Two Weeks Later
Nyx was on a roll. For the past week, she had been raiding two dungeons a day—a pace that would exhaust most, but for her, it was a piece of cake. Most of the dungeons were slime-based, making them relatively easy, and she moved through them with effortless skill, cutting down monsters left and right.
When she faced the slime boss monster, she defeated it without a hitch, her new skill ThunderClaw Slash allowing her to strike with precision, leaving the core intact. She was mastering her abilities, feeling the thrill of growing stronger with each raid.
As she and her friends packed the treasures into Airy, a notification suddenly flashed across her system.
Congratulations! For defeating 1000+ slime monsters, you have earned the title: Emperor of Slime. Slime monsters will now fear you.
Nyx gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief. “I got a title!” she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement as she looked at her friends. Her grin stretched from ear to ear, her eyes practically sparkling.
“What is it?” Len asked eagerly, leaning closer, his own excitement building as he waited to hear the news.
“It’s for defeating over a thousand slimes!” Nyx said, her tone smug as she puffed out her chest. “They’re going to fear me now. I’m the Emperor of Slime!”
The group shared in her excitement, each of them cheering and congratulating her. Len clapped her on the back, grinning. “That’s incredible, Nyx! Your first title!”
With energy buzzing through her, Nyx led the way out of the dungeon, practically skipping with joy. She couldn’t wait to tell each of the constellations about her new title.
She visited each constellation, excitement radiating from her as she recounted her victory over the slimes.
Meeting Fox Along the Way
Nyx crossed paths with the Fox, as she often did during her ventures through the forest. Spotting him nearby, she raced over, barely able to contain her excitement. “Guess what, Fox! I got a title!” she exclaimed, practically bouncing on her feet.
Fox looked up from his snack, raising an eyebrow. “A title, huh? Didn’t think slimes would make much of a fuss,” he teased with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “What’s this title?”
“Emperor of Slime!” she declared, her voice full of pride. “Now the slimes fear me.”
Fox chuckled, taking a thoughtful bite. “An Emperor, are you? Should I start bowing?” His teasing grin hid a hint of genuine pride, though he’d never admit it outright.
Snake’s Territory
The Snake was coiled on a rock, basking in a patch of sunlight when Nyx arrived. She wasted no time, rushing over and blurting out her news.
“Snake, I got a title! Emperor of Slime!” she said, a huge grin on her face.
The Snake lifted his head, giving her an appraising look. “An emperor, are you?” he said with a hint of pride in his voice. “Well, it’s about time those creatures recognized your strength. Don’t let it go to your head, though.” But the glimmer in his eyes showed that he was pleased.
Griff’s Lair
Nyx found Griff sprawled out, half-asleep as usual. She nudged him awake, her excitement bubbling over. “Griff! Guess what? I got a title!”
Griff opened one eye, yawning lazily. “A title? You’ve been busy, huh?”
She nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah! I’m the Emperor of Slime now.”
Griff smiled, slow and content. “Well, look at you, getting all powerful,” he murmured. “Just don’t let it interfere with your cleaning duties here.” His chuckle was low, but the warmth in his gaze was clear.
Peacock’s Territory
Peacock was polishing a beautiful stone when Nyx ran up, her smile radiant. “Peacock, I got a title!”
He looked up, intrigued. “Oh? Do tell.”
“Emperor of Slime!” she said, holding her head high. “Now slimes fear me.”
Peacock laughed, his voice smooth and amused. “Well, well, your majesty, looks like you’re starting to leave a mark on the world. Keep it up, Nyx.” He gave her a small bow, mirroring her excitement in his elegant way.
Tiger’s Domain
Nyx approached Tiger with her usual enthusiasm, her grin already stretching wide. “Tiger! Guess what? I got a title!” she announced proudly.
Tiger’s eyes narrowed with curiosity, a faint smirk forming on his face. “Oh? A title, huh?” He crossed his arms, giving her an appraising look. “And what grand title did you manage to snag?”
“Emperor of Slime,” she said, her chest puffed with pride. “I took down over a thousand slimes, and now they fear me.”
