Chapter 37

"Giyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!"

Standing beside Rain, Stagna appeared and drew her longbow. The bowstring stretched tautly, and she aimed so she could shoot at any moment.

Shoo~

A powerful arrow shot forwards. The arrow pierced through the head of the front-most Tolants on the right side and stabbed into the tree, pinning it there. Rain saw that terrifying penetrative power and sighed. That heavy longbow’s penetrative power was astonishing. Rather, Stagna’s accuracy and strength to even used that kind of magical weapon were much more incredible.

Rain had once tried it, but forget about hitting targets properly, he can’t even pull the string. It seemed like it was a Magical Bow that uses magic power to create arrows. However, it has some insane requirements in strength. As expected of a Rare Grade 3rd Tier Magical Bow; [Storm Break].

According to Rain’s knowledge about Items, there seemed to be three different grades of items, weapons, and artifact found in this world. The higher the grade of the weapon, the stronger and more powerful it becomes. At the same time, it also becomes harder to use.

Common Grade, Rare Grade, and lastly Legendary Grade.

Common Grade, also called as normal items are basic items without any explicit modifiers.

Rare Grade, with one or more bonus modifiers. Though, some of them, especially the top class items have some strict and harsh requirements to use, especially, class requirements.

And lastly Legendary Grade. These items are often found in Ancient Ruins, Dungeons or Labyrinths. Though, some can be made by great craftsman, but it’s not that often to occur. They have five or more modifiers on them, and most have some extremely special and extraordinary effects or skills that are almost game-breaking. Some, like Rare Grade Artifact, even have names added by affixes that signifying their effects, visible before or after the name of the item itself. Even a single of it is enough for an entire Kingdom or Empire to move to obtain it.

Amidst the common Grade distinction, there are also Tiers. Though, except for Legendary Grade Artifacts that had not been yet tried to upgrade, not like anyone in their right minds would do. After all, there’s a low chance of succeeding in upgrading a weapon with higher grade, and a high chance of turning items into scraps. Even Miyabila, whose desire to create powerful and unique weapons would not dare mess with the obtained high-level items such as Stagna’s [Storm Break] with fear of destroying it completely

Tiers are what they call ‘Enhancement’ or ‘Reinforcement’ that strengthens items, most weapons or armors with additional attributes: sharpness, quickness, accuracy, heaviness, and durability. There were also other enhancements that increase magical attributes and modifiers. Though, the higher the tiers made, the more precious and valuable the materials necessary.

Anyway, Tiers are commonly seen among Common Grade, as well as Rare Grade Items. Tiers don’t have clear limits, but according to Miyabila, she had seen a weapon with a Tier 16 in a Rare Grade Sword. Most common Tiers that can be found was between 6 to 9 Tiers, and that is only Common Grade. For Rare Grade Items, between 4 to 5. The higher the Grade and existing tiers of the Weapon, the harder it becomes for the next enhancement.

Even Miyabila’s best enhancement can only reach up to 12th Tier for Common Grade, and 8 to 10 for Rare Grade, depending on the items quality as well as materials used.

Rain’s [Rapid Rain] is a Rare Grade, and one of Miyabila’s best creations that she could only achieve once every few months, using the best materials she had and could found. And she had also enhanced it until the 3rd Tier. [Rapid Rain] just like the prefix on its name, it possesses three modifiers; Prefix Modifier; Rapid (Tier3)—[28% Increase Thrust Speed], 15% Critical Damage, and lastly, 22% Increased Speed Movement.

Although not one of the best weapons found among the Lamians, even still, it’s considered greater than normal Rare Grade Items.

Stagna pulled the bowstring again and shards of bluish-white light (magic power) hurriedly gathered and shot three arrows, two of which struck in each head of two giant ants. Watching her nailed Tolants one after another as if it was nothing, Rain glanced at Stagna with great worship.

This beauty was simply the fantasy-themed cold weapon version of a sniper. She’s extremely deadly and as accurate as Hawk-Eye or Deadshot!

