Drift Of The Multiverse: Marvel Resident Evil DC Bleach DB

by Junkdog786

A world consumed by boundless, unending oceans. His sole companion was a mysterious Orb, a cryptic guide capable of leading its holder across dimensions. His goal? Infinite planes, where the sea of stars lay in wait. PS: The MC's main world is an endless ocean similar to One Piece, but it is not One Piece. #Slow-Paced #Slow Growth

3. Chapter 12-20

Chapter 12

"What is a priest of Rathma?"

As Ethan carried the letter Isendra had entrusted to him, this question occupied his thoughts. His understanding of this dark and dangerous world was surface-level at best, and he had no idea what kind of organization Rathma was or what kind of person he was about to meet.

Following Isendra's directions, Ethan headed north along a worn path that wound its way through the wilderness.

It was called a road, but in truth, it was little more than a trail beaten into the dirt by frequent travelers. Even so, it provided a reliable sense of direction.

In this underdeveloped world, if one got lost in the wild, the best way to regain their bearings was to find such a path. Following it long enough, in one direction or another, would eventually lead to a settlement.

Another advantage of sticking to the road was the relative safety it offered. Creatures like the Quill Rats and the Fallen—both of which Ethan dreaded rarely appeared on the main paths. Instead, the occasional zombie, slow-moving and few in number, posed the greatest threat. Ethan was confident enough in his abilities to deal with those.

"According to Isendra, I should reach the priest after three days of travel along this road. But it's already been two days, and I've neither seen nor heard a thing, not the priest, not even another traveler."

The oppressive environment was also wearing on him. The corruption of dark energy had grown noticeably stronger, even in the short time since Ethan had first arrived in this world. The sky remained perpetually overcast, robbing the days of warmth and light. The air itself seemed thick with an unsettling force that Ethan instinctively resisted.

Over time, as his spiritual power developed, Ethan began to feel an inexplicable pull toward the dark energy around him, as if his body wanted to absorb it and convert it into magic power.

"While it's true that mages can use any energy as magic," Ethan muttered to himself, "I'm sure channeling this kind of negative energy would come with a heavy cost."

Images of mages seduced by power only to meet tragic ends flickered through his mind. He forced himself to remember their mistakes, taking a deep breath to steady his thoughts.

"Uncontrollable power doesn't belong to me," he whispered, as if reaffirming his resolve.

Just as he prepared to continue forward, Ethan spotted movement in the distance. A group of skeleton soldiers, armed with long bone-bladed swords, was patrolling in a disciplined formation.

"Skeleton soldiers?"

The sight of them immediately put Ethan on high alert. These weren't mindless monsters wandering aimlessly; their movements were deliberate, almost strategic.

"This isn't normal…"

Peering farther into the distance, Ethan spotted more skeletons patrolling in formation.

"There's too many of them. If I try to push through, it's suicide."

He quickly decided to retreat. Moving slowly and deliberately, he backed away, keeping his steps light and his eyes scanning for a place to hide.

Unfortunately, the area around him was barren, offering little in the way of cover. Not even a dead tree or rocky outcrop could shield him.

As he cursed his bad luck under his breath, the skeletons suddenly stopped their patrol. To his surprise, rather than charging at him, they began to congregate in one place.

What happened next startled him even more. One of the skeletons at the front turned toward him and… waved.

"Wait, is it waving at me?"

Ethan froze in place, his mind racing. Was this some kind of intelligent undead? Could he have stumbled upon a skeleton inhabited by another transmigrator like himself?

Before Ethan could decide whether to flee or approach, his question was answered.

A man dressed in black and white robes emerged from behind the skeletons. With a simple gesture from the man, the skeleton that had been waving at Ethan dissolved into nothingness, as did the rest of the undead.

"A necromancer," Ethan muttered, his eyes narrowing.

The sight was unmistakable. As one of the original classes in Diablo II, Ethan recognized the necromancer immediately.

"So those skeletons were his summons."

It explained the strange, coordinated behavior of the undead, they were under the control of this necromancer.

Despite his recognition, Ethan hesitated. In a game, necromancers were popular, even heroic figures. But in reality, a mage who dabbled in corpses and souls would hardly be considered trustworthy.

Turning and running didn't seem like an option. The necromancer had already noticed him, and Ethan vaguely remembered the game lore portraying them as defenders of balance rather than harbingers of destruction. Deciding to take a chance, he approached cautiously, his hand still resting on the hilt of his dagger.

"Greetings, young traveler," the necromancer called out, his voice calm and measured. "I am Xul, a priest of Rathma. I sense the presence of someone familiar on you. Did she send you to me?"

Xul's words startled Ethan. Only then did he realize this was the priest he had been searching for.

"That… should be right," Ethan replied hesitantly, pulling the letter from his pouch. "Are you the Rathma priest Isendra mentioned?"

Xul nodded, though he clarified, "I wouldn't call us friends. We've only met once, but we share a common goal. She must have imprinted her mark on the letter, let me see it."

Ethan handed over the letter but couldn't suppress his curiosity. "So, you're… really a priest?"

Noticing Ethan's doubt, Xul offered a small smile. It seemed he was accustomed to such misunderstandings. As he read Isendra's letter, he began explaining the nature of the Rathma priest.

The Rathma priests, Ethan learned, were entirely unlike the necromancers he'd imagined. Their core belief was in maintaining balance in all things, between life and death, creation and destruction. They weren't aligned with either good or evil, instead pursuing absolute neutrality.

Their magic, derived from the primal energies inherent in all things, wasn't inherently dark or evil. It was the same energy harnessed by other groups, such as the Amazons. However, because of their ability to manipulate undead creatures, the Rathma priests were often misunderstood and their practices unfairly labeled as "black magic."

"Our magic is neither black nor evil," Xul insisted, his voice firm. "This classification is born of ignorance and prejudice."

Ethan listened attentively, though part of him couldn't help but find Xul's enthusiasm for his beliefs amusing.

Eventually, Xul returned to the matter at hand. "The letter says Isendra has discovered significant clues at the Rogue Camp. The surge in dark power seems linked to a mysterious figure, and the Blood Wastes are crawling with dark creatures. Even Andariel has claimed the fortress, blocking the path to the east."

Xul paused, rubbing his temples as if the information he'd just read gave him a headache. "One way or another, I need to head to the Rogue Encampment."

He turned to Ethan, his expression more measured now. "Young man, Isendra mentioned that you're diligently working to become a mage?"

"Yes," Ethan replied, though inwardly, he wasn't entirely sure if he could actually succeed in becoming a mage. Still, everything he had been learning and gathering was pushing him in that direction.

"Have you considered joining the Rathma priests?"

Ethan blinked, caught off guard. Xul's tone was casual, but there was an unmistakable enthusiasm in his voice, the kind that suggested he was already imagining Ethan among the ranks of the necromancers.

After a brief pause, Xul launched into what Ethan could only describe as a recruiting pitch. The priest spoke about balance, discipline, and the noble path of seeking equilibrium in all things. But the more Ethan listened, the more he realized he wasn't interested. Learning that the necromancers of this world were more akin to Puritan ascetics than dark sorcerers had already dulled his curiosity about the profession.

"No, I think it's better to stick to the path I've already chosen," Ethan said firmly. "Wavering between options won't get me anywhere."

To his surprise, Xul nodded approvingly, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Well said, young apprentice. With that mindset, I believe the day you become a full-fledged mage isn't far off."

Ethan felt a faint spark of encouragement, but it was quickly doused when Xul gave him a once-over, his gaze lingering on Ethan's thin frame.

"However," Xul said thoughtfully, "in this dangerous environment, you'll need to improve your ability to protect yourself. Otherwise, you might not survive long enough to realize your potential as a mage. Since your mental power won't improve overnight, you should consider working on your combat skills in the meantime."

Ethan nodded instinctively, but then the implications of Xul's words hit him. Combat skills? Did Xul think he was part of some team that would take on hordes of dark creatures? And why melee combat of all things?

"Wait… are you suggesting I focus on close combat?" Ethan asked, his skepticism plain.

Xul raised an eyebrow, his calm demeanor unshaken. "And why not? Do you think I'm unqualified to teach you?"

Before Ethan could respond, he felt a sudden blur of movement. In the blink of an eye, Xul, who had been standing two steps away, was now right in front of him. A cold dagger pressed lightly against Ethan's neck.

"As a priest of Rathma," Xul said evenly, his voice low and steady, "close combat is a required skill."

Chapter 13

On the way back to Camp Rogue, Ethan found himself torn between relief and discomfort.

He was thrilled to have finally gained some basic combat training from Xul, the so-called Rathma priest, whose skills in close combat were unexpectedly sharp.

But the discomfort? That came from Xul's teaching methods, which were blunt, brutal, and unrelenting. Beyond an initial explanation of basic movements and how to apply force effectively, Xul's "training" sessions primarily consisted of sparring—or, more accurately, Ethan being thoroughly beaten down.

"In your current state, you shouldn't focus on trying to defeat enemies," Xul had told him after yet another round of bruising lessons. "What you need to master first is survival. Learn how to endure attacks, protect yourself, and wait for the perfect moment to strike."

Ethan couldn't argue with the logic. Improving physical strength and combat skills wasn't something that could be done overnight. For now, focusing on how to stay alive in the face of overwhelming danger made sense.

By the time they reached Camp Rogue, Ethan was aching all over.

The Rogues stationed at the gates recognized him immediately and didn't raise any objections to the necromancer he brought along. When Xul explained that he had come at Isendra's request to investigate the surge in dark energy, the Rogues even greeted him with respect and relief.