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Tiger let out a small, amused snort. “Emperor, huh? You’re moving up quickly, cub,” he said, his smirk widening. “Just make sure you don’t get too comfortable. There are tougher titles to earn out there.”
Nyx nodded, grinning even wider. “I know, but it’s a start!”
Finally, Nyx made her way to Drac’s cave, almost bursting with excitement. As she entered, she started babbling about her new achievement, her words tumbling over each other in her excitement.
“Drac! I got—guess what—I got a title! For slimes! Emperor of Slime!” she said, barely stopping to take a breath.
Drac raised a clawed hand, chuckling. “Slow down, Nyx. Take a breath, and start again.”
She took a deep breath, calming herself just enough to repeat the news more coherently. “I got the title Emperor of Slime for defeating over a thousand slimes! They fear me now!” She looked up at him with a proud, wide grin.
Drac’s eyes gleamed with approval. “That was fast,” he murmured, a hint of pride in his voice. “Well done, Nyx. Titles are rare, and gaining one so soon is a true accomplishment.”
Nyx’s face lit up even more as he continued, “This achievement deserves a reward. I’ve had a skill I’ve been wanting to give you, and now feels like the right time.”
Her excitement doubled, her mind racing with possibilities. “Really? Another skill?” she asked, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Drac nodded. “Yes, I think you’ve more than earned it. But remember, with each new ability comes the responsibility to master it.”
Nyx nodded eagerly, but a small part of her couldn’t help feeling slightly spoiled from all the gifts and skills the constellations had given her. Not that she minded—each gift only fueled her determination to grow stronger.
With that, Nyx left Drac’s cave, her mind spinning with her new title, the pride of her friends and mentors, and the prospect of another skill to master. She felt unstoppable, ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.
***********************************************
The Next Day
Nyx woke up with a yawn, excitement bubbling up as she stretched and got ready for the day. She felt a pep in her step as she made her way toward the waterfall inside the cave. The crystal-clear water cascaded down into the pond below, sparkling with an icy sheen. She dipped her fingers in, feeling the cold rush against her skin. Though she loved her independence, she knew the water was too deep for her to manage alone, so she sat by the edge, watching her reflection while waiting.
After a few minutes, Len fluttered over, still yawning and rubbing his eyes. “Are you ready?” he asked sleepily.
“Yeah!” Nyx replied, smiling brightly.
With a tired but cheerful smile, Len guided her into the water, helping her with her bath. The cold water washed away any remaining drowsiness from them both, leaving Nyx feeling refreshed and ready for the day. After drying off, she dressed in her usual trousers, blouse, and boots, strapping her scabbard around her waist. She sauntered to the cave entrance, where the others were waiting for her.
Breakfast was laid out—freshly caught fish, crisp vegetables, sweet fruits, and a large mug of milk. Nyx’s eyes lit up. “Milk! It’s been so long!” she said, thoroughly delighted.
As she roasted her fish and vegetables over the fire, her friends gathered around, chatting with her as she ate.
Nabi looked over at her plate. “Enjoying that milk, Nyx?”
Nyx grinned, taking a big sip. “More than you know!”
Ryu chuckled, his eyes glinting playfully. “You’ve earned it with all those dungeons you’ve been clearing!”
Len leaned closer, laughing softly. “Who knows, maybe you’ll get another title: ‘Empress of Milk.’”
Nyx giggled, sticking out her tongue. “Very funny, Len.”
As she finished eating, she couldn’t help glancing around, waiting for Drac. He had mentioned he’d be giving her a new skill today, so she wasn’t heading to any dungeons. Instead, her friends started chatting about where they might explore next.
“Where should we go next?” Suli asked, looking thoughtful.
“I’m voting for Griff’s territory again,” Len said, grinning. “Last time, we didn’t get to see the deeper parts.”
Nabi nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “And who knows what treasures are hiding there?”
Nyx tapped her chin, thoughtful. “I’d like that, but maybe we could explore Snake’s place after that?”
Just then, Drac’s imposing figure appeared in the distance. His powerful stride brought him toward Nyx and her friends, who were now perched eagerly on her shoulders, head, and even her legs.
Drac’s gruff voice boomed through the clearing. “This new skill will be vital to your success. Use it well.”
