◇ Glass Core ◇

Chapter 9: Hasterion Knight

My arm blocked it, but it made a deep cut to my bones! I gritted my teeth as my left limb became inflamed and stabbed my sword into his chest. I immediately jumped and kicked the handle, letting it pierce to the other side of his body!

The knight fell and I stood on his body, grinning with pride. "And there you go. I have no idea why you attacked me, but I won. Grreh..." I noticed my head started to pulse painfully though the shadow limbs vanished.

◇ Negative Catalyst Exhausted

◇ "No need for the Catalyst anymore, faithful one. Once a battle is over, it is no longer in effect."

Thanks, EnNn. And now it's time to consume the soul. Uwah! Fresh strong soul from a worthy foe. I definitely deserved it.

◇ 175 Soul Essence Obtained

◇ Sun-Edge Laceration - 80 Stamina
◇ Evade Rate 40 - 80% // On Success, Gain 2 Momentum (5% Speed Stats)
◇ Deal 50% Slash Damage // Increased Damage by 10% per Momentum Attribute. On Hit, Inflict 10% Burn.

◇ "Allocating Soul Essence..."

◇ Soul Passive Unlocked
◇ Hasteful Knight <> On Success with Evade, Gain 1 Momentum (2.5% Speed Stats) and 1 Agility (5% Evade Stats)

◇ Constitution 10 to 11 // 390 to 405 Health
◇ Momentum 4 to 6 // 12.5% Speed

◇ "Allocating complete..."

Phew... This skill from this knight might be extremely useful. It might be expensive in consuming my stamina, but I could always regain more over time. I could focus on dodging and emergency block then I'll shall be less physically exhausted.

Although, consuming his soul is one thing. Another thing is getting his equipment. It may be damaged by me though that's only the chest plate area. It could be repaired easily and may cheap as well, and also that his two-handed sword would provide another new level to my name.

I searched his body before stripping the armor from him, including his weapon as well. I then held these items in my arms and made my way back to the office as I noticed the sky becoming darker blue. Night approached as the horizon made its way out of my vision. 

◇ Hasterion Claymore - Heavy Weapon - Fire
◇ Damage Rate: 90% Slash, 75% Pierce, 60% Blunt
◇ Fire Element: On Hit, Inflict 3-6% Burn

◇ Haste Knight Gear - Medium Armor - Neutral
◇ Defense Rate: 20% Slash, 10% Pierce, 5% Blunt
◇ Low Durability [-50% Defense Stats] - Requires Repair

I left the corpse behind and whistled, calming myself to numb the aching pain in my left arm. This equipment is quite heavy, especially the sword that is as heavy as the armor itself. I might need to do some strength training and focus allocation of strength next time. I don't want to be slowed because of a weapon meant for muscled men.

◇ "Faithful one, the amount of additional strength required for wielding the claymore as fast as the Lunar Light blade is over four more attributes. However, training yourself may physically help your body and does well for your soul."

Less combat, more training! I want to end long dragging fight quick so here I go! By tomorrow, watch me get strong!

◇ "..."

◇◇◇◇◇

◇ Location: Kiffel City // District 22 // Lunar Light Office

◇ Time: Night

"I'm BACK!" I shouted as I entered the office, dropping the looted equipment aside and looking around for Cerlia. I found her, outside the room, eating alone on a desk as everyone else had left for the day. 

She seemed to be daydreaming in the middle of dinner, her meal consisted of a subway of ham, lettuce, pickle, and mayonnaise. 

"Cerlia?" I walked up to her and then sit on the desk next to her, my hands waving in front of her face. "Hey—boss? Cerlia? Person? Daydreamer? Hello—!?"

That suddenly spooked her, and she came back to reality, jumping a bit as she stared at me with surprised. She looked at me for a few second before tearing up and pouting. Her eyes became watery, and her arms wrapped around me.

"Suki! You leave without telling me! I thought you might be hurt, or I don't know what might happen to you! I haven't spoken to you in a few days!" She whined like a child, and I only responded quietly by hugging her back.

"Don't worry about me. I can't die just like that or just forever. And besides..." I slowly moved her back and then pinched her cheeks. "...I killed a threat out in a street! He decided to pick a fight, so I murdered him and I'm SOOOO happy!"

Cerlia scanned my body and noticed the bleeding wound on my arm and body. She immediately became worried and hopped off the desk, getting some medical aids.

"You're hurt, Suki!"

"W-wait! I'm fine—" I replied but I could see that she doesn't care and proceed to patch up me wound for tonight.

I let her wrap the bandages and once she done, she smiled and gave me a hug. A kind of like a motherly one with a soft tone and gently touches. It made me relaxed, dozing off into the hug and closing my eyes...

I fell asleep peacefully...

◇◇◇◇◇

◇ Location: Kiffel City // District 1 // [REDACTED]

"How is the Association doing in District 7?"

"Sir, it seemed like they're being aided by one nearby guild against the attack of the 'Echoing Tyrant' and haven't fully suppressed the Midnight Threat Unknownity. There were several casualties but over these few days, the creature had been weakened."

"Is this wild Unknownity a future problem to the Capital?"

"Not from I been reported, sir. It's an Unknownity of immense mental power, though large-scale damage won't be result from it. And one more thing to report. District 25's Noon Unknownity is still causing destruction within the outer districts. The constant digging might be a problem and perhaps the Pale Office of District 23 might not be able to handle it on their own."

"If it continues, force the Lunar Light Office's focus onto the case as well. Since they're partners, it should be recommended that they both work together."

"Yes, sir. But it would be easier if we send a Dusk Tier loyalist to take care of it easily."

"No need. If the District fails, then it is destined. If not, keep an eye on Suki. Assuming when they're in conflict with the borrowing beast."

"I'll notify the DRC about her. And that is all for today."