Following Stagna’s lead, the other Lamians who were using bows and crossbows, and even magic started shooting as well. Most were supporting the melee combatants. One after another, each arrow hit every target, some were killed instantly. Many arrows and fireballs, water balls, wind blades… all kinds of elemental magic cast by several Lamians flew past the battlefield, striking their respective targets, raining down like missiles in world war 2!

Amidst the melee combatants, Lafetti looked like she was dancing amidst the incoming monsters, cutting their legs, heads and piercing through their heads. Blood the color of a beautiful sapphire rained down the walls and floor as if someone was painting the beautiful blue sky. Seeing the monsters pinned down by arrows, Lafett snorted and struck with her long tail, followed by a series of slashes on his sword. Like Stagna’s [Storm Breaker], hers was also a superior Rare Grade 11th Tier weapon, undergone many refinements and upgrade.

[Serpentine Edge] possess 25-28% Increased Attack Speed, 32-36% Increased Physical Damage, added 14-20% icy cold damage and might even cause a frostbite effect. [Edge Fang—a skill that once struck the target, would deal another wound as if a pair of fangs attack], and lastly, 22% Mana Absorption gained on every kill.

It was one of the best among the best of weapons Rain had seen in this world.

With a lash of her tail, Lafetti sent several giant ants in the air. Then, Stagna, in a flash, conjured arrows and started shooting them, helping to slay the monsters while they are still mid-air. As for the others, while it was still stunned from the collision, Drova merely slashed with her blade. Then she had brandished her big blade, chopping down extremely quickly. Despite not saying anything, the three Lamians seemed to have a tacit understanding as they worked together without any problem.

The fight was extremely brutal, and the battle that should have tilted on the side with the greatest number was being slaughtered in a blink of an eye. Although Rain had killed before and the enemies were not really humanoids but it still caused him to feel nauseated after watching this violent war up close.

Fighting solo is completely different than being involved in a battle like this. Limbs and body parts flew everywhere, even the green ground was dyed in blue blood of the monsters. It was like a scene of hell on Earth. Rain thought he had gotten used to this kind of scene after having his bouts of life and death battles. But this sigh alone made his face distorted in disgust and revulsion.

He almost wanted to vomit. He had deemed this world as a sort of game to avoid clashing his emotions and reality. But looking at this, made him somewhat realized that this was not a Game—this is a reality where everyone is desperately trying to survive and to do that, one must kill!

If the World Animal Protection saw this carnage they would certainly start raining calls to the court or endure overnights just to file lawsuits one after another.

It was really a blood-curdling scene that even veterans in a war would surely feel unsettled.

Zarda who didn’t really care about the battle accidentally turned her attention towards Rain and her eyes couldn’t help but widen in surprise. As if all the blood was drained from his face, Rain’s face was extremely pale, though he seems to be trying to endure it, acting tough. But his shoulders were clearly trembling and his breath hurried. Then she realized, well, indeed for them, this kind of scene was nothing new but to someone who was not used to this kind of scene would certainly find it appalling.

Zarda’s expression softened and her eyes flashed the color of worry. Her tail moved and coiled around Rain and gently pulled him towards her, completely not realizing herself, how surprising her reaction was. This was the first time she had worried for someone, not to mention for a human—a race who looked at her kind of hate and prejudice since time immemorial.

Rain was surprised by Zarda’s actions and turned his head.

“Calm yourself, took deep short breathes,”

Her voice was softer than usual. Her expression was even extremely genial that Rain was stunned. Although he finds the scene revolting, it’s not actually that bad. His expression was just an outer-effect, something he cannot control. However, deep inside him, he had already accepted this reality.

He was never that weak-willed. Still, seeing Zada’s gentle expression, Rain subconsciously nodded his head and did what she said.

“If you want to survive in this world, you need to become selfish and steal the life of others...” Zarda softly muttered. “You need to get used to it, however, you don’t need to rush and take it slow…” she flashes a small smile that Rain almost thought his heart would stop… of course this time, for an extremely different reason!

