Ben, Cloey and Duke continued their way north, crossing the border into the States. They avoided the abandoned cities and searched through small towns, killing zombies, Nether Beasts and demonic beasts.

Ben also started cultivating his eyes every night, slowly gaining better control over both Internal Energy pools. He could feel them constantly growing every time he cultivated them and it showed. He was able to control his lightning and darkness at a whole new level from before. He was able to use his elements in battle now, which made him stronger and gave him more variety.

Ben also started to practice hand to hand combat with Duke. This gave him more flexibility in battle and kept him and Duke sharp.

Duke continued to get stronger and level up. His body continued to grow, his shoulders were now the same height as Ben, almost 2m. He looked like a beast straight from hell with his black fur and red aura, his teeth were almost a foot long with his claws even larger. Duke seemed to have taken a shine to Cloey, always letting her pet him and playing with her.

Cloey also rapidly improved. After a couple weeks of travel and hunting her level was almost on par with Ben’s. She no longer needed to carry water to use her ice magic as she was able to pull moisture from the air and ground. Her attacks also became stronger and quicker. She seemed to have countless spells at her disposal. Even Ben would be nervous facing up against her on 1 on 1. Though she still called Ben a pervert and shot him dirty looks, the two of them became closer and their chemistry on the battlefield was excellent.

Ben travelled past some of the new cities. He knew that the world had changed and old rules no longer existed. He knew the problems Cloey’s beauty would bring in a place like that. Though he was confident in his strength, he didn't want the hassle. He told Cloey his reasons and she agreed with him. She also pointed out that they might reject her because she wasn't human.

So they passed the massive cities and continued north. They met some people outside of the cities but they ran after seeing Duke’s massive figure. Not wanting to wait for the city’s reinforcements to show up, the three of them took off.

Ben also began practicing his Beast Imitation skill. He realized how valuable this skill was but he was unable to utilize it properly during battle which frustrated him.

…

*swish swish*

Ben was practicing his swordsmanship in a secluded area. His body was a blur and you could barely catch flashes of silver from his blades. Ben slowed his speed down, performing different stances. When performing a slash, Ben’s arm seemed to have no bones in it as it turned into a whip.

*Swwwwiiiisshh*

The attack was very powerful and fast, the Katana seemed to slice the air leaving behind a sound.

Ben continued his practice, adding a kick hear or there to his attacks. It was incredible to watch as his movements were fluent and smooth.

Finishing his practice Ben let out a deep breath and headed towards a small lake. When they first came here this area was filled with Nether Beast in the shape of Orcs.

There were 20 of them feeding on a deer when Cloey began her assault, piercing a few with her icicles. Roaring with anger they chased after her only to be ambushed by Duke and Ben.

Their teamwork had grown over the last 4 months of travel and numerous opponents didn't intimidate them.

Quickly slaughtering them, they made camp here.

Ben took his clothes off and waded into the water, washing away the sweat he worked up practicing. They had accomplished a lot these four months on the road.

All of them became stronger, individually and as a team. What Ben was most excited about was that they were almost at the most north city in North America. If Ben’s family were alive, they would be there.

After taking a refreshing bath, Ben headed back to the camp they made. He quickly checked his stats panel.

Bennett- Lvl 49

Class: Beast Warrior

Bloodline: Mekata Eyes

Elements: Lightning Seed & Dark Seed

Vitality (VIT): 98

Strength (STR): 149 (+3)

Dexterity (DEX): 150 (+3)

Agility (AGI): 201 (+4)

Intelligence (INT): 25

Wisdom (WIS): 25

Unassigned Attribute Points: 0

Skills-

Inherited Skill- Nature's Child

Advanced Sword Mastery- Dual (2/10)

Beginner Hand to Hand Combat (5/10)

Soul Beast

Beast Telepathy

Beast Imitation

[Darkness Seed- 88%]

[Lightning Seed- 91%]

Ben was satisfied with his stats but he was most proud of his progress in his Elemental Seeds.

The progress was a slow one but Ben was finally nearing the peak of elemental seed level. He was able to control it freely throughout his entire body with little resistance. He had just mastered strengthening his swords with his Internal Energy which, Ben had to admit, looked extremely bad ass.

