I, The Anomalous God

Chapter 17 Training (1)

John stared at the man, wracking his brain on what and how to answer. “Ah… uhm… honestly, sir… I do not know if someone purposely brought me to that dungeon or if I strayed away from a group. I do not remember anything aside from waking up inside that cave.” He answered.

Durano stared back at John, still and silent.

“I… I accidentally stumbled upon Svaltar, one of the Dark Elves in Darklia who was stationed in their settlement in one of Borina Cave’s dungeon floors.” John continued. “Svaltar asked me to deliver a message to their king. It was about an experiment and betrayal of the settlement village chief in Borina and how it endangers their entire race.”

Durano was still silent, and he kept staring at John. After a minute or more, he finally spoke. “I dislike lying kids.” Is what he said. “But I am not someone who will force anyone to spill their secrets. So, fine, I will accept that story.”

“But it is true about Svaltar and the Dark Elves!” John defended.

“So, the other part of that story is truly a lie.” Durano pointed out. John was made silent. “Fine, fine! Let’s just say that your story is what it is. How where you able to survive alone in Borina Cave?”

“Well, I am pretty strong myself! Not to brag or anything.” John said with a proud smile.

Durano crossed his arms and sized up John. “From the looks yesterday, you weren’t that strong though.”

“That was because, that Thasia woman was enhanced to an insane degree! Her stats are whacked!” John blurted.

“Hm… that so? So, why are the Dark Elves chasing you down?”

“I don’t know! I think they are trying to make me into a scapegoat or something! Their experiments, they are enhancing the monsters in Borina. They are making them stronger without the need to increase the monsters’ levels!” John revealed.

Durano sighed and went silent again. He massaged his chin and pondered. John quietly resumed eating.

“If I am not mistaken, the one leading the settlement in Borina should be Kafhlear. If what this kid says is true, then this truly is a big trouble.” Durano thought. “I guess I have to pay that place a visit.”

“Hey kid, after you eat, clean my house and do not leave the area! That is if you want to stay alive. I will be going somewhere. Stay put!” Durano ordered and warned John before leaving the kitchen.

“Hah?” John was startled and confused. “Why do I have to clean his house?” he muttered.

=====================

“Sire! A package was delivered from Borina!” A dark elf brought a small package to the King.

“Give it here.” The King ordered. Butler Eunich took the item and delivered it to the King.

“My King, are we really going to attack that man?” Eunich worriedly asked.

The King unwrapped the package and took out a round crystal. “That man has been a thorn on my side for a very long time!” He angrily quipped. “It is time he tastes defeat!”

“…” Eunich kept his mouth shut. The King was obviously in a foul mood and he does not wish to be implicated.

“Call Barloon over!” The King ordered.

Barloon was one of his trusted soldiers who was specialized in sneak attacks along with Svaltar. However, unlike Svaltar, Barloon is ruthless and tend to go out of his blood-thirsty way. Eunich hurriedly went to fetch Barloon.

Meanwhile, Durano arrived at the entrance to Borina Cave located near Darklia. “Hm. Something feels off.” He muttered before entering the cave dungeon.

He casually walked along the cave path never minding the monsters around. Some attack him but they explode into gory mess before landing a hit on his body. He went down the path down to level 2, 3, 4, and so on smoothly. He reached level 13 in mere minutes. Durano easily found the dark elf settlement.

“Hm? He’s not there.” He mumbled. Then, he glanced to a different direction from the settlement. “Oh, there you are.” He said and walked towards that direction.

Back in Darklia, Barloon arrived at the King’s palace and made audience with the Dark Elf King. “My King, I am here!” He greeted.

“Barloon, do you know what this item is?” The King asked as he took out the round crystal.

“Of course, your highness! That is Kahflear’s summoning crystal!” Barloon answered. He once saw Kahflear used such items before. It was mostly used by their hunters in capturing monsters and beasts.

“Take this to Durano’s territory! You know what to do after that, yes?” The King ordered.

“Oh! Certainly, my King! Hehe!” The King threw the round crystal at Barloon and he readily caught it.

“Remember, do not let yourself be caught or there’s no helping you. You will certainly die by his hands!” The King reminded.

“Rest assured, my King, he won’t even know I was there! Of course, this won’t be traced back to you!” Barloon said and left the palace hall.

===========

“What is it you want, Dark Elf?” The Wood Elf King asked.

Svaltar and his companion met with the Wood Elf King in Veran. The Wood Elf soldiers threw menacing glare at them as they walked along the palace hall until they had their audience with the King.

“Your majesty! I am Svaltar Fleur of Darklia!” Svaltar introduced himself and continued, “I came with a warning and a plea!”

