The Shadow Walker vanished into the shadows again, putting Darwin on high alert. Suddenly, the wolf emerged from Darwin's own shadow.
But the Shadow Walker had made a fatal mistake. Darwin, thanks to another of his skills, excelled in close-quarters combat, and he had been deliberately trying to lure the wolf into his range. As the Shadow Walker appeared behind him, Darwin, with lightning-fast reflexes, swung his axe, decapitating the creature. Even Hazel was momentarily stunned by the speed and precision of the attack. I can be faster than that, he thought, a flicker of competitive spirit igniting within him.
Darwin didn't celebrate. He simply acted as if it were an easy kill, a stark contrast to the astonishment on the faces of the other four.
"What is your name?" Hazel asked, a genuine interest piqued.
"Darwin," the arrogant idiot replied, his arrogance still firmly in place. "Don't forget it."
Can't he just answer respectfully for once? Hazel thought, a hint of annoyance creeping in.
Hazel walked towards the Shadow Walker's headless corpse. "System, revive the Shadow Walker."
[Revive Shadow Walker successful.]
[Shadow Walker has been revived.]
The Shadow Walker rose from the ground, its fur now a striking white and black pattern. Above its paws, ethereal black flames flickered like burning shadows. It bowed deeply to Hazel, a clear display of respect and submission.
"What the hell did you do to that thing?! Are you mad?!" Darwin shouted, his curiosity and disbelief warring within him. "How did you revive it? And why is it bowing to you?!"
"Shut up already, you fucking prick," Hazel snapped, his patience wearing thin. "That's enough for now. Let's head back."
They returned to the school, their chosen headquarters. Upon arrival, they saw that Blossom's and Oscar's groups had also returned. Blossom's team looked cheerful, seemingly having enjoyed their hunt.
"We have a problem," Oscar said to Hazel, his expression serious.
"Hmm?" Hazel replied, not expecting trouble so soon.
"What is it?"
"There's another group also trying to expand their territory. We encountered them, but I thought it best not to do anything rash without informing you first," Oscar explained.
"Good call," Hazel said, placing a hand on Oscar's shoulder. "Everyone gather up!" he shouted, drawing everyone's attention.
"I need you all to level up as fast as you can," Hazel announced. "There's a high probability of a territorial war in the future. For your own protection, get stronger so that when that day comes, no one loses their life, and we emerge victorious."
"Safe zone creators, cover the entire school with your barriers," Hazel instructed. "As for the rest of you who went to battle, drop off fifty monster cores each. That should last at least five days."
Finally, he turned to the newly revived Shadow Walker. "Shadow, watch the entire school. Let us know if any attack is coming."
After Hazel's announcement, everyone began training with fierce dedication, leveling up by eliminating every monster within their current area.
They moved with stealth, ensuring the other dominators remained unaware of their growing strength, thus preventing a premature war.
[Your subordinate Oscar has killed an orc] × 5
[Your subordinate Blossom has killed blood wolves] × 6
[Your subordinate Shadow Walker has killed a blade viper] × 1
[You have gained a total of 1000 exp]
[You have leveled up]
[You are now at level 30]
[You have become an Elite Reaper]
[Your subordinate Blossom has leveled up to level 27]
[Your subordinate Oscar has leveled up to level 25]
[Your subordinate Shadow Walker has leveled up to level 25]
[You have acquired a new skill "Illusion Casting"]
[Illusion Casting is a skill that, when activated, allows the user to manipulate the target's perception, potentially leading to their mental breakdown. Flaw: Individuals with strong mental fortitude can easily see through the illusion.]
[Skill Dead Summon has upgraded to Necromancy]
"Wow, I don't even have to lift a finger and I'm still getting stronger as long as I have my subordinates," Hazel murmured, surprised by his rapid growth through their efforts.
[Warning, Warning]
[Your subordinate Blossom's life force is drastically low]
[Warning]