CHAPTER 153: CHAPTER153-THE SECOND GOD DEVOTEE

In a forgotten corner of Castle Mington, far from the bustling attention of the world, Mejir and a group of his former classmates had formed a small party. They were currently locked in a fierce battle against a Level 40 field boss, doing everything in their power to bring the monster down.

Compared to the now legendary Daniel, who had become a household name across the continent, these once-promising students had faded into obscurity. Their fame and glory belonged to the past; now, they were among the most overlooked individuals in the world. Forgotten by history. Overshadowed by destiny.

"Everyone, I know it’s been tough. You’ve really worked hard," Mejir said with a grateful nod.

"What’s so hard about it?" one teammate replied with a smile. "We’re cooperating, after all."

"At the pace we’re moving, it won’t be long before we complete the Star Upgrade Quest," another chimed in. "Three days at most."

"Hey, why don’t we take a photo together?" someone suggested. "This is our first time taking down a field boss. It’s worth commemorating."

"Great idea! It’s a milestone in our lives. We should definitely post it to our feed and celebrate."

Excited laughter followed as they gathered to snap a photo. They were just preparing to upload it to their social circles when something caught their attention on the communications network. A post had suddenly rocketed to the top of the trending list. Following it, dozens—no, hundreds—of similar posts flooded in, all centered on one name:

Daniel.

"According to the latest reports, the toxic mists in Misty Valley have dissipated. It appears that the silver-rank world boss has been defeated!"

"Breaking news! Prince Daniel has successfully slain a silver-rank world boss!"

"I’ve got exclusive footage! Prince Daniel engaged in an epic battle with an unknown, powerful being. See the video for yourself!"

Each post sparked a tidal wave of comments and shares.

Among the elven community, many warriors who had witnessed the battle firsthand had recorded the fight. These videos, unrestricted by any censorship, spread like wildfire across the communication networks. In under a minute, the views surpassed one hundred million.

The entire world’s network exploded in an instant.

And the human race—well, they were now in an outright frenzy.

As they watched the jaw-dropping footage, viewers couldn’t help but feel a mixture of awe and terror. The sheer power and spectacle of the battle left them breathless—but at the same time, their blood boiled with excitement.

"His speed is beyond comprehension! It’s practically defying the laws of nature!"

"And that orc woman—who is she? Why is she so ridiculously strong?"

"Daniel didn’t eliminate her on the spot... that has to mean she’s incredibly powerful."

"No way... are people really this different? I slowed the footage down to one-thousandth speed and still couldn’t make out their movements!"

"Someone tell me—what’s that blinding rain of light? What skill is that? It’s too awesome!"

"Wait a second. Where did the boss’s HP bar go? It just vanished!"

"I’ve been to the Mist Mountains before. The mist there is deadly toxic. It drains eight hundred million HP per second from any awakener."

"Yeah, I’ve heard of that too. You need specially formulated anti-toxin potions just to survive for even a second. Otherwise, you’re dead on entry."

"Has anyone remembered something important? The Human Emperor once said that slaying seven silver-rank world bosses would allow our race to break through the level cap!"

In truth, this information wasn’t classified. The connection between defeating silver-rank bosses and lifting the level cap had always been known. But it was simply too difficult to achieve, so most people had given up even discussing it.

Especially after the last great Apocalypse, which had nearly wiped out humanity a thousand years ago. Back then, the humans had joined forces with the gnome race to defeat a single silver-rank world boss.

The cost was devastating.

That single battle drained the human race to the brink of collapse, taking two full centuries just to recover.

So the idea of killing seven silver-rank world bosses? It was a fantasy. An impossible dream.

Until now.

The revelation of Daniel’s achievement jolted the human collective memory back to life.

"Wait, it’s true! Defeating seven silver-rank bosses will raise our racial skill ceiling!"

"Is anyone sure about this? We need a real expert here."

"I’ve checked the ancient archives—this is indeed confirmed lore."

"Me too. I cross-referenced with the Chronicle of Old Realms. It’s legit."

With confirmation pouring in, another wave of shock and exhilaration surged through the network.

"Do you think we might actually see this happen? Daniel, all by himself, fulfilling the requirement to unlock the level cap?"

"No way. He’s strong, but not stronger than the Human Emperor, right?"

"I disagree. I think he can do it. Don’t forget—just yesterday, Daniel was a complete nobody!"

"Exactly! In less than a day, he’s broken records, defied expectations, and performed miracles!"

"I believe in him. Prince Daniel will make it happen!"

As Mejir stared at the flood of messages and fanfare, his finger hovered midair above the "post" button. His expression froze.

In this kind of atmosphere... was there even a point to sharing their little group photo?

If he really posted it now, wouldn’t he just become a laughingstock?

They were all from the same graduating class. How could the difference between them be so vast?

Daniel had just taken down a silver-rank world boss.

And here he was, feeling proud over a simple field boss.

There was nothing worth bragging about.

Forget it.

Why bother embarrassing myself?

...

At Winterhold Castle, the Human Emperor had just finished watching the same footage. A quiet smile crept across his face, full of pride, yet tinged with helplessness.

"Daniel... You truly are the hope of the human race. I knew I wasn’t wrong about you."

"You must grow stronger—quickly. Only then can you stand beside me and help save our people."

"But... you’re already this powerful?"

"You defeated a silver-rank world boss alone!"

Even the Human Emperor himself wasn’t entirely sure he could manage that feat solo.

For the first time, he began to wonder: Was Daniel already stronger than him?

Would he... be the one left behind?

...

[Charles][Race: Demon Clan][Level: 200][Faith: Luck Goddess][Title: Second Devotee of the Luck Goddess]

In the depths of the abyss, Daniel looked at Charles’s status panel. A flicker of surprise crossed his face.

He never imagined that he would encounter another devotee of a god—especially here, in the abyss.

Normally, meeting a god devotee was an extremely rare occurrence. Most people went their entire lives without seeing one.

But within just an hour, he had met two: Ally, and now Charles.

He couldn’t help but wonder—was this a stroke of good luck?

Or the beginning of something far more ominous?