Time passed quickly as Lucy switched to the next mountain in the range. The new location was teeming with resources, and Lucy wasted no time in producing more containers. Max had instructed her to stop before draining the mountain completely, ensuring it looked normal on the outside.
....
Max flew around the mountain, inspecting Lucy's work while the crows followed him playfully. The containers were neatly arranged at the base, their surfaces gleaming faintly in the sunlight.
"Good job, Lu," Max said, landing near the containers. "But let's not overdo it this time. We don't need a trail of dead mountains leading straight to us."
'Ok'.
.....
Max called Mok and Louh to follow him inside a cave within Lucy's range of control. The other crows, knowing what was happening, followed to watch.
By now the simulator's cooldown was over and Max didn't plan to waste time.
"Alright, Louh," Max said, his tone serious. "You're going into the dream. Your tasks are simple: eat well, sleep well, and exercise however you want. Fight beasts, humans, fly around, just focus on growing your stats to the fullest."
Louh tilted his head, his black feathers glistening as he let out a soft Craw!
" also just in case! If you reach your limit in one go than you need to kill yourself immediately! Understood? ". Instructed Max out of caution. After all with Louh's current life span he can go through the 100 years easily.
Louh nodded in understanding.
Craw Craw.
Max nodded, activating the simulator, placing Louh at a random spot, as the first simulation started:
[In the first year, you found yourself in unfamiliar land and started exploring trying to find a good spot to make a nest.
Soon enough you found a village and observed it out of curiosity. however the villagers noticed you and chased you immediately with fervor.
In confusion, you were hit by an arrow, and another followed.]
[You died.]
[Simulation ended. Please pick a reward.]
Max frowned, selecting full body stats for Louh. "Again," he said, restarting the simulation.
...
Louh's simulations continued, each one ending in death at the hands of humans.
- Second Simulation: Louh was chased by merchants and killed by a stray arrow.
- Third Simulation: A passing knight cut him in half before he could react.
- Fourth Simulation: He was ambushed by villagers while resting in a tree.
Max's frustration grew with each failure. "What's going on? Are humans just hostile to crows in this world?"
...
Max started the fifth simulation, but this time he instructed Louh to stay away from humans, and specifically placed him far away from any settlement.
[In the first year, you found yourself in a dense forest, far from any human settlement.
After some exploration, you made a nest and settle down.]
[In the fourth year, in this wilderness You thrived, growing stronger as you hunted beasts and explored the land.
The beasts weren't that strong, so other than food they weren't good for practicing, so instead you focused on flying while holding heavy objects from rocks, trees, and even beasts.]
[In the 13th year, Years passed, and your body became much stronger but you were still far away from reaching your limit.]
[In the 14th year, the place you were living in had became cold all of a sudden,too cold for your comfort, even with your high vitality, adding the fact that the snow made it hard to find any prey, you decided to migrate.
On the way, while flying through a storm, you were struck by lightning. ]
[You died.]
[Simulation ended. Please pick a reward.]
Max sighed, selecting full body stats again. "At least he lasted a few years this time."
Louh shook slightly, as he felt his body growing stronger, the process was quick, and Max was next.
Straight after Louh's power up Max felt the mixture of pain and power rush through his body.
He closed his eyes, and soon enough it was over.
Max stretched slightly, and started the simulation again.
He didn't blame Louh for the last death, that cold was obviously wrong, so was that lightning that hit him.
Max's guess was that it was some witch's doing, and Louh was simply unlucky enough to be at the wrong place.
So he didn't even switch the starting location this time, feeling it wasn't necessary.
.....
[In the first year, you found yourself in a remote wilderness, far from any human settlement.
You made a nest, and because of your strength you dominated this Forest in no time, becoming the recognized ruler.]
[In the 7th year, you were still far away from your strength limit, but your physical growth speed were slowing down, and you couldn't increase it no matter how hard you worked.
So instead you put some of your time in practicing your skills.]
[In the 8th year, you completely masterd (air strike), and now you're able to add your flight momentum to your claw and peak attacks, amplifying your damage making you more deadly.]
[In the 10th year, your body continues to grow stronger and you started practicing Arborize seriously, your progress was slow but you got used to using the skill.]
[In the 13th year, the Forest became unusually cold as it started snowing, you could tell this wasn't normal, and because of your high stats you could feel a strange energy in the air, so you decided to investigate, just to encounter a witch in the wilderness.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
She tried to make you her pet, but you resisted.
