LIGHTNOVELONLINE CH29-A diary.
The warm glow of the morning sun peeked inside a wooden cabin where a lone figure sat in silence. The soft rythm of the wind wafting through his disheveled dark hair.
He was covered in bandages as he leaned back, his gaze peering into the unknown.
It has been 3 weeks since the tragedy of Irvel village. The news of a saint class abomination appearing has already reached far and wide, gathering the attention of many.
Of course Samael and Ajax's role in the survival of the remote village didn't go unnoticed.
Samael woke up just a few days ago after going into a short coma. However, Ajax still remains sleeping.
His wounds were far more fatal than he sustained especially after fighting Antrax for hours on end. What's even more surprising was how Ajax fought even with his Ethos completely depleted.
No one knows when he will wake up, but Samael believes he will. Ajax isn't the kind of man who will laze around if he can help it.
Unfortunately, he himself is also unable to leave his chambers. The village doctor insisted he rests for a lot longer as his condition is still not fully healed.
He had many questions lingering in his mind, but the doctor was patient enough to explain what happened after they fell unconscious.
Apparently, a day or two after the fight, watchers from Erudicio made their way to Irvel village, providing support to the helpless people.
That's how the news spread and how their legends came to be, earning them the title...
Ajax as "The Shadow Saint" and Samael as "The Grim hound" in respect to his mentors "Hound" title and his contribution to killing the undead Necrons.
Another shocking news that struck him was that Irvel village won't rebuild anymore. The people have decided to seek refuge within the sanctuaries to avoid such disasters from occuring once more.
It was hard for them to come to terms with such decisions, but it was a necessary step they needed to take for survival.
Especially after the death of Savant.
Samael's brows furrowed, his fist forming to a ball.
They held a ceremony for Savant's passing for 3 days and nights. They sang him their farewells and gave him the grandest send off they can muster. One he deserved for his bravery.
They buried him in the middle of Irvel village where he spent the majority of his life. A place he can call home.
Samael can't help but feel frustrated that he couldn't even attend his ceremony for the last time. That's why he insisted and forced the doctor to take him to his grave where he also bid the old man a farewell.
However, all these events unfolding did teach Samael a few things.
It taught him that life is fleeting. But that is also another reason to cherish those you love and to always remember them in your heart.
A sigh escaped Samael's lips as he shifted his gaze down, a pen nesting in his hands as he scribbled on a notebook.
He has decided to write a diary. To record every events in his life in case his memory betrays him one day. But also as a way to honour those that changed his life forever.
This way, they will not only remain alive in his heart but in his mind as well.
The sound of scribbling reverberated in the room, bouncing off the wooden walls of the chamber and leaving trails of hushed echoes as Samael closed of the book.
***
A week or so after Samael woke up, Ajax also started to regain his consciousness, causing a massive uproar within the watchers as they learn of Ajax's ascension.
This was a massive news for the organisation and humanity as a whole.
It has been years since a human has ascended sainthood, a rank nigh implausible to reach for some. Yet, Ajax did so in the middle of a harrowing clash against a monster of said caliber and protecting the villagers of Irvel village at the same time. A feat unheard of in all human history.
This only meant that humanity hasn't lost yet. They're still standing strong and pushing back even against all odds.
This news ignited the hearts of many watchers and Knights alike. Not only that, but it lit the ember of hopes within the populace bringing a shed of light in their dark empty world.
Ajax was an icon now, and so too is Samael.
His accomplishments in the raid reached the ears of many, earning him praises and cheers. After all, he was youngest watcher in the entire history of the organization and the one to kill Antrax.
At first, many thought that this information is fake, but after confirming it from the lips of the survivors themselves, they finally stopped underestimating Samael.
However, the two watchers in said stories are completely unaware of this.
Eventually, weeks passed by in a breeze as Samael and Ajax finally prepared to set off and leave.
Their wounds are somewhat healed now. At least enough for them to return without much troubles.
As Samael predicted, Ajax chose the efficient route of returning as fast as they can and getting back into the field.
Oddly enough, the man was rather enthusiastic. A behaviour he didn't expect to see from someone like Ajax.
Is he rushing because he wants to test his limits once more? Samael wondered as he packed his mundane items securely within his bag.
Afterwards, he sat down with a resounding sigh as he summoned the codex. His visage bathing under the unrelenting assault of the Codex panels.
Devoured Essence of "Antrax": The undead plague [Saint III] +5300
Your power grows stronger...
Condition for multiple-tier elevation was met. Proceed to increase the tier?
Yes or no?
Proceed Samael instructed.
Command received. Commencing tier elevation...
Tier elevation successful. Do you wish to see the changes?
Show me Samael commanded.
