Level Up: Voidwalker

Atlas counted twelve orcs, causing him to scan them to find their ranks to devise a plan to take them out as quickly as possible.

[Mountain Orc]

[Rank: D+ - 350 Exp]

[A scouting party - Easy experience]

While watching the monsters, Atlas decided to use the Thunderclap Bomb. He took one from his pouch and examined the large marble-sized yellow orb before he threw it into the creature's fire.

It exploded, causing a thunderclap to ring out, which stunned the orcs before lightning struck many of them orcs. Atlas charged forward, slashing and stabbing the fallen orcs while unleashing Void Arrows at the remaining foes.

Five minutes later, he had wiped out every Wild Orc in sight. As the experience surged through him, he leveled up, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. After the battle, he collected the twelve cores and continued up the path the orcs had been guarding.

A few hours later, he arrived at another underground chamber, but this time, there was light shining through. He rushed across only to be attacked by massive Mount Scorpions that snapped their large pincers.

Atlas dodged using Void Step before summoning Group Two using Call Of The Void. When the azure portal opened, six Void Raptor Warriors rushed out and attacked the scorpions. A battle broke out in the large exit chamber as more monsters appeared to join the fray.

He started casing several Void Bombs before protecting himself with Void Guard. When the spells exploded, the chamber was rocked, but it killed dozens of Mountain Scorpions, allowing the Void Raptors to finish them off quickly.

Following that, he jumped on the back of the Void Raptor Warrior and took off toward the entrance. When Atlas got close, he started to smell fresh air, which made him smile as the sun hit his skin.

As he and the raptor appeared outside, they were on a ledge, but the dinosaur continued by jumping and skidding down the mountainside until reaching a monster trail below. When the creature's claws hit the ground, something lunged at them.

He quickly cast Void Guard as a giant snake struck him. The force sent him flying off the Raptor Warrior, who started biting and clawing at the newcomer, but the monsters finished the raptor off without effort.

Atlas was confused but shook his head and scanned it.

[Ironfang Python]

[Rank: C - 500 Exp]

[Mountain ambusher - Weak to swords or hammers]

The monster resembled a python on Earth but was twice its size and grey enough to blend into the mountainside where it preyed. Seeing this, Atlas reacted by using Void Step to avoid another lunge, but that's when its tail caught him and tangled around his body.

He struggled as the snake monsters got ready to squeeze. He cast Void Wave and burned the thing's scales. This caused the monster to roar in pain, but Atlas was finished and started attacking the Ironfang Python.

Atlas drove his blade into the monster's body before casting a Void Bomb that annihilated the giant snake from the inside out. Following that, he quickly noticed that the thing wasn't dead as it bit into his body, causing him to scream in agony.

The pain was something else as the monster's fangs broke his bone and started squeezing him, aiming for his death, but Atlas cast Void Wave, which burned the python's mouth, causing the creature to let go,

He dropped to the ground and cast a Void Arrow straight through the giant snake's head, sending it to the ground with a thunderous thud, where it lay lifeless. Atlas wobbled but managed to stay upright.

Following this, he pulled out a High Health Poition and downed it before pouring it over his head, causing the healing to speed up until only aches remained. Atlas stretched as he pulled out the map he bought a while ago.

After searching, Atlas found the mountain he was in, which showed a little blue dot, which he guessed was himself. That's when he realized they had to travel Northwest to return to the bridge he was guarding.

Atlas pulled out his canteen before taking a big mouthful as he traveled through the peaceful and uneventful mountains. There were no monster attacks as he walked across a cliff ledge, and after an hour, he spotted the bridge in the distance.

Without wasting any more time, he rushed toward a wooden wall that protected the bridge and people beyond, but as he got closer, several arrows landed around him. ''Stop where you are, visitor! What brings you through the Titan Fist Mountains?''

Atlas stopped, dismissed his helmet, and screamed, ''I was part of the adventurers guarding Screaming Pass!''

