Toron and Chak escorted Sila deep into the forest. The suns heat was being trapped in by the trees, so Sila felt warr the further they went in. anwhile, Toron and Chak were drenched in sweat as they continued exhausting themselves by expanding their psychic sense to inspect their surroundings. In one hand they each held a sword, which they used to cut any tall grass that blocked their path, and in the other they held flasks. From ti to ti, they would sip so water to resist the heat.
The three had been traveling for almost an hour, yet the whole journey so far had been a silent one with no conversing between them. It wasnt surprising though, since Sila wasnt that close to the two while Toron and Chak were always focused on sensing any enemies.
Out of curiosity, Sila tried probing the surroundings as well. However, he didnt find any notable danger. There were insects and small beasts at most. That made him wonder. Excuse . Do you enter this forest frequently?
Toran moved forward without minding the question, while Chak replied without looking back.
Around two tis a month, sir. Why do you ask?
How dangerous is this place? Sila asked. Honestly speaking, he wanted to ask Why do you guys have to be on guard this much?, but he was afraid that it might be too blunt.
Quite so. With the exception of the Silver Griffins, all of the monsters living in the forest are qi-types. Even the low-level ones can pose issues.
How?
They are small venomous monsters. Although their health points are low, theyre fast and difficult to spot. They may attack the mont you let your guard down. Just so you know, their toxins arent that potent. However, the Sumr Forest is quite a special place. You can say that its a special dinsion. There are no restrictions on entering or leaving though.
Sila nodded, which proved to be pointless as Chak hadnt turned back to see it. He waited for Chak to take another gulp of water and continue the explanation.
The unique trait of this special dinsion is that the system wont inform us of a monsters appearance even though theyre qi-type. The Blue Pigeon Guild has already confird this fact.
As I ntioned before, the toxins of monsters in this place are not fatal. However, the law of the jungle in this place ans they follow a cycle of killing other monsters and absorbing their venom. So toxins are constantly strengthened as this cycle goes on. The terrifying aspect of this place is that we have no way of telling whether the monster attacking us is one that was born recently or one that had lived long enough to accumulate other toxins. If its the latter, its possible that their venom can deliver lethal damage.
The reason why the system doesnt notify us of their arrival must be because of that particular aspect. These monsters are constantly mutating. We can say that the entire forest is considered a giant monster with tons of parasites living inside.
Sila could more or less understand it. Just on the way here, he had already sensed hundreds or even thousands of monsters. Based on their strength, their level must be below Level 1,000 Squire Rank. In any case, considering their numbers, he would have been annoyed to death if the system kept repeatedly notifying him of monster arrivals.
How about Silver Griffins?
Silver Griffins possess magic that helps them develop antibodies against the venoms theyre exposed to, so they can live in this forest. They feed on the local monsters, have moderately high attack power and defense, and can withstand many types of power.
Withstand powers? Like Dragon Scales? Sila asked.
Ah, no. Dragon Scales can reduce physical attack as well as qi, magic, and psychic power. On the other hand, Silver Griffins magic focuses on resisting various kinds of debuffs and abnormal statuses.
Finally, Toron stopped his feet. He turned around to face the other two.
Weve arrived.
Observing the surroundings, Sila didnt find this location any different from the parts of the forest they had walked past on their journey here. As if on cue, Toron explained before Sila could voice his confusion.
The nest of Silver Griffins is two kiloters up ahead. This spot is the furthest we can reach without alerting them. The two of us are only at Knight Rank. If a battle breaks out, well only beco hindrances.
Chak added, We arent combat-types. I specialize in collecting monster drops. My skill pool focuses on collecting a large number of items and extracting ingredients from monsters. As for Toron, he is a monster tar. Most of his beasts are for gathering intel and collecting items though. Only one of them can fight.
Sila started to get it. In that case, I will continue on my own. What are you planning to do next?
Toron raised his hand, showing a ring on his index finger. It flashed once, and a falcon flew out. It had a noble look and it was twice as large as Lookhin. Sila guessed that they must be from different species.
I can rely on Big Bro Falcon to collect items. Its level is even higher than mine. Together with Chaks help, were certain that we can collect all the items no matter how many Silver Griffins you kill.
Silently, Sila stared at Big Bro Falcon, who was perching on Torons wrist.
Noticing his gaze, Toron felt sohow awkward. He quickly gave an explanation, which was the sa one he always clung to every ti he introduced his pet.
I got it from Boss. He ca up with the na and wont let change it.
Unlike what everyone else did in the past, however, Sila was completely apathetic. Its a good na.
Toron and Chak looked at each other, speechless. Apparently, Sila was the first to complint Belugas naming sense.
