Lucian deactivated his skills as he dropped onto the floor in pain. Soon after, a warm wave of soothing fire surrounded his body as his battered body began healing.

Grayson and Violla walked toward him, sitting next to him as they checked his body's status.

"Fuck!" Lucian cursed. "That was tough! Are all Elite beasts that tough?!" He exclaimed.

"Haha. They sure are. Some are even tougher! But you did amazing! How are you able to move so fast?! I could barely see you once you began your attack. It was stunning!" Grayson laughed as he asked in surprise. It seemed like he had let his guard down now that Lucian had saved his life.

"Those skills I had when I woke up. They were very helpful in keeping me alive. I thought it could do the same here. Glad it could help." Lucian replied humbly.

"That was more than just help, that's for sure!" He said with a smile, gratitude in his eyes. "Now, let's rest for a few hours before we begin our journey back again. We're pretty close, so we should make it by sundown." He said, turning toward Myles and Violla. They nodded in agreement.

"Woo!" The fox howled. Lucian smiled. The fox was in agreement as well.

They took the time to rest up for a couple of hours, recovering from the injuries of the fight.

Soon everyone returned to top shape as they began their travels once more.

Walking through the forest, they eventually reached a sizeable plain valley. A wall shaped like an octagon laid with a height easily hundreds of meters tall. Eight separate towers linked each side of the octagon as battlements sat on top of each. On each side, 4 giant gates faced the north, south, east, and west, respectively. While on each gate, a giant depiction of a fanged bear hung squarely in its center. It was quite a beautiful town, with multiple trees all around, bringing vibrance to the stone jungle it would've been without.

"Welcome to Perrnan. Home of the Hunters," Grayson said as he removed his mask for the first time, a slight smile adorning his face.

He was actually quite a handsome man. With deep blue eyes and a handsome smile, he looked like the stereotypical hero type one would expect in a movie. The full head of black hair, sharp jawline, and a confident air to him sealed the deal on the superhero package. He looked in his 20s.

"Yea! We're gonna have so much fun here! Trust me!" Myles exclaimed as he removed his mask as well. He had blonde curly hair, golden eyes, and a young-looking face. He seemed to be around the age of 16-18.

"..." Violla said nothing as she took her mask off. She was quite pretty, with purple hair and violet eyes that shone clearly.

The five walked towards the nearest gate, meeting the guards protecting it. Seeing the attire the three wore, they simply nodded and let them pass.

However, they immediately stopped him and the fox as soon as they saw their attire.

"Hold! Is that your contracted pet?" One of the guards asked after raising a handout.

Looking at the fox, he didn't know what to say. Why was it following him?

"No," Lucian replied.

"We cannot permit any beasts not contracted by a cultivator. I will have to ask you to leave your beast behind." The guard announced sternly.

"Wait," Grayson interjected as he took a medallion from his space ring. He showed it to the guard.

Slight surprise adorned his face as he quickly grew stern and made a quick bow. "You and your guest may enter, Sir," He said respectfully.

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Motioning them through, they walked through the gates comfortably as Lucian took a side glance at Grayson. Son of an official, perhaps? He didn't care for now since he was sure he would find out soon enough.

The moment he passed through the gate, he was bombarded by large amounts of people all around. Shops, businesses, and people buzzed about harmoniously as the city hummed in activity. People possessed swords, bows, and axes; it seemed like primarily Adventurers inhabited the town.

"Perrnan is known for its hunters, trade, and location," Grayson began. "Most people here are either from other towns or are mercenaries passing by. That's why there are so many warriors around. Here you'll find buyers for your products and great areas to level up as a beginner adventurer," Grayson explained as he gave Lucian a proud smile.

"My family and I have lived as hunters here our whole lives. It's also a great place to learn to be a warrior," he said as he turned toward Lucian. "You were probably a warrior before you lost your memories. You seem like the type."

He continued, "I'd like you to meet my teacher. With his help, we could help you find out who you are. He might even train you, considering your superb expertise." he said confidently. He seemed to firmly believe he would accept.

"Thanks for all your help, guys, but I think I can find my way around," Lucian explained humbly as the fox pranced to his side. Smiling, he gave it a rub on its head as it tried to lick his hand.

Slightly surprised, he didn't seem as enthusiastic, but he readily accepted. "If that is what you wish, I can only comply," Grayson said with a shrug. "Either way, I am a regular around here, so don't be a stranger! I'll see you around then," he said with a slight smile as he waved goodbye.

