V3 Chapter 78

Desolate Cave.

It was a dangerous place, after all, being called a Forbidden Land is not just for show.

Not only this place was filled with Monsters, but horrifying creatures called Monster Kings also appears in this place. Each one of them can lay waste to an entire City, or worst, a Kingdom in a blink of an eye. They are a class of monsters that can be considered terrifying disasters that one should never provoke.

Though it’s called a Cave, it’s more like a huge mountain for the outside world. Only, it didn’t have a sharp or edge-like top, and instead, it’s as if the mountain was split into half, with the upper portion lost. At the top of the mountain, was a land circular mass like a crater of a volcano, with a thick and lush forest at the center. It was once an enormous mountain that separates the continent from the vast wasteland, which man had never dared step foot.

A long time ago, a large unknown battle (no one knew how and who was fighting- many speculations but there’s no concrete proof) occurred in this place, cutting the entire upper half of the mountain, making it an open area. The top portion was completely severed, and the entire landmass inside the mountain was gouged out, into a deep crater- which is now the Desolate Cave.

Of course, since that incredible giant mountain was the boundary of the wasteland, the entire area was also barren land. At least, it was once. However, that had changed all too suddenly, with no clear reason or cause. Plants and trees started to rapidly grow within, and the once barren land became fertile.

If someone compared the appearance of that time to now, they would surely be shocked- it’s like having a heaven and earth difference between then and now.

Still, this rich, abundant land remained untouchable, after all, this place is not so simple at all. Not only this place is ruled by powerful Monster Kings, but also, who knows what kind of monsters are inhabiting it.

After so many years of people trying to explore the Desolate Cave, dig its riches and conquer the land, they have not seen the end of it. All expedition attempts failed as any advances were blocked by powerful Monster Kings that even the strongest warrior could never defeat. Because of that, the Desolate Cave became known as one of the Forbidden Lands. The Nest of Monsters.

Furthermore, from all the daring explorations up until now, they discovered that beneath the surface, there’s a very complex, maze-like world filled with varying monsters. And some of them were even suspected to be now extinct monsters that can only be seen in Ancient Times. The moment they were disturbed, nothing can stop them.

Well, at least, that’s how the rumors and stories go. Only faint records remain, stories and myths, as thousands of years had passed, no one, again, dared to test the danger of the Desolate Cave.

The Delouria Kingdom, which was said to be the hometown of the Hero King and the Ancient Great Hero Arthuria, even suspected that the latter had once come into this place, and never walk out again, because of these terrible monsters. Perhaps, even sealing them in the depths of the earth. Though, once again, that is only based on rumors or stories without any proof whatsoever.

Nevertheless, just this alone could already prove how dangerous this forbidden land is. The Historians only know that the Hero Arthuria seemed to come into this place and has never been seen again since then. As for the reason, there are many speculations and rumors… but no clear records are left to confirm it. Anyway, the Ancient Great Hero was a Man of Mystery. There’s little to no information about him, even in the archives of the Great Kingdom that once housed this great person.

Not even how he looks, his character, personality- he’s like a man straight out of a fairytale that could easily be doubted if he even existed or not. But many said that he did exist. And records and stories existed in which he is always involved in one way or another.

As for the story about the Desolate Cave being known as the entrance to the vast Wasteland where terrible monsters only heard in legends inhabited, that was also true. And it is not just a legend. Passed the Desolate Cave, is indeed a vast wasteland that not even the Demon Race dared to venture into.

Whoever entered this wasteland had never been seen again. There are records of incredibly powerful people- people of legends, did, but since then no one had seen them again.

In this aspect- though no one could confirm it, most powerful, and highly ranked people believed that the Desolate Cave was acting as a barrier against the monsters of the Wasteland. And perhaps, it’s indeed the result of the Ancient Great Hero’s efforts of, well, ‘sealing the monsters in this place by sacrificing her life’- or at least, that’s what they said.

As to what she had done, no one knows unless they examined the Desolate Cave upside down. But who would have the capability to do so? Anyone who dared enter this place had never been seen again.

Thus, the Desolate Cave easily became one of the Forbidden Lands. More so, now this place has become a territory of Monsters. Not only there wasn't much trustworthy information about this region, but the few brave souls who dared to go deep into this territory were also dying in a couple of days under constant attacks from monsters.

The Desolate Cave has raised its infamy over the past years, that it has already become a synonym with the so-called [Land of Death].

People who have known about it; great nobles to commoners know that entering this Cave means suicide.

If you don’t have confidence in your strength then you better not try and stepped into this land as a day after, you would find yourself in a monster’s stomach.

Even within the guilds such as Mercenary Guild or the Adventurer Guild, only one thing was said about it:

'If you're looking for true despair, these lands are for you.'

A very precise and complete description of such a dangerous place.

The lowest rank of the monster found in this Desolate Cave is at least D magical beasts. And those beasts can only be found right in the outermost region of the Cave. And the deeper you go inside, the stronger the monsters you will encounter!

However, as dangerous as it is, this forest was also a land of treasures in the eyes of many powerful experts. This place had an abundance of godly ores, a plethora of magical medicinal plants and herbs, and was accompanied by the roars of many powerful magical beasts.