From Tier 2 --> Tier 6
A wave of raw strength struck Samael by surprise, opting him to break the wooden frame of his bed as he tried to regain his balance.
Shifting his gaze to his hands, Samael's brows rose to an arch.
"What the he—" His words were abruptly cut off as another panel warped in front of him.
[STATS]
Name: Samael
Title: [Loved by the void] [The Grim Hound]
Species: Void Spawn [+]
Affinity: Void [+]
Rank: Terminator
Condition: Good, healthy, slightly wounded
STATS
STR: 90.7
SPD/AGI: 90
CONSTITUTION: 92.6
SPIRIT: 93.7
CHARM: 10
∆SKILLS [+]
Samael's eyes widened, his breath hitching for a moment as he rubbed his eyes in disbelief.
His stats took a leap! A massive leap!
It was a solid increase of 66 points! A number so high it makes him feel a little nauseous.
Standing up, his figure flew a few inches above ground, nearly hitting the ceiling of the wooden cabin.
Relax Samael, relax... He thought as he took deep breaths.
After a while, Samael regained his composure as he delicately sat down on the ground.
He was still in disbelief by how much points his stats went up, but considering how much trouble and pain they went through to slay a saint, maybe it wasn't that unreasonable after all.
A grin tugged at the corner of Samael's lips as he commanded the Codex to show him the pent up notifications.
New title received: [The Grim Hound]
Oh? I got a title? But how? He wondered.
Getting a title has been a rather complicated topic for him to understand. He doesn't know the prerequisites to get one or what they are to begin with. As far as he knows, they give him effects that help him in his journey. Nonetheless, he was happy to receive another one.
Applying title effects...
Samael winced as he closed his eyes tight, his jaw clenching hard as he felt as though he was flashed by a blinding light.
After a few minutes, Samael finally adjusted to the sudden changes as he opened his eyes only to wince in pain again.
The world felt brighter and more vivid. He felt sensitive to how the wind flows, how the dust stirred and feel as though he can taste the air. An odd but familiar feeling.
He has experienced this before when he underwent evolutionary changes.
Codex, show me the title effects He thought.
[The Grim Hound]
-A hunter of death.
EFFECTS
•Increases effectivity of Fear attacks and passives.
•Heightens your 5 basic senses.
"I knew it..." Samael muttered under his breath.
Samael's grin widened even more as he read the contents of the panel. He used too think that his senses was a curse when he was a child, but after going through so many hurdles, he realized that it's a gift. Of course he'll feel pleased as it gets even stronger.
He'll probably face far stronger opponents in the future, having sharp reliable senses will increase his chances of survival.
Not to mention, but the Grim hound title also increases the passive effect of his weapon: Crimson Raven.
In his battles, he realized that some creatures can have some form of resistance against the fear effect, so having such features is a great addition to his arsenal.
Is there anything else? Samael asked the Codex.
Void: Tier 2 Mark 0
Control: Tier 0 Mark 0
-Marker: 58/60
Quantity: Tier 0 Mark 0
-Marker: 56/60
Upon reaching Tier 2 of Void Elemental mastery, you have learned a new skill: [Void Cleave]
So that skill came out because I went up by 2 tiers during the fight? Samael thought.
[Void Cleave]
Allows the user to eject a blade composed of Void matter capable of slashing through enemies.
Neat Samael thought.
Pre requisite conditions met! The Codex has detected the host has reached Tier 5 in Race meter. Evolutionary changes available.
Proceed? Yes or No?
Samael's brows furrowed as he read the letters written on the hovering blue pannel, a smudge of confusion lingering in his eyes.
Evolutionary changes? Is it similar to how he changed during his race change?
Before that, what are the pre requisites to obtaining an evolutionary upgrade? Samael asked.
Upon reaching tier 5 and 10, the host will obtain a chance to undergo an evolution where he will obtain random minor evolutionary changes. However, every mark will give the host a major evolutionary change.
I see... Is there any difference between the two? Samael thought.
Minor evolutionary changes are genetic and comes with you being part of a race. But Major evolutionary changes come directly from the Void due to you being its heir. Both of these can be passed down to your kin.
If that's the case, then commence He commanded.
Command received. Commencing evolutionary upgrade...
Due to unique Void Lineage and being the first of your kind, changes will take place.
Host detected as: Primogenitor. New title received: [Void Primogenitor]
[Void Primogenitor]
-The father and the first of the Void spawns.
EFFECTS
-Your evolutionary traits are far more potent than those that come after you
-Your potential is unbound.
Samael gasped as he felt a wave of heat envelope his entirety, consuming him in a matter of seconds as it grew hotter inch by inch.
