Chapter 31 Ch. 31: Survival Test [3]
—Rustle —Rustle —Rustle
Four youths were spotted dashing through the untamed wilderness with a white-haired boy leading the way.
His cerulean eyes vigorously scanned the surroundings intently.
They were searching for their lost companion.
The group moved quickly, their steps light and nimble as they weaved through the dense foliage.
"Groowwll!!"
A roaring beast echoed throughout the forest and anxiety crept in.
Uneasiness washed over them and their hearts raced.
They were not stupid by any means.
And judging from the voice, they knew that it did not belong to any form of animal but something else.
Something that they did not wish to meet.
However, in contrast to his friends, the boy in the forefront seemed unfazed by it.
His face was devoid of any expression resembling still water.
"This way."
They turned left and Adrian frowned when he sensed many presences in the area.
'Are they Gizel's team?'
Brushing it off, he continued to run.
When the bushes that obscure their sight came to an end, a wheat-haired boy was seen lying prone on the ground and—
—Boom!
Their attention shifted toward a tall Earth Wall that was crumbling down behind him.
Shortly, their eyes widened in shock and horror upon witnessing the scene present.
Their hearts skipped a beat and their whole body began to tremble.
Amidst the dust and the falling debris, a colossal yet terrifying figure passed through the barrier.
—Drrtt —Drrtt
The ground shook with every step it took, driving their nerves to the edge.
"Ah…"
With its sharp talons at the ready, the monster dashed toward Péréz.
Wasting no more time, Adrian ran and relayed his plan.
"Ralph, I need you to—"
However, he shut his mouth after realizing that no one was following him.
He peeked behind his shoulder and saw that the trio was rooted to the ground with fear and dread written on their faces.
"Tsk."
He clucked his tongue and returned his sight up ahead.
It was clear that they had never encountered a monster before.
The beast swung its razor claws but before it could graze on Péréz's body, a Magic Circle formed; shooting out a massive earth block and slamming the monster's body sideways.
"Rooarr!!"
The creature rolled several times and collided with a tree trunk.
—Boom!
The tree broke into two pieces and sent a cloud of dust into the air.
Péréz weakly turned his head.
Their eyes connected for a brief moment before he fell unconscious.
Once he arrived, Adrian quickly rolled the boy's body to face the sky and put his fingers under his nose.
Fortunately, Péréz was only fainting.
Catching a glimpse of the boy's dry mouth, Adrian couldn't help but furrow his eyebrows in wonder.
How the hell did this brat have symptoms of dehydration?
They were only separated for half an hour or so.
Did he eat something weird?
—Drrtt —Drrtt
He darted to the side and saw the monster slowly rise to its feet.
The moment it stood upright, its feral yellow eyes fixated on him.
"Rooaarr!!"
The monster screeched and impatiently rushed at him.
Adrian chanted inwardly and three Earth Walls lined vertically soared up from the ground; blocking the beast's path.
—Boom! —Boom!
The beast relentlessly pounded the barrier until it crumbled into pieces and began to strike the second wall.
—Boom! —Boom!
While keeping the monster occupied, Adrian cast another spell.
Soon, the soil beneath Péréz rose imitating an altar and it glided toward his companions.
If they had nothing to do then it was better to lighten his burden by protecting the boy's body.
—Boom!
The last wall collapsed and the monster swiftly charged; waving its razor-sharp talons at him.
However, the white-haired boy didn't budge an inch nor did he take out his weapon.
He just stood there and smirked.
—Bang!
Sparks of metal burst between the collided claws and a giant shield.
Ralph stood in front of him, blocking the monster's blow.
Without beating around the bush, Adrian spat his mind.
"Took you long enough."
"Uh, sorry… I was surprised."
Ralph answered nervously; he was embarrassed.
Noticing something coming, his azure eyes rolled sideways and a chakram was seen hurled in the air.
"Rooaarr!!"
The beast wailed in pain as it grazed on its body.
It stumbled backward with its green blood spattered on the ground.
Rhea caught her chakram back and behind her, Sylvina was checking on Péréz's condition with her Blood Controlling.
Now that he thought about it, didn't this team have the best composition?
The group had a Tanker and a Lancer for close combat confrontation.
The Elementalists would deal long-distance damage and Sylvina acted as a healer.
Excellent, right?
"Rooarr!!"
Regaining its footing, the monster howled and began again with its attack.
But this time, instead of swinging its talons, the monster leaped up toward them and the boys hastily jumped to dodge.
—Boom!
A small crater was created on the ground beneath it and dust spread to the area.
Unexpectedly, the monster lashed out its tongue to catch Ralph in the air and whipped him in Adrian's direction.
"Uwaaa!!"
Adrian, who just landed, was forced to roll sideways to evade.
"Urk!"
Ralph slammed to the ground but was immediately lifted by the monster's tongue.
Adrian called forth his weapon and slashed his sword.
Afterward, a curved white light flew and chopped off the beast's tongue.
"Rrooaaarrr!!"
Green blood spurted out from the wound and the monster staggered backward whilst flailing its hands frantically.
Adrian approached Ralph and brought him to his arms.
"Cough!"
He threw up a handful of blood and his nose was bleeding.
"Are you okay?"
"No, it hurts."
Adrian took out a Potion and feed it to Ralph.
"Rooarr!! Rooarr!!"
The creature growled in fury and Rhea flinched upon realizing that its yellow ferocious eyes were locked on her.
The moment it rushed at her, the tomboy instantly threw her chakram and shouted.
"Excuse me, a little help here?!"
If it was only her that was fine, but Sylvina and Pérés were right behind her.
—Clutch!
And to her surprise, the monster grabbed her chakram and flung it back at her.
"Vivi, duck!!"
Rhea warned Sylvina and both of them immediately threw themselves to the floor.
—Stab!
The chakram pierced a tree trunk behind them and the girls panted heavily.
"Haa… Haa…"
Their bodies trembled and their hearts beat fast.
They were beyond shocked!
If they were a split second late, their necks would surely be separate from their bodies.
Just when they thought the danger had passed, reality said otherwise.
A massive shadow that loomed over them made them lift their heads.
And as if the world was slowing down, their eyes stretched wide.
The beast was seen hovering in the air; ready to stamp them with its enormous body.
—Boom!
The monster's body was slammed by a big earth block sideways and rolled a few times.
Digging its claws into the ground, the beast managed to come to a full stop.
"Rrrooooaaaarrr!!"
Turning its head to the side, its yellow eyes met with a pair of azure eyes.
Preparing its talons, the monster sprinted toward him and Adrian watched it nonchalantly.
Gripping his sword tightly, the boy heaved a deep breath and began to chant inwardly.
As soon as the sword in his hand shone brightly, without a slight hesitation, Adrian rushed at the monster.