's entrance.
"Watch me and say it again," Ion urged as he slightly lowered his body and sprinted like a rocket.
In just three seconds, he traversed the entire distance without employing any mana.
"How on earth are you doing that?" Anon inquired, bewildered.
"You'll be able to do the same; just keep trying. Now, start," Ion encouraged before returning to his previous position and resuming his book.
Anon commenced running again. Every time he completed a lap, he strove to run even faster than before.
A smile formed on Ion's face as he observed Anon's progress.
Cough-Cough-Cough
Suddenly, Ion began coughing, and as he did, he felt a liquid emerging from his mouth.
He used his hand to collect some of the liquid and examined it. A smile played on his lips as he examined the dark, viscous fluid.
"Karma finally caught up, huh?" Ion mused.
5 hours later...
"Old man *Huff-Huff* I did it *Huff-Huff* I can cover that distance in 15 seconds now *Huff-Huff* but... I am too tired." Anon said as he immediately sat down on the ground due to exhaustion.
"Well, seems like it's time for me to reward you." Ion said as he started walking towards the equipments that were lying at the back end of the room.
"Oh, reward... I like that." Anon said as a smile played on his lips.
Suddenly he saw Ion coming back with a very big cauldron in his hands.
*Thud*
He puts the cauldron down and smiles at Anon.
"Huh...? My reward is a cauldron ?" Anon asked with a confused expression.
"No, you idiot. Go and bring me those wood sticks." Ion said as he pointed towards some wood sticks that were lying near the dumbbells.
Anon immediately went near the dumbbells, grabbed the wood sticks and came back to Ion with them.
"Here." He said as he dropped the sticks down.
"Now rub them together and start a fire." Ion ordered.
"What ?" Anon asked with a shocked expression.
Shhh-Shhhh-Shhh
"What are you doing? Do it faster, kid. I don't have much time," Ion grumbled, glancing lazily at Anon as he rubbed the wooden sticks together.
"If you think it's so easy, then do it yourself," Anon retorted, his face contorted with irritation.
"I did it when I was learning the technique back then. Now it's your turn," Ion replied calmly.
"Well, what are we making in this cauldron?" Anon asked, increasing the speed of his stick-rubbing.
"Something that will help boost your stamina," Ion answered.
"Are you making a protein potion or something?" Anon inquired.
"Hmm... something like that, but my master called it 'Elixir,'" Ion responded.
Puff
Suddenly, smoke began to rise from the wood, and a small fire ignited.
"Hey, the fire..." Anon started to say.
"Good, throw it under the cauldron," Ion instructed.
"Alright," Anon responded, tossing the flaming stick under the cauldron. He watched as the fire spread to the other sticks.
"Now, kid, I want you to remember every ingredient I put into this cauldron, okay?" Ion said, looking at Anon.
"Okay," Anon agreed.
"Good. The first ingredient is green grass poison," Ion said, adding the leaves of the poisonous plant into the cauldron.
"What?!" Anon exclaimed, his voice rising in shock.
"Why are you shouting?" Ion asked, puzzled by Anon's reaction.
"That's the most poisonous plant around here... are you trying to kill me?" Anon asked, still in disbelief.
"Just remember the ingredients, kid. The next thing I'm adding is a mixture of one-horned rabbit's horn," Ion continued, ignoring Anon's concerns.
'Forget this... I'm not drinking that stuff,' Anon thought, eyeing the cauldron warily.
In a matter of seconds, Ion had thrown over twelve different ingredients into the cauldron, filling it to the brim.
"...and lastly, you'll add this," Ion said, taking out a large bottle of stored wine.
"You're adding wine to an elixir?" Anon questioned, his face displaying confusion.
"This wine isn't ordinary. It's made from pure red grapes harvested at precisely the right time of the season and the sweet leaves of mint grass grown in the southern valley's soil. After mixing these two ingredients, we bury them in vermi soil to ferment over time. The longer it ferments, the greater its value and taste," Ion explained, opening the bottle and savoring the aroma.
"How many years has this wine been stored?" Anon inquired eagerly, as he too was a fan of aged wines in his previous life.
"Over 400 years. Ah, what a refreshing scent," Ion replied, pouring the entire bottle into the cauldron.
"No... you could've let me at least taste a sip," Anon said, disappointed.
"This wine can't be handled by a human, kid. Now we wait until it's ready to drink. You can rest for now," Ion advised, returning to his chair.
"Hey, I can easily recover my stamina if you just let me use my mana," Anon suggested, looking at Ion.
"Human, that's precisely what I'm trying to teach you. The world outside has become a slave to mana. Everywhere you look, everyone is using mana, from the most significant tasks to the smallest. God gave us mana to use, but now we are being used by mana. We are supposed to use mana for our purposes, but today, everyone is being controlled by it. That's why I brought you here. I want to teach you how to gain control of your mana, control your body yourself, and not let mana control your body. Understand?" Ion explained.
"I think I understand what you're saying, old man," Anon nodded.
"Do you remember that attack you used back at the academy?" Ion asked.
"What? Thunder Javelin?" Anon responded.
"Yes, once you master my technique to its peak, you'll be able to perform that same attack with 3,000 times more intensity," Ion declared, smiling at Anon's astonished expression.
