Chapter 17: Berserk Monsters and the Price of Survival
Chapter 17: Berserk Monsters and the Price of Survival
A few minutes after,
The monsters appear in front of the trap, and almost all of them are trapped in the pit. However, the level 1 monsters use their legs to jump. After a few leaps, most of the level 1 monsters escape from the trap, their bodies unscathed. The level 0 monsters struggle, but they are mostly safe, though a few are torn apart by the trap. These creatures are fast, their movements sharp and unpredictable.
In this way, they manage to save themselves from the deadly spikes, but they can't overcome the pit. The height is too much for them to jump. Their paws help them climb, but it's not enough. Ash and Evan realize that they need to deal with the level 1 monsters quickly before things escalate further.
Ash and Evan fight each level 1 monster, their focus razor-sharp. Mostly, Ash avoids their vicious strikes, his every movement precise and fluid. Evan, on the other hand, stands firm, defending and counterattacking with his axe. They are both waiting for Ram to arrive, hoping to finish this battle before it turns into something more dangerous. They do what they can to damage the monsters, but it's not enough yet.
In the Altar,
Ram watches the scene unfold from a distance, preparing himself to strike. A few minutes later, he's at the front lines, right beside Ash and Evan.
Ram moves quickly, chopping the head off the monster attacking Ash in one clean strike. Then, without hesitation, he moves toward Evan. Ash and Evan, both anticipating Ram's arrival, have distanced themselves from each other to allow him to strike. They fight with a sense of purpose, understanding that Ram's presence will tip the scales in their favour. The monsters are unaware, and one by one, they begin to fall.
Minutes later, Ram approaches another monster, launching a sneak attack. The monster, however, is no fool. It dodges his strike, its eyes gleaming with intelligence. Seconds later, it lunges at Ram's neck, but Ram is faster, avoiding the attack and striking back. At the same time, Evan launches his own attack, but the monster counters, its eyes burning with fury. Evan defends with his shield, the metal clanging under the force of the monster's blows. The creature's rage is palpable, its every attack fuelled by an unrelenting desire to destroy.
At a distance, Ash is busy dealing with the level 0 monsters climbing from the pit. He knows he has to eliminate them before they can join forces with the level 1 monsters. His strikes are calculated, aimed at necks, heads, and weak points. One by one, the creatures fall to the ground, lifeless. Since the level 0 monsters aren't grouping together, Ash is able to pick them off with ease, his movements swift and efficient.
After 15 minutes, the level 1 monsters enter a berserk state. Their strength increases, and their wounds begin to heal. Ram's eyes narrow in realization—they're fighting mutant monsters with berserk abilities.
Berserk abilities aren't highly regarded in Eldros, but fighting against such monsters is always a challenge. They're suicidal warriors—frenzied, unpredictable, and dangerous. Their power is temporary, but when it comes, it's overwhelming.
The battle between the level 1 monsters and Ram and Evan rages on. A few minutes ago, Evan discarded his shield, knowing that it wouldn't withstand another blow. Ram leads the assault, his strikes relentless, while Evan follows, his axe cutting through the air. Ram speaks to Evan, his voice steady, "We just need to avoid their attacks for a few hours. After that, we can finish them off easily." Evan listens carefully, his focus unwavering. He's cautious, his every move deliberate.
Meanwhile, Ash continues to clear the level 0 monsters climbing from the pit, his resolve unshaken.
Hours pass, and Ash has killed half of the level 0 monsters. But something gnaws at him. Where are Evan and Ram? Why haven't they returned yet?
After a moment of contemplation, Ash dismisses his worries. If either of them falls, he'll know as the altar owner. The altar watches over them, and if anything changes in their condition, he'll be alerted. He doesn't let himself get bogged down with worry. They're just delayed. After all, his work here is just as important.
Hours later, Ash finishes off the last of the level 0 monsters. He looks around, waiting. Soon enough, Ram and Evan return, victorious. They've taken care of the level 1 monsters, and there's no sign of trouble.
Ash looks at them, concern still lingering in his voice. "Why were you so late?"
Evan responds, "The level 1 monsters had a berserk ability, which made it take longer to kill them."
Ram, his voice low but steady, adds, "We should be glad we took care of the monsters. The battles ahead will be much longer and more deadly than this one. This city altar is still in its infancy, and we haven't even seen the true battles of this world. There are warriors out there who could die in an instant, not even knowing how. A long exposure to battle is a good thing."
Ash nods, understanding. "Okay, I get it. I was just worried about you. Let's focus on the positives."
Evan and Ram both agree, "Okay."
Afterward, Ash thinks to himself, "Status window."
A window pops up in front of him...
City: Nexus City
Ability: Territory defense double
Description: In the event of city defense, all the attack power, defense power of people and buildings become double.
Altar level: 0
Upgrade requirement: (Wood*1000, Stone*250, 50*Mana Core (level 0))
Production: Mist Mana level 0 * 10 per day
Area: 625 square meters
Status: Very small village
Building: Guide Mark1 (active)
Blueprint: Low-grade house (Stones100, Wood25)
Warehouse: Wood*39, Mana Core level 0 *33, Mana Core level 1 *4, Rabbit Monster Hide level 0 *11, Rabbit Monster Hide level 1 *1, Stone *10
Population: 3
Specialty: Mana Tree (Produces level 0 mana *2 per day)
Resource point: Stone Mountain level 1 (310 mined / 1000 all stone mineable in new mine)
Attack power level: 0 (600/1000)
Description: City's power level to attack enemies
Defense power level: 0 (1050/10000)
Description: City's defense power level against enemies
After collecting all the loot, Ash and Evan begin to carefully repair the traps, expanding them in preparation for the new monsters that might come tomorrow.
Ram leaves the battlefield, heading to the altar for mana mist absorption after surveying the area for 15 minutes. He and Ash speak briefly before Ram departs for the city's altar.
Ash grants him permission to go, knowing Ram's injuries haven't fully healed and that this battle has likely worsened them. Ram needs the mana mist to recover quickly.
Ash hands Ram four level 1 mana cores to speed up his recovery. As Ram leaves, Ash thinks, "Ram feels immense gratitude in his heart. He'll remain loyal to me for life and do everything he can to make this city and altar powerful."
It's not easy for Ash to give away the mana cores, as these could help him increase his own level. But Ash believes that Ram's rapid recovery to a level 3 powerhouse is more crucial for the city. He trusts Ram completely, which is why he distributes the mana cores.
In Eldros, when someone pledges loyalty to an altar and city owner without malice or external pressure, the city altar holds the power to control their life and death, no matter where they are in the world. Ash keeps this knowledge to himself—it's a secret that only the city owner should know. He doesn't share it with anyone to prevent fear from spreading, knowing that people would worry if they knew the altar had the power to control their lives.