“What is that!?” Rao Wu stared at the strange apparition behind Yeshua. He had never seen or heard of anything like that. The death god looked like it could slice off Rao Wu’s neck with a casual swing of its scythe.

“Don’t worry about it,” Denuchi reassured the child as he looked at Yeshua with grave eyes. “It’s a harmless soul technique used for posturing.” He then glanced at the fight between Xian Da, the Boneclaw Hyenas, and the Ravager Bear. “We don’t have to kill him. Just hold him off. In the end, it’s our soul pets that will determine the victor.”

Rao Wu gritted his teeth as he gripped his dagger. He had to admit that he currently wasn’t Yeshua’s match. The older man had more battle experience, soul energy, and was more accustomed to using soul techniques than him.

Rao Wu did not doubt that Yeshua would crush him in a one-on-one battle. He was beginning to see why this was considered Infernal Difficulty. His chances of completing this mission without Denuchi on his side were next to zero.

“Hold him off…” Rao Wu’s eyes narrowed. He decided to play it safe and buy time with Denuchi. After all, the hybrids should win their fights as long as Yeshua did not get involved. Having made up his mind, Rao Wu let out a shout and then charged at Yeshua with Denuchi.

Clang! Clang!

Denuchi and Rao Wu attacked Yeshua with reckless intent, but the disciplined captain parried their attacks with ease.

Yeshua displayed his superior battle instincts, blocking the duo and launching several attacks of his own. Despite being a mere human, he matched both Denuchi and Rao Wu’s superior strength through a secret soul technique.

Yeshua was the prime example of how humans wrested control from other species. Their ability to use any soul technique made unpredictable and immensely dangerous.

Fortunately, humans’ versatility was not without its flaws.

After several minutes of back-and-forth attacks, Yeshua stabbed his sword into the ground and shouted, “Release!” Gargantuan soul energy exploded from his body, sending Denuchi and Rao Wu sliding several feet away. Afterward, the general quickly pulled out a flask from his pouch and promptly drank the contents.

Rao Wu frowned. “What’s that?”

“It’s a potion that restores soul energy,” Denuchi replied as he gritted his teeth. “Damn it. I didn’t know he had already expended so much energy. We would have had him in a few more minutes.”

Soul Potions were created from condensed soul energy. Soul Trainers popularly used them to recover the soul energy expended after using soul techniques in battle. The potions were divided into seven tiers corresponding to the cultivation ranks.

Most humans expended soul energy to match beastkin and hybrids’ naturally absurd strengths. When added to the deluge of soul techniques soul trainers used in battle, the expenditure became absurd during prolonged fights. As a result, most soul trainers carried soul potions to restore energy in the middle of fights.

Of course, the soul trainer required the prerequisite strength to obtain the opening needed.

Yeshua, fortunately, had that strength.

“Rraa!” After consuming the potion, Yeshua erupted with even more power. The apparition behind him grew bolder as his soul energy bubbled with rage. His soul technique was called ‘Reaper Scythe.’ It was a high-level technique that emulated the ghost-type Reaper soul pets.

The Reaper Scythe Technique granted Yeshua increased strength and the ability to sense any significant threat to his life one second in advance. It was an immensely difficult soul technique to master, and he was the only one in his generation to have learned it.

Yeshua was proud of this soul technique as no one had faced the reaper in combat and come out alive. This time would be no different.

Unfortunately, Yeshua’s obsession with proving humanity’s superiority caused him to neglect his soul pets. He sought the path of making humans the strongest beings, so aside from catching the strongest soul pets he could find, he did not do much training with them.

Up to this point, the Ravager Bear’s monstrous strength and thick hide were enough for it to bully most of the beastkins and hybrids Yeshua fought.

This time, however, something was different.

“Roar!” Nearby, the Ravager Bear roared with rage as it slapped a Boneclaw Hyena, leaving terrible gashes in its flank.

The Boneclaw Hyena yelped as it stumbled back but then quickly got to its feet, showcasing its stubborn resilience. As the Ravager Bear struck Boneclaw Hyena(1), a second Boneclaw Hyena lunged and sunk its teeth into the bear’s left arm.

The Ravager Bear roared in anger and then slapped at the Hyena with its right. The Boneclaw Hyena retreated quickly, but the Ravager Bear chased with alarming speed and pounded the ground.

