In Wandering Soul Lane, Mech-Demon squinted, his gaze flickering uncertainly as he stared at the young man.
Something wasn't right. Why did this guy seem so fearless, seemingly undaunted by his presence? Could it be that, seeing the massive array of creatures from the Demonfolk Association, he believed he had the capability to survive?
After all, from their skirmish the day before, Mech-Demon had gotten a rough estimate of the human youth's combat capabilities. At most, Lynne could only eliminate one or two puppets. To think he could face a hundred of them was undoubtedly a delusion.
"It seems you anticipated our arrival?" Mech-Demon ventured, still trying to gauge the situation.
Lynne, maintaining his calm composure, responded, "Naturally. After all, you lost a flesh puppet and three hunters at my hands. Unless the Demonfolk Association decided to back down, I knew you wouldn't let it go."
Mech-Demon sneered, "You seem confident. If you knew we were coming, why didn't you flee? Do you think you can defeat us?"
Lynne adjusted his monocle, replying indifferently, "I have no such confidence."
Mech-Demon chuckled, "Oh? Then I'm curious. If you don't believe you can defeat us, why stand here?"
[Warning! Crisis Level 100%]
[Warning! Crisis Level 100%]
A gentle breeze wafted through the dark mist, ruffling Lynne's hair. Slowly lifting his head and adjusting his monocle, he said with profound meaning: "Just putting on a show, nothing more."
"..."
"..."
The wind whistled, lifting the dust from the ground.
For a moment, Mech-Demon was taken aback. He opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say something, but found himself momentarily at a loss for words. He genuinely didn't know how to respond to that statement...
It seemed to touch upon a blind spot in his thinking. This man... He seemed... unconventional.
Meanwhile, in Vision World, the initially astounded and heatedly discussing audience suddenly fell into an eerie silence.
Lynne's monocle glinted, reflecting the white light, as he calmly remarked, "My teacher once told me, if you're in a winning situation and you still act timidly, overthinking every move, it's simply disgraceful. If you have a strong hand, and you don't play each card to tease and torment your opponent, how can you do justice to the excellent cards you hold?"
"How can you do justice to..." A bright gleam flashed across his monocle as he emphatically said, "The parents who birthed and raised you?"
[Ding! Your Fame in the Dark World +1]
[Ding! Your Fame in the Dark World +1]
[Ding! Your Fame in the Dark World +1]
The audience in Vision was utterly dumbfounded.
For some reason... They were at a loss for words. This man... This man surely... He must be a tad unhinged (ΩДΩ)!! No one would believe otherwise! He's so audacious! How can he brazenly say such arrogant words in front of a group of fierce creatures? Something's off with this guy!
[Ding! Mech-Demon's rage +10]
[Ding! Mech-Demon's rage +10]
[Ding! You successfully enraged Mech-Demon with your show of bravado!]
"What a way to play your cards and mock me! You, with no sense of decorum, dare to put on airs in front of me? Thinking you're something special?!"
Mech-Demon gnashed his teeth in fury, his expression contorting grotesquely with rage.
Who was he? He was the Vice President of the Demonfolk Association! He was the top-tier demonfolk who had developed countless cutting-edge biological weapons!
Yet, this insufferable youth dared to mock him, making them appear like clueless buffoons! Throughout his life, he detested those who showed off before him the most!
He had run out of patience! He could abandon the components of the Colossus, but this youth must die!
"Kill him!"
Mech-Demon roared in anger, issuing an immediate command. The countless Hunters behind him suddenly raised their heads, lunging towards Lynne with an unimaginable speed. The vertical pupils of the two massive flesh puppets beside him instantly sharpened.
"Think you're impressive? Enjoyed your show? Flesh Puppets! Activate the highest biological extermination! Switch to war mode! I want him crushed into a single-celled puddle of blood!"
Mech-Demon's roar was filled with menace.
Almost the moment his command was given, the two Type 3 Flesh-Blood Puppets underwent a transformation, as countless arms shrieked, crawling out from their flesh.
