*Notes*

Sorry for the slight delay in the chapter but here you go!

Chapter 8

I finally had that bipedal species in my grasp, yet why did they leave? I've never seen a lifeform that will resist my pull that strongly before. The only beasts they encountered were the labbits and a small avian. They do appear to be much smarter than the average beast that I've collected; perhaps sensing the danger further in caused them to flee immediately? I also couldn't guide them in the direction I wanted like with normal animals. Maybe I should forgo the small room for integration and do something more... but what?

As the entity thinks about what he can do to better acclimate animals into his ecosystem, Samantha's team prepares to head out on their way to the biome.

Samantha was the captain to one of the strongest groups in the guild branch office. Being a veteran A grade adventurer she had the qualifications to be second to only the venerated S-ranked individuals. There was only one S ranked person in the entire city of Horai and with Samantha being the leader of one of the three A ranked teams means she was one of the top existences in the city.

She also had the largest A ranked team with thirty people ranging from mostly upper B-rank to low A-rank. Samantha was a highly charismatic person well suited to leading large numbers. She was an average looking woman with brunette hair but her demeanor led others to look up to her. She was courageous and had a strong fighting spirit that others couldn't help but admire.

Even though the bulk of Samantha's party was made up of relatively weaker people, they made up for it using their numbers with formations and tactics which led it to be the strongest A rank team.

Nearly ready to head out Samantha steps up to give a brief review of the mission for her team.

"This mission is of unknown difficulty! We will enter the biome to assess how dangerous the beasts inside are and the viability of us occupying the biome. I want all of you to be in your best conditions for this mission. Under no circumstances are we to let down our guards until we fully comb through every inch of that place.

This is likely to be one of the most important assignments our city has ever commissioned! I want you to go into this knowing that there's a good chance not all of us will make it back. If you haven't already prepared wills and letters for your loved ones, I suggest you do so now."

"We set out in two hours!"

—————

Ah! What if I make separate levels to my world? I'll make a larger room and make it the first level, I shall call it my integration level. I can make a small path leading to the world below for when the integration is complete and they are ready for the real world. This will also fill in some of the empty space I have above the ground level.

With this, I won't have to consciously make separate rooms and nurture them individually. I can just make a separate ecosystem. Hopefully, the intelligent lifeforms won't flee the next time if there isn't any immediate danger.

One problem is the mana consumption will be enormous. My world has become saturated to the point where it can't take any more mana in at its current size. However, I noticed that my territory still draws in mana from the world. If I reach peak saturation it begins to pool outside like a reserve. Reluctantly, I'll have to use almost everything I have reserved to do my ambitious project but I feel it'll be worth it. Another problem that I face will be the entrance to my world being a straight fixed path to my original level. I need to be able to move where that path leads. I have never thought of it before because there was no real need to change the entrance's exit point, as I could guide the animals with my will.

It shouldn't be too difficult, however, because I have complete control over my territory. I just need to push through with this endeavor. With some effort, I should be able to change where they end up. The last question is what to put in the integration level?

Plants will be easy enough to move and I can put a mountain in the center to distribute water. The day-night cycle will stay the same as it is now. I just need to figure out what animals to put there. Labbits will be a good food source. Hmm, I could also put all of the weaker animals that are still in the old integration rooms. Though they are weaker than some of the beasts I've been raising longer, they are still stronger than when I first acquired them. It should be alright because those intelligent ones should be strong enough to defeat them.

The intelligent lifeforms use mana in interesting ways. The one from before managed to lock a space for a brief period in order to disable the avian. The other one that killed the avian was also interesting, as he compressed mana into a small point and made it rotate in order to pierce the avians defenses.

I've never thought of such things before, these lifeforms keep surprising me more and more. Some of my beasts use mana but their control is crude and very basic. For instance, the hounds just use mana to decrease their wind resistance and to slightly boost their speed. Maybe they will use a gust of wind to jump high or at most knock something over by hitting it with air.