"Th-Three... wait, did you just say three thousand times?" Anon questioned incredulously.
"Yes, but only when you truly master the technique. There's a significant difference between learning and mastering," Ion added, still wearing a smile.
"Let's get back to work, old man. I need to learn this technique," Anon said, rising with enthusiasm.
"Indeed. However, for now, you should rest because your next training will require even more stamina, and you can only obtain that from the elixir," Ion advised, returning to his book.
"Alright," Anon agreed, lying down on the ground and falling asleep.
'The will to become stronger is the force that can make a person into anything they desire... that's what my master told me in his final moments. Today, I truly understand what he meant,' Ion thought, observing Anon sleeping soundly on the ground.
One hour later...
"Kid, wake up. The Elixir is ready," Ion announced, waking Anon.
"Hmm...? Yes, get your clothes off..." Anon mumbled with his eyes half-closed.
"What? Hey, wake up! Don't talk in your sleep like that," Ion said, giving Anon a kick.
"Huh...? What happened? Why are you kicking me? Did someone invade us?" Anon asked, coming to his senses.
"What are you saying? I can't understand you. Just wake up and drink this," Ion urged, handing him a bowl filled with a purplish liquid that emitted a repugnant odor.
"What the fuck is this?" Anon asked, confused and repulsed by the smell of the elixir.
*Sniff-Sniff*
"Ahh... the same smell after so many years." Ion said as he smelled the Elixir and drank it without any stops.
Anon observed him and only one thought came to his mind.
'If he can do it, then i can too.' He thought as he immediately started drinking the Elixir.
Anon drank all the Elixir at once.
"Tastes like shit..." he said as he puts the empty bowl down and takes out a big chunk of fired meat out of his inventory and starts eating it.
As the inventory stops the time for everything that's placed inside it, the piece of meat was as good and warm as it was on the day of it's making.
*Nom-Nom*
Anon chugged down the meat and suddenly a notification popped up in front of him.
[You stamina has been restored to 100%]
Suddenly a fresh Breeze of power surged into his body and he felt refreshed again.
"Well, how do you feel ?" Ion asked with a smile.
"Alive." Anon replied.
"Good, let's get to the next excercise then." Ion said as he stood up.
Anon puts the half eaten meat back into his inventory and stands up "Yep, let's do this."
"So, what's the next exercise?" Anon inquired.
"Pick it up," Ion replied, gesturing toward a small dumbbell.
"This small one?" Anon questioned.
"Yes, that one," Ion affirmed.
"Alright," Anon agreed as he easily lifted the dumbbell, weighing around 10 kgs.
"Good. Now, pick up another one of the same weight and start this exercise," Ion instructed, demonstrating bicep curls.
"Just this?" Anon asked, appearing puzzled.
"Yes, just that," Ion replied.
"Okay, but how many?" Anon inquired.
"Um... 100,000 without breaks," Ion replied.
Thud
Thud
Suddenly, both dumbbells slipped from Anon's grasp, and a shocked expression crossed his face.
"What happened?" Ion asked, looking perplexed.
"H-Hundred thousand?" Anon stammered.
"Yes, is that a problem?" Ion questioned.
"That's too many—" Anon began to protest.
"Now, 200,000," Ion ordered.
"What?"
"300,000."
"Okay, I'm doing it," Anon responded as he retrieved the dumbbells and resumed the bicep curls.
"Good," Ion said, returning to his chair.
'300,000 bicep curls? The devil himself will come for me before I finish them,' Anon thought, as he continued his exercise routine.
Ten hours later...
"299,957... 299,958... 299,959..." Anon was drenched in sweat from head to toe. His biceps had turned red, and veins popped out prominently.
Anon had surpassed human strength at this point, and he showed no signs of stopping. The more pain he endured, the more his motivation grew. He seemed to take pleasure in pushing his body to the limits, displaying a psychopathic smile.
Ion observed Anon with a shocked expression from his chair. 'What's wrong with this boy? I mentioned 300,000 as a joke, thinking he couldn't even complete 100,000. But he's a motherfucking beast. He finished the task in just 10 hours,' Ion thought.
Thud
Thud
"Fuckkkk... Yes!" Anon shouted as he dropped the dumbbells.
"Oi, old man, what's next?" Anon asked, turning toward Ion.
"Pick up the next pair and do 100,000," Ion ordered.
"Alright," Anon agreed, grabbing the next pair and starting the bicep curls immediately. These weighed about 50 kgs each.
Three hours later...
"Hmm... did I fall asleep?" Ion mumbled as he woke up, seeing Anon still exercising. However, something was different about him, his aura is changed.
Drip-Drip
Ion suddenly noticed blood dripping from Anon's body.
"What the—" He stood up from his chair, rushing toward Anon.
"What are you do...ing?" Ion was shocked to see that Anon's biceps had torn apart, and blood was flowing from them.
Anon held the final pair of dumbbells, the heaviest ones at 250 kgs each. "Oh, you're awake... good. 578,099..." Anon mumbled, then resumed his training.
"Kid, your hands are bleeding. Why didn't you stop?" Ion asked, pulling out Anon's troll locket.
