Nova raised an eyebrow. “And what right do you have to negotiate with me?”
Eiruk straightened his back, voice steady. “I know the location of a crown.”
Nova’s expression didn’t waver, so Eiruk pressed on. “It’s our treasure—the pride of the giant race.”
That finally earned a reaction.
Nova’s interest was piqued. A civilization dozens of times stronger than Humanity… how powerful would their race’s treasure be? If it gave him even the slightest edge, he’d seize it without hesitation. In truth, it wouldn’t even be a fight.
Eiruk took a careful breath before revealing what he knew. “From what I’ve heard, it increases all Stats by 150.” He expected enthusiasm. Instead, he was met with a cold, unamused glare.
“You’re not even sure?” Nova’s voice was flat.
Realizing his mistake, Eiruk quickly corrected himself. “No, no—I mean, there are legends! The crown was last seen when King Ordun fought in the Civilization War. Many of us know it grants at least 150 to all Stats—maybe even more!”
Nova considered his words carefully. ‘Do I want to listen to him?’ If Eiruk was telling the truth, this crown could be an incredible boost. ‘I can’t pass up something this good. And what do I have to lose?’
His gaze locked onto Eiruk as he spoke slowly. “Only your king knows where it is? Or better yet… he has it himself?”
Seeing that Nova believed him, Eiruk let out a quiet sigh of relief before speaking earnestly. “The three noble families know about it as well. Many of their higher-ups have records of the Civilization War we lost. Some might have even participated in it.”
Nova’s eyes narrowed in surprise. “How long ago was your war?”
He found it hard to believe it had been too long, considering their kingdom still stood strong. That meant they had either crushed every challenger for centuries or faced only a few worthy opponents. In his mind, the last scenario seemed far more likely.
“It’s been more than a thousand years” Eiruk said, his voice laced with something unreadable. A glint flashed through his eyes as his fists tightened ever so slightly.
‘A thousand years… Their king is more than a thousand years old?’ Nova’s mind raced. ‘Then how long can I live?’
He knew his Stats were likely even higher than Ordun’s. ‘Two thousand years? More? I thought I had centuries ahead of me, but this changes everything.’
A thrill coursed through him, his body trembling with excitement. This was perhaps the most valuable piece of information he would ever gain from this Blue portal. And he wasn’t dissatisfied in the slightest.
‘I can be free—for eternity.’
A grin stretched across his face. Then, a notification rang in his mind.
Will 9 -> 10
Eiruk looked at Nova, and a shiver ran down his spine. He had never seen a giant grin like that before—it wasn’t the expression of a warrior, It reminded him of the demons from ancient legends.
Why did I have to meet someone like this?
But then, another thought crept in. If he truly accepts my request… then it’s all worth it.
A flicker of rage and madness crossed Eiruk’s face before he forced himself to stay composed. Meanwhile, Nova was watching him with a smile—one that, strangely enough, felt like the most sincere expression he had shown during their entire conversation.
“You gave me some good information,” Nova said, his voice calm but edged with something dangerous. “I’ll accept your request—as long as it’s within my capabilities.” His eyes darkened. “But if this is a trap…”
He didn’t need to finish the sentence. His gaze alone, sharp and unyielding, sent a chill through Eiruk. The warning was clear—any deception would be the last mistake Eiruk ever made.
“I wouldn’t dare,” Eiruk said quickly, shaking his head. Then, an expectant look filled his eyes as he continued, “The only thing I want is for you to kill Torvag, the young master of the Xalathar family.”
Nova nodded. “I’ll see if I can do it.”
At those words, Eiruk finally exhaled, his tense body relaxing. He had no doubt Nova would keep his word—why would a being as powerful as him bother lying to someone he could kill in an instant?
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
“Rest and heal. You’ll guide me to the Xalathar family,” Nova ordered.
Eiruk nodded without hesitation, closing his eyes. His body had already been healing since the start of their conversation, and the gaping hole in his knee was now nearly closed.
Meanwhile, Nova watched him, but his mind was elsewhere. ‘Making an enemy of a noble family the moment I enter the city? Is this really the best move?’
He lightly tapped his fingers against the wall, running through countless scenarios in his head. Then, a slow smile spread across his face.
‘I’ll leave it up to luck… Hopefully, they have enough.’
With that thought, he stepped to the side and began training with his spear. The air filled with sharp, rhythmic sounds as the weapon sliced through it—each movement precise, each breath controlled. A contrast to the labored, uneven breathing of the giant nearby.
[Spear Lunge proficiency increased]
[Spear Lunge proficiency increased]
[Spear Lunge proficiency increased]
An hour passed.
Eiruk’s eyes fluttered open as he slowly pushed himself to his feet. His wounds were fully healed, but his mind was still processing everything. His gaze drifted to the side, where Nova was still training—his movements precise, relentless, each strike of his spear cutting through the air with sharp efficiency.
He's already this powerful… and he’s still training?
