Gathering Storm
Far beyond the peaceful surroundings of Mistvale...
Beyond Ashenwood Highlands...
Beyond the hunting grounds accessible to ordinary beginners...
A fierce battle unfolded.
---
Scarlet Ridge
Recommended Level: 16–20
Towering crimson cliffs stretched toward the sky.
Powerful monsters roamed freely through the valley.
Every creature here could easily overwhelm players below Level 15.
At the center of the battlefield, dozens of players fought in perfect coordination.
"Left flank!"
"Pull the Ironhorn Beast!"
"Mages, prepare your spells!"
The battlefield operated like a disciplined army.
At its center stood the current number one player in Divine Nexus.
**Valerius.**
His polished silver armor reflected the afternoon sun.
A longsword rested calmly in his hand as he delivered the finishing blow to a Level 17 Ironhorn Beast.
The monster collapsed.
Experience notifications appeared.
Yet...
The increase barely moved his progress bar.
Valerius opened his status panel.
---
Level 12
Experience: 47%
---
He quietly sighed.
"As expected..."
"The Challenge Bonus helps."
"But experience is still divided among too many people."
Although his party deliberately hunted monsters several levels above them...
The experience was shared among more than twenty elite players.
Their efficiency remained high.
Their individual growth did not.
A young subordinate hurried toward him.
"Young Master."
Valerius accepted the rolled parchment.
"What is it?"
"A report from Mistvale."
"Our scouts requested that you review it personally."
Valerius calmly opened the document.
Several pages contained witness statements.
Descriptions.
Player testimonies.
A rough sketch of a hooded adventurer.
At the top...
One title caught his attention.
Unknown Cloaked Player
Suspected attacker operating within Ashenwood Highlands.
He quietly continued reading.
Unknown identity.
Unknown level.
Black cloak.
Silver emblem.
Defeated three coordinated players without suffering visible injuries.
Identity impossible to inspect.
Valerius closed the report.
His lips slowly curved upward.
"...Interesting."
One of his companions spoke.
"Do you think the reports are true?"
Valerius looked toward the distant horizon.
"It doesn't matter."
"True..."
"Or exaggerated..."
"The rumors already exist."
He handed the parchment back.
"If I eliminate this so-called Cloak Player..."
"...everyone will know."
His reputation would soar.
The mysterious player currently dominated discussion across countless forums.
Defeating such an opponent publicly would only solidify his own position as the world's strongest.
Valerius calmly sheathed his sword.
"When we're finished here..."
"We head to Mistvale."
The surrounding guild members nodded.
None questioned his decision.
To them...
Their leader remained unmatched.
---
Meanwhile...
Far away in Ashenwood Highlands...
None of those rumors reached Aster.
He remained completely focused on the task before him.
Another Level 15 monster collapsed beneath his sword.
---
Challenge Bonus Activated
Endless Growth Activated
---
His experience climbed steadily.
He opened his status.
---
Level 14
Experience: 76%
---
Aster quietly calculated.
"...Ten more."
"If I defeat ten more Level 15 monsters..."
"I should reach Level Fifteen."
Without resting, he continued deeper into the Highlands.
Hours passed.
The battles became increasingly familiar.
Twin Flash Step flowed effortlessly.
Guardian Parry instinctively redirected every dangerous attack.
Iron Body Foundation kept his movements efficient.
Monster after monster fell.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Five.
His inventory steadily filled with valuable materials.
Six.
Seven.
Eight.
The experience bar approached completion.
Nine.
Aster stood before the final opponent.
A massive horned beast snorted heavily, scraping its hooves against the earth.
---
Ashen War Stag
Level 15
---
The creature charged.
Aster inhaled.
Twin Flash Step.
His figure vanished.
The stag thundered past him.
Guardian Parry redirected its antlers just enough to expose its flank.
Aster pivoted smoothly.
Two precise sword strikes flashed through the air.
The monster froze.
Then dissolved into countless particles of light.
Silence returned to the forest.
Golden radiance suddenly erupted around Aster.
The familiar warmth spread throughout his body.
A bright system notification appeared before his eyes.
---
Level Up!
Congratulations!
You have reached Level 15.