"Keep it away from my body. I don't want to be healed right now," Anon replied, still curling the weights.
"You'll lose too much blood like this."
"Let it be... I like it this way. I want to see where my limits stand," Anon said with a menacing smile.
"You're crazy..." Ion muttered, stepping back and watching Anon train like a man possessed.
Two hours later...
Thud
Thud
He finally dropped the dumbbells and looked at Ion with a smile. "10,000,00."
"Now, use this," Ion said, handing him the troll locket.
As soon as Anon took the locket, his body fully healed back to its original state.
"Fuuu~... I feel tired," Anon said as he grabbed an empty bowl from the ground, filled it from the cauldron of Elixir, and chugged it down.
[Your stamina has been restored to 100%.]
"So, what's next?" Anon asked Ion with a smile.
"Do you realize how much weight you were lifting just now?" Ion asked.
"Well, it says 250 kg on it," Anon replied confidently.
"Do you know that the gravitational force in this place is five times stronger than on the surface?" Ion questioned.
"You mean..."
"Yes, for the last five hours, you've been lifting over 1,000 kgs with each hand," Ion revealed with a smile.
"Well, I feel better about it now," Anon said with a grin.
"Let's begin the next exercise..." Ion said, leading Anon to another piece of equipment.
It was a platinum bench covered with an expensive leather.
"You need to add weights to this bar and press it against your chest while lying on the bench—" Ion started explaining but he was interrupted mid-way.
"I know the drill..." Anon interrupted, adding 500 kg weight plates on both sides, made of titanium.
"That's too much..." Ion tried to protest, but Anon's confidence was unwavering. He knew he could easily lift these weights.
"Don't worry. Just tell me how many," Anon said as he lay down and grabbed the bar.
"Well, 100,000 should do the job..."
"Are you fucking kidding me?" Anon said as he looked at Ion with an angry expression.
"Okay, since you did so many before how about 50,000-"
"I'm doing 500,000," Anon declared, commencing his bench press.
"W-Well... it's on you. Just don't die," Ion said, looking shocked.
'This kid is the perfect candidate for mastering my technique. I've never been more certain about any other decision in my life,' Ion thought, watching Anon exercise.
Five days passed, and Anon trained relentlessly...
He tied dumbbells to his feet and ran around the room, did pull-ups with over 2,000 kg of weight attached to his body, and even bound empty bars with 250 kg plates to his legs and jumped around like a frog.
He did squats with over 5000kgs of weight bound on his back.
Ion was astonished by Anon's explosive growth.
Zzzzzzzz
"Hmmm... did I fall asleep again?" Ion muttered, waking up and scanning the room for Anon.
Finally spotting him, he was performing pull-ups with various weights strapped to his body, dumbbells, plates and even empty rods.
"This incredible monster... well, I guess it's time," Ion said as a smile played on his lips, he stood up and walked towards Anon.
"Kid, come down," Ion commanded.
Anon immediately dropped from the pull-up bar, his landing caused the room to tremble due to all the weight he carried.
Thump
The entire room shook.
"Yes?" Anon asked as he stepped out of the weights, revealing his impressive, well-defined physique. He had eight-pack abs and lean muscles throughout his body.
'Wow... I am impressed. I am such a good teacher.' Ion thought as he looked at Anon's body with a smile.
"What ? Why are you laughing ?" Anon asked.
"It's time to teach you the technique, I guess. Since you have already done everything possible in this room." Ion said, looking at Anon with a smile.
Anon and Ion were standing in front of a colossal rock placed at the end of the room. The rock was perfectly round, devoid of visible edges, truly a spherical monolith. Anon had noticed it during previous training sessions, yet its purpose remained a mystery.
"So, what are we staring at this rock for? Is it going to move or something?" Anon inquired of Ion.
"No, you have to break this rock," Ion replied.
"Hmmm... well, breaking it won't be that big of a deal, but weren't you going to teach me your technique?" Anon asked, confusion in his expression.
"You have to do it with only one finger," Ion explained.
"Huh...?" Anon's brows furrowed in bewilderment.
"Yes, you have to break this rock with just one finger," Ion reiterated.
"You're kidding, right? This rock is five times bigger and heavier than me. How do you expect me to break it with just one finger?" Anon asked, clearly shocked and perplexed.
"Okay, look at me," Ion said, stepping back from the stone and positioning himself in front of Anon. He assumed a defensive martial arts stance, bending his back and pointing one finger directly at Anon.
"What are you doing?" Anon questioned, his face filled with confusion.
"Come and punch my finger with everything you've got," Ion ordered.
"Look, old man, not to be rude, but I'm not the same guy I was five days ago. I could easily break your finger with just a flick. Are you sure you want me to do this?" Anon asked, bewildered.
"Just do it. I don't have time, kid," Ion urged.
"Okay, here goes," Anon agreed. He pulled his punch back, concentrated all his strength, and delivered a full-force blow to Ion's finger.
The moment Anon's punch connected with Ion's finger, it came to an abrupt stop.
Crack
A cracking sound echoed through the room.
"Huh...?" Anon was amazed by what happened next.