"War mode initiated... highest response command activated... initiating biological extermination mode..."
"Target locked... Dragon Breath Arm activated... Cursed Pupil activated... Corridor of Evil Spirits activated..."
"Commencing hunt..."
Hummm—
In an instant, the two terrifying flesh puppets surged forward with unprecedented speed, surpassing the approaching Hunters. Their countless raging arms spread from their bodies, launching the most potent attack against Lynne.
"Do you think your theatrics will save you? My Flesh-Blood Puppet Type-3 is the world's premier war machine! Even if the Blood-clad Evil Spirit arrives? Or even a King?!" Electric currents exploded all over him as he thunderously declared: "Even if an Origin-level being comes, so what?!"
His voice, reminiscent of roaring thunder, echoed throughout the entire Wandering Soul Lane.
Boom—
With a deafening crash, almost immediately after Mech-Demon's last words, a colossal head plummeted from the sky, landing squarely on one of the flesh puppets that had nearly reached Lynne.
Splat—
Gobs of rotten flesh and bloody mire splattered from beneath the massive head. A still glowing, pulsating eyeball of the crushed flesh puppet rolled to a stop at the feet of Mech-Demon.
[Ding! Little has crushed a Flesh-Blood Puppet Type-3. You've received a Friendship Reward: 200 Experience Points.]
"..."
"..."
A profound silence blanketed the scene.
Mech-Demon stood frozen, his mouth agape, appearing as if time had stopped around him. The warm, twitching eyeball at his feet seemed to gaze accusingly at him.
A formidable Origin-level aura emanated from the enormous head, casting a shadow over the entire street. And the echo of his arrogant proclamation still resonated throughout Wandering Soul Lane.
"Even if an Origin-level being comes, so what..."
"So what..."
"What..."
"..."
Lynne rubbed his ears, raising an eyebrow in curiosity, "Sorry, what did you say just now?"
"..."
In an instant, within Vision World's frame, a massive, pale, and salivating skull emerged.
"(ΩДΩ)!!!"
Immediately, everyone watching the livestream screamed in terror. Even the camera feed noticeably shook, quickly retreating at an unimaginable speed, not daring to approach.
"It's that same Headhunter from before! The Origin-level monster (ΩДΩ)!!"
"You're kidding! Impossible! Could it be that the monster didn't come to Wandering Soul Lane to slaughter, but was actually summoned by Lynne?!"
"How could that be?!"
[Ding! The Bell Ringer's fear level towards you +10]
[Ding! The Night Scavenger's fear level towards you +10]
[Ding! The Blood Servant's fear level towards you +10]
[Ding! Achievement activated: Spreading Fear. You've gained 200 Experience]
[Spreading Fear: Milestone achievement. Attainable when over a thousand creatures fear you. You've taken another steadfast step towards the indescribable evil spirit. Permanent buffs acquired: All Attributes +5, Monster Fear Level +1, Happiness +10.]
Lynne was dumbfounded by the system notifications ringing in his ears.
Little eagerly extended its long tongue, licking its lips, exclaiming: "Is this — takeaway? So much — and such rich meat — I can't — hold back anymore —"
"Don't worry, Little. No one will compete with you. They're all yours."
Lynne reached out, caressing the skull's face.
Mech-Demon stared rigidly, trembling, at the skull before the human. Mouth agape, his mind buzzed incessantly.
"Ori... Origin level... How... Why..."
He retreated step by step in horror, his entire body shuddering.
"This can't be..."
[Ding! Mech-Demon's fear level towards you +10]
[Ding! Mech-Demon's fear level towards you +10]
Lynne slowly moved forward, picking up two fleshy puppet eyeballs from the ground. He toyed with them in his hand. He stared intently at Mech-Demon, saying: "If you've all summoned beings, then of course I shouldn't be left out. Did you think I'd stand before you so boldly without preparations?"
He adjusted his monocle, stating seriously: "I told you. Yet you still haven't run. Are you looking down on me?"