A warm, shimmering light surrounded Nyx, and her system displayed a new message:
New Skill
Authority
Draconic’s Rise
Description: Draconic’s Rise is a levitation skill that channels the power and grace of dragons to lift the user into the air. When activated, a faint aura resembling dragon wings surrounds the user, granting them an imposing and majestic appearance. This skill provides not only levitation but also agility, allowing the user to move fluidly while airborne, as though riding dragon winds. It offers a sense of strength and freedom in flight, inspired by the mighty ascent of dragons.
Level: ??
Do you confirm?
YES/NO
Nyx didn’t hesitate. “Yes!” she said eagerly, and with a shimmer, the skill was hers.
New Skill Acquired
Authority
Draconic’s Rise
Level: ??
Drac watched her with an approving nod. “This skill is a powerful one, Nyx. Use it carefully. Levitation requires more than just strength; it takes control.”
Nyx’s eyes were wide as she nodded, listening intently. “What do I need to know?”
“First,” Drac began, “imagine yourself floating like a dragon. Light as air, but strong. Think of how it feels when you see me fly.”
Nyx closed her eyes, focusing on the memory of Drac’s powerful, graceful flight. “Like… letting the air carry me?”
“Exactly.” Drac gave a slight nod. “Now, let’s start with small movements. Feel the ground beneath you, and imagine it lifting you up. Pretend there are dragon wings under your feet.”
Taking her tiny hands in his own, Drac gently guided her movements. “Breathe steady, and picture the dragon’s aura around you. Calm, focused breaths.”
Nyx inhaled deeply, steadying herself. She felt lighter, as if an invisible wind was lifting her. She took small jumps, each one a bit higher, as she practiced the sensation of rising. Drac continued to support her, helping her maintain balance.
The others watched in quiet encouragement, their faces lit with excitement. Ryu whispered, “You’re doing great, Nyx!”
As Nyx grew more familiar with the feeling, she gasped in surprise as her feet lifted off the ground, just a couple of inches, but it was enough to make her heart race with excitement.
Drac looked down at her, his eyes serious. “I’m going to let go now, Nyx. Are you ready?”
She looked up at him, her eyes bright. “I’m ready!”
Drac released her hands, and Nyx wobbled for a moment, but she steadied herself, hovering just above the ground. Her face lit up with joy as she floated on her own.
Drac’s gaze softened as he observed the energy surrounding her. He could sense her growing power, and it pleased him. Nyx, noticing his approval, began to move around him, testing her newfound skill.
“I’m really doing it!” she shouted, her voice filled with excitement. She floated over to her friends, who all began to circle around her, floating alongside her.
Len reached for her hand, grinning. “Look at you, flying already!”
They all joined hands, floating in a circle around her, their laughter filling the air. Drac watched them for a moment, then cleared his throat, drawing Nyx’s attention back to him.
“Nyx,” he called, his voice calm but commanding. “How about a flight together?”
Her eyes sparkled, and she nodded eagerly. “Yes, please!”
Floating alongside Drac, with Len and the others in tow, Nyx felt a surge of exhilaration as Drac slowly lifted off. She latched onto his wing, using it to steady herself as they rose higher into the sky.
With her heart racing and her blood pumping, Nyx looked down at the forest below. She felt a mix of fear and excitement, her hands gripping Drac’s wing tightly. Drac’s voice came from beside her, reassuring and strong.
“Whenever you’re ready, you can let go. And if you feel unsteady, I’ll catch you.”
Nyx took a deep breath, summoning her courage. She released her grip, tentatively floating beside Drac. She wobbled slightly but quickly steadied herself, the thrill of floating freely filling her with pride. She recalled Drac’s advice, grounding herself in his words as she floated confidently beside him.
She began to glide around Drac, her excitement contagious. She even floated above him, hovering proudly. “I really do feel like a magic princess!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder.
Ryu’s voice broke through the tranquility. “We can finally redo our race!” he exclaimed, his excitement infecting the whole group.
Nyx’s face lit up at the challenge. “You’re on, Ryu!”
With laughter and anticipation, Nyx and her friends prepared for yet another adventure, her heart soaring as high as her new flight.