"Interesting," Xul muttered, surveying the guards. "The Rogues, a branch of the mighty Amazons… Even warriors as formidable as these are now pinned down by the corruption spreading across this land."

Ethan could see what he meant. Though the Rogues tried to maintain an appearance of strength and confidence, it was clear that their situation was deteriorating. The ever-thickening dark energy weighed heavily on them, forcing them to hunker down in their camp. The boldness they once displayed when facing demons seemed to have dimmed into cautious desperation.

"It's clear that Andariel needs to be dealt with as soon as possible," Xul said, his tone grim. "I don't know if killing her will completely purge the growing corruption, but it should at least give us some breathing room. With the pressure eased, these Rogues might regain their morale and begin clearing the area of lesser dark creatures."

True to his pragmatic nature, Xul immediately asked where Isendra was. Wasting no time, he was eager to meet up with her and organize their next move.

Isendra, as it turned out, had been waiting for him at the camp. The two powerful mages quickly found one another and launched into a discussion about the strategy for combating the dark creatures.

Xul, ever the direct action-taker, proposed heading straight for Andariel to confront her in her lair. However, Isendra had a more cautious approach in mind.

"We can't ignore the dark creatures surrounding us," she argued. "Especially the ones gathering in the Den of Evil. They might not be individually powerful, but their sheer numbers pose a significant threat. If we leave them unchecked, they could easily overrun this camp."

She gestured around the camp. "This is one of the last human strongholds in the region with any real combat capability. Even if we kill Andariel, we'll still need the Rogues to mop up the remaining dark creatures in the area. Securing the Den of Evil is critical to ensuring the camp's survival."

After a moment of thought, Xul nodded in agreement. "You're right. Clearing the surrounding areas first will make our ultimate goal much more achievable. It won't take long with the three of us working together."

"Three?" Isendra raised an eyebrow, confused. Her gaze shifted to Ethan, who had been standing silently nearby. "Wait… You mean him?"

Xul looked genuinely puzzled. "Isn't he part of the team?"

At this, Isendra couldn't help but chuckle. "Not quite. Ethan has potential, but he's far from ready for this kind of battle. He hasn't even mastered the basics of magic yet. Putting him on the frontlines would be a mistake."

"Ah," Xul said, a note of disappointment in his voice. "I see. Then it's just the two of us for now."

"Don't worry," Isendra said reassuringly. "The growing dark energy will draw the attention of other factions and groups. I'm sure reinforcements will arrive soon. We won't be fighting this battle alone for long."

Ethan, standing off to the side, listened to their exchange in silence. Her words reminded him of the other heroes from the world of Diablo: the Paladins, Barbarians, Amazons, Druids, and Assassins who would eventually join the fight. Together, they had stood against the forces of evil, confronting the Demon Lords Diablo and Baal in their ultimate battles.

But Ethan knew he wouldn't be around to see those events unfold. He'd already calculated that his time in this world was running out. More than twenty days had passed since he first arrived, and the residual energy from the magic circle would soon send him back to his own strange ocean world.

Still, he couldn't deny how much he had gained from this unexpected journey.

He'd learned how to construct magic circles and had acquired a book detailing the basic principles of magic, including how to use teleportation spells. He now understood the fundamentals of potion-making, as well as how to use spiritual power to identify the properties of herbs. And thanks to Xul, he'd even picked up some basic hand-to-hand combat skills.

These skills and knowledge were securely locked in his enhanced memory, and the books he'd obtained would allow him to continue studying after his return.

"All in all," Ethan thought to himself, "this trip has been more rewarding than I could've imagined."

But before he left, there was one last piece of business to attend to.

"Next up is picking up the equipment I ordered," Ethan muttered to himself.

Before leaving Camp Rogue in search of Xul, he had used the rewards he'd earned to commission a small piece of equipment from Charsi, the camp's skilled blacksmith.

On the second day after Ethan left Camp Rogge, Charsi had already completed the small piece of equipment he had requested. To be fair, it wasn't a complex design, just a pair of lightweight bracers with a built-in mechanism capable of firing three short, ten-centimeter-long arrows from each bracer.

Before commissioning the design, Ethan had consulted Kashya to learn the Rogues' methods for attaching magic to arrows and launching them. With her advice, he finalized the plans and handed them to Charsi for crafting.

What Charsi delivered was still a half-finished product: ordinary bracers capable of firing six short arrows in total. Ethan still needed to carefully inscribe the magic circles onto the bracers in the designated areas, a painstaking and delicate process. With only this single pair of bracers, failure wasn't an option. A single mistake could ruin them entirely, leaving him without the protective gear he had planned so carefully.

Understanding the high stakes, Ethan took every precaution. He meticulously prepared, adjusted his mental state, and even hung a large sign outside his tent that read: Do Not Disturb.

Once everything was in place, he began the precise task of engraving the magic circles, following the design he had drafted beforehand.

The concept behind this equipment was simple: split the components of spellcasting into separate steps, leaving only the triggering of the magic to Ethan's mental power.

The magic power needed to fuel the device would come from a few small magic stones he had in his possession. To streamline the process, Ethan added a magic power storage function to the magic circles. This allowed him to pre-load magic power from the stones into the bracers, removing the need to install the stones directly into the equipment. This design not only eliminated the need for additional hardware but also shaved off precious seconds from the activation time.

The magic circles would handle the shaping and casting of the spells automatically. While this approach lacked the flexibility and power of manually cast spells, it compensated by offering simplicity and consistency. To make up for the limitations of the rough magic circles, Ethan added the short arrows as a physical carrier to increase the lethality of the attack. Following Kashya's advice, he incorporated a method to imbue the arrows with magic as they were launched.

When fully completed, the bracers would become magical weapons capable of firing six flaming arrows imbued with fire magic.

The bracers had no manual trigger mechanism; instead, Ethan had designed them to be activated entirely through mental power. This meant the equipment was effectively custom-built for him—those skilled enough to wield it wouldn't need it, and those who might need it wouldn't be able to wield it.

"This thing feels oddly... delicate," Ethan muttered to himself after a long, sleepless night of work. The bracers were finally completed, and while he was thrilled with his accomplishment, he couldn't help but note that they seemed more suited for a certain aesthetic than the rough practicality he had envisioned.

Ignoring the stray thought, he slipped on the bracers to test their fit and weight. They felt light enough not to hinder his movements, and the mechanism functioned smoothly. Satisfied, he began sorting through his supplies.

He took out several bottles of potions he had brewed earlier, tucking them into a small pouch on his back. He strapped the short dagger to his waist, positioned his shield within easy reach, and made sure everything was secured.

Ethan stepped out of his tent, his preparations complete. Despite working through the night, his stamina and energy had recovered after a short rest. His recent physical and mental training had significantly improved his overall condition, making him more resilient than ever.

He reflected briefly on his progress and made a decision: he would accompany Isendra and Xul to the Evil Cave to help clear out the dark creatures infesting the area.

"There's no better opportunity than now," Ethan thought, gripping the hilt of his short sword. "With two powerful teammates like Isendra and Xul, this is probably the safest chance I'll ever have to face a real threat. If I can't even stand against a few of the weakest dark creatures, how can I hope to handle the challenges ahead?"

His mind wandered to the uncertain future. He didn't know what kind of world he would find himself in after the next teleportation, nor what kinds of monsters or dangers he might face. Was it realistic to believe he could always hide and rely on safe opportunities to gather resources? And what of the ocean world he'd left behind? Who could say what awaited him there?

"Sometimes, you just have to take the risk," Ethan muttered, his resolve hardening. "It's time to stop hesitating. I've prepared as much as I can. This is my chance to prove I can handle it."

Chapter 14

Ethan's shield blocked a heavy blow just in time. Pivoting swiftly, his dagger struck out, piercing through the chest of the fallen demon that had lunged at him from the side. The creature let out a guttural snarl before collapsing, and Ethan quickly withdrew his blade, scanning his surroundings and repositioning himself for another potential attack.

"Well done, Ethan. You've made significant progress," Isendra said approvingly, her tone calm but with a note of genuine praise.

It had been over half a day since they left the rouge encampment. Unlike his earlier cautious self, who avoided danger whenever possible, Ethan was now actively seeking out dark creatures and eliminating any he came across.

In that time, their group had taken down over a dozen Quill Rats, at least two dozen zombies, and an uncountable number of Fallens.

As they ventured farther from the camp, the encounters became increasingly difficult. The dark creatures were not only more numerous, but their strength and coordination also seemed to grow.

This latest encounter was no exception, a small tribe of Fallens, numbering in the dozens, had been discovered. Among them were at least three Fallen Shamans, whose fireballs and resurrection spells made them particularly troublesome.

Isendra and Xul worked efficiently, focusing first on eliminating the Shamans. Without their support, the lesser demons would fall apart. Meanwhile, the remaining demons were carefully left for Ethan to handle, giving him the opportunity to gain valuable combat experience.

For two seasoned mages like Isendra and Xul, eliminating a group of Fallens, even with their shamans posed no real challenge. However, their primary concern was ensuring Ethan's safety.

To their surprise, Ethan had announced his intention to join them in the fight against the dark creatures in the Den of Evil, a decision neither of them objected to.

"All who are determined to fight against the darkness are our allies," Xul had said when Ethan revealed his plan.

Strength was not a prerequisite in their eyes. Even though Ethan was still relatively weak, both mages were willing to guide and support him, knowing that he had the potential to grow.

