[Blood Extraction]

Several moments later, the extraction process ended like usual and Tristan quickly revelled in the joy of seeing his Blood Essence reserve increased. He was extremely delighted to discover the three elven nobles and another dozen elven warriors had given him another 5800 Blood Essence.

With his Blood Essence passing the 10.000 mark, as expected he received a notification in his mind.

[Upgrade Blood Seal to Level 3 - 10.000 Blood Essence]

[Upgrade Blood Synthesis to Level 2 - 10.000 Blood Essence]

Looking at the options that came, Tristan truly didn't know what to say about his system. He had just hit the 10,000 mark and wanted to see the abundant Blood Essence for a bit longer when he was given the temptation to spend it again.

Still, Tristan couldn't resist the temptation because an improvement to his prowess would always be welcomed any time.

The notification for upgrading the Blood Monarch's skills was quite anticipated by Tristan, especially the Blood Seal. As for the Blood Synthesis, he wondered what level 2 would do to the skill.

Tristan also still had the new skill [Blood Legacy] that he wanted and should give a try. But then, they really should get away from this place first before doing anything else.

Not forgetting to collect the equipment and spatial rings of the deceased elves, Tristan decided to dash away from the place together with the others.

It seemed this rescue mission of his had turned into quite a profit; a big success, even.

"Time to go!"

Then, when they were about to go, Tristan turned to Chieng and asked, "Serene and the other should have gone far by now, right Chieng?"

Hearing his question, the space knight quickly brought out the controller device to check and operate the drone.

Within a few seconds, Tristan watched as Chieng's face gradually began to change as he fiddled with the device.

"What happened, Chieng?!"

Tristan's words caused Chieng to jerk his head upwards.

"I-I'm sorry, Master. I have been so occupied with the fight that I didn't notice this earlier. Apparently, they were heading towards a group of Forlorn elves and would engage with them any moment."

Tristan's face drastically changed when he heard that. "What?! Dammit! Let's go!"

Without dilly-dallying anymore, Tristan quickly sped towards the direction that Chieng pointed out, while Chieng followed him after putting the crippled Elroth on his back.

While they were running through the dense woods, Tristan asked with an urgent tone in his voice.

"How many are the enemies there and how far are we from them?!"

Chieng, who wasn't that far from Tristan, swiftly answered, "There are three elves and they will encounter each other any time now. As for the distance, 4 kilometers upfront, Master."

"Three?" Tristan said again, to make sure he didn't hear it wrong. For a moment, he exhaled a sigh of relief before increasing his speed again. "Serene and Astrid should be able to hold three for a while. Even so, we still can't relax. Let's speed up!"

In the blink of an eye, Tristan had crossed a distance of a dozen meters, leaving Chieng who was also carrying Elroth even further. Then, when he was about to accelerate even more, Chieng's shout was heard from behind.

"Master! The elves have found my drone! " Then, came Chieng's shout, completely filled with disbelief. "It's now destroyed!"

Hearing the bad news, Tristan's sense of urgency grew even more.

"Fuck!! I'll go ahead!! Catch up as fast as possible, Chieng!" said Tristan as he basically vanished within the sea of trees.

Running through the forest at his maximum speed, Tristan's heart was restless because he was really worried about them, or rather, Serene. He had seen how high the drone could fly, which he still struggled to find despite his enhanced senses.

Hence, one could imagine how powerful the three elves would be for Serene and Astrid to face. No, nevermind. The three elves were definitely stronger than the enemies he had fought until now.

As he ran as fast as he could, Tristan's heartbeat also beat faster and faster with every passing second. He wondered if it was because he was worried that something bad would happen to his Astrid and Serene or because of the fact that he was finally able to actually use and test the newfound strength he possessed.

After sprinting through the trees for 10 minutes, Tristan finally could catch up to their tracks. He could see traces of people fighting up ahead and eventually the people when he continued advancing.

Three elves. Two were seen fighting, while the last one was holding something in his hand.

Tristan could be absolutely sure that it was a still bleeding, decapitated head.

Seeing that, he gritted his teeth and dashed even faster.

Stomping his feet to the ground, his body shot forward like a bullet, and within a few seconds, Tristan zoomed and halted right in the middle of the ongoing fight. His abrupt and unexpected arrival immediately made the fighting stop.

"Tristan!" shouted Serene when her eyes landed on his figure.

Instead of Serene, Tristan's eyes locked at the body that lay on the ground. Even though it was disturbing, he was still glad it was the body of the Arcadian envoy, Agoon, not the two girls.

Now that he was done making sure the girls were alright, his attention shifted over to the enemies ahead.

At the moment, Tristan faced the three elves and finally understood why the three could catch up to Serene and Astrid so fast. The two elves were a figure that felt even stronger than the elven noble he fought; an elder. However, the most troublesome was the one standing behind them, the figure who had Agoon's head in his head, was none other than Prince Jonus himself.

The said prince threw the bleeding head, stare at Tristan and said

"Tristan..? Hmm.. I see. You are the new Caerleon Town's mayor, I was reckless not to see you before. But, this is excellent!"

Prince Jonus looked at Tristan with a wicked smile on his face.

Tristan brought his mithril sword out and said, "And you must be Anus! The ass who dared hit my wife."

The Forlorn Prince certainly understood that he was being mocked as Tristan could see him briefly getting angry before quickly returning to his evil smile.

"Your woman is too wild. She didn't listen well, so it's my obligation to teach her manners in your place!"

The Forlorn Prince's attempt to get back at Tristan didn't even faze the latter.

"Big mistake you made there!! No one hits my family!"

Before Prince Janus could reply, Tristan turned to the two girls and said, "You two take care of the small asses, while I'll take care of the big ass!"

However, just as Tristan was about to start, blood suddenly spurted out of Astrid's mouth and she fell to her knees. It was clear that she was already seriously injured and was no longer fit to fight.

"Dammit!"