What was his motivation? What kind of goal drove him to keep pushing himself beyond reason?
As if sensing the weight of Eiruk’s stare, Nova halted mid-strike and turned. His eyes met the giant’s, assessing him briefly before nodding in approval. Then, without a word, he shifted his focus inward, checking his Status.
[Status]
Rank: 0
Name: Nova Grey
Species: Human
Affiliation: None
Level: 6 (170/500)
Mana: Mana Core (Low) (151873/100000000)
Class: None
Titles: Goblin Exterminator, Kings Slayer, Survivor, Spear Novice, Troll Exterminator, Orc Exterminator, Rune Novice, Mana Novice
Stat Points: 136
Attributes:
Strength: 127 (+1317)
Vigor: 100 (+1056)
Dexterity: 150 (+1590)
Speed: 110 (+1173)
Intelligence: 66 (+677)
Wisdom: 110 (+1128)
Will: 10
Luck: 10
Skills
Active: Spear Thrust (15) (152/16384000), Spear Jab (15) (19/16384000), Spear Sweep (16) (8159717/32768000), Spear Lunge (11) (583746/1024000), Spear Overhead Strike (10) (757/512000), Sword Slash (1) (75/1000), Sword Stab (1) (11/1000), Sword Chop (0) (141/500), Sword Sweep (1) (48/1000), Sword Parry (1) (184/1000), Sword Block (0) (497/500)
Passive: Regeneration (10) (236105/256000), Keen Reflexes (3) (267/4000), Momentum Streak (15) (1437208/16384000), One with the World (Spear) (MAX), One with the World (Footwork) (MAX)
‘My Mana Core is growing steadily—I can almost direct mana into it subconsciously. Spear Lunge is at level 11 now… but I still need to find a way to train Keen Reflexes. I’m not used to reacting instead of acting. And Regeneration… I keep forgetting about that.’
With his spear in his left hand, Nova twirled it effortlessly. The movement was so fast that Eiruk’s mind struggled to process it. Then, without hesitation, the blade sliced cleanly through flesh.
An arm fell to the ground.
Blood gushed like a river, pooling beneath him, yet Nova remained still—his expression untouched by pain or concern. Minutes passed before the bleeding finally slowed.
Eiruk could only stare. His face was a mix of respect, awe… and sheer terror. Who in their right mind would maim themselves so casually?
Notifications rang in Nova’s mind.
[Regeneration proficiency increased]
[Regeneration proficiency increased]
[Regeneration proficiency increased]
‘Now I’m ready.’
With that thought, Nova turned to Eiruk and said, “Let’s go.”
Eiruk swallowed hard but nodded, taking the lead as they stepped out of the house.
Outside, the night still stretched over the city. Nova had no idea how long it lasted here, but it didn’t matter—his vision was as clear as if it were daytime. What surprised him, however, was how alive the city remained. Giants moved through the streets, their presence filling the air with a steady hum of activity.
‘So even they don’t mind the dark’, Nova mused.
As they walked, Eiruk gave simple descriptions of various places they passed—most of which, Nova noted, seemed to be restaurants or food-related establishments.
‘Did I meet a foodie?’ Nova shook his head before speaking. “You still haven’t told me who your father is.”
Eiruk glanced down at him, a small smile playing at his lips. “My father was the general of the army—General Zamokk.”
Raising an eyebrow, Nova asked, “And what did the nobles do to you? With your father as the general of the army, he should’ve had plenty of allies among the upper ranks.”
“They robbed me of everything I owned, claiming my father betrayed the race,” Eiruk grunted, his voice laced with both anger and bitter amusement. “He died from the injuries he suffered in the war, and the moment he was gone, the nobles discarded his legacy like it meant nothing.”
His fists clenched as he continued, his tone darkening. “And they didn’t stop there. Now they’re threatening to take the only home I have left.”
His knuckles turned white. The giants passing by took notice, instinctively parting to let him through. They knew the difference between a warrior and a worker, and when a warrior was this angry, it was best to stay out of his way.
Whispers rippled through the streets, hushed voices speculating about what had enraged Eiruk so much. But none dared to step forward and ask. They all kept their distance, wary of drawing his wrath.
Nova observed in silence. ‘He isn’t strong enough. He can’t be free with this little strength. This civilization is advanced in raw power, yet primitive in values. Or maybe this is their version of advancement—the strong rule, the weak are trampled. Is that Humanity’s fate too?’
He exhaled, dismissing the thought. ‘Not my concern.’
Eiruk took a steady breath, regaining his composure. “I lost myself in thought” he admitted, glancing around. Then, as recognition dawned in his eyes, he gestured ahead. “The Xalathar family’s building is just up ahead.”
Nova followed his gaze. A towering grey structure loomed over the city, piercing into the clouds. It was simple in design yet exuded undeniable authority. The kind of presence that demanded acknowledgment—or obedience.
‘Grand indeed’, Nova thought, a smile playing at his lips as they neared the massive gates.
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