Crack
Crack
Crack
In the next instant, every bone in Anon's body began to crack loudly, even his skull.
Crack
All of Anon's bones snapped simultaneously and broke into small pieces.
"Ahhhhhhh.... FUCKKKKKKKK..." Anon screamed in agony as an intense, searing pain washed over him. It felt as if thousands of needles were piercing his bones simultaneously.
He collapsed to the ground because his leg bones were also shattered.
"Calm down, kid. Don't shout... Feel the energy that I just injected into your body, feel it," Ion implored, grabbing Anon's collapsing form.
"FUCK YOU, OLD MAN... I CAN'T FEEL SHIT OTHER THAN THIS FUCKING IMMENSE PAIN," Anon shouted, looking at Ion.
"No, feel it. You have to overcome your pain and feel it. If you didn't feel it, everything up to this point will be in vain... Feel it, human. Please, feel it," Ion insisted, slapping Anon's face repeatedly to keep him from succumbing to the agony.
"I-I can't..." Anon whispered as he closed his eyes, his body seemingly lifeless.
"No, no... this can't be right. You were supposed to be the one. Fuckkkk...." Ion lamented, continuing to slap Anon in an attempt to rouse him.
"Hmm...? Where am I?" Anon slowly opened his eyes, finding himself lying in a thin layer of water within a dark, spacious room.
Anon stood up, scanning his surroundings and realizing that he was alone.
"Hello...? Anyone here?" Anon called out, receiving no response.
"HELLO... IS ANYONE HERE?" He shouted even louder.
Schhhh
Suddenly, a glimmer of light appeared in the distance. Anon instinctively tried to summon his sickles, but nothing happened.
'I can't use my skills or inventory here, but why not?' Anon pondered as he cautiously approached the source of light.
He noticed the light fading away.
"W-Who's there?" Anon asked as he hastened his pace.
He walked and walked, but the light seemed to continually elude him.
"What the hell?" Anon muttered, now running toward the light.
After a while, he finally reached it.
As Anon examined the source of the radiant light, he saw a human-shaped figure enveloped in brilliant white light.
"What are you?" Anon asked, perplexed, as he beheld the luminous figure.
"Chew...? Chew Chew?" The figure emitted strange noises while gazing at Anon.
It promptly vanished and reappeared behind him.
"Whoa..." Anon jumped back in surprise and observed the figure with curiosity.
'What is this place, and why is this glowing human figure acting as if I'm some sort of caged animal in a zoo?' Anon wondered.
Suddenly, Anon felt a comforting warmth emanating from the light, making him feel safe.
"Cheww..." The human-shaped light extended a hand toward Anon.
"What? Do you want a high-five?" Anon asked as he raised his hand, tentatively touching the glowing hand.
Shhhhh
Upon contact, Anon experienced a warm sensation flooding his being.
It felt as if a very powerful energy is being filled into his body. Anon felt stronger.
"What is this feeling?" Anon wondered as he sensed the light being absorbed into his own body.
Things started clicking into his mind and he questioned himself. 'How did I get here in the first place ?'
Suddenly, he started remembering things, his journey with Ion to learn the secret technique, the grueling exercises, and the muscular transformation within just five days. But the last thing he remembered was Ion's shouting about some energy.
"You are the energy that Ion has been telling me to feel..." Anon murmured, noticing that his body had absorbed the light.
'Was I inside my own mind all this time?' Anon wondered as he gradually faded away.
Slap
Slap
"Human, wake up. Please, you have to wake up," Ion was still slapping Anon, clinging to hope that he would awaken.
"HaaaH..." Anon abruptly opened his eyes, coming back to consciousness.
"Y-You're awake...?" Ion said, looking at Anon in utter astonishment and shock.
"How do you feel?" Ion asked, touching Anon's hand and examining his bones.
"You bastard... you broke my bones," Anon stated, his tone filled with anger.
"They're repaired now. Your bones have healed. It means you felt it, right?" Ion inquired, a smile on his face.
"I did," Anon confirmed.
-x-X-x-
"What was that?" Anon inquired, glancing at Ion.
"It's called Auric Energy. It's an unknown energy; no one knows its origin, but it's passed down to those who learn this technique. I've passed it down to you, and now my work here is complete. I wish I could have taught you how to use it, but it seems my time is over," Ion explained, smiling at Anon.
"Wait, what are you saying? It's only the 5th day; you still have two more days left, right?" Anon asked, his face filled with confusion.
"Hahah... Cough-Cough-Cough It's not the 5th day anymore, kid. Cough-Cough-Cough It's the evening of the seventh day... Cough-Cough-Cough I've been slapping you for the last two days, kid," Ion revealed, coughing heavily as black veins began appearing all over his body.
Anon was left in shock by this news.
'What? I've been passed out for 2 days? It only felt like 5 minutes in my mind...'
Cough-Cough-Cough
Suddenly, Anon noticed that Ion's condition was deteriorating rapidly. His skin had turned dark blue, and black veins covered his body.
"Oi, old man... are you alright? Is there anything I can do to help you?" Anon asked, rising to his feet.
"Y-Yes... Get ready to fight. Once Cough-Cough-Cough.... It will not be hard to fight him here." Ion began coughing, and black blood spewed from his mouth.
