Chapter 276: Life 7000

Marcus and Anya’s kiss lasted only a moment, yet it was more than enough to attract attention inside the Mercenary Guild. Players nearby slowed, conversations faltered, and several openly stared. The reason was obvious. The graceful young woman in Marcus’s arms possessed a beauty so striking that people reacted before they even realized they were looking.

Beauty had always been the easiest way to command attention. One exclamation led to another, and soon more players turned toward them, curiosity spreading through the hall like ripples on water.

Marcus sighed quietly.

“Anya, mask on. Let’s go. We’ll level together outside.”

Realizing they were about to become forum gossip if they lingered any longer, he helped Anya slip on her butterfly mask, hiding her breathtaking features. Taking her hand, he guided her quickly out of the Mercenary Guild before the crowd’s curiosity could grow into chaos.

Behind them, reactions followed immediately.

“Damn… that guy is insanely lucky.”

A Fighter watched them leave, eyes full of envy. The brief glimpse he had caught of Anya’s face lingered vividly in his mind. He could hardly believe someone that beautiful actually existed. The image of her leaning gently into the Knight’s embrace, accepting that public kiss without resistance, stabbed straight into his pride.

Nearby, an Assassin clicked his tongue bitterly.

“What’s with showing off like that? Kissing in public. Disgusting.”

He watched Marcus lead Anya away, jealousy burning so fiercely it almost pushed him toward reckless thoughts. For a moment he even imagined challenging the Knight.

Then he remembered Marcus’s presence, the calm authority and overwhelming physique that radiated strength.

The idea died instantly.

Only after Marcus disappeared down the street did the Assassin dare to complain under his breath.

“What’s wrong with it?” another Fighter said, folding his arms. “If I had a girlfriend like that, I’d kiss her in public too. That’s what a real man does.”

“A real man should be arrogant about it.”

The Assassin shot him a glare.

“Who wouldn’t want a girlfriend like that? You don’t need to say the obvious!”

“Then why were you complaining?” The Fighter looked at him with open disdain.

The Assassin hesitated, then finally grumbled with complete honesty.

“Because I can’t have someone like that. Of course I’m jealous.”

Noticing several players beginning to glare at him, he immediately turned and fled, unwilling to provoke further trouble.

—

Leaving the guild behind, Marcus held Anya’s hand while Chloe followed beside them. The three headed straight for Dragon’s Peak Citadel’s teleportation array and transferred to Ironstone Citadel, known among players as the City of Mountains.

Once the light of teleportation faded, Marcus spoke.

“Anya, I need to head north to Blue Ant Valley. I have to gather some Crystal-Tear Berries. Let’s go together. We’ll level while traveling.”

Anya hesitated.

“Do you have a ques? Will Chloe and I slow you down?”

Her voice carried genuine worry. Being with him was what she wanted most, yet she feared becoming a burden. Even when she longed to stay at his side, she would rather step back than interfere with his progress.

Marcus stopped walking and looked at her firmly.

“How could you be a hindrance? We’re just heading there while fighting monsters. If things get dangerous, you and Chloe can return to the city anytime.”

“But… I just…”

“But nothing.” His tone softened but remained decisive. “From now on, listen to me. What I say is final.”

Anya blinked, then smiled obediently.

“Okay, Marcus. I’ll listen to you.”

There was no hesitation in her answer. Trust came naturally to her.

“Good. Let’s move.”

—

At Ironstone Citadel’s North Gate, Marcus issued a command. A flash of dark light burst into existence.

Blackie appeared.

The Nightmare Dragon Steed stood tall and imposing, its body as black as midnight. Seven-colored horns curved from its head, while burning hellfire danced beneath its hooves. Even standing still, it radiated a terrifying majesty that demanded attention.

The steed let out a low whinny and stepped forward, rubbing its head affectionately against Marcus’s shoulder.

As Blackie’s level increased, its intelligence and emotional responses had grown noticeably stronger. It no longer felt like a mere mount but a living companion.

“Stone, Blackie is adorable,” Anya said, gently stroking its dark mane.

Marcus laughed softly. Adorable was not a word anyone else would dare use. As a Super Divine Mount, Blackie would never allow strangers to touch it. Only familiarity and trust earned that privilege.

Players nearby had already begun to gather, drawn by the mount’s extraordinary appearance.

’Time to leave.’

“Chloe, ready?”

“Ready.”

Chloe summoned her Pegasus, the Cloud-Mist Gale Steed. The white creature descended like drifting cloudlight, and she mounted it with effortless elegance, rising slightly into the air. The heroic aura of a Pegasus Knight was undeniable.

