Growth, the Second-Stage Moonlight Fox
The Thorn Demon is a relatively common Soul Pet, and Kael was quite familiar with its characteristics.
Earlier, Kael had deduced that this Thorn Demon was only at the second stage, possessing just one vine. At this level, the vine's length typically ranged between fifteen to twenty meters. Judging by the vine's elasticity, it could extend another half its length.
This meant the Thorn Demon's main body was likely within a ten-meter radius of little Moye.
Just as Kael was searching for the Thorn Demon's main body, he suddenly noticed the vine contracting rapidly.
"Vine Slash!" Kael's mind flashed with the Thorn Demon's powerful attack skill. If the Vine Slash struck Moye directly, the delicate little fox would surely be severely injured.
Kael quickly glanced at Moye. He wasn't yet aware of what skills Moye possessed, and seeing the impending Vine Slash, he felt a surge of anxiety!
"Moye, dodge it!"
"Whoosh!!" The vine's speed increased sharply, slashing down with force!
Alerted by Kael's warning, Moye was ready. As the Vine Slash descended, its small figure, illuminated by the silvery moonlight, suddenly split into two blurry shadows!
"Crash!!"
The Vine Slash landed on the two illusory shadows of Moye, sending dust flying and shattering rocks, the surrounding thorns snapping in the process.
Kael's heart tightened. The power of the Vine Slash was astonishing; if it had hit him, it would have torn his flesh open.
But Kael was more concerned about Moye's condition.
The silvery moonlight filtered through the thorny forest, one beam landing precisely where the Vine Slash had struck.
Amid the swirling dust, the two blurry shadows gradually faded, revealing Moye's graceful figure.
"Moon Shadow!!" Kael exclaimed in surprise, watching as Moye effortlessly dodged the Vine Slash.
Moon Shadow was an evasive skill that utilized moonlight, a technique typically mastered by third-stage Moonlight Foxes. Yet Moye, only at the first stage, had executed it flawlessly!
Previously, Kael had encountered a Blue Bird that could use skills beyond its stage, which he had classified as a highly talented Soul Pet.
But Moye, still in its juvenile stage, had already mastered a higher-stage skill, indicating extraordinary potential.
Indeed, as the rumors suggested, every Soul Pet with mutated bloodlines possessed freakish talent!
When the Thorn Demon used the Vine Slash, it exposed its location, and Kael seized the opportunity.
"Left front, seven meters, attack its main body!" Kael commanded immediately.
Moye quickly locked onto the direction. As the Thorn Demon retracted its vine, the little fox transformed into a streak of silver light, darting into the dense thicket of vines!
"Crunch~ Crunch"
Soon, the sound of snapping branches echoed from the thorny forest, and scattered vines fell to the ground.
Kael hurried over, pushing aside the thorns to find Moye holding a severed vine in its mouth, its retractable claws embedded in the body of a dark green vine-like Soul Pet, pinning it beneath its paws. Moye raised its head proudly, howling at the moon.
The Thorn Demon, only at the second stage and weaker than Moye, was no match once its main body was exposed.
"Whimper..." Moye let out another fox-like cry, a cold beam of moonlight shining on it, highlighting its delicate, graceful form. Its silvery fur now appeared slightly longer.
"Did it grow?" Kael looked at Moye with pleasant surprise.
Combat was the most direct way for a Soul Pet to grow quickly!
Soul Pets harbored animosity and rivalry toward each other. In battle, they yearned to defeat their opponents, and this desire, combined with the physical strain of combat, spurred their growth.
Moye had evolved from the first stage to the second. Its fur had become softer and its color more vibrant.
"The Moonlight Fox's fur seems purely ornamental, offering little added resistance. But at the second stage, its strength should have increased somewhat," Kael remarked.
"Kill it. Its Soul Core should make for a hearty meal," Kael said to Moye.
With permission granted, Moye swiftly tore open the Thorn Demon's body, extracting a Soul Core that resembled a liquid yet had the clarity of amber.
Soul Cores varied across different realms of Soul Pets. Those of plant-based Soul Pets often took this liquid-amber form.
After consuming it, Moye wouldn't need to eat for the next day or two. Leaping back into Kael's arms, the little fox yawned adorably, looking ready to fall asleep.
After collecting the Thorn Demon's vines, Kael carried Moye out of the thorny forest.
Once outside, they were in the outer island's territory, and Kael finally relaxed. He found a relatively safe small cave, blocked the entrance, and spent the night there.
The next morning, Kael was awakened by a slippery, wet sensation on his cheek. Opening his eyes, he saw the beautiful Moye licking his face, letting out a cooing "whimper."
Kael patted the little creature, set it down, and washed up using the cave's water, taking a big gulp before moving the rocks blocking the entrance.
The sunlight hit his face, feeling sharp and hot.
"It's almost noon... How did I sleep so late?" Kael muttered.
Perhaps the constant tension during his time in the inner island had drained him, allowing him to sleep soundly once he left, losing track of time.
Kael took out some rations, nibbling on them to fill his stomach and feeding some to the little pest that always hid in his collar.
After eating, the little pest wriggled happily, clearly delighted.
Leaving the cave, Kael headed straight for the camp. While the outer island also had dangerous Soul Pets, Moye's keen senses allowed it to detect powerful creatures and avoid them effortlessly.