[Ding! Congratulations on achieving: Paper Tiger. You've gained 200 Experience]
[Paper Tiger: Special achievement. Obtained with a probability when successfully intimidating a target stronger than oneself by leveraging the might of a powerful ally. Permanent buffs acquired: Intelligence +3, Fame +5.]
Lynne: "..."
Mech-Demon staggered backward, his eyes reflecting the imposing figure of the massive hunter, and then to the mangled, blood-soaked puppet and its twitching hand. Incessant urgent warnings from another flesh puppet echoed in his ears.
"Target Analysis... Origin level... Highest level warning... Cannot resist... Cannot consume... Battle success rate... 0%... Consumption success rate... 0%... Recommend immediate retreat... Retreat immediately..."
At that moment, Mech-Demon snapped back to reality, turning around to bellow: "Run!!"
In that instant, he moved with a reaction speed he had never before reached in his life. Turning around with unimaginable speed, he sprinted in the direction from which he had come, like a gust of wind.
Witnessing this, Lynne grinned, saying: "Little! It's up to you now. Feast to your heart's content! If you're still not sated, I'll take you to their lair for more!"
Little replied with joy, "Mhm—"
In a blink, Little, brimming with excitement, opened its mouth wide. Numerous tentacles surged out like a tidal wave, hurtling toward the hunters on the street.
After sweeping them up, Little popped them into its mouth, crunching delightfully, reminiscent of chicken.
"Mmm— So delicious— Beyond the meaty aroma, there's the metallic chewiness— It's scrumptious!"
Little (‸) expressed its exhilaration.
[Ding! Little devoured a hunter, its Favorability towards you +1]
[Ding! Little devoured a hunter, its Favorability towards you +1]
In an instant, the entire Wandering Soul Lane became a diner's paradise. One after another, the hunters screamed in panic, running helter-skelter following Mech-Demon. Yet, a few brazen hunters rushed forward, striking Little's nose with a blade, which then shattered upon impact.
Crunch—
Crunch—
Little (T ^ T) gleefully rolled up one after another, savoring each catch. The overwhelming sensation of being pampered by a doctor whom she was extremely fond of was genuinely overflowing from within.
I must consume them all. No waste can be tolerated; I'm truly... truly overjoyed! Other than Mr. Unihorn from the past, nobody has ever treated me this way!
Within the Vision World, witnessing this sudden turn of events, every spectator's face contorted in shock (ΩДΩ).
"Indeed! That Origin-level headhunter was summoned by Lynne!"
"I can't believe... in my lifetime, I'd witness an Origin-level creature feasting! I... I've made it in life!"
"It's like watching it snack on chicken... This... This..."
"Hold on, do you all remember a while back when three headhunters consumed numerous beings in our region but never approached Wandering Soul Lane? Could it be..."
"Is it because of that apprentice's presence?!"
Upon hearing this, every resident of Wandering Soul Lane was flabbergasted.
Yes! With that realization, it all made sense. No wonder! No wonder at all!
That means, if not for the young man named Lynne in Wandering Soul Lane, they might have already... And just as that thought settled, their attention returned to the Vision World, where they were utterly stunned.
In the footage, the massive Origin-level headhunter suddenly extended a tentacle, wrapped it around Lynne's waist, and placed him atop its head. It then began hopping around, joyfully ٩(๑＞◡＜๑)۶ chasing down the food attempting to escape.
"Holy crap (ΩДΩ)!!"
"No way! That Origin level hunter actually... actually let him ride on top!"
"What's their relationship?! This bond can't be just a mere acquaintance!"
"He's blown our minds! He seems to be the first-ever human daring to ride atop an Origin-level creature's head!"
"The Origin Knight!!"
Witnessing this horrifying sight, everyone was trembling, on the verge of breaking apart. It was beyond their comprehension!
It felt as if a world-renowned queen suddenly appeared in their remote, desolate village, and to your ordinary neighboring fool, she said: Come, ride on me!
It's undeniably a scenario that would shatter one's worldview!