It feels like I could learn a lot from them. They will be perfect entertainment I just hope they come back soon.

—————— 9 Days Later

"Alright everyone, tomorrow morning we will delve into hell! Our reports indicate that after being there for just mere moments Randal's team already ran into a B-ranked eagle. There are likely to be numerous beasts of equal or greater strength waiting inside. Make sure you get plenty of rest, I want you all to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in the morning!"

Samantha's team has set up camp in front of the biome's entrance and have been resting and adjusting for two days already. When they first got here the pressure on their bodies made their party look like beaten dogs on their last legs. They decided to take some time to adjust before running into the biome.

The morning of the raid everyone appears restless even though they have for the most part adjusted to the pressure, but something is keeping everyone anxious and alert.

"Captain this place... I constantly feel like I'm being watched. Honestly, it isn't just me but most of us feel the same way. It's keeping us on edge, the tension is killing us."

"I have felt it too but there isn't much I can do about it..." Just what is that presence.

She looks around at her party noticing the expressions on everyone's face. Frowning she walks toward a small boulder nearby and steps onto it and turns toward her subordinates.

Soon after Samantha shocks everyone by... punching herself!

"Gather around!" She says, her voice booming, as a trickle of blood drips down her lips.

"This tension will get us killed! Ignore whatever it is that's watching us and focus on the task at hand. I don't mean for you to lower your guards but you can't be as high-strung as you have been. If you feel like your losing yourself to the strain, then punch yourself!

We enter the biome in an hour! Clear the camp and get ready. This expedition is for our guild, our city, our friends, and most importantly our families! If this goes right, Horai will enter a golden age!"

------------

I'm glad they didn't stay away for long and there's even more of them this time. The long haired one seems to be spurring them on.

With this many of them maybe I didn't even have to make the integration level... Well too late to regret that now, and I think it'll still be beneficial to have. I hope this new level will be enticing enough for them to settle.

"**** **********, *** ******* **** **** **** ****** *** ******* ***** *** ****** *** **** *** **** ****** ****."

Oh, they started entering. The long haired one is yelling something, I wonder what it's saying? If they don't run away maybe I'll get more time to observe them. I want to try to learn how they communicate.

From the earlier group, I noticed that to make up for not having scales or fur they cover themselves with objects for protection and they seem to do the same for offense instead of claws or fangs. Some of the intelligent ones in this group do have scales, fur, and claws but still cover themselves with objects? I wonder why. Are they mutations of the same species or separate species that mutated to similar forms? Fascinating.

------------

"Captain, one of the men captured a giant rabbit that was mentioned in the report. It truly is a bizarre rabbit with a horn and odd coloring. I'm surprised they had the balls to eat the thing, it could have been poisonous."

Samantha looked back to see one of her men holding the rabbit over his shoulder and says, "Well, they acted like guinea pigs, at least now we know it's safe to eat. They even said it was the best rabbit they have ever eaten. See if we can get more, some fresh meat will help keep morale up."

"Yes, captain!"

As they walk along all the people share in the awe they felt as they passed by the colorful glowing plants strewn about in the cave. Some of them even took some of the flowers and kept them as souvenirs.

Cautiously, they continue to walk through the cave and finally they see a light at the end of the tunnel.

"Alright get into formation, warriors at the front, back, and sides, archers and mages in the middle. The last team was ambushed right after they exited the cave tunnel so be prepared for anything! Mages have barriers ready, archers keep your eyes peeled for any movement and warriors take out your shields and focus on defense. Not even an ant should be able to get past your line!"

"Advance forward!"

As the party crosses into the opening they are greeted by sunlight! They can't help but be blinded for a moment as their eyes adapt.

"Captain, what is this? Why is there so much light here?"

"This wasn't in the report. Hold your positions!"

As their eyes adjust the party slowly takes in the environment. A gentle breeze blows towards them, swaying the plants in a relaxing manner.

"This... this area is nothing like what they said in the report..."