The lives of the elves are quite long, the longest known elf to ever exist was over 10,000 years old, be it a myth or a fable, there is no denying that elves live long. And thanks to that their ego or personality solidifies as their identity blooms. For that long of a time, some practice ancient arts, one that is passed down from their forefathers.

Magic.

The art of bending reality to their will, commanding air as if it were their tool and limb. One would practise magic for convenience, to ease tasks, but philosophy differed for the elves of the ninth continent. Depending on the magic they study, it would be the only magic they would use for the entirety of their lives.

They concluded that magic is the echo of their soul, their purpose, their wants and their mind. So most of the time, their proficiency in one subject of magic is far more advanced than the others, solely because they practise magic to a specialisation.

Armin, whose magical art is to see what's beyond, to peek into the unknown, is once in the fog of what is called the future. The future is a hard thing to comprehend but one can predict, Armin's art allows him to predict the future to a certain accuracy.

But it would need information, from what is happening outside their village, factors like the dungeons, the count of animals that live within the forest. Countless pieces of information could make his art accurate.

"Elder Armin, how is our village?"

"Not good. A Blue creature would soon devour us all." Armin said with a weary tone.

"Creature? Only one?"

"Yes… only one."

Armin solemnly nodded, he was one of the elders who practised their art till it was grafted within their bones. Normally, elves would look young even when they were a hundred years old, but Armin was different, he already had white hair above his head and his forehead filled with wrinkles.

A true elder in form, which is why the younger generation of elves always take advice from them. They share their wisdom and experience to the younger ones completely relying on their guidance.

Armin closed his eyes for the umpteenth time, he saw everything clearly, houses made of wood burning down to ashes and the creature who stood on all fours roared and everything went upside down.

He could only frown as he didn't know when exactly would this happen, but the clarity of the vision and the brutality of the effect couldn't help but make Armin worry.

***

Hadro was in his realm, he was running low on soul energy so he would need to go back to the Abyss once again to refill it.

But not yet, he realised the flaws of his rushed actions. The sudden update of the [Status] system was implemented to his followers. But today that'll change, since he added a version of the system just below it, he could now indirectly tell the others about the change.

He made changes, a comprehensive one something that would benefit him, his Aidens and his followers. Thankfully learning his lesson the first time, his followers and Aidens are going to have their systems while doing the update.

Hadro considered his addition to the system, theres only so much advantage and guidance he could give to his followers so instead of a visual update to the system itself, he wanted to add a few things to his system diagnostics.

He wanted to add a 3d model of the user’s body but scratched it, he wanted to add something more substance, making a 3d model of the user's body and applying colours that were damaged is certainly useful but if they get over-reliant on this?

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

It was a no-go for Hadro, who wanted his followers to work for everything they had, however, he did add a couple of things to the numerical status of his system, adding things such as [Reflex], [Motor Nerve Reaction] etc. but before he finalized his update he paused.

A ripple in the serene library occurred, shaking the otherwise motionless shelves of books. The ripple soon opened and Hadro narrowed his eyes as he cursed under his breath. A figure soon entered the library and watched with a curious gaze, she carried the air of regal and dignity and the eyes of arrogance.

The entity slowly matched its gaze with Hadro's, once they locked eyes the entity smirked Hadro just smiled with a hint of annoyance. One of the major gods that rule this world, is the Goddess of Light.

"So…." The goddess looked around, "This is what your realm looks like." Then she looked at Hadro with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

[Jaheva has entered your realm.]

"So… you risked yourself coming here. Might as well give you a bit of hospitality." Hadro spat with obvious disdain, though his face remained unchanged.

"How welcoming~" Jaheva with a mocking grin.

"Unlike you and the others."

Hadro answered bluntly. Nonetheless, he showed hospitality since Jaheva had the courtesy of not showing blatant hostility, standing up he went over and pulled a chair for Jaheva to sit. Jaheva true to her nature as a goddess showed her grace as her stride felt like she was floating instead of walking.