In Wandering Soul Lane, Mech-Demon squinted, his gaze flickering uncertainly as he stared at the young man.
Something wasn't right. Why did this guy seem so fearless, seemingly undaunted by his presence? Could it be that, seeing the massive array of creatures from the Demonfolk Association, he believed he had the capability to survive?
After all, from their skirmish the day before, Mech-Demon had gotten a rough estimate of the human youth's combat capabilities. At most, Lynne could only eliminate one or two puppets. To think he could face a hundred of them was undoubtedly a delusion.
"It seems you anticipated our arrival?" Mech-Demon ventured, still trying to gauge the situation.
Lynne, maintaining his calm composure, responded, "Naturally. After all, you lost a flesh puppet and three hunters at my hands. Unless the Demonfolk Association decided to back down, I knew you wouldn't let it go."
Mech-Demon sneered, "You seem confident. If you knew we were coming, why didn't you flee? Do you think you can defeat us?"
Lynne adjusted his monocle, replying indifferently, "I have no such confidence."
Mech-Demon chuckled, "Oh? Then I'm curious. If you don't believe you can defeat us, why stand here?"
[Warning! Crisis Level 100%]
[Warning! Crisis Level 100%]
A gentle breeze wafted through the dark mist, ruffling Lynne's hair. Slowly lifting his head and adjusting his monocle, he said with profound meaning: "Just putting on a show, nothing more."
"..."
"..."
The wind whistled, lifting the dust from the ground.
For a moment, Mech-Demon was taken aback. He opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say something, but found himself momentarily at a loss for words. He genuinely didn't know how to respond to that statement...
It seemed to touch upon a blind spot in his thinking. This man... He seemed... unconventional.
Meanwhile, in Vision World, the initially astounded and heatedly discussing audience suddenly fell into an eerie silence.
Lynne's monocle glinted, reflecting the white light, as he calmly remarked, "My teacher once told me, if you're in a winning situation and you still act timidly, overthinking every move, it's simply disgraceful. If you have a strong hand, and you don't play each card to tease and torment your opponent, how can you do justice to the excellent cards you hold?"
"How can you do justice to..." A bright gleam flashed across his monocle as he emphatically said, "The parents who birthed and raised you?"
[Ding! Your Fame in the Dark World +1]
[Ding! Your Fame in the Dark World +1]
[Ding! Your Fame in the Dark World +1]
The audience in Vision was utterly dumbfounded.
For some reason... They were at a loss for words. This man... This man surely... He must be a tad unhinged (ΩДΩ)!! No one would believe otherwise! He's so audacious! How can he brazenly say such arrogant words in front of a group of fierce creatures? Something's off with this guy!
[Ding! Mech-Demon's rage +10]
[Ding! Mech-Demon's rage +10]
[Ding! You successfully enraged Mech-Demon with your show of bravado!]
"What a way to play your cards and mock me! You, with no sense of decorum, dare to put on airs in front of me? Thinking you're something special?!"
Mech-Demon gnashed his teeth in fury, his expression contorting grotesquely with rage.
Who was he? He was the Vice President of the Demonfolk Association! He was the top-tier demonfolk who had developed countless cutting-edge biological weapons!
Yet, this insufferable youth dared to mock him, making them appear like clueless buffoons! Throughout his life, he detested those who showed off before him the most!
He had run out of patience! He could abandon the components of the Colossus, but this youth must die!
"Kill him!"
Mech-Demon roared in anger, issuing an immediate command. The countless Hunters behind him suddenly raised their heads, lunging towards Lynne with an unimaginable speed. The vertical pupils of the two massive flesh puppets beside him instantly sharpened.
"Think you're impressive? Enjoyed your show? Flesh Puppets! Activate the highest biological extermination! Switch to war mode! I want him crushed into a single-celled puddle of blood!"
Mech-Demon's roar was filled with menace.
Almost the moment his command was given, the two Type 3 Flesh-Blood Puppets underwent a transformation, as countless arms shrieked, crawling out from their flesh.