Sila expanded his perception to the south. By the way, Silver Griffins are not the only monster I plan to hunt today.
Toron tilted his head. Silver Griffins are the highest-level monsters in the forest though. The rest are small and insignificant. Im afraid youll waste your ti hunting them.
Dont mind . I have my own plans. You can just wait for my signal.
As he finished the sentence, Sila leaped forward and disappeared, leaving Toron who shouted after him, Wait! What signal?!
Silas voice rang out next to the twos ears. Youll realize it imdiately when the ti cos.
After moving forward five hundred ters, Sila stopped. His ability to conceal his presence was much more refined than Chaks or Torons. Even if he advanced further, the Silver Griffins would still be unaware of his approach.
In any case, the reason why he stopped was to talk with Zarnak. He tried to avoid conversing with Zarnak in front of others. Just Dark Self alone was troubleso enough. Not only could he talk to his inner self, but he also was able to talk with his armor. If soone saw him talking to them, it wouldnt be weird if they thought he had gone crazy.
Zarnak, how should I start? Just jump in and start a fight?
A monotonous voice replied, My using-muscles-more-than-brains master... Although Lucifer is an incredibly powerful fighter, he always relied on his brain more than his brawn. Simply using Omniscient Evil God Qi in a direct fight is such a waste. Only by using it coupled with an intellect will it beco invincible.
Sila closed his eyes, reviewing the Omniscient Evil God Qis circulation thod, and started circulating it. His body soon emitted a faint golden aura, showing a majestic vibe that was worthy of qi belonging to the powerful Evil God.
Omniscient Evil God Qi is too strong for your Qi Concealnt to hide. Only Qi Concealnt of Transcendent Rank can conceal its aura, explained Zarnak.
Sila wasnt used to it. He had never witnessed qi aura emitting from his body ever since he had acquired Qi Concealnt. Engulfed in the golden aura, he found himself too eye-catching and didnt quite like the sensation.
After Zarnak had guided him to master Flaming Cloud Qis Nirvana Part, Sila finally stepped onto the path of Omniscient Evil God Qi. Based on the dragons explanation about why he had never succeeded in cultivating it beyond Level 0, his lack of qi capacity was to be blad.
Flaming Cloud Qis Nirvana Part brought about the required change. Silas body was like refined steel that had been slted over and over, finally possessing the potential to learn Omniscient Evil God Qi. After cultivating it for a few hours in his bedroom, its skill level eventually reached 1.
The core aspect of Omniscient Evil God Qi is about attacking the connection between powers, which magic-type beings heavily rely on. However, it doesnt an that the qi is ineffective when it cos to attacking multiple targets of other energy types. In fact
Hm? Does Omniscient Evil God Qi also work on groups of non-magic beings?
Zarnak fell silent for a brief mont. ...My always-interrupting master, if only you would let finish...
Oh, okay, you may continue.
With Silas interruption, Zarnaks mood seed to turn sour. Well, in fact, he wasnt even sure whether it was moody or not. He had never been able to tell its emotions apart as it always talked in a monotonous voice and with a face devoid of expressions.
Another prominent trait of Omniscient Evil God Qi is how hostility plays a role. It wont harm the target until they put up a resistance. When that ti cos, its strength will explosively increase. The qi works extrely well against magic-type beings as they often have connections by nature, especially those belonging to the sa race or species. Even if that isnt the case, there still exists a thod to forcefully establish a connection.
How?
Entice them to use spells of the sa kind, Zarnak replied. Spells of the sa kind of magic naturally link and strengthen each other. The similarity can just be about the spells elent, but the connection will be quite weak in this case. On the other hand, for establishing a connection between beings of other energy types, you will have to let Omniscient Evil God Qi invade the targets body before spreading it via qi expansion or psychic power connection, increasing your target from one to hundreds, thousands, or as many as you want.
As the conversation was about qi-types, Sila could comprehend so parts of it. He would have to rely on Worlds Crossing Bridge and Cruise Breeze to transmit qi from one target to another. He had never attempted transmitting qi between enemies before, but he got the idea.
Next, its about Omniscient Evil God Qis weakness.
Does Omniscient Evil God Qi have a weakness?
Zarnak replied with the sa tone, If its Lucifer who is using it, it doesnt. However, its another story when youre the user, my amateurish master. Its you who
Hm?! Suddenly, Sila let out a yelp, calling for Zarnaks attention.
What is it this ti?
Its the sa word. My amateurish master. You have used it once before. Sila pointed out what he had noticed.
Zarnak fell silent again, this ti longer than before. It quickly searched for a new word. There shouldnt be many adjectives left for defining you, my better-invest-your-brain-cells-in-more-important-matters master. Can you just let finish my explanation without interrupting?