Bam! [Earth Rumble] was a monster skill that channeled soul energy into the earth, causing a small earthquake around the caster. It was a useful disruption technique that allowed monsters like the Ravager Bear to catch fleeing prey.

The second Boneclaw Hyena stumbled due to the earthquake, allowing the Ravager Bear to catch up quickly. The Ravager Bear’s eyes flashed with bloodlust as it slapped the Bonclaw Hyena to the ground.

Crack!

The Ravager Bear’s absurd strength nearly shattered the Boneclaw Hyena’s back, but then the Hyena suddenly vanished as the bear opened its teeth to tear out the former’s throat.

The Ravager Bear blinked in shock but then turned to see the injured Hyena standing by the third Boneclaw Hyena.

Boneclaw Hyenas fought in packs. The monsters had an innate synergic trait that strengthened each monster, depending on the pack's size. Aside from that, the soul monsters also possessed the [Pack Displacement] monster skill that allowed them to travel next to a fellow pack member instantly. The skill was useful when fighting stronger foes to create unexpected overloads on exposed flanks.

The Ravager Bear snorted with irritation at having missed the prime opportunity. However, confident in its superior strength, the bear growled and then charged at the Boneclaw Hyenas.

However, the Ravager Bear suddenly stopped and then jerked upright just before reaching the Boneclaw Hyenas.

Its decision proved to be the right one as Xian Da suddenly jumped out of its shadow. Xian Da would have had direct access to the Ravager Bear’s throat if its reaction had been any slower.

Xian Da, however, did not let the loss affect its morale. It growled as its claws lit up with a bright light and then slashed out with Punishing Claws along the Ravager Bear’s belly.

“Rooar!” The Ravager Bear glared at Rao Wu as the attack left a series of thin lines on its stomach. The strike did not cause any severe damage due to the Ravager Bear’s thick skin, but it damaged the bear’s pride.

How could a mere 2nd Phase, Servant-Ranked cub injure it?

The Ravager Bear’s eyes turned red as it went [Berserk], causing its speed and mass to suddenly triple due to the impromptu powerup. The berserk Ravager Bear ferociously slapped Xian Da, causing the little cub to spit out blood as several bones shattered in quick succession.

Bam!

Xian Da crashed into the ground in an unrecognizable heap of blood, and the Ravager Bear quickly moved in for the kill.

“Xian Da!” Rao Wu’s eyes went wide with fear and anger when he saw his injured partner. He made to rush over, but Yeshua suddenly appeared in his path.

“Like I’d let you!” Yeshua mocked the youth as he unleashed a series of deadly sword attacks.

Quickly overwhelmed, Rao Wu only managed to block the more serious strikes, leading to several cuts and gashes on his arms and face. Fortunately, Denuchi ambushed Yeshua’s back, relieving some of the pressure on Rao Wu.

Unfortunately, Rao Wu was still too late to save Xian Da. The Ravager Bear was too quick, closing the distance in the blink of an eye. The Boneclaw Hyenas attacked the Ravager Bear’s flanks, but it was too obvious they wouldn’t make it. Rao Wu regretted leaving Lu Lin with the beastkin. She was the only one who could save Xian Da right now.

“Haha!” Yeshua’s eyes lit up in delight as the Ravager Bear’s paw descended on the injured cub. “Die!” He couldn’t wait to see the despair in Rao Wu’s eyes. Revenge never tasted sweeter!

Rao Wu’s eyes watered as he desperately called out one last time, “Xian Da!”

Xian Da’s eyes suddenly shot open when the Ravager Bear’s paw was inches from its head. A strange green light glowing in the Dusklight Wolf’s eyes exploded from its chest and covered its frame. All of Xian Da’s injuries healed in a blink of an eye as the wolf burst with renewed energy.

Before the Ravager Bear could react, Xian Da sunk into its shadow and then zipped over to the Ravager Bear’s shadow. It then jumped out, unleashed Punishing Claws at the Ravager Bear’s ankles, and then quickly retreated before it could react.

“Roar!” The Ravager Bear cried out in pain as it stumbled back and forth. It did not have time to wonder how Xian Da recovered as searing pain tore up its ankle. Xian Da’s vicious attack damaged the ligaments in both legs.

Any wild beast would tell you that a leg injury was a death sentence.

