Cruising at three hundred meters, Goldie was practically untouchable. Unless a monster had wings or a god-tier projectile range, they were just scenery passing below. Most of the strays that managed to lob an attack upward couldn't even scratch the giant eagle’s fortified hide.
Vera Laine, a Level 102 Cleric, was working on autopilot. Even with no immediate threat, she rhythmically cycled through her buffs, keeping the party’s stats peaked. Beside her, Marcus Steele—the only A-rank in the group—stood like a monolith, his shield ready despite the lack of targets. Most of the party was out of range, leaving Ash Valor as the only one consistently contributing to the damage charts.
[Battle Fervor Active: Attack +10%]
[Regeneration Aura Active: +5,000 HP/sec]
[Aura of Blessing: MP/HP Recovery +100%]
[Ward of Protection: Defense +20%]
Ash didn't let the safety of the altitude make him complacent. He cast Ward’s Bulwark on himself, his eyes scanning the horizon. Above them, the sky was still hemorrhaging fire. Sera Ashford’s Starfall was so massive it could be seen from ten miles away, a literal beacon of destruction.
"The skill range is fixed," Sera called out over the whistling wind, "but Goldie isn't."
The eagle banked hard, beginning a wide, sweeping orbit around Southhaven. By moving the platform, Sera was effectively multiplying her kill-zone. Ash stayed low, his bow gripped tight. Any flyer that dared enter his lane was immediately met with a flurry of arrows. When the density peaked, he’d let a Meteor Volley rain down, adding his own spice to the inferno.
Experience bars were surging at a sickening pace. Everyone on the bird’s back was buzzing with the kind of adrenaline only a high-level power-leveling session could provide.
But then the air changed.
"Sera, we’ve got company. Heavy flyers, ten o'clock," Ash shouted.
A cloud of Crimson Bats, all hovering around Level 170, began to swarm the eagle's periphery. Ash wasn't worried about the grunts; it was the four Crimson Bat Overlords and the thirty-odd Elites circling them like sharks that made his pulse hammer.
They stayed just outside his effective range, wary of the Phantom Summon fireballs Sera was lobbing.
"Relax, Ash," Sera said, her eyes fixed on the horizon. "They're just scavengers. Don't spook them yet. Let them gather—we’ll wipe the whole lot once the swarm thickens."
Ash frowned. To a Level 170 Boss, he was a snack, yet Sera talked about them like they were pigeons.
"Wait... something's wrong," Ash muttered. His Eye of Clarity twitched. Within a hundred-meter radius, ripples appeared in the air—distortions that looked like tattered veils. They looked like oversized, translucent mosquitoes.
[Sky Plague Midge (Abyssal Fiend)]
[Level: 170
[HP: 5.1 Million | ATK: 31,900]
[Traits: Toxic Needle, Lifesteal, Greater Invisibility]
The common Midges couldn't break Ash's defense, but hidden among the swarm were several Midge Sovereigns.
"Good eyes, kid," Goldie’s voice boomed in Ash’s mind. "You can actually see the hidden ones?"
"Goldie, get the defenses up!" Ash yelled.
"Relax. I’m an apex predator for a reason," the eagle scoffed. "I’ve had Eagle Eye active since we left the nest. Those bugs aren't sneaking up on anyone."
Ash exhaled, his shoulders dropping an inch. He’d forgotten that Goldie was a legendary-tier Spirit Beast, not just a taxi. Compared to these two powerhouses, his own combat contribution was practically decorative.
He looked over at Sera Ashford, who was casually maintaining a world-ending spell while checking her fingernails.
"Sera," Ash said, "you don't actually need me for aerial defense, do you?"
"You can still shoot," she replied with a playful shrug. "It gives you a sense of participation."
Ash nearly choked. He’d been sweating bullets for thirty miles, thinking the safety of the entire party rested on his bow.
"Truthfully, I wanted to see what you were made of," Sera continued, her tone shifting to something more serious. "Your range is impressive, your Awakening skills are solid, and your base stats are higher than mine were at your level. Seeing through Greater Invisibility at Level 118? That’s rare. Plus, you’re cautious. Pragmatic. I see why Orion likes you."
Ash blinked. "I’m not following."
"It’s simple. Caden and Orion are already talking about handing the Guild over to you someday. I wanted to see if they were dreaming or if you actually had the spine for it. Personally, I think those two are absolute bastards for trying to retire, and I’m not making it easy for them."
"What?" Ash stared at her. He’d spent his entire career in the Skystrider Guild as a grunt. He’d never been fast-tracked or given special treatment. "You’ve got the wrong guy. I just carry people through levels because I need the kill count. I'm not a manager."