A few minutes after the gate opened, silence took over the area, and the soldiers called him forward. When Atlas crossed the threshold, he noticed dozens of adventurers roaming around or sitting at fires talking.

While glancing around, he spotted the Crimson Vanguard Party carrying the Achaemenid wanted posters. Kaelus led the way while his wife, Elysia, followed behind. Atlas was brought back to the present as the soldier said, ''Where are the Mountain Devils or Roaring Harpies? They haven't returned yet.''

'Did the Mountain Titan get them?' he wondered before telling the man everything that had happened.

They were shocked but fascinated when they heard that he had fallen into the chasm and fought the monsters. After Atlas finished speaking, the man reassured him, ''We will send a message to the guild Azhar'Zul to inform them that you completed the quest perfectly.''

The soldiers nodded as the man continued, ''If that Mountain Titan were allowed to reach the bridge, it would have been over for us.''

Atlas nodded before asking one more question, ''Will you send people out to find the other parties?''

''Yes. The Crimson Vanguards are going to locate them,'' the man said.

After that, Atlas returned to the city to register the quest before getting some food from the inn. It took him twenty minutes to reach the guild, which he entered to report the quest's completion.

Atlas joined the queue, but it took forever to see the receptionist, who took his card and handed it back within seconds. Once he was done there, he left for the inn to get something to eat before going to sleep.

It took him another ten minutes to reach Mitra, who smiled at him when he entered. Atlas ordered two dinners for himself before sitting down. While resting, Babak brought him a delicious tankard of sweet ale.

The older man put it on the table with a big smile, ''Been busy, my boy? You look worn out,'' he said in a cheery tone.
Your journey continues at m v|l-e'm,p| y- r

''You could say that, but I will be getting some rest of the next few days before hitting the dungeons,'' Atlas answered, causing the man to laugh.

Babak slapped his shoulder before speaking, ''Always level up, boy. Remember, there's more to life than getting stronger. Never forget to have some fun.''

Atlas smiled as Mitra returned with a plate of ribs, mashed potato, and some vegetables. The older woman put it in front of him and smiled as she put her hand on Babak's shoulder, ''You have over two weeks left with your room, Atlas. Please let me or this silly old man know if you want to extend.''

"Will do," he replied, his voice muffled as he dug into his meal.

The meat was tender and flavorful, and he devoured it with gusto. The older couple overseeing the inn chuckled at his hearty appetite before resuming their tasks. Atlas, undeterred, pulled out a Griffon Meat Box and continued eating, savoring the rich, savory taste.

After a satisfying meal, Atlas retreated to his room. Once inside, he dismissed his armor and weapon before stripping out his muddy clothes. He climbed into bed, got comfortable, and fell asleep.

The sleep was deep and restful, and Atlas slept longer than usual. His peaceful slumber was abruptly interrupted when Mitra entered the room carrying a breakfast tray. Seeing him still nestled under the covers, she greeted him with a warm, motherly smile.

"My boy! You're finally awake! Babak and I have been worried sick about you," she said with genuine concern.

Atlas, though taken aback, felt a pang of confusion rather than irritation. Her motherly affection was unfamiliar and slightly disorienting, reminding him of a comfort he hadn't experienced in years.

He shook his head, but Mitra didn't miss the sad expression, which caused the older woman to ask in a kind voice, ''What's wrong, darling? I can see something's bothering you.''

Atlas hesitated, unsure how to respond to her question, but her encouragement urged him forward. He swallowed hard and finally asked, "If you had the chance, would you adopt me?"

Mitra's face lit up with a warm, beaming smile. "Of course I would!" she said, her voice brimming with happiness. "Who wouldn't want a well-mannered, handsome son who can look after himself? And you've grown so much since you came here—powerful and capable. I would be proud to have a son like you."

Atlas smiled softly, but his voice dropped to a quiet, almost hesitant tone. "Then why did no one pick me? I never caused trouble or started fights. I always helped the staff with their chores, but still, no family wanted me."

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