Chapter 10 The Making Of A Hunter: Learning The Ropes

" I noticed that during our last duel, you never emerged your wings, why" Malyster narrowed his eyes.

" It's not something I can particularly help, my flight ability is still locked" Khaos replied wistfully.

" That might be something to work on, Heard from your aid yet" He asked. " Nope, nothing yet" Khaos replied.

" Okay, do you have any pressing issues to take care off, because we're about to begin another bizarre duel this one better than the last" Malyster said his tone dripping with mischief.

" I... Ah yeah I've got some work to take care off but I'll be back in a few days" Khaos said his voice tinted with regret.

" Ah, no problem but make haste, Dream Haven hasn't always been this quiet so we need you to be on ground if anything happens okay?"

" Of course Lord Malyster" Khaos replied and headed to his in-game hostel in the training academy spotting Phantom in his training classes having problems with his magic casting.

He gave the same wink and mouthed " Well done" before strolling to his room and logging out.

Xi'an opened his eyes in the real world to realize he was in his room, a note was left for him on his desk it was from his parents telling him they had gone and asking where he had ran off to also his mum familiar love and affection telling him that she packaged most of the food for him to warm up when he needed it.

" Well I'll have to give them a call later" he decided and looked back at the logo of D.A still blazing on his monitor inviting him to continue. No game was ever gonna impress him like this one had, he was sure of it and went for a shower, took a late dinner.

His phone beeped and he folded it open to reveal new messages and notifications from the D.A community he had joined on telegram. He scrolled through the messages, effectively digesting every potential info posted.

So far everyone was still at Hunting Rank E but the highest level player was a guy named oxlade with a level of seven, He also saw talks of khaos the only fallen angel in the game with one of the weakest stats.

Xi'an narrowed his eyes, word had gone fast that he had the 'voice of the gods' as his hunting aid and a particularly enlightened member of the community took the liberty to explain what it actually was;

" It's a skill that tells or advises it's host on how to go about stuff, offering hints and strategic ideas, it also acts like a heightened sixth sense, it tells its host exactly what is about to happen before it actually does.

Xi'an's eyes widened " I'd just hit a jackpot", he saw someone asking when they were going to start earning and saw the reply " as soon as we begin an actual mission" Xi'an smiled thanks to Zorvath who gave him some cash he had 500 coins and 100 coins equals 50 dollars in real life which means he had an equivalent of 25000 USD if he so choose to convert it, of course. " Thank you Zorvath!" He said to the monitor.

He resumed at work the following day, he was working as a part-time bike courier it may not be raking in cash for him but at least it kept him away from living with his parents and paid other bills but ultimately it gave him more time for gaming. He worked with the efficiency of an indefatigable machine making deliveries and stuff working in and out till he approached the end of his shift for the week giving him three more days to catch up on Demon Apocalypse.

On his way home he bought eggs with which he ate along with bacon he had left in his refrigerator, an hour later a freshly showered and filled Xi'an sat at his " Gaming Throne" and inputted his password to login.

" Welcome Khaos, Retrieving saved data" was the message that displayed on his screen before he redid the same experience that felt like he was free falling through dimensions...

Khaos opened his eyes at his in-game room at the training institute and stood up with a yawn, it seems like his Avatar had gone into hibernation as soon as he had logged out previously, now he was ready for Lord Malyster. He headed back to the training space assigned to him and met The mage there waiting for him.

" Lord I'm back and ready for another training bout" Khaos said.

Malyster snapped his fingers, and the room transformed into a giant chessboard. Khaos found himself standing on a black square, surrounded by towering chess pieces.

"Your next challenge, Khaos, is to survive the Game of Strategy," Malyster declared, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "These chess pieces will be your opponents. Defeat them, and you'll prove your worth as a hunter."

" Are all your training always game oriented?" Khaos grumbled

The chess pieces sprang to life, their movements swift and deadly. A pawn lunged at Khaos with a tiny sword, while a knight galloped towards him with a giant lance. Khaos drew his blades, ready to face this unconventional battle.

The Voice of the Gods whispered strategies in his ear, guiding him through the chessboard landscape. Khaos dodged the pawn's attack and struck back with a swift slash, sending the piece flying off the board. The knight charged next, its lance aimed at Khaos' chest. He sidestepped the attack and countered with a precise strike, knocking the knight off its horse.

" Hey my hunting aid has been activated" Khaos said proudly.

As the battle raged on, Khaos realized that each chess piece had its unique abilities and weaknesses. He adapted his tactics, using his wits and reflexes to outmaneuver the pieces. The Voice of the Gods continued to guide him, its whispers growing more urgent as the game intensified.

A bishop swooped down, its mitre-shaped head glowing with magical energy. Khaos raised his blade to deflect the spell, but the bishop's magic was too strong. It knocked him off balance, and a rook took advantage of the momentary weakness. Its massive stone body slammed into Khaos, sending him tumbling across the board.

As Khaos struggled to get back to his feet, the queen emerged from the shadows. Her majesty's gaze was cold and calculating, her movements graceful and deadly. She summoned a wave of energy that sent Khaos flying back, his blades barely deflecting the attack.

Malyster watched the battle with a keen eye, his expression unreadable. "Well done, Khaos," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You've managed to survive this long. But can you checkmate the king?"

The king, the largest and most powerful piece on the board, emerged from the shadows. Its crown glowed with an intense light, and its sword shimmered with an otherworldly energy. Khaos knew this was his final challenge.

With a deep breath, he focused his thoughts and charged forward. The Voice of the Gods whispered a final strategy in his ear, and Khaos executed it with precision. He dodged the king's attacks, using the chess pieces' movements to his advantage. In a stunning display of skill and cunning, Khaos checkmated the king, ending the Game of Strategy.

Malyster applauded, a hint of a smile on his face. "Well done, Khaos. You've passed the test. Your strategic mind and quick reflexes make you a formidable hunter."

Khaos stood tall, his chest heaving with exhaustion. "What's next, Lord Malyster?"

Malyster's smile grew wider. "Your first mission, Khaos. Get to the Grand hall where you shall be debriefed on your first raid"