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After releasing her cultivation base, she continued to speak, "While I understand his words, I won't be abandoning my direct family. Now, back to the matter at hand. We've entered this forest due to reports circulating throughout the town. Apparently, a Rank 3 Spirit Beast is amid a breakthrough. However, in these areas seldom does that happen. This leaves us to believe one of two things," answered Cynthia. However, before she could finish Apollo interjected. ??

"Either the Spirit Beast is consuming others to advance or it has found some type of item capable of helping it break through its current stage," commented Apollo with a look of understanding. His Intelligence stat wasn't for show. It subtly increased all things to do with his mind.

"Exactly; astute observation my cute little sweetheart, I'm coming to understand how you survived all these years. Our objective all along was to approach the center of this Shadowy Forest. We didn't expect to run into you, but I'm glad we did. On the other hand, we need to proceed forward faster. This report is a few days old. It's unknown if it successfully advanced. If it did, then we'll need to exert more efforts to handle the situation," stated Cynthia with a deepening solemn expression.

"I'll join you then," immediately answered Apollo. At this instant, his mind was more focused on the amount of experience a beast's core of that level would provide. Then again, he also pondered what means the beast was using to breakthrough. 'I hope it's the latter. If so, there remains a chance I'll be able to claim some things for my own.'

"Let's move forward then," uttered Danyul before gripping his weapons and dashing deeper into the Shadowy Forest. Following closely behind, the group moved in a small formation. The number of monsters that approached them was small due to Danyul using his cultivation base's aura as a deterrence.

Soon enough, they reached the middle of the Shadowy Forest. The layout was rather different than one would expect. Instead of dense trees, there was a clearing with a small mountain. Yet, from the opening intense fluctuations emanated.

Sensing the intense radiation of essence undulating from the small mountain opening, the older members of the party remained surprised. Either the cave was not very spacious or whatever resided inside was infinitesimally close to breaking through.

"Aren't these fluctuations too frequent? I believe we should confront it now. If it grows any stronger there's a chance we'll have to sacrifice the attention we would spare on the young ones," remarked Danyul while shifting his gaze between Cynthia and Ashur waiting for their response.

"Okay. We enter now then," agreed Cynthia while removing a sword from her waist. It was unknown what material it was made from but it was extremely malleable as it was able to wrap around her waist. Intrigued, Apollo nodded slowly. historical

'I thought that was a belt. It seems that's not the case at all. I guess weapons come in all shapes and sizes. Speaking of weapons, I wonder what Azridan is preparing me for? Could it be some type of legendary staff? That can't be too far off. He's been training me to use it for years now.'

While he pondered, the 3 elders turned into blurs as they rushed toward the cave entrance. Roused from his contemplative stupor, Apollo advanced as well. However, while doing so Aaron approached him.

"Say, which option do you think it is? Do you think the beast in question is utilizing the first or second method?" Aaron questioned Apollo as he remained curious about the current situation. If all went well, perhaps he'd be given the chance to redeem better things from the family. Small changes took place now that they were older and inclined to accomplish tasks.

"I can't guess based on what I know. But I do hope it is using the second choice. It'll be more useful if it is the case. But, that doesn't mean the first way makes it useless," replied Apollo as they finally entered the cave.

The first thing they took notice of when they entered was the temperature. It was much higher than outside. Furthermore, this was only the periphery of the cave; they still needed to advance further. 'Only a higher rank Spirit Beast could justify influencing the environment in such a way.'

"It's a Fire attribute Spirit Beast. Danyul, you'll be the lead for this operation. Your Water Element is the most effective. We'll act as your aids," instructed Cynthia while glancing back at the 3 youths following closely and continuing, "If there is a fight that breaks out beyond your capabilities then retreat a safe distance. Do not try to perform tasks outside of your grasp."

"Okay, Mom. But you can't put yourself in harm's way either," responded Aaron with a firm gaze. Although they had yet to meet any new Spirit Beast, they needed to prepare for contact.

"Hm, Aunty. I'd like to spectate closer. I'm not seeking to join. I would just like to witness how battle differs between the ranks of cultivation," stated Apollo with a calm expression. His placid eyes showed he was telling the truth. It was true he possessed no intentions of joining. He didn't receive experience from battling at the moment and as for the core, he felt he could simply ask Cynthia for some.

"Suit yourself. Just remain mindful of your positioning," assented Cynthia while they advanced further. It wasn't long before they came in contact with a new Spirit Beast. It was a salamander monster, deep red in color. Its eyes were like black gems while its body was the size of a sedan-type car.

Monster Name: Flame Salamander

Rank: Early Stage Rank 3 Spirit Beast

Health: 4,000 (100%)

"Hm, it's only the outskirts but there's already Rank 3 Spirit Beast present; not to mention there's three of them. It seems they're serving as the guards for the one near a breakthrough. Let's make quick work of them and enter that cave behind them," stated Danyul as he wielded his staff quickly.

A moment later, his staff was coated in a blue aura as he lashed it out horizontally. An arc of energy hurtled from the tip of his staff. Opening its maw, the salamander summoned orbs of fire before launching them towards Danyul's strike.

"Hmm, a decent amount of teamwork. It appears they possess a semblance of intelligence. They've successfully blocked my Aqua Rend Art. Let's see if they can handle this next move."

Spinning his staff around his body, Danyul formed an orb of water around himself by channeling Natural Essence containing copious amounts of the water element. Slamming his staff against the ground, a ripple took place in the orb as it shifted forms and engulfed the salamanders.

"As I thought, they were unable to handle my Returning Waves," stated Danyul as the caught salamanders were dragged within his striking range. This time, his Aqua Rends bisected the salamanders quickly.

"Oh? It would seem your proficiency with those techniques has increased. This makes me question what other techniques you have been learning these days," commented Ashur before releasing a small chuckle.

"Perhaps you'll find out later," briefly responded Danyul before proceeding past the bodies of the salamanders. Meanwhile, Apollo approached them collecting their cores. It seemed as if they didn't value these things the way they glazed over it.

Nonetheless, this all worked out in Apollo's favor. All they were doing was contributing to his growth. What they saw as trash, he recognized as treasure.

It wasn't long before they came in contact with an increased volume of beasts. It seemed as if the beast in question was meticulous in its planning.