Awakened Talent: 10,000 Exp Converter!

So, it was him after all… Clauny thought.

She felt that, by now, nothing Vincent did should surprise her anymore. Everything he had accomplished so far was beyond ordinary.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Vincent called out to her.

"Let's go."

Clauny hesitated briefly, her gaze warily shifting toward the Crimson-Winged Condor. After a moment, she accepted Vincent's outstretched hand.

With a single, powerful flap of Goldie's wings, they shot into the sky.

At the Hyena Gang Manor

Inside his newly furnished office, Lizno, a Lizardman of the Lyard Race, sat comfortably. He was clad in the rare items Vincent had entrusted to him, their craftsmanship and power making his presence all the more imposing.

Before him stood a figure clad in a black hooded robe, their features completely concealed.

"How's the mission I assigned to you?" Lizno asked, his reptilian eyes narrowing.

"I have completed it according to your orders," the hooded figure replied in a monotone voice.

Lizno nodded in satisfaction.

Since receiving Vincent's orders, he had been working tirelessly, recruiting Origin Warriors that met his young master's exact specifications. The progress was steady, and things were falling into place.

At that moment, the hooded figure spoke again.

"Sir Lizno, when can we meet our Guild Master?"

Lizno smirked, tapping his claws against the desk. "Hmm… Soon. You'll all meet him soon."

Before he could elaborate, hurried footsteps echoed outside the office. The next second—

Bang!

The doors burst open as a man with the distinct features of a Hyena stormed in, his breathing ragged, his expression frantic.

"Excuse my sudden intrusion, Sir Lizno, but we have a situation! Our scouts spotted two winged Primals heading straight for us! Based on their size and aura, they're estimated to be… Tier 3!"

Lizno's eyes widened.

Tier 3?!

This was bad—disastrous, even. He had only just begun fortifying their hideout. If something happened now, how would he face Vincent?

Without hesitation, he barked, "Gather everyone! Prepare for battle!"

"Yes, sir!"

Approaching the Manor

From the skies, Vincent and Clauny finally spotted the enormous manor below, surrounded by towering eight-meter-high earth walls.

Clauny's eyes flickered with curiosity. Vincent, on the other hand, raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.

His gaze sharpened when he noticed a force of at least fifty people stationed atop the walls, with another fifty warriors standing guard at the main gate.

They were on high alert—some visibly trembling.

Vincent's lips curled slightly. Interesting.

Sensing his intent, Goldie adjusted its trajectory, hovering above the fortified compound.

He had named this Crimson-Winged Condor Goldie due to the striking golden feather on its head. The other condor, with its vibrant blue feather, was named Azu.

As they hovered, a muscular man with copper-toned skin stepped forward from the gathered warriors. He was an Almaurian, clad in heavy armor. His voice, though steady, carried a hint of unease.

"T-This is our guild's territory! Please show some respect! If you have an appointment with our guild, state your name!"

He stammered slightly but managed to get the words out.

Due to the height difference and the sunlight obscuring their view, they couldn't clearly see Vincent's face.

Clauny glanced at Vincent, waiting for his response.

But Vincent remained silent.

The air grew thick with tension. The longer he stayed quiet, the more unease spread among the guards.

"Sir, if you have no business here, please leave!" the same man, Aldo, urged.

Yet, even as he spoke, his eyes darted behind him—searching, desperate.

Where the hell is Sir Lizno?! he cursed internally. I can't handle this! Those are fucking Crimson-Winged Condors!

He had never signed up for this kind of madness.

But Vincent still said nothing.

Aldo could only pray that the intimidating figures above would turn and leave.

Just when he was about to speak again, the figure on the condor finally uttered a single phrase—

"Where's Lizno?"

Aldo's brows furrowed.

So this guy knows Sir Lizno…

But he didn't lower his guard.

Calming himself, he responded, "If you have business with Sir Lizno, state your name so we can report it."

The response was immediate.

"Tell him to welcome me."

Aldo's veins bulge. Welcome you?! Who the hell do you think you are?!

Just as he was about to snap back, a loud, boisterous voice rang out beside him.

"Leader, that guy is definitely Sir Lizno's enemy! His attitude is pissing me off! Let's fight him!"

The source of the voice was a towering, muscle-bound woman with tanned skin, wild fiery hair, and sharp ears.

A Barbarian.

Her name was Barbara, and despite looking mostly human, her race's defining features included slightly protruding fangs and a monstrous level of raw strength.

Aldo felt his sanity slipping.

Fight?

Those are fucking Tier 3 winged Primals! Only a powerhouse could own two! Any one of those condors could kill me in a single strike!

But before he could even try to shut Barbara up, another reckless voice joined in.

"That's right, Leader Aldo! We owe our lives to Sir Lizno! We are ready to die!"

Aldo turned toward the speaker.

It was Warren, a frail-looking Almaurian dressed in a gray hooded robe and thin spectacles.

Aldo's face twitched.

Prepared to die?! Go die on your own! Don't drag me along!

"Haha!" Barbara's hearty laughter filled the air. She turned to Warren, her sharp teeth flashing in amusement.

"I didn't expect that from you, four-eyes! So you have a warrior's spirit! I like you."

Warren's expression darkened.

"Stop calling me four-eyes! And I don't like you!"

"Haha!" Barbara ignored him completely. Then, without warning, she turned her blazing gaze toward the hovering figures above.

Aldo's stomach dropped.

"Hey! You! The man riding the bird!"

Vincent's sharp eyes flickered with curiosity as he turned to her.

A Barbarian…?

Before he could speak, Barbara continued, her voice bold and unwavering.

"Sir Lizno is currently not here…"

Her words trailed off—

Then—

Boom!

The ground beneath her cracked as she exploded into the air, her right arm pulled back, veins bulging.

"So, I'LL be the one to welcome you!"

Her fist rocketed toward Vincent's face like a meteor.

Bang!

A thunderous shockwave erupted across the sky.

"A—Barbara!" Aldo choked out.

The grin on Barbara's face twisted into pure shock.

Her massive fist—her full-force punch—

Had been effortlessly caught.

Vincent's fingers enclosed around her knuckles like a vice.

The air fell deathly silent.