Cerberus Badge

Under the Wolf King's command, our nine-member group retreated effortlessly, like water flowing smoothly. By the time we reached another mountaintop, a large pack of cave hellhounds was just returning, showing signs of battle fatigue.

We didn't know the fate of the other team, but seeing the hellhounds so battered told us the chase hadn't been easy. "All we need now is patience," the Wolf King said, leaning casually against a large rock. Melinda, seemingly forgetting his earlier threats involving her, stood nearby, laughing with Romira as they chatted about cosmetics.

I had already slain thirty-five hellhounds, and with one more hunt, I was confident I could complete this mission. Feeling the cold vortex in my dantian swallowing energy, I slipped into a meditative state to reflect on my performance in battle.

I had mastered the Xiaoyao Cave Heaven Palm and the Falling Petal Sweep techniques. The moves were deeply etched in my memory, but to wield them instinctively in battle required relentless practice. In this recent skirmish, I hadn't used any weapons or magical items, nor did I activate any cards, yet my combat strength didn't falter. My longsword, "Ancient Moon," and the "Tenfold Power Card" are the pillars of my strength. The former boosts my speed threefold, agility fivefold, and adds eighty points to my swordsmanship, tripling my power. The latter transforms me from an ordinary youth into a near-superhuman. 

I had to conceal my true abilities. No one in the group could be trusted, and if I didn't reserve a few tricks, I'd have little to wager if things went south. My desire for greater strength burns like a hunger, and the only way forward is through constant training and battle. After each encounter, reflecting on my performance ensures I maximize the fruits of both.

These insights were imparted to me by the ancient specter within the Spiritual Training Card.

The power of my Nameless Martial Art can still be enhanced, though it's unfortunate I lack the full set of cards. After reaching the fifth level of the "Eight Extraordinary Meridians" chapter, progress stalled, so perhaps it's time I seek a new skill to study.

Identifying flaws in my technique, I devised mental improvements and took a surreptitious glance at a badge I held in my palm. I had acquired it after slaying a particularly large hellhound, though I hadn't yet had a chance to place it in the Book of Demons to verify its origins.

As I contemplated whether to use the "urine escape" tactic, Bullet approached me quietly.

"Lin Wang, can you return my Book of Demons?" he asked.

I glanced at Bullet and responded indifferently, "Of course, as long as you're prepared to trade something of equal value."

Bullet's expression darkened, and he said in a low voice, "You can't even open the book. It's worthless to you! Besides, we're on the same side…"

"Now doesn't ensure the future," I replied calmly. "If you want the Book of Demons, then show some sincerity. Information, knowledge, treasure—anything will do, as long as you're not coming empty-handed."

He glanced around for support but, seeing Snoke's sullen face, turned back to me with a fierce expression and muttered, "Fine. My Book of Demons holds six learning cards for alchemical magic circles, worth at least two or three billion dollars. Give me the book, and they're yours."

I snapped my fingers and summoned the Book of Demons, retrieving Bullet's copy and tossing it to him.

I wasn't worried about him reneging; I'd kill him again without hesitation. After retrieving his book, he handed over the six cards with a surprisingly relaxed expression.

I understood at once: his strongest asset likely lay within the Book of Demons, perhaps an item of great power that restored his full strength. "Lin Wang, you're clever. We may have opportunities to collaborate. Here's my number. Look for me in the real world once we leave this place."

With a smile, Bullet walked away and sat down alone, exuding a vastly different aura after reclaiming his book. I had only considered him Snoke's lackey, but now he commanded my attention. Though he seemed to possess little beyond a powerful build, I sensed he harbored more secrets than even Snoke.

I placed the six alchemy magic circle cards in my Book of Demons, and under the book's heavy cover, I slipped in the badge from the hellhound as well.

"Cerberus Badge," it read—a level-three item that, when used on a creature, would make it as obedient as a pet dog. 

I couldn't help but chuckle bitterly. The badge could indeed be useful, a tool to make other creatures as compliant as pups, but it wasn't the treasure I'd hoped for. I had envisioned it as a legion item of the hellhound army. "Had I known, I wouldn't have bothered hiding it."

Bullet had reclaimed his Book of Demons, but said nothing of the black dagger. When I placed the badge inside, I caught a glimpse of it and was suddenly intrigued. The Book of Demons did display some information about the dagger.

The Black Dagger, a level-four item, granted its wielder the ability to absorb 5% of an opponent's life force upon killing.

I had tested it a few times on monsters, but felt no surge of vitality or extended lifespan. While it offered minor healing when injured, it didn't compare to a medical card.

Bullet showed no attachment to it, which piqued my curiosity further. This dagger must have been a new acquisition during his time on Demon Island. After testing it and finding it lacking, he likely left it behind as useless. This suggested that Bullet's combat style didn't typically involve using daggers.

Just as I was piecing it together, the Wolf King issued a warning.