Fortunately for the Ravager Bear, Xian Da was only a 2nd Phase monster, so the attack did not severely damage its ligaments. However, there was no doubt that it couldn’t function at 100% due to the pain.

“Byak! Byak!” The Boneclaw Hyenas barked with glee when they saw the Ravager Bear’s injury. These monsters excelled at harassing opponents slightly stronger than them. The Ravager Bear was in a different league when at full strength. But, injured, the Boneclaw Hyenas were confident they could harass it to death.

While the Boneclaw Hyenas and Xian Da rejoiced at the critical break, their soul masters stared at the scene in shock for various reasons.

“How!?” Yeshua nearly went made with anger. How the hell did that wolf recover from that injury? There should have been no chance of recovery!

“Haha! That’s my Xian Da” Rao Wu, meanwhile, pumped his fist in the air as he tearfully cried, “I can’t believe I forgot about that.”

Denuchi had a million questions, but this was not the time to inquire. Instead, he raised his sword and then said, “Rao Wu, focus. Now, we run interference. We can’t let him go to the bear’s side.”

“Right. Right.” Rao Wu nodded and then positioned himself between Yeshua and the soul pets. Licking his lips, the youth revealed a mocking smile as he said, “Sorry. You’re going to have to wait here a while.”

Yeshua’s eyes nearly blew out of their sockets. Enraged, he roared, “DIE MUTTS!” He then charged at Rao Wu, seeking to eliminate him first. His sword flew down with an explosive force that would no doubt pulverize the child.

Fortunately, Denuchi reacted quickly, rushing to take the blow in Rao Wu’s place. Yeshua’s strike sent Denuchi flying back, but Rao Wu took the opportunity to send his dagger toward Yeshua’s chin.

Yeshua, however, tilted his head, causing the blade to glance off his helmet harmlessly. He then grabbed Rao Wu’s arm with his left and flung the child skyward.

Denuchi tried to interfere, but Yeshua sent him flying with Pulse. He then roared as he swung his sword towards the sky. “Reaper’s Judgment!” Following Yeshua’s shout, a giant, translucent scythe blade flew out of his sword path toward the airborne Rao Wu.

In the air, Rao Wu suddenly felt like chains bound him in place. He did not know why, but it felt like he could not dodge this move no matter what. Damn it! Rao Wu made a mental note to ask for battle soul techniques if he made it through this alive.

Bracing himself for impact, Rao Wu curled into a ball, protecting his head and chest with his arms and knees.

Vwip!

However, just as Rao Wu prepared for impact, a green vine wrapped his waist and then pulled him down from the sky.

As a result, Yeshua nearly went insane when he saw his attack fizz into the boundless sky. That move cost half of his soul energy! He only used it to ensure he got rid of Rao Wu. How could he have missed!?

Yeshua’s gaze turned heated when he saw the Dryad that pulled Rao Wut to her side. What a beautiful soul pet! Good! She would make a suitable replacement for the one Rao Wu killed.

Rao Wu, oblivious to the captain’s thoughts, thanked Lu Lin for saving his life. “Damn, I almost died there!” Rao Wu chuckled and then scratched the back of his head. “How’d you know I was in trouble? Are the beastkin finished with their fight?”

Lu Lin shook her head. “I sensed you were in great distress and rushed over.”

“Ah.” Rao Wu nodded in understanding. Lu Lin must have sensed his tumultuous emotions when he thought Xian Da was in danger. That situation fixed itself, but, fortunately, her decision to come saved Rao Wu from the next threat.

Rao Wu glanced at the Ravager Bear, which was being attacked by Xian Da and the Boneclaw Hyenas.

Despite its injury, the Ravager Bear remained a formidable enemy. One of the Boneclaw Hyenas overestimated the bear’s wound and tried to go for an instant kill. Unfortunately, the Ravager Bear turned with impressive speed and broke its jaw.

Since then, both the Boneclaw Hyenas and Xian Da stuck to harassment tactics. They chose to inflict small injuries in the hope that those injuries would pile into something more significant.

Of course, the Ravager Bear was not stupid. Realizing their intent, it chose to adopt a defensive tactic. It did not move much unless one of the soul pets moved in for an attack. At that point, it would attempt to trade a small injury to damage the other monsters severely.

