"I'm Adrian, and I am just a lone wanderer," Adrian replied indifferently. "A wanderer? But you're so strong. It's remarkable for a wanderer to reach such a level," Machias commented, noting that Adrian displayed a cultivation level comparable to that of a quasi-level nine fighter.Adrian had come to explore Keltes Mountain alone to avoid unnecessary trouble. "You flatter me, Machias," he said modestly."Machias, we're members of a renowned faction. This man’s strength is quite ordinary. If we team up with him, won't he be taking advantage of us?" a member of Machias’ team asked skeptically."Nonsense!" Machias retorted sharply as he glared at his companion.The person who had spoken was taken aback and dared not speak further."I've always taught you not to be arrogant. Even though we're members of a renowned faction, we're all the same and should help each other. Besides, none of you are as strong as Adrian,” Machias reprimanded.His words left everyone speechless. Aside fr
Adrian’s eyes lit up. "What a perfect opportunity. It's now or never!" he said as he dashed toward the gap.The others were shocked by his sudden move. Machias cried out, "Adrian! What are you doing?!""We need to get into the mist now!" Adrian shouted back.Hearing this, the Xerxes Warriors immediately followed after him. Initially, they were confused, but as they approached the mist, Machias and the others began to understand. There was a massive rift on the mountainside, and it was rather peculiar. It was emitting immense power and also generating an incredible suction force. The closer they got to the rift, the stronger the pull. It was like a giant beast waiting to devour them."Look at that!"Others within the vicinity had noticed the phenomenon too."What are those people doing? Why are they charging into that intense current? Are they crazy?""No idea, but they don't seem like they're trying to commit suicide.""Wait… They're trying to enter Keltes Mountain! This rift i
Screams echoed as more people were reduced to dust. Most of these victims fell due to sneak attacks, while a few succumbed to the violent storm due to lack of strength."Damn it!" Machias cursed as he watched the people around him die one after another."What's wrong, Machias?" Adrian asked, looking at him."Don't you find these people despicable? We're from different teams, yes, but we’re all in this together. Why must we kill each other?" Machias said bitterly."In this together? Don't be silly, Machias. The path to becoming stronger is like rowing against the current. It's like fighting against a crowd of thousands to try to cross a single-plank bridge. If you don't clamor, don't eliminate others, you will be the one eliminated," Adrian said.Though Adrian was reluctant to admit it, most fighters believed in this. There were plenty of fighters in this world, but the resources were scarce. Various factors such as natural talent, personal diligence, and the support of valuable re
"You already know. I'm at quasi-level nine," Adrian replied."But..." Machias wanted to say more but quickly realized that Adrian might have his secrets. Thus, he chose not to press further. "Let's press on,” Machias said instead.With that, the group started moving. Along the way, they encountered several attacks, but none could bring them down. Their teamwork grew increasingly seamless, bringing them ever closer to the rift. Adrian could even see that within the rift lay an entirely different world, and it seemed like the heart of Keltes Mountain."We can't get in, and neither can you!" a sudden shout erupted.Everyone turned toward the voice, seeing a towering figure appear in the distance. It was a burly man, and behind him loomed a shadow that resembled an enormous beast covered in scales. Under the man's command, the shadow attacked the surrounding crowd with deadly ferocity."Ah!""Help!"Cries of despair rang out as the beast and the man killed the people in their path
With a shout, the man unleashed a powerful move at Adrian. Yet, Adrian remained unfazed. Faced with the man's formidable assault, Adrian merely smiled."Do you think a guy like you can defeat me?" Adrian called out. He then threw a punch at the man.The man was enraged and bellowed, "You've got some skills, kid! But even so, you can't defeat me!""Is that so?" Adrian retorted as the power surrounding him surged.The man initially managed to defend himself, but soon, something strange began happening and he sensed something amiss. Adrian's power was growing more potent by the second, making him feel increasingly insignificant, almost like an ant."How is this possible?" the man uttered in disbelief.Moments later, a terrifying force swept over him.Bam!With an anguished scream, the man was instantly reduced to ashes.After dealing with the man, Adrian and his companions continued to move forward. After traversing the dense fog, they found themselves standing in an expansive, o
Edie was covered in wounds. It was clear he had been attacked and seriously injured."Machias, there are monsters in the woods," Edie gasped, struggling for breath.Machias was shocked by this revelation. Even though he was reluctant, he had to follow Edie. He had to see what kind of monsters were out there.The wilderness was vast and desolate, and as they walked through it, a strong foul odor hit them."Focus and move forward slowly in formation. Don't break formation," Machias reminded his team.Everyone looked at the bleak scene ahead, careful not to make any sudden moves."Edie, where did you see the monsters?" Machias asked.The group was unfamiliar with this area, so Edie was acting as their guide. Most of his injuries had healed, so there was no need to worry.Upon hearing Machias' question, Edie looked around. He seemed unsure of the exact spot where they had encountered the monsters.After a moment, he pointed to a spot. "Here.""Are you sure? Don’t lead us the wron
"What's wrong with you?" Machias asked."I just saw a dark shadow flash by. Didn't you notice?" Hope was a bit nervous."No. Maybe your eyes were playing tricks on you," someone replied."You guys didn’t see anything?" Hope was puzzled and looked at Machias.Machias shook his head, indicating he hadn't seen anything. The chaotic aura here affected everyone, so merely sensing something didn't necessarily mean there were enemies present."In any case, let's stay vigilant. It's better to be safe than sorry," Machias said.The group tightened their formation as they moved forward. The surrounding mist became denser. Everyone had the feeling that a mysterious creature was hiding in the shadows, waiting to strike."Edie, we haven’t seen any of these monsters you mentioned," Machias said."Are you trying to trick us?" someone asked impatiently."Don't worry. Look, it’s appearing now," Edie answered in an eerie tone.Whoosh!A long roar echoed. In the mist ahead, a huge figure sudde
Adrian muttered to himself, "What a powerful enchantment."Earlier, he had sensed fluctuations in the atmosphere here and came to investigate. He discovered Machias and the others had been ambushed.Seeing the woman appear, Adrian decided not to act hastily."You..." Hope glared at the woman angrily. His powerful move, though not using all his strength, was a domineering strike that ordinary people couldn't withstand.This woman... Her strength was terrifying.A moment later, the woman fully stepped out of the mist, and everyone finally saw her true appearance. Although she looked like a human, she had a pair of horns growing on her forehead. There were also scales on her cheeks and neck. Her eyes were golden with snake-like vertical pupils, adding an eerie charm to her appearance.‘What kind of monster is she?’ Adrian was shocked. Looking at the woman, he couldn't help but think of those monsters enhanced by genetic drugs from before. But this woman was clearly more powerful tha