Eating a magical beast can strengthen the human body. In addition, this was also the favorite food for nobles and royalties. Thus, even though it was extremely dangerous, it was still a rare ground with treasures and riches. And so, from time to time, many people still tried their luck and take a risk, entering this forest.

As for whether they could survive or not… well, that leaves to their luck.

... ...

Rain listened to the narration of the group about the Desolate Cave as they traveled through the forest.

Slowly, he was able to comprehend the situation outside of the Desolate Cave. With strange, complicated emotions swimming inside his heart, he realized he was like a frog in a well. Though he was living in this land, he knows too little about it. Nor, he truly understands the danger this land emits to other people.

Surviving up until now was like a miracle.

Or perhaps, he owed it all to Lafetti who had taken him and protected him from any kind of danger. He was really fortunate.

…

Cutting their way through brambles and thistles, the group wasn’t traveling at a particularly high speed. They still proceed with caution as even with their strength, they would still die if ever they unluckily encountered a strong monster.

As the group was traveling towards the Minotaur’s Lair, not so far away from them, a monster was lurking. It was Rock Panther, latching onto a tree trunk, not moving at all.

Among magical beasts, Panthers could be considered one of the fastest types of land-based magical beasts. Although their power is certainly lacking… in terms of speed, they can be said to be among the top. However, speed was not the only thing that makes Rock Panthers scary.

That is also their cunningness.

Although they are not as cunning and intelligent as wolves or foxes, panthers are skilled in terms of hunting and sneaking into prey. It can be said that panthers are one of the infamous assassins in the Magical Beast Kingdom.

In particular, the C rank Rock Panther as in addition to its speed, its defense was also quite impressive. And because of its characteristics, it can even camouflage itself into a rock, fooling any unlucky victims.

Its fur’s toughness was like a rock that even high-level adventurers feel a headache the moment they fought against it. And as a panther-type magical beast, it naturally possessed the high speed that all panthers were known for.

Its explosive, short-distance pouncing speed was even superior to magical beasts of the B rank. And now, this particular hunter once again found another prey.

The Rock Panther suddenly exerted pressure with its four limbs then leap atop another tree.

Panthers were extremely skilled at running and leaping about on treetops and were very well known for that as well. And they are very quiet. Nimble and silent as they run through foliage or on the top of the tree branches.

From within the dense leaves, the Rock Panther had already seen the distant human figures. Upon seeing its prey, it couldn’t help but run its tongue into its mouth. It waited quietly, like a cunning predator. Waited for the humans to draw near.

However, unfortunately for it, it had chosen the wrong prey.

At this moment, Jonathan furrowed his eyebrows while walking through the forest. He sensed something… a strange tingling at the back of his head as if he was being-

“-watched…we’re being watched…” he muttered, surprising the others.

Jonathan was extremely sensitive, especially to that kind of killing intent. This was extremely normal. Anyone who stepped inside this land would immediately feel like they were observed by ferocious beasts from the forest.

However, at this time, no matter how much the owner hides it, killing intent had unknowingly spread out in the air. Excitement, or probably, the Rock Panther had let its guard down or was greatly underestimating its opponent. Nevertheless, it had made an amateur mistake. This gives Jonathan a certainty that something is planning against them.

Following the group from behind, Rain heard Jonathan. But he only smiled and didn’t say anything.

Of course, he had already felt it long ago. Besides, with his phone, he was constantly monitoring the surroundings so of course, how could he suffer an ambush?

Rock Panther, huh…

[Yes, just a Rock Panther. It’s considered a C-rank magical beast. However, this Rock Panther seemed to be quite strong, as its magical power is almost comparable to that of a B-ranked monster. It’s a strong monster nearing its next evolution.]

Sylphy added more information.

[Though, Master should have no trouble dealing with it.]

In reality, Rain knew that they had trespassed the territory of many Magical Beasts. Maybe these monsters were already watching them secretly. But because they were just too cautious, they didn’t dare to come closer. Or perhaps, they just felt the power of Jonathan and his group, that they didn’t dare attack first.

In this forest, some Magical Beasts were aggressive, and whoever stepped into their territory will immediately be attacked. But there were also those that doesn’t take the violent route immediately- these are the type of monsters that are cunning, careful, and were just waiting for an opportunity to strike to kill. Most of this type are those who observed first and have enough intelligence to know whether they should mess with the other party or not. The Rock Panther seemed to be the former. Intelligence must have been its poor asset, despite its species being considered as smart and cunning as foxes.

Of course, there are also those who will remain indifferent and will only strike back if attacked or disturbed – but these monsters were the ones that even Rain would run away immediately if encountered.

Rain thought about giving the group a warning about the Rock Panther that was sneaking in their direction and was already almost a few meters away now. However, he changed his mind the next moment. He thought of using the monster to measure the power of Jonathan’s group, perhaps, see the extent of their abilities.

His speed slowed down. Rain took a bit of distance from the others. His eyes, like a hawk locked on the figures of Jonathan and the others.

"...it's here!"

Hearing Jonathan’s words, the group knew that something is observing them and immediately their vigilance skyrocketed.