His figure sprawled in the ground as he lost his strength in a flash, his breathing disheveled as beads of sweat drenched his back.
Then came the pain.
A sharp pang of pain drilled through Samael's entirety as he flailed around in agony.
Seconds felt like an eternity.
As Samael's consciousness dimmed, the pain gradually faded away. Leaving no trace of its existence.
What's left was the sole panel hovering in front of Samael.
Evolution successful. You have obtained race ability: Regeneration.
[Regeneration]
Allows the user to heal damage done by consuming Essence. However, regeneration speed highly depends on hosts mastery of Void element.
A resounding sigh escaped Samael's lips. Would it always be that painful when he goes through evolution? Not to mention, but he gained another title that is confusing on its own.
Still, Samael can't help but question what's so special on his Regeneration compared to Ajax and Antrax's healing?
Both of them could heal and the latter can even go as far as regrow a new pair of arms. So what makes him different?
The difference between the hosts skill and their skill is that their skill can only heal physical damage and not Soul damage or mental damage. Not only that but threshold. The hosts Regeneration allows him to regenerate as long as he has a single cell remaining. However, their regeneration can only heal as long as the user hasn't sustained a mortal wound capable of killing them on the spot.
The regeneration factor of the host is also Evolvable.
Understood Samael thought. He felt as though he offended the Codex by questioning it.
Nonetheless, this was a massive leap of strength for him. It was still a pretty joyous occasion.
Samael's ears perked up as he heard footsteps approaching his cabin. It was an odd sensation to hear so far and so precisely.
Samael rose to his feet, slung his bag behind him and opened the door, startling Lize who volunteered to help Irvel village.
"I— You! Don't do that!" She screamed, her cheeks tinted red.
Clearing her throat she said. "Anyways, Ajax has been looking for you. Also, good luck on your journey back." Before she left.
Samael shifted his gaze towards the direction of the village for the last time before walking away.
His footsteps left trails of echo as he bid his farewells to the village.
***
Hours and days would pass by in a breeze, eventually weeks would go by unnoticed. All those time, Samael would tirelessly write on his diary. All his experiences and his hurdles, all the good times and the dire times.
...
Today marks the day I turn 9. A whole year after the day I escaped from my captors. Me and Ajax stopped by an inn to eat. But watchers would always approach us because of all the stories going around. Upon coming back a few months ago, I was surprised by the amount of people who have heard of our battle. I also learned where the title Grim Hound came about. Needless to say, it's a rather tiresome thing. I've also understood better the effect of my regeneration skill as I healed faster than Ajax did. The look of confusion in his eyes is a sight I will never forget.
...
Today marks the arrival of winter. The winds have been chilly and we have been stacking on goods. Recently we fought a beast tall as a tree. Unfortunately, Ajax dealt the final blow so I was unable to claim its essence. Nonetheless, it was a good way to further improve my abilities. However, I did earn a lot of Essence on our travels as Ajax chose a rather brutal method to train me even more. Due to this, I recently climbed to Tier 8, gained new skills and honed my other abilities. Ajax has also started giving me combat lessons as the sun dips over the horizon.
...
Me and Ajax are currently residing in a cave underneath an abandoned temple. It has been days since we've started tracking down a beast pestering a nearby town. Ajax has taught me a lot regarding tracking so he left me to solve this job. There have been mistakes every now and then, but Ajax was quick to correct me. I have also learned new skills from my element and even went a Mark up. It gave me a minor evolution called: Void charge. An ability that allows me to save Void essence and use it whenever I wish. And a major evolutionary trait called: Void mark. This trait etched a mark on my right hand, a mark I know very well. A skull with three eyes. The Codex said that upon activating the mark, I will gain a boost in my overall strength, allow me to control my Void element better, lessen my essence consummation and even the purity of my Void element. It's also Evolvable! What a steal.
...
Today marks my 12th birthday. Some say I'm nearing the steps of adulthood. Well, they're not exactly wrong. It's fall soon, and the falling leaves remind me of the days me and Lilith spent together. I wonder how she is? How much she's changed? Will I be able to see her soon? All these questions sometimes keep me company in the times I take watch. Maybe one day... But until then, I have to focus on getting even better. There's unrest in the air. I could feel tension rising by the moment. Something is changing and I must brace for the worst.
...
This year, the abominations running amok have been rather active. The war has intensified to a certain extent, but the watchers are steadily pushing back. With all the quests flowing in akin to rivers, and my tracking training coming to a complete, Ajax has allowed me to take a few quests on my own. The tracking training hasn't been easy, I know I still have a lot to learn but I'm able to follow trails, discern the enemies movements and even go as far as avoid them completely. I still remember the first time I asked Ajax to teach me this skill, now I can do it although not easily, I can still do it nonetheless.
