Chapter 138: No More Hiding [2]

เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 มี.ค. 2569 04:14

Chapter 138: No More Hiding [2] Additionally, Moon desperately wanted to reach level twenty-five and receive his class evolution tasks. Perhaps during his extended stay within this realm, he could complete those tasks, or if not all of them, at least make substantial progress on some. The evolution from Awakener to Evolver represented a massive power spike. Once he crossed that threshold, the Heretics would transform from dangerous threats to manageable obstacles that could be dealt with careful planning. "We’re not hiding anymore," Moon said firmly to Yara. "This area has strong beasts that we need to hunt. Selene and I will continue gaining strength. You can hide if you want, or maintain perimeter watch for Heretic patrols, whatever you prefer. We won’t judge you for it, you’ve helped us enough as it is." Yara looked uncertain, clearly worried about the risk. "But Moon, if the Heretics find us while you’re fighting beasts, you’ll be surrounded and vulnerable—" "I understand your concern, Yara. I truly do. But hiding gains us nothing except temporary safety that will eventually fail when they eliminate every possible location." He met her eyes with unwavering determination. "I’d rather face them at my peak strength. Every hour we spend hunting instead of hiding improves our survival odds when the confrontation inevitably comes." Selene nodded agreement. "Moon’s right. We can’t win by avoiding conflict forever. We need to become strong enough that when they find us, and they will find us eventually, we can actually fight our way out without being surrounded." The Savi warriors listened to Yara’s translation, then exchanged glances among themselves before the eldest spoke. Yara translated his words. "The warriors say... you fight like the benefactor did. Always seeking strength through challenge rather than safety through hiding. He respects that approach, even if it’s dangerous." Moon gave the warrior a respectful nod. "Then help us hunt effectively while watching for enemies. That’s how we all survive this." Yara sighed but eventually nodded acceptance. "Alright. We’ll establish a perimeter and alert you immediately if Heretics approach. But please, Moon, Selene—be ready to disengage instantly if we give the warning signal." "You got it," Moon confirmed. The Savi warriors spread out to create a defensive perimeter while Moon and Selene began scanning the area for suitable prey. Within minutes, they’d identified a level twenty-four beast—a massive reptilian creature covered in thick, armored scales that gleamed with an unusual golden-brown sheen. Moon turned to Selene and nodded decisively. "This one’s yours," he said simply. A competitive grin formed on Selene’s face, her eyes lighting up with anticipation. "Thank you." As she began casting her initial probing spells against the reptilian creature, both Moon and Selene were immediately surprised by its demonstrated ability and raw strength. Unlike most of the beasts they’d eliminated within this area so far, this particular creature possessed an elemental affinity, which automatically elevated it to A-rank threat classification. The element the reptilian wielded was not a simple or common one either. It was unique, something relatively rare to encounter even among powerful beasts. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢 The creature’s affinity was sand manipulation. The strength of the sand element became immediately obvious to both Moon and Selene as combat began. Although classified as unique, it was closer in power scaling to basic elements rather than intermediate ones in the elemental hierarchy. Unique elements were generally considered among the strongest within their respective ranking tiers. The sand element fell within the basic element category technically, but its offensive and defensive versatility made it significantly more powerful than standard basic elements like fire, water, wind, or earth when used individually. Still, despite being stronger than typical basic elements, sand manipulation was demonstrably weaker than intermediate elements like lightning that Moon could wield through his Five Element Affinity. ’That’s actually a good matchup for Selene,’ Moon thought, watching her send a barrage of varied attacks toward the creature from multiple angles. ’Although the reptilian can control sand, which gives it advantages over single basic elements, Selene possesses the ability to manipulate four different basic elements simultaneously. She’s absolutely not a pushover herself.’ Selene was genuinely impressive to watch in combat. She demonstrated incredible natural talent, as if she’d been born specifically to cast spells without hesitation or error. The way she transitioned fluidly between her four elements, using fire to create openings, wind to enhance mobility, water for defense, and earth for control, covered weaknesses inherent in relying on any single element. When the reptilian erected massive walls of compressed sand to block her fire attacks, Selene immediately switched to water manipulation, liquefying the sand barriers, making them weaker. When it launched high-velocity sand projectiles like bullets, she countered with wind barriers that deflected the attacks. When it tried to create quicksand beneath her feet to trap her movement, she raised earth platforms to maintain her solid footing. The creature was powerful and its sand manipulation was versatile, but Selene’s four-element arsenal gave her answers to nearly everything it attempted. The battle was tough, neither side could gain decisive advantage quickly. The reptilian’s armored scales absorbed tremendous punishment, and its sand manipulation created constant problems that required creative solutions. But gradually, methodically, Selene wore it down. Selene cast a concentrated water jet which found a gap in the armor. The beast was hurt by the attack, and Selene took advantage of the opening by sending a powerful fireball that injured it further. Grunt! The reptile looked at Selene with hate filled eyes, before it attacked once more, wishing nothing but to bury Selene under its sand. After nearly fifteen minutes of combat that showed Selene’s remarkable skill and endurance, the reptilian creature finally collapsed, its life extinguished. [Selene has killed a level 24 Sand Reptile.] Selene stood over the corpse, breathing heavily but with obvious satisfaction radiating from her expression. Then her eyes widened as a notification appeared that only she could see. "I leveled up!" Selene exclaimed with a genuinely happy smile breaking across her face, exhaustion momentarily forgotten in the joy of progression. Moon smiled in response, genuinely pleased for her advancement. "Congratulations."

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