Chapter 14
"This Ominous Blade cuts iron like butter and leaves no blood on the blade—a true must-have for home, travel, murder, or robbery," Roland said solemnly, handing it to Silva.
"It carries three effects: poison, shadow, and curse. One light slash sends anyone below Archmage level to their grave. Above Archmage? Just stab a few more times—seven strikes max seals their fate."
He then pulled a yellow longsword from his coat. Mysterious runes coiled across the blade; merely glancing at them radiated raw power and majesty.
"This is the Endless Blade," Roland declared. "Sharper and mightier than any hero’s sword. Wield it, and your strength surges—every strike lands as a critical hit."
Shoving it into Silva’s hands, he produced a pair of boots.
"Boots of Swiftness. Put them on, and you’ll sprint like you chugged a speed potion—fast enough to rival top-tier flying beasts."
Next came a blue gemstone, frost mist curling visibly from its surface, chilling the air.
"Frostheart. It spawns a frost domain and shields the wielder from mortal peril."
Under Silva’s wide-eyed stare, Roland pulled out sturdy green armor.
"Zeal Armor. Boosts magic resistance massively—you could even withstand a Forbidden Spell."
After stuffing it into her arms, he produced a violet staff.
"Staff of Time. Amplifies spell power and mana density. With this, you’ll deal tons of damage without breaking a sweat."
Roland eyed Silva, now cradling a pile of divine gear, and nodded. "You’re decked out in six legendary items now. Take on angels or demons head-on—no problem."
Silva stored each piece into her Spatial Bracelet, frowning slightly. "Why give me so many artifacts? I know this SSS-rank mission is dangerous… but this much?"
"Because I worry something might happen to you!" Roland sighed helplessly. "Have you even read the target? An Imperial-tier Beast! That thing can wipe out a nation!"
"Hehe~ You’re worrying about me again," Silva giggled, wrapping her arms tightly around his.
"The *Imperial-tier Beast* is the point!" Roland stressed again.
"With you here, I’m not afraid," Silva murmured, hugging his arm closer.
A delicate fragrance drifted into Roland’s senses. The scent of a lovely girl stirred an urge to pull her close. His arm sank into soft warmth; the sensation sent his thoughts wandering.
Thankfully, sheer willpower held firm.
"Ahem… Let’s go," Roland cleared his throat, flustered. "Other teams are after this mission too. If we’re slow, someone else snatches it."
"Mm! Let’s hurry."
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Xige Beastwood Forest—a vast magical beast forest bordering the capital. Its depths whispered mystery and danger, rumored to brim with priceless treasures.
Long ago, reckless mid-tier mages ventured deep, stumbled upon rare relics, and leaped straight to Archmage. The tale sparked a frenzy, drawing waves of adventurers.
But after whispers spread of an Imperial-tier Beast lurking within, most fled. Only the boldest remained.
After hours of travel, Roland and Silva reached the forest’s edge.
Outside the city’s grand protective array, Silva had no choice but to lift Roland’s seal—a different way to keep him close.
"Roland… I’ll let you kiss me," Silva whispered, cheeks flushed, "if you promise not to run before we’re back under the array."
"No need. I won’t run," Roland replied, squinting into the trees as if piercing the foliage.
The moment the seal broke, a razor-sharp danger prickled from the depths—*the* Imperial-tier Beast. And it felt his gaze too.
From deep within, an earth-shattering roar erupted.
The sky trembled. The quiet forest exploded into chaos. Beasts scattered in panic; flocks of birds shot skyward.
Silva stared, stunned. "That sound just now…"
"Our target."
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Deep in Xige Beastwood Forest.
"Damn it! What’s wrong with these beasts?!" A burly man roared, incinerating a magic wolf with a fiery punch.
"Must be that roar!" A top-hatted man conjured silken ribbons—they coiled around beasts, then snapped tight, severing limbs.
"Thirty-plus seventh-tier beasts charging!"
"Damn! Tighten formation—don’t get scattered!"
"Regroup! Now!"
Over thirty adventurers closed ranks. Corpses piled around them; blood stained the earth crimson. Splattered but unbroken—they were elite.
The woods swarmed: thirty+ seventh-tier beasts, fifty+ sixth-tier, a dozen eighth-tier, and countless lower-tier monsters. All glaring, frozen. Waiting.
The team held breath, eyes locked on the horde. Killing intent thickened the air.
One move—and the tide would swallow them whole.
"Tch. If I’d known… I’d have tasted love before coming," a blood-smeared woman smirked, bitter.
"Damn—I left dirty novels lying at home!"
"I still owe debts…"
"I swore: finish this job, retire, marry back home!"
Complaints rippled—then melted into shared laughter.
Silence fell.
The beasts surged—then froze. All heads snapped sideways.
A deafening blast echoed. The ground shuddered violently.