"He's turning into a demon, just like the healer said. Should I kill him right now?" Anon pondered, carefully assessing Ion and preparing himself to act.
"Kid, once I turn into a demon, try to use your Auric Energy. It will take shape according to your will and it works freely from the effects of the Null Area. Cough-Cough-Cough and say goodbye to my son and granddaughter, One more thing...*Cough-Cough-Cough* Once I turn into a demon, kill me brutally. Gwahhhhhh," Ion said, his eyes turning dark red, and his body doubling in size. He growled before completely losing control over his body.
Anon could tell that Ion had gone rogue, and the demon was now in full control. He immediately assumed a defensive stance and was ready to kill him at any moment now.
"Hello, human," Ion spoke in a deep and eerie voice, a sinister smile on his face.
'What ? An intelligent Demon ?' Anon wondered as he looked at the demon.
"Who the hell are you?" Anon asked, his expression confused.
"I am a cute little demon from a very beautiful place that you humans commonly call Hell, I don't know why you get scared of that place though." the demon inside Ion's body replied.
"What do you want?" Anon inquired with a curious expression.
"Nothing much. I was called here when one of my friends left his life force in this old elf's heart, creating a small opening for me to escape from Hell. I began releasing my dark energy into his heart seven days ago. He put up quite a fight; there was something inside his body resisting me. Whenever I tried to release my energy at a higher level, it fought back, trying to expel me. Two days ago, this unknown energy left his body, and that's when I boosted my dark energy release, fully taking over him.
You see I am 'A demon in the flesh.' "
"My question remains the same: What the fuck do you want?" Anon said, maintaining a stern expression.
"I have consumed his soul already and I can go back to hell with only his soul but you see, we demons are very greedy.... no matter how much you feed us, we just can't get enough of souls.
That's why, I am going to take your soul with me. So, you have two options... First, you commit suicide and give me your soul Willingly. Second, I will kill you very brutally and then take it.
So, which one you choose ?" The demon asked.
"Hehehe... you seem to have misunderstood something. You see, I'm not the one who chooses; I'm the one who gives options. So, you can go back to hell now." Anon retorted, displaying his middle finger.
"Hehehe... what's your name, human ?" the demon inquired with sinister smile.
"If I had a crucifix right now, i would shove it up your ass. You want to know my name ? Well, I am your death." Anon replied, assuming a defensive stance.
"Die, then," the demon declared, raising his hand toward Anon and snapping his fingers.
Tick
Four seconds passed, but nothing happened...
"Hmm...?" The demon glanced at his hand in confusion and snapped his fingers again.
Tick
Still, nothing occurred...
"What's happening? Why aren't my powers working?" the demon muttered, looking at his hand with confusion.
"Hahahaha... you idiot. What kind of demon are you?" Anon burst into laughter, approaching the demon.
"Oi, why are you laughing?" the demon asked Anon, his expression a mix of confusion and anger.
"You foolish creature, you're standing in a (Null) Area. You can't use mana here. Now I understand why that old man insisted on training me here," Anon said with a smile.
"What?" The demon touched the ground and began analyzing the magic-nullifying array.
"So, what was it you were saying?" Anon asked, grinning as he walked toward the demon.
"O-Oi, don't come near me. I-I will kill you," the demon stammered, crawling backward upon realizing he couldn't use magic here.
Anon picked up a metal rod from the ground and swung it at the demon's face.
Thud
"Ahhhhhh-"
The demon was sent flying like an object as soon as the iron rod hits his face.
"So, you intended to kill me, huh?" Anon asked, slowly advancing with a menacing smile on his face.
"W-Wait... human. We can make a deal. Don't be foolish... I can make you incredibly wealthy and powerful. Everyone will bow before you," the demon proposed, smiling confidently.
"Yeah, you can really do that, huh?" Anon retorted, pulling the rod back and hitting the demon again.
Thud
"Ahhhhhhhh... Damn it... human, just stop and listen to me," the demon pleaded as he tried to stop Anon.
Anon continued to pummel him relentlessly. He showed no mercy.
Thud
"FUCKK... Human, at least listen to me. We can talk," the demon pleaded, desperation etched across his face.
"Fuck off," Anon retorted as he swung the metal rod again, this time shattering the demon's skull.
Thud
Crack
The demon's body was in brutal condition; his bones were damaged, and his muscles were tearing apart, but Anon showed him no mercy. He continued to beat him mercilessly.
"Wait, wait, wait... I can make you immortal," the demon suddenly spoke, managing to stand up and look at Anon with a smile.
"Hmm... interesting. Keep talking; I'm all ears," Anon said, pointing the iron rod at the demon's face.
"Yes, I can make you immortal. No one will be able to kill you or even touch you," the demon spoke in a seductive tone.
[Master, he's lying.] Link immediately informed.
'What do you mean, Link?' Anon asked.
[A V-type demon can't grant immortality to humans.]
'What's a V-Type demon?' Anon questioned.
[Master, a V-type demon is the lowest breed of the demons. They are very vicious and the biggest liars of all time. Since they live at the bottom line of the demon breed, they hold literally no truth to their words.]