Hand to hand combat was something he picked up while fighting with Duke. It allowed his attacks to vary and surprise his opponents.

Ben also looked at Duke’s stats.

Duke- Lvl 45

Demonic Blood Wolf

Vitality (VIT): 70

Strength (STR): 164

Dexterity (DEX): 154

Agility (AGI): 191

Intelligence (INT): 9

Loyalty- 100%

Skills-

Blood Lust

Soul Beast

Ben smiled, Duke was a force to be reckoned with, even wild beast his level were no match for him.

Arriving at the camp, a fire was blazing as Cloey was cooking some rabbit on it. She gave Ben a glance before returning to her cooking.

Ben gave a wry smile, ‘Still so cold after all this time.’

Taking out some spices from systems spatial storage. He started to season the meat, though demonic beast meat was delicious on its own they had become accustomed to using seasoning. Plus it made it that much more delicious.

“So we should reach the city by tomorrow.” Ben said, unable to keep the excitement and nervousness out of his voice.

“Do you want me to wait here while you go?” Cloey asked, knowing her beauty would cause problems for them.

“No.” Ben shook his head, “We shouldn't have to be afraid of anyone with our strength and plus we are going to take over that city so anyone who dares cause you problems will be killed.”

A light growl came from Duke showing his agreement.

Cloey’s face had a slight red tinge to it as she nodded in agreement.

Just when Ben was about to tease her and loud screech came from the woods.

Ben quickly summoned his swords and stood up, Cloey followed. They made their way towards the sound. What they found were three large red birds attacking a smaller black bird. What odd about this was that the red birds were covered in flames as they attacked the black one.

Cloey whispered to him, “That black bird is a slave. I saw him when we were sent here.”

“I don't think these red birds are from earth either.” Ben tried to read the red birds status and was unable to.

Seeing the attack coming, the small black bird let out a loud cry before black flames covered his body.

It protected him from the first attack but the next two broke through its flames.

The black bird went flying and landed on the ground unconscious with serious injuries. The red birds cried in triumph as they launched another attack.

“Protect him.” Ben told Cloey before taking off towards them.

“Ice wall!” Cloey yelled. A meter thick wall of ice appeared in front of the black bird. The first red bird hit the wall causing it to shudder but not break, the bird landed on the ground.

Before it could fly up again Ben appeared before it slashing down with his sword. Ben’s Katana was covered in lightning and looked frightening, the lightning increased the Katanas sharpness and helped him cut through most objects.

The red bird was sliced in half. The other two stared in shock.

‘Who are you!? You dare kill a member of the Phoenix clan!’ a shrill voice rang through everyone’s head.

“Shut up.” Ben coldly replied, “Cloey now!”

“Frozen Rain!” Cloey cast another spell. Frozen raindrops appeared above the remaining two birds, it was sent flying at them.

‘Whore elf! You dare attack us!’ it screamed while dodging the attack.

While it was distracted, Ben jumped up and attacked with his lightning Katana, piercing through the birds chest. It gave a shrill cry before falling to the ground and dying.

The remaining red bird saw he was at a disadvantage and flew away. Cloey tried to stop it but the bird covered itself in flames and broke through her spell. Unable to stop it, Cloey glared at the bird. It dared call her a whore and deserved death.

Swiping the blood off his blade, Ben walked up to the black bird. It had regained consciousness and was looking at Ben.

‘Why did you save me?’ a feminine voice appeared in his head.

Shocked at her being a girl Ben replied, “I don't like people ganging up on others. Are you all right?”

‘No, I am afraid I am going to die. You're an idiot for killing them, they are from the Phoenix Clan.’ her voice got weaker and weaker.

“If you say so.” Brushing off the name calling, “Let’s get you healed.” Ben started channeling Natural Energy into her body, attempting to heal her.

‘Something’s wrong.’ Ben frowned. The Natural Energy was healing her body but not able to stop her soul from fading.

‘They used a soul attack. You can't stop my soul from fading away.’ she said, barely a whisper.

Ben made a decision before she lost consciousness.

A message flashed across the black birds eyes.

[Ben wants you to become his soul beast. Do you accept?]