Enraged, she attacked you, but your body was much stronger now.
After doing your best, You killed the witch, but you were heavily injured, and hid inside a hallow tree to heal.
After recovering slightly, you went out and inspected the corpse.
nothing of interest peaked your attention, but you found some strange plants on her an ate them.
They were somewhat poisonous, but your high Vitality filtered the poison out, as you felt your body growing stronger faster.
Excited you decided to leave this region looking for similar plants to grow stronger faster .]
[In the 33rd year, your journey was long and boring mostly, you did meet some knights, and even more witches but they all died at your hand.
still your search wasn't successful, but it wasn't completely pointless as you did find some useful things that helped your body reach its peak, and your skill (Arborize) has shown some success.
Other than that you weren't interested in anything else.]
[In the 37th year, your body could no longer progress by any means, and it was time to end your life.
But you had no idea how....
Eventually you decided to raid a kingdom. After all while you can solo any knight, you couldn't handle many.
Without hesitation you went with your plan, and after killing 4 knights in a grand battle of over 100 vs 1 inside the city, you were killed.]
[you died]
[because your pet has reached the peak power of this world, you get to pick a second reward.]
[Simulation ended. Please pick the rewards.]
"Simulator, can I save the double reward chance for another time, maybe for Lucy?"
[You Can.]
Max simply picked body stats alone, although his expression wasn't particularly happy.
This simulation took too much time. And he was left with around 48 years.
Shaking his Head Max checked Louh's new stats as he felt his own body growing stronger.
Name: Wood crow Louh.
Strength: D+
Agility: D++
Vitality: B+
Spirituality: C++
Overall evaluation: C++
Abilities :
[Innate ability "Parasitic Bloom"].
[Arborize]
[air strike]
[wind flight (passive)]
[enhanced feathers (passive)]
Max ignored the pain within his body as he examined Louh's stats, what pulled his attention was the spirituality as it will be of great help to himself, currently he is struggling to provide for his skills and always end up with a headache that could be very dangerous if it distract him during a fight.
....
Soon enough the changes within Max's body was coming to an end, as he exclaimed feeling his new found power.
"wow!..... Simulator show me my stats."
Name: Max.
Strength: D++
Agility: C++
Vitality: B+
Spirituality: C++
Overall evaluation: C++.
Talents :
[Hive-Link]. [Crimson brilliance]. [Bound by Blood].
Skills & abilities :
1-[Mystic eye] 2-[Telekinesis] 3-[wind flight (passive)] 4-[enhanced feathers (passive] 5-[ World of mirrors] 6-[mirror prison] 7-[mirror image] 8-[Parasitic Bloom] 9-[Arborize].
Max blinked twice at his stats, his bad mood completely Swept Away.
Max couldn't help but grin, basking in the surge of power coursing through his body. "Man! Now that's power!.... Now it shouldn't be a problem using all my skills together without the accompanying headache."
Someone else in the room was just as thrilled, Louh. The wood crow had been sitting quietly, processing the incredible changes to his body, but his excitement finally exploded. With an enthusiastic Craw!, Louh leapt into the air, his wings snapping open with newfound strength and speed.
Unfortunately, he was too strong. The moment Louh flapped his wings, he shot upward like an arrow, smashing straight through the cave wall in a shower of stone and dust.
Max, shielding his eyes from the debris.
"What the...."
The other crows, Mok and the rest, exchanged stunned glances as they stared in disbelief.
Louh, meanwhile, spiraled wildly outside, clearly struggling to control his flight. His speed had doubled, and every small movement sent him zooming uncontrollably.
"LOUH!" Max shouted, stepping to the cave entrance. "Get back here!."
Louh managed to right himself mid-air, his flustered Craw! echoing as he swooped down awkwardly. He landed a bit too hard, skidding along the ground before finally coming to a stop near Max. His wings were still trembling with excitement.
Max crossed his arms, staring him down. "Listen, I get it. You feel strong, you are strong. But if you don't learn to control yourself, you're going to accidentally kill someone, or worse, your brothers."
Louh ducked his head, feathers ruffling with embarrassment.
"Now, take it slow," Max continued. "Don't fly like that until you're in an open area, and be sure you won't hurt anyone. Got it?"
"Craw!" Louh agreed, nodding rapidly.
The other crows were still stunned to quietness as Max turned to Mok. "Alright, Mok, your turn."