Their current expressions were completely different from just a while ago, as even their presence seemed to have become a sharp blade that had been unsheathed.

Strong…

Rain sensed the sharp fighting spirit they were released, and couldn’t help but praised them inwardly. Just their spirits alone are enough to show their true powers.

Though, I know they are good, to think I’m still underestimating them.

Just by their auras alone, he could feel as if they were already comparable to Lafetti and the others. Though, perhaps, weaker than Drova- well, she is considered a special case, since even Elder Sister admits she’s a realm of her own.

But still, Jonathan aside, the other three people possess an ability that is more or less comparable to the elites of the Lamians such as Stagna and Lafetti. Jonathan is an enigma. He seemed to be as deep as an ocean. Rain can’t measure his power at all. Though he was certain that Jonathan is at least, stronger than the Elite Lamians like Lafetti.

Perhaps, he’s comparable to Drova…? Now, that would be something.

“Be careful,”

Jonathan warned Rain who was following behind them. Rain nodded with an equally serious face. But his eyes didn’t leave them, constantly observing them.

Rock Panthers might be strong, but it's not something he would fear. He has a dozen of ways to kill it. Rather, he was quite curious about Jonathan's true strength along with his peers.

Since up until now, he had only been with the Lamians and Monsters, he didn’t know just how strong humans are, and how they fight. This is a good opportunity to observe the humans in this world.

Eh? Me...?!

He was the target?

As the group passed by a huge tree, it was at this moment, that Rain suddenly felt chilling goosebumps crawling on his spine. And he even stood away from its line of sight. This bastard monster!

Without hesitation, he grabbed Cyan beside him and jumped away, his feet barely leaving the ground, but the distance he had covered was almost three to four meters in a blink of an eye.

If someone from Earth saw this, they would surely be surprised. A special skill only seen in Xianxia movies that made one’s body feels as if it was as light as a feather, as they flew in the air, seemly gliding.

With the agility of a monkey and the grace of a butterfly, Rain was able to traverse the distance as if he was just casually stepping. Not only he does appear very graceful, but also extremely elegant as if he was being carried by the wind, that it almost looks like art.

Fortunately or unfortunately, he was far back that no one had noticed what he had done. Even Jonathan barely noticed what he did, as the latter’s attention was attracted to the monster that suddenly came out.

Leaping off from the tree trunk, the Rock Panther transformed into a vicious blur, gracefully soaring towards Rain's previous location. Its target was clear. However, it's bound to be disappointed.

Sensing the assaulting killing intent, Jonathan also dodged the Rock Panther’s pounce skillfully. His figure rotated, and in a blink of an eye, they were millimeters away. Still, with the magic beast’s exposed figure, with one fluid move, he grabbed the hilt of his sword and pulled it out of its sheath.

He whirled around and swung his sword.

Bang!

A metallic sound echoed as the blade and the Rock Panther’s rock-like body collided. In the end, with no apparent damage dealt with both sides, the Rock Panther only crashed into the ground with a loud bang.

Jonathan also retreated, being knocked back from the rebounding impact, finally feeling the obscenely high defense of the monster. It seems like his sword wouldn’t probably do much damage against such an incredibly tough monster.

Still, as expected of Jonathan's strength, there’s was a short gush on the Panther’s side, bleeding. But it was a shallow wound.

To think that even Jonathan’s magic sword could barely penetrate the monster’s skin, the Rock Panther’s rock-like hide was certainly extraordinary. It being dumb and stupid is reasonable. It must have focused its evolution on its defense and strength. A meat-headed monster, so to speak.

The Rock Panther’s appearance didn’t surprise the others as they immediately went in position.

“In position!!”

The full-armored knight cried out calmly, as he rushed in front of the others.

Defense vs Defense.

The knight with the shield went forward, stopping the Rock Panther from moving, while the man in robe went behind and started chanting melodic spells, seemly singing. The only woman, Zia pulled out her sword and stood beside Jonathan.

The Rock Panther realizes that its ambush failed and growled hatefully. However, it didn’t retreat as it was confident in its ability. A foolish arrogance.

Grrrr –

The Rock Panther didn’t rush again but walked in a circle as it continued to glare at the humans in front of it. It looked like a big cat that was trying to intimidate its prey. Most of the time, it would work.

But sadly, not this time.

With electric sparks emitting around her body, Zia took the initiative and charged with her sword. Her figure moved like a lightning bolt and crashed against the monster.

Upon collision, the ground burrowed, creating a fissure due to her strength. Though the Rock Panther successfully avoided the direct attack, the lightning bolts that came assaulting its body, caused it to feel numbness and pain. Immediately after, the monster let out a painful cry.

But it seems like electricity has limited damage to its rock-like body, and it immediately recovered. Then, with the sound of air being cut, the beast disappeared- no, rather, it was moving even faster than before.

“..?!”

Zia’s eyes narrowed and tried to follow it with its eye, but with the cover of the thick overgrown plants and trees, it was night impossible even with her heightened senses, and before she knew it, the Rock Panther had already appeared behind her. It was quite good at taking advantage of the obstacles.

“Behind you!!”