“Good job, everyone,” Corvin said with a smile. “Who would’ve thought their leader would abandon his men like this? Lucky for us. Still… things won’t go smoothly after this. We need to prepare and move back toward the river.”
He glanced at the group. “Before that, five of you, take five cores each. Nera, eat whatever you want.” He chuckled as the snake was already swallowing an orc whole.
“And Kang, you’ve got your reward. Everyone else, pick any weapons and armor you like. The rest goes to the tribe.” Corvin’s voice carried authority as he began storing the remaining fourteen corpses, instantly exchanging them for 14,000 points.
He let the group rest while he worked, methodically packing everything into his storage, tents, watchtowers, barricades, and even sections of the wooden camp walls. Hours passed, and soon the entire camp was stripped bare, every trace of their presence tucked neatly into Corvin’s inventory.
Hehe… this system really is limitless, he thought with a grin. “Let’s move. We’ll set up a new camp near the river. I’ve got the perfect spot in mind.”
The group nodded, and without hesitation, they marched toward their next destination.
***
Stone stood guard while the others ate around a modest fire, only a few tents pitched. The quiet was broken by the sound of approaching footsteps. Instantly, Stone gripped his blade, ready to strike.
“Calm down, everyone, it’s just us! We won!” Corvin’s voice rang out as he rounded the corner, smiling brightly.
Relief washed over the group. They bowed respectfully to their Chief.
“Thank you, Stone. You helped me tremendously. Here, take this.” Corvin handed him one of the three remaining orc cores.
Stone bowed and swallowed it without hesitation. Power surged through him as his level jumped by twenty.
“Good boy.” Corvin tapped his shoulder, then his tone hardened. “This place isn’t safe. Someone could be watching from the hills, and you’d never know. Come, follow me.”
He stored the tents they had raised the night before and ordered the fire extinguished. Then, with swift efficiency, he led them toward the river.
***
They descended toward the river, then continued east until they reached a plateau, a natural fortress bordered by sharp cliffs on two sides and the river to the west. The only entrance lay at the northern edge, a narrow pass that could be easily defended.
“Not bad, right?” Corvin said, gesturing proudly. “You can fish here, and further back is fertile land for crops.” He knew the lizardmen had no concept of farming, but he planned to teach them once he was done with everything he had planned.
He had discovered this place long ago while scouting before his battle with their former chief. It was perfect for a medium-sized tribe.
As they settled in, Corvin began pulling out tents and equipment from his storage. The lizardmen stared in awe, whispering reverently as their Chief produced supplies from thin air. Once their homes were raised, Corvin gathered the adults to help him fortify the camp.
He unloaded planks and old wooden walls, and together they erected reinforced barriers. After four hours, the gates were in place, and three watchtowers stood like sentinels over the plateau.
“Good work,” Corvin said, surveying the camp. “This will hold for now. But don’t think the orcs won’t come. I have a plan for that too.” He exhaled heavily, then called out: “Everyone, gather here.”
He set a wide table near the cooking station and placed a pile of lizardmen cores upon it. There was no point in hiding the truth anymore.
“These cores belonged to your old hunters and warriors,” Corvin said, his voice steady. “I won’t lie, I killed some because they attacked me, and others fell when I hunted your chief. Hate me if you must, but my goal is to make you strong, so you’ll never fear anyone again.”
Voltaria stepped forward first. “We know, Chief. We knew from the start.”
Corvin blinked. “Then why accept me?”
“Power is everything, Chief. And you have plenty,” she said simply.
He turned to the others, Stone, the warriors, even the women and children. They bowed as one, voices rising.
“Make us stronger, Chief!”
Even the youngest shouted, unbothered by his past deeds. Life in the wilderness was survival of the fittest. Their old warriors died because they were weak. Their old chief died because he was weak. Corvin was strong, and he shared his strength. That was all that mattered.
Corvin smiled, eyes glistening. “Thank you! Now, who wants to grow stronger?” he roared, and the tribe surged toward the table.
First, he handed two remaining orc cores to Bloodpetal, honoring his brothers who had died for them. Bloodpetal bowed and swallowed them, his level soaring past 100, catching up to Voltaria and the others, who had already reached around 130 thanks to the feast of cores.