The Wood Elf council by the side of the King looked at each other. Then the King spoke, “A warning you say. Pray tell, what is it?”

“Yes. Our Dark Elf King has ordered one of our best researchers to experiment with Borina Cave dungeon’s monsters. Kahflear successfully enhanced the monsters without needing for them to have higher levels.” He revealed.

“What?!” The wood elf council members became alarmed and clamored in their seats.

“Silence!” The Wood Elf King shouted. Everyone quieted down after. “Are you saying low level monsters are now enhanced? To what extent?”

“That is right, your majesty. Imagine a level 10 monster as a level 50 monster. That is how high the enhancement is.” Svaltar answered.

“Are you implying that a level 10 has stats equal to a level 50?” one of the wood elf councilmen spoke. Svaltar nodded in affirmation.

“What is your King’s purpose in doing this blasphemous thing!?” The Wood Elf king asked in a menacing tone.

“He wants to seize the Avalund throne!” Svaltar revealed.

“Is he crazy?!” The Wood Elf King can’t help but blurt out. “Can the enhanced monsters be controlled?”

“For now, no! But I am certain, Kahflear is looking for a way to control the enhanced monsters.” Svaltar said.

The council murmured to each other while the Wood Elf King silently pondered over what to do.

=======

Back in Borina Cave dungeon, 13th floor, Durano arrived at a hidden cave. It was Kahflear’s hidden laboratory. “Kehehehe! Soon, these monsters will be under my full control!” Durano heard Kahflear’s voice inside.

“The i***t is here!” Durano thought. He slowly walked into the cave. “Hey, scumbag!” He called.

“Ha?” Kahflear was startled and hurriedly turned around. “You!” He pointed when he saw Durano. “How are you here?”

“I took the stairs.” Durano’s answer. “Anyway, I heard about what you were doing here, so, I came to see for myself.”

“What? There’s nothing for you to see! Actually, these are all researcher stuff not your cup of booze. Its all too boring. Why don’t we go some place else?” Kahflear was about to walk out of the cave when Durano spoke again.

“This place is pretty good to talk.” A heavy aura suddenly filled the cave. Kahflear felt stiff and heavy. “Someone told me you were abnormally enhancing the monsters here. Is that true?”

“I-“

“Ah, before that, let me remind you that I hate liars.”

“…” Kahflear went quiet.

“Talk. Go on.” Durano urge the elf. Large beads of sweat started to trickle on Kahflear’s forehead and back.

If he tells the truth, he is dead, and if he tells a lie, he is also dead. What should he do? He thought hard.

“Should I take your silence as confirmation?” Durano spoke after some silent moment.

Woosh! Durano suddenly disappeared from his spot and appeared directly in front of Kahflear. He placed a hand on the elf’s shoulder. Kahflear shuddered and suddenly winced in extreme pain.

“W-wa-wait! Arggh!! I-i-t is all t-tu-true!” Kahflear blurted in pain.

“For what purpose?” Durano asked.

“F-fo-for t-t-the t-to-thro-throne! O-oo-of A-a-av-ava-luuund!” Kahflear struggled to speak.

“s**t, just for that?” Durano reacted harshly after hearing the reason. “You challenged heaven just for that? Damn guys, do you not know how troublesome those guys when they come down?!” Durano complained.

“W-w-what are you t-to-talking about?” Kahflear massage his aching shoulder after Durano removed his hand.

“f**k, you don’t even know!” Durano suddenly punch the life out of Kahflear. The cave was redecorated with Kahflear’s splattered innards. “That i***t, greedy King!” Durano went out of the cave and sprinted away.

===========

“Phew!” John wiped away his sweat. “Damn, this hut is small but why is it so hard to clean?!” He complained. He just finished cleaning Durano’s house. He thought it was an easy job because it was so small, however, he was wrong. Most of the things in the house were crazy heavy.

Thanks to that, his Strength stat increased by a lot. And even with that, the weight of the things in Durano’s house did not change at all; they were still heavy for him.

“Status!” He called out in his mind.

“Ting!