"War mode initiated... highest response command activated... initiating biological extermination mode..."
"Target locked... Dragon Breath Arm activated... Cursed Pupil activated... Corridor of Evil Spirits activated..."
"Commencing hunt..."
Hummm—
In an instant, the two terrifying flesh puppets surged forward with unprecedented speed, surpassing the approaching Hunters. Their countless raging arms spread from their bodies, launching the most potent attack against Lynne.
"Do you think your theatrics will save you? My Flesh-Blood Puppet Type-3 is the world's premier war machine! Even if the Blood-clad Evil Spirit arrives? Or even a King?!" Electric currents exploded all over him as he thunderously declared: "Even if an Origin-level being comes, so what?!"
His voice, reminiscent of roaring thunder, echoed throughout the entire Wandering Soul Lane.
Boom—
With a deafening crash, almost immediately after Mech-Demon's last words, a colossal head plummeted from the sky, landing squarely on one of the flesh puppets that had nearly reached Lynne.
Splat—
Gobs of rotten flesh and bloody mire splattered from beneath the massive head. A still glowing, pulsating eyeball of the crushed flesh puppet rolled to a stop at the feet of Mech-Demon.
[Ding! Little has crushed a Flesh-Blood Puppet Type-3. You've received a Friendship Reward: 200 Experience Points.]
"..."
"..."
A profound silence blanketed the scene.
Mech-Demon stood frozen, his mouth agape, appearing as if time had stopped around him. The warm, twitching eyeball at his feet seemed to gaze accusingly at him.
A formidable Origin-level aura emanated from the enormous head, casting a shadow over the entire street. And the echo of his arrogant proclamation still resonated throughout Wandering Soul Lane.
"Even if an Origin-level being comes, so what..."
"So what..."
"What..."
"..."
Lynne rubbed his ears, raising an eyebrow in curiosity, "Sorry, what did you say just now?"
"..."
In an instant, within Vision World's frame, a massive, pale, and salivating skull emerged.
"(ΩДΩ)!!!"
Immediately, everyone watching the livestream screamed in terror. Even the camera feed noticeably shook, quickly retreating at an unimaginable speed, not daring to approach.
"It's that same Headhunter from before! The Origin-level monster (ΩДΩ)!!"
"You're kidding! Impossible! Could it be that the monster didn't come to Wandering Soul Lane to slaughter, but was actually summoned by Lynne?!"
"How could that be?!"
[Ding! The Bell Ringer's fear level towards you +10]
[Ding! The Night Scavenger's fear level towards you +10]
[Ding! The Blood Servant's fear level towards you +10]
[Ding! Achievement activated: Spreading Fear. You've gained 200 Experience]
[Spreading Fear: Milestone achievement. Attainable when over a thousand creatures fear you. You've taken another steadfast step towards the indescribable evil spirit. Permanent buffs acquired: All Attributes +5, Monster Fear Level +1, Happiness +10.]
Lynne was dumbfounded by the system notifications ringing in his ears.
Little eagerly extended its long tongue, licking its lips, exclaiming: "Is this — takeaway? So much — and such rich meat — I can't — hold back anymore —"
"Don't worry, Little. No one will compete with you. They're all yours."
Lynne reached out, caressing the skull's face.
Mech-Demon stared rigidly, trembling, at the skull before the human. Mouth agape, his mind buzzed incessantly.
"Ori... Origin level... How... Why..."
He retreated step by step in horror, his entire body shuddering.
"This can't be..."
[Ding! Mech-Demon's fear level towards you +10]
[Ding! Mech-Demon's fear level towards you +10]
Lynne slowly moved forward, picking up two fleshy puppet eyeballs from the ground. He toyed with them in his hand. He stared intently at Mech-Demon, saying: "If you've all summoned beings, then of course I shouldn't be left out. Did you think I'd stand before you so boldly without preparations?"
He adjusted his monocle, stating seriously: "I told you. Yet you still haven't run. Are you looking down on me?"
