Chapter 73

Chapter 74: Anomalies Within the Great Tree Maze (Third Update)

Though both part of the “Middle Layer” zone, it’s best to imagine everything below the Nineteenth Layer as another world entirely.

Exploration here is far more tense than any floor experienced thus far.

Naturally gifted with high ability values, bear beasts like the Berg Bear and giant insects such as the Mad Beetle prowl these areas. From this layer onward, expect to encounter sniper-like Dragonfly Monsters and Firebirds that specialize in ranged attacks.

Most terrifying of all are the monsters that frequently employ “Anomaly Attacks,” poisoning being the most common affliction.

Needless to say, antidotes are a must-have for anyone venturing into the Great Tree Maze.

Developing the skill “Anomaly Resistance” is also said to be key to conquering this area.

But none of this matters much to Izay, who, armed with his spear, boasts agility that speaks for itself.

If they can’t even touch him, how could they possibly injure him?

In the Twenty-Second Layer, a group of Berg Bears block the path ahead for Izay and Raul, while numerous Dragonfly Monsters flit about in the skies, searching for the perfect moment to strike.

Yet Izay and Raul pay them no mind, their focus entirely on the Berg Bears.

The dark golden elemental shields floating around them give them the confidence to ignore the airborne threats.

Who needs to worry about ambushes when you’ve got shields like these?

With swift and precise movements, Izay dispatches the Berg Bears one by one, weaving a web of cold silver light around himself.

Behind him, Raul supports with his crossbow, keeping an eye out for anything approaching from behind.

Not that he’s merely spectating.

Raul is letting Izay take the lead so he can gain more experience.

Killing a bunch of Lv.2 monsters offers little benefit to Raul’s level progression. Better to let Izay handle the bulk of it.

Besides, Raul is currently under the effects of Izay’s “Weighted” magic.

Even following Izay’s fast-paced exploration still grants him some growth; at least he won’t come away empty-handed.

Once the Berg Bears are dealt with, the duo turns their attention to the pesky Dragonfly Monsters buzzing overhead.

“The next wave’s coming, Izay, watch out!”

Exploring the Middle Layers gives adventurers little rest unless they actively seek out safe zones.

Scarcely had they finished off the last batch of monsters before another arrived.

About ten or so at a time, occasionally two different groups of monsters would team up, doubling the number.

Monsters wielding weapons are rare within the Great Tree Maze.

Here, the creatures either possess powerful physiques and sharp claws or excel in agility and ranged combat.

They themselves are the ultimate hunters.

“Don’t worry, bro, I’ve got this covered~”

Izay sidesteps the charging bulk of a Berg Bear, deflects its claws with his spear, then finds an opening to thrust the spear tip into its vital spot.

“ROOOOAAAARRRRR!!!”

Taking advantage of his momentary distraction, several dishonorable Berg Bears pounce.

“Starfall!!!”

“———!!”

With a shout, an eight-pointed star structure half a meter in diameter appears before Izay.

Intense magical energy rapidly condenses in an instant, glowing with a deep blue light that forms into a sphere which rockets toward the Berg Bears.

Its speed compresses the sphere into a horizontally oriented teardrop shape, streaking through the air and colliding with the bears.

Amidst the thunderous explosions, their massive bodies, claws, and fur disintegrate into ash, scattering into the wind.

The sheer force clears a vacuum in its wake, bending trees askew.

When magic is involved, the majority of monsters in the Middle Layers are no match for Izay.

He has every confidence in this, otherwise he wouldn’t be chatting with Raul mid-battle like someone playing a game and casually replying to their girlfriend during a raid.

Of course, just a metaphor.

Raul is more of a best friend to Izay, not a romantic partner.

“Hmm? That direction?”

While continuing their exploration, Izay suddenly turns his head towards a certain spot amidst the dense forest.

“What’s up, Izay?” Noticing his odd behavior, Raul raises an eyebrow in inquiry.

“Bro, what’s the strongest monster that could potentially spawn within the Great Tree Maze region, considering ‘anomalous conditions’?”

Instead of answering, Izay poses an even more vague question.

Nevertheless, Raul takes it seriously.

“Well… taking into account all possible ‘anomalous conditions’ within this region, the limit would be lower-tier Lv.3. It’d be impossible to reach upper-tier Lv.3. After all, the Middle Layers are meant for Lv.2 adventurers.”

Upper-tier Lv.3?

No, it feels like much more than that.

Whatever’s over there definitely surpasses that level.

The feedback from his skills warns Izay—there’s potential danger ahead, best to steer clear.

A loud ringing resonates in Izay’s mind, signaling that whatever lies ahead is beyond his current capabilities.

“Why do you ask?”

Following Izay’s gaze into the depths of the forest, Raul sees nothing and can’t figure out the connection between the question and Izay’s sudden interest in the woods.

For a moment, he’s completely lost.

“No, no reason. Just curious. I think we should change directions. We’ll explore this area later.”

After a quick glance at a cave somewhere deeper in the forest, Izay withdraws his gaze with a smile.

“Eh? Why?”

“I feel there’s danger ahead. Let’s go another way!”

“Eh???”

Without further explanation, Izay drags Raul away.

…

Within a certain cave area,

“That human seemed to notice us…”

A transparent, clear, and round female voice echoes here, seemingly conversing with someone else.

“Hmm, I have the same feeling, but he shouldn’t be able to see us.”

Responding to her is a rough voice.

“But why is he avoiding us?”

The female voice carries a hint of unease.

By normal standards, upon discovering something unusual, whether cautiously or recklessly, one would at least try to investigate, right?

To retreat without any apparent reason, as if already knowing what caused the anomaly…

It’s almost as if…

“Uncertain. Maybe he just decided to turn back on a whim.”

Surrounding the two speakers are numerous shadowy figures cloaked in black robes, their faces and forms obscured.

A moment of silence fills the air before the rough voice speaks again.

“Forget about this. Let’s migrate. Fels mentioned that adventurers rarely come to this area now. Apart from those two earlier, we haven’t encountered anyone else. Let’s act quickly while we have the chance.”

Around them, various strange responses echo…..