The marsh was infamous for its venomous creatures and treacherous terrain. Even elite Bloodline Warriors usually avoided entering. No amount of Golden Bell Iron Body mastery could guarantee survival in this place.
Legend spoke of Spirit General-level serpents lurking in the depths—massive pythons capable of devouring anything in their path with a single strike.
In past expeditions, entry into Dreamsworn Marsh was done in teams. But this time, to find the Cherryfall Fruit quickly, each warrior had to enter alone.
Smoke signals could be used for emergencies—but whether help would arrive in time, or at all, was uncertain.
Everything now centered on speed.
"Ryan," Marcus said with a heavy expression, "the Third Guardian has ordered everyone to cover a section. We must search the entire marsh by day’s end. I won’t be able to watch your back, so stay sharp. Survive—no matter what."
Ryan nodded. "Don't worry. Dying's not my style. You take care too."
Cenric and Shen Lang stood nearby, needing no reminders. With similar strength and experience, there wasn’t much to say between them.
"Marcus, stop mothering him," Cenric said gruffly. "Ryan’s stronger than you, and his sector is safer. You're fussing like a nanny."
"Kid, your zone likely doesn’t have the fruit. Take your time. If something’s beyond your ability, retreat immediately. Risking your life is our job."
"You three are close—look after Marcus."
"Count on it."
Already, warriors were vanishing into the reeds. Though hundreds had assembled, they barely made a dent in the vast swamp.
"Do you think they’ll succeed?" a black-clad warrior near the Third Guardian asked nervously.
"They must," the Guardian answered firmly. "Each King is essential to our survival. We cannot lose even one."
With that, the Guardian leapt into the air and shot toward the marsh.
"Sir! You should stay back for coordination!" his guards called out, alarmed.
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"Coordination? That’s pointless now," the Guardian replied. "The human race can survive without me. But without our Kings? We’re done."
"You’re Bloodline Warriors too—scatter and search!"
"Yes, sir!" the guards saluted, then disappeared into the tall reeds.
The Guardian watched them go, eyes clouded. He knew many of his loyal followers wouldn’t return.
But he had no other choice.
Ryan, unaware of the farewell, was already deep within the marsh. For a Bloodline Warrior, moving through mud and reeds wasn’t hard. The danger lay in the hidden lifeforms.
Through his Clock of Time, Ryan detected a dozen potential threats nearby—most minor, unable to pierce his Golden Bell defenses.
But one stood out: a thin, hair-like worm concealed in the muck.
Marcus had once warned him about this species—Steel Thread Worms. Thin as wires, but sharp enough to cut steel when they coiled.
Swords were useless against them.
The moment Ryan spotted one via the Clock of Time, he retreated. But an idea formed—what if he could steal the creature’s ability? That body was practically indestructible.
He activated a Level 1 Skill-Stealing Card.
Failure.
"Seriously? A terrible start!" Ryan grumbled. "At least give me a lucky roll!"
Undeterred, he used a second card.
This time, success: three red skill cards appeared.
His excitement vanished upon reading the chosen skill: Resonance.
"Resonance?! What the hell is that? I wanted Iron Body, not...whatever this is."
Still, the skill merged with his body. He’d try again.
Another card. Another failure.
Steel Thread Worm: 2, Ryan: 0.
"Is it because I have too many skills?" he muttered.
Only two Level 1 cards remained, and he hesitated. But the chance was too good.
One final try.
Success!
As the Iron Body skill settled into his body, Ryan felt his skin tighten and his bones ache—as though molten metal were threading through his limbs.
Energy: 634
Stamina: 175/178
Strength: 162/163
Spirit: 24/24
Skills:
-
Golden Bell Iron Body Technique Lv.8
-
Five Tigers Blade Technique Lv.6
-
Thousand-Mile Leap (Minor Mastery)
-
Mystic Unity Blood Essence Technique Lv.5
-
Clock of Time (Basic)
Bloodline: Toxic Flame Bloodline (Intermediate)
He stared at the new stats in disbelief. The Iron Body skill had propelled his Golden Bell technique straight to Lv.8.
Golden Bell, Iron Shirt, and Steel Body were foundational survival arts in the Settlement. Most people learned at least one. Even without effort, Bloodline evolution could raise them to Lv.3 or Lv.4.
But from Lv.5 onward, progress became brutal.
Few pursued it past Lv.6, favoring other techniques.
But now he had Lv.8.
As he marveled, the Steel Thread Worm struck.
Ryan was caught off guard. Reflexively, he lashed out, reaching for it.
His entire body surged with strength. He even grew three inches taller, his body swelling slightly. His outstretched hand glowed faintly gold.
The worm’s body hit his palm, and he braced for pain.
But instead of a gash, his skin bore only a faint white line.
The worm thrashed violently, but Ryan had it in his grip.
"I’ll spare you this time, you little monster," he muttered, marveling at his newfound strength.
He released it. There were plenty more worms in the marsh.
But as he let it go, one lingering question returned to his mind:
What exactly is Resonance?