Rain was charmed and nodded his head like a robot being programmed to do so. Then, realizing how he acted, he couldn’t help but blush, regaining color on his pale expression. Can't blame him, though. This was so sweet. He had no defense against this. A tiny fracture cracked in his armor.

Perhaps, if she'd pounce on him with lust and hunger, he could have met her head-on and dismissed the whole encounter as a mere physical release from the emotional relief from this sudden violence he had witnessed that made him weak-hearted?

Not so far away from them, Lafetti who had just killed another giant ant reflexively turned her head to check on Rain but her eye widened in shock the moment she saw Zarda and Rain’s intimate position. Shadows immediately fell on her face as she bolted back.

But the moment she arrived already a meter away from them, she suddenly heard Zarda, “… you don’t need to feel bad or embarrassed. Feeling sick after seeing and experiencing something like this the first time was completely and utterly normal. No one felt good the first time they witness this kind of scene… no matter what kind of person they are. You will get used to it as time as passed by,”

The Lamian Chief’s expression and voice were so gentle that Lafetti subconsciously halted her actions. She then noticed Rain’s expression; although a bit of color had already returned to his face one can still see the paleness on it.

“Rain! Are you alright?!” Lafetti immediately rushed towards him and grabbed his shoulders. She was worried that he was hurt by the monsters, and her fury skyrocketed.

“I am,” Rain flashed a small smile, though his face was still a bit haggard. “I can manage,”

“You don’t need to. Just close your eyes, everything will end immediately.” Lafetti said, suddenly realizing what had happened. Her fierce expression softened and started petting his head with a faint smile. But Rain shook his head. Calm returning to his expression. “I’m going to be fine, really…”

He wanted this… he stubbornly wanted to come so he can’t back down now!

“But,”

“Let him be, Lafetti.” Zarda said in a lovable voice.

“Chief?”

Lafetti wanted to persuade Rain but she was stopped by Zarda.

“He’s right. He’s not a child… he needed to face this aspect of this world. He needed to get used to this kind of thing or else he would amount to nothing in the future.” Zarda said seriously. Sensing that Zarda was serious and even her words sounded reasonable, Lafetti didn’t argue anymore but she still couldn’t help but cast Rain a looked of worry which was an extremely rare thing to happen.

“Now go, do your duty. The faster you killed the enemies, the faster he would feel better.”

Lafetti nodded her head. After casting one last look at Rain who returned it with a smile, she left and started her second rampage.

Rain was left, slowly digesting what is happening around him. On the other hand, Zarda stood behind him, as if giving him support, Rain endured and watched the fight, no, the killing without averting his eyes anymore. And just like what Rain had expected before, no enemies ever get near him and Zarda.

The Lamians were like Amazon warriors, almost becoming the definition of what it was called as the Beasts of the Battlefield. They are strong, each of them and extremely powerful!

With their short numbers, they easily killed their enemies, which was numbers almost double that of their own forces!

--- ---

After killing their enemies with little to no problem, Zarda decided to rest for a bit. Some went towards the corpses and looted some things – though they limit it to the minimum such as the abdomen and the head part of the carcasses were the only things they took.

These parts were extremely durable and tough almost like steel and were extremely good materials for creating armors. As for the others, they would be harvested later on.

At this moment, Rain had already stabilized and his complexion had returned to normal. Lafetti coiled her tail around Rain and circled her arms around him, trying to help him calm. Rain loved this kind of intimate action and relaxed his body, leaning his back on Lafetti’s warm embrace. He felt the security she was giving him, and his heart feels warm and safe. The scene was almost perfect, like a picture drawn by a good fantasy artist.

Around them, many, no rather, most of the Lamias somewhat felt envious and couldn’t help but focus all their attention on the young couple, wishing they could substitute Lafetti and do it themselves personally. Some even began fantasizing, some started scheming and making plans to shorten their distance towards Rain through this expedition and some just felt admiring them and watched them silently.

