The Dreamer's POV

[00 Months: 17 Days: 12 Hours]

{A Few Moments Later}

"Fine. I'll accept that." Lucy Fer finally said, a small smile etched on her face.

My treoubled expression melted the instant she said that. I had feared she would downright refuse, but it turned out I was being too pessimistic.

"But your Currency is currently just 500, right? How do you plan on getting the remaining 3,000 Currency so you can pay me half?"

Yeah, there was that question, wasn't there? I was also flat broke, and the amount I had with me was my single lifeline when it came.to the System.

Who would have thought I would sink so low when it came to funds?

However, I had a trick up my sleeves.

"I killed three Rankers, so their equipment were transferred to me. I'll liquidate them into Currency. I'm sure they should be enough to reach the 3,000 mark."

I could only hope that was the case. If it wasn't, then I was officially screwed.

Lucy Fer had already given me too much leeway. Asking for more would be ridiculous.

Besides, I didn't like being so shameless in front of her.

"Alright, then. Let's see how much they're worth." She folded her arms and watched me operate the <Shop> Interface to sell the items.

It didn't take too long for me to sell everything I had in stock.

And much to my relief... I recieved 3,400 for all the Items.

"That makes my total Currency 3,900..." I smiled, looking as relieved as I was excited.

"Yeah. I can see that. Now, do the transfer."

Lucy Fer's words sounded a bit harsh, but it was understandable.

She could just use her Compulsion Skill to make me give her all my Currency without being obligated to fulfil her end of the deal.

The way I saw it... she was being very kind to me.

'Compared to the other Survivors... she's different.'

"<Currency Transfer>: I wish to give 3,500 of my Currency to the Ranker <Lucy Fer>." I spoke, steadily.

[System Notice]

<Are You Sure About This?>

[Yes] [No]

'Why don't you mind your business?' I grumbled internally while picking the [Yes] option.

Instantly, a bright flash of light emanated from my System, and I could see the Currency draining from my account.

It felt like my blood was being sucked dry, but I endured.

I had to endure!

'For my reward... for the future!' I sniffed as I watched my remaining 400 Currency sitting in my account.

'T-this is for the best.'

Leveling Up, gaining potential Skills as Wella s Items, and having powerful Minions using <Fallen Foe>... I couldn't pass those up.

"Pleasure doing business with you, Sleepyhead. Now then, I suppose it's time for you to do the honors of killing the monsters."

The time was finally at hand.

I stared at all the opponents before me, and to be honest, they still appeared intimidating despite looking so weak and wretched.

"Need some help? I can damage them some more, you know? Maybe also buff you in the proce—"

"No, I'm fine." I glanced at Lucy Fer, a broad smile coursing through my face.

"If I can't do this much... that would just suck, wouldn't it?" Find your next read on empire

The moment I said this, I noticed pink hues appear on Lucy Fer's face as her eyes widened in slight surprise.

'What the hell? She's blushing?' I pretended not to notice anything and turned my attention to the opponents I had to face.

"Alright, Sleepyhead. Knock 'em out!"

~VWUUUSSHH~

Utilizing the Energy I possessed, I activated my Skills, summoning my Grand Rock while also wielding my dagger.

A fearless formed on my face, as my eyes glowed with the expectation of reward.

There was only one response I could give to Lucy Fer's encouragement.

"With pleasure!"

************

[00 Months: 17 Days: 13 Hours]

"Haa... Haa... I'm finally done."

A bright smile escaped my face as I stared at the vanishing corpse of the final opponent—the dragon.

<You Have Leveled Up>

<You Have Leveled Up>

<You Have Leveled Up>

"Looks like it was all worth it." I couldn't stop grinning.

"Of course, Sleepyhead. It's always great to fight stronger enemies." Lucy Fer approached me, having an equally excited expression on her face.

"Congratulations. You're now Level 65."

I could feel a tingle of excitement as Lucy Fer told me this.

It felt like electricity ran through my body, and I gazed upon my calloused palm with pride.

[STATUS WINDOW]

- Name: Mikey Rael

- Race: Human

- Level: 65

- Life Force: 25/25 (+25)= 50

- Energy Level: 40/40 (+50), (+10), (+25)= 125

- Combat Ability: 31/31 (+100), (+30), (+10) (+25)= 196

- Stat Points: 95

- Currency: 400

- Role: <The Dreamer>

- Authority: <Dream/Nightmare>

- Titles: <Visionary>, <The One Who Saw The End>, <Chosen One>, <Survivor>, <Ranker>, <Prey>, <Spendthrift>, <Rock Master>, <Elementalist>, <Wyvern Slayer>, <Dragon Killer>