Name: John Arcala

Nickname: Reborn

Level: 23 (Exp. 33.78%)

Race: Human

Class: Pupa

Age:  1 month, 3 weeks

Health: 12320

Mana: 17935

AP: 6384

DP: 10085

Strength: 156 (+300)

Dexterity: 22 (+305)

Intelligence: 100 (+523)

Vitality: 111 (+505)

Wisdom: 50 (+310)

Agility: 40 (+302)

Active Skills: Telekinesis (Lv.7), Float (Lv.4), Divine Light (Broken), Sprint (Lv.4), Force Shield (Lv.5), Meditation (Semi-passive/Level 6), Parkour (Lv.7), Hard Punch (Lv.4), Skull Bash (Lv.3), Appraisal (Lv.8), Sink (Lv.1), Hold Breath (Lv.1), Swim (Lv.1), Energy Control (Lv.3), Area Sense (Lv.4), Shadow Hunt (Lv.1), Dark Control (Lv.1), Mana Manipulation (Lv.1), Doll Make (Lv.1), Shadow Spike (Lv.1)

Passive Skills: Universal Language (Max), Fear Resistance (Lv.1), Pain Resistance (Lv.3), Memory Bank I (Semi-active/Lv.3), Illusion Resistance (Lv.1), Craftsman (Lv.2), Book of Spells I (Lv.1), Heightened Sense (Lv.1), Cold Resistance (Lv.1)

Title: Anomaly (Awakened), Tatiana’s Son, Contracted [!], Reborn, Coward, Worm, First Kill, Craftsman, Skill Creator, Spell Holder, Clay Doll Maker, Thought Weaver

Title Skill: Danger Sense (Passive/Lv.4), Imagery (Active/Lv.1)

Branch Skill:

Force Shield [Open]: Thorn Shield (Lv.2), Thorn Coffin (Lv.4), Drill Shield: Tornado (Lv.2)

Craftsman [Open]: Cooking (Lv.2), Mining (Lv.2)

Spellbook [Open] [5/5]: Bloodline [Sprite (Locked)], Air Shot (Lv.1), Flame Shot (Lv.1), Water Shot (Lv.1), Rock Throw (Lv.1)

Heightened Sense [Open] [6/6]: Sight (Lv.1), Sniff (Lv.1), Listen (Lv.1), Taste (Lv.1), Sensitivity (Lv.1), Intuition (Lv.1)

Status points: 0

“My strength reached a hundred more! I did not think cleaning could enhance my strength this much!” John muttered.

Suddenly, he felt the ground tremble. And different roaring sounds can be heard nearing the house. “What’s going on?”

John hurriedly went out of the house to see what is happening and he was surprised. “Damn!” Several monsters are coming his way.

“Ting!

Name: Borina Ardent Ape

Level: 31

Status: Enhanced β

Name: Borina Swordtail

Level: 30

Status: Enhanced β

Name: Borina Frumfa

Level: 29

Status: Enhanced β

Name: Borina Cankrust

Level: 57

Status: Enhanced β”

Different monsters rushed toward’s Durano’s house and every single one of them have the same status appearing in their stats.

“Appraise Enhanced β!” John muttered.

“Ting!

Name: Enhanced β

Type: Status

Description: An overall enhancement of stats created by a genius researcher.

Effect: Enhances Strength by 500, Agility by 500, Dexterity by 500 and Vitality by 1000.”

“Oh, my mother!” John felt despair. There were at least a hundred or more monsters coming fast towards him and they are all enhanced.

“Force Shield!” He hurriedly erected 30 layers of force shields around the house.

“Baaam!” The monsters rammed the shields. They started to c***k as soon as the monsters banged them.

“s**t!” John hurriedly jumped into a shadow and appeared beneath one of the monsters. “Shadow Spike!” Unfortunately, the spikes broke as soon as it touched the monster’s skin.

“Hard Punch!” John punched the monster’s belly, and the monster was thrown upwards with a fist-size hole in its stomach.

“Ting! Level 34 Borina Stone Rhine killed. 8.34% Experience gained.”

He dived into his shadow and appeared beneath another monster. John punched it again and it was thrown up with the same fist-sized hole in its belly.

“Ting! Level 32 Borina Iron Rokworm killed. 8.24% Experience gained.”

“Roar!” A motorbike-sized tiger pounced on John from behind.

“Ting! Danger!”

John’s Danger Sense flared and warned him. He hastily rolled to the side and immediately dive into a shadow with Shadow Hunt.

John appeared inside the shields. “Force Shield!” He needed to reinforce the shields. It was easily being broken by the charging monsters. “Damn it! I need something that hits multiple targets!” He muttered.

John decided to try something. Using Energy Control, he activated his AP and used a quarter of it. He concentrated it on his right fist. “Should I call this that? Kaioken! Kehehehe!”

John dive into his shadow and appeared behind the monsters. “Let’s try this! Hard Punch!” He punched towards the monsters hitting nothing but air.

Simultaneously, he released his control on the concentrated energy. The released energy exploded in front of him towards the monsters.

Boom!

“Ting! Level 32 Borina Redtail Snapper killed…Level 34 Borina Turtle Stone killed…”

Consecutive announcements of kills sounded in John’s mind.

“Ting! Leveled up!”

“Ting! Hard Punch skill leveled up.”

