SSS Awakening: I Can Class Change at will

Chapter 148: The Black Raven and White Swan

Moon absorbed this information, recognizing the profound impact these two individuals had on shaping Lunaris’s entire socio political landscape.

“After their deaths, the surviving clan leaders on both sides met under truce, they recognized that if the conflict continued at that intensity, both factions would eventually destroy themselves completely. An agreement was made to reduce direct killing, to maintain territorial boundaries, and to allow the guardian beasts to exist as deterrents rather than active participants in conflict.”

She gestured around at the island. “That treaty has held for generations, though tensions remain. The current Heretic leadership still follows Krathel’s corrupted ideology, but they lack his personal power and charisma. Similarly, our current chief honors Velshaara’s memory but cannot match her legendary strength.”

Moon processed the historical context with new understanding. The Heretics’ fanatical pursuit of Moon and Selene made more sense now, in their world view shaped by Krathel’s ideology, any outsiders represented the same threat of “contamination” that had originally divided their society.

“These Grand Chiefs,” Moon said carefully. “How powerful were they exactly? What level did they reach?”

Yara’s expression showed uncertainty as she tried to quantify something she’d only heard about through legends and oral history. “In terms of raw capability, both Grand Chiefs were slightly stronger than their bonded companions, the Black Raven and the White Swan. Not overwhelmingly so, but enough that in direct confrontation, the Grand Chiefs could command and overpower their guardian beasts if necessary.”

’So they were slightly stronger than S-rank beasts if my predictions about the guardians’ power levels are correct,’ Moon thought, processing this crucial information before nodding his understanding.

To truly gauge the level of power he was going to face and determine whether his evolution tasks were even achievable in this realm, Moon needed to first witness the actual combat capabilities of either the Magma King or the Crab King firsthand. Only direct observation would give him accurate assessment rather than relying on secondhand accounts colored by fear and legend.

“Thank you for explaining the history,” Moon said sincerely to Yara. “It genuinely helps me understand what we’re dealing with much better, both the political situation and the power dynamics on this island.”

He turned to Selene, “We have viable options for hunting now. The Crab King and the Magma King are confirmed targets. And potentially the Heretics’ guardian beast, if circumstances allow for such an encounter.”

Selene’s eyes widened with alarm. “Moon, you can’t seriously be considering fighting those guardian beasts. They’re supposed to be their respective clans’ greatest treasures and deterrents—”

“Will see,” Moon interrupted with a slight reassuring smile. “I’m ambitious about my goals, not suicidal about my methods. We’ll start with the Crab King and Magma King first.”

His expression grew more calculating. “Then, if the Heretics continue their aggressive pursuit and keep forcing confrontations with us, we’ll simply kill enough of them to provoke their guardian beast into emerging.”

Selene still looked deeply troubled by the entire plan, but after a moment’s consideration, she nodded her reluctant acceptance. She understood perfectly well that Moon needed to hunt these extraordinarily powerful beasts to complete his evolution tasks. The alternative, remaining stuck as an Awakener for longer. Increasing the time to advance or reach higher Sanctuaries without reason was something nobody wanted, least of all someone with Moon’s potential and power.

Yara had been listening to their exchange with growing anxiety. “Moon, Selene, I understand you have your own reasons for pursuing these creatures, but please understand the danger involved. The Magma King has killed experienced hunting parties without effort. The Crab King appears unpredictably and has devastated our settlements when provoked beyond tolerance.”

She hesitated, then continued with visible discomfort. “And the Black Raven… even mentioning plans to hunt it feels wrong. If the Heretics comes to the conclusion that you’re targeting their guardian beast, they won’t just send small patrols. They’ll mobilize their entire military force to hunt you.”

Moon considered her warnings seriously. “I appreciate your concern, and I’m not dismissing the risks. But I need to ask, where would I find the Crab King?”

Moon had decided to go with the Crab King for a few reasons. The first was the information surrounding that creature was more comprehensive, and he had already hunted a few crabs even if they were weaker than the Crab King himself.

To avoid overestimating himself, and to truly gauge the power of the beast, Moon decided that the Crab King was the safest and best option for their first target.

Yara sighed, recognizing that Moon had already made his decision and wouldn’t be dissuaded by warnings alone. “The Crab King’s territory encompasses the entire eastern coastline and the shallow reef systems.”

“How many crabs would need to be killed to trigger its appearance?”

“We’re… not entirely certain,” Yara admitted. “The last time it emerged, our hunting parties had killed approximately fifty crabs over the span of two days. But the appearance might also depend on other factors we don’t understand.”

“And the Magma King? Where exactly on Tagul Mountain does it dwell?” Moon asked, gathering more information on his next target.

Yara pointed toward the distant volcanic peak visible on the horizon. “Near the summit, where the heat becomes unbearable for normal beings. There are caves filled with molten rock and sulfurous gases. The Magma King makes its lair in the deepest chambers where even the stone itself flows like water.”

She shuddered slightly. “The survivor who escaped that encounter described the creature as living flame , immune to fire, able to swim through lava as easily as we swim through water, and radiating heat so intense it ignited clothing from dozens of meters away.”

Hearing that, Selene jumped in the conversation, “I think you should hunt the Crab King first. It’s more predictable to draw out through provocation. We hunt crabs until it appears, giving us control over timing and location to some degree whilst also making me stronger in the process in case anything happens.

The Magma King is stationary but fights in its home territory where the environment multiply the danger. However, we can scout and prepare specifically for that encounter rather than dealing with unknown timing.”