Goblins are among the most rampant monsters on the continent, well-known for their impressive breeding capabilities, though truly exceptional goblins were uncommon. However, some goblins manage to outshine the rest, becoming leaders to whom other goblins bow. For monsters, especially goblins, bowing to greater power isn't easy, indicating that every single goblin leader is Awakened.Talon had heard of Awakened monsters before, but he had never encountered them since the regions around Eryndor were too peaceful, and most monster-hunting quests he had joined didn't involve Awakened monsters. This was his first time seeing a group of monsters with not just one, but multiple Awakened among them. The leader was a monster that had attained a perfect awakening of its profession, making it very awe-inspiring.Talon rushed through the chaos, swinging his sword and shooting out mental pierce attacks simultaneously. Goblins fell left and right around him.The fight between Master Eobard and the

The Aerindel family had ruled the Bluefeather Duchy for over 500 years. Duke Aerindel, a man of immense power and influence, stood as one of the most formidable figures on the continent. The duchy itself was renowned for its abundant gemstones, a high population of awakened wildlife, rich silver mines, and expertise in animal taming. It was a place steeped in history and adventure, one that Talon had heard many tales about, especially since Master Eobard's bloodline traced back to this region.As their caravan approached the outskirts of Bluefeather Duchy, a multitude of other caravans came into view, drawing the attention of Vaila. Her bright red eyes sparkled with curiosity as she watched the bustling activity around them.Every now and then, she peppered Talon with questions, which he answered with a patient smile.After fending off a goblin raid, the remainder of their journey had been remarkably peaceful. The caravan had managed to preserve their numbers, and apart from a few inj

Early the next morning, Talon headed to the guild branch in Bluefeather City. It was a large building, with architecture that proclaimed the grandiose of the Aurumia kingdom. It had many tall, colorful, translucent windows. There were no guards around, but hundreds of people entered and left the place, creating a bustling atmosphere. Tall opaque crystal boards hung on the northern wall, with words flickering in and out of existence. As a mission was completed, it vanished from the board. Whenever a new mission was available, the content appeared on the board as well. Talon was flabbergasted; this was far more impressive than the chalk and board used by the small guild branch in Eryndor.The general hall of the guild building was buzzing with conversations, people calling out here and there, trying to rally others to join a team with them, and so on. It was like a raucous marketplace.Talon was soon face-to-face with one of the dozen attendants stationed in the general

The mission board hummed faintly as Talon stood before the crystal screens. Tasks blinked in and out of existence with a mechanical rhythm, their details fleeting yet daunting. He squinted at one particularly lucrative mission—escorting a merchant caravan through bandit territory. It was a risk, the type of challenge that would’ve been a death sentence just days ago. His gaze lingered on it, a shadow of doubt curling around his thoughts.A goblin raid had been manageable. He’d proven that. But those creatures were only a step above the beasts in the wild, their cunning no match for true monsters or, worse, human brigands.“If only I had a teacher…” The words slipped out before he realized. He sighed, shaking his head at the childish wish. Across the kingdom, academies catered to professions like the Winged Tamers, where students learned to bond with animals, or the Forgecallers, who crafted magic weapons. But those institutions were reserved for the elite or those with obvious gifts. A