Hadro sat down opposite her with an impassive face, it was clear he didn't want to make this conversation long. Jaheva however, seems to be enjoying Hadro’s plight her lips tugging up to a smile. She waved her hand and motes of light gathered to form a vertical disk they could view, multiple images started to show.

"The humans of the 6th continent have started their endeavour, I doubt you could defend your pathetic followers."

Jaheva’s angelic words were like honey in one’s ears, but they only served to irritate Hadro. He watched where Jaheva was going and hoped it wasn't something stupid, entering one’s [Godly Realm] is a death wish if the owner didn't allow it.

"Your followers still haven't discovered magical powers yet… hmm… there's a few—" The disk was portraying the humans and orcs but then when she was skimming through a lot of them the disk showed Arkum and paused. "I see…"

Hadro sneered and took control of the disk, going to the sixth continent, he started doing the same showing multiple people but only landing on one. A wizened man with a long grey beard and wrinkles all over his face.

"Hmm… there's only one?"

Hadro’s scoff didn't pass by Jaheva, she did not like how he toned it. Although she remained smiling her gaze became sharp and deadly. Though Hadro just smirked the entire time.

“I wonder, what the animosity is for at our first encounter, a baby god, and then an elder god being annoyed at the fact it didn't fall to their system.”

“You must’ve surmised already. A baby god with a system already cannot be taken. Then the fact that there are imaginary gods and gods under us.”

Hadro nodded but he couldn't care less about that simplification. So he stared at her and waited, her answer was something he wanted to hear. Jaheva frowned at this her forehead forming creases.

“A god could destroy the balance that we have created for aeons─”

“And create a new one.” Hadro chuckles, “Acts like a mortal.” his piercing gaze is directed at Jaheva.

“Tsk. I could help you on this, so don't dare antagonize me.”

“You can but I can’t, don't you think that's childish?” Hadro’s words were genuine.

This made Jaheva mad, and the energy around them silenced, but Hadro continued to stare into her eyes, waiting for an answer. Jaheva was at his mercy, not the other way around, she behaved. Not that her pride would allow Hadro to think that way.

“I can help you avoid the wrath of the gods, to avoid an unnecessary slaughter of your followers.”

“What, be under you?”

“No, Soul Points.”

Hadro’s glare didn't waver, Soul Points require 100 soul energy to form. It is a valuable resource for both man and god as his power relies on this, but man requires it to function, spiritually and mentally.

Thinking about it Hadro laughed, she wanted him for something he also wanted. Soul Points are something Hadro needed to grow, to ascend, but if he started offering them to Jaheva it would mean that he was hindering his growth but helping hers.

“I wonder what made you think I would accept that.”

“...”

“Well, whatever, you already antagonized me in my home long enough. I have things to prepare and finalize. You can leave.”

Hadro raised his hand and Jaheva’s eyes widened soon filled with rage as she got flung out of a portal that opened behind her. She didn't have the chance to speak or retaliate. Hadro closed it fast as Jaheva left.

Hadro needed to ascend soon, but his followers were low and the demand was high, but he was willing to play the long game. He’s a god after all.

***

The humans and orcs in Foreline suddenly became a sensation all felt similarly, a feeling of Malice that was suddenly thrown their way. Kavo was the first to react. Amassing all Warriors and Hunters to defend their home.

“Damnit, what is happening.”

The ground shook, they thought it was an earthquake but then, another followed… and another and another. It was like a stream of continuous earthquakes. It wasn't long before the culprit showed itself.

The Hunters and Warriors looked at the monstrosity with awe and fear. It was a giant lizard… or well something similar to an ikkin. Except with feathers, they were dinosaurs with scales. Something that the Warriors are pretty sure is going to be tough.

“Can we even defeat that thing?”

“Not yet…”

“We're only here to buy time.” One of the hunters spoke. “Arkum is the only one capable of bringing that kind of beast down.”

“But aren't they on a search?”

“Yes… That's why we stall.”

The Hunters prayed to their patron god, the warriors wished a warrior's death. And the monster is hungry.