Online Game: Starting With SSS-Ranked Summons - Chapter 206

Chapter 206: Evolving Hank
After collecting the eggs, Arthur did not head back to the guild straight away.

‘Let’s see if I can evolve Hank today.’

He crouched down, his fingers brushing against the cool forest floor as he picked up the very rare item that had been dropped.

<Hank: Elite>

Focus: Before specialising in a certain field, Hank must first reach epic grade. The requirements below, are to evolve Hank to become Elite Grade.

<Requirements:>

<Kill 50 Aerial-Beasts (4/50)>

<Break 50 Talons. (4/50)>

—

“Not bad, we are almost 10% through the requirements.”

The second requirment needed Hank to break his opponent’s talons which wasn’t difficult yet.

Not bad, we are almost 10% through the requirements.”

Arthur’s gaze lingered on Hank, who was already scanning the skies for his next prey. The hawk let out a sharp shriek before taking off, wings cutting through the air as he patrolled the area.

The second requirement—breaking 50 talons—was proving to be a little more challenging.

It wasn’t just about killing aerial beasts.

Hank had to clash directly with them, ensuring that their talons shattered in the process.

Against weaker opponents, this was easy. But as they climbed the chain of stronger flying beasts, Arthur knew the difficulty would scale rapidly.

“Hank, keep going. Kill all aerial beasts you see, but aim for their talons when you engage.”

Hank screeched in acknowledgment and took off, his figure disappearing into the sky.

Arthur exhaled and leaned against a nearby tree, stretching his legs out in front of him.

“No need to waste energy running around looking for these things. Hank can handle it. I’ll just chill for a bit.”

With that thought, Arthur opened a dark portal beside him.

“George.”

A figure materialized from the swirling abyss, cloaked in black, his form barely making a sound as he stepped forward.

“You called, Master?” George’s voice echoed directly into Arthur’s mind, silent to anyone who might have been eavesdropping.

Arthur didn’t waste time. “Report.”

George bowed his head slightly. “The bartender follows a strict routine—morning at the inn, midday with suppliers, evening drinking with a select group before returning to his quarters. However…”

Arthur’s eyes sharpened. “However?”

George’s crimson gaze flickered with something dark. “Last night, he met with an unknown individual in a secluded alley. I could not get close enough to hear their conversation, but I witnessed an exchange. The bartender handed over a small, concealed pouch before departing.”

Arthur narrowed his eyes.

‘He’s involved in something. Whether it concerns me directly or not, I need to know.’

“Good work,” Arthur said. “Keep watching him. I want to know who he’s dealing with, what he’s moving, and if he has any hidden caches.”

George nodded. “Understood.” And with that, his form faded into the darkness, slipping back into the shadows like he was never there.

Arthur sighed.

One thing at a time.

First, Hank’s evolution. Then, the bartender.

Just as he was about to settle into his thoughts, a piercing screech tore through the sky.

Arthur’s eyes snapped upward.

Hank was locked in battle mid-air, claws clashing against a large, blue-feathered falcon.

[Blue-Feathered Falcon]

Boss Grade: Elite

Level: 15

Description: A swift and deadly aerial predator, the Blue-Feathered Falcon dominates the skies with unparalleled speed and razor-sharp talons. Its feathers, shimmering with an azure glow, enhance its agility, allowing it to evade most attacks with ease. Known for its piercing shriek that momentarily stuns weaker opponents, this falcon is a formidable foe for any who challenge it in the air.

“That’s not a bad challenge for Hank.”

Arthur muttered, his eyes locked on the aerial clash unfolding above him.

The Blue-Feathered Falcon was swift, its movements fluid as it maneuvered through the sky, talons flashing in the sunlight.

Hank flapped his wings hard, trying to match the falcon’s speed, but the difference was clear—the falcon was stronger.

“This will be good experience for him,” Arthur mused, crossing his arms.

The falcon struck first, darting forward like an arrow. Its talons slashed across Hank’s left wing, leaving behind a thin but deep wound.

Hank let out a shriek, quickly pulling back, but the falcon was relentless. It circled above him, searching for another opening.

Arthur narrowed his eyes. “Tch. That thing isn’t just strong—it’s experienced.”

Hank flapped harder, twisting in the air as he attempted to reposition, but the falcon was faster. It dove again, aiming for his exposed underbelly. Hank barely managed to roll mid-air, but Arthur could tell—if this continued, he would lose.

Enough.

“Hank, stop relying on speed. Bait it in!” Arthur commanded.

Hank shrieked in acknowledgment, adjusting his stance. Instead of running, he slowed down slightly, his movements looking sluggish. The falcon took the bait.

In an instant, it shot downward, talons extended for the kill—

Now!

“Hank, Claw Grab!”

Hank’s body snapped into motion, his wings tucking in as he plummeted at high speed. The falcon realized the trap too late.

Just before impact, Hank flared his wings, twisting his body upward—his talons slashed right into the falcon’s exposed chest.

A pained screech tore through the sky. Feathers scattered, and the falcon plummeted, struggling to regain control.

Arthur smirked. “Much better.”

But the fight wasn’t over.

The falcon caught itself mid-air, its body trembling, its sharp gaze now filled with rage.

It let out an ear-piercing screech, and Arthur immediately recognized what was happening.

“Hank, watch out—it’s using a Skill!”

The falcon’s wings flared wide, mana surging into its feathers. In an instant, countless blades of compressed wind shot toward Hank.

Arthur tensed. “Dodge, Hank!”

Hank tried, twisting in the air, but the attack was too fast. One of the wind blades slashed across his right wing, sending him spiraling.

Arthur muttered. “This thing isn’t going down easy.”

Hank barely managed to stabilize himself, his breathing heavy, his wounds starting to show.

But his eyes—his eyes still burned with determination.

Arthur grinned. “Good. Keep it up.”

Hank and the falcon clashed again and again in midair, their talons scraping against each other, feathers flying from each impact. Hank was holding his own, but it was clear that the falcon had the upper hand. With its Elite-grade talent and razor-sharp agility, it dodged Hank’s attacks effortlessly, striking back with brutal precision.

Hank let out a sharp screech as the falcon’s beak raked across his wing, drawing blood. Arthur’s eyes narrowed.