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Going back the way he came by, following the same path created by Lava Python he came through, Eric wasn't that lucky this time, encountering a few Wild Level Monsters.
Probably because the Lava Python aura had vanished, the Monsters in the area regained their confidence and started roaming the area.
But strangely though, the wild monsters he encountered were mostly snake-type, with salivating, slithering forked tongues as they charged towards him without fear. Making them in turn look funny despite their horrendous looks.
Not knowing how he had unknowingly stepped into a snake den, Eric brushed this thought off as he continued walking.
Luckily, there wasn't any higher level monsters than that around here, so he continued killing as they came and accumulated his harvest.
Killing 3 mid-level Wild Monsters and a few lower levels, who didn't know their place and attacked him.
Apart from the Lava Python, Eric killed up to 8 other Wild Monsters.
Although this could be sold, he didn't think it was enough to afford what he planned to acquire, judging by the market price he sold the rabbit in the black market.
To increase the worth, he was a bit bothered if he should go to the Mystic Guild and expose that he alone had just killed a Vicious level Monster, thinking how the Lava Python had been lying cold in the storage space for the past hours he was in a hurry to sell it.
Choosing to put his weary thoughts at ease, Eric soon arrived at the outer part of the forest, the exact place the Lava Python breathed its last breath after they battled. Staring at the freshly devastated sight before him, with smashed trees, and others engraved with scorched marks.
...
After the evolution period began, even the trees and different types of vegetations, after meeting some kind of unknown requirement, evolved.
Deep into the wild, beyond the frontier battlefield. Some trees and special vegetations evolved into Spirit Monsters.
As they gained sentiment and could move around.
The latter was only possible after becoming an extremely high level Monster by devouring countless creatures and humans.
These traits of theirs made them fearsome among both man and monster species. There was even a rumor that a Spirit Monster Emperor resided deep in the wilderness.
Although fire and lighting elements were their nemesis, they had extremely strong vitality as plant variants.
So, even though the trees around Eric weren't yet Spirit Monsters, they could also evolve and were no ordinary trees.
As dangerous as the Lava Python's molten lava was, due to their vitality, flames without a source wouldn't destroy them, unless the attack power of the Lava Python was solely concentrated on the trees, it couldn't be armed by ordinary flames, just like how one can't set water on fire without fuel.
...
But before he could make up his mind to leave, he heard the clamoring of a group of people walking in his direction.
"Hey cap, wasn't that girl dope?" followed by a series of laughter.
"What are you saying? Better shut up and not annoy the captain."
"Captain wouldn't really mind, right? isn't she just a girl?"
"I can't forget her scream, she also seems to enjoy it" another added.
"Next time we'll catch a more beautiful one for you cap" the black guy said as he bumped hands with the guy beside him
"Ehn ehn ehn , you guys should calm down. Who doesn't know the Dino squad? Won't they run when they see us next time?"
"If you guys aren't quiet, I am afraid we'll attract those monsters here" the man called Captain reprimanded his underlings while revealing a vile grin at what they had just said.
" Eh eh , what do we have here " the man called captain said, as his gaze caught sight of Eric.
"Ah! , what a lucky day, we found a prey immediately after entering this damned forest. He also seems to be a newbie"
"Hah hah hah hahaha"
They all laughed, staring at Eric greedily like a pack of wolves looking at a sheep.
Whilst, Eric frowned on hearing their discussion, as they walked towards him, his eyes turning cold.
"Hey kid, what are you holding?" the Captain questioned Eric with a commanding tone.
Whilst, in return, Eric coldly stared back at them without uttering a single word, then he decided to throw a sneer.
"Seems some people are so stupid, that after seeing the way to heaven, they decided to pass through hell" he mocked, feeling well enlightened and confident in his strength.
The leader was a Peak Bronze Rank Mystic and the rest were Middle Bronze Rank mystics who probably awakened a least compatible F grade talents.
No wonder they dared to be so audacious in the outer part of the Forest. Their squad was invisible as long as no Vicious Level Monster appeared..
"Hey kid, aren't you the one we are talking to?" the black man snared wickedly gazing at Eric.
"Seems he is dump" another added as they laughed
"Kid it seems you are really dump"
" Kill him!" the captain commanded with an evil smirk, since Eric decided to play dump, he would instead snatch his kills and silence him.
"Are you all talking to me? Cause if you are referring to me, I'd advise you to cut your tongues and leave." wondering where he had learned such jeering words himself, Eric finally replied, looking at the group of weaklings who wanted to kill him. A notion that came into his head upon realizing their ranks.
...
"Survival tips number two"
"Although monsters are dangerous, they aren't the deadliest.. Instead, humans are the most vicious and cunning of their own kind, who in time of crisis may choose to betray you and try to kill you because of greed."
Eric wasn't the hero type or someone with a kind heart that encompassed all things good or bad, having mercy on all living things.
He had his own principles and morals.