Standing atop a small hill, Ryan gazed up at the crystal-clear blue sky—a sight he'd never seen in his previous life. But now, this beauty left him numb.

  Lucas Reed had died under this same bright sky. Ron Dalton had also perished beneath it. Who would be next?

  As Ryan pondered this grim reality, a sudden sense of danger surged within him. Though subtle, the malicious intent was unmistakable.

  Instinctively, Ryan drew his blade.

  He unleashed "Tiger Leaps Through the Heavens"—a swift and powerful stroke from the Five Tigers Blade Technique. Almost simultaneously, a spear thrust flashed toward him, aiming for his blind spot.

  The spear attack was incredibly swift, yet thanks to Ryan's newly mastered Clock of Time, he already foresaw the strike clearly. Not only had the attack lost its initial advantage—Ryan even seized the opportunity to counterattack.

  Realizing his ambush had failed, the attacker hastily rolled aside, narrowly evading Ryan's deadly blade strike.

  Without the Clock of Time, Ryan would likely have focused on defense first, giving the attacker a chance to escape or regroup. But now, thanks to his new skill, the attacker's movements appeared slowed and predictable.

  "Don't move!" Ryan ordered coldly, pressing his blade against the man's neck just as he attempted to rise.

  "Ryan! Stop!" Captain Harris shouted urgently, rushing forward. Harris was genuinely panicked—if Ryan killed Deputy Captain Samuel Jones by accident, things would become disastrous.

  Seeing Harris approaching, Ryan realized this wasn't a genuine assassination attempt. Still, he didn't lower his blade until Overseer Marcus and the others arrived.

  Finally relaxing, Ryan stepped back and nodded politely. "Deputy Captain Samuel, my apologies!"

  Samuel Jones removed the dark cloth covering his face and laughed heartily, clearly impressed. "I planned to test how long you'd last against me. Didn't expect you'd defeat me in just one strike!"

  Samuel Jones was known as the strongest among the Deputy Captains, yet Ryan had effortlessly defeated him—the feeling was incredibly satisfying.

  "Haha, see that? Didn't I tell you all?" Old Shen laughed triumphantly, hobbling forward excitedly. "You doubted my 'Clock of Time,' yet Ryan mastered it effortlessly! Now you've witnessed its true power!"

  Old Shen had spent years quietly enduring ridicule and doubt about his unique technique. Now, Ryan's swift victory over Samuel vindicated him entirely.

  "Marcus, even you—the Overseer—might not defeat Ryan easily now!" Old Shen added gleefully.

  Marcus flushed slightly, embarrassed by Old Shen's blunt praise of Ryan at his expense. Quickly changing the subject, Marcus spoke seriously to Ryan:

  "Ryan, this was just a test of your abilities. We have an important matter to discuss."

  Returning to the settlement's cultivation chamber, Marcus carefully explained the situation regarding the Gray Mist Blood Bat.

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  "Ryan, our options are limited," Marcus admitted gravely. "We need you to immobilize the bat midair for ten seconds. I know it's incredibly dangerous, but it's our only chance. Our settlement cannot survive another relocation."

  Fighting the Gray Mist Blood Bat head-on?

  Ryan felt a burning desire for revenge against the creature responsible for Ron's death. Thanks to the Clock of Time, he was confident he could handle the bat's incredible speed. And with his own Toxic Mist Bloodline, the bat's poison posed little threat.

  He wasn't foolish enough to sacrifice himself blindly, but if his actions could save countless innocent lives and spare families from the horrors of migration, he was willing to take the risk. Still, watching Marcus's hopeful expression, Ryan suddenly saw a golden opportunity—one he couldn't pass up.

  Beast crystals were scarce in the settlement, but now was a perfect chance to obtain some valuable resources.

  "Overseer, entrusting me with such a crucial task... I'm feeling immense pressure," Ryan said solemnly, pretending reluctance. "After all, I'm just a kid!"

  Marcus looked embarrassed, and Samuel Jones's expression darkened further. This brat had just defeated him effortlessly—yet now he dared claim to be "just a kid"? Wasn't this blatant mockery?

  "Brat, only you know the Clock of Time!" Old Shen scolded impatiently. "If you refuse, we'll have no choice but to migrate. Do you realize how many people would die?"

  Ryan sighed dramatically. "If heaven entrusts me with great duty, at least feed me first. Such a dangerous task—what if I die? Who would care for my poor father?"

  He rubbed two fingers together suggestively, making the universal gesture for money.

  Old Shen misunderstood immediately. "You brat! You're seriously demanding women at a time like this? How shameless!" Shen shouted indignantly.

  Marcus exchanged glances with Harris, quickly responding, "Captain Harris, hurry—summon Tiger Girl immediately!"

  Ryan nearly choked in horror, waving his hands frantically. "Wait, wait! You've misunderstood! I'm not asking for women! I meant compensation—beast crystals! If I die, my dad will be left all alone. I just want some payment!"

  Old Shen blinked, realization dawning. "Oh! You're trying to support your father! Good lad—filial piety is admirable. But beast crystals won't help you much right now, will they?"

  Ryan rubbed his hands sheepishly. "I'm not one to work for free. The more beast crystals you give, the harder I'll fight!"

  Marcus shook his head, laughing helplessly. "You're determined to squeeze money out of us even if it kills you, aren't you? Fine. Victor, check our warehouse. Bring every beast crystal we have for Ryan."

  Victor Shaw returned shortly, looking unhappy. "We only have twenty-three Level-1 beast crystals left in storage. It's been a lean year."

  Only twenty-three Level-1 crystals? Ryan inwardly sighed—barely enough for just one Level-2 Skill-Stealing Card. The settlement was truly impoverished.

  Seeing Ryan's disappointed expression, Marcus sighed, pulling out a crystal from his own pocket. "Here—take this Level-2 beast crystal as well."

  Ryan's eyes instantly lit up, and he smiled brilliantly. A Level-2 crystal was far more valuable!

  Victor Shaw was about to protest Marcus giving away his personal crystal when he noticed Ryan eagerly eyeing him next, clearly hoping he'd contribute too.

  "I—I..." Victor stammered awkwardly.

  "Deputy Overseer Victor, you're planning to motivate me as well? How generous!" Ryan grinned shamelessly. "Since you insist, I'll accept graciously!"

  Victor was speechless. How could this brat be so greedy and shameless?

  Finally, Victor sighed reluctantly. "Fine. I have five Level-1 beast crystals. They're yours."

  Ryan's smile widened further as he gratefully accepted. "Thank you all for supporting my humble wish!"

  Though they viewed him disdainfully, Ryan didn't care. Each beast crystal represented valuable energy, more Skill-Stealing Cards, and ultimately, greater survival chances.

  Old Shen chuckled approvingly. Though Victor and Marcus felt annoyed, Shen admired Ryan's honest greed. Facing certain danger, wasn't it natural to expect some reward? Better to be useful—even if slightly cunning—than completely useless.

  "Elder Shen, shouldn't you motivate me too?" Ryan asked mischievously.

  "Get lost, brat!" Old Shen pretended anger, waving his cane threateningly. "Trying to extort me now? You've got nerve!"

  Everyone laughed, tension easing slightly. Despite the gravity of their situation, Ryan's playful greed had momentarily lifted their spirits—something desperately needed before the coming battle.