The fight between the frogmen and the ringneck snakes grew more intense by the moment. Casualties were increasing on both sides. The ringneck snakes were stronger, but this was the frogmen's home ground. There were large number of frogmen compared to ringneck snakes.
As more frogmen emerged from the lake, their numbers increased to 32, while only a dozen ringneck snakes were in the battlefield.
With this a fierce battle was engaged between frogmen and ringneck snakes.
After the fierce battle, only 16 frogmen and one second rank ringneck snake were left standing with all others getting killed.
'I've been getting a lot of surprises these days,' Oliver thought, amused by the turn of events.
'Well, the hunter becomes the hunted,' he thought as he watched the final showdown between the remaining 16 frogmen and the ringneck snake.
'I need to be careful. I don't want to end up like these dead snakes.' when the enemy force is greater than you, the best option is to run
The strong frogman, who had fought with the 2nd rank ringneck snake, was now too injured to fight.
It stayed at the back of the group, barking orders at the other frogmen as they surrounded the snake. Under the leadership of strong frogmen, all the frogmen's began attacking from all sides, leaping high into the air with their powerful hind legs to kick the snake.
The snake was enraged by this. It lashed out in every direction, striking at anything that moved. But as the battle wore on, the number of frogmen dwindled from 16 to 11. However, the snake was severely injured, its movements growing slower and more desperate.
Seizing the opportunity, the strong frogman, despite its injuries, jumped from the back and launched a powerful attack on the snake's head.
The battle reached a fever pitch as the snake thrashed wildly, rolling and causing destruction all around. But the combined efforts of the remaining frogmen finally exhausted the snake. With one final blow, the second rank monster was killed.
Seeing the snake fall, the frogmen erupted in celebration.
"Croak, croak!" they croaked, hopping around joyfully, unaware of the danger lurking in the shadows.
As they celebrated, the sand around them suddenly came alive, wrapping around their hind legs and preventing them from jumping. Panic set in as the frogmen realized they were trapped.
They looked down in horror as the sand climbed up their bodies, quickly enveloping them.
Oliver, controlling the sand, didn't ignite it this time. Instead, he tightened his grip, crushing the bodies of the frogmen trapped within.
'This sand really does give me a good range to ignite the flame,' he thought, considering his next move.
'I shouldn't use the same attack method every time. It could become a bad habit.'
With that in mind, he began harvesting the monster cores from the fallen frogmen. Although the meat of the monsters could be eaten to gain strength, he preferred not to carry the massive bodies with him.
Instead of leaving them for other monsters to consume, he ignited them, turning the remains to ashes.
Oliver controlled the sand to bring the monster cores toward him. As he examined his haul, he counted 52 first rank monster cores and one second rank monster core. It was an impressive harvest, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.
Looking around, Oliver knew it was time to leave. The sheer amount of killing in the area would undoubtedly attract more monsters, and he had no interest in fighting anyone head-on. If he could hide and strike from the shadows, taking the most advantage, he would do so.
Only a fool would choose to fight directly when other options were available.
The lesson was clear, and it was right in front of him: the second rank monster had been overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of the frogmen. Despite its strength, it had been exhausted and ultimately defeated.
'If I were in that situation, I would run away without hesitation,' Oliver thought.
'Bravery should match the situation. There's no need to be reckless.'
----
As night began to fall, Oliver roamed the surrounding area, killing any monsters he encountered. By the time he decided to head back, he had collected 91 first rank monster cores. Satisfied with his haul, he returned to the satellite base camp out of caution, knowing the dangers of staying out too long in the wilderness.
As he approached the base camp, Oliver noticed the other awakeners returning as well. Some carried various parts of monster beasts, while others traveled in groups or alone. Some were seriously injured, with blood staining their clothes and bodies.
As Oliver neared the camp, the people around him started to take notice.
"Hey, look at that guy," someone whispered.
"He's the Grim Reaper. I saw him head out into the wilderness this morning."
"He doesn't have any monster bodies with him. Did he not run into any monsters? Is he the faking his mysteriousness" a young man wondered aloud.
"What do you mean? Do you have brains in your legs?" another man teased the young one. "You're making the same mistake as the Lionheart Squad."
"I guess he doesn't value monster meat," someone else speculated.
"I'm warning you, don't provoke people like him," an older man cautioned.
"But what if he's just pretending to be mysterious? What if he's a fake?" the young man asked skeptically.
"So what if he is? Do you want to provoke him? What if he is really strong" the older man shot back.
"You young awakeners gain a bit of talent and become arrogant, thinking you're the strongest."
"Let me remind you, arrogance clouds your judgment and raises your chances of dying."
"In this extraordinary era, even a beggar can rise to power just by awakening his talent."
"Do you understand? I have to repeat the same thing every time to you newbies, and I'm tired of it."
"Life will teach you a lesson," the older man finished, rubbing his aching back. It was clear he had once been one of those arrogant youths.