Another day passed without us noticing, which wasn't hard, considering the strange concept of day and night in this place. Actually, it was complicated to define these periods, since it never got completely dark. Even though we considered the presence of the blood moon as a kind of night, darkness never truly engulfed us.
Anyway, everyone had their role. While some worked on fortifying our defenses, something I considered futile given that they were always destroyed when the blood moon arose, others scouted the surroundings for sneaky monsters that could approach.
In reality, about our defenses, they probably reinforced them because they needed something to boost their sense of security. Even knowing they'd likely be destroyed at the slightest sign of an enemy, they still did it because they felt protected behind it. Honestly, I can't understand them. The sooner you accept the situation, the better chances of survival you'll have. Am I the only weird one and everyone else is normal?.
Usually, they took turns venturing into the forest to level up. Of course, Ellen, Noelle, and I were exceptions since everyone treated us as if we didn't know each other. Or rather, Ellen even maintained a good relationship with most of them, but that didn't apply to me.
Anyway, Ellen, Noelle, and I used to go into the forest to hunt and also to kill some monsters, which would increase our level. However, unfortunately, just like before, we weren't able to level up efficiently outside the blood moon anymore. It seemed like our levels already exceeded those of the creatures that normally roamed the forest.
"There's really not much to do. I think we've gotten too strong in too short a time" Ellen said beside me, putting her hand on my back.
Exactly, she was consoling me at this moment since I still hadn't been able to level up. Seriously, I must have been in this forest for about two hours already and still hadn't managed to advance a level. At this point, I was honestly considering giving up hunting outside the blood moons.
"It's not like we have a choice; we'd die if we didn't evolve at this rate" I replied, letting out another sigh.
By the way, Noelle was also with us. As usual, she remained quiet most of the time, but somehow, I began to notice subtle differences in her expression when she wanted to communicate something. So, I learned to recognize when something was wrong with her.
Speaking of which, both Ellen and Noelle gained new abilities. Noelle gained a new ability called Precognition. As the name suggests, Noelle is able to glimpse 5 to 6 seconds into the future by connecting her senses to those of the spirits. Ellen, on the other hand, gained two new abilities.
According to Noelle, who asked the spirits about how this ability works, apparently, spiritual beings inhabit a plane similar to ours but with a different temporal perception. For them, time passes more quickly, allowing them to glimpse future events. By connecting her senses to those of the spirits, Noelle is able to share in this vision.
If you ask me, this power is extremely potent. Seeing the future is serious business. Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to master it, it wouldn't be possible. From what I understood, the Ether doesn't offer assistance when it comes to this ability since the spirits operate on a distinct plane to access it.
Now, speaking of Noelle, with two new abilities, honestly, I can't tell anymore if she's a close-range or long-range fighter. I mean, her weapon is a bow, and she can imbue electricity into her arrows, but her two new abilities seem to suggest she should fight up close.
The first ability, Lightning Step, basically makes Ellen dramatically increase her speed, and when I say dramatically, I mean exactly that. When I saw her in action for the first time, I honestly thought she was teleporting.
Her next ability is called Electric Field, in short, it creates a kind of barrier around Ellen, although we haven't fully tested how far Ellen can defend; the barrier seems quite resilient since it endured a punch from an Ogre without even trembling.
I don't have much interest in the others, but from what I've heard, Leo also gained a new ability. However, he's been quite cautious around me since then, so I doubt he'll show it to me. Anyway, for now, I haven't gained any new abilities. Of course, my [Kinetic Touch] is extremely useful, so I won't complain.
While all these thoughts were passing through my mind, Ellen, Noelle, and I were getting closer and closer to our camp. By the way, our prey was currently flying behind me; once again, it was a Horned Boar. These monsters seemed to show up from time to time at the creek near the camp. Well, I guess everyone needs water.
Moreover, although this Boar might seem heavy because of its size, I can easily move it using my skill, probably the fact that it's dead helps a lot since there's no struggle for control.
As I thought about it, I realized we were approaching the camp, and soon I could smell metal in the air. But something seemed strange - was the smell of metal present before we left? My memory wasn't the best, but I was almost sure the answer to my question was no.
"Ellen, are you noticing this smell of metal?" I asked, my expression becoming more serious by the second.
Upon hearing my words, Ellen looked at me with a puzzled expression. She then began to look around and sniff the air. Quickly, she raised an eyebrow, indicating that she had also sensed the strange smell.
"That... doesn't seem like the smell of metal" Ellen replied.
It was at that moment that both Ellen and I noticed something strange. If we were right, something was happening at the camp. Without hesitation, we let go of the Boar's body and began to run with all our strength toward the camp, Noelle still clinging to my back.
As we reached the camp, the sight that unfolded before my eyes and Ellen's was of several monsters attacking our camp. Although there were several monster bodies on the ground, there were also human bodies scattered on the ground. To make matters worse, the bus was overturned.
"Ellen!" I exclaimed, already starting to run again.
I didn't need to say anything more; Ellen fully understood what I intended to do just with that look. We had developed a level of coordination after so many hunts together. Noelle, likewise, didn't need instructions.
As we ran toward the monsters, those approaching from behind were instantly eliminated by Noelle's spirits. Meanwhile, I quickly summoned my scythe and threw it toward the swarm of monsters ahead of us.
You defeated [Wolf - Lv - 24] Experience was gained.
You defeated [Goblin - Lv - 22] Experience was gained.
You defeated [Goblin - Lv - 22] Experience was gained.
You defeated [Wolf - Lv - 25] Experience was gained.
You defeated [Wolf - Lv - 24] Experience was gained.
You defeated [Goblin Rider - Lv - 26] Experience was gained.
While we massacred the monsters, to those watching from afar, we might seem like their saviors. However, they didn't notice the involuntary smile forming on my face.
You leveled up [27] -> [28] and gained 5 stat points and 1 skill point.
That was exactly the reason for my smile. Although for them, the situation seemed like a complete hell, for me, it was just an opportunity to increase my level. I won't lie, my mind hasn't been very balanced since I arrived at this place. The simple fact that I'm smiling now is proof of that.
But you know what? I don't care. As long as these monsters keep showing up, I'll keep killing them to level up. Everything is exactly as it has always been. The strongest devours the weakest. That's a rule that wouldn't change anywhere.