《Endless River (Isekai LitRPG)》Chapter 10 - The Alpha Mandrill
Advertisement
A horde of Dark Vunamian Mandrills! I knew they'd come back.
I hurriedly jumped off my hiding and went to the nest. These guys have some sick long-range attacks and they can sense me.
The safest place is here besides a Foundation Establishment.
But, Isn't she moving? She has to either carry us away from here or go fight them? She seems to be waiting for something.
The horde of Mandrills is getting closer by the second and she hasn't moved a muscle yet.
I know she isn't stupid, something must be up! The only possibility I could think of was the existence of an even stronger monster behind them.
600 meters, 500 meters...
*oo oo ah ah* *oo oo ah ah*!!!
I could hear them roaring, yes roar! Their sound wasn't something that gave off the impression of being light and chill.
Their voices were low, rusty, and terrifying! My heart started beating loudly inside of my chest.
Their war cries coupled with their intimidating faces and the sound of their feet against the ground is too much.
I and Kali started shaking like leaves.
300 meters...
They were still advancing with the same energy and vigor as before, yet the Mama eagle still hasn't moved.
*Rooaaaarrr!!*
At this moment, a spine-chilling roar sounded in the forest!
It traveled for more than a mile.
Behind the horde of Mandrills, was a scary-looking monster. To call it a monster or scary is a big understatement.
Because, visually, he doesn't seem any different from the average Mandrill than its size.
Standing at 3 Meters tall with gigantic brawny pillars. Yes, pillars! To call those things arms would be a joke.
Black smoke was moving around it, It wasn't even running but it was coming in this direction even faster than the others!!
*Screeeeeeeeeeeeech!!*
Suddenly! The Mama eagle made her move, with a high-pitched shrill cry that rivaled the previous roar.
Just like the previous time, the Mandrills started falling one after the other.
*Thuddd* *Thuddd* *Thudd*
Because they were running at full speed, they started falling and smashing head-on with the bodies of their fallen brethren.
With a single cry, she made a mess out of them. But, this didn't bring me any feeling of safety or security at all!
The alpha Mandrill didn't even look at its subordinates and continued charging without a care in the world.
The Mama eagle dove down at crazy speed in his direction.
*BANGG!*
It sounded like two mountains colliding!
The Mama eagle dove down with her sharp claws and the alpha formed a shield made of smoke and blocked with his arms.
Both sides repelled each other, they stared at each other for a moment then they started hitting each other.
The Mama eagle dives down with her claws and when they repel each other she launches 3 meters long Wind Blades.
While the alpha keeps dodging the wind blades and planting his hands into the ground to compress the dirt and turn it into a very terrifying ball of compressed dirt. I can easily tell that the weight of those balls isn't simple, If I could make a guess it'd be around 50KG.
What crazy concept is that?
As they kept going back and forth, they started moving away from their initial place of collision.
You simply can't keep up with them with the naked eye. All I could see personally was two black shadowy figures hitting each other, the resounding sound of their battle echoing in the forest.
Advertisement
Gigantic balls of dirt, Wind Blades, and even some new skills I have never seen from both sides.
Hurricanes, Dark energy balls, big shields, energy fields of death, and more...
The ground in which they fought became like a barren land, trees uprooted and the sound of heavyweights landing on the ground.
The previously eerily quiet forest was now full of life, or rather a death!
After being scared out of wits after witnessing a battle that seemed like between two gods. I started thinking of what to do, I can't remain passive like this!
I need to do something, the first that came to mind was of course the helpless bodies of the Mandrills.
However, I can't rush it. The sound of the battle is too loud, I'm sure it'll attract other animals.
I just realized something!
Who would dare to approach after hearing the sound and feeling the pressure emitted by these beasts?
Only a stronger monster! And how can I hope to do something against someone of their caliber? Nothing!
So, might as well take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Looking at the mashed-up bodies of dozens of Mandrills all huddled up together, I became bright-eyed!
That's a mass of free experience waiting to be harvested! How can I control myself against such captivating temptation?
My mind was running one hundred miles an hour...
No, shit stop! I need to take hold of myself and not get carried away... there is always time to celebrate which is afterward.
There is a distance of 250 meters between the tree in which I'm perching and them.
I can't climb down, so the only option is to keep following tree branches until I'm almost above them!
I moved towards them, this specific area of trees and branches is new to me. I haven't ventured here before.
However, I was already used to finding my way around branches. I like it even though it's fun.
I have around 40 points of strength, when I don't find a way around branches I just jump over them and hold them with my claws.
Coupled with my already high agility, I was very nimble amid these maze-like pathways.
I quickly arrived above them.
The moment I looked below, I was out of words. My heart started beating wildly, I felt like someone who was 90% sure he won the lottery.
Ok ok ok .. chill relax.
Looking at this glorious meal before me, I had no words to describe how I was feeling.
But, if I were to try it'd be like the feeling a man gets when he hasn't eaten anything in a month, then suddenly he encounters the most delicious meal in the world wide world.
*Drip*
Holy cow, I started to drool without even realizing it.
