Johnny's figure disappears and when he reappears he was past the level 150 troll with his sword drawn.

The troll could only let out a weak cry before his head separated at the neck.

Johnny looks at his stats. “Level 56.” He says before stretching his body. “It's weaker than I when I was on the first stage. But considering efficiency, this energy gathering system isn't bad.” He says. This energy was just a small addition to his body, but it was registered by the system so it was able to advance his level. Still... considering the amount of energy in a level 56 character, the gods of this world shouldn’t be much stronger than the Sky Piercing stage. He thinks.

Sasha pouts. “Hey! No fair, Johnny! You have to play by the rules! You can only use your warrior skills! Using your cultivation isn’t allowed!” She complains.

Johnny’s eyes widen. “What? Do you want to farm goblins like a normal person?” He asks.

Mary Rose nods. “I agree. We should play by the rules. It will be more fun.” She says.

Lucy smiles. “We’re tourists, Johnny. We should do as the Romans do.” She says, finding it amusing.

Johnny lets out a bitter smile. “Fine.” He says, giving in. “This is going to take a while.” He says with a sigh.

…

…

And so, the group sealed their cultivations, and only used the energy, skills and abilities that were registered by the system.

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Leo’s face becomes strained. “I can’t hold on!” He says, his stamina fading quickly after taking the last strike from the ogre.

“Lucy! He needs a moment!” Sasha calls out. “Mages, slow it down!” She calls out.

“Pinning shot!” Lucy calls out.

“Slow!” Mary Rose calls out.

“Grease!” Nick calls out.

The ogre's foot was pierced by an arrow, then it slips on the grease and falls on the ground.

“Leo! Back up!” Lucy calls out.

Leo leaps away.

“Flame arrow!” Lucy calls out and shoots out a burning arrow.

The ogre lets out a loud roar and its body becomes engulfed in flames.

“Bless!” Sasha calls out. “Leo! Finish it!” She yells.

“Warrior strike!” Leo calls out, his body bolting forward before slashing out with his sword.

The ogre’s neck is cut open and it lets out another roar as it begins to bleed out.

“Gruesome.” Johnny says as he watches from the sides.

Eventually, the ogre’s life faded away.

“How’s your guys’ levels? Is everyone at level 50?” Sasha asks.

“I’m at 50.” Nick says.

“At 50.” Mary Rose says.

“Past 50.” Leo says.

“I’m also past 50.” Lucy says with a smile.

“Awesome!” Sasha says with a raised fist. “We should be good enough for a few quests now!” She says, excited.

“And the cheater can join the battle now.” Mary Rose says with a nudge.

Johnny lets out a bitter smile. I feel like I’m playing with action figures. He couldn’t help but think.

…

…

“What? You want to join the war? Why?” Mary Rose asks.

“I sort of want to help out the demon lord.” Johnny says with a bitter smile. “I might have a chance during the war.” He says before taking a sip of beer.

“But our levels aren’t high enough yet!” Sasha says, munching on chicken fingers.

“True. If we aren’t at least level 150 we’ll just be cannon fodder.” Nick says, taking a sip of his tea.

Leo lets out a sigh. “Can’t we just fight normally?” He asks.

“No! Against the rules!” Sasha exclaims.

Lucy smiles. “The queen has spoken.” She says.

Johnny lets out a chuckle. “Fine. We’ll continue to level up. But afterwards, we’re becoming mercenaries!” He says eagerly.

“Fine! But for now, we’re clearing dungeons! We don’t have enough money. We gotta earn that coin, I still want to buy a house on the city outskirts for my retirement!” Sasha says.

“How about school? I sort of want to join a magic academy.” Nick says with some yearning.

Johnny shakes his head. “We’re doing a magic academy episode now?” He says, not encouraged at all by the idea.

“Hey, I missed out on a lot of school when I was young. It’s regretful, is all.” Nick says.

“Nope! Too long! Too boring! We’re clearing dungeons!” Sasha says.

Lucy nods. “I agree.” She says.

Sasha nods and holds out a hand. “Good, it’s settled. Now, on three.” She says.

The group hold their hands out and Johnny lets out a sigh before also holding his hand out.

“One, two, three!” Sasha says.

“Max level!” The group calls out.