I leapt over the tree branches like a ninja, swiftly heading deeper into the forest.
As before, the deeper I went, the quieter and more eerie it became, even though it was still early in the morning at around 9 AM.
I set out in the morning because it's safer than yesterday when it was almost evening. So, I hope there aren't any overly strong monsters in the depths of the forest. Besides, the academy starts tomorrow, so I need to return before nightfall so I can rest in the dormitory.
I stopped on one of the thick branches and crouched. This is deep enough, certainly deeper than yesterday.
'Anetta? Can I form a rifle or sniper with Quantumorph Artisan at my current Arkium level? Is it still too complicated?'
While asking Anetta, I put my backpack into the storage ring. If I fight later, this backpack will be a nuisance.
(It's impossible to form a rifle as powerful as in your time as Dark Saber. However, it's still possible to form a rifle from Earth's 20th or 21st century. Though, its power will be slightly reduced.)
'Okay. The 20th and 21st centuries, huh? I only know a few. Alright. Help me create a sniper rifle from my memory.'
(Understood. Here is the design and blueprint. Barrett M82.)
I then transformed the gauntlet on my right hand into a Barrett M82 sniper rifle with a bit of sci-fi modification using Quantumorph Artisan. I also monitored from a distance through my helmet, adding a binocular-like device in front of my eyes.
Ahead was an ancient temple with some ruins around it. There were many creeping vines and a large tree behind the temple. Sunlight shone on the temple through the gaps in the leaves. To an outsider, the place looked ordinary. But in reality, it was where the Aegis Sentinel ring was stored.
I'm sure such a place is quite conspicuous to treasure hunters and adventurers. And since this world is now real and not a game, I'm certain some powerful individuals have already come here. Again, this place is too conspicuous.
I hoped there were no monsters guarding this place in the morning. Previously, I did this side quest at night in the game, and there was a powerful monster guarding it. I don't know if the monster intentionally guards this place or if this is just its territory.
I continued to monitor the temple, changing positions several times. Then, I clicked my tongue upon seeing what I didn't want to see.
'Damn. It seems I'm not that lucky. What did I expect? They are active at two times, and I also fought them in the game.' I thought irritably upon seeing what I found.
Two larger Sentinel Striders came into view. Their bodies resembled the Sentinel Strider from the Pyrothistle area, but their carapaces seemed stronger, with some kind of protection on their joints. They also had three longer tails with large, menacing blades. Clearly, they were A-rank Sentinel Striders.
Luckily, I was far from their detection range while observing them. Unlike the D-rank Sentinel Strider I killed, the two pairs of horns on their heads were now more sensitive. As for their Territorial Roar, I was confident I could escape from it. However, I still couldn't fight an A-rank monster at this point, especially a smart monster like a Sentinel Strider. Either I escaped unscathed or died. My current limit is a C-rank or early B-rank monster if I push myself.
When I fought them in the game, Zephyr, the character I played, was strong enough to fight A-rank monsters or was around the level of an early Professional Hero. Zephyr was an anomaly, so he should be able to handle three A-rank monsters. However, even then, I couldn't defeat three Sentinel Striders, only managing to kill one, mostly by hitting and running.
I sighed and sat down, relaxing my body.
'Sigh. What now? Even though there's one less than in the game, they're still dangerous A-rank monsters.' I thought.
Should I just go back and return when I'm stronger? But I kind of need the Aegis Sentinel ring. After all, I have to be prepared in case the people who killed me come to attack me. But they've been silent. Assuming it stays that way for a while, and I take the risk, I'll be safe. This outcome wouldn't require the Aegis Sentinel ring.
However, there's something else. I heard from Yolina herself during my visit to her dorm that she would go to the area where monster waves and demon invasions occur. That is around the Markhat Mountains in the small town of Koasel Creek. The place she's going to will be razed, and she'll likely die. So, I really need the Aegis Sentinel ring for Yolina, just in case, so she can escape.