Sure, go ahead. Sorry. It just suddenly crossed my mind.
...Omniscient Evil God Qis weakness is the fact that it groups targets altogether. When you attack the main target, the damage of your attack will be shared among every target linked by the qi. That ans the attack power that is deadly against one will beco relatively weak attack power against many. Hence, if you plan to use Omniscient Evil God Qi, you mustnt hold back. You need to attack with enough strength to kill many enemies rather than just one.
You an Angelic Fla, right?
...and Demonic Fla as well, in the case that you intend to unleash Nirvana Fla. Both flas have to be fused into one. You and your Dark Self have to cooperate.
Dark Selfs voice rang out, With pleasure. In fact, I also have new moves I would like to show you.
Really? You have new moves? asked Sila.
You ca up with Heavens Dismissals sword arts by adapting Heavens Decrees sword arts, didnt you? I, too, ca up with new moves using Five-Attributed Cloud Qi as the foundation. My idea forrly couldnt be put to practical use due to the problem regarding inner force capacity. However, as we have already mastered Flaming Cloud Qi, it now becos theoretically possible.
Sila couldnt help but feel disappointed. Theoretically? So you have never used them in real combat, yes?
Im you, so how could I have free ti to test them out without you knowing? Just a concept is enough. Sotis, just changing our thod of utilizing power is more than enough for us to improve further.
Sila took a deep breath. He controlled the golden qi so that it beca more difficult to detect it. The golden aura of qi beca fainter as it spread over, starting from a small centipede, a venomous worm, a venomous frog, a viper, to a venomous butterfly. These monsters were small in size and their levels were significantly lower than Silas, so he could transmit qi between them at ease.
Be careful around your two comrades, warned Zarnak.
Sila manipulated the qi to detour around Chak and Toron, who were waiting for his signal. His control over qi had beco excellent after mastering Flaming Cloud Qi. In just half an hour, the entire forest was enveloped by his power.
Your power will work on small monsters, but not Silver Griffins. What will you do? asked Zarnak.
Just forcing them to use a poison-related magic ability is enough, right? It will be easy, Sila replied as he opened his system window and took a certain item out.
It was a small round greyish pellet.
This is Venoms Heart, a dicinal pellet brewed by Franz. She said it can be diluted to produce Cleanse Antidotes. The power within the pellet version is too concentrated. Its effect is poisonous rather than being a dicine.
Sila activated Orbiting Cosmos to generate magical flas, vaporizing the pellet. It lted and turned into a black fog. The poison was rging with fire when he clapped his hands.
Artifact Manifestation.
When Sila opened his palms, what ca out were hundreds of fla-red butterflies. As he had expected, the result of Artifact Manifestation was correspondent to how he spent his magic power. That was the reason why he had divided the poisonous flas into several small layers. Fortunately, the result ca out as flying poisonous insects. It was even better than he had expected.
Now, go.
A group of butterflies flew toward the nest of Silver Griffins. Even Zarnak thought it was a rather smart thod. It couldnt help but be amazed that its master could sotis co up with a new idea that it couldnt think of.
Silver Griffins ate nothing but venomous monsters, as that was all they had access to. Encountering a new type of poison, it was natural that they needed to activate their magic ability to develop antibodies. That mont would be when all of the monsters in the forest were bound by the sa connection: poison. Sila only needed to unleash his most powerful attack on any of the monsters for his hunt to work.
After waiting for a long ti, Sila sensed the Silver Griffins magic power that they unleashed to fight off the poison. Looking around, he found an unfortunate centipede near his feet.
In his right palm was Demonic Fla while Angelic Fla was in his left. The more Sila tried to push them together, the more each fla exerted a repelling force to prevent their fusion, as if they were magnets of the sa pole. He had to raise his concentration and speed up his qi circulation, rebalancing the powers in both hands.
When he finally managed to clap his hands, the two flas combined and emitted intense golden light, shooting a beam toward the sky, which beca the signal Toron and Chak had been waiting for.
The repelling force intensified by several folds. Sila suppressed it, preventing the combined fla from exploding, before quickly lashing his hands on the centipede crawling around his feet.
An instant later, based on Toron and Chaks testimonies, they swear to God that they saw the Sumr Forest glowing golden from every corner. All monsters, no matter how large or small they were, were bathed in golden flas before bursting out, turning into mountains of items scattered throughout the forest. Even they, whose combined item collection speed was unparalleled, failed to collect them all.
Obviously, no one took their words seriously even when they insisted that the absurd scene they had witnessed truly happened.
...Co to think of it, even they, the direct eyewitnesses, still couldnt bring themselves to believe what had unfolded before their eyes.
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