Chapter 326: Chapter 326: The Threat Approaches...
On the magnificent planet of Xyloren, situated in the enchanting country of Eloren, the shops showcased unique designs, filled with symmetrical details and an unparalleled style. A colossal, sturdy tree rose majestically, adorned by various structures around it, with an even larger structure crowning its top, dazzling from afar with its silver splendor and sparkling rainbow hues.
Alongside Amon and his companions, two native Eloreans observed with smiles as they witnessed the awe-struck expressions of the visitors directed towards this grand structure.
One of them shared, "That's the home of the King of Eloren. At the peak, you'll find the royal chambers, while around the immense tree lie the residences of the children and relatives of the noble lineage."
"As imposing as it may seem," Barbara pondered, "from afar, it looks diminutive... But how vast are the King's chambers?"
"A little over 30,000 square meters," Elasa, an Elorean, replied.
"Wow! That's enormous!" Ariel exclaimed, blending admiration with a teasing tone in her voice.
The Eloreans exchanged glances and chuckled, accustomed to such reactions and, in a way, proud to evoke such admiration.
Despite their unique appearances, the Eloreans displayed luminous skin and distinct genetic traits. Their chameleon-like eyes and seductive voices charmed like sirens, attracting attention.
Despite their unconventional appearance post-laughter, many were enchanted by the Eloreans. However, they rarely showed interest in other species, causing conflicts in the past. To prevent incidents, the Eloreans used devices from birth to reduce attraction to other species, minimizing these issues.
"I understand," Mabel responded upon hearing this.
The Eloreans smiled warmly.
"Changing the subject..." Julia addressed Elasa, "If you don't mind me asking, how has the Condemned Cemetery been?"
Elasa briefly pondered. There were no overt signs of nervousness, but something hindered her from readily discussing the matter. Eliane beside her exhibited the same reserve.
"Actually," Elasa began slowly, choosing her words, "Strange things are happening there. Some human explorers haven't returned. We've sent patrols, but there's been no news. It's risky."
"How dangerous is it?" Amon inquired, staring at her intently.
Elasa looked back at Amon and replied, "We sent a patrol with a Star-Rank leader, but they didn't return... The risk might be Star-Rank or even higher."
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"I see," Amon pondered, touching his chin. He then looked at the girls and added, "Given the circumstances, it's wiser to avoid going. We shouldn't act recklessly in pursuit of adventure."
"I agree," Mabel was the first to concur.
"Me too," the others followed in unison.
It wasn't worth risking so much, especially considering that although the Condemned Cemetery was known for monster mutations, it wasn't the only place to complete the mission.
"Elasa, may I ask you something?" Maisa addressed her.
"Of course," Elasa replied with a friendly smile.
"Hmm, are there other places with reports of monster mutations, apart from the Condemned Cemetery, with a Grandmaster-level risk?"
"In fact, yes," Elasa projected a holographic map of the Eloren Country, expanding it to almost two square meters.
Gathered around the map, Elasa highlighted an area distant from their current location.
"In this region," Elasa pointed to the area marked in red, her slender, long finger highlighting it, "there are reports of monster mutations, with a risk around the Grandmaster level, but the maximum danger is minimal. Going there would be safer than the Condemned Cemetery. Recently, a patrol returned from there and reported that things were under control."
When she mentioned "under control," she referred to a situation less alarming than that of the Condemned Cemetery, where the situation remained uncertain. Amon and the girls understood this clearly.
Eliane cautioned, "Even with a lower risk, I suggest caution if you decide to go."
"Understood, thank you for the warning," Amon replied, a small friendly smile on his face.
"No problem," she responded with the same smile.
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The Condemned Cemetery.
Surrounded by imposing trees and shrouded in a grayish mist, the place exuded a haunting oppression, surpassing the bounds of a typical horror movie setting. The stench was unbearable, understandably so, considering the presence of dozens of decomposing bodies of monsters and genetically altered animals scattered across the ground.
Among the corpses lay a human and an exceedingly intelligent monster, the latter casting a look of deep hatred toward the human, as if desiring to tear his throat and satisfy itself with his blood right there...
The creature's eyes shimmered in golden hues with delicate green filaments, its narrow pupils reminiscent of a serpent's. Monstrously large, its body reached the dimensions of a bus, rising to the level of a two-story building.
A fusion of species defied any attempt at classification: six limbs, the hind ones resembling leopards, the midsection evoking the form of alligators, and the front ones displaying eagle-like claws.
"ROOOOAR!"
The monstrous roar echoed like thunder, creating ripples in the air and making the ground tremble. Upon impact, the creature sank to the ground, forming a crater beneath its feet. With an impressive leap, it reached a nearby tree, using it as a springboard, and then, with a powerful thrust, launched itself toward a blond-haired, brown-eyed human.
"Crack!"
"Boom!"
At the exact moment the tree gave way under the tremendous force of the beast, used as a springboard, the creature, now facing the brown-eyed blonde man, lunged with its massive mouth, a bizarre amalgamation between an alligator's jaw and part of a whale's face, the smooth hairless skin appearing greased like that of a feline.
A grotesque combination that further amplified the beast's terrifying aspect.
"Damn it!" exclaimed the blond man.
In response, a dark blood-like substance sprang from the ground, raising a barrier akin to a multi-layered wall made of blood.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
"Crack..."
Gradually, layer by layer, the barrier was being breached by the mouth of the monstrous beast, which soon found itself in front of the defenseless man.
"Damn it...! Crap, crap...! Just when I've achieved something so good...! I won't give up without a fight! At most, I'll die...!" The blond man cursed, desperately thinking of a way to escape.
In his hand, he held something akin to a green seed, which he stashed in his pocket before retrieving several talismans from the same place...
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