Alvin looked at Linfel again. This area was almost devoid of Magic Energy, and they couldn't use Magic Stones either. So, even if Linfle was good at absorbing Magic Energy, where was he getting all the energy from?
Suddenly, Linfel's voice echoed in his ear with Magic Energy, making sure Alvin was the only one listening. 'Pay very close attention to me and try to feel the Magic Energy in the surroundings. It should be fairly easy to understand.'
Alvin was taken aback and closed his eyes for a moment. It was hard to concentrate since they were still in a constant run. However, Alvin made an effort and followed Linfel's instructions. Finally, he was able to barely notice that there was kind of a vortex around Linfel's body. It was pretty much invisible. If you didn't focus your all, you definitely wouldn't see it. Nonetheless, it was definitely there. 'This... what is happening to you?'
Linfel faintly smiled. 'Nothing. This is how wisps usually survive. We absorb the surroundings' Energy to stay alive. Over so many years, we obviously evolved to be good at it. We are pretty much beings of energy to start with. Now that I got used to Magic Energy, it is only natural that my core is a lot better at absorbing it. You could say that this is basically me going back to my real self.'
Alvin returned his attention to the route while speaking. 'You mentioned that your Wisp Race was the weakest back in your time. Was that really true? Everything you do is so overpowered...'
'It's not a lie,' Linfel explained. 'The point is that Magic Energy is too gentle, a perfect fit for my race. If the other races from the past suddenly appeared here now, I reckon they would suffer to no end. They had strong bodies adapted to primordial energy, and they definitely would be able to change their cores like I did to use Magic Energy. I just wish I had other wisps to compare myself...'
'Even so-' Alvin was about to continue to talk.
Suddenly, Linfel's expression changed as he warned him. 'Magic Beasts ahead!'
As mentioned before, they are in a mountainous forest. There are many different places one could hide in the middle of the vegetation and the varios elevations, rocks, etc. Alvin looked ahead and saw that Tarert and the other guides didn't change at all. They were still running ahead as if nothing was happening. 'Are you su-'
*Ploft!*
Out of nowhere, a rock broke apart near one of the Maguses, and a horn as hard as steel came piercing in the guy's direction. A Green Magic Beast that looked like a huge Gerine with legs appeared from behind the crumbled rock, taking everyone by surprise... except the guides.
*Pft...*
The magus tried to react, but his shoulder was immediately pierced, and a giant hole appeared.
*Arrrrgh!*
The Magic Beast opened its mouth, showing enormous teeth and bit into the guy's arm.
The Magus used all his magic Energy to defend... or so he tried. However, to keep up with the soldier guides until now, he had been using almost all his Magic Energy. He was pretty much dry already. The Magic Beast closed its mouth, and an arm was pulled off before the Magic Beast jumped back to chew it.
There was no time to cry, though. The magus instantly took that chance to run away from the beast and activated his MCOM. According to the guides, as long as they use the MCOM, they can ask for help. It was then that a ray of yellow light came down from the sky. It was exactly the same ray of light that rescued Linfel and Lucau back in the ocean when the rescuing aircraft appeared. In a second, the guy was dragged up to the skies and disappeared.
*Ploft, ploft, ploft...*
Other rocks and even trees were broken, and more of those Magic Beasts pounced at the Maguses and Familiars. Screams filled the air, and more blood fell. And yet... the soldier guides ahead only glanced behind and continued to run. They absolutely ignored everything happening behind them.
*Swish!*
*Splash!*
A Wind Blade came hurtling in the direction of one of the Magic Beasts, opening an enormous cut that almost divided the beast in two. That beast had made the mistake of targeting Linfel, the one individual in that place who definitely didn't lack Magic Energy to defend himself. "They indeed adapted to the lack of Magic ENergy of the environment. Unfortunately, it can't make up for the gap of strength against those who have Magic Energy to use."
Alvin and Linfel connected on his side, and Alvin's fist changed into an earth spear that pierced another Magic Beast from below. With Linfel's warning, Alvin was obviously ready. Many of those Magic Beasts appeared, and he was targeted by one. However, he did indeed gain a lot of experience from the last Field Exam, so he reacted well to the attack instead of panicking.
The Magic Beast fell in front of Alvin as he gasped for air. "They are Boromes, a predator Magic Beast that acts in groups. They use the green of their bodies to camouflage and are specialists in ambush. We are truly without luck."
Linfel continued to run ahead. "Why are you wasting time there? You killed yours already, right? Hurry, the guides are still on the run."
Alvin went pale for a moment and looked to the guides. Indeed, they were almost out of his vision. Many Familiars and Maguses followed them closely, although they were all gasping for air, just like himself. "Shit!"
Alvin and Felia quickly canceled their Master Familiar Connection and increased the pace, reaching the back of the group. They looked behind for a moment and saw several yellow rays of light that caught many of the Familiars and Maguses. At the same time, the bodies of several Boromes could be seen on the ground. Boromes were ambushers, but they weren't exactly strong. It's just that the participants in this patrol were truly in bad shape due to the lack of Magic Energy. In the end, only one Familiar died, having its core destroyed. The others who were injured were brought away, and the attack was over. The Boromes didn't try to pursue them either.