[Um, if you're wondering why the story progresses slowly and isn't fast-paced, it's because I want to make it more compelling and detailed. I don't want the plot to feel too sudden—I want to enjoy the process of writing since I'm a new author :D]
[So please understand. Also, there's actually a huge problem with my ranking system, and I really appreciate the heads-up.]
[Here's the updated hierarchy for clarity:
CG: Common Grade – Basic items or tools.
UG: Uncommom Grade – Better quality, with minor enhancements.
HG: High Grade – Advanced items, useful in higher-level tasks or battles.
SG: Superior Grade – Elite items, rare and powerful.
LG: Legendary Grade – Items owned by high-ranking empires. Very rare! :D
MG: Mythic Grade – Ultra-rare, nearly impossible to find.
AG: Ancient Grade – Artifacts lost to time and history.]
[Please, if there's anything on your mind, I'm very open to criticism since I really need it :D]
"Only you two are left," Alexander muttered, his voice as calm as the ocean, but his eyes were razor-sharp.
The last two Direwolves decided to charge. Even though they were afraid, their pride as strong beasts was on the line.
Seeing this, Alexander sneered.
"A futile move."
The first Direwolf aimed high, while the other circled to his flank.
Alexander spun on his heel and unleashed another "Crescent Blade Arc." The glowing energy of his skill tore through the air like a rippling wave.
[-30 Mana]
[Mana: 175/205]
The arc cleaved through the first Direwolf and crashed into the second, sending both beasts collapsing to the ground.
Dust and faint wisps of mana settled around him. Alexander inhaled as he threw the sword back into his inventory.
[System Notification: You have slain a Level 2 Direwolf! Rewards: 5 EXP | 10 Omnipoints]
[System Notification: You have slain a Level 2 Direwolf! Rewards: 5 EXP | 10 Omnipoints]
…
Alexander then called the system to show him his current status, Razon then showed his current status as a huge panel appeared in front of him.
Name: Alexander Aurelious
Level: 2 (34/200)
Coins: 0
Omnipoints: 466
Class: None
Race: Human
Bloodline: Behemoth Bloodline
Innate Skills: Titan's Might, Behemoth's Wrath, Legacy of the Behemoth
Passive Skills: Unyielding Will, Behemoth's Presence, Unyielding Stamina
Active Skills: Earthen Fortress, Primal Roar, Crescent Blade Arc
Free Attributes: 2
Health: 455
Vitality: 52
Strength: 117
Defense: 112
Speed: 34
Stamina: 67
Mana: 205 ]
"Even after killing a total of ten beasts, only about 33 EXP was added, along with 76 Omnipoints. I should really find stronger beasts instead of wasting time on these low-level ones," Alexander thought.
If he only focused on clearing the beasts wandering near the village, it would be nothing but a waste of time. But if he left, what would happen to the village?
Other than Direwolves, there were no new beasts he had encountered attacking the area. Solving the source of this problem would quite literally resolve everything.
His gaze wandered around the place, and he noticed that there were no more Direwolves. As he continued his observation, the sound of footsteps echoed behind him.
"Uhh… great warrior… may we have the pleasure of knowing your name?" an old man's voice rang out.
Turning around, Alexander saw an elderly man with a cane, his face filled with smiles and hope as he looked at him.
There were two men beside the old man. The man on the right was filled with awe, clearly recognizing the person before him as a warrior.
Meanwhile, the man on the left had an ugly expression but quickly hid it as soon as it appeared.
Hearing the old man's inquiry about his name, Alexander responded.
"My name is Alucard, and I was hired by the king to resolve the crisis affecting the kingdom's villages. I decided to come here first and address the problem. The king also wishes to express his apologies for not sending any soldiers and warriors sooner, which has led to great suffering for the people."
Hearing that he was actually a warrior sent by the king, the old man was shocked. Their so-called worthless king might not be so worthless after all. What surprised him even more was that the king had even taken the time to read their letter.
"Has the king truly changed? A changed man? I'd sooner believe a gay man turned straight than this!" the old man grumbled inwardly.
The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Even the two people beside him felt as if their entire worldview had been overturned—the king, after so long, had finally done something good for the kingdom.
Seeing their shocked expressions, that is so exaggerated that a whole apple could fit in their open mouths, he was utterly speechless.
"Is my change really that world-defying?" Alexander wondered, shaking the thought from his mind as he eyed the old man.
Feeling his gaze, the old man coughed lightly before bowing. "So, it's actually a warrior hired by the king," he murmured, shifting his gaze to the two beside him. Sensing his look, they also bowed slightly in respect.
"I'm truly glad the king has finally taken action. Now, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Gareth Thatcher, the village chief of Greenfield Village," the old man said formally.
He then extended his hand to the right. "This man beside me is my eldest son, Clem Thatcher."
The young man, around 22 years old, straightened his chest and offered a somewhat awkward smile. Seeing this, Gareth smiled as well, nodding in appreciation.
"My eldest son is a shy one, but don't let that fool you. He's a talented blacksmith, and in this village, he's the only one who knows how to craft tools and weapons," the old man said proudly.
Having such a skilled son was, of course, a source of great pride for him.
