After talking about the depressing situation of Kidd, Fein decided to change the topic.

"So, how's everyone faring? And what happened to those demons and cultists??" His eyes turn into slits as he remembered his first kill in this world.

Fein can still remember the blood that splashed after he swung his blade at the enemy's neck.

He was curious about what had happened in the past year when he was gone. After all, before he left for adventure, the Ranger's Eye still had a mission to locate the cultists that wants to sacrifice the common people so they can summon their so-called 'Demon Lord Thanatos'.

"Those demons that we eradicated haven't launched counter-attack yet, and it seems that they won't do it sooner or later." Gregory leaned on the back support of his chair as he said this.

Fein was curious about why his captain was so sure that the demons won't attack soon. After all, those demons would do anything just to cause chaos in the world. So he asked Gregory to resolve his doubt.

"But why are you so sure?"

Gregory turned his head at Michael and smiled. Michael understood his captain's action.

Michael scratched his chin and heave a sigh. "Because it turned out that the group of cultists that you have discovered and a batch of demons that attacked the neighboring countries have worked together."

Fein nodded his head in understanding. "The demons acted as a diversion to cover the actions of those cultists behind the scene? So the people at the top won't notice their real objective? Such a bold plan..." He gasped at the bravery of the enemy.

"Yes, and if you didn't manage to discover their traces and killed two of them, we would have discovered it too late, and at that time, the 'Demon Lord Thanatos' would have already resurrected." In Gregory's voice, there was a hint of apprehension.

Gregory was clear that if the 'Demon Lord' was summoned into the human world. It would cause a lot of innocent people to die. Along with a Demon Lord's descent, come with a demon army. So, even if the human degu users and authorities respond at that time, it would be too late. There would be countless casualties. It would be a large-scale war.

Fein scratched his scalp with embarrassment and says. "Not really... I just happened to stumble upon them. They're foolish enough to treat me as one of their sacrificial lambs." Fein chuckled. "And that 'Demon Lord' must be furious that I sabotaged his plans."

Michael scratched his chin. "But with your strength now, even if the 'Demon Lord' went personally to deal with you, you can still escape, right?"

Gregory also stared at Fein. Being targeted by a high-ranked 'Demon Lord' isn't a laughing matter."I could only say that. My strength is one thousand times better than my past self." Fein projected a confident demeanor in an attempt to ease their worry. "And did you forget that I have a Legendary Beast on my side?"

As expected, Gregory and Michael's slightly raised shoulders subconsciously relaxed.

"Those demons were really persistent on wreaking havoc. If they go on like this, the war would commence sooner than we thought." Gregory's foreheard knotted into a frown.

Michael sighed at the headache they would face once the demons launch an attack on the neighboring countries once again. He had been training in the past year like a madman, so he won't repeat the same mistake he did just because of his weakness in the past for the second time. After all, the common people's lives are on the line. Michael aspired that the common people could live a good life even in this crazy world.

Fein nodded at his Captain's statement. 'It seems I really need to reach S rank as soon as possible.'

He couldn't help but used probe on his teammates because he was curious about how their strength progressed in the past year.

'Probe!'

Name: Michael Diaz

Degu Amount: B+

STR: B+

AGI: B+

END: B+

Abilities: Shadow Teleportation, Shadow Blend, Shadow Physique, Shadow Slash, Shadow Extract...

'As expected of Michael'. Fein looked amazed at the fast growth. It might be because of his talent and the pressure of the demons which had helped his strength to rise to leap by bounds in just one year.'Damn, he ascended from C to B+ in just one year! And his body stats had already reached the peak of B rank. Just how hard he trained in one year? He had really outdone himself this time.'

'So, this is how scary a genius could become once he worked harder than anyone?' Fein couldn't help but recall a debate of cultured men on his past life on the internet.

They always argued about what is better, a hard worker or a talented one. But now, what he was witnessing is both of the best worlds! No, it's three of the best worlds... After all, Michael is both talented, hardworking, and intelligent.

'And he has a new shadow ability application. I wonder what its effect is...'

p Just by the name, Fein could guess a two or thing from it. Because he is a man of culture! He had read countless novels about extraction! Could it be an ability that lets Michael eat the shadow of the people he kills and obtain their ability? Or knowledge? Or even experience! Of course, Fein was just guessing. It might even be possible that all his guesses were wrong. And speculating is pointless, he had to see it with his own eyes.

"He's just like the main character in a book," Fein muttered.

Michael heard his friend whisper as he was close beside him. "Are you saying something?" He asked with wonder.

Fein smiled awkwardly and cursed his habit of blabbering inwardly.

"No, nothing..." Fein smiled.

"Okay, but if you want to say something, I'm all ears." Michael shook his head.

Fein then used his probe on his Captain.

'Probe!'

Name: Gregory Smith

Degu Amount: C

STR: C

AGI: C

END: C

Abilities: Earth Wall, Earth Armor, Body Augmentation, Avalanche...