Corvin then distributed six more cores to the grown women, breaking an old taboo. Traditionally, only men and male children who survived two years could consume cores. Women were forbidden. Corvin shattered that rule; he needed everyone strong.
The six women glowed with deep green light as their scales hardened, bodies swelling with power, their levels leaping into the forties.
“Good. Voltaria will hunt lower-level beasts for the rest. You six, train with Stone and prepare for hunting.” Corvin waved his hand, piling orc weapons and armor before them. Their eyes gleamed in wonder.
“Take what you want. Store the rest,” he commanded.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Then he took out some of the meat he had stored from their previous hunts. Keeping it within the inventory was much better than just letting it go to waste. He then prepared a pile of food, his Cooking skill finally jumping in levels as he turned to Voltaria. “Come with me. The rest eat, and rest!”
He entered his tent, Nera and Kang following close behind. Voltaria hesitated, cheeks flushed, then stepped inside. Outside, the women exchanged knowing smiles and whispered as their Chief disappeared into the tent.
***
Corvin sat at a simple wooden table, Kang and Nera standing silently behind him.
“Sit,” he said, pointing to the chair opposite.
Voltaria bowed and obeyed, her cheeks flushed. “Chief… I am still a virgin,” she admitted honestly.
Corvin froze, his face paling. “Damn it, Voltaria, what do you think is going to happen here?” He shook his head, rattled to his core by the thought.
“Here. Take this.” He slid the old Chief’s core across the table. It pained him to part with such a rare treasure, but his quest and survival of the tribe he came to love depended on it.
“This power… this is the Chief’s,” she whispered, eyes wide.
“Indeed. I want you to absorb it and take over as Chief,” Corvin said simply.
Voltaria trembled. “But… Chief, you’re still here,” she said, confused.
“I’m leaving,” Corvin replied, his voice heavy. “I’ll strike the orcs before they come for you. After that… I doubt I’ll return soon. So, I need you to lead while I’m gone.”
Voltaria stared at him, then at the core, tears welling in her eyes. “Chief… don’t go. Please.” Her voice broke into a low growl.
“I must,” Corvin said softly. “I’m not of this world, don’t grow attached. You know that… don’t you?”
Voltaria nodded slowly. “I know. We all know,” she whispered, sorrow etched across her face. They knew well enough that someone who looked like Corvin could not have possibly been born here.
“My plan was always to make you strong enough to survive without me. Take this as payment for killing your former Chief,” Corvin added, his tone firm.
“Now swallow it. Become the protector of this tribe.” He nudged the core toward her.
With a shuddering breath, Voltaria lifted the core and swallowed it whole. Pain wracked her body as she collapsed to the ground. Her scales darkened to a deep sapphire, her horn thickened, and two wings burst from her back. Her tail elongated, sleek and deadly. Her eyes glowed with primal power as a roar tore from her throat, a sound draconic and ancient, shaking the air.
[Voltscale Dragonewt Lv. 180 (Unique)] [HP: 32,575 / 32,575] [MP: 1,305 / 1,305]
*** Emergency Quest Completed: Help the Lizardmen Tribe ***
You have provided your utmost guidance to a once-weak tribe. The lizardmen can now defend themselves and thrive.
Your actions have birthed new variants and elevated their strongest warrior into a unique form.
[Due to the unexpected success of the quest, the rewards will be upgraded.]
[60,000 Points Awarded]
*** Skill Leveled Up: Primal Tongue Lv. Max ***
*** Skill Unlocked: Leader’s Blessing Lv. Max ***
If you have at least one being under your leadership. All stats will be increased by 10 for you and your followers.
The skill can further be upgraded. Conditions unknown.
[Achievement Unlocked: A New Path]
Lead a being on a new path. Reforging its very existence into something greater.
[Additional rewards will be granted.]
[60,000 Points Awarded]
[+5 Stat Points]
[Title: Lizardkin Ally]
When equipped, it increases affinity with all intelligent lizard-type species, making them treat you as one of them.
[Lightning Drake’s Spear]
Rarity: Epic
Type: Spear
Spear forged from the remains of a high-level drake. Increases lightning damage dealt by 50% and decreases lightning damage received by 35%.
Contains a skill, Lightning Drake's Thunder, letting the one controlling the spear shoot lightning spears when active, draining 100 mana per thrust.