[Ding! Congratulations on achieving: Paper Tiger. You've gained 200 Experience]
[Paper Tiger: Special achievement. Obtained with a probability when successfully intimidating a target stronger than oneself by leveraging the might of a powerful ally. Permanent buffs acquired: Intelligence +3, Fame +5.]
Lynne: "..."
Mech-Demon staggered backward, his eyes reflecting the imposing figure of the massive hunter, and then to the mangled, blood-soaked puppet and its twitching hand. Incessant urgent warnings from another flesh puppet echoed in his ears.
"Target Analysis... Origin level... Highest level warning... Cannot resist... Cannot consume... Battle success rate... 0%... Consumption success rate... 0%... Recommend immediate retreat... Retreat immediately..."
At that moment, Mech-Demon snapped back to reality, turning around to bellow: "Run!!"
In that instant, he moved with a reaction speed he had never before reached in his life. Turning around with unimaginable speed, he sprinted in the direction from which he had come, like a gust of wind.
Witnessing this, Lynne grinned, saying: "Little! It's up to you now. Feast to your heart's content! If you're still not sated, I'll take you to their lair for more!"
Little replied with joy, "Mhm—"
In a blink, Little, brimming with excitement, opened its mouth wide. Numerous tentacles surged out like a tidal wave, hurtling toward the hunters on the street.
After sweeping them up, Little popped them into its mouth, crunching delightfully, reminiscent of chicken.
"Mmm— So delicious— Beyond the meaty aroma, there's the metallic chewiness— It's scrumptious!"
Little (‸) expressed its exhilaration.
[Ding! Little devoured a hunter, its Favorability towards you +1]
[Ding! Little devoured a hunter, its Favorability towards you +1]
In an instant, the entire Wandering Soul Lane became a diner's paradise. One after another, the hunters screamed in panic, running helter-skelter following Mech-Demon. Yet, a few brazen hunters rushed forward, striking Little's nose with a blade, which then shattered upon impact.
Crunch—
Crunch—
Little (T ^ T) gleefully rolled up one after another, savoring each catch. The overwhelming sensation of being pampered by a doctor whom she was extremely fond of was genuinely overflowing from within.
I must consume them all. No waste can be tolerated; I'm truly... truly overjoyed! Other than Mr. Unihorn from the past, nobody has ever treated me this way!
Within the Vision World, witnessing this sudden turn of events, every spectator's face contorted in shock (ΩДΩ).
"Indeed! That Origin-level headhunter was summoned by Lynne!"
"I can't believe... in my lifetime, I'd witness an Origin-level creature feasting! I... I've made it in life!"
"It's like watching it snack on chicken... This... This..."
"Hold on, do you all remember a while back when three headhunters consumed numerous beings in our region but never approached Wandering Soul Lane? Could it be..."
"Is it because of that apprentice's presence?!"
Upon hearing this, every resident of Wandering Soul Lane was flabbergasted.
Yes! With that realization, it all made sense. No wonder! No wonder at all!
That means, if not for the young man named Lynne in Wandering Soul Lane, they might have already... And just as that thought settled, their attention returned to the Vision World, where they were utterly stunned.
In the footage, the massive Origin-level headhunter suddenly extended a tentacle, wrapped it around Lynne's waist, and placed him atop its head. It then began hopping around, joyfully ٩(๑＞◡＜๑)۶ chasing down the food attempting to escape.
"Holy crap (ΩДΩ)!!"
"No way! That Origin level hunter actually... actually let him ride on top!"
"What's their relationship?! This bond can't be just a mere acquaintance!"
"He's blown our minds! He seems to be the first-ever human daring to ride atop an Origin-level creature's head!"
"The Origin Knight!!"
Witnessing this horrifying sight, everyone was trembling, on the verge of breaking apart. It was beyond their comprehension!
It felt as if a world-renowned queen suddenly appeared in their remote, desolate village, and to your ordinary neighboring fool, she said: Come, ride on me!
It's undeniably a scenario that would shatter one's worldview!
