After hearing the loud roar, they turned their gaze toward the entrance of the cave they also heard the sound of heavy footsteps, prompting questions to arise. Was it the lightning tiger again, or perhaps something even stronger?
Finally, they saw what had roared, and the source of the heavy footsteps. It was indeed the lightning tiger, but this time it appeared different from the usual specimen. Standing at about 8 feet in height, it had small wing-like markings on its body With the tiger Stared at them with a mixture of ferocity and curiosity, all the while keeping a cautious eye on the thunder tree nearby.
"Another lightning tiger, but this one has the potential to evolve into its eagle tiger form," Ayame remarked. "It's much stronger than the previous one, almost ranking at level 5."
Lennox observed the tiger's gaze towards the thunder tree. "It has probably been protecting this tree for a while, using it for nourishment to grow stronger," he said. 'There's no other way out of this cave, and this lightning tiger won't hesitate to attack. Even if it doesn't protect the tree, eating it can help it get stronger. That means the only way out is... to fight.'
Lennox took out his Crimson Razor machete he had acquired from Boss Bai. Seeing him armed, Ayame looked at him with surprise. "Are you crazy? How can we fight back?" she exclaimed.
"Shut up. Do you think the tiger will just let us go?" Lennox retorted.
"I know but just wait a little bit, I'm sure my protectors will come to save me soon," Ayame insisted.
Before Lennox could speak again his muscles tensed as his locked eyes with the lightning-charged tiger hurtling towards them, its predatory focus fixed on him.
Without hesitation, Lennox also took action. Drawing upon his instincts also the thrill he also have for fights, especially a challenging one like this, he shifted his weight, muscles coiling like springs as he prepared to meet the tiger head-on.
'That thing's fast, lightning fast. Literally. Can't afford to let my guard down for a second. Gotta watch its movements, find its weaknesses.' Lennox thought.
The lightning tiger's claws slashed through the air with blinding speed, its claws sharp enough to tear through flesh and bone. Lennox met the attack head-on, his machete slicing through the air in a deadly arc. Metal clashed against lightning claws, sending sparks cascading through the cave as they collided causing vibration on Lennox arms.
Backing away Lennox scanned the tiger body 'Hm, there's a split-second pause before each strike. Maybe that's my chance. Aim for those moments, find an opening.' he thought.
Lennox moved with fluid grace, darting to the side of the tiger's slashing its side. However, to his surprise, his machete barely left a mark, just a small slice. He knew his rank was to low and this lightning tiger was no ordinary lightning tiger. After countless battling to protect the thunder tree and nourishing itself with it collecting scars, but it alo had become immensely stronger than its kin.
With the tiger then counter with lightning bounced off its body, catching Lennox off guard. He managed to block it, but the surge of electricity ran through his body, almost paralyzing him.
Gritting his teeth against the strain, Lennox's muscles burned with exertion as he fought to hold his ground barely being able to stand on his two feet. Another Lightning arc from the tiger crackled towards him with deadly precision. With slowly movement, he dodged and weaved, narrowly avoiding each electrifying blast.
As he dodged, he felt a searing pain tear through his side as the tiger's claws grazed his flesh also most down to his bones. Blood welled from the wound, staining his clothes crimson as he stumbled backward, pain overwhelming him.
The lightning tiger roared triumphantly, its eyes gleaming with hunger as it prepared for the final strike. Lennox's heart pounded, his breath ragged. In the corner of his eye, he saw Ayame walking towards the thunder tree, also he thunder tree sending lightning arcs at her. But she its couldn't reach her as she had a green oval protective shield around her, deflecting the lightning with a set of green beads in her hand.
"Ayame, what are you doing?" Lennox shouted.
Ayame smirked "Ha! You idiot, thanks for distracting the tiger for me, giving me a chance to get the thunder tree," Ayame retorted arrogantly. "Don't worry I will inform the academy about your worthy death trying to protect me so I can get the thunder tree"
Lennox was shocked by Ayame words. "I saved you, and this is how you repay me."
Ayame looked back at Lennox in disdain "Why would I associate myself with an emberflare, especially knowing that you want something from me?" he questioned.
Anger never really surged within Lennox, because of Ayame betrayal yeah he did want something from her but just because of that he didn't deserve to die but he his trust he was slowly giving her was broken.
At the same time the tiger's relentless attacks because of being distracted. Its every movement sent waves of agony radiating through his body, slowing him down.
But even in the face of death, Lennox refused to back down he wasn't angry but he knew he needed to kill this tiger to get the thunder tree before Ayame he didn't think she would would be so heartless to have him die after saving her but then against he blamed himself because he somewhat trusted her now its giving him the felling like trust is something complex there is good and bad to it.
Looking back as he observed Ayame arrogant demeanor and dismissive attitude towards him, a flicker of annoyance stirred within him. He couldn't understand her obsession with status and prestige, nor her blatant disregard for anyone she deemed beneath her. It was clear she had never faced a real opponent, never had to fight tooth and nail for survival like he had which even he had never did enough of. He gritted his teeth, refusing to let her arrogance sway his focus.
At the same time, the lightning tiger slammed its paws down towards Lennox, moving with a speed that far surpassed his own. With little to block the attack, Lennox struggled to defend himself. Nonetheless, he managed to raise his hands, catching both paws in his grip, preventing the tiger from crushing him.
The weight and strength of the tiger were overwhelming, and Lennox could barely hold on. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he coughed up blood, reminding himself of his ultimate goal: finding his sister. Despite the agony, he refused to fear death but knew he needed to survive.
