Kreya adjusted her stance, ready to switch her equipment.
"Ranger, Armor Up"
With the utterance of the incantation, a set of lightweight emerald green armor appeared on Kreya.
The war axe in her hand was also replaced by a shield and a longsword.
Since she couldn't match the enemy in strength, she'd focus on defense and containment.
Creating a better opportunity for Kane to attack.
"Roar"
The Totem Warrior let out a roar after its actions were interrupted several times.
As the roar sounded, the totem on his body emitted a blood-like red glow.
"He's gone berserk, be careful"
In Kane's Eagle Eye Vision, the Totem Warrior's magic power reaction increased.
The Totem Warrior's eyes gleamed with a bloodthirsty red light as he swung his twin axes towards the centaur maiden in front.
Kreya immediately raised her shield to meet the attack, but the immense force on the shield made her steps retreat.
Stepping back two steps to stabilize her posture, she thrust her longsword forward with her right hand.
The Totem Warrior didn't retract his axe, allowing Kreya's longsword to stab into his abdomen.
He continued to hack at the centaur's shield, applying more pressure as the force on the shield grew overwhelming. Kreya had to withdraw her longsword and hold the shield with both hands.
Another thread of spider silk flew over, binding his shoulders.
Kane launched another attack, sensing the threat of death, he tried to break free and dodge.
But this time the spider silk was too strong, like a bundle of steel wire.
Attempting to struggle free was futile, Kreya's pressure vanished instantly, and she swung her sword towards his neck.
He tilted his head to avoid the strike, only for a large hole to suddenly appear in his chest.
The hole in his chest was so large that one could see through to his back.
It was puzzling why such a large wound wasn't bleeding profusely.
This time, Kane drew out a longbow as tall as a person, and the fully drawn bow shot an arrow that pierced directly through the enemy's chest.
Though the injury didn't kill him instantly, he couldn't evade Kreya's next attack.
The cold gleam of the longsword flashed by, and the sky in his vision turned upside down.
The sound of a sand clock echoed once more.
The match was over.
Now was the time for the victors.
The shimmering sand and golden glow gathered once again.
Kane dispelled the longbow in his hand and went over to Kreya's side.
"Are you alright, are you hurt?" Kane's eyes roamed over her, checking for injuries.
Kreya just shook her arm, "Just some minor injuries, but the monster at the end sure had a lot of strength."
Recalling how she had to focus solely on defense under the Totem Warrior's axes, she couldn't help but sigh.
Seeing nothing besides a bruise on her left forearm, Kane was relieved.
"Except for brute strength, this monster really had nothing else to offer"
Kreya nodded in agreement, the monster indeed only had brute strength, and after going berserk, it lost its mind as well.
"Let's not talk about this anymore," Kane said, moving towards the loot, "Time to open the chest, let me try my luck this time."
The centaur maiden quickly followed, eager to see the loot this time.
Ever since opening a chest once, she had been enamored with the post-battle gains.
Kane passed by a pile of gold coins and approached the treasure chest.
With a forceful lift
The disappearing chest left only three glowing objects in its place.
"Why only three?," he patted his chest, ensuring the badge was still pinned inside.
Oh well, maybe they'll be really good items.
Kane comforted himself this way.
He picked up one item to look at.
It was a horned helmet
[Barbarian Bull Helmet]
[Helmet]
[Hue: Copper]
[Attribute: Slight increase in strength - entire body]
[Description: A helmet worn by the Barbarian Race during major festivals, symbolizing bravery.]
Though it has only one attribute, it's a very good one.
"A helmet that increases strength, for you," handing the helmet to Kreya.
Receiving the helmet from Kane, she put it on immediately.
After feeling the power the helmet provided, she took it off and returned it to Kane.
"These two horns are too large and heavy, and it's inferior to what I'm wearing now."
Taking the helmet, he casually tossed it into the space equipment, "Then we'll sell it later."
The reason Kane didn't wear it was the same as Kreya's, the two horns would severely impede his movement.
Let's look at the next one
It was a fist-sized tooth
[Fang of the Giant Arctic Wolf]
[Magic Materials]
[Hue: Copper]
[Attribute: Slight increase in magic stone energy]
[Description: A warrior of the Barbarian Race entered the icy plains alone for a trial, hunted a giant wolf, and this feat made him a totem warrior of the tribe]
The hard currency Kane needed, the more spoils the better.
The last item
[Warrior's Inheritance Rune]
[Consumable]
[Hue: Copper]
[Attribute: Learn - Frenzy Battle Roar] (emits a roar, slightly increasing strength, reducing pain perception)
[Description: The Barbarian Race seals a portion of their power and knowledge into runes for inheritance]
Luckily, this item did justice to its reputation.
This item was perfect for Kreya.
"Here, this is perfect for you," Kane handed the rune to Kreya.
Looking at the rune in her hand, Kreya asked, "What is this?"
Not everyone could rapidly identify equipment like Kane; most Explorers take their spoils to a Magic Shop or such for appraisal after exploration.
Kane, realizing this, explained, "A consumable for learning skills, and the skill on it suits you very well."
Kreya stared at Kane for a long time, "You can appraise equipment too?"
The previous items were easy to explain as Kreya herself could discern some of their effects.
But consumables that teach skills typically required an Appraiser to discern their use, and Kane didn't look like one.
"I have a tiny bit of study in equipment appraisal," Kane replied in her tone.
Realizing he was mimicking her, Kreya laughed and punched him, "Get out of here, hahaha."
"Ouch"
That punch was heavy
Hearing Kane's hiss of pain, Kreya immediately said, "Sorry, I didn't control my strength" with a slight blush.
"It's fine," Kane waved his hand, "I'm just too frail."
"Let's not worry about this, quickly try it out"
Kane shifted the topic, eager to see how effective this skill-teaching consumable would be.
"Okay"
Kreya nodded, clutching the rune and choosing to use it.
The rune shattered, transforming into specks that surged into her body.
Closing her eyes, she carefully felt the new ability.
"Roar"
The centaur maiden suddenly opened her eyes and let out a roar.
As the roar ended, her eyes glowed red.
She shadowboxed a few times, nodding in satisfaction.
"The effect is very obvious, I can clearly feel the strength increase. The magic power consumption is minimal, lasting about 10 minutes."
Deactivating the roar effect, the red glow in her eyes faded away.
At that moment, Yoyo came flying over holding six Mist Coins.
Kane had earlier instructed Yoyo to gather all the surrounding gold coins.
With the spoils collected, it was time to leave.
Return tomorrow to tackle the next level.
Kane and Kreya, along with a spherical companion, vanished from the spot instantly.