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"Ahem.. while a learning session is nice. I believe we need to get back to the matter at hand! Let's snatch the Natural Blessings and evacuate this area," uttered Ashur with a discontent expression. Why was she mentioning that item to him? It wasn't information vital to his understanding. ??

"Evacuate? And let the beast finish evolving and run rampant? Are you insane or just that selfish?" Cynthia's tone carried disgust as she looked upon Ashur with a disdainful expression.

"It's not worth it to go out of our way to slay this beast. Instead, it's more reasonable to snatch these items and return to the estate. Don't you agree Danyul?!" Ashur's only way out was to involve Danyul. Unfortunately.. historical

"No, I disagree. The flesh of this beast alone will be extremely beneficial to the youth back home. After all, there are only 36 of those Natural Blessings—far from enough to supply everyone. I'm with Cynthia on this; we slay the beast."

Clicking his tongue, Ashur cursed them in his mind. 'Fucking do-gooders. Why do we need to look out for all the youths when not all of them are promising? It should go without saying—condense our resources and focus on the promising candidates.'

"Unfortunately.. even if we wanted to do that. It's no longer an option," Cynthia's countenance darkened as the volcanic cocoon trembled. The crumbling exterior revealed a grandiose eyelid that soon opened.

A reptilian eye giving off a horrible feeling examined all that laid before it. The dense savagery within accentuated the dreadful red color. Larger chunks fell displaying just how large its physique was.

"Something's wrong.. I've felt a Rank 4 Spirit Beast...they...they don't feel like this," Cynthia stammered as her throat shuddered. That eye staring at them—it gave her a feeling comparable to those inconceivable Terrors!

"GROOAAAAAHHH!!!"

A prolonged ear-piercing shriek sounded causing the layout to quake. A shockwave shattered the encasing cocoon only to reveal the entirety of this thing's body. A massive unfurling wingspan blanketed the team under its shadow.

Its blackened scales shimmered with a metallic luster as its claws slammed into the ground tearing it asunder with ease. Its wings, however, seemed to be lacking in integrity. After they unfurled, they soon retracted. Yet and still, its ominous gaze locked onto Apollo and the others.

"This...t-... is this a dragon!? It's at least 15 meters tall. How do we confront something like that?" Aaron paled at this beast before them. Its roar shattered his confidence as did his mother's expression.

"It's not a dragon. I'm certain of this. Those aren't found in our Domain. You'll have to venture across the seas. That should be.. a Wyvern. But even then.. Wyverns are known to be extremely destructive. How is one here?" Cynthia frowned as her grip tightened on her sword; her words laced with an adversarial tone.

'Aunty's tone sounds like worry is creeping into her mind. However..'

"Aunty, this situation isn't hopeless. At least, I don't think so. There are 7 of us. How about we synchronize and take down this beast. If push comes to shove then we retreat," stated Apollo as he aimed to reassure Cynthia and calm her taut nerves. However, unbeknownst to him, this situation stimulated a deep-rooted hatred from that ominous feeling—it jogged the memories of her perishing brothers!

"I don't think you understand the implications that come along with a Rank 4 Spirit Beast! They undergo a fundamental change. Those below the Zul Warrior Realm are unable to even scratch them," disclosed Ashur with a disgruntled expression. He even showed signs of wanting to bail on this situation.

"We should have brought Father along.." Axel frowned as he stared at the wyvern. It had yet to make a move as the aura around its body was frantic. Furthermore, trying to lift its limbs resulted in awkward movements—it seemed to lack control of itself right now.

"Why do you all lack confidence? Isn't cultivation the path of defying all odds? To me, it seems as if you all have lost your heart. I for one will not wait for you to respond," retorted Apollo as he brushed past everyone.

"If you don't want to confront it, I'll simply take my share and leave." A thick shadow encased Apollo, however, he didn't take a step. Instead, he waited.

"Don't be so irrational! How can I allow you to put yourself in harm's way? I won't be losing my family again. Stand down.. NOW!" screaming in a frantic manner, Cynthia's aura bolstered to new heights. Her protective desire propelled her cultivation a level.

Meanwhile, Apollo felt her emotion and conceded, retracting the Partial Shade Silhouette. "As you wish Aunty," He smiled and approached her. As he did so, the Wyvern roared reverberating throughout the enclosed space.

Appearing from behind it, multiple Rank 3 Flame Salamanders came into sight. Its deadly glare fell upon the group as an orb of irrevocable flames gathers within its mouth. It only needed but an instant to do so.

"DODGE!" roared Cynthia before sidestepping. Her feet were wreathed in a watery stream that soon formed slender boots seemingly made of Water Essence but retained a metallic sheen.

"Is that her Aqua Maiden Technique? It seems she has trained it to the Aquatic Valkyrie Boots. When is the last time we've seen her in action? It's been years. I look forward to witnessing what she's capable of," muttered Danyul as he brandished the Coldiron Staff.

A layer of water essence coated it as well before it began freezing over. It was a special technique known as Frozen Lance. It turned his staff into the more lethal spear. Of course, it required a continued channeling of Natural Essence to maintain. Hence, it was a rather draining technique. However, this was made up for in lethality.

'Whoosh!'

Danyul and Cynthia pounced towards the Wyvern. Meanwhile, Ashur frowned as he revealed two chakrams. Black yet frail auras escaped from it as they began spinning in his hand. It was his specialty—the Dark element. Sadly, it was rather weak. Needless to say, his affinity wasn't very strong.

Nevertheless, he joined the battle utilizing his Dark Wheel technique. Apollo and the other youths, on the other hand, focused on the incoming Rank 3 Flame Salamanders. Letting them enclose on the elders would be a grave mistake. Splitting up their attention with an opponent like that was asking for trouble.

"Aaron, grab that one over there," commanded Apollo as he rushed into the distance, grabbing the tail of a salamander and tossing it away from the wyvern. Creating distance, he blitzed around performed this action multiple times. Soon enough, the four of them stood in a square formation before them.

"We have to take care of them...I don't think the elders will last. Something seems off about that monster. My guts won't relax," stated Aaron with a faltering tone. He felt worried for the safety of his mother. This was truthfully the first time he had witnessed her battle.

Glancing at the Vantablack Knife, Apollo frowned, 'You've been with me for a while but you're beginning to becoming obsolete. It won't be long before I have to find a substitute for you.'

Splintering the ground with a kick, Apollo slashed the knife horizontally. A weakened Demonic Massacre Wave launched causing large gashes on the Spirit Beast. Utilizing his speed, Apollo stabbed those gashes all the way to their Essence Cores one by one. Adding to the fray, Aaron took a stance.

Shifting his feet and lowering his shoulder, Aaron drew his sword causing a sonorous sound. He repeated this motion incessantly, "Quicksilver Second Form: Silver Flash!" Numerous silver sword beams pierced the weaknesses Apollo caused on the spirit beasts. Now wasn't the time for discrepancies, so everyone worked together.

A water lasso originating from Lily's palms grabbed and held multiple Flame Salamanders in place. With the crowd controlled, Apollo unleashed his unabated fury. Numerous slashes empowered by Natural Essence took place. A moment later, throwing knives appeared in his hand.