...
Today the war has taken another notch up. Casualties are as common as the falling leaves in fall. Tension and dread can be felt in the air. The usual smiles of the mundane folk has long vanished under the dark circles under their eyes. No one knows what caused the abominations to attack and raid the sanctuaries, but the watchers are full at hand. I have been taking quests nonstop earning a steady flow of essence as I battle opponents one after the other. I have written a book full of information about the enemies I have encountered in my journey all this time and it appears it won't slow down anytime soon. I have recently step foot on the Larvae rank and got an ability called Astral pressure. Ajax has been nagging me to train it so my time became even deeper than it already is.
...
I haven't been in sanctuaries for a long time now. I have spent months, even years outside their safe walls, in front of harrowing dangers. Me and Ajax have banded together once more as we faced opponents and test our limits. I have learned many things in my travel. I have gained many valuable experiences and met a few people along the way. One is a professor within the Sanctuaries that brought my service. How? Well, he yearned for information regarding abominations and that is something I'm rich with.
...
Scribbling noises lingered in the wind as Samael's hand darted back and forth.
Today me and Ajax are resting within the mountains. We've been actively tracking an abomination around the rank of Ascended. A beast usually watchers of the Emerald rank above are permitted to hunt. But due to Ajax being my mentor, I'm able to take this mission as well. Oh yeah, I've also recently reached the rank of Gold within the guild. I've built a reputation now, not that I asked for it—
Samael's hand came to an abrupt halt as he speared a glance ahead, his reddish pupils peering forward.
Ajax remained unmoving, but his hand quietly nested on the hilt of his blade.
"Samael," He uttered.
Samael gave a stiff nod, Void matter coating his feet as his figure turned to a blur
From the bushes, a towering beast standing on all fours darted forward, it resembled a giant crab as it spewed acid, burning away at its surroundings.
It opened its maw wide— A dark figure zoomed past the abomination, tearing its jaw in the process.
The creature bellowed in agony as it clawed its skin in an attempt to stop the corrosion burning away at its flesh.
But Samael wasn't done yet.
"Void Cleave," He muttered under his breath, a dark wave of Void matter soared forward as it cleanly severed one of the pinchers of the abomination.
However, the Void matter continued on its march, tearing through layers of stone and wood before fading into the unknown.
The beast roared as it flailed around in torment, its last remaining pincers swinging in a frenzy.
Samael nimbly weaved around the attacks, dodging them with utter accuracy as he closed off the distance.
The abomination saw this and spewed neon green acid towards his direction, the scent of sulfur permeating in the air.
Unfazed, Samael's voice reverberated in the air. "Void latch,"
Elongated Void protrusions shot forward, latching unto the abomination as the Void sling seared through its skin, corroding the flesh underneath.
Using the latch, Samael pulled himself towards the beast, propelling himself with speed far beyond what the human eyes can perceive.
This skill was highly inspired by his mentors ability that he saw during their fight with Antrax years ago.
Samael's figure flew high in the heavens, his axe Crimson Raven nesting in his palms as he casted another Void cleave, killing the beast in one fell swoop.
It's body went limp as it fell down with a thunderous boom, stirring the dust as it liquified leaving behind a black sphere of Void essence.
Devoured Void Essence of "Pincer crabs" [Ascended I] +780 pts.
Your power grows stronger...
All those time, the Codex has finally learned to passively absorb the Void essence of those he slay saving him a lot of trouble.
Samael fell down with a soft thud as he approached Ajax standing by the side.
The man clad in steel spoke. "What a wonderful 16th birthday gift."
Samael shook his head. "Was that a joke Ajax? You really need to learn to fix your bad humour."
The man kept silent as he watched Samael.
"You've grown a lot since we first met. I didn't expect you'd survive this long," He mentioned.
Samael frowned upon the man as he said. "Well, too bad you're stuck with me." A chuckle escaped his lips.
"But still, aren't these abominations too easy to kill?" he asked.
Ajax went silent for a moment as he replied. "These crabs aren't that strong, but their armors are tough. If it weren't for your element, this would've taken longer. But instead, we already finished the quota of hunting all 12 of them running amok."
Ajax remained unfazed as he stormed off. A very Ajax thing to do.
"Your footwork has improved greatly. At this rate, you should master it in no time," Ajax mentioned as he took out a piece of parchment paper.
"Our work here is done. This was also the last quest on our list," Ajax said.
Samael shifted his gaze towards the man. "...Which means we're going back?"
Ajax speared a glance ahead. "Yeah, it's been a while, huh?"
A small smile tugged at the corner of Samael's lips as he replied.
"Yeah, it's been a while."