'I thought demons were true to their words,' Anon said.
[They are true to their words based on their rankings. Like the demon gods, they can't speak any type of lie in their words. Although noble demons are also true to their words, they can bend their words by finding a loophole in them. These types of demons are called N-type demons. But these V-type demons are not trustworthy at all. He's using you to get out of this place because he can't open the doors. Only you can. Just show him your crest that the demon gods gave you, and he will become your slave instantly.] Link explained.
'Why can't he open the door?' Anon asked.
[V-type demons are illusionists. No matter how strong they may appear physically, they are just weak pathetic demon dogs. He can't open these highly reinforced metal doors. This is like a prison to him, and he can't escape without using you.] Link clarified.
'Hmm... well, let's play with him for a while,' Anon thought with a smile.
"So, you can make me immortal, huh? Well, explain yourself, or I'm going to shove this thing up your ass. Believe me when I say this, I am really going to do it," Anon threatened, showing the rod.
"I will give you a locket as soon as I get out of this place. Once you wear that locket, you will become immortal. Simple as that," the demon stated.
"No shit... you think I'll believe that? You can just run away once you get out," Anon scoffed with a smile.
"A demon will never go back on his words," the demon insisted.
"Okay, I believe you. Let's go," Anon said as he moved toward the main door.
"Yes, sir," the demon replied, following Anon with a smile.
[Master, you do know he's lying, right? He's going to run away as soon as he gets out of this room.] Link reminded.
'I know, but I want him to accept it first,' Anon replied to Link.
[I don't think he will, though.] Link said, still puzzled by Anon's plan.
Anon slightly touched the door and acted as if he was opening it.
"Hmmm...? Why is the door not opening?" Anon questioned, looking at the door with confusion.
"What happened, human?" the demon asked.
"I don't know, but this door isn't opening," Anon replied.
"What? Are you kidding me? A human can do anything. You just have to try. Wait, I have another idea," the demon suggested, smiling at Anon.
"What's your idea?" Anon asked with suspicion.
"You lend me your body for a short amount of time, and I will open that door easily," the demon proposed.
"What do you mean? Like, let you possess me?" Anon inquired.
"No, I mean lend me your body for a short amount of time. I am a demon, and I will never go back on my word. I will get out of your body as soon as the doors open," the demon assured.
[Master, please. Never let a demon inside your body. If a demon possesses your body, he will have the key to the power of ultimate destruction.] Link warned.
'I am impressed by your flattery, Link, and don't worry. I am not going to give him my body,' Anon reassured.
[Thank you, master.]
"No, I am not going to lend you anything. So, fuck off." Anon replied as he closed his eyes.
"Ugghhh-...." the demon's facial expressions immediately changed to the displeased ones but he immediately swaped them with a happy smile.
"Hahaha... sir Human. You are a very intelligent creature as I see you but you are just being foolish right now.
You have to get out of this place soon because you need food to keep that body of yours working, right ?" The demon asked.
"Oh, good reminder." Anon said as he opened his inventory and took out a friend piece of meat from his inventory and started eating it.
Another displeased expression covered the demon's face.
"I mean you will need to get out in a day or two after your stored food finishes, right ?" He asked with a smile.
"No, i have months of food. I am going to chill here in this room until someone comes and finds me. Once that door opens we both can get out." Anon answered as he chews on the meat.
"You fucking-"
"Hmmm...? You saying something to me ?" Anon asked.
"Oh, nothing. I was just saying... who would come here. I don't think anyone even knows about this place. I mean even I don't know where we are.
Like, are we on a mountain or something ?" The demon asked as he tried to take out information from Anon.
"No, we are in the middle of a very dangerous forest, 50ft deep."
"The fuck ?"
Anon, with unwavering determination, extended his index finger and touched the colossal spherical rock. But, much to his initial frustration, he felt nothing happening.
'Why can't I harness this power? Ion made it sound so simple – a matter of sheer willpower,' Anon thought to himself, refusing to give in as he continued to poke the massive rock.
"Umm... Human? Just what in the hell are you doing?" the demon dared to inquire.
"Me? Oh, I'm simply poking this colossal rock. Got a problem with that?" Anon replied with a chilling demeanor, turning his gaze toward the demon.
"Problem? Me? No, no, please, proceed. But I couldn't help but wonder if you ever plan on leaving this place," the demon muttered hesitantly.
"I told you, when someone comes to rescue me, I'll be on my way. Besides, once I'm out, you promised to make me immortal, didn't you?" Anon retorted.
"You, you damn right. Yes, I'll make you immortal, but don't fool yourself thinking anyone will swoop in to save us in the next century. We've got to help ourselves escape from this hellhole. Think you can endure a century in here? You'd rot long before you attain immortality," the demon sneered, trying to intimidate.
Anon's grip tightened on the cold, iron rod at his side, and he advanced menacingly. "What were you saying? I don't think I heard you clearly," he remarked, ominously drawing the iron rod back.
"I-I-I was just jesting. I meant someone will undoubtedly come to our rescue very soon. You'll gain immortality, and I'll gain my freedom," the demon hastily shifted to a more humble tone.
"Good," Anon replied coldly, lowering the iron rod, his intentions now masked behind an impenetrable fadade.