Agility +25, Magicka +15
Corvin smiled as he scrolled through his rewards, then pulled out a gleaming spear.
“Here, Voltaria, take this. I was planning to return the greatsword, but… I’ve grown fond of it. So, take this instead.” He extended the weapon toward her.
Voltaria’s eyes widened at the sight of the mighty spear. She instinctively stepped back.
“I… I cannot, Chief. This is too much. Please,” she said softly.
Corvin blinked, then smirked inwardly. Oh… so that’s what a max-leveled Primal Tongue does. I can understand her as if she were human.
He tossed her the spear with a grin. “Take it. We’re friends, aren’t we?” Then, without hesitation, he pulled her into a hug. Voltaria flushed crimson, her wings twitching nervously.
“Thank you, Chief. I will treasure it forever.” She gripped the spear tightly with her left hand and returned the embrace.
“Good. Now go, show off to your warriors and test those wings. I’ve got other preparations to make.” Corvin smiled, settling back into his chair as Voltaria stepped away, her expression glowing with pride.
***
“Kang, sit. I have something for Nera.” Corvin’s voice was calm but heavy as he turned toward the massive serpent. From his inventory, he pulled out a core radiating a familiar, primal dark energy.
Nera’s eyes widened, pupils narrowing as she tasted the aura in the air. It was like her own, yet older, deeper.
“This… is your mother’s,” Corvin said quietly. “I think it’s time you knew the truth. She was attacked by goblins. Before she died, I… finished her off and took her core. Later, somehow, I brought you to life. I want you to have it. And if you hate me for this… I’ll understand.”
His words hung heavy in the air. After his moment with Voltaria, Corvin knew he couldn’t keep secrets from Nera any longer.
The serpent stared at him, then hissed, a low, rumbling sound as her massive body coiled around him. Her head lowered until it rested gently atop his own.
“What… you don’t hate me?” Corvin asked, voice trembling.
“Snake says she doesn’t care. She’ll follow you to hell,” Kang translated with a faint smile.
Corvin’s eyes burned as he rubbed them. “Thank you,” he whispered.
Nera slowly uncoiled and slid back, then swallowed the core whole. Darkness surged across her scales, swallowing every trace of color until she gleamed like midnight. Cracks echoed from deep within her body as bones shifted and reshaped. Her shadow stretched longer and longer, writhing like a living thing.
Then, after what felt like an eternity, the system chimed.
[Tamed Beast: Nera – Miasma Breath Lv. 3 (Active)]
[Due to ingesting a compatible core, your beast has stolen the Cave Boa’s skill at its appropriate level.]
As the darkness dispersed, Nera rose, now a towering four meters tall. Her obsidian scales shimmered like polished stone, and her horn was now twice the size and more radiant than ever as she fixed her gaze on Corvin, eyes glowing with primal power.
“Good job,” Corvin said softly, tapping her massive head. Nera hissed happily, the sound vibrating through the air.
“Now we’ve got two heavy hitters. This should make what comes next much easier.” A faint smile tugged at his lips.
“What are we doing?” Kang asked, his voice tense.
“We’re going to strike the orcs before they strike us,” Corvin replied firmly. “I can’t risk them finding this tribe again or killing more of the slaves. I want to save them as much as you do.”
Kang dropped to one knee, bowing low. “I will follow you into battle.”
Corvin smiled gently. “Stop with the dramatic talk. Come on, let’s go outside and prepare a proper farewell meal. I need to say goodbye to Stone and the others.” His voice carried a quiet sadness.
He had grown close to the lizardmen, and deep down, he knew this might as well be the last time he saw them. What they were about to attempt was a suicide mission. He had no idea how strong the orc leader truly was.
“I hope your secret path will be safe,” Corvin murmured, forcing a chuckle as he led Kang and Nera out into the fading light.
Achievements:
Do the Impossible – Kill an Epic-type monster while at level 1
Are you, my mommy? – Hatch a new species of monster and make it recognize you as its parent.
Ouch, That’s Hot! – Survive a fire attack that should’ve killed you within seconds.
A New Path – Lead a being on a new path. Reforging its very existence into something greater.
Skills Unlocked: Leader’s Blessing Lv. Max
Skills Leveled Up: Cooking Lv. 1 > Lv. 3, Primal Tongue Lv. 4 > Lv. Max,
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