The Dreamer's POV

[01 Months: 29 Days: 15 Hours]

The creature didn't seem to possess a sophisticated level of intelligence.

In fact, I'd argue it was nothing more than a simple beast. However, its actions were too coordinated to be something of merely that caliber.

The Dark Spawn's actions were intentional, connoting some level of intelligence. If that intelligence wasn't coming from him, then…

'Is there someone behind it?' My thoughts finally found a plausible reason to which my actions were anchored.

Considering the fact that this creature didn't attack the Lyma Capital and proceeded to retrea after being spotted, despite having considerable power—in the speed department, at least—showed that its task was simply to spy on us.

'But what was that feeling from earlier? Why did my heart race that way?'

Initially, even when I spread my senses, I didn't notice anything. However, after my body began to react in a certain way, it became different.

It honestly felt like this new presence made me both excited and angry. I couldn't quite place it, but it all pointed to the fact that I shared soem sort of connection to it.

'What is going on here?'

As a result of my further confusion, I decided to observe the Dark Spawn's movements and see for myself what it was all about.

~WHOOOOOOSSSHHHH!~

The chase was spectacular, to say the least. I could have always teleported to it, catching up in no time, but I made sure to maintain about a meter distance, not getting too close or too dar from the object of my attention.

I tried attacking it a few times with attacks like <Gravity Press>, making sure the area of influence was where he would be in the next second, thanks to my <Visualize>, and the attacks ended up working to a certain extent.

However… the Dark Spawn kept moving regardless. Your journey continues at empire

I tried to use <Maddening Whispers> on it, but it didn't work. It felt like my Skill was being blocked somehow.

I also used my <Elemental Attribute (Basic)> to coat my Advanced Grand Rock in order to attack, and once again, that were rendered ineffective.

'It's like this thing is invincible or something…' My thoughts trailed as I observed its actions more.

We had been running for some time now, and it didn't seem to be slowing down in the slightest. It was like the thing had infinite stamina as well.

'Dark spawn, huh? Is it even a living thing?' I wondered as I sought after other ways to damage it or learn more about its nature.

That was when it struck me.

'I have a <Darkness Attribute> Skill, right? I should try that!' My grin intensified as my gut resonated with that plan.

~VWUUUMMM!~

Once the Skill was activated, blackish clouds of darkness covered the surface of my rock, almost like it was consuming it. However, since it was my Skill, and it was meant to be an enhancing attack, my Rock was fine.

"Skriii…?!" The Dark Spawn, for the first time in the entire chase, turned back to look at me… or rather, my orb.

That told me all I needed to know.

'Fire!'

~WHOOOOOSSSHHH!~

In a dark blur that blended perfectly with the surrounding darkness, the Advanced Grand Rock rushed in the direction of the enemy.

Within a second, there was impact.

~BOOOOOMMM!~

The blow caused a shockwave to resonate from the point of impact through the area.

"K-kriiii…!" The Dark Spawn finally collapsed on the ground, the oily black around it trembling in reaction to the damage inflicted on it.

'Ah, I see… so its weak against the darkness element.' I would have also loved to try the Light Element, but since I didn't have it now, there was no way to know.

It wasn't like I would waste some Currency to buy a Skill like that just for this test.

'I've learned enough.'

In a quick motion, I appeared right over the helpless Dark Spawn, grabbing it tighly while shrouding my hand in the Darkness Attribute.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

That seemed to do the trick.

"Tell me everything I want to know. What are you?" I activated <Truthful Glare>, staring deep into its glowing purple eyes.

I expected this interrogation to go one of three ways.

One would be that my Skill wouldn't work, just like my <Absolute Appraisal> or <Maddening Whispers> Skills.

The second would be that my Skill wouldn't work because it had no intelligence, thus proving there was an intelligent mind behind this thing.

Finally, my Skill would work and I was going to get the answers I desired.

To be honest, the first and second scenarios are inter-connected, and there wouldn't be a way to tell the difference between the two if it doesn't work.

"SKRIIIIIIAAAAAAKKKK!" The Dark Spawn tried to wiggle its way out of my control, but it was useless.

I was obviously stronger and faster, but since it was something I didn't quite undertand, it bothered me.

'I guess the Skill won't work. It's not intelligent from the looks of it too.' There really was no point asking it any further questions.

I had to wonder, though, why it didn't attack me throughout our encounter.

I kept expecting it to do something to attack, but other than the first sonic strike it dealt, the Dark Spawn never did anything to harm me.

Not even throwing a single punch despite now being caught in an inescapable net.

'How strange…'

At first, I suspected The Alliance to be involved in this, but I didn't think this was their style. Did that mean this was done by another party?

'Maybe the Nine Headed Dragon Alliance? No, this isn't their style too. Plus, I find it unbelievable that they'd have such a competent creature and use it for mere spying…'

Did that mean there was some other party out there interested in the Lyma Capital, specifically the Estate, that they would send something like this?

'I know the families and nobles will start pouring in soon, but this is a bit too early. And this method is also outside what I expected.'

Once again, I found it difficult to beleieve they'd use such a competent creature for mere spying.

'Or have I been underestimating the Natives too much? Maybe…'

It seemed I had once again grown too complacent. That had to change.

"Looks like this is where your journey ends." I muttered, staring at the Dark Spawn with a cold, unfeeling gaze.

This wasn't a proper living thing anyway, so it didn't require any form of resolve to eliminate it. Though, I doubted I would hesitate if the enemy was living.

At this point, I already knew enemies had to eliminated.

"Goodbye." Coating my Dragon Dagger with the Darkness Attribute, I sliced through the body of the Dark Spawn, using the element to consume it whole.

"SKRRRRIIIIAAAAAKKKK!!!" It screeched, as any creature would if they were being burned alive, and I watched it calmly.

… Right until the point where it died.

"And now that we're done with that, it's time for the next step." The grin on my face was far from gone.

There was no way I would let such a skilled being out of my grasp.

"<Demonification>"

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[A/N]

The next chapter marks the end of the third Arc.

Yes, I know it was short, but I hope you enjoyed yourselves reading it. Tell me your thoughts in the comments.

Thanks for reading.

Cheers!