Mok hopped forward confidently, his sharp eyes gleaming with intelligence. Max knelt down to meet his gaze, his tone more serious now. "Listen, Mok, this isn't going to be easy. There are only 48 years left in the in the dream world. That's barely enough time to bring a blue-ranked skill to Advanced mastery, especially for someone at E-rank like you."
Max's expression darkened slightly. "Normally, it takes 60 years for someone to master a blue skill, even for those who are naturally talented and with higher stats.
For someone at E-rank, it should be impossible. Honestly, it should take double the time."
Mok tilted his head, letting out a soft Craw.
"But," Max continued, smiling faintly, "you're a genius. If anyone can do it, it's you. That's why I'm giving you this chance. You'll focus on telekinesis, alright? And before we start, here's the world map..."
Mok couldn't see the map, so Max took out a pen and paper and began describing the simulation world's layout to Mok, detailing the coldest regions, the deserts, oceans, and the areas that should be controlled by knights and witches although those weren't too accurate.
Mok listened intently, occasionally responding with a Craw! Max, through their mental link, understood every question Mok had.
"You want to start where?" Max blinked, slightly surprised.
Mok hopped twice, his decision firm.
"The extreme north, huh? That looks like the coldest place in the world..." Max rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "That's... bold. But I see your reasoning. Alright, if that's what you want, then I respect your choice."
With that, Max activated the simulator, setting Mok's starting point.
[In the first year, You find yourself in the far northern tundra, a land of perpetual snowstorms and freezing temperatures.
Visibility is poor, and the air bites at your feathers. But you are prepared. Using telekinesis, you create a small barrier around your body, shielding yourself from the cold and snow.
In this state you moved around seeking food.]
Max nodded in approval. "Smart. The constant strain of maintaining that barrier is perfect for practicing telekinesis. If he slips for even a second, he's done for with his low vitality. This is pure survival training."
[In the 4th year, The storms never let up, and food was scarce to the point you were never full, but your mastery over telekinesis has improved significantly.
The barrier is more stable now, and maintaining it became an instinct.
So to increase the challenge you've begun experimenting with manipulating objects in your environment. Small stones and chunks of ice float around you as you practice refining your control.]
Max smirked. "Impressive. "
[In the 14th year, After years of relentless practice, you have achieved Primary Mastery in telekinesis. Your barrier is now second nature, and you can manipulate multiple objects simultaneously with precision. You've even started using telekinesis offensively, launching sharp icicles with deadly accuracy, making the hunt for food much easier.]
Max couldn't hide his admiration. "Fourteen years to reach Primary Mastery in these conditions... Mok really is something else."
[In the 30th year, Your control has reached new heights. The cold no longer fazes you, as your barrier is near perfect. You've begun practicing finer applications of telekinesis, like disassembling and reassembling objects, further honing your skills.]
[In the 43rd year, You've done it. Against all odds, you've achieved Advanced Mastery in telekinesis. Your control is unparalleled, and you can manipulate massive objects with ease. The storms around you are no longer an obstacle, they are a tool.
You use the winds and snow as extensions of your power, bending the environment to your will.]
Max leaned back, exhaling slowly. "He actually did it... I didn't think it was possible....."
Max focused again on the simulation, with some hope that Mok will achieve perfected mastery.
[In the 44th to the 48 year, With your goal achieved, you spend the remaining years exploring the world.
You left the cold north to the more greener side of the world, you met no witches, but a lot of knights.
With both telekinesis and the ability to fly they were incapable of harming you with their means, so you ignored them.
After some time, you found the kingdom of those knights, and their numbers made you terrified.
From your observation and probing there were at least a few thousand C-rank knights within this kingdom ignoring the weaker ones.
You were spotted and targeted by countless nights but they simply couldn't do anything about you, as every projectile will be stopped by your telekinesis, and the knight themselves couldn't fly up to you.
Just to teach them a lesson for attacking you, you made some destruction within the capital as they watched you helplessly, then left to explore the world more.]
[Simulation ended. Please pick the rewards.]
"he didn't reach it!"
Max was slightly disappointed but still he selected telekinesis for Mok, watching as the crow's body visibly Stephen for a moment.
"Simply amazing work Mok."
Mok's sharp gaze met Max's, and the mental connection between them carried a single wordless message: satisfaction.
Craw! Craw!
"Well done, Mok, You've exceeded every expectation."
But suddenly as he was speaking, Mok's changes were complete and it was Max's turn now as his Hive-link activated.
Max felt a surge of pain rushing to his brain as he passed out.