Awakened Talent: 10,000 Exp Converter!

"Tell me… where do all the armaments you eat go?"

In response, Obzee shifted back into its full-sized form, its metallic body gleaming under the light, and tapped its ebony-metal abdomen with a dull thud.

"In your stomach?" Vincent asked, puzzled. His eyes narrowed as he observed Obzee. "What do you gain from consuming them?"

Obzee's answer was simple, yet firm. "They enhance my strength."

Vincent crossed his arms, his brows furrowing in contemplation. "Temporarily?"

Obzee shook his head firmly. "No."

Vincent's frown deepened. His gaze swept over Obzee, trying to decipher the logic behind its bizarre ability.

No matter how he looked at it, there was something unusual about Obzee's system. Unlike other creatures, he lacked any discernible traces of Origin Energy, yet he devoured armaments as if they were mere snacks.

Regardless, he had chosen to employ Obzee for a reason. However, there were more pressing matters to attend to—he had to return to the Origin World.

During breakfast, realization struck him. That nagging feeling of having forgotten something since returning to Astralis—it finally made sense. It wasn't until Marina casually asked about the black, plump rabbit, Mochi, that he remembered.

Mochi. He had completely forgotten about her since she had taken a liking to Clauny and had been constantly clinging to him.

Before leaving, he took extra precautions, utilizing several common-grade armaments to replenish the reserve energy of the Illusion Shatterguard Array. Even though Obzee would be guarding the villa, an additional layer of security was always a wise choice.

After confirming that all preparations were in place, he turned to Obzee one final time. "You know your responsibilities."

Obzee gave a slight nod.

Since he wouldn't be in Astralis for a week, he had also assigned Nine to feed Obzee, ensuring their agreement remained intact.

Then, it came.

A familiar sensation—a subtle tug within his core. An unseen force calling him back.

Vincent exhaled slowly, allowing himself to be drawn in. "I wonder how Lizno and the others are doing…" With that thought lingering in his mind, he relinquished control and let the pull take him back to the Origin World.

Origin World

The crisp scent of damp earth filled the air.

Lizno, clad in the rare-armament armor Vincent had lent him, stood amidst the carnage of battle. With a powerful slash, his sleek silver-armament spear cleaved through the thick hide of a Peak Tier 1 Fierce Brown Bear. The creature barely had time to let out a guttural roar before its body went limp, collapsing with a heavy thud.

He took a brief moment to assess the battlefield. Around him, his guildmates from the Umbra Guild were finishing off the remaining Primals.

With a commanding tone, he raised his voice. "Listen up! Clear everything, then we rest!"

"Yes, Deputy Officer!"

The guild members responded in unison, striking down the remaining beasts with renewed vigor.

Indeed, Vincent had bestowed upon Lizno the temporary rank of Deputy Officer, placing him just beneath the Guild Master himself.

On the other hand, Vincent had appointed Aldo, the battle-hardened trainer, as well as Barbara and Warren, as Official Officers. The remaining hundred members were fresh recruits, still adjusting to the rhythm of battle.

Aldo had taken on the responsibility of training the newcomers, while Barbara and Warren stood out as the most promising individuals in terms of growth and strength.

Each of the four leaders had been assigned distinct roles, ensuring smooth coordination.

At the moment, they had set up a temporary resting point deep within the Verdant Wild Forest, steadily making their way northward.

Lizno, however, remained uncertain about their ultimate destination.

Vincent had simply given him one order: "Lead everyone north."

Before their departure, Vincent had also entrusted him with an overwhelming amount of Origin Crystals.

At this point, he was practically a walking treasure trove.

The thought prompted him to instinctively glance at his storage ring, his fingers tightening slightly. It was still there.

If he were to lose it—he didn't even want to imagine the consequences.

Just as they settled in for a brief respite, a sharp bird call suddenly rang through the air.

A warning signal.

Lizno's body tensed instantly. His senses sharpened, and he snapped his gaze toward the direction of the call. The rest of the guild members reacted just as quickly, their weapons at the ready.

They turned in unison, muscles taut, eyes locked onto the source.

The rustling of leaves.

Shadows shifting in the distance.

Lizno raised his fist, silently signaling his guildmates to prepare for battle.

Moments later, silhouettes emerged from the dense foliage, their banners becoming clear.

White-gold flags adorned with an intricate golden lion head—its maw open in a silent roar, exuding an aura befitting the true 'King of the Jungle.'

Lizno's expression darkened.

The Lionfang Clan.

Approximately a hundred figures clad in luxurious golden attire stood before them. Each one bore the Lionfang emblem on the right side of their chest, and all wore golden masks that concealed their identities.

Even though Lizno knew they were human, he did not lower his guard.

The Lionfang Clan warriors halted their advance, their gazes locked onto the Umbra Guild members.

Silence fell, thick with tension.

Then, a young man's voice broke the stillness. "We mean no harm. Are you from the Umbra Guild?"

Lizno and his squad leaders shifted their attention to the speaker.

A blonde-haired young man stood at the front, clad in resplendent golden armor that gleamed even in the dim forest light. A refined golden longsword rested at his waist.

Lizno remained stoic, but his squad leaders frowned deeply.

Umbra Guild was merely a newly formed organization. How had such an esteemed clan taken notice of them?

Just as the hot-headed Barbara was about to snap a response, Lizno stepped forward, his voice measured yet firm.

"Wouldn't it be proper to introduce yourself first before asking for someone else's identity?"

At Lizno's words, one of the masked figures behind the blonde-haired youth moved, as if ready to step forward, but a simple wave of the young man's hand stopped him in his tracks.

"But… young master—"

"Enough."

The subordinate hesitated, then begrudgingly stepped back. Enjoy new adventures at My Virtual Library Empire

The blonde-haired youth turned his attention back to Lizno.

Reaching up, he grasped his golden mask and removed it, revealing a strikingly familiar face.

Lizno's eyes widened in shock.

Vincent had never mentioned what they would encounter on this journey.

To think they would be personally greeted by the young master of the Lionfang Clan himself!