In fact, Ian and the group including Tres did not arrive in Azure City without incident.
Along the way, they encountered numerous phantasms, as well as several ferocious beasts similar to the Sharp Claw Tiger that Ian had killed in the Leyan Territory.
However, the fungus that inhabited these beasts underwent an unusual evolution, whether for better or worse was unclear.
It greatly enhanced the beasts' strength and their short-term regenerative power, yet it impaired their combat intelligence, turning them from ambush predators adept at various techniques to mere muscle-bound monsters that only knew how to lash out.
Though the saying goes 'with great strength comes great power,' and enhancing abilities is never bad, some magical beasts remain limited without wisdom to attack, ultimately becoming mere research material for Ian and the others.
Boom Boom Boom—
Sounds of artillery fire came from afar.
