On the way, Gin's team encountered many wild beasts of Rank-5 and Rank-6, but they were easily defeated and killed by them.
Thanks to the red mass of energy Gin absorbed from all the wild beasts; It's helping him in the process of enhancing and evolving every cell, muscles, and bones in his body.
He didn't know the exact level of his strength, but he could sense it should be around 450 Kg. The rate at which his strength progressed is astonishing, which even he couldn't believe it!
He now has the strength equal to that of peak 6-star Ranker, just a little away from advancing into 7-star.
From the Ranker site, he learned that advancing into Rank-7 is different from other ranks and it's where one's true martial path starts!
It's a complete transformation of one's physique, strength, and vitality. It's also the reason why advanced Rankers are a lot stronger than regular rankers.
The advanced Ranker stage is like a kind of wall which hinders many 6-star Rankers from advancing into the next level.
"Yirene, what it's like breaking through to the 7-Star Ranker stage?" Gin asked.
Yirene looked at Gin with a curious expression and indifferently replied, "For me, it felt like shattering a glass!"
Gin nearly stumbled by the way Yirene answered, and also amused by her way of acknowledging that she's an advanced Ranker.
Gin rolled his eyes and thought, 'I was asking you about the process...process, not what you felt. It looks like she needs to learn many things about human emotions.'
---
Around 9 in the morning, they finally reached the area specified by Emeera. "Miss Emeera, we are here!"
Gin has no idea why they wanted to come here as this place didn't seem anything different from other areas of the forest.
After glancing around the place which was filled only with towering trees, one could see the disappointment on Emeera's face as if she didn't discover what she was seeking.
"Miss Emeera, at least tell us what you are looking for?" Gin asked.
Emeera hesitated for a second and spoke, "Mister Gin, can I speak with you alone for a minute?"
"Sure,"
"Yirene, be alert, and stay close to Hammer and Astro!" Gin said.
"Mn, I know," Yirene replied.
Clog, who was idling at the side revealed a wicked grin, watching Gin and Emeera walk off. Unfortunately, no one noticed that.
When they are some distance away from the group, Emeera spoke, "Mister Gin, I didn't want to hide this from you, but only this way, I can prevent it from others knowing it."
"Oh?" Gin's interest piqued but waited for Emeera to continue.
"Actually, I am here in search of a place that my father accidentally encountered during his research. It all happened one month back."
"I don't know what happened here or what he encountered, but when he came back from the trip, he was heavily injured."
"He told me he found a place filled with treasures and magical herbs. He informed me about the location and strictly stated that I shouldn't tell anyone about it; otherwise, my life would be in danger."
Emeera looked at Gin for a reaction but she couldn't detect anything, so she continued,
"As my father's injuries were quite serious, he soon fell into a coma."
"Somehow, the secret my father spoke to me have leaked. The next day, that man Clog who comes from a wealthy family appeared before me and wanted to know about the precise location."
"As I was the only one who now knows about the location, he pestered me continuously and even bought some of my company shares."
"Since I was stubborn, he began to threaten me using my father's life. Having no choice, I suggested that we explore the place together and split the findings evenly."
"Even so, I didn't feel safe. I feared he will kill me as soon as I disclose the secret location."
"So, I told Clog that not many people should know the secret and we both agreed on only bringing a single person with us for our safety."
"But, Clog didn't expect that I will hire a team from Ranker division as an Escort."
Gin calmly listened to Emeera's speech without interrupting her. He could discern many loopholes in what Emeera said, but what she said should be somewhat true, or she's a good liar.
But, Gin won't believe a one side story. Even if it's true, he doesn't care; The most important task is to ensure his friend's safety, for that he needs to be cautious and careful around both the groups.
'Ah, it's getting more complicated.' Gin sighed.
From what Emeera said, Athusa and Kildo who came along with them should be pretty strong – a 7-star Rankers at the minimum.
"So, what do you think I should do?" Gin asked.
"I am the reason, why you guys have landed in such a plight and I am grateful for your help. I just hope you will be cautious around Clog, while I try to deal with him." Emeera sincerely replied.
When Gin and Emeera came back, Clog barked "Let's cut the pretense. Emeera, tell me about the location and we will go our own way. My patience is limited!"
"Like I already said, we either explore it together or you can search it on your own," Emeera replied, fearless.
"Kildo," Clog curled his lip and spoke.
Kildo, who was silently traveling with them till now stepped forward while his entire momentum changed like that of a ferocious tiger, ready to kill.
Everyone was surprised, the pressure exploded out from Kildo was equal to that of 7-star Ranker, at the least.
Clog looked at everyone with a vicious smirk and said, "Hmph, either surrender or die!"
"Considering the girl's background is not simple, I will let you guys go. But, if you insist on helping Emeera, I won't show mercy!" Clog glared at Gin's team and viciously threatened.
He was certainly afraid of Yirene and her background. He didn't want to incur wrath from such powerful peoples without his father's backing.
Clog is greedy like his father, so he didn't inform anything about the secret location as he wants everything for himself.
Meanwhile, from Emeera's side Athusa stepped forward and from her spread the pressure which was not a bit lower than Kildo.
Kildo frowned, glanced at Clog and stated, "She's strong!"
Clog gritted his teeth in anger and muttered, "Looks like you came prepared. I should have finished you off when I got the chance."
What everyone failed to notice is, Clog secretly sending some messages from his communication bracelet.
---
"What's going on?" Hammer and Astro asked, moving closer to Gin. As for Yirene, she still stood next to them with an unconcerned and cold look, like always.
Gin smiled bitterly and explained what Emeera told him in short words.
"Oh my god! is there truly a treasure-filled place here?" Hammer excitedly asked. Unlike Hammer, Astro looked nervous and worried about the whole thing happening around them.
It's understandable since he's the weakest of the group with no experience in combat and background.
"I don't know. We can either drop the mission and part ways, or we can move with them in search of treasure. What do you guys think?" Gin asked.
"Of course, we are going! How can we miss such an opportunity of searching a treasure? It's what I have been waiting for — a thrilling adventure." Hammer excitedly spoke.
"Bro Astro, what you think?" Gin asked.
"I-I don't know. I think we should go back." Astro said.
"Astro, don't worry, I am here. I will protect you. Just think about what we may find, there may be advanced rank techniques, or godly treasures or even miracle elixirs for improving our strength." Hammer spoke with glistening eyes.
Astro bitterly smiled and agreed to Hammer, having no choice. He also knows only in danger, he may have an opportunity to increase his strength.
Gin shook his head and looked at Yirene. "What do you think?"
Even though his strength has increased lately, he's didn't know whether he will be able to fight against advanced rankers. As an Advanced ranker, only Yirene can handle them.
"Let's go and look at what it is. Even though they are advanced rankers, their strength is only at 8-star Ranker level, nothing to worry about." Yirene indifferently responded.
'What is her true strength? If even 8-star rankers are nothing in her eyes.' Gin mused and glanced at Emeera's side.
"Fine, let's do it your way," Clog said while Kildo silently stood next to him, as before.
'Looks like they finally reconciled themselves.' Gin thought.