Along the way, they took every opportunity to train him. Whenever they encountered scattered zombies or lone creatures, Ethan was tasked with handling them on his own. When they ran into larger groups, Isendra and Xul would deliberately leave some weaker enemies for him to fight, carefully observing his progress.

This time was no different. After the pair eliminated the most dangerous Shamans, they intentionally let a few Fallen Demons slip past them to attack Ethan. It wasn't a random test; they were confident he could handle it.

By now, both mages had a clear understanding of Ethan's abilities. They also had the insight of trained spellcasters who were intimately familiar with the relationship between spiritual power and physical performance.

As Ethan's mental strength had increased, so too had his reaction time. In the heat of battle, his heightened focus made enemy movements appear almost sluggish, giving him a critical advantage in combat.

This mental sharpness was something even Rathma priests relied on heavily when first learning melee combat. With enhanced awareness and quick thinking, they could anticipate their opponent's movements and formulate strategies in mere moments.

However, mental acuity alone wasn't enough. The body also needed to react quickly enough to capitalize on the advantage.

Ethan was no exception. Fortunately, at seventeen years old, his young body was at the peak of its natural reflexes. While his strength was still developing, his flexibility and reaction speed allowed him to keep pace with his sharpened instincts.

In recent weeks, his growth had been remarkable. He'd gone from barely managing to fend off surprise attacks to actively countering them. Even if the attackers were weak Fallens, the improvement was undeniable.

Fallen were far from harmless. Their physical strength was comparable to that of a strong adult human, and their speed made them particularly dangerous. They could easily outrun heavier or less agile opponents. The fact that Ethan could now face them alone and come out victorious was a testament to how far he had come.

With a final strike, Ethan took down the last of the Fallens. Breathing heavily, he stood in place, his chest rising and falling as he took in the sight of the battlefield.

The air was thick with the foul stench of blood and decay, tinged with the unsettling aura of dark energy. It was far from pleasant, but as Ethan sheathed his dagger and steadied his breathing, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

"Your progress is faster than I anticipated. It's truly surprising that you have such aptitude. At your age, why haven't you begun the path of a true mage apprentice yet?" Isendra asked, a slight frown of curiosity on her face.

In her experience, a real mage apprentice should have already mastered some basic spells by now. Apprentices are typically able to assist their mentors in preparing for minor magical experiments, marking them as more than just ordinary individuals, they've already stepped into the realm of magic.

Most young apprentices, chosen by accomplished mages, are born with exceptional spiritual power. Their training focuses only on refining that power and, before long, beginning to condense their own magic. For someone Ethan's age to still be at the starting line was, frankly, rare.

"Because I only started learning magic recently," Ethan replied, his voice calm but tinged with a hint of self-reflection.

As he answered, he glanced at the short dagger in his hand. It was the same weapon Kashya had given him when he first set out, but it had reached the end of its life. The blade was now jagged and broken, its pointed tip completely gone. Even the hilt, though intact, showed signs of wear.

In its current state, the dagger no longer had any practical use. Its blade was so bent and twisted that it couldn't even be sheathed properly. Sentiment aside, the weapon would have to be discarded.

"There's a lot of stuff lying around from the Fallens we killed. Maybe you'll find something more useful," Xul suggested as he gestured toward the scattered remnants of the small camp they had just cleared.

Both Isendra and Xul had no need for replacement weapons. Isendra carried her long staff, which could double as a melee weapon when necessary, while Xul wielded the peculiar dagger that was the hallmark of Rathma priests. The dagger served multiple purposes: close combat, spellcasting, and even ceremonial uses. However, Xul rarely relied on it, preferring instead to conjure a long bone scythe from magic, which complemented his ominous, shadowy demeanor.

Ethan glanced at Xul's scythe and, half-jokingly, asked, "Can't you make me a magical sword or something?"

Xul shook his head, his voice tinged with amusement. "This type of magic requires a constant infusion of my personal magic to maintain its form. It's also imprinted with my spiritual signature, so you wouldn't even be able to wield it."

Acknowledging this, Ethan sighed and began searching the area for a replacement weapon. Most of the fallen demons had been wielding crude wooden clubs or short knives, none of which seemed like an upgrade from his battered sword.

Eventually, he settled for a sturdy-looking wooden stick. "I guess this'll have to do for now," he muttered to himself.

As the group prepared to move forward, with the Den of Evil's entrance now visible in the distance, Isendra suddenly stopped. Her eyes fell on something half-buried in the dirt beside a stone. She bent down and pulled out a metal rod.

"Interesting," she murmured, giving it a few test swings. The weighty hum as it cut through the air suggested it was sturdier than it looked. Moments later, faint sparks of electricity danced across its surface.

"Well, looks like you've got some luck after all," Isendra said with a grin as she handed the rod to Ethan. "Ditch that firewood you're holding. Use this instead."

"What is it?" Ethan asked, inspecting the rod. It was encrusted with dirt and grass, giving it a battered, unimpressive appearance.

Xul stepped closer, examining the object. "If I'm not mistaken, this is the handle of a one-handed warhammer."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "A warhammer? Where's the hammerhead?"

"It's broken off," Isendra explained. "This is just the handle and the shaft that once connected to the head. But don't let that fool you, it's still magical equipment."

Ethan's eyes lit up as he remembered the electric sparks from earlier. "But without the hammerhead, is it still functional?"

"It is," Isendra replied confidently. "The enchantment on the weapon hasn't been fully destroyed. The core magic is still intact, even if it's not operating at full power."

She then explained how to activate the rod's latent magic using spiritual energy. Ethan followed her instructions, channeling his energy into the rod. Almost immediately, arcs of bright lightning crackled along its surface.

Even Xul, who was standing nearby, took an involuntary step back as the electricity surged. "Impressive," the necromancer muttered. Despite his magical defenses, he could feel a faint tingling sensation where the lightning had brushed against his bone armor.

"So, what kind of magic is imbued in this thing?" Ethan asked, holding the rod gingerly as the lightning gradually subsided.

"It's clearly some form of lightning magic," Xul speculated. "But without the hammerhead, the specific spell it was designed to cast is incomplete. The inscription for shaping and directing the magic was likely on the hammer itself."

While the rod's full potential was lost with its broken head, it still retained enough magic to serve as a viable weapon. Its ability to absorb and store ambient energy meant that Ethan wouldn't need to constantly recharge it, he could simply trigger the stored lightning when needed.

"Isn't this basically an electric baton?"

Chapter 15

With the shield strapped to his left arm and the electric baton firmly gripped in his right hand, Ethan's combat capabilities had improved significantly. Though he was still far from being able to decimate hordes of dark creatures like Xul and Isendra, he was now capable of holding his own in the chaos of battle.

Without the need to constantly monitor Ethan's safety, the two mages unleashed their full strength. This time, the dark creatures inhabiting the Den of Evil met their end in spectacular fashion.

Frost engulfed entire groups, flames erupted violently, and Xul's necromantic magic shone with an eerie, pale light. The screams of the Fallen and the groans of zombies echoed through the cavern, a cacophony of despair. Ethan felt like he was living inside a high-budget fantasy film, one that no 3D movie could ever compare to. The intensity, the vividness, the sheer adrenaline—it was incomparable.

A Fallen lunged at him, and Ethan swung his iron rod, its crackling electricity sparking with each movement. The demon crumpled to the ground. He pivoted quickly, planting a solid kick into the chest of an approaching zombie, its decayed flesh giving way beneath his boot. With a sharp inhale, Ethan drove his foot down in a follow-up attack, crushing the zombie's brittle skull under his heel.

Taking a quick glance around, Ethan noticed that most of the dark creatures had been obliterated by the combined might of the two mages. Only a few stragglers remained, easily dispatched by his own efforts.

"Good call coming along," Ethan muttered to himself, grateful for his earlier decision to join Isendra and Xul. Opportunities like this, fighting alongside two powerful allies weren't likely to come often.

Under their guidance and protection, his combat skills had advanced noticeably in a single day. The Fallens and zombies, simple as their attack patterns might seem, presented countless challenges due to the unpredictable terrain and sudden ambushes. Navigating these conditions had rapidly honed Ethan's instincts and adaptability, transforming him from a fledgling fighter into a budding adventurer.

"I owe a lot of this to Ancient One," Ethan reflected as he steadied his breathing. His ability to maintain clarity during combat, to analyze situations and act decisively, was all thanks to the significant improvement in his mental strength. The extra split-second of thought provided by his enhanced mental power had repeatedly saved his life.

As the sounds of battle, the blasts of Isendra's fireballs and the guttural cries of the Fallen—faded into silence, it became clear that the fight was nearly over. Only a handful of creatures remained: a few scattered Fallens and slow-moving zombies.

Previously, the two mages would have intentionally left these remaining creatures for Ethan to deal with, using them as training tools. But now, Xul declared, "You've outgrown these exercises. It's time to challenge yourself in more complex and unpredictable combat scenarios."

Hearing this, Ethan felt a rush of pride. For the first time, he was being treated not as a liability but as an equal, a comrade-in-arms against the forces of darkness.

Even so, Ethan remained cautious. As he carefully inspected the battlefield, scanning the corpses of the dark creatures for signs of lingering danger, his grip on his iron rod tightened. He knew better than to assume all enemies were truly dead; after all, this wasn't a game where a fallen enemy was guaranteed to stay down. The cunning nature of the Fallens made it entirely plausible that one might feign death, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Better safe than sorry, Ethan thought, his gaze sweeping over the bodies. His vigilance was soon justified.

Just as he approached a pile of corpses, a Fallen suddenly sprang to life. With a guttural screech in its infernal tongue, it brandished a crude blade and lunged at Ethan, its beady eyes burning with malice.