Nodding appreciatively, he turned towards the shopping center. He wanted to explore what this town offered.

Walking away, Grayson's kind face turned serious as he dashed at a quick pace toward the center of the town. A slight agitation clouded his face.

"What's going on, Gray? Why the hurry?" Violla asked questioningly as she quickly caught up to his giant strides.

On the other hand, Myles seemed to have an idea as he rushed just as quickly behind Grayson.

Sighing, Grayson explained. "We have to tell the Master. That strength, those skills? That man is not who he says he is," he said somberly.

"Well, what is he then?" Violla asked confusedly.

Myles gave her a side glance as he responded with a slight grin. "He is a summoned one. That man is blessed by one of the gods," He said as his eyes shone like stars. He was very excited.

Shock filled her face as she picked up her own pace as well. She didn't think of that at all, but it did make sense.

On the same page, the three rushed to their Master, excited about the news they were bringing. They might have just discovered a new chosen in the world!

Hades

The darkness of the Underworld was especially frightening at this time as black lightning and dark winds ravaged the surroundings in a perpetual storm of chaos. Peaks of the red mountain below toppled over as the beasts on the ground suffered the aftermath.

High in the air, dark cumulus clouds gathered as the man on top of it all sat in his dark, godly chair. A malevolent aura surrounded the man, creating distortions around the area. Three gods kneeled on the clouds as they bowed to the god, pleading for their life.

"So, you mean to tell me Thanatos, your brother, has been plotting against me this whole time, and none of you had any recollection or suspicion of him whatsoever?" Hades' voice boomed, waves washing through each god as they winced in pain.

"Your godliness, as you know, I have been quite busy with the battle against the Anubis Underworld. I couldn't have possibly been able to suspect such things from happening." Hypnos responded immediately, pleading his case. He turned towards Nyx as a sneer formed on his face. "Nyx, on the other hand, has had the time to investigate, yet she let such a thing slip under her gaze! I implore you to punish her, your godliness!

Nyx grew agitated. "Your godliness, What he says is false! I have been performing my duties to reserve my power! I had no recollec~."

Hades drowned the conversation in thought as the loss he enquired through this ordeal sank in unforgivingly. Thanatos was imprisoned by the Council of Gods, while Charon killed himself. Now, he was left with the pieces of this whole debacle, unable to function without his two pivotal gods of Death. It was quite a ridiculous situation.

Hades had always been an honest, direct god and could admit that he was wrong in this situation. However, that did not lessen the boiling rage he felt bubbling within him. A wave of anger he hadn't felt against anyone except Chronus, his father. For a mere mortal to take away so much from him and his realm was a stain on his reputation that will never be cleansed.

The worst part is really the optics of the situation. For a god to have been taken advantage of by a human, the other Underworld will think he is too weak, finding the confidence to attack his realm, and he could do nothing about it.

Why? because he genuinely was weak.

Rage bubbled in his chest, ready to explode.

"~ats why he deserved to be punished! Hypnos has be-"

"Quiet," Hades boomed once more as he stood. Turning to his left, he stared at the only silent god kneeling before him.

The god, in fact, were three people that seemed to have the aura of one. Each had a single wing with a 10-meter span and snakes crawling all around their arms. Blood dripped from their eyes as they kneeled patiently in front of Hades.

"Alecto, Megara, Tisiphone, have you tracked down the culprit yet."

Responding simultaneously, their voices created an overlapping effect as they said. "No, your godliness, He has been shrouded by the system's protection. I may be able to break through it after further concentrated effort, but that would take thousands of years that we do not have. Therefore, cannot pinpoint exactly where he is currently. However..." One of them opened their palm as an image of the Mirror of Samsara appeared.

"We believe we know what realm he has landed on," They responded curtly.

"It is a Grade 1 realm, so we cannot inquire with the demi-gods. However, we have many summoned ones on that planet."

"Good. Alert the summoned ones around that area. Ask for favors from the other gods' summoned ones if you have to!" Hades responded with a nod as he sat back down on his throne.

"And what shall I tell them to do with the mortal, Sire?" They asked.

"Once they find him, take his soul and bring it to me. I will end his existence myself," Hades responded viciously as killing intent flooded the surroundings. No one made of a fool out of Hades, and he would see to it that this mortal dies a horrible death for trying.