In the corner of his eye, he noticed Ayame was getting closer to the thunder tree. Despite the tree's attempts to stop her with lightning strikes, he knew he had to deal with the tiger quickly.
"Do you honestly believe that your status holds any weight out here? Let me tell you something about the real world it's not about the fancy titles or the family names yeah something it help with certain benefits but ultimately it's about strength. That's what truly counts." Lennox shouted
Ayame scoffed inwardly at Lennox's audacity to challenge her authority. "Who does he think he is, speaking to me as if we're equals?" she thought. "I've worked hard to earn my place in the academy, unlike him, a mere commoner with delusions of grandeur." she felt she needed to assert her dominance on others, to remind them of their place in the academy.
Summoning his inner strength, Lennox surged forward, his hands igniting with flames. The tiger roared in pain while his also caused burn on his hand from it begin countered back at him, With a sudden burst of strength, Lennox slowly pushed the tiger back.
As Ayame watched Lennox struggle against the lightning tiger, a smug smirk played across her lips. She had underestimated him had thought him nothing more than a pawn to be used and discarded. But as he fought with a ferocity she hadn't anticipated, she felt a twinge of unease. Perhaps she had underestimated him, but it didn't matter. In the end, she would emerge victorious, and he would be nothing but a distant memory.
As the tiger prepared to unleash a lightning strike, Lennox pushed harder, sending the beast stumbling backward. In the chaos, he heard a pop in his hand, but he pushed it aside, focusing on wanting to kill the tiger.
'All I need is to survive, and I will reach that thunder tree, even if I have to destroy her nexus core,' Lennox thought. 'I really should've seen it coming, putting my trust in her. People like her, they're only concerned about their own interests, clinging onto their status at any expense. But she'll realize soon that not everyone can be swayed or manipulated.'
Gripping his machete tightly, Lennox felt his strength waning, his vision blurring from the pain. Summoning his last reserves of energy, he let out a primal roar and struck out with his nexus-infused blade, slashing the lightning tiger across its face, severing half its head.
The beast staggered back, its roar silenced as it collapsed to the ground. With a final effort, Lennox plunged his blade into its heart, extinguishing the lightning that surrounded its body.
Exhausted, Lennox sank to his knees, gasping for breath as he surveyed the aftermath of the battle. Blood pooled beneath him, his wounds pulsing with pain, yet found back the pain.
Summoning his remaining strength, he rose to his feet and staggered towards the thunder tree. Meanwhile, Ayame, noticing the sudden silence of the battle, saw Lennox approaching the tree, and the defeated tiger lying nearby.
'He's proving to be tougher than I anticipated, but that won't alter my course. I'll achieve what I've set out for, and he'll be nothing more than a minor detail in the story of my success.' Ayame thought.
She realized she needed to speed up her pace. She wondered how he managed to survive against a Rank 4 to 5 magical beast despite being a Nexus Adept. Did he tap into some special method available only to Nexus Adepts?
In the world of Nexus Adepts, there are distinct paths one can follow to rank up in the nexus system.
The Good Path is chosen by those who value balance and smooth growth. Nexus Adepts on this path emphasize aligning their body, mind, and soul with the flow of Nexus energy and its elements. Through disciplined meditation under the guidance of experienced mentors, they gradually attune themselves to the subtle currents of the Nexus Energy.
Conversely, there's the Dark Bargain, a path shrouded in evil. Those who tread this dark path seek power at any cost, resorting to forbidden rituals and sinister pacts with evil entities to expedite their ascent the Nexus System. These nexus warriors make evil bargains, trading their souls for fleeting glimpses of immense power. However, this choice comes with dire consequences, as their humanity is gradually consumed by the corrupting influence possibly gaining the opposite of Nexus energy, leading them down a path of darkness and despair.
Ayame contemplated the possibility that Lennox had chosen the Dark Bargain, especially considering his affiliation with the Emberflare, known for their dealings with evil entities.
"I might have to report him when I return to the academy's law enforcement hall," Ayame mused.
Suddenly, she noticed Lennox standing beside her. Her eyes widened in shock as relentless lightning energy surged towards her not Lennox he smoothly walked toward the tree, aware that only those with the element of lightning could approach the thunder tree. While Ayame pondered, Lennox already reached the thunder tree, surprising himself as he encountered no resistance he looked at the tree suspiciously but he still secured the tree within his storage gemstone.
As the lightning dissipated and Ayame witnessed the thunder tree vanish into Lennox's gemstone, her face twisted with anger and arrogance.
"How is this possible?" Ayame's voice trembled with fury. "How can the Thunder Tree bestow itself upon a peasant?" Her words dripped with disdain. "I am more deserving! I hold more worth! What does he possess that I don't?"
Lennox approached Ayame, whispering into her ear with a chilling intensity. "I could easily destroy your nexus core, leaving you in a state worse than death. But that's too simple, isn't it? Instead, I'll slowly dismantle everything around you. You've destroyed the wrong person. Trust." but he also knew that he couldn't escape her family after.
A shiver ran down Ayame's spine as she watched Lennox calmly exit the cave, his words echoing in her mind. "I'll slowly destroy everything around you. You've destroyed the wrong person. Trust."
Filled with rage, Ayame clenched her fists almost drawing blood, as her blood was boiling with fury.
'I didn't mess with the wrong person. You threatened the wrong person. How dare he think he's superior to me? I'll make him pay,' she seethed.