Ethan's preparation paid off. Reacting instantly, he raised his iron rod to block the incoming strike. The Fallen's blade clashed against the rod with a metallic clang, and Ethan's left foot shot out in a powerful kick. His boot connected squarely with the demon's grotesque face, sending it reeling backward.

Wasting no time, Ethan stepped forward and swung the rod with both hands. This time, he activated the rod's lightning magic. Electricity surged through the weapon, the sparks illuminating the dark cavern in an instant. The Fallen let out a blood-curdling scream as the lightning coursed through its body, leaving it convulsing before collapsing lifelessly to the ground.

"Hah... good thing I stayed alert," Ethan muttered, exhaling heavily. He inspected the body one last time to ensure the creature was truly dead before turning back to rejoin Xul and Isendra.

"Well done, Ethan,"

Ethan's movements were increasingly refined, shedding the clumsiness of an inexperienced fighter. Both Xul and Isendra took note of his rapid progress, their surprise evident as they exchanged glances.

"I might regret not trying harder to recruit you," Xul said with a faint smile. Whether he was being serious or not, the remark still filled Ethan with a sense of accomplishment. He no longer bothered with forced humility, simply nodding in acknowledgment, his own grin widening.

"Alright, let's keep moving," Isendra interjected. Her voice carried a note of irritation as she glanced around the dark, damp cave. "This place is endless, and we have no idea how many creatures are still lurking. Stay vigilant."

She sounded impatient. The oppressive atmosphere of the Den of Evil and its maze-like network of tunnels was clearly starting to grate on her nerves. It felt like they had been wandering for hours, though her impeccable memory assured her that they hadn't passed the same area twice.

"I've been mapping out the layout mentally," Isendra continued, her tone steady despite her frustration. "Based on what we've seen and what Akara and Kashya told us before, we've cleared out most of this cave."

The Den of Evil had only recently earned its ominous name. Initially, it was nothing more than an unremarkable hollow in the Blood Moor, devoid of resources or strategic importance. Its only claim to attention was its recent role as a haven for dark creatures, drawn in by the surge of sinister energy radiating through the land.

Rogues from the Sightless Eye and Kashya's warriors had scouted the area extensively, drawing up a detailed map of the cave. Though the original map was lost in the chaos of the monastery's fall, Kashya's sharp memory had been enough to provide the team with a decent understanding of the cave's layout before they embarked on their mission.

"We're approaching the deepest section of the cave," Isendra added, her voice growing more serious. "If the pattern holds, the strongest dark creature in this area should be waiting for us down there."

The deeper they ventured, the stronger the dark energy became. The creatures lurking in the shadows grew more powerful with every step, reinforcing the sense that the cave's most dangerous inhabitant awaited them in its darkest depths.

Ethan couldn't help but recall the first major boss he'd encountered in the game during his past life: Corpsefire, an elite zombie with significantly enhanced strength and dark energy. The memory made his palms sweat.

But how could he explain this knowledge without drawing suspicion? What if they started questioning how he knew so much? Would they mistake him for a spy sent by the dark forces?

Even if he tried to give them a heads-up, maybe suggest attacking Corpsefire from a distance—he quickly dismissed the idea. Both Xul and Isendra were seasoned mages. Rushing recklessly into melee combat was the last thing either of them would do.

"These two are practically max-level veterans," Ethan muttered under his breath. "My worry is completely unnecessary."

His concerns proved unfounded as they reached the cavern's heart. From a safe distance, Ethan spotted Corpsefire, unmistakable amidst the horde of regular zombies. The elite zombie radiated dark energy so potent it seemed almost visible to the naked eye. Without hesitation, Ethan took a step back, instinctively positioning himself behind the two mages.

"Stay back, Ethan!" Xul commanded sharply. "This opponent is far beyond what you can handle. Let us deal with it."

Xul didn't summon his usual bone scythe. Instead, he produced a strange, rune-carved dagger he hadn't used until now, while his left hand conjured a pale, translucent bone shield for defense.

Isendra was equally prepared. She quickly cast a shimmering magic shield around herself before turning to Ethan and summoning a protective frost shield to encase him. Without missing a beat, she hurled a massive fireball toward the horde of zombies.

Simultaneously, Xul unleashed his spell. A bone spear materialized in his right hand, crackling with primordial magic. It radiated a dazzling white light, briefly illuminating the entire cavern as though it were midday.

The combined light of Isendra's fireball and Xul's bone spear revealed the full extent of the enemy forces. Ethan's breath hitched as he saw the horde clearly for the first time: dozens of zombies packed tightly together, with countless skeleton archers lurking in the shadows at the edges. The archers already had their bows drawn, their bony fingers releasing arrows aimed directly at the group.

The whistle of arrows cutting through the air filled the cavern. Xul surged forward, his bone shield raised to intercept the incoming projectiles. The sharp clang of arrows striking the shield sounded like a downpour, a testament to the archers' overwhelming threat.

"Take out those archers first!" Xul barked.

Isendra was already ahead of him. She adjusted her aim, launching her fireball in a high arc over the zombie horde. It exploded with devastating force among the skeleton archers, bathing the cavern in a fiery glow. The blast reduced the archers to smoldering heaps of ash, their threat neutralized in an instant.

With the archers dealt with, the remaining zombies posed far less of a challenge. Isendra and Xul switched to precision attacks, casting less mana-intensive spells to conserve their strength while thinning the enemy ranks.

At this point, Ethan could safely join the fray. He stayed near the cave's edge, carefully maneuvering to avoid getting surrounded. Using the terrain to his advantage, he positioned himself so he only had to face one or two enemies at a time. He made a conscious effort to keep his distance from Corpsefire, fully aware that a single attack from the elite monster could spell his end.

"Know your limits," Ethan reminded himself grimly, clenching his iron rod tightly. "Don't pick fights you can't win."

He struck down a straggling zombie with a precise blow to its skull, then retreated further along the cave wall. As the remaining creatures dwindled, Ethan stopped fighting altogether, stepping aside to let the two mages finish the job.

In the end, Corpsefire—despite its ominous aura proved no match for Isendra and Xul's combined power. A massive fireball from Isendra reduced the elite zombie to charred remains, indistinguishable from the ordinary undead it once led.

Chapter 16

After successfully annihilating all the dark creatures within the den of evil, the three adventurers took time to sweep the surrounding areas of the cave to ensure no lingering threats remained. It wasn't until the night of the fourth day that they finally returned to the Rogue Camp.

Ethan had been considering his options ever since arriving in this world. After some thought, he decided to continue hunting Blood Raven with Xul and Isendra.

Blood Raven—once known as Moreina, the heroic Rogue Archer from Diablo 1 who defeated Diablo and saved the world, was now a fallen legend.

Unfortunately, after Diablo's defeat, Moreina, the idol of the Rogues, began to succumb to darkness. As the influence of evil spread, she completely fell into corruption and became one of Andariel's most loyal minions, tasked with hunting down her former allies.

"The only way to help this hero now," Xul had said grimly, "is to free her from the grip of the dark forces."

Everyone knew there was only one way to do that.

After a night's rest, the mage, necromancer, and apprentice mage set out once more on their journey against the darkness. This time, however, the task proved far more challenging than anything Ethan had faced before.

Blood Raven was not only a powerful hero in her own right but had grown even stronger in her corrupted state. Her fall had granted her the ability to summon and control undead creatures. An endless tide of skeletal soldiers surrounded her, creating an impenetrable barrier. From within her layers of defense, Blood Raven could unleash devastating attacks, fully displaying the skill and precision of a top Rogue archer.

Ethan found himself completely outmatched during this "crusade" against Blood Raven. Though he avoided injury thanks to the protection of Xul and Isendra, the battle still took its toll. He ended up losing a magical bracer he had recently crafted.

The bracer's primary purpose was to serve as a last-resort shield, capable of blocking critical strikes in emergencies.

During the fight, one of the incidents occurred when Ethan had to block the slash of a skeleton soldier after his shield was destroyed. Thankfully, Charsi's craftsmanship held up, the blacksmith's sturdy work prevented the blade from severing Ethan's hand. However, the impact completely destroyed the delicate magical formation embedded in the bracer.

The second incident was even more harrowing. Amid the chaos of battle, Blood Raven herself took notice of Ethan and fired a deadly arrow aimed directly at him.

At that moment, a sudden sense of danger surged in Ethan's mind, sharpening his focus to an almost unnatural degree. Time seemed to slow as his heightened mental awareness allowed him to see the incoming arrow with perfect clarity. He managed to raise his bracer in time, deflecting the arrow.

Even so, the arrow pierced through the bracer and nearly shattered his wrist. It only missed a fatal blow because Ethan turned his head at the last second and twisted his arm to redirect the arrow's trajectory. The near miss left him shaken, his wrist throbbing in pain, but he survived.

From that point on, Ethan could only stand back and watch as Xul and Isendra unleashed their formidable powers, turning the tide of battle. His role had been limited to taking out a few skeleton soldiers early on.

"Clearly, I still have a long way to go," Ethan muttered bitterly as he treated his wounds after the battle.

Once the battlefield was cleared and their wounds tended, Ethan turned to Xul and Isendra with a helpless smile. "It seems this is as far as I can go with you."

"Though our time together has been brief," Xul said, "I'll always remember it."

Isendra followed up with a question: "What will you do next? Will you stay at the Rogue Camp?"

