Chapter 160: The Evolution Pathway [2], Selene’s Pathway. ’Who cares which specific path manifests or why? As long as I can see it... I will claim that path. I will observe all possible paths, every variation, and merge them into my own path.’ That was the true revolutionary power of his Classless class, not being forced to follow any single predetermined progression route, but having the absolute freedom to cherry-pick and synthesize the best elements from every path he encountered along his journey. Moon’s gaze landed on Selene across the campfire. "How long until you reach level twenty-five? What’s your current progress?" Selene paused mid-bite, considering the question before responding after a brief moment of mental calculation. "Not much longer at all. I’m very close to the threshold now. I think two more level twenty-five beasts should provide enough experience to push me over the edge and unlock my class advancement options." "I see," Moon acknowledged with a thoughtful nod. ’During her next combat engagement, I’ll copy her class temporarily, I can’t execute the copy right now since she isn’t actively using any of her class skills.’ Moon returned his attention to consuming another portion of the incredibly tender crab meat, savoring both the taste and the tangible strengthening effects he could feel spreading through his body. After everyone finished eating their fill of the premium S-rank feast, they took an extended break to properly digest the meal and allow their bodies to fully process and integrate the energy. The benefits were already manifesting. Mirage had gained enough to level up, reaching the significant milestone of level twenty. The white horse’s speed had increased once more, and his growing physical strength would soon become a meaningful factor in combat situations rather than just transportation. When the entire group had recovered their energy and felt ready to continue, they departed their temporary camp and moved toward a different hunting location. They deliberately traveled further away from all the chaos and attention they’d generated at the shoreline, but simultaneously kept their awareness extended for any powerful beasts within the general vicinity. Everyone had fully recovered their strength and resources. Moon felt no inclination to waste time resting when objectives remained unaccomplished. He had absolutely no reliable way of knowing how many days, weeks, or even months had passed in the outside world while they’d been trapped in this hidden realm’s distorted time-flow. Without excessive waiting, the group began moving toward the known location of their next major target: the Magma King residing within Tagul Mountain’s volcanic depths. Yara and the four Savi warriors no longer expressed hesitation or concern about Moon’s aggressive hunting plans. They’d witnessed his overwhelming combat power firsthand numerous times now, and their perception had completely changed. They were beginning to regard him as a natural leader whose judgment should be trusted rather than merely an honored guest whose wishes should be accommodated out of politeness. Whatever combat decisions Moon made would be executed without question or debate. During their journey toward the volcanic region, Moon deliberately left the easier kills they encountered along the route to Selene and Mirage for their continued progression. The very low-ranking beasts, creatures around level fifteen to eighteen were specifically assigned to Mirage, allowing the evolved horse to gain practical combat experience fighting as a true battle mount rather than just a transportation animal. Mirage dealt with the beasts with ease, surprising Moon more than anyone else. As the rider of the White Horse, Moon knew that Mirage had almost no combat power to begin with. Now, the White Horse was using his new evolved fin-like tail to slice through enemy throats and bodies with ease. Mirage’s entire capabilities had reached another level. As a mount, Moon believed that Mirage was now amongst the best available mounts within the first sanctuary. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮 ’Mirage is even better than the direhorses that Kael and the others were using.’ He thought, feeling proud about the progress of the horse. As the group advanced deeper into more dangerous territory, a level twenty-four beast suddenly emerged from dense jungle vegetation ahead, blocking their path. ROAR!! The beast roared in challenge, clearly trying to intimidate the group. Unfortunately, the beast had encountered the wrong group of people. "That’s a cute one, let me handle it." Selene immediately stepped forward with visible eagerness, an excited grin spreading across her face that Moon recognized instantly. Moon gave her permission with a simple gesture, allowing her to take point on the engagement. His observant eyes lingered on her body language and facial expressions for several seconds. ’She’s noticeably more excited than her usual pre-combat demeanor’, Moon noted with growing interest. ’Almost as if she’s... eager to test something new rather than just hunting for experience.’ Moon felt highly confident that Selene had successfully evolved her Four Element Affinity skill during the chaos they’d been through recently. He was very familiar with that particular brand of excitement—he’d experienced it numerous times himself with every skill evolution or new class acquisition. That specific energy of wanting to see how new power manifested in combat. Moon waited patiently and attentively for Selene to cast her first spell, curious to observe what changes the evolution had produced. And indeed, that moment didn’t take long to arrive. Selene raised both hands, mana swirling visibly around her fingers as the spell began to form. Then she released her attack. Moon’s brows rose slightly, not in shock, but in interest. The power of the spell was much higher than before, he could tell by the way the beast died almost instantly, despite the fact that Selene didn’t use an offensive element, but a more versatile one, wind. The wind blade she had casted, traveled through the air and cut the entire shoulder of the beast, leaving it severely injured. ’Her affinity has most certainly improved towards the four elements, and so did her control...is she hiding something?’ He contemplated internally, his mana slowly gathering to activate his class skill. ’Well, I guess there is only one way to find out if she is hiding or not.’ Moon thought, activating the Classless skill. The notification immediately formed before his eyes. [Class Slot {1/1}] ...