Chapter 169: Enemies Will Prioritize Taunting Targets (Five Updates Begging for Subscriptions!)
The ashen night descended, countless stars twinkling across the endless expanse of the sky.
The moon, half-obscured by gray clouds, cast a hazy glow over the Great Tree Sea Secret Realm.
Within the main tent of the camp jointly established by two Familial Groups/Factions, a small-scale battle conference was underway.
“The source of the new monster species is the ancient monster ‘Andarius’ from within the Ersos Ruins. It was once sealed away but has now awakened and is consuming the seal.”
“Centered around its location in the ruins, nearby monster nests are rapidly expanding. Many Familial Groups/Factions have accepted commissions to clear out the monster groups threatening the villages surrounding the Great Tree Sea.”
“And during this time, ‘Andarius’ is also amassing strength; the continuous erosion and death of the Great Tree Sea prove it. The range of forest death is constantly expanding, changing almost visibly each day.”
As the meeting unfolded, Artemis’s demeanor was quite serious. The Goddess succinctly summarized the current intelligence.
Izay had previously been briefed on this. Besides him, several other Familial Groups/Factions were involved in the Great Tree Sea commission task.
At this point, he finally understood from Artemis’s explanation why their presence hadn’t been felt here.
Not only within the Great Tree Sea territory but also outside the secret realm, some people needed to be stationed. Those Familial Groups/Factions not present here were likely acting elsewhere.
“So… we still can’t avoid battling the ancient monster ‘Andarius,’ right?”
Asfi pouted with a face that looked ready to burst into tears.
Being the highest-ranked person here, she already foresaw her own fate.
She wanted to cry…
“I apologize…this is unavoidable. If we don’t defeat ‘Andarius’ now, once it fully recovers, it will bring calamity to the lower realms.”
With a touch of comfort, Artemis softly said.
“You needn’t apologize, Lady Artemis. I’m just wallowing in self-pity…”
Asfi chuckled bitterly, shaking her head.
Some things must be done, even if you don’t want to. Often, reality doesn’t give you many choices.
‘The ancient monster ‘Andarius’ huh…’
Hermes paused for a moment, then after a few moments, he looked up at Artemis.
“Artemis, how long has ‘Andarius’ been awake? To what extent has its power recovered?”
“Sorry, I don’t know. Due to the seal, the inside and outside of the ruins are completely isolated. Perhaps it’s waiting to accumulate more strength before breaking free entirely—it hasn’t completely shattered the seal yet.”
“…So, the cage used to imprison it has now become an odd sort of protective shield?”
How ironic.
“As long as it’s not in its complete form with terrifying strength, I should be able to handle it. Even Level 5.”
At this point, Izay suddenly spoke, revealing a shocking fact.
In reality, he was being modest.
His original meaning was that even at Level 5, he could defeat it. With magic skills and blessings combined, he could probably take on even the next level.
Of course, fighting is one thing, winning another.
The atmosphere fell silent for a moment.
“Ah, this is really…”
“Monster…”
Following Hermes’s mutter, Asfi whispered quietly.
But with the deep silence of the night and no one speaking, whether her whisper was soft or loud didn’t matter much.
It was definitely heard.
“Miss Asfi, cursing will make you sound like a grumpy old woman, you know?”
“…”
A certain omnipotent individual silently shifted his gaze aside and remained silent.
For a moment, Artemis suddenly understood why Izay said he would protect her.
If it were him, he might truly be able to end the legend of the Scourge Scorpion…
Glancing at Letsha who was still stunned beside her, Artemis nudged her to snap out of it.
“Though Izay’s powerful combat capabilities are good, let’s get back to the topic at hand regarding our battle plan.”
Artemis turned to Hermes.
“Hermes, I hope you can have your child work with Letsha to lure the monsters around the ruins. No need to annihilate them all, just delay them.”
“During this time, select a few individuals to form an extermination team to enter the ruins and eliminate ‘Andarius.'”
Because the entrance to the ruins cannot be opened without Artemis’s divine intent, her position in the extermination team is necessary.
Izay and Asfi, as the two strongest forces currently available, must also be included.
Additionally, they need to prepare a Magic Sword. The number of monsters inside the ruins will undoubtedly be significant. Using a Magic Sword to clear the way is the best approach, so they need to select a supporter.
“Can I go too?”
With an offhand smile, Hermes sheepishly raised his hand.
“Wait, Lord Hermes! How can you possibly…”
Interrupted by Hermes pressing his hand on her head, Asfi, whose words were cut off due to the sudden whimsy of the deity, prepared to continue speaking.
“Relax~ Asfi-chan, you know me well~ And I can act as a support role, bringing a few Magic Swords to boost our strength, haha…”
“Truly…you’re so annoying…”
Seeing the voice of the Familial Group member trembling on the verge of tears, exposing her soft side momentarily, Hermes patted her head like dealing with a child to console her.
Seeing this, Izay smiled faintly.
“Having Lord Hermes join our team isn’t bad. Protecting him should be pretty easy, right?”
“Izay? What do you mean?”
“How should I put it, Lady Artemis? For certain special reasons, when monsters detect targets, they prioritize those with taunts, like me.”
“—?”
Confused by these words, Artemis tilted her head cutely, her indigo eyes brimming with puzzlement.
…
“Chirp chirp chirp chirp…”
At the same time, amidst the shadows and faint mist enveloping the Great Tree Sea, a sharp noise erupted.
The sound was tiny but dense, the continuous sound of hard shells stepping on the ground. Judging by the sound alone, it was evident that a large group of creatures was approaching.
Around them, the forest, which should have been a dark green, was now entirely covered in shadows and crimson lines.
Large swaths of darkness were rapidly advancing toward the camp formed by the two Familial Groups/Factions.
They sharpened their massive claws, yearning for life energy, unable to wait any longer.
—Night Raid.
One of the monsters’ signature tricks.
Isolated crimson eyes gleamed menacingly in the dark night.