"They don't need a manager. They need a pillar," Sera said, her voice softening. "Caden stayed behind to run the Guild while Evan Valor pushed the frontlines. Caden could have been Level 200 by now if he hadn't spent his life buried in paperwork and logistics. He’s tired, Ash. They both are."
Ash went quiet. He respected the hell out of the Guild’s founders, but he didn't want their life. He wanted the hunt.
Before he could argue, the Sky Plague Midges made their move. Goldie shrieked, a shockwave of golden energy rippling outward that froze the Midges in mid-air. A massive fireball followed, turning the sky into an insect graveyard.
Ash didn't let the moment go to waste. He unleashed Tenfold Shot, prioritizing the Elite mobs that survived the initial blast.
"I’m not kill-stealing," Ash muttered, "I’m helping!"
"Meteor Volley!"
Six successive waves of arrows plummeted, draining his Mana bar in seconds. The arrows were too weak to kill the Bosses, but they were perfect for mopping up the wounded Elites.
"Holy sht, a zero-CD skill?" Goldie squawked in surprise.
Ash ignored the bird, his eyes flashing as a notification popped up. "I got one! An Elite down!"
[Kill Count +1 | Gold +1,500 | Guild Contribution +130,000]
[Loot Acquired: Glory Helm (Epic-Tier)]
[System: Glory Helm sold for 160,000 Gold.]
Picking up a casual 160k Gold from a stray shot was the best feeling in the world.
"Keep it down, kid," Goldie rumbled. "In human terms, they call that 'making a quiet fortune.' Don't brag or everyone will want a cut."
"Goldie’s right," Ash whispered, though he couldn't hide his grin. "But I should be honest with the team."
Sera laughed. "I’m not that petty, Ash. It’s just an Elite. Tell you what—since we’re out here anyway, I’ll gift everyone one Elite kill. Goldie, hold the next pack in place. Let the kids get the finishing blows."
The lower-level members erupted. For them, a Level 170 Elite kill was a massive boost to their record and their pockets.
"Thank you, Sera!"
"You’re a goddess!"
"Best Guild Leader ever!"
Ash watched as the others scrambled to get their hits in. He turned his attention back to his private messages, pinging Orion.
“Orion, Sera just told me you’re planning to dump the Guild on me because I have 'potential.' Is she crazy or are you?”
Orion’s reply was instant: “Potential? Who said anything about potential?”
Ash: “Then why me?”
Orion: “Simple. Your Talent Grade is lower than the others. That means you’ve got a lower ceiling. You can afford to spend your stamina on Guild paperwork because you’re going to hit your level cap sooner anyway. We just need you to hit a decent level to act as a figurehead. It’s perfect.”
Ash stared at the screen, his blood boiling.
“Orion?”
Orion: “Yeah?”
Ash: “Sera was right. You’re a complete bastard.”
He closed the chat, feeling a sudden, violent urge to kill something. He turned back to the horizon, notched an arrow, and began venting his frustration on the local monster population.
[System: Sera Ashford has slain the Crimson Bat Lord! All Guild members: Stats +10]
[System: Sera Ashford has slain the Undying Plague Midge! All Guild members: Stats +10]
The notifications were relentless. A high-level Mage was a literal cheat code.
"The boss density in the wilds has spiked over the last few years," Sera noted, her expression grim as she watched the carnage. "City defense is going to be a nightmare this season. At least today's haul will cover the rental fees."
Ash paused. "Rental fees? You rented Goldie?"
"Nothing’s free in this world, Ash," Sera sighed. "Why do you think I call him Goldie? Because he costs a fortune in gold every hour. If he were free, I’d call him 'Lord of the Heavens' or something respectful."
"Names don't pay the bills," Goldie chimed in. "Bring on more Bosses. I want to see some real profit."
Sera began chugging high-grade Mana potions like they were water. "Orion better not cry about the budget after this. That bastard tried to tell me the treasury was empty, then he goes and gives you a Gold-tier Skill Tome last week."
"He did what?" Sera’s eyes flared with literal embers. If she wasn't so pretty, she’d look terrifying.
The grind continued for hours. By the time Sera’s big skill went on cooldown, Ash had gained four levels, jumping from 112 to 116. The lightning mage, Roan, had skyrocketed from Level 31 to 73.
"Are we heading back to the territory to wait out the cooldowns?" Ash asked.
"Hell no," Sera said, slamming another potion. "I’ve already paid for the bird. We’re using every second. Goldie, fly further out. Find a dense pocket. If it’s under Level 180, we kill it. If it’s over... we run."
They spent the next ten hours clearing the perimeter of the Guild grounds, thinning out the Bosses to ease the pressure on the upcoming siege. Ash’s bow never stopped.