They both understood that Ethan's current strength wasn't enough for the increasingly dangerous battles ahead. Blood Raven had pushed him to his limit, and the demons that lay beyond her would be even more formidable. Continuing the journey would almost certainly result in his death, a death that would serve no purpose, as Ethan lacked the power to truly harm the forces of darkness.

However, staying at the camp wasn't without its merits. Ethan could help Akara by gathering herbs or brewing simple potions. He could also assist the Rogues with basic healing or first aid, skills he had picked up from the nuns. Even patrolling the surrounding areas and clearing out minor dark creatures could be valuable.

With careful preparation, the creatures in the Blood Moor wouldn't pose a significant threat to him as long as he remained cautious.

As for returning "home," that wasn't an option for now. Ethan had previously claimed to have come from the east, but the fortress leading to the eastern regions was still occupied by Andariel's forces. The only way for him to return would be for Xul and Isendra to either defeat or seal Andariel, allowing the Sisters of the Sightless Eye to reclaim the eastern gate.

What they didn't know, however, was that Ethan only had two days left in this world. Even if he had the strength, his time here was running out, leaving no chance for him to join them in their fight against Andariel.

For the past few days, Ethan had been crafting a suitable excuse, and now it was finally time to use it.

"Actually," Ethan said, feigning casualness, "my teacher has located my position through special magic and plans to use teleportation to bring me back in the next two days."

Isendra's eyes widened in shock. Ethan swore it was the first time he'd seen such an exaggerated expression from the normally calm and collected mage.

"To be able to do something like that? Your teacher… must be an exceptionally powerful mage," Isendra said, her voice tinged with awe.

Neither of them doubted Ethan's claim. In fact, they seemed to take it in stride. As experienced practitioners, both Xul and Isendra had long since realized that their understanding of magic was but a fraction of its true scope. They were used to encountering phenomena that seemed impossible at first glance.

Of course, some mages—those arrogant enough to believe they had reached the pinnacle of knowledge would dismiss anything outside their own understanding as nonsense. But fortunately, neither Xul nor Isendra fell into that category. They accepted Ethan's words without hesitation.

Even if they had harbored doubts, those would surely vanish when they saw Ethan vanish into thin air two days later, courtesy of the space-time magic circle.

After packing their belongings, the trio made their way back to the Rogue Camp.

Ethan's impending departure wasn't kept a secret, so it wasn't long before word spread throughout the camp. By the time they returned, both Akara and Kashya were already aware of his plans to leave. Before his departure, they came to bid him farewell.

"Thank you for everything you've done for us during your time here," Akara said warmly. "You will always be a friend of the Sisters of the Sightless Eye. If you ever have the chance, we hope you'll return as our guest."

As a parting gift, Akara gave Ethan several herbs. They had been processed into powders for easy transport. Though simple in appearance, Ethan suspected they would prove invaluable.

Kashya, on the other hand, presented Ethan with a refined longsword. The weapon could be wielded with either one or two hands. Its design was understated, the hilt and crossguard were devoid of intricate engravings, and the blade seemed ordinary at first glance. But when Ethan unsheathed the sword and swung it experimentally, he noticed faint magical fluctuations emanating from it.

"Is this… magical equipment?" Ethan asked, his curiosity piqued.

Kashya nodded. "The sword has no special abilities beyond being reinforced with magic. It's far stronger than a typical longsword."

Hearing this, Ethan couldn't hide his excitement. While the enchantment sounded simple, it was precisely what he needed. One of the biggest drawbacks of weapons was their tendency to dull or break after prolonged use, especially in high-intensity battles. The durability provided by the enchantment was far more practical than flashy effects like fireballs or lightning.

Kashya wasn't finished. Aware that Ethan had little experience with longswords, she also handed him a small manuscript.

"This contains basic swordsmanship techniques and training methods," she explained. "I've also included some of my personal insights and experiences. I hope it will be of use to you."

Ethan accepted the codex with both hands, bowing his head in gratitude. This was exactly what he needed. He never expected Kashya to give him something so precious. In a world like this, where resources and knowledge were scarce, such gifts weren't handed out lightly especially to someone who wasn't a Rogue or a disciple of the Sisters of the Sightless Eye.

Even Akara, with whom he had spent far more time, had only given him herbal powders, not an instructional guide on potion-making or magical theory.

"Maybe… it's because my actions indirectly helped save more Rogues," Ethan speculated.

After Kashya and Akara's farewells, other camp residents came to bid Ethan goodbye. However, both Xul and Isendra were conspicuously absent. Ethan assumed they were busy with other matters and planned to see him off closer to his departure.

But his assumption was proven wrong.

Early the next morning, as Ethan stood in an open field with his packed belongings, waiting for the teleportation magic to activate, Xul and Isendra finally appeared. To his surprise, they weren't alone, they had brought Charsi, the camp's blacksmith, with them.

"I thought you weren't going to see me off," Ethan said with a grin.

"How could we miss it?" Xul replied. "You're leaving so suddenly that we needed time to prepare a gift. Fortunately, we made it just in time."

Xul stepped forward, opening his hand to reveal a small, unassuming copper ring resting on his palm.

Ethan stared at the ring, his expression shifting between curiosity and incredulity. After a moment, he couldn't help but ask, "What is this?"

He doubted Xul would present him with something as mundane as a plain copper ring. It was better to ask directly than waste time guessing.

"This is a ring, Ethan," Xul said with a playful smirk. "But I've enchanted it with a curse."

Ethan immediately took a step back, his face a mixture of disbelief and mock betrayal. "You're giving me something cursed? Are you trying to kill me?"

Xul remained unfazed, his expression stoic. "It's an active spell," he explained. "You can use your mental power to trigger it. It'll help you deal with enemies."

Realizing Xul was serious, Ethan stepped closer again, his interest rekindled.

The necromancer began detailing the ring's function. As he explained, Ethan learned that the ring allowed him to cast a curse of weakness on enemies by channeling his mental energy. The curse would reduce the target's strength, agility, and durability, with the exact effects depending on the target's capabilities.

Weakness was a fundamental curse from the Rathma priest's arsenal, and its simplicity made it an ideal match for Ethan, whose mental power and magical abilities were still in their infancy.

Additionally, the ring had an auto-replenishing mechanism. It could absorb ambient magical energy from its surroundings, eliminating the need for Ethan to supply the curse's energy himself. This feature, Xul explained, was the most technically complex aspect of the ring's creation.

"This is amazing," Ethan said, inspecting the ring more closely. "Does it have a name?"

Xul grinned. "I came up with one last night—'Xul's Blessing.' Fitting, don't you think?"

Chapter 17

Ethan looked at the ring now snugly sitting on the index finger of his left hand and briefly tested its function.

The ring was incredibly straightforward to use. More importantly, the enchanted magic circle inscribed on it was exceptionally stable, it wouldn't lose its effectiveness from a mere bump or scrape.

Ethan thought back to the pair of bracers he had crafted previously. Despite surviving direct hits without much physical damage, the engraved magic circles on those bracers had been completely destroyed after minor impacts. In comparison, this ring was on an entirely different level.

"Thank you, Xul," Ethan said sincerely.

Xul accepted the thanks with a calm nod, stepping back to make room for Isendra, who was standing nearby with an expectant look.

"I made this for you with Charsi's help. Didn't your old pair of bracers break?"

To Ethan's surprise, Isendra handed him a new set of bracers. At first glance, they looked similar to his previous ones, but they were far more refined and delicately crafted.

"This..."

The moment he held them, Ethan noticed that the bracers were crafted from a metal alloy mixed with mithril, a material far better suited for conducting magic and channeling mental energy. Additionally, the precision of the engraved magic circles was leaps and bounds ahead of his own amateurish work.

"These bracers have multiple enchantments, don't they?" Ethan asked.

He put them on and channeled a bit of his mental energy into them. Almost instantly, he realized how extraordinary the bracers were.

"The one on your left hand," Isendra explained, "not only imbues the six short arrows it carries with frost damage but also allows you to summon an Ice Shield."

She guided him through the process, and Ethan—keen to try it out—focused his mental energy in the way Isendra described. He activated the magic circle in the left bracer, issuing a silent "command."

Almost immediately, icy cold air radiated from the bracer, forming a translucent circular shield about a meter in diameter.

"In addition to offering decent defense, the frost shield will have an effect on anything that gets too close to you," Isendra continued.

Ethan noticed the surrounding temperature drop significantly. While the icy chill would weaken anyone nearby, he remained unharmed within the shield's protective radius—at most, he felt a refreshing coolness.

The only downside to the Ice Shield was that it required a constant flow of mental energy to maintain. For now, Ethan lacked the mental strength to keep it active for an extended period during battle. Even so, the shield was an incredibly effective defensive tool, especially considering it was paired with six frost-imbued arrows.

To test the arrows, Ethan fired one at a nearby stone. Upon impact, a layer of frost instantly spread across the rock's surface.

"If this hits a person," Ethan mused, "even if it doesn't freeze them completely, it'll cause severe frostbite and immobilize them."

Compared to his old bracers, which could only fire three arrows with minimal effects, these new ones doubled his offensive capability.

"What about this one?" Ethan asked, pointing to the bracer on his right hand.

"Ah, that one is designed primarily for offense," Isendra replied.

The right-hand bracer was inscribed with a fire attribute magic circle, a much more advanced version of the fire magic Ethan had attempted to engrave on his previous equipment.

When Ethan launched a fire-imbued arrow from the bracer, it struck the ground with a fiery explosion, leaving a small crater in its wake. The power was leagues beyond the minor flames his old bracers had been capable of producing.

"In addition to that," Isendra continued, "this bracer can also fire five fireballs."