Fuck! Relax.
I started thinking of the most efficient way to use my Mana, I can only create 10 Wind Blades.
After thinking for a while, I found that the best way to use my wind blades to get the maximum amount of EXP is to target the High Body Refinement Mandrills that have other Mandrills below them and target their throats.
This way I can get a guaranteed 4K EXP with every blade with a possibility of an extra 2K or 4K EXP!
*Swoosh*
[You have Killed a Body Refinement(High) Monster |Experience Points +4000|]
[You have Killed a Body Refinement(Mid) Monster |Experience Points +2000|]
Advertisement
[Congratulations Host for Leveling up from 10 to 11. +5 Stat Points, +2 Skill Points.]
Good start!
*Swoosh*
[You have Killed a Body Refinement(High) Monster |Experience Points +4000|]
*Swoosh*
[You have Killed a Body Refinement(High) Monster |Experience Points +4000|]
[Congratulations Host for Leveling up from 11 to 12. +5 Stat Points, +2 Skill Points.]
*Swoosh*
[You have Killed a Body Refinement(High) Monster |Experience Points +4000|]
*Swoosh*
[You have Killed a Body Refinement(High) Monster |Experience Points +4000|]
[Congratulations Host for Leveling up from 12 to 13. +5 Stat Points, +2 Skill Points.]
*Swoosh*
Wtf! Why didn't he die?
I noticed they started getting restless, I need to be quick!!
*Swoosh* *Swoosh* *Swoosh*
[You have Killed a Body Refinement(High) Monster |Experience Points +4000|]
[You have Killed a Body Refinement(Mid) Monster |Experience Points +2000|]
[You have Killed a Body Refinement(Mid) Monster |Experience Points +2000|]
[You have Killed a Body Refinement(Mid) Monster |Experience Points +2000|]
[You have Killed a Body Refinement(High) Monster |Experience Points +4000|]
[Congratulations Host for Leveling up from 13 to 14. +5 Stat Points, +2 Skill Points.]
OK! Run, bitch, run!
I quickly jumped over the branches and made my way back into the nest.
In this pitch-black darkness, all you can see is a vague shadowy figure moving quickly between the tree leaves.
*Crunch*
I jumped from a high branch and landed on a monster bone in the nest, directly crushing it beneath my weight.
Kali seems clueless as ever, she has no idea what's going on!
Looking back at the still sleeping army and the direction the Mama eagle went, I was starting to worry.
I could still hear the sound of collisions between the two behemoths but I can't see them, a testament to how fierce their battle is.
I've exhausted all of my mana, I'm completely defenseless.
On second thought, I should've at least left enough for just one wind blade.
-Ding!
[New Quest is Available!]
This is the first time I've ever received any quests, I was looking forward to it.
I opened my Status Window then I checked my [Quest] Tab.
In the Dark shadowy panel, a new golden column appeared!
``
New Quest: Big Brother?
Description: A helpless young female eagle hatchling has been discovered in the vicinity of the host. She is afraid, and scared and needs a shoulder to lean on. Her brother died not long ago, she was still grieving but danger never seems to stop. The mother she sees as the strongest creature in the world is nowhere to be found and she is surrounded by vicious enemies.
Goal: Help your sister!
Rewards: 50 Karma Points, 5000 Experience Points, 5 Free Stats Points, and 1 Skill Point.
``
When I saw the Quest title and the goal I was gobsmacked, the system is throwing shade at me.
Not the time for that now, but I noticed a new element: Karma Points. If I could guess they'd be used as a currency when the shop functions get unlocked.
I already had a rough idea on how to help her so these rewards are simply god-send!
The Mandrills will wake up soon... and the battle doesn't seem to be close to ending.
I can only hide so that when they wake up they don't discover me, but what about Kali?
Would I be able to carry her Mother cat style into the branches?
I need to make her understand that I will carry her to climb, if not she might struggle and it'll be too hard.
Wait! Can I knock her unconscious?
Standing beside her and looking down at her with evil thoughts I must've looked scary as hell because she shrank back her neck.
Don't worry, you little lass, it's for your good!
I quickly opened my Status Window to check it out before starting my plan.
[~Status Window~
Host: Zed - Umbra Storm Eagle(Juvenile).
Titles: {Blazing Heart}
Level: 14
Experience Points(Exp): 6750/10500
Rank: Body Refinement(Low)
Health Points(HP): 135/135
Magic Power(MP/Mana): 14/217
Spiritual Power(SP): 190/190
Magical Resistance: 11(5)
Physical Resistance: 9(4)
Spiritual Resistance: 19(9)
Vitality: 27(39)
Strength: 18(27)
Stamina: 19(28)
Intelligence: 42(63)
Agility: 34(51), Dark: +6, Nearby Enemy: +6, Sky Dash: +10.
Spirit: 36(54)
Available Stat Points: 20
Available Skill Points: 8
Karma Points: 0
[Skills]
[Quests]
[Map(Locked)]
[Party(Locked)]
[Shop(Locked)]
]
Hmm, I see, I see. I will leave the Stats points for emergency use.
