The meeting dispersed, and almost immediately, a frenzy of monster hunting began. Everyone, from the lowest level to those nearing elite, threw themselves into combat with unprecedented intensity.
Three days passed in a blur of constant fighting and leveling.
One night, Blossom approached Hazel, her expression concerned. "Darwin, Mia, and Alexa haven't been back these past three days, and no one knows where they are. Are they okay?"
"They're strong kids," Hazel said, offering a reassuring smile. "I'm sure they're fine. Don't worry about it."
In truth, Hazel had been keeping a close watch on the trio since they left, using his skill, Soul Monitoring.
Darwin had been a relentless force, fighting without rest. He had already achieved elite status and was pushing himself to obtain a title before the week's deadline.
Mia had adopted a more strategic approach, alternating between intense combat and brief periods of rest. Hazel estimated she would also likely reach a title by the end of the week.
Alexa, the girl with the unique, assassin-like fighting style, fought less during the day but became a terrifying force at night. Hazel sensed she would probably reach elite level that very night.
I'm really happy I pushed them this far, Hazel thought to himself, a sense of satisfaction washing over him.
I don't even have to lift a finger, and because of my subordinates, I'm already an elite master! Hahahaha! This is literally cheating to level up! Hazel chuckled, a touch of dark amusement in his thoughts.
But there's something I've been thinking about. Ivy already has a title, the Blossom Queen. She probably got it from her dimension. I still need to dig into that dimensional bullshit. Well, at least at this rate, we'll be ready if some dimensional b*stard comes along, Hazel mused, his thoughts turning to the potential future threats.
One week had passed, and Hazel summoned everyone for a meeting.
The hall was filled with individuals radiating newfound power. Almost everyone had reached elite status, and many elites had ascended to become title holders, their forms visibly transformed.
Oscar, now the Flame Bearer, had flames dancing on his shoulders and the edges of his coat. His drawn sword was perpetually wreathed in fire, and he possessed a new, potent skillset.
Shadow had become the Demiser, gaining the ability to transform large areas, even entire buildings, into safe havens within his shadow.
Blossom was now known as All Blossom, adorned in striking pink and black leather attire that revealed her midriff. She, too, wielded powerful new abilities.
Ashton, the Time Jerker, had no change in clothing but was imbued with a remarkable array of temporal powers.
Darwin, now titled Flash, sported permanently yellow hair and a jacket emblazoned with a thunderbolt. His speed had increased exponentially.
Mia's title was the Sin of Pride, a surprising designation for someone who outwardly seemed humble. However, beneath the surface, Mia harbored a fierce ambition and a drive to surpass even Hazel, who was the first person she acknowledged as stronger.
Alexa, the Assassin's Creed, now wore a stealthy assassin's outfit that could change color at will. She wielded a unique pair of medium-sized assassin's blades and possessed a comprehensive set of assassin-related skills.
The combined aura of everyone in the hall was intense, causing Hazel to smirk, a low, evil chuckle escaping his lips.
Disbelief and anger rippled through the crowd. They had pushed themselves to their limits for the past week, and their reward was their master's laughter.
"Our master is a complete monster," Ashton muttered under his breath.
As Hazel continued to chuckle, Darwin, in a burst of speed, hurled Thorax, his axe, towards Hazel. Hazel casually caught the speeding weapon. "Now isn't the time to test if you're stronger than me, Flash," Hazel said, his tone nonchalant.
With a flick of his wrist, Hazel threw the axe back with incredible force and speed. Even Darwin, with his enhanced reflexes, couldn't fully track it as Thorax embedded itself in the wall beside him.
The shock on Darwin's face was too much for Hazel, and he erupted into louder laughter.
"Seriously?" Oscar said, shaking his head in disbelief at Hazel's antics.
Suddenly, Alexa emerged silently from Hazel's shadow, attempting a surprise attack. But Hazel casually caught her mid-air and tossed her towards Darwin, who, flustered, caught her, a blush creeping onto his face.
Hazel's laughter only intensified.
"Hey, you a$$hole! Are you trying to kill her?" Darwin shouted, still holding Alexa awkwardly.
"It's been a long time since I've seen him laugh like that," Blossom said, a soft smile on her face.
Without warning, Mia launched a direct attack, her sword aimed at Hazel. With effortless ease, Hazel caught the blade between his index and middle fingers.
"What?" Mia exclaimed in disbelief, struggling to pull her sword free. Hazel's laughter echoed again, fueling Mia's anger. A dark aura began to emanate from her body, and the ground around them cracked. Hazel's expression finally turned serious, though he still held her sword with just two fingers.
"Enough," Hazel said, his voice firm. But Mia didn't relent, pouring all her power into the sword. Hazel raised his free hand as if to strike Mia.
Fear gripped the others. "Noooo!" Darwin yelled, still awkwardly holding Alexa, unable to move quickly to intervene. It seemed like the end for Mia.