Ethan's eyebrows shot up. "Fireballs?"

"Yes," Isendra said with a faint smile. "Even though it's a basic spell, its power can vary greatly depending on the caster—or, in this case, the enchanted item."

The fireball spell inscribed on the bracer wasn't a weak entry-level version. Considering the flame arrows it already had, there was no need for another minor offensive capability. Instead, the fireballs it produced were powerful enough for area-of-effect damage, though not as devastating as the ones Isendra could cast herself.

Isendra had clearly considered Ethan's current strength and potential for growth while crafting the bracers, likely putting a great deal of thought into striking the right balance.

"Thank you," Ethan said earnestly, thoroughly impressed by the bracers.

The two bracers even had names, as Isendra cheerfully informed him:

The left-hand bracer, capable of summoning the Ice Shield and firing frost arrows, was called Isendra's Passion. The name symbolized the warm and protective care Isendra had imbued into the equipment.

The right-hand bracer, with its fireballs and flaming arrows, was named Isendra's Ruthlessness. It represented the merciless destruction it could unleash upon enemies.

Together, the pair of bracers was collectively referred to as Isendra's Guardian.

Ethan couldn't help but laugh. "Shouldn't the names be reversed?" he joked.

But upon hearing Isendra's reasoning behind the names, he had to admit they made sense in their own way.

After explaining the bracers' features, Isendra stepped aside, allowing Charsi to step forward.

Though Ethan hadn't interacted much with Charsi, the blacksmith had left a strong impression on him. When he'd asked for help crafting his old bracers, Charsi had dropped everything to assist, even when Ethan insisted there was no rush.

"I didn't have much time to prepare," Charsi began, "and I didn't have the right materials to make anything that would match what these mages use. But I had this light armor I made earlier by mixing some unusual metal particles. I think it'll suit you well."

She handed him a set of lightweight armor, consisting of a breastplate, gauntlets, and greaves.

The design was minimalist, focusing only on protecting vital areas: the chest, hands, and legs—parts most likely to engage in direct combat. Despite its simplicity, the armor was surprisingly well-suited to Ethan's needs.

What surprised him the most, however, was how light it was. Even the breastplate felt no heavier than a piece of leather armor. Once he put it on, it felt as though he were wearing ordinary clothing.

"I don't fully understand the effects of those strange metal particles," Charsi admitted, "but I do know that this light armor is lighter than common cloth and can even float on water. Hopefully, that will be useful to you."

Ethan's excitement soared when he heard that. Moments ago, he'd been jokingly imagining himself as some kind of "Bronze Saint," but the idea of floating armor left him genuinely thrilled. His grin nearly stretched off his face.

"Useful? This is beyond useful, it's incredible!"

In a world dominated by endless oceans, the ability to float could very well be a lifesaver. No one could guarantee they'd never fall into the water—whether from exhaustion, accidents, or unforeseen events. A "life jacket" like this armor would add a vital layer of security to his survival.

If Xul and Isendra weren't watching, Ethan might have thrown caution to the wind and hugged Charsi in gratitude. Of course, with Charsi's towering physique, it was hard to tell who would be hugging whom.

"I also repaired your weapon for you," Charsi offered, clearly pleased with Ethan's enthusiasm.

She reached behind her and pulled out the iron rod Ethan had used during the Den of Evil's expedition. After defeating Blood Raven and returning to camp, Isendra had asked to borrow the weapon. At the time, Ethan had handed it over without a second thought.

Now, he realized Isendra had passed it to Charsi for repairs. The blacksmith had polished the rod to a silver sheen, cleaned off the grime, and even etched intricate decorative patterns onto its surface. The broken connection where the hammer head had once been was fully repaired, leaving the weapon looking brand new.

"This weapon doesn't have a name yet," Charsi said. "Maybe you can come up with one?"

Naming weapons seemed to be a tradition in this world, but Ethan struggled to think of something fitting.

"Uh..."

One ridiculous name after another flashed through his mind, but none of them felt quite right.

"I'll think of something later," Ethan said at last, laughing at his own indecision.

Before he could dwell on it further, the space-time energy within his body began to surge violently. A glowing magic circle appeared beneath his feet, radiating an intense brilliance.

"My teacher's teleportation magic is activating," Ethan said, quickly collecting the scattered packages at his feet.

He remembered from experience that only items he physically carried with him would travel through the teleportation. The food and water he had were useful, but far less important than the books and manuscripts Akara, Isendra, and Kashya had gifted him. He made sure none of them were left behind.

Seeing the magic circle intensify, the group instinctively stepped back. None of them knew the exact range of the spell or what would happen if they were caught in it. Even with the best intentions, being accidentally dragged into a teleportation spell could have disastrous consequences. If they were torn apart by the sheer force of magical energy, it wouldn't matter how much they'd wanted to say goodbye.

"It's been an honor to fight alongside you all," Ethan called out as the light enveloped him. "I'll always remember this time we've shared."

The glow intensified, drowning out the world around him. Ethan's form became a silhouette, and even his parting words grew indistinct, swallowed by the overwhelming fluctuations of magic.

Chapter 18

Back on his familiar ship, surrounded by the familiar endless sea, and under the familiar warm sunshine, Ethan exhaled deeply.

Though it had only been a month, the feeling of the sun on his skin was something he had almost forgotten.

"Sure, I gained a lot and made some good friends... but I'd really rather not go back to that cold, dark world again," he murmured to himself.

Still, Ethan knew that if he ever became powerful enough in the future, he wouldn't hesitate to return and repay those who had helped him.

"Maybe... maybe their world really does deserve to be saved, stuck as it is between heaven and hell."

After living in the dark world for a month, Ethan had learned quite a bit from Akara and Xul about its deeper truths.

Strictly speaking, the dark world consisted of three realms: Hell, home to the demons; Heaven, ruled by divine beings; and the human world, caught in the middle of their eternal struggle. The human world was the place Ethan had been thrown into.

The Rathma priests, to which Xul belonged, had long understood a harsh truth about their world: balance was key. If either Heaven or Hell gained the upper hand, humanity would face annihilation. This belief formed the core teachings of the organization, which saw its role as maintaining that precarious balance between the two powers.

"It's such a harsh world," Ethan sighed.

He now understood why the demons in that world could never be eradicated entirely, because complete destruction of one side would only allow the other to dominate unopposed. If the angels held absolute power, humanity might be reduced to nothing more than enslaved worshippers, a fate no better than being ruled by demons.

Heaven and Hell, Ethan realized, were like rival nations ruled by higher beings. Humans, trapped between the two, had no choice but to play the role of pawns. The fragile balance between the two sides was the only thing allowing humanity to survive at all.

"Ah..." Ethan sighed again, thinking about Isendra and Xul, who were heading off to confront Diablo. He knew their fates likely wouldn't be happy. Like the heroes of Diablo 1, their paths seemed destined to end in tragedy.

Looking down at his gear—the bracers on his wrists, the ring on his finger, the light armor on his body, and the long sword and iron rod beside him.

"I owe them a lot," he muttered.

Resolving to repay his debts someday, Ethan began to sort through his newly gained treasures.

There were several books: an introductory guide to magical potions, a basic text on magic circles, a beginner's guide to elemental magic, and a swordsmanship training manual filled with detailed handwritten notes.

Then there was his equipment: the bracers, the ring, the light armor, the iron rod, and the long sword, all imbued with magical properties.

Even without considering the knowledge he had yet to fully digest, Ethan could confidently say he'd become far stronger than the man he'd been a month ago.

"And I've gained plenty of combat experience, too," he added.

A month ago, Ethan had still been nothing more than the son of an ordinary fisherman. Now, he felt like a legitimate adventurer.

"Unfortunately, I didn't find any space-equipment," he lamented, glancing at the large pile of bags and gear scattered across his small ship.

Ethan couldn't help but worry about his future travels. If he continued collecting resources and books like this, his boat would soon be overflowing. And that didn't even account for food and water storage, which were essential for survival at sea.

"Books are the real problem," he muttered, frowning at the pile. "They're bulky, fragile, and in this humid, salty air, they're bound to get damaged if I don't take them out to dry regularly."

For a moment, Ethan thought back to the clerk at the Adventurer's Guild who had used a magic stone to store information. Glancing at the white wristband hidden beneath his bracer, he remembered that it contained his own data, which the guild could read.

"Wait," he said to himself. "Doesn't that mean the magic stone can store data from paper? That's exactly what I need!"

Ethan groaned in frustration. Why hadn't he thought to ask for a tool like that earlier, back when he had plenty of resources to barter with?

"Well, there's no point regretting it now. If I want something like that, I'll have to find a floating island."

His curiosity about the floating and sinking islands of this world hadn't waned. The thought of an empty sea suddenly giving rise to a lush, resource-rich island in a matter of days was fascinating.

"It must be a spectacular sight," he thought.

Before entering the dark world, his island pointer had already locked onto a nearby target. What he didn't know was how much time had passed in this world during his month away. Was that same island still there?

Glancing at the pointer, Ethan saw it still firmly indicated a direction. Whether it was the same island or a new one, the fact that something was nearby was enough to spur him into action.

"Wood did say the islands vibrate before they sink," Ethan recalled. "The shorter the intervals between vibrations, the closer the island is to disappearing."

He remembered asking guild staff for more details about these mysterious islands. Once a floating island emerged, life began to flourish at an astonishing rate. Plants grew rapidly, and in rare cases, animals appeared as well.

The lifespan of these islands varied. Some lasted mere days before sinking back into the sea, while others remained for months or even years. Interestingly, islands that hosted animals always lasted at least a year before disappearing.

