CHAPTER 66: CORVIN’S FIRST MEAL

He carefully removed the ring from the Minotaur’s nose, trying not to think about the hygiene implications as he slipped it into his system storage. The ring vanished with a soft chime, joining Spiralus’s heart and dragon tail in his growing collection of legendary materials.

Corvin landed beside the corpse with a soft rustle of feathers, his obsidian eyes reflecting the torchlight as he studied their fallen opponent. Through their soul link, Jack could feel the raven’s mixture of respect and predatory satisfaction. The creature understood that they had just defeated something truly formidable.

’Good work up there,’ Jack said, reaching out to stroke Corvin’s neck. ’That coordination was perfect. We make a hell of a team.’

The raven preened under the praise, ruffling his feathers with obvious pride. The bond between them had grown stronger during the battle, their tactical awareness becoming increasingly synchronized.

But as Jack surveyed the devastated chamber, a troubling thought occurred to him. This had been one field boss out of four, and it had pushed them to their limits despite all their recent improvements. The other three would likely be even more dangerous.

’System, any recommendations for dealing with the remaining field bosses?’

[Analysis suggests a strategic approach rather than confrontation. Current power levels are sufficient for individual encounters, but sustained combat against multiple Dread-class enemies could prove problematic.]

[Recommendation: Focus on improving equipment and gathering resources before attempting additional field boss encounters.]

Jack nodded, understanding the wisdom in that advice. He had maxed out his first class and gained valuable combat experience, but he was still fundamentally limited by his equipment and tactical options.

The Lightning Blade was powerful, but it paled in comparison to some of the weapons he’d seen in the God of Death’s shop. And while Corvin was magnificent, having additional bound creatures would provide tactical flexibility that could make the difference between victory and death.

’Time to head home and start planning our next moves,’ Jack decided, looking toward the chamber entrance. ’I need to research those sacred sites and figure out how to visit one without attracting unwanted attention.’

Before Jack could do anything else, Corvin began eating the minotaur’s insides!

’Oh my...’

"Why not tell me next time you’re hungry, Corvin?"

’System, why do you hide the important details from me all the time?’

[It’s common knowledge that Carrion Ravens eat the innards of dead animals. I didn’t think I had to tell you.]

Jack sat down against the wall and went through his system while Corvin devoured the dead animals’ innards.

[Status Update.]

Jack Kaiser: Level 18 (19,700/27,500)

Class: Lightning Mage Rank 10 (MAX)]

Strength: 28 (+30)

Stamina: 38 (+25)

Agility: 28 (+25)

Vitality: 38 (+25)

Endurance: 18 (+30)

Magic: 86 (+40)

Mana: 300

HP: 600

Skill Points: 115

Stat Points: 66

Reputation Points: 100,027

Magic Talent Rank: S

Martial Talent Rank: S

Affinity: Lightning

Blessings: Draven’s Pendant

Title: Dragon Slayer, Soul Warden

Corvin finished his meal, blood covered his beak and his feathers. Jack stood up and approached the mighty raven.

Jack climbed back onto Corvin’s broad back, settling between the powerful wings as the raven prepared for flight. The chamber had served its purpose, providing both challenge and reward while demonstrating how much he still needed to improve.

As they soared through the labyrinth’s passages toward the exit, Jack’s mind was already turning to the larger questions facing him. Draven’s desire for communion, the growing threat of dungeon overflow, and the political complications of his enhanced abilities.

Each problem was connected to the others, forming a web of challenges that would require all his newfound power and cunning to navigate successfully.

The dungeon exit appeared ahead, its familiar archway promising return to the mortal realm and the complications waiting there. But as they passed through, Jack couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss.

"WHOOSH!"

Corvin’s wings carried them out of the labyrinth before shifting back to its small body seamlessly.

--

The teleportation crystal hummed with barely contained energy as Jack and Corvin materialized in the familiar chamber beneath the Kaiser mansion. The sensation of dimensional travel was becoming routine, though no less disorienting for its frequency.

The small black bird settled onto Jack’s shoulder with a soft rustle of feathers, his glowing eyes the only indication of his true nature. To any casual observer, he would appear to be nothing more than an unusually well-trained pet.

’Good thinking,’ Jack said through their soul link, feeling the creature’s smug satisfaction at his own tactical awareness. ’No need to attract unnecessary attention until we’re ready for it.’

The estate’s corridors felt almost alien after the raw violence of the labyrinth. The transition from life-or-death combat to luxurious domesticity was jarring in its completeness.

Servants bowed respectfully as Jack made his way through the halls, their faces showing the particular combination of reverence and concern that had become common since his return from the capital.

Word of his political maneuvering with King Eric had spread throughout the household, enhancing his reputation among those who served the family.