Eventually, they reached eighty miles out. The monsters here were Level 200—territory Ash wouldn't dream of entering alone.
Goldie suddenly banked so hard the wind was knocked out of the passengers.
"Dammit," the eagle hissed. "We’ve got a problem."
"What is it?" Sera asked, her hand tightening on her staff.
"Six mosquitoes. Level 200 Sovereigns. They’ve been stalking us in the clouds."
"Kill them," Sera commanded.
"They're Level 200 Stealth Bosses, Sera," Goldie barked. "And they aren't alone. We’re being hunted. Hang on!"
The eagle tucked its wings and dove, hitting a velocity that made the air scream. The shadows behind them shifted—six massive, blurred shapes were closing the gap with terrifying speed.
"Holy Ward!" Sera screamed, a golden dome shimmering into existence just as a glob of corrosive red liquid splashed against it.
"Ash!" Sera yelled over the roar of the wind. "You want a real payday? Try to tag them!"
"The ward is in the way!"
"It's one-way, you idiot! Shoot through it!"
Ash looked at the distance. "They're 400 meters out. My max is 320!"
"I'll slow down," Goldie growled. "But if I get bit, I'm charging triple."
"Do it!" Ash downed his only Epic-tier Swiftness Draught. His vision sharpened, the world slowing down.
"If we kill them, we split the loot three ways," Goldie negotiated while dodging another spray of acid. "Sera, Ash, and me."
"Fine! Just keep the bird steady!" Ash planted his feet, leaning into the wind while the other recruits held onto his belt so he wouldn't fly off.
"Two more coming in! Crimson Bat Lords, Level 200!" Goldie shouted.
"Perfect," Ash muttered. "More targets for the proc."
He didn't need to aim perfectly—he had Homing Shot. He just needed to fire as many arrows as humanly possible to trigger Death Strike.
He fired for an hour straight. His fingers were bleeding, his Mana was gone, and his eyes were stinging from the wind. Nothing. Then, a seventh shadow appeared in the moonlight. Not a midge, not a bat. Something else.
Ash didn't even think. He pivoted and let an arrow fly into the dark.
[System: You have slain the Night Screech Monarch (Level 200 Silver Boss)!]
[Rewards: 200,000 Gold | 1 Million Guild Points | 5 Million EXP]
[Global Guild Buff: All Stats +20]
"I... I got one?" Ash gasped.
Sera blinked. "Where? I didn't even see a Boss there!"
[Loot: Glory Greaves (Epic) | Glory Helm (Epic) | Tier Ascension Stone]
The party chat went nuclear.
"A Tier Ascension Stone?!" Roan screamed. "That's a thirty-million gold drop!"
Ash’s luck had finally broken. Ten minutes later, another notification flashed.
[System: You have slain the Sky Midge Monarch!]
"Keep it coming!" Sera cheered, her Flame Ward glowing white-hot.
Suddenly, a voice hissed from the darkness, speaking in a guttural, ancient tongue that translated directly into their minds.
"That is Ash Valor. The one with the Death Strike Awakening. Kill the boy first."
Ash felt a cold sweat break out. The monsters knew his name?
"They're talking?" Ash whispered. "How do they know who I am?"
"The Abyssal forces aren't mindless, Ash," Sera said, her face pale. "We have traitors in our cities, and they have spies in our shadows. Goldie, get us out of here!"
"Not before we finish the set!" Goldie roared. The eagle spun in mid-air, casting a Golden Cage that trapped a Crimson Bat Lord.
A streak of shadows blurred past the eagle.
[System: Declan Ward has slain the Crimson Bat Lord!]
"Sera, the rest are mine and Caden's," a voice echoed through the sky. Declan Ward had arrived.
The remaining Bosses didn't wait around. Seeing two of their own drop to a Level 118 Archer and then seeing a Guild Elder arrive was enough to break their morale. They vanished into the night.
"We’re done for today," Sera said, exhaling a breath she’d been holding for an hour. "Three Level 200 Bosses. Not a bad haul."
She turned to Ash. "Six pieces of Epic gear, roughly six million Gold. Two Tier Ascension Stones... call it fifty million. Ash, you and I take three-tenths each. Goldie takes three. The last tenth goes to the kids for not falling off. Agree?"
Ash nodded, his head spinning. He’d just made nearly twenty million Gold in a single afternoon.
"You did good, Ash," Sera said, looking at him with a new kind of respect. "But listen to me. The Bosses know your name now. They’ll be looking for you. Don't go out alone."
She looked at her empty Mana bar and sighed. "Alright, Goldie. Back to the territory. These potions are too damn expensive to keep this up."
"About time," the eagle grumbled. "I’m starving."