Chapter 190: Monsters Gathered

At this time, the most powerful monsters of the Dryad Forest were standing in its core area, wearing furious expressions.

They stared at the entrance to the underground cave and at the many human footprints on the ground intently, their eyes blazing with anger.

Having lived in the forest for so long, most of these monsters understood the reason behind the monster habitats’ existence.

They knew very well that everything stemmed from this strange underground cave, which appeared to be the source of all the changes in the forest.

In the past, many monsters had tried to break into it, believing that some precious treasure existed inside. As long as they devoured it, they would be able to advance.

Unfortunately, the army of unkillable Undead Evil Spirits on the perimeter, combined with the fact that the cave itself was "locked" and unable to be opened, had rendered their attempts meaningless.

In the end, the monsters had all given up, choosing to silently take advantage of the supposed treasure’s existence and the dense Mana to strengthen themselves.

Even so, the importance they attached to the cave was massive.

Not only because it was the source of their future power, but also because all the monsters believed they had a chance to obtain it.

Once they became powerful enough, perhaps reaching Rank 3 or Rank 4, they would be able to break through the restrictions and obtain the treasure hidden inside.

Now, however, they were shocked to discover that all their plans had been for naught.

Their decades of preparations had proven meaningless.

Without their knowledge, someone had entered the underground cave and stolen their treasure.

It was no wonder the Mana in the Dryad Forest had depleted!

Its source had vanished!

The more the monsters pondered over this matter, the more furious they became.

Especially when they saw the footprints on the ground, which obviously belonged to humans, they could no longer restrain themselves.

"Awooo!" A massive Shadow Wolf let out a thunderous roar, an overwhelming momentum spreading from its body.

The other Rank 2 monsters did not lag behind in the slightest.

A massive serpent, more than thirty meters long, suddenly shot upwards, its head facing the sky as it let out a shrill hiss.

An enormous bear, its body covered with black fur, scraped its two claws together, producing a sound that would make one’s soul freeze.

A lizard. A frog. A six-tailed fox.

All at once, the Rank 2 monsters in the forest let out a furious cry.

Their voices spread throughout the monster habitat, startling every monster within its boundaries.

Terror overwhelmed them.

An invisible force arose from the depths of their bodies, forcing them to drop to the ground and kneel toward the center of the forest, letting out surrendering whimpers.

For a moment, the entire Dryad Forest seemed to freeze.

Several killing intents spread throughout it.

Cruelty. Ruthlessness.

The Rank 2 monsters no longer cared about the consequences.

Although they knew that humans had many powerful members and they were unable to contend with them, they no longer feared anything.

They wanted revenge!

Their home had been destroyed. Their treasure had been stolen.

How could they possibly accept this?

"Roar!"

--

Besides the stunned monsters, the humans hunting in the forest immediately noticed the strange behavior of the Rank 2 monsters.

Hearing their cries, their faces instantly turned pale.

They knew that something bad was coming.

Judging from the powerful momentum spreading throughout the forest, it was obvious that the monsters had been driven crazy.

Another monster riot was bound to break out soon!

’No! We have to inform the church!’ One of the humans on the outskirts thought and immediately rushed out.

He was not the only one who made such a decision.

Soon, more and more humans began leaving the forest in a hurry.

Some wanted to inform Blood Sun City so that its residents could prepare for the incoming monster riot.

Most, however, were afraid of the monsters’ attack and simply wanted to flee.

The forest was soon filled with an atmosphere of panic and anxiety.

Yet amid all the chaos, a single person stood out.

Unlike the monsters, who knelt in submission, and the humans, who fled with all their strength, this person moved in the opposite direction.

Not only did the surging auras fail to intimidate him, but the cries of the Rank 2 monsters made him quicken his pace.

A few seconds later, Aurelius had entered the core of the Dryad Forest.

After passing through the area that had once been filled with Undead Evil Spirits, he finally arrived at the very center, where the underground cave was located.

In the past, this place had been empty.

Even the Undead Evil Spirits did not dare to enter it.

Yet now, it was anything but that.