Not everyone knew the truth, and the lie was that Jack had convinced the king to let him walk free.

But it was the exhaustion that hit him most forcefully. The adrenaline of combat was fading, leaving behind bone-deep weariness that made each step feel like he was walking through thick mud.

Maxing out his Lightning Mage class had been exhilarating, but the power surge came with a corresponding crash as his body struggled to process the sudden enhancement.

’I need rest,’ Jack realized, his eyelids growing heavy despite the afternoon light streaming through crystal windows. ’And time to think about everything that’s happened.’

His chambers welcomed him like a sanctuary, the familiar furniture and decorations providing a sense of stability after the chaos of dungeon combat. Jack collapsed onto his bed without bothering to remove his armor, Corvin hopping down to perch on the headboard with obvious concern.

--

The morning sun painted Jack’s chambers in shades of gold and crimson, its warm light filtering through crystal windows to dance across walls lined with books.

Jack woke slowly, his body protesting every movement as muscles that had been pushed beyond their limits reminded him of yesterday’s exertions.

His ribs ached where the Minotaur’s massive fist had connected, and his back was a map of bruises from his impact with the stone rubble.

His HP had regenerated from his passive skill, but the effects of being hit didn’t repair itself.

’At least I’m alive,’ he thought wryly, sitting up with careful movements that didn’t aggravate his injuries. ’And stronger than I was yesterday.’

Corvin stirred on his perch, the small raven’s obsidian eyes reflecting the morning light like tiny stars.

’Morning, partner,’ Jack said softly, extending his hand for the raven to hop onto. ’Sleep well?’

The response came not in words but in pure emotion. Contentment, loyalty, and an eager anticipation for whatever challenges the day might bring.

A soft knock at the chamber door interrupted his morning routine. Jack quickly gestured for Corvin to resume his perch on the headboard before calling out permission to enter.

Seraphina stepped into the room with her usual efficient grace, carrying a tray laden with what appeared to be a particularly elaborate breakfast.

The aroma that rose from the covered dishes made Jack’s stomach clench with sudden hunger, reminding him that he hadn’t eaten since before the dungeon expedition.

"Good morning, Young Master," Seraphina said with a respectful curtsy. "Your father requests your presence in the training grounds at your earliest convenience. He mentioned that today would be an important day for your continued education."

Jack felt his pulse quicken with anticipation. His father had promised new training opportunities, mentors who could help him develop the skills necessary for the freedom he desired. The formal tone of the message suggested something significant was waiting for him.

"Thank you, Seraphina," Jack said, accepting the tray with grateful hands. "Did he mention anything specific about what kind of training we’d be focusing on?"

"Only that you would be meeting someone whose expertise would prove invaluable for your future endeavors," Seraphina replied diplomatically. "He seemed quite pleased with the arrangement, though I detected a note of... amusement in his manner."

The hesitation in her voice made Jack pause mid-bite. Seraphina knew his father well enough to read the subtle signs of Duke Alaric’s moods, and ’amusement’ could mean anything from genuine pleasure to the darkly sardonic humor that emerged when he was orchestrating something particularly clever or dangerous.

"Amusement," Jack repeated thoughtfully, chewing on bread that tasted of honey and fresh herbs. "That’s either very good news or very bad news."

"Indeed, Young Master. Your father’s sense of humor has always been... distinctive."

Jack finished his breakfast quickly, his mind already turning to the possibilities awaiting him in the training grounds. The food was excellent as always, but his appetite was overcome by curiosity about what his father had planned.

Fresh training clothes had been laid out for him, simple but well-made garments that would allow for unrestricted movement during whatever exercises awaited.

Corvin maintained his position on the headboard, but Jack could feel the creature’s readiness to accompany him wherever the day’s activities might lead. The raven’s loyalty was absolute, his commitment to their partnership unwavering, despite having known Jack for only a short time.

’Ready for whatever comes next?’ Jack asked through their bond as he prepared to leave.

The response was immediate and confident. Corvin was ready for anything.

But it was the training grounds themselves that truly caught his attention as he approached. The familiar courtyard had been expanded and enhanced, with new equipment racks displaying weapons and armor that gleamed with obvious quality. Practice dummies lined one wall, their surfaces scarred from repeated use.

His father stood near the center of the space, but he wasn’t alone.

Alaric Kaiser cut an imposing figure even in simple training clothes, his presence commanding attention through sheer force of personality. Dark mana leaked from his form in visible tendrils, making the air around him thick and oppressive.

His golden eyes tracked Jack’s approach with obvious satisfaction.

But it was his companion that made Jack’s steps falter, his confident stride breaking as recognition crashed over him like a cold wave.

’No,’ Jack thought, his stomach dropping toward his boots. ’Please tell me that’s not who I think it is.’