- Skills (Exclusive): <Dream>, <Nightmare>, <Visualize>

- Skills (Non-Exclusive): <Turbo>, <Immersion>, <Fallen Foe>, <Grand Teleportation>, <Haven>, <Absolute Appraisal>, <Full Resistance (High)>, <Elevate>, <Gravity Press>, <Carnage>, <Elemental Attribute (Basic)>, <Regeneration>, <Viscosity>, <Truthful Glare>,<Danger Sense>, <Grand Flight>, <Draconic Body>, <Dragon Cry>, <Dragon Eyes>, <Language Comprehension>, <Personal Space+ (Custom)>

- Items Equipped: <Grand Rock>, <Sharp Dagger>, <Upgraded Enchanted Speedo>, <Upgraded Energy Recovery Necklace>, <Concealment Cloak>, <Tower Pass (F1)>, <Navigating Compass>, <Special Watch>, <Elite Adventurer's Wear (Black)>, <Upgraded Enchanted Glove>, <Ring Of Life>

- Alignment: Lawful Evil

[Additional Information]

You can see the future and past by living it. It is a coveted power worthy of desire, but a scary one to possess.

[End Of Information]

"Thanks." I responded.

Killing these thirteen beasts had advanced me 17 Levels higher than my previous state.

It was a great harvest for me.

And, just as I wanted, I was able to harvest all their Essences.

'Resurrecting them with <Fallen Foes> will require a ton of energy, but I'll keep the Essences for now.'

Also, other than their Essences, the vanquished does dropped Items.

For the Wyverns, I recieved;

<Common Wyvern Ore (×12)>

<Common Wyvern Blood (×12)>

<Common Wyvern Bone (×12)>

I was also able to obtain the <Flight> and <Tough Hide> Skills from them.

From the Dragon, I was able to get even more amazing Items and Skills.

<Common Dragon Ore>

<Common Dragon Blood>

<Common Dragon Bone>

<Common Dragon Scales (×3)>

<Common Dragon Wings>

My <Tough Hide> Skill also evolved to the <Draconic Body>, and my <Flight> Skill evolved into <Grand Flight>. I also got the <Dragon Cry> and <Dragon Eye> Skills.

I figured that with the materials I got from the Wyverns and Dragon, I would be able to upgrade my equipment.

'That should make me far stronger than before. This is an amazing steal!'

If I was to use 7,000 Currency in <Shop>, I doubted I would be able to gain so many things at once.

The only reason I could get my hands on so many Skills was because of Lucy Fer

"T-thank you... so much." I bowed my head, sincerely grateful for her help.

I still didn't really know who she was, but... there was no longer any doubt within me.

If there was anyone I could call a reliable Survivor from Earth, it was going to be her.

She was an exception!

"You're welcome, Sleepyhead. Just get stronger, okay?" Tapping my shoulder, she shrugged.

I could tell she was trying to brush this as no big deal, but to me it meant a lot.

I genuinely, sincerely appreciated all of this.

'After losing so much in one day, and finding out most of what I was fighting for is useless... having this really does a lot for me.'

There was also the fact that my heart was racing rapidly when I was with her.

Lucy Fer truly was a beauty. She also smelled really nice. I felt like I was lost in her charms just staring at her.

"By the way, Sleepyhead... how do you feel now? Are you okay?"

Her question caught me.off-guard. What did she mean by that?

"I-I don't—"

"I mean, this place got destroyed, and I'm sure you had some sort of attachment to it, right? You've lost a lot, and it's all that idiot Francis' fault. How do you feel?"

Ah, so that was what she meant.

'So she knows Francis, huh? Why am I not surprised. They're both Rankers who rank close to each other. She's also very knowledgeable about a lot of things, so she should know about The Alliance as well.'

The fact that she was helping me meant she wasn't a member, though.

I wondered why she was asking me all of this now. Did she really care about how I was feeling?

But why? I truly couldn't comprehend the reason behind her interest.

"I... strangely I feel fine. My head is clear, and I think I've gotten my closure. I was very upset before, but now... I understand that I can't stay stuck on grief. Instead, I have to focus on what it is I have to do." I chose to be honest.

"And what's that?"

I knew I had to be careful with my next statement. If Lucy Fer was at the very least affiliated with Francis, things could end up badly for me.

However, perhaps by blurting out my true thoughts right now, I would be able to determine of Lucy Fer was an enemy or not.

"Killing Francis and bringing down his Alliance."

That was my goal when it came to the malefactors behind this tragedy.

I had made up my mind to do just that.

"I see..."

I watched nervously, waiting to see what kind of reaction Lucy Fer would make in response to my words.

Whose side would she be on?

"Well, good luck with that. I'd prefer it if you simply focus on getting stronger and surviving, but since Francis is stronger than you are, this could and up as a good motivation for you as well."

"Y-you know Francis, right? How strong is he?" I asked, my eyes widening.

If I could get more information from Lucy Fer, that could end up being useful to me.

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[A/N]

Some readers have told me they don't like Lucy Fer, and to them I say... Y'all should have better tastes!

Thanks for reading.

Cheers!