“Ting! Hard Punch skill leveled up.”

“Sweet!” He dived into a shadow again and appeared inside the shields. “Force Shield!” He reinforced the shields again.

He repeated the same pattern of attack, but the monsters kept coming. It felt never ending. His mana is slowly being depleted and he can no longer used the explosive Hard Punch. His AP has been emptied.

John decided to expend all his remaining DP to reinforce his force shields.

“Ting! Force Shield skill leveled up.”

“Ting! Force Shield skill leveled up.”

“Ting! Force Shield skill leveled up.”

“Ting! Force Shield skill leveled up.”

“Ting! Force Shield skill leveled up.”

After draining his remaining DP into his force shield, he heard 5 consecutive rings announcing his skill leveling up. The monsters ramming on the shield started to become ineffective. The shields were holding out much better now than before.

“Ting! Force Shield skill evolution possible. Will you proceed?” Another announcement rang in John’s mind.

“Yes!” He immediately answered.

“Ting! Force Shield skill evolution started.”

“Ting! Force Shield skill evolved to Force Shield I.”

“Thud! Thud!” The shields became solider, and the monsters were now unable to easily break them.

“Oh! Nice work, kid!” John heard Durano’s voice from behind him. He hurriedly turned around.

“S-sir Durano!”

“You were able to defend my house from these enhanced monsters. Not bad, not bad at all!” Durano complimented.

“Phew! It’s a pleasure, sir! You saved my life; it is a small gesture to keep your house safe and standing!” John answered.

“Good. Take a rest. I’ll handle this.” Durano said to John. He leisurely walked out of the confines of John’s Force Shield and casually punched a monster.

Ka-boom! A similar explosion happened as when John made use of his AP, concentrated it on his fist and firing it off. However, Durano’s version was much stronger and more explosive. A new path was created littered with blood and broken bones of monsters after the punch.

“s**t! That was awesome!” John exclaimed.

In a matter of minutes, Durano took care of all the monsters. None were left alive. He walked back towards his house and sat beside John. “So, have you rested enough?” He asked John.

“Ha?” Minutes just passed; do you think I rested enough? John thought.

“Seems like your story was true. That i***t king is enhancing the monsters.” Durano spoke. “Ha… this is very troublesome.”

“Can you stop the Dark Elf King, sir?” John asked.

“By stop meaning kill that i***t. I can’t.” Durano answered.

“Why sir? You are very strong. I think the Dark Elf King is nothing compared to you.”

“Well, there are things that I can do and there are many more things I cannot do. That includes killing off that i***t Dark Elf King!” Durano spat. “Anyway, I cannot stop him. I went off my way earlier killing that piece of rubbish at Borina Cave. That gives me enough trouble as it is. I can’t add more.” Durano muttered.

“What do you mean?” John was confused. Did he go to Borina Cave earlier? Who did he kill? He pondered.

“I can’t stop that i***t, but you can.” Durano said to John.

“Ha? What!?” John blurted in surprise.

“I will train you.” Durano declared.

“What?!”

“I killed off that annoying fly in Borina Cave, so that gives us more time before those annoying birds come. It will also slow the i***t king.”

“Ha? Fly? Birds?” John was confused. He was not able to follow the man.

“Rest now. Tomorrow, we’ll start your training.” Durano said and walked into the house.

“Train… wait, what?” John exclaimed.

======

In Darklia, Barloon hurriedly made audience with the king. “Sire!”

“Barloon, how was it?” the King asked.

“Bad, sire. That human kid defended Durano’s territory. He was able to stop the enhanced monsters all on his own.” Barloon reported.

“What?! How is that possible?!”

“He was struggling but he was able to hold off the enhanced monsters until Durano came out. He easily slaughtered the enhanced monsters!” Barloon relayed.

“That brutish half-orc! Did you recover the device?!” The King asked angrily.

“I did, sire!” Barloon took out the round crystal and handed it over to the king.

“Sire! A report from Borina Cave!” A dark elf hastily ran into the palace hall.

“What is it?” the king asked showing off his irritation.

“Kahflear is dead, sire!” the Dark Elf reported.

“What?” All the people in the hall were startled by the news.

“Durano!” The King said in anger as he gritted his teeth. “Send Tipmaston over to Borina. Tell him to take over Kahflear’s work!” The King ordered. The Dark Elf bowed and hurriedly left the hall.

“Tell everyone to not approach Durano’s territory. Spread this message!” Butler Eunich ordered the soldiers as he watched the King angrily sitting on his throne. “Sire?” he called.

“Durano, you broke the rule of no-kill. You killed. Heh, I’ll savor the little punishment that awaits you!” The King muttered.