This led to a stalemate with neither party willing to overcommit because one wrong move would spell death.

Rao Wu did not like this, mainly because Yeshua seemed content to stall for as much time as possible. The captain must have noticed that this battle would eventually end in his defeat, but he did not appear too worried, only angry. He was most likely waiting for the Death-Bound curse to kill Denuchi. But, it could also be something else entirely.

Rao Wu, remembering that this was Infernal Difficulty, did not intend to leave anything to chance. They needed to kill Yeshua swiftly so he could complete his mission and leave this place.

So, Rao Wu glared at the Ravager Bear and then said to Lu Lin. “Your last seed. That’s the thorn forest, right?”

“Yes.” Lu Lin nodded.

Rao Wu glanced at the sky. The sun was about to set, but it was still bright enough to cast shadows over the land. “We’ll only get one shot at this. You and Xian Da must kill that Ravager Bear, got it?”

Lu Lin smiled as she took out the seed. “Yes, master.”

Rao Wu grinned and then said, “Alright, go before that monster catches on.”

Lu Lin smiled, wondering who the real monster was as she ran to join the soul pets’ battle.

Yeshua attempted to intercept her, but Denuchi and Rao Wu quickly blocked his path, once again forcing the battle into a stalemate.

However, Yeshua was not overly worried. The Ravager Bear still reigned supreme even with the inclusion of Lu Lin. Lu Lin tried to bind the bear for attacks, but it easily tore her vines with its superior strength and claws. Since binding did not work, Lu Lin relied on using her vines as whips to strike the Ravager Bear, but she might as well have been tickling the beast’s tough hide.

At some point, the sun dipped halfway below the horizon, causing a red flood to swim over the land. The dusk sunlight created the longest and widest shadows of the day as it struck several objects at the optimal angle.

Rao Wu’s eyes gleamed when he noticed the phenomenon. Instantly, he jammed his hands and shouted, “[Soul Burst]!”

Half of Rao Wu’s soul energy vanished in an instant, leaving him slightly disoriented. However, Xian Da and Lu Lin’s auras exploded as they climbed several stages.

Lu Lin, who emitted the aura of a 3rd Phase 8th Stage soul monster, suddenly jammed her hand into the ground. She then poured a tremendous amount of life energy into the seed she planted.

Gruuu!

The ground trembled as a giant thorn tree sprouted from the ground and then began growing outward. The trees’ vine-like branches spread out for several hundreds of meters, criss-crossing each other to form a canopy of thorn branches.

Before anyone could understand what the purpose was, Xian Da, bursting with abundant soul energy, disappeared into the numerous shadows cast by the branches. The Direwolf Cub zipped through the different shadows with blinding speed and then jumped out behind the Ravager Bear.

Before the bear could react, Xian Da ran up its back and then tore out its eyes. Two Boneclaw Hyenas did not miss this opportunity to sink their teeth into its legs, while Lu Lin wrapped her vines around the bear’s arms and pulled, spreading them wide.

The final Boneclaw Hyena charged, jumped, and then sunk its teeth into the Ravager Bear’s jugular.

Blood exploded like a fountain as the Ravager Bear futilely struggled to close its throat.

“You!” Yeshua coughed up blood as he felt the pact begin to shatter as the Ravager Bear grew weaker.

Rao Wu, however, twirled his dagger and licked his lips as he said, “Don’t freak out yet. It’s only starting… Xian Da!”

Following Rao Wu’s shout, a human soldier suddenly screamed as Xian Da appeared from a shadow behind her and sliced off her throat. Hers was but the first of many deaths.

Xian Da utilized the quickly rotting thorn trees’ shadows as transportation devices to zip across the battlefield with unbelievable speed. Unlike before, the soldiers could not begin to guess where Xian Da would pop out from.

As a result, Xian Da had a field day slaughtering the human soldiers before the thorn tree wholly rotted and then crumbled to dust.

By the time it was over, only eight or so humans remained standing. Ramy and the rest quickly took care of the survivors and then ran over to assist the beastkin in getting rid of the soldiers’ crazed masterless soul pets.

Rao Wu, meanwhile, twirled his dagger as Denuchi and his Boneclaw Hyenas, Lu Lin, and Xian Da stood by his side to face Yeshua. The youth’s eyes shone with a sinister, teasing glint as he said, “You’re next.”