Adrian let out a sigh of relief and landed on the ground. On the other side, Ash and Rean also stopped. Rean wiped the sweat from his forehead, looking like he had just escaped death. This was his first time participating in a mission, and the life-and-death battle was thrilling, upon reflection.However, when he looked at Aubrey, he immediately exclaimed in shock, "Aubrey!"Adrian and the others quickly looked over to see Aubrey, lying on the ground in a weakened state. She hadn't recovered from the blow she received earlier."Rean, I..." Aubrey tried to speak, but as soon as she opened her mouth, she started coughing up blood."Aubrey!" Rean immediately stepped forward.Observing carefully, Rean saw that Aubrey's face was covered in black mist. Her complexion was exceptionally pale, and her hands and feet were icy cold—clear signs of poisoning. Rean had no knowledge of poisons and was at a loss. Then, he remembered something and took a small vial from his pocket, handing it to A
Rean had always been wary of Adrian. Even though Adrian had explained himself, Rean refused to believe him and wanted to continue arguing with Adrian.But at that moment, Aubrey spoke up. "Rean, don't be impulsive. The medicine Mr. Adrian gave me can indeed save my life," she said."Aubrey!" Rean turned around. He was about to say something more, but then he saw that her condition had indeed improved. Consequently, some of the dissatisfaction in his heart dissipated.He asked, "Are you okay, Aubrey? Are you feeling unwell? Do you feel any discomfort?"Aubrey shook her head. "Don’t worry, I'm fine. I feel a warm sensation spreading inside my body right now, and it’s very soothing."As she spoke, the tense look on her face eased considerably. At this moment, even if Rean was still reluctant to believe it, the facts in front of him were undeniable."Mr. Adrian, I really appreciate your help. If it weren't for you, I'm afraid..." Aubrey had completely recovered by now. She looked up
From the current situation, this seemed possible. But why would the other party do this? Everything was uncertain, and all of this was just speculation. Adrian didn't have solid evidence, so it wasn't appropriate for him to accuse the Aetherians without basis.Therefore, they were at a standstill."You didn't say anything, but it seemed like that's what you meant. How dare you slander the Aetherians. I'll kill you!" Rean glared angrily. At this moment, he was ready to continue attacking Adrian."Hold on!""Stop!"At this critical moment, two stern shouts stopped Rean.The first person to speak was Aubrey. The second person was a man, and with a burst of energy, he knocked Rean away.Rean, in the throes of anger, felt upset at this intervention. "Who are you?! How dare you meddle in my business!” he thundered."We're from the garrison!" Another stern shout rang out.Soon after, dozens of people emerged from outside. They rushed over and surrounded everyone.Seeing this, Rean r
After hearing what Adrian said, Nathaniel harbored the same doubts, finding the situation rather peculiar. Additionally, given the current circumstances, Adrian's speculation seemed entirely plausible. But like Adrian, he too viewed all of this as mere speculation, lacking conclusive evidence.Quietly, Nathaniel approached Whitney and asked, "Ma'am, what are your thoughts on this matter?""I suspect their leader's involvement, but we mustn't reveal our suspicions prematurely. Let's get everyone out of here first and monitor the situation before taking further action," Whitney replied."I share your perspective," Nathaniel affirmed. Turning to the group, he instructed, "Everyone, please come with us.""Why?" Rean said in dissatisfaction."Aubrey." Nathaniel turned to her. “We should collaborate with the garrison to delve deeper into the dark hunters. It's essential groundwork for our aspirations to become upright monster hunters."Rean, unable to retort, sighed in resignation."M
Despite labeling it an investigation, there wasn't much to delve into. Their understanding suggested that the dark hunters aimed to capture nearby villagers using monsters to nourish their blood, presumably to bolster their strength. With no further discoveries, the affected villagers were taken back by the Cras Island Garrison and resettled."Since there's nothing more to do, I'll take my leave."Adrian bid farewell to Nathaniel before departing. With the matter resolved, his focus shifted to preparing for the investigation of the Aetherians. Initially, he debated whether to inform Aubrey and Rean, but ultimately decided against it. While telling Aubrey seemed acceptable, he hesitated about telling Rean, sharing his deliberations only with Nathaniel. Furthermore, the preliminary investigation required his full attention, as Nathaniel and the others belonged to the garrison. Official personnel entering the Aetherians' territory would undoubtedly attract attention.Being unknown to t
Behind Mount Aether lay a secluded valley with treacherous, steep terrain, rendering it inaccessible to ordinary folk. Only Adrian, at this moment, ventured here alone. Navigating through rugged rocky terrain, he reached the valley's deepest recesses. Darkness enveloped the surroundings, punctuated by faint phosphorescent lights rising from the depths, casting an eerie ambiance. Adrian found the scene intriguing.Suddenly, the phosphorescent lights seemed to detect his presence, converging toward him in a slow but deliberate manner as if intending to ensnare him with their mysterious power. Sensing the impending danger, Adrian observed the lights forming a vast formation, threatening to disorient him."Who dares to tread in here? Reveal yourself!" a stern voice echoed.Unfazed, Adrian unleashed a torrent of attacks, effortlessly shattering the lights. Undeterred, he hastened toward the valley's heart, determined to confront whoever dared disturb its peace.But despite Adrian's effo
The creature’s mouth, filled with uneven yellow teeth, oozed countless strange black fluids emitting a foul, putrid odor. Another level-eight pinnacle stage monster had emerged—a Glutton.Gluttons, known for their large bellies, relied on constant feeding to maintain their strength. And their bellies secreted a corrosive slime, their most potent weapon.The simultaneous appearance of two level-eight pinnacle stage monsters added to the intrigue.Observing this, Adrian smirked. "You two want to attack me together? Two aren't enough. Bring out your stronger companions, if you have any. I'll handle them all at once."A powerful aura radiated from Adrian, slightly overpowering the surrounding dark aura."Hehehe… Since you're so eager, I'll oblige."Laughter echoed as a gray figure materialized—a female banshee draped in a gray cloak with straight black hair. Like the others, she too was a level-eight pinnacle stage creature.Adrian thought that the situation was becoming interesting
Immediately, they realized Adrian wasn't one to trifle with. Their mocking expressions vanished one by one, replaced by cold stares, revealing sharp and fierce looks."Attack!" commanded the Glutton.All the monsters disregarded everything and charged fiercely. Instantly, throughout the valley, countless monster auras surged, exceptionally fierce, like tidal waves rushing toward Adrian.Adrian stood amidst the raging waves, seemingly unaffected, as if ignoring everything around him. As he was about to be engulfed by the enemy, he finally moved, slashing his sword across the sky. In an instant, a streak tore through the void, dazzling in the pitch-black night.The monsters charging at the forefront were not particularly formidable. At this moment, they had no ability to resist. Only cries of misery were heard as they were obliterated. After some time, the dark aura in the valley behind Mount Aether was fully eliminated.After ensuring there was no danger, Adrian left the valley and