Even though I, as Dark Saber, and Yolina are strangers, I, as Edward, am her relative. And Yolina loves Edward. As the one who inhabits his body, inherits his memories and some of his feelings, I can't just let her die. I have to get the Aegis Sentinel ring for Yolina. As for myself, well, I've found a method to convert mana to Arkium. So, I can get stronger faster to face threats. Besides, who am I? I am Dark Saber.
'Yeah, I guess there's no other choice but to get the Aegis Sentinel ring.' I thought.
Now, how do I get it? Should I fight those terrifying monsters or sneak in?
I watched them again and saw that they were... getting intimate.
'Ugh... even monsters have partners! When will I?' I thought randomly.
I continued observing them. They slowly walked to the base of the large tree and seemed to enter it. To get a clearer view, I changed branches. I saw them entering a large crevice in the tree. Then I noticed some sort of nest inside.
Then, they slightly separated. Between them was an egg. The egg was about the size of two soccer balls combined. Nothing special about the egg, just an ordinary gray color without any markings.
'Egg?' I thought with a confused expression behind my helmet.
Then I realized something. 'Wait...'
Assuming that egg is a Sentinel Strider egg, aren't there three of them now? So, when my game character Zephyr fought three Sentinel Striders, one of them was their offspring? And the one I killed then was likely the offspring because it seemed weaker.
And also, they'll be more defensive when I approach. Yes, that's my assumption. But won't they also be more aggressive to protect their egg?
'Or should I shoot the egg?' I thought.
As I was about to shoot, I stopped myself.
'Or I could use it as a hostage if things go south.'
I then aimed my rifle at one of the Sentinel Striders. I tried to gauge my shooting strength at my current Arkium level and also to distract them so I could run toward the temple while they searched for me.
'Is a silencer needed? I guess it's pointless, right?' I asked Anetta.
(Right, Master. Even with a silencer, these A-rank Sentinel Striders will know the direction of your shot. Their detection is at a high level.)
'That means this one shot will ensure a direct confrontation between me and them. I must immediately run and head behind the temple after shooting.'
I took a deep breath. I aimed at the eye of the male Sentinel Strider standing outside the tree. And why aim for the eye? It's a weak spot that isn't heavily protected by the carapace. I used Gallean Stance to aim. Ready to run after the shot, I channeled a lot of Arkium. I used about 30 percent, and another 20 percent for the bullet and firing power. This should be strong enough to kill a mid-tier C-rank monster.
'Damn, I'm still weak.'
Judging by my normal stats without Arkium assistance, my level is only at Elite Soldier, which typically can only kill an early D-rank monster. And if a human with Elite Soldier level can kill a C or early B-rank monster, that's an extraordinary, rare case.
To others, I might be strong enough to match Lukas with my trash stats. To others, I might be extraordinary, capable of killing monsters one or two levels above me. But I still feel inadequate. If I had higher normal stats, with Arkium's help, I could kill stronger monsters.
'Yeah, training the body is a must.' I thought while ignoring all negative thoughts.
Now, I just need to think about how to enter the temple.
'Make bullets with Titanite Steel...'
As I monologued internally, a bullet formed with Quantumorph Artisan. Titanite Steel is a high-tier material. I got this sample when I melted Mia's kitchen knife before the combat simulation with Anetta.
Because this material is high-tier, I can only make limited items due to my Arkium quantity and my body's adaptation level with Arkium. And to make bullets, because they are small and simple in shape, I can make a few more.
After the bullet was formed and I properly aimed at the eye of the male Sentinel Strider standing outside the tree, it was time to shoot.
'Shoot!' I said internally as I fired.
With a loud noise, the Titanite Steel bullet shot swiftly toward the male Sentinel Strider's eye. Even though the sniper shot was almost instantaneous, the Sentinel Strider could slightly react. It slightly moved and turned its head to avoid the bullet. The bullet hit below its eye.
The bullet deflected, causing only a scratch!
'Oh shit!'