The group only rested for a couple of minutes before they continued their trip. Aside from ants, they also killed some monsters which were as tall as 2 meters. At this moment, Rain was already almost back to normal. Though, he still stays in the center of the group, walking beside Zarda. Then another bunch of Tolant Soldiers appeared.

This time, Rain managed to endure a bit better than the first time. He never averted his eyes as this was already his new reality. The peaceful, uneventful life as if living in a loop, was already no more and a new, interesting but a bit bloodier life had now started to open for him.

Well, as usual, no monster managed to reach him, oh, a mistake, several did – though it was obviously intentional from the other Lamians. However, these monsters were already on the verge of dying and some already lack limbs to be able to move around, which Rain easily killed to gain experience, and his Status Attributes steadily grew as well.

All this time just like the other Lamians, Zarda was keeping an eye on Rain as he fights not so far away from her.

Although Lafetti was somewhat reluctant about him fighting dangerous monsters, she knows better the importance of practical experience. As for Zarda, she was happy to see Rain satisfying his craving. Though she never expected anything and was prepared to intervene when it’s necessary, even Stagna who was guarding their side never took her attention away from him.

However, they were suddenly surprised to find out that Rain was actually not so weak as they thought.

What made Zarda raise an eyebrow was Rain’s impressive operating ability. His reaction speed was extremely fast and he was good at grasping opportunities. His speed was also not something to be underestimated. Although not as fast as them, but that is because of the difference in level. She knows that Rain should not have reached Lv2.

The Shaman of the Amani Lamian Tribe, Threia possesses a magic eye of appraisal. Although she cannot see Rain’s complete status like how Status Tablet could do, she could sense his level and physical Attributes at the very very least. Though, not accurate but at the very least, close.

Aside from his Level, his Physical Attributes are roughly around H or G rank. His capability was not much different from the children of the Lamian Tribe. However, suddenly Zarda started to doubt what she knows. Rain’s speed, power, and strength that he was displaying right now… is that how an H ranker moves? It was even better than most G ranker at Lv1.

A humanoid monster, called Troll was swinging a barbaric hand ax, and Rain fighting the Troll was barely able to dodge.

Not only Zarda, but also the others felt a chill run down their backs as they watched the battle. Despite the Troll completely being severely wounded by the others, it was still somewhat difficult for someone on Rain’s level. Strength and Aura wise, it was still above Rain on many levels.

There were even many close calls that made almost all the Lamians, including Lafetti to rush over and tear the Troll apart themselves. However, they still endured it and vent their surging emotions towards the other monsters.

Rain was able to fight monsters like he wanted. At first, it was one monster, then another, one turning two, two turning three and much more. Some Lamians if they could, would cripple the monsters they are fighting and just it let through, letting Rain finished it. Rain was extremely embarrassed but also very grateful to the others. Of course, he had realized what they are doing and couldn’t help but feel moved.

Who knows who planned it but the pattern suddenly changed.

The Lamians only let monsters reach Rain if they were already in their dying moments or those without limbs and can barely fight back. Then, suddenly they turned into monsters with barely enough strength that give a much better fight. And until the monsters that still possess much vigor and energy to fight back.

They seemed to be training Rain how to fight by giving weaker monsters first until it gradually becomes stronger. Like giving a low dosage of medicine and gradually raising it higher…

Although dangerous, they were keeping their attention on him to provide support if necessary.

However, the result was much more than they had expected. Rain’s fighting prowess gradually increased which startled the Lamians. Like Lafetti, Rain’s fast growth stupefy them… even Zarda let out a sigh of astonishment. His speed of growth was extremely unbelievable that it can only be called by the word ‘Genius’!

He was now used to killing and his fighting strength had also reached an unbelievable state in just a short amount of time. Although time cannot really be measured in this kind of place. Nevertheless, if measured correctly, Rain’s growing speed was much faster than any Lamians present.

What a Lamia took a month to learn, Rain did in a week or two.

Even [Sylphy] who was monitoring Rain’s every progress, ad giving him support in his battles, couldn’t help but felt dumbfounded after seeing the results.

What a scary man…

… …