Fili had never seen anyone kill a ferocious mountain boar so effortlessly. As the city lord’s daughter, she’d met many strong warriors in town, but even the mightiest paled beside Dante before her.
Fili asked Qin Jun, “Big Brother Dante, what’s your level? When can I reach your strength?”
Qin Jun fell silent, pondering how much to tell the girl. Too high, and she’d despair; too low, and it wouldn’t showcase his power. He needed to awe her again.
Seeing Qin Jun stay quiet, Fili assumed he couldn’t share—many strong warriors guarded their levels.
She lowered her head. “It’s okay, Big Brother Dante. Fili understands you must have your reasons.”
Qin Jun blinked. *This girl overthinks too much. Not good.*
He quickly replied, “Fili, I feared my level would shock you. I worried your vow to match me might lose its courage.”
Hearing this, Fili’s gloomy expression brightened. She smiled. “Don’t worry, Big Brother Dante. Fili won’t fear hardship. Luofu will always protect me.”
Her face was resolute, lips pouting cutely. *Having a little sister might be nice,* Qin Jun thought. *I never had one back home. Time to feel like an older brother.*
He grinned. “Since you’re determined, I’ll tell you.”
Fili tensed, small hands clenched tight, palms slick with sweat.
Qin Jun chuckled. “I’m level 80.”
A solid rank—a true powerhouse here.
Fili breathed easier. *Achievable.* A traveling mage once praised her magic potential, promising she’d hit level 90 at an academy. But she’d been lazy, preferring home comforts. The city lord spoiled her, leading to Luofu’s tragic death.
Qin Jun teased, “Think it’s easy?”
Fili shook her head. “I just need a goal to stay resolved.”
“Good mindset,” Qin Jun nodded. After a pause, he added, “Since you’re serious, I’ll gift you something.”
“A gift?” Fili’s eyes sparkled.
“A contract pet. Want one?”
“Of course!” Fili bounced excitedly. “Father planned to get me one, but we never found a cute one. They were all ugly.”
Qin Jun laughed. “Picky, huh? I’ll fix that. Follow me.”
He swept her up, soaring on the wind into the Monster Forest’s depths. The terrain grew wilder inward, Monstrous Beasts rarer but stronger—mostly level 60, few below 50. Fili spotted a wolf beast: cute, pretty. She checked its level—67. *Nope. Too weak. Maxes at 80. Useless.*
Qin Jun already knew the perfect pet: that level 99 Monstrous Beast. *Hope it’s not ugly. If it is, I’ll settle.*
Why spoil Fili? He truly saw her as a sister. Brothers protect sisters—it’s only right.
They landed at a massive volcanic crater, long cooled and hollow. Fili, awed, yelled into the abyss: “Is there a pet here?”
Echoes bounced back: “Is there a pet here… pet here… here.”
Qin Jun watched fondly. “Scared to wait alone? I’ll fetch the beast.”
He hid his true worry: revealing his strength might backfire. Plus, taming it required prep. *If Fili knew it’s level 99, she’d faint.*
Fili shook her head. “I’m fine. I’ll train my courage here.”
*Adorable kid,* Qin Jun mused. Aloud, he said, “I’m heading down.”
“Be careful, Big Brother Dante,” Fili called.
“You too. Dangerous Monstrous Beasts hunt here.”
Fili shivered.
*You want courage? I’ll help. Your journey’s long,* Qin Jun thought, grinning inwardly. He left her alone—but not unprotected. Unseen, he cast a Barrier around the crater. No beast could enter. He also buffed Fili; nothing below level 60-70 could harm her.
Clueless about his mischief, Fili fretted alone. *Big Brother Dante’s mean! Scaring Fili. Doesn’t he know I’m timid?*
Below, Qin Jun faced countless caves. A weaker human would never find the level 99 beast. But Qin Jun? A level 999 legend.
A single sense sweep revealed its location and stats:
Phoenixbird Divine Beast: Level 100 juvenile. A god-beast from another world, stranded here for unknown reasons.
*Huh? A Phoenixbird from my old world? Did it cross over like me?* Qin Jun mused. *Scary level for a juvenile. Full-grown? Probably rivals me.*
He rushed to a dry grass nest. There it was—a one-legged bird, crane-like, but wounded.
