Lucien awoke at dawn, his muscles aching from the previous day's battles. The cold forest air nipped at his skin as he sat up against the tree he had used as a makeshift resting spot.
[Good morning, Champion of Mediocrity! How does it feel to wake up in the middle of Monster Buffet Zone?]
Lucien rubbed his temples. "It feels like I should've packed earplugs to drown out your nonsense."
[You wound me, truly. But don't worry! There's still plenty of time for you to get mauled by something way out of your league today!]
"Great. Just what I needed to hear."
He stretched his limbs and checked his supplies—he had enough food and water to last another day, but what he really needed was an A-rank monster.
No more delaying.
It was time to go deeper.
Venturing Further
Lucien pushed forward through the dense forest, the trees growing thicker, the air heavier as he moved into unfamiliar territory. He kept Ignis unsummoned, conserving his mana in case things got serious.
The deeper he went, the stronger the monsters became.
C-rank Crimson Serpents – Their venom could melt steel, but Lucien's fire magic burned them before they could strike. B-rank Dire Bears – Huge, armored beasts. Lucien used his speed and swordplay to take one down after a drawn-out fight.
His endurance was pushed to its limits. He had taken several wounds, and his mana was draining fast. But still—no sign of an A-rank monster.
[Having fun yet?]
"I'd be having more fun if I wasn't bleeding in three places."
[Well, good news! Your suffering is about to get worse.]
Lucien stopped. The system's tone had shifted—a rare moment of actual warning.
Then, he heard it.
A thunderous roar.
The Beast's Last Stand
Lucien crept toward the sound and found himself at a massive clearing.
There, a colossal beast stood surrounded by a horde of enemies.
A massive silver-furred creature, almost lion-like, its body covered in deep wounds and blood. It was protecting something—a smaller version of itself, trembling behind it.
Lucien's eyes widened.
[Oh. That's… interesting.]
The attacking monsters were a mix of S-rank and A-rank creatures—huge, powerful, and relentless. The silver beast fought bravely, taking down several, but it was clear—
It was losing.
Lucien's fists clenched
And as the last A-rank monsters moved in for the kill—
Lucien made his choice.
"Damn it."
He ran forward.
Ignis Unleashed
Lucien's sword flashed, slicing through one of the A-rank monsters as it lunged at the injured silver beast.
[Oh, look at you! Being heroic! That's new!]
"Shut up and let me focus!"
Lucien raised his hand—
"Ignis, come forth!"
FWOOOSH!
The air ignited as Ignis materialized, her flaming body crackling with power.
The remaining A-rank monster snarled, turning to face them.
Lucien exchanged a glance with Ignis.
"Let's end this."
To be continued…