"How do animals even appear out of nowhere?" Ethan wondered, shaking his head. The logic of this world continued to defy his understanding.

Sitting at the bow of the Goddess of Dawn, he let the spray of the ocean wash over his face.

Back in the Sea of Calm, Ethan resumed his daily routine of practicing spiritual techniques and water-gathering spells. This time, however, his training regimen had expanded to include melee combat and the basic swordsmanship techniques Kashya had taught him.

The exercises were dull and repetitive, but with nothing else to do on his small boat, Ethan embraced the monotony. Alone at sea, with no one to talk to, training and reading were the only ways to pass the time.

Perhaps it was this environment that had allowed his mental strength to improve so quickly before. With no distractions, he had been able to focus entirely on his development.

Now, Ethan filled his days with endless practice, gradually refining his skills. Though the progress was slow, he could feel himself improving bit by bit, which kept him motivated.

Still, there were moments when he longed for a break in the routine. "Even a strong wind and some choppy waves would be a nice change of pace," he muttered.

"Maybe being too idle is what makes people suicidal," he added sarcastically, laughing at his own joke.

As he spoke, his gaze caught sight of a small black dot on the horizon. Ethan froze, staring at it for a long moment before reaching for his telescope.

Peering through the lens, he felt a surge of excitement.

"It's an island!"

Ethan stood at the bow of the boat, staring intently for over ten minutes, half afraid that the island was just a mirage conjured by his desperate mind. Only when he was absolutely certain it was real did he lower the telescope and breathe a sigh of relief.

He glanced at the pointer. Sure enough, the direction it indicated perfectly matched the island now visible ahead. After ten days of endless sailing, it seemed his journey was finally coming to an end. Ethan couldn't help but smile, his mood brightened by the prospect of something new.

"As long as it's not more open sea, it's already worth celebrating," he muttered.

An island meant food and resources. Although Ethan had started this voyage well-stocked with provisions and had even supplemented them with rations from the Diablo world, his supply had steadily dwindled over the long days at sea. Fishing and scavenging seafood had helped stretch his food supply, but his reserves were now dangerously low. If he hadn't found this island, he would have had to adjust course and head toward the next space-time energy point, hoping to restock along the way.

"If that clerk wasn't lying, there's a good chance I'll find a magic stone here," Ethan thought to himself. "Even a mediocre-quality one would be enough to trade for food, water, and maybe even a tool to store data."

He wasn't aiming for a high-quality magic stone. Something average would be perfectly fine, it could at least buy him what he needed to make the next leg of his journey easier. The possibility of acquiring an item to record his growing collection of books and materials was particularly enticing.

Lost in thought, Ethan barely noticed as the island grew clearer and more distinct. Its lush, green vegetation painted a vibrant contrast to the endless blue of the sea. From this distance, he couldn't see much beyond the dense foliage, so it was impossible to tell if the island supported any animal life.

Carefully, Ethan adjusted the boat's speed and altered its course slightly. Instead of heading directly toward the island, he angled the boat so it would graze the island's perimeter. This allowed him to circle it, observing the surrounding waters and scouting for a safe place to anchor.

It didn't take long for him to find an ideal spot.

The island boasted a small natural harbor, partially concealed by a narrow entrance flanked by a few large, jagged rocks. The channel wasn't particularly wide, but it was just large enough to accommodate his boat. Looking into the water, Ethan saw smooth, sandy shallows below, free of reefs or sharp rocks. Even during low tide, there would be little risk of damaging the boat.

"Perfect," he said aloud, a note of satisfaction in his voice.

Not only was it a secure place to dock, but the nearby coastline also seemed like an excellent location to establish a temporary camp.

Chapter 19

After docking the boat, Ethan surveyed the beach carefully. Initially, he considered setting up camp directly on the sand near the shoreline, but after some thought, he realized it wasn't a practical idea. The rising tide could easily submerge his hard-built resting spot, forcing him to move further inland.

"This looks better," he muttered to himself, stopping at a small dirt slope farther from the water.

The spot had a few clear advantages: it wasn't too close to the woods, reducing the risk of being ambushed by anything lurking in the trees, and its slightly elevated position ensured it wouldn't be flooded by high tide.

"Now I just need to build a shelter," Ethan said, glancing up at the sky.

Dark clouds had crept in while he worked, and it looked like it might start raining at any moment. If he couldn't finish a shelter quickly, he'd have no choice but to retreat to the boat for the night. But after so many days at sea, Ethan craved a good night's sleep on solid ground. Exploring the island could wait, he needed to deal with the immediate concern of staying dry.

"Good thing I learned how to make tents with simple materials in the Diablo world," Ethan said with a wry smile.

With his current strength, he wasn't capable of chopping down large trees or building a proper wooden house from scratch. His best option was to gather sturdy branches, about as thick as his wrist at most—along with some large leaves for the roof. He stripped bark from the branches and twisted it into makeshift rope, using it to bind everything together into a crude but functional tent.

After hours of back-and-forth adjustments, Ethan stepped back and assessed his work. The tent was oddly shaped and far from elegant, but it would serve its purpose.

"Well, it's not pretty, but it'll keep the rain out," he said, patting the side of the tent.

The structure held firm under his touch, and Ethan nodded in satisfaction. "At least it won't blow away in the wind."

Crawling inside, Ethan stretched out on a "bed" made from large leaves and began planning his exploration of the island.

"I'll start with a quick survey of the perimeter," he decided.

His ideal plan was to systematically map out the island, starting at the edges and working inward in ever-tightening circles. That way, he wouldn't miss anything and would maximize his chances of finding a magic stone.

But he also knew this approach might not be practical. It would take too much time, and many adventurers believed the most valuable resources were often located near the center of an island.

"If that were always true, though, everyone would know about it," Ethan reasoned. "Wood would've mentioned it, or the guild would've made it common knowledge."

He decided on a compromise: he'd divide the island into sectors, establish key reference points in each direction, and focus on one sector at a time.

"It's slower than heading straight for the center, but at least it's manageable," Ethan thought.

The work ahead seemed daunting, and Ethan couldn't help but think how much easier it would be if he had a partner.

"Too bad finding a reliable teammate isn't exactly easy in my situation," he sighed.

The loneliness of solo adventuring was starting to get to him. When he first set out to sea, he hadn't minded being alone, he'd spent most of his life surrounded by people and was eager for independence. But now, after working alongside Isendra and Xul, Ethan had grown accustomed to having allies by his side. The return to solitude felt stifling.

As the rain began to fall, the rhythmic sound on the leaves above lulled him into an uneasy sleep. In his dreams, Ethan found himself aboard a grand ship filled with lively companions. Together, they laughed, explored uncharted waters, and eventually discovered the fabled Endless Land.

When Ethan awoke, sunlight was streaming into the tent. The rain had stopped, and the air smelled fresh and clean.

Stretching and stepping outside, Ethan used the rainwater he'd collected the night before to wash his face. The vivid memory of his dream lingered in his mind, but one detail irked him.

"Why were there only men on the boat?" he muttered in frustration. "Not even one girl? What kind of dream is that?"

Shaking his head, Ethan threw a leaf he'd used as a washcloth onto the ground and began suiting up.

The light armor Charsi had given him felt stiff after days of disuse. When he first returned to the Sea of Calm, Ethan had worn it frequently, but he'd soon grown tired of its discomfort. Still, it was better to be prepared.

As he buckled the armor into place, he finally understood why medieval knights wore tunics and cloaks over their armor.

"I always thought the cloaks were just for show," he mused, grimacing as the metal plates absorbed the morning sunlight. Without a barrier, the armor would turn into a walking oven in warmer weather.

In winter, the metal would absorb the chill from the cold air, turning into a mobile freezer. Without a thick cloak to cover it, wearing armor in such conditions would be unbearable.

Charsi's armor gift, while excellent, lacked such accessories. Ethan quickly realized how uncomfortable it was after only a short time wearing it. In the end, he had to take it off during his voyages.

But today, he wore it anyway. He had no idea what dangers lurked on this small island, and it was better to be fully equipped than caught unprepared. Moreover, once he entered the densely forested areas of the island, the canopy of leaves would block most direct sunlight, preventing the armor from heating up like an oven.

"Maybe I should consider engraving a temperature-regulating magic circle on this thing," Ethan muttered as he adjusted his route, sticking to shaded paths to minimize the heat radiating from the armor.

Fortunately, the island wasn't particularly large, and Ethan's endurance and walking stamina were solid. He managed to circle the entire perimeter in just half a day and returned to his camp in the late afternoon.

"The island's small enough. Since there's still time before dark, I can start exploring the forest," Ethan decided, glancing toward the lush greenery.

He also needed to gather food. Along the way, he had noticed several fruit trees bearing a unique kind of fruit he recognized. It was one of the resources he had seen at the Adventurer's Guild during his early days at State Island.

The fruit, aptly named fruta, was a staple for sailors and adventurers in this world. It resembled a small coconut, with a blue-green shell that was surprisingly fragile. Inside was a hollow core filled with fragrant, plant-infused water.

This water-rich fruit was a key survival resource for adventurers. Unlike fresh water, which could quickly spoil without a purification magic stone, fruta could be stored for a long time without degrading. It also seemed to contain essential vitamins, sparing adventurers from the scurvy-like ailments that plagued sailors in Ethan's previous world.

Ethan usually relied on his water-creation spell, so he hadn't brought much fruta with him. But now, he realized this island had a bounty of them. Enough, in fact, to fill his ship's cargo hold.

