Chapter 666: Special Mission

After returning to Sivagadh Fortress, Clyde and Mina went through the usual process of reporting their mission to the Council. They submitted the details of the Ruin, the monsters they encountered, and the Demon artifact they had recovered.

The receptionist accepted the report without much trouble, and their contribution points were transferred to their records soon after.

Once everything was finished, they stepped back outside into the familiar streets of Sivagadh.

"I’m going back to the training grounds," Mina said while stretching her arms and rolling her shoulders.

Clyde glanced at her. "You’re not tired?"

"I am." She said with a smile. "That’s why I need to train more."

Clyde sighed. "You really don’t know when to stop now."

"Not until I get stronger."

There was a determination in her voice that Clyde recognized well. He nodded.

"Fine. I’ll go back to my quarters."

Mina looked at him. "What about dinner?"

"We can eat together later."

Her expression immediately brightened. "Really?"

"Sure."

Mina smiled happily. "Then I’ll see you tonight."

She waved before turning around and walking toward the training grounds.

Clyde watched her disappear into the crowd before heading in the opposite direction.

When he reached his living quarters, he immediately removed his equipment and headed for the washroom. The mission had left dirt, sweat, monster blood, across his body and clothes.

Warm water ran over him as he washed away the grime. Once he finished, Clyde changed into clean clothes and sat on the floor of his room.

He crossed his legs and closed his eyes and a few seconds later meditation came naturally to him. His consciousness sank in, past his physical body and into the deeper layers of his soul.

The first thing he examined was the power of the Ancient One. Clyde carefully traced the faint presence within him.

It was still very small. Even after absorbing the energy from the Demon artifact, the amount of Ancient One power inside him remained insignificant compared to the vast strength he remembered from his previous life. But it was still more than before. That was enough for now.

Clyde then examined the Demonic energy he had absorbed.

There was a considerable amount circulating through his body. It gathered within his core and slowly merged with the energy already present there.

For an ordinary person possessing this much Demonic energy would have been disastrous. Their body would reject it, their mind would deteriorate, their flesh could twist and mutate until nothing remained of the person they once were. Eventually, they would become a monster.

Clyde had no such problem. His body could accommodate powers that would destroy ordinary beings from Demonic energy, Angel energy, and the power of Gods.

He had absorbed all three in his previous life and survived. His current body was weaker than the one he once possessed but the foundation remained.

Clyde opened his eyes. His tolerance for foreign energy remained abnormal. That was one of the few advantages he could rely on.

He spent some time considering his next move. There was no complicated plan yet.

For now, he just needs to accept more missions, gather resources, absorb more power, strengthen his body, and maybe gather information about the higher realm. Slowly prepare himself for the day he could challenge the Higher Beings again.

Clyde knew he could not rush this time.

—

That evening, Clyde met Mina for dinner. They found a quiet place away from the busiest streets and sat together with several dishes spread across the table.

Mina talked about her training while Clyde listened, occasionally commenting on her progress.

The atmosphere felt familiar. They had known each other long before the Selection Stage. Even though Clyde now lived inside Jack’s body, the connection he felt toward Mina remained genuine.

Jack had been her friend, but Clyde also carried memories and experiences that made her feel familiar in a way he could not easily explain.

For Mina, nothing seemed strange. She simply saw the person she trusted sitting across from her.

They ate, talked, and laughed together like they had done before everything changed. Clyde almost forgot about the Higher Beings, the Ruins, the Ancient One, and the endless struggle waiting ahead. Almost.

—

Several days passed. Clyde continued taking missions and training whenever he had time.

Then Samuel came looking for him. Clyde found him waiting outside his quarters.

Samuel crossed his arms.

"I have a mission," Samuel said.

"What kind of mission?" Clyde asked.

"A special one." Samuel’s expression became more serious. "It came directly from the Council. They didn’t give us many details yet, but the difficulty looks high."

Clyde studied him. "And you want me to come?"

"Yes." Samuel paused before adding, "I could use your help."

Clyde considered it for a moment. "Fine. I’ll join."

Samuel smiled. "I knew you wouldn’t refuse."

"I didn’t say I would do it for free."

Samuel laughed. "Don’t worry. The reward should be worth it."

Clyde nodded. "There’s one more person I want to bring."

"Mina?"

"Yeah."

Samuel immediately agreed.

"I expected that. I’ve seen her fight these past few days. She’s improved quickly, and she’s capable enough to join us."

Clyde gave a small nod. "Then we’re settled."

—

A few days later, the group gathered at the main square of Sivagadh Fortress.

The massive portal stood at the center of the square, surrounded by fighters preparing for their own missions. Magical energy flowed through the structure, producing a low hum that filled the surrounding streets.

Samuel stood with his team. Leyan carried his bow across his back, Maira checked the blades at her waist, Don stood beside his shield, and Arven quietly inspected his equipment.

Mina stood nearby in her armor, both daggers secured at her sides.

Clyde arrived shortly afterward.

Samuel looked toward him and nodded. "Everyone’s here."

Clyde glanced at the group, then at the portal. This mission had clearly drawn more attention than their usual assignments.

Clyde’s expression remained calm, another Ruin means another opportunity to grow stronger, and perhaps another piece of the puzzle he had been searching for.

—