'I've endured centuries in hell; a few more moments here won't be my undoing. Let's see how long this human can keep me locked up,' the demon mused with a sense of foreboding.
Meanwhile, Anon, his attention no longer on the demon, harbored but one burning question: 'Why can't I unlock the Auric Energy?'
Anon had exhausted every approach, every attempt, and still, the Auric Energy remained elusive. Two more relentless days slipped by, Anon's resolve unbroken but his frustration mounting.
On the third day, Anon focused his formidable concentration on the very center of the chamber.
"Alright, this is it. Human, get me out of this forsaken room this instant. I can't endure another moment in this godforsaken place," the demon pleaded in a raw, authentic tone.
Anon remained unfazed, his unwavering focus undisturbed.
"Oi, I'm talking to you! Worthless sack of flesh. Get me out of this room, now! Can you even hear me?" the demon bellowed directly into Anon's ears.
Anon, undeterred, continued his concentration.
"Fine, you want the truth? You'll never be granted immortality. I can't make you immortal. Now, release us from this infernal prison!" the demon shouted vehemently.
Unperturbed by the revelation, Anon maintained his concentration.
"Fuckkkk.... You vexatious human. Either you awaken right this instant, or—" the demon threatened, scanning their surroundings for any potential salvation.
Suddenly, the demon's gaze fell upon a substantial 10kg dumbbell. Swiftly, he grasped it, menacingly suspending it above Anon's defenseless head.
"Oi, if you don't heed me in the next five seconds... I'll drop this 10-kg reminder of your impending demise. Believe me, I'll do it... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1..." the countdown concluded, but Anon's concentration remained resolute.
"Damn it all..." the demon cursed, releasing the dumbbell, allowing it to plummet toward Anon's head.
In the nick of time, a brilliant white aura burst forth from Anon, encasing him in an impenetrable shield. The dumbbell shattered into countless fragments, all harmlessly repelled.
Booom
Anon, slowly opening his eyes, basked in the aura's warmth enveloping his being. He examined his outstretched hand, witnessing the ethereal Auric Energy enshroud his fingers in a radiant mist, like an avenging specter.
'So, that's how it's meant to work. The Auric Energy, a guardian of my very being, triggered spontaneously when danger drew near,' Anon pondered with a wicked smile.
"What the hell was that? I thought mana was off-limits in this forsaken place," the demon exclaimed, its voice tinged with disbelief and awe, yet beneath it all, a hint of fear.
Anon, without uttering a word, approached the massive spherical rock that had vexed him for days.
"H-Hey... where are you going ? Are you going to poke that rock again ?" The demon asked with a confused expression.
Anon ignored him again.
*Thump*
As soon as Anon passed from the demon's side, he felt a very strong aura coming from Anon's body.
'This energy... it's the same energy that I felt inside this elf but it's so much stronger now. What on earth have I done ?' The demon's body immediately vibrating as soon as he realised that he Awakened that terrifying energy by dropping that Dumbbell over Anon's head.
With newfound resolve, Anon lightly touched its surface, infusing the very core of his being with the enigmatic Auric Energy.
He closed his eyes, inhaled deeply, and exhaled with purpose. "Puff..." Anon breathed out, his eyes reopening, as he channeled the concentrated energy through his palm into the heart of the stone.
BOOOOM
As the energy reached the epicenter of the colossal sphere, it detonated with cataclysmic force, reducing the obstinate rock to mere particles that scattered into oblivion.
The rock, once an insurmountable obstacle, was obliterated in a blaze of electrifying power.
"OH FUCK..." The demon stood in awe, silenced by the cataclysmic display of sheer power and resolve before him.
A smile appeared on Anon's face.
'This Aura is keeping my mind very calm and helping me think very clearly.' Anon thought as he turned around and looked at the demon.
"H-Human... listen to me. I was just kidding when I said that I can't grant you immortality... I can still give immortality. Just help me get out of this place." The demon said in an alluring tone.
Anon started moving towards the demon.
"H-Hey, don't you dare come near me." The demon said as he started walking backwards. He picked up two weight plates from the ground and throwed them towards Anon.
*Booom*
*Booom*
As soon as the metal plates touched Anon's body, they got destroyed immediately into thousands of pieces.
"Stay... away human. Don't you-" before the demon could've said anything else, Anon grabbed his neck tightly and started applying pressure.
"Noo... Hu...Man."
*chk*
Before the demon could've said anything else, Anon blasted his whole body into nothing.
"You speak too much." Anon said as he started walking towards the gate.
Anon defeated the demon and started walking toward the exit door.
"Oi, Kid," a sudden voice came from behind.
Anon recognized the voice instantly. He turned around to see a white ethereal figure standing before him.
It was Ion's soul. His face was indistinct, but it held a faint smile.
"Old man, are you heading to heaven?" Anon asked with a smile of his own.
"I don't know, but before I depart this world, there's something I must ask of you," Ion spoke.
"Ask away," Anon replied.
"What's your name?" Ion inquired.
"Well, you can call me Anon," Anon answered.
"Anon... a good name. Anon, you're a genius, but don't let it get to your head. You still have much to learn. Farewell, Anon," Ion said as his soul faded away.
