Behind the academy, a figure was staring into the darkness. This part of the academy was hardly frequented, and most people would think this student was just another person who was simply daydreaming. But in reality, something much more was going on.
From the darkness, a voice whispered: "You're late."
The figure smirked faintly and tilted their head as they responded: "I had to keep appearances. The academy security is becoming more annoying these days."
"Did you find it?" the unseen voice asked.
"The perfect distraction? Oh, yes." the figure chuckled.
"Just make sure you're ready when the signal comes. I'll handle the rest."
The voice faded into the mist. The figure exhaled slowly, and after a quick glance to make sure nobody was watching and a brief stretch, they turned on their heels and left.
Inside Room 200, the special class dormitory.
Nox was staring at the space that was twisting in front of him. He needed to test out his new subclass, increase his experience points, and more importantly, empower his beast.
'To do that, I have to go somewhere I can go all out without worrying about anything.'
Unfortunately, he couldn't do this in the dimension at the back of the academy. That would not only draw too much attention to himself but also reveal all his trump cards.
The best approach was going somewhere that he was not known.
As he came out of his thoughts, Nox was met with the sight of a familiar blue portal, which was crackling with power and casting shadows on the nearby walls.
With deep breaths, Nox approached the portal. It sucked him in, and then he was gone. The portal didn't immediately disappear—it lingered a little while longer.
"Hey, Nox, are you there?" A series of knocks pounded against the door of the room; the voice belonged to Blake. After receiving no response, he left. After all, the door was locked, and even if he wanted to, he couldn't step in as it was reinforced with powerful enchantments.
Meanwhile… Far across dimensions.
Nox stepped through a shimmering portal. His boots struck solid ground, but instead of the battlefield filled with magical beasts that he'd anticipated, the scenery was… surreal.
A golden sun loomed high above, flooding the land with perpetual daylight. Towering trees, their trunks wide as fortresses, stretched into the sky. The air was filled with energy, and piercing bestial roars echoed, but it wasn't the beasts that stunned him.
No, it was the people.
Nox froze, eyes narrowing as he scanned the clearing ahead. Tall—no, towering—women moved like apex predators. Their bodies were packed with muscles, rippling under well-crafted white armor stained with blood and sweat. Their faces were concealed by white winged helmets with gleaming visors.
Weapons larger than Nox himself rested casually on their shoulders, and their piercing gazes could make one's knees tremble in dread.
One armored woman tore through the chest of a giant beast with her bare hands, letting out a guttural roar of triumph. Another sprinted like a gale, swinging a double-headed axe.
The attack severed a mammoth's leg clean off.
Nox blinked as he stared around. All around him, he could only see women—powerfully built women. While some had helmets on, a few revealed their delicate faces with high cheekbones and a sharp light in their deep-set eyes.
The women gave off a vibe of both femininity and masculinity, which was strangely captivating.
Nox observed more. The dimensional key didn't have any fixed coordinates—this much he was aware of. He could be redirected to anywhere. But this wasn't just absurd; it was dangerous. These women weren't ordinary. Each of them radiated power that was both holy and primal.
Nox decided to find a way to hide his mask's hideous appearance. He felt it would taint this place's purity and make him stand out like a sore thumb.
Item: [Mask of the Hound (Legendary Tier)]
Description: [A mask that allows the wearer to project any desired level, shrouding their true strength in mystery. It emanates an aura of fear, causing unease and dread in onlookers.]
But of course, he wasn't going to take off his mask. Nox retrieved white clothes and covered the mask's features, appearing more like a ninja. One thing Nox had noticed in this world was that the inhabitants didn't care much about one's appearance and even valued privacy.
It was one of the reasons that Blake guy could move around with a mask, and there was even that full-bodied sword woman… or man. Nox wasn't really sure about their identity because of the distorted voice.
After that, Nox adjusted his level to 50. He could have gone higher, but his previous experience had taught him that having a high level was a double-edged sword.
It was what had cost him his life the last time. Besides, most of the women here were all around the level 50 range, so he could easily blend into the crowd.
Nox crouched behind a dense thicket, keeping his breathing steady. His sharp midnight eyes swept the area, analyzing the people.
Although the people looked like humans, there was something striking about them—as if they were a higher version. The feeling was very familiar. It was… similar to what Nox felt anytime he looked at his mom or even his stupid sister.
Nox found himself ogling them. The sweat glistening on their toned, athletic bodies was very appealing to look at. Unconsciously, even a glint of lust shone in his eyes. Did he kind of woman? Nox was conflicted.
There was a captivating mix of femininity and muscularity. On top of that, they were several times more beautiful than the average human woman.
At that moment, Nox froze. An indescribable feeling coursed through his body. His eyes trembled as he scanned his surroundings once more, realization dawning on him. Those lean muscles, the radiant armor, and the indistinguishable holy energy…
With quivering lips, Nox muttered, "Could… could this be the place Mom is from?"