Night

Azure Sky Forest was a modest-sized woodland on the outskirts of the Great Verdant Mountains. Magic Beasts and fierce predators dwelled here. Nightfall brought out all manner of nocturnal creatures.

Yet tonight, an eerie figure darted through the trees. He carried a sack on his back like a thief. Strangely, the nocturnal Magic Beasts didn’t notice him at all.

“This clothing’s quality is awful. Shouldn’t have bought cheap stuff. Damn it!” the figure grumbled. His clothes were already tattered from weaving through the forest.

*Rustle, rustle, rustle*—nearby bushes stirred.

*Whoosh*—a slender shape shot out, lunging to bite him. But he spun and dodged.

Moonlight illuminated the attacker: a Jade Viper. It was about eighty centimeters long, thick as two fingers, entirely green with a lighter grass-yellow belly. Its eyes, tail back, and tip glowed crimson red. A red-and-white stripe ran down its side. Its triangular head screamed venomous.

“Heh, a suicidal Jade Viper,” the figure said, not just unfazed but oddly excited.

“And it’s even a juvenile. Guess this is just my charisma,” he added, stroking his face narcissistically.

*Hiss*—the Jade Viper glared at the self-absorbed human. It felt insulted. How dare he ignore it? Even stronger Magic Beasts showed respect. It coiled tightly, then lunged, fangs bared. The motionless human drew a trace of disdain in its snake eyes. *Hmph! Frozen with fear? This is your end. Die, fool.*

A second later, it froze. The human had grabbed its head in an instant. A sharp pain exploded. Its last thought before blacking out: *How?!*

“Heh. Young snake, attacking without sizing up opponents. Did you think a weakling would show off before a venomous Jade Viper? Brains win in this world,” the figure sneered. He pinched the unconscious snake, pulled out rope, and skillfully tied its mouth shut. Then he tossed it into his sack.

“Huh, twentieth one! Enough collected. Time to head back!” he cheered excitedly, striding out of the forest.