Several enormous monsters stood there, their murderous intent soaring into the sky and nearly becoming visible to the naked eye.

For a moment, even Aurelius, who had come prepared, couldn’t help but take a deep breath.

The killing intent of so many bloodthirsty monsters had a similar effect to a soul attack. Weaker Awakeners would crumble upon sensing it.

Thankfully, Aurelius quickly recovered from the mental shock.

The killing intent emanating from these monsters was considerable, but it was still far from being enough to make him suffer any damage.

On the other hand, the monsters instantly noticed Aurelius’ arrival.

Upon seeing this "weak" creature, they initially planned to ignore him.

After all, compared to the monsters gathered here, Aurelius, who had restrained his aura, seemed insignificant.

Yet soon, one of them noticed something.

The Shadow Wolf.

The Rank 2 monster stared at Aurelius and then at the traces of human activity around the cave, seemingly seeing a connection between them.

Its nose twitched as though trying to confirm its suspicion.

Several lights flashed in its black pupils.

A moment later...

"Awooo!"

The Shadow Wolf suddenly moved.

Its body blended into the shadows and materialized behind Aurelius, its dark claw slapping down with terrifying force.

A silent assassin.

Although it was only at Rank 2, its assassination capabilities far surpassed those of the Rank 3 Shadow Thief Aurelius had killed before.

Even Rank 3 Awakeners would struggle to detect it approaching.

Fortunately, Aurelius had already been prepared.

He had come to the Dryad Forest with the goal of killing these creatures.

As such, upon meeting them, how could he possibly not be alert?

Facing the Shadow Wolf’s claws as they moved toward him, Aurelius did not even move.

Just as they were a few inches away from his head, the shadow beneath his feet rioted.

A creature jumped out of it.

Its entire body was made from darkness.

It held a silver dagger in its humanoid hand and thrust it toward the descending claw.

Shh!

The sound of metal colliding echoed through the surroundings.

The Shadow Wolf’s attack was not only parried, but its massive body was pushed backward, nearly sending it flying.

Given its agility, the Shadow Wolf quickly regained its footing.

Yet it was half a heartbeat too late.

The shadowy creature had already appeared beside it.

Pffsst!

The silver dagger pierced straight through the monster’s skull, sending blood, bone fragments, and brain matter scattering.

Its massive body collapsed to the ground, its muscles twitching as though trying to help it get back up.

Unfortunately, Rank 2 monsters were far from immortal.

With its brain pierced, the Shadow Wolf could no longer survive.

Moments later, its final struggle ceased.

[Killed Level 39 Shadow Wolf. EXP +1700]

The chime of a bell echoed in Aurelius’ ears, and even he was somewhat surprised by this result.

He hadn’t expected that the undead made through the Underworld Throne by sacrificing the Shadow Thief would possess such power.

Perhaps it was even stronger than the Shadow Thief when he was still alive.

’It is worthy of being a Rare Relic’s sole ability. In terms of strength alone, it’s not any weaker than those of an Epic Relic...’ Aurelius muttered inwardly.

Yet despite being caught off guard, his movements did not pause for even a split second.

The surrounding monsters were still processing what had happened.

Aurelius naturally had no intention of giving them time to recover.

Looking at the Rank 2 monsters, he waved his hand.

His Spirit surged and gathered beside him.

In the blink of an eye, the illusory energy took on a material form.

As though it were a pile of bricks, a peculiar structure was created.

Standing more than five meters tall, it looked like a miniature tower, with an azure gem embedded at its very top.

Arcane Tower!

The moment it appeared, the surrounding elements began to riot, as though they were meeting their ruler.

Alarm bells rang in the monsters’ hearts. They sensed danger!

Before they could react, though, a cold voice echoed throughout the area.

"Go!" A single word came out of Aurelius’ mouth.

The instant he finished speaking, the Arcane Tower shook.

The azure gem lit up.

Then, a barrage of spells fired out.

Fireballs. Golden lances. Holy lights.

Every Skill Aurelius had mastered was skillfully thrown out.