Marcus turned toward Anya and extended his hand.

“My lady, your carriage awaits.”

“Marcus…”

Smiling, she accepted his hand and mounted Blackie gracefully, settling onto the wide golden two-person saddle like a butterfly coming to rest.

Marcus followed, sitting behind her and wrapping his arms gently around her waist. The familiar warmth of her body and the faint fragrance surrounding her stirred memories of their earlier journeys together. Holding her like this felt natural, almost inevitable.

Around them, more players were approaching, excitement growing rapidly.

’No time to linger:.

“Giddy up!”

Blackie reared, flames blazing brighter beneath its hooves as it released a proud, thunderous whinny. Nearby mounts panicked, circling nervously under the pressure of its dominant presence.

“Nightmare Dragon Steed!”

Someone recognized it instantly, triggering a wave of shocked murmurs.

“And that’s the Cloud-Mist Gale Steed!”

Players rushed forward, hoping to witness two of the Dominion Mount Leaderboard’s top mounts up close.

They were too late.

Blackie surged forward like a streak of living darkness while Chloe’s Pegasus soared overhead, white wings cutting graceful arcs through the sky.

From afar, one white figure flew above while a black flame-shrouded steed raced across the earth below. Together they painted twin trails across the landscape, like ribbons drawn across the world itself, leaving countless players watching in pure envy.

—

Despite Ironstone Citadel’s rugged terrain, Blackie’s speed never slowed, even carrying two riders. After nearly an hour of travel, monster levels increased and player activity thinned until the wilderness belonged almost entirely to them.

Marcus finally slowed the pace. It was time to test his strength. More specifically, the power of the Aegis of the Gods.

A ten percent increase to all attributes.

Just thinking about it made his excitement rise. He opened his status panel again, unable to resist reviewing his current strength.

After the Mist Veil Palace expedition, his level had only increased by one, yet the rewards and equipment gains had dramatically enhanced his overall power. Compared to ordinary Level 30 players, he stood on an entirely different level.

—

Player: Stonehaven

Class: Royal Knight

Level: 31

Strength: 308

Constitution: 287

Agility: 425

Focus: 150

Luck: 35

Health: 4780

Mana: 2410

Attack: 1744

Defense: 2820

Accuracy: 425

Evasion: 625

Attack Speed: 21

Movement Speed: 30

—

’Powerful.’

Even after seeing the numbers countless times, Marcus still felt a surge of pride. His Health and Defense were especially outrageous, turning him into a near-immovable fortress on the battlefield.

Becoming an invincible powerhouse had always been one of his goals.

“Activate Mercenary System.”

Golden light descended instantly.

The Aegis of the Gods activated, enveloping Marcus, Anya, and Chloe in a radiant glow as their attributes increased by ten percent.

Then Marcus noticed the result; his Health exceeded 5000.

His smile widened.

“Knight’s Prayer.”

Holy light blossomed again as the advanced support skill activated, increasing maximum Health by another thirty percent.

The number jumped to 7000 Health. Marcus could not stop grinning.

“Stone… why are you smiling like that?” Anya asked, tilting her head curiously.

“Look.”

He shared his status window.

“Health… seven thousand?”

Her eyes widened in disbelief.

“Hehe.”

At this rate, breaking ten thousand Health before Level 50 suddenly felt realistic.

—

“Chloe, we’ll advance while clearing monsters!”

Seeing only Level 30 monsters nearby and no other players in sight, Marcus began summoning his companions.

One after another, powerful figures appeared.

Temple Guard Knight Pebble.

The Sea Demon Soul.

The Shadow-Stained Gryphon King.

Wyvern Saint Knight Lyanna.

Vixen Queen Camillo.

They surrounded Marcus like an elite army assembling for war.

Anya blinked in surprise.

“Stone… when did you get an Eight-Tailed Vixen Spirit?”

“What a beautiful vixen…”

Camillo’s enchanting presence was impossible to ignore. Her graceful figure and alluring expression drew immediate attention, even from Chloe hovering above.

Marcus chuckled and recounted the story of rescuing Alana and gaining Camillo as a companion.

Both women listened with admiration shining in their eyes.

“Attack!”

At his command, the pets surged forward, charging toward nearby monsters and beginning their leveling hunt.

Watching them fight, Marcus felt deeply satisfied. With the exception of the Sea Demon Soul and the Gryphon King, most of his companions appeared humanoid. From a distance, anyone might mistake them for an organized party of elite players clearing monsters together.

And with seven thousand Health backing him, Marcus felt more unstoppable than ever.

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