"To my left is my youngest son, Wren Thatcher. He's just a year younger than my eldest. As for his achievements, there are none yet, but in the future, there will be," the old man said with a wide smile, full of expectation.
Wren, standing to his left, felt his eyes tremble for a brief moment before quickly regaining composure. He smiled—not with the shyness of his elder brother, Clem, but with confidence. His presence carried an approachable aura.
"Nice to meet you, great warrior," he said, cupping his hands together in a respectful gesture.
Alexander simply nodded and replied, "Nice to meet you as well." Then, he shifted his gaze toward the old man.
"I've already cleared all the beasts wandering around the outskirts of the village, Village Chief. Now, I'll be heading into the 'Grimhowl Forest' to reduce their numbers further so they won't pose a threat to this village anymore—especially since the King will be arriving here tomorrow."
With that, he subtly informed them that the so-called "King" was none other than himself will be arriving here tomorrow.
Hearing the news, the old man forced a broken smile. His view of the current king had always been unsightly, but now, it was no longer filled with disdain since the king seemed to have matured.
"Thank you for telling me this news, great warrior. I will prepare a grand banquet to welcome the king tomorrow," the old man said with a bow.
Yet, deep inside, his heart felt as though it had been pierced by countless nails.
Life in the village was already difficult, and food was scarce. If they truly went through with the banquet, the rations that could sustain them for weeks would be consumed in just a single day.
Alexander shook his head beneath his hood. "No need for that. The king knows the situation of every village. If you do that, you'll have no food left for the rest of the week," he said.
Gareth was stunned by his words. A king who was this magnanimous? Even his two sons were equally shocked—but perhaps this made sense.
They hadn't seen the king in over a year. The only time they had caught a glimpse of him was when he was a child, back when the real king and queen were still alive. So maybe he had matured a bit.
"Am I really that bad in their eyes?" Alexander muttered inwardly, feeling a wave of silent frustration.
Beneath his hood, his expression turned noticeably dejected.
Gareth then expressed his gratitude. "I truly wish to thank the king for his actions, but great warrior, may I at least ask the purpose of his visit to this village?" he inquired.
Alexander smiled, a gesture that all three of them clearly saw. "That's a secret for now, but I promise you, it's good news," He spoke with a trace of a mysterious smile.
Gareth was left in a state of confusion. Good news? The only "good news" he could think of was the king not coming at all. Other than that, he couldn't imagine anything better.
However, he couldn't voice such thoughts to a warrior personally hired by the king, so instead, he forced a polite smile and responded, "Then this village will eagerly await the king's arrival to hear the good news."
Alexander nodded with a smile as he glanced at Clem and Wren. The two were vastly different—almost like the sea and the land, complete opposites.
The older brother was supposed to be the confident one, yet it was the youngest who carried that trait. However, Clem's talent surpassed Wren's, which somewhat balanced the difference between them.
Clem had bulging muscles and a giga-chad face, his features rugged but of average looks, with brown skin. Wren, on the other hand, had a more average build but was slightly taller than Clem.
Clem stood at around 180 cm, while Wren was slightly taller at 182 cm, roughly six feet. Alexander glanced up at the sky, knowing that time was running out.
"I'll be going now, Village Chief. Since I'm leaving, I suggest the three of you find a place to hide. Without me here, no one will be able to protect you from danger," he said.
The village chief bowed, followed by his two sons. "We will heed your words, great warrior Alucard."
With that, they departed, and Alexander dashed toward the forest. He needed to level up faster his survival greatly depended on it.
He had no allies. His uncle was not a warrior like him, and there was no one he could rely on. In the end, he could only trust himself.
Since there was one person he had to protect: his wife, Serena.
As the three walked back, Clem glanced at his father and spoke.
"Pops, is the warrior sent by the king really going to be okay? The beasts inside Grimhowl Forest are much stronger than the wandering ones. Their fighting power is also different at night. He's completely alone. I don't know if he can really handle the danger in there."
Gareth remained silent for a moment. However, based on the warrior's prowess earlier, it was clear that he had the capability to survive as long as he didn't venture too deep.
"He can handle it. If he was hired by the king, then he must have done his own research before entering the forest. Also, he's strong. At worst, he might suffer some minor injuries. That is if he doesn't wander deeper," Wren replied, his eyes calm and steady.
Clem just nodded his head as the old man Gareth smiled in satisfaction. Even though his youngest son was not particularly talented in physical skills, he was very smart.
Alexander had already stepped foot inside Grimhowl Forest. The atmosphere was eerie, with the wind howling through the trees and the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze.
Extending his right arm, a sword appeared in his hand as he gripped the handle tightly. His gaze pierced through the darkness, where he spotted three red eyes.
At first, they were small, but they gradually grew larger as they approached.
Finally, they emerged, revealing their appearance. Alexander saw that they were Direwolves, but something about them made him narrow his eyes.
These three beasts were noticeably bigger and stronger than the Direwolves in the village. Their menacing growls echoed through the forest as their sharp claws dug into the ground.
They snarled at him, their gazes filled with hostility. The one in the center stood out the most. Alexander could sense that it was stronger than the others, its presence exuding a greater sense of oppression.
"Come," he shouted, and in an instant, the two Direwolves pounced at him.
Alexander did not waste a second. With explosive speed, he dashed toward them like a cannonball.