Anon merely smiled and resumed his walk toward the door.
He touched the door and opened it with ease. Upon stepping outside, he saw Gin waiting eagerly in front of the door.
"Hello, Gin boy. Did you wait for me?" Anon asked as he patted Gin on the head.
Woof-Woof
Gin barked, rubbing his body against Anon's leg.
"Let's go and see how the outside world is doing," Anon said as he ascended the staircase.
As Anon climbed, he felt his body becoming progressively lighter. The pressure on his body decreased significantly with each step.
"Oh, this is fun," Anon began running, noticing the substantial reduction in pressure.
He abruptly stopped at the 100th step and crouched down, readying his legs.
"Let's see if this works..." Anon said as he gathered Auric Energy into his feet and jumped.
Upon jumping, Anon soared through the air like a rocket, reaching a speed of 4000 m/s.
"Woooohoooooooo...." Anon shouted as he ascended higher and higher into the sky.
Suddenly, his speed began to decrease until he reached a standstill, suspended in the air for two seconds before descending.
During those two seconds, he gazed at the radiant moon in the sky and the drifting clouds.
"Beautiful..." Anon remarked as he descended through the clouds, feeling the refreshing touch of moist air on his face.
Emerging from the clouds, he observed the Evensong Forest, cloaked in the darkness of night, with a peculiar light emanating from the southern part.
Anon immediately recognized the source of this light.
"It seems it's time to settle some debts," Anon spoke with a smile.
Woof-Woof
Suddenly, Gin's bark echoed from the ground.
Anon adjusted his landing direction toward Gin's sound.
Boooom
Upon landing on the ground, several trees disappeared instantaneously from the surrounding ground.
"Fuuu... that was amazing," Anon said as he ran his hand through his hair.
Woof-Woof
Gin continued to bark, his gaze fixed on Anon. As if trying to tell him something.
"I know, boy. I know. We're back here to settle some debts and we have to avenge you too, right ?" Anon asked.
*Woof-Woof*
Gin barked.
Suddenly Anon felt something around his leg, as if something is trying to pull him. He immediately looked down and noticed various vines on the ground reaching out to leg.
Anon swiftly grabbed the vines and uprooted them.
"Not this time," Anon said with a smile.
As Anon ventured deeper into the dense woods, he noticed a multicolored light seeping through the trees.
He followed the light and arrived at his intended destination.
Leaping out of the bushes, he found himself standing before the Prampel tree once more.
"Hello, motherfucker... You taking your sweet time here, huh? You remember me from last time, right?" Anon asked with a grin, hands in his pockets as he walked toward the Prampel tree.
Whip
Suddenly, a vine shot out from behind, wrapping around Anon's waist. The Prampel tree sensed Anon's heightened aura, but it attempted to throw him away regardless.
"Hmm...? Do you really think you can move me with that?" Anon asked menacingly.
The Prampel tree's vines grasped Anon's limbs and even his face, covering him from head to toe. But Anon remained unyielding.
"Remove these filthy things from mmy body, bitch." Anon said softly, as a white aura enveloped him, causing the Prampel tree's vines to burst into small particles of dust.
The Prampel tree immediately sensed the amount of danger and employed two of its leaves.
Two brilliant leaves dropped lifelessly, and its vines aimed at Anon.
[Master... He consumed two leaves.] Link informed immediately.
"Don't worry... he can't do shit," Anon replied with a calm voice.
Booom
Boooom
Booom
Suddenly, the vines began hurling fireballs at Anon from all directions.
It was a brutal sight; Anon became a walking fireball. The tree showed no mercy.
This continued for the next 40 minutes.
After 40 minutes, the tree ceased the barrage of fireballs to see Anon's dead body at last.
"Hahahhaah... You got anything stronger than that, huh?" Anon asked, his voice echoing from the inferno.
Suddenly, he emerged from the flames and charged toward the tree.
"You are finished, you bitch," Anon declared, delivering an incredibly powerful punch, concentrating his Auric Energy into it.
The tree instantly consumed more than ten leaves and attempted to attack Anon with its vines, but this time Anon reached it before it could react.
"DIE.... FUCKER." Anon yelled as he punched the tree, transferring all his Auric Energy into it.
[Skill Successfully Learned]
[Siphoned Punch: First Form, DeathGiver]
Booooooooooom
A massive explosion ensued, shrouding the area in dust.
After a while, the dust settled, and Anon slowly opened his eyes.
Upon opening his eyes, Anon beheld a startling sight.
The Prampel tree lay in ruins, broken into pieces.
[Level Up!]
[Level Up!]
...
Several messages appeared before him, but Anon paid them little heed. He was fixated on one thing—the tree's leaves.
They still glowed, despite the tree's destruction.
[Master, Absorb them.] Link spoke.
"What? Why should I absorb them?" Anon asked, perplexed.
[Master, each leaf from this tree contains a potent life essence... if you absorb them, your life expectancy will increase by several years.]
"How many years?" Anon inquired.
[If you absorbed every single one... it might add up to around 5000 years.]
"What the fuck? Are you kidding me?" Anon asked, utterly surprised.