I spent 2 Skill points to advance my [Mask Presence] from Intermediate to Advanced.
Next, I used 3 Skill points to advance my [Bird Of Darkness] from Beginner to Advanced. I needed the extra Agility in the dark.
I still have 3 points left. I'll leave it for now.
Alright, let's start.
I started moving around Kali trying to see where the best spot to hit was to knock her out.
'System Scan My body to see the best spot to knock me out
[No.]
What? Man, I thought we were allies from the same organization that's supposed to help people.
I already knew it won't help, this system is tricky. I need to find a way to get through to it.
Sigh, I'm afraid that I might kill her, I have no idea how to control my strength. I've always gone extra hard in my fights, there was no room for holding back in a life or death battle.
Let's try the soft approach. It seems less risky.
I quickly approached her and rubbed my head against her cheek, that's eagle language for don't worry.
I opened my beak and held her neck.
*Screech*
She jumped back looking terrified!
Have some fate you ungrateful chicken!
After consoling her several times, she finally gave in looking very aggrieved.
I'm trying to save your life here. What's with that face?
Holding her neck, I made sure it won't get broken or something. Fortunately, she's very tough herself.
I don't even feel the extra weight, I have 39 Strength with my Stats boost so it was relatively simple.
I kept climbing up and up until I could barely see the nest below.
I only need to find a good hiding place in these branches now, preferably somewhere with very thick leaves.
I could feel the difference now between my Advanced Bird Of Darkness and Mask Presence, I'm more dexterous and more in tune with the darkness.
As I dropped Kali on a safe wide branch in order not to fall, I sensed the presence of something.
The presence of something vicious watching me.
The feathers on my neck stood up! I could tell that it was coming from a branch just right above our heads.
Advertisement
The Outer Sphere
Garth Daniels is down on his luck, running from his life in a quiet little town in the middle of America when our universe is co-opted into a war between an unstoppable race of reality-hopping monsters that feeds on the flesh of living creatures, and a conglomeration of thousands of realities, nested inside each other like a matroska doll. We're the new layer. These monsters, the Kipling, can only be defeated in a reality with very specific physics, otherwise they are unstoppable, and so Earth's universe has been assimilated to give us a fighting chance. Garth must set aside everything that he knows, and think fast to adapt to the new laws of nature if he wants to survive. Cover by Asera, a cool, helpful dude, who doesn't get enough props. Go check him out!
8 142Cloudlark
File under: sky pirates, guild level-ups, and true companions (nakama) The problem isn't her, it's her folks. Seren is tired of living a lonely life on the island, but every time she brings up the lack of community to her parents, they tell her that it's better that way. Better not to have anyone else around. Better to have dad-vetted "friends" in touch only by mail. Better to not go near the transportation area and to report anything "strange." And she tries. She really does. When it becomes crystal clear that nothing will change, the lure of far off horizons is louder than ever. The last straw is when an attempt to abide by the rules fails and even small pleasures are taken from her. Opportunity knocks and she throws open the door, determined to prove that she can take care of herself. Too bad the world is just as determined to prove otherwise. (Story is aiming for PG-13 levels of content. Tagged with Profanity & Gore just to be safe.) (weekly update at Friday midnight PST / Saturday 4pm JST)
8 75Stained Red
In the village of Firden a boy is born. He is born under normal circumstances with normal parents. However, the boy is not so normal. He has a pair of red eyes, and seems to have a knack for adventure. Could there be a reason for the red eyes? And what could this strange child accomplish in his life?
8 61Neko Eren
Hanji is searching for Levi to give him some papers from Erwin. But she can't seem to find him. She finally learns where he was last seen, behind the stables. Then she learns something special about the corporal and thinks of a devious plan. Takes place in the actual time period.
8 61Falcon and the Winter Solder ✔️
(Completed) ➥ Y/n the adopted daughter of Steve Rogers goes on adventure with both Bucky and Sam.
8 441Charming Through the Lines
Aria HartHarvard. One of the hardest schools to get into. After spending her last two years of high school working to get into a good college, 19 year old Aria Hart wants nothing more than to enjoy her first year at Harvard. She's always been the quiet girl, the one who gets asked if she has the answers to the homework. Stepping foot into the prestigious college where she is studying photo journalism, she meets a familiar face. Well, familiar through a phone screen...INCOMING: Leo WrightLeo Wright. Everybody knows him, everybody wants him. 20 year old hot shot hockey player, Leo Wright is as cocky as it gets. Going into his second year at Harvard, Leo only has his mind on two things. Blondes and Hockey. He can't afford to lose his focus. Hockey is his future. The only thing he's ever loved. Other than hooking up with a new blonde every night...As Aria starts her classes, she gets met with a semester long project that causes her to spend almost every waking second with the schools hockey team. That also means...spending time with the captain. There you have it, the two opposites finally meet.Aria has never met anybody so arrogant and self centered Leo has never met anybody so smart mouthed and bossy. What's the worst that could happen? A lot.
8 112