"I wonder what else this island has to offer," Ethan murmured, eyeing the forest again.

Over the next few days, Ethan fell into a routine. Every morning, he would wash up, eat, and then head out to explore the island, sticking to his planned sector-by-sector approach. Along the way, he gathered fruits and other familiar foods, carefully sampling any unknown plants to bring back for identification at the guild later.

"It was a mistake not to buy a field guide to edible plants," Ethan muttered one afternoon as he studied an unfamiliar berry. "Would've made things so much easier."

Ethan was still inexperienced in many areas. While he was steadily adapting to this world's unique rules, he sometimes overlooked practical details. Still, he took care to learn from each mistake, making a mental note to avoid similar oversights in the future.

As the days passed, his exploration brought him closer to the island's center. However, the closer he got, the less remarkable the landscape became. The heart of the island was dominated by a small, barren dirt slope. In stark contrast to the lush greenery around it, this area was devoid of grass or any visible life.

Ethan had visited this spot several times but hadn't found anything noteworthy.

"Could it be underground?" he wondered, frowning at the lifeless soil.

If so, it would be a problem. Ethan hadn't brought any digging tools, and using his sword as a makeshift shovel felt like sacrilege. He could already imagine Kasha appearing across dimensions to scold him for abusing a fine weapon.

As he debated whether to start digging or explore other areas first, a sound broke through the quiet: footsteps, coming from the woods ahead.

Ethan tensed, instinctively lowering his body and scanning the direction of the noise. Moments later, a small group of people emerged from the trees.

Among them was a face Ethan immediately recognized—Rodney.

Of all people, it had to be him.

Rodney was one of the sailors Ethan had rescued during his first sea voyage. But Rodney's suspicious behavior back on State Island had prompted Ethan to leave earlier than planned, sensing that the man bore him ill will.

And now, here he was, grinning like a predator that had cornered its prey.

"Well, well, what are the odds?" Rodney sneered. "Fancy bumping into you here, kid. Today's your unlucky day!"

Rodney turned to a larger man standing beside him, clearly the leader of the group and jabbed a finger in Ethan's direction.

"Captain, that's him! He's the one who got the combat magic stone from Wood!"

Chapter 20

Ethan eyed Rodney and the burly man, fully anticipating their next move.

"Hand over the magic stone, kid!" the burly man demanded, his voice rough and laced with greed.

Ethan almost rolled his eyes. It was just as predictable as he had imagined.

"Have you been tailing me all this time?" Ethan asked, ignoring the leader's barking orders. Instead, he focused on Rodney, his tone calm but with a hint of mockery.

"You were on State Island with me," Ethan continued, spreading his hands in a gesture of feigned helplessness. "You must know that I exchanged everything I had for supplies and my boat. Do you really think I still have the magic stone?"

His meaning was clear: Whatever you're looking for isn't here. Now what?

But as Ethan expected, his words didn't matter. The group closed in on him, ignoring his explanation entirely. Two of the men moved to block his retreat, weapons drawn, while Rodney brandished a machete with a malicious grin.

"Doesn't matter," Rodney sneered. "Even if you traded the stone, you won't be leaving here alive. Everything you've got is ours now."

The realization struck Ethan like a slow tide: it wasn't just about the magic stone. His light armor, the fine sword at his hip, and even the iron rod strapped to his back, all of it had painted a target on him.

"Like attracts like," Ethan muttered under his breath, shaking his head in dismay.

Rodney was the kind of man who could only fall in with those just as rotten as him. People like this weren't just thieves; they were the kind who'd kill first and loot later.

Though he had suspected Rodney's true nature before, confirming it now left no room for doubt. For Ethan, there was no hesitation. He had lived through the horrors of the Diablo World, battling unholy creatures that wanted nothing but destruction. These people, by comparison, were nothing more than petty, violent scavengers.

As the group drew closer, Ethan made a decision. There would be no talking his way out of this. Words were useless in situations like this, and he wasn't the type to beg for mercy.

Without warning, he spun on his heel, raised his right hand, and fired a short arrow from his bracer at one of the men behind him.

Boom!

The explosion was sudden and deafening. Flames erupted from the impact point, sending the unfortunate man reeling. The others froze in shock, stunned by the unexpected chaos.

Ethan wasted no time. He drew his sword in one fluid motion and lunged at another attacker, his blade flashing as it slashed across the man's throat.

The strike was clean, efficient—textbook perfect. The man's eyes widened in disbelief as blood poured from the wound, and he collapsed to the ground, twitching.

Ethan didn't pause to admire his handiwork. His expression remained cold as he stepped forward and delivered a final, merciful thrust to end the man's suffering.

It was only then that the others seemed to snap out of their stupor. The leader cursed loudly, his face twisting with anger as he turned to Rodney and backhanded him across the face.

"You told me he was just some rookie from State Island!" the burly man roared, his voice laced with fury. "You said he'd be an easy mark!"

Rodney staggered back, clutching his cheek, his confidence crumbling.

The leader glared at Ethan, his previous arrogance replaced with the wariness of a man who had clearly underestimated his opponent. He wasn't a fool, he could see the young man before him wasn't some naive kid.

The precision of Ethan's movements, the cold efficiency of his strike, and the magic-enhanced weaponry he wielded, all of it screamed danger.

"This kid's a killer," the leader muttered under his breath, his earlier greed now mixed with caution.

Ethan, of course, couldn't hear the man's inner thoughts. But if he could, he'd have found it ironic. This was the first time he had ever killed someone, and while he was no stranger to life-or-death situations, he certainly didn't see himself as a "ruthless killer."

Ethan glanced at the burly man and Rodney, noting their greedy expressions, and already knew exactly what kind of people he was dealing with.

"Man, this is actually a misunderstanding. I'm willing to give you half of all the supplies on my ship if you let me go," the burly man said, attempting to negotiate.

Hearing this, Ethan nearly burst out laughing. "If I had offered my supplies earlier, would you have let me leave safely?" he asked mockingly.

The burly man hesitated, his silence speaking volumes. He could lie, of course, but what would be the point? From Ethan's response, he understood the young man's stance clearly.

"Then there's nothing to talk about," the burly man admitted.

"There was never anything to talk about," Ethan replied coldly.

From the very beginning, Ethan had no intention of letting them go. Rodney was someone he had saved, only for him to harbor murderous intent against his benefactor. To spare such a person would be to invite trouble upon himself.

As for the others, they had already crossed the line by ambushing him and attempting to kill him. Did he expect them to forget everything and leave peacefully after this?

Cut the weeds, eliminate the roots.

Without a second thought, Ethan raised his hand, pretending as if he was about to fire another short arrow. The sudden motion sent the group into a panic, each of them scrambling to dodge what they assumed was an attack.

However, this time, Ethan only faked the movement. Instead, he cast a Frostbolt with his left hand.

Frostbolts didn't have the sheer damage of Firebolts, but their utility in battle was undeniable. Ethan aimed the Frostbolt at the ground near two of his opponents. The freezing air quickly spread, forming a slick layer of ice on the flat ground.

What happened next was almost comical. The two men, caught off guard by the sudden ice, lost their footing and fell hard. Before they could regain their balance, Ethan was already upon them.

With his sword in hand, he delivered two swift strikes, one for each of them.

One of the men tried to roll away in a last-ditch effort to avoid the blade, but his companion's corpse hindered his movement. Ethan's sword came down, ending his life with brutal efficiency.

The remaining members of the group, now terrified, scattered in different directions. The burly leader, however, decided on a different approach: running for his life.

Desperate to ensure his escape, the big man shoved Rodney toward Ethan, using him as a human shield to buy himself time.

"As long as I can reach the boat," he muttered to himself.

The leader's landing spot was in a different direction from Ethan's, and he had deliberately cleared the path earlier. If Rodney could delay Ethan for just a few moments, he was confident he could escape to safety.

But his plan was laughably naive.

The moment Rodney stumbled toward him, Ethan drew the iron rod from his waist. A bright arc of electricity sparked across the rod, crackling menacingly.

The arc leapt to Rodney, engulfing him in an electrified shock. Rodney's body convulsed violently as the electricity coursed through him. He fell to the ground, twitching uncontrollably, completely incapacitated.

Ethan didn't even spare him another glance.

Turning his attention to the fleeing leader, Ethan calmly sheathed his sword and raised his right hand. The magic circle engraved on his bracer activated as he cast the Fireball spell.

In an instant, a watermelon-sized ball of fire materialized in Ethan's hand. He hurled it forward, the spell whistling through the air as it pursued the burly man.

The leader, oblivious to the attack at first, felt a sudden surge of heat behind him. Realizing something was wrong, he didn't dare turn around. Instead, he sprinted toward a large tree, hoping to use it as cover.

"If I can just get behind the tree..."

The plan wasn't bad. The leader's combat instincts were sharp, and using the tree as both cover and a way to obscure himself from Ethan's view was a sound tactic.

Unfortunately for him, it wasn't enough.

The fireball didn't need to hit him directly. The moment it came close, it detonated with a deafening boom.

The shockwave sent the big man flying, slamming him against the very tree he had hoped to use as cover. The impact was so powerful that the trunk split in two, the top half crashing down in a shower of splinters.

The burly leader crumpled to the ground, his body limp and lifeless.

Ethan scanned the area, his gaze lingering on the unmoving figure of the leader. Satisfied that the man was dead, he finally lowered his hands.

His first real battle in the Sea of Calm had ended.

Six enemies dead. No injuries on his side.

The only resources he'd expended were two short arrows.

"It's a perfect fight," Ethan muttered, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

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