Wu Ming was nearing the C-Rank level. He had successfully subdued three beasts, the strongest of which was a C-Rank Black Python. Just a single drop of this python's venom could paralyze an enemy instantly. Without an antidote, the victim would be dead within an hour as the venom spread through their body, bulging veins to the point of near explosion.
The other two beasts were powerful Primary-Level creatures: a black-and-yellow-striped tiger capable of fighting three to four beasts simultaneously, with claws sharp enough to inflict deep, tearing wounds; and a four-clawed eagle, whose keen eyes scanned the surroundings, alerting Wu Ming of any threats. The eagle could grow large enough to carry three to four humans, soaring through the skies effortlessly.
Wu Ming left the venomous snake and the tiger guarding the cave entrance to confront any enemies who might appear, then quickly made his way out with Wu Chen in tow.
Meanwhile, the boss had been alerted and entered the Wu household. He glanced around, his gaze hardening as he noticed freshly dug graves and incense still smoldering. His nostrils flared with anger, and he spat, "Bloody bastards. Find them. Tear this house apart and search every corner!" His eyes narrowed, scanning every shadow suspiciously.
Below the house, Wu Ming could hear the soldiers' heavy footsteps as they rushed around, their voices faintly audible. He knew then that their escape route had been discovered. Leaning close to Wu Chen, he whispered, "Let's get out of here, Xiao Chen. Can you walk fast?"
"Yes, Brother Ming. Do you think… do you think they'll find us and kill us? Like they did Mama and Papa?" Wu Chen asked, his face pale with fear.
Wu Ming forced a smile, placing a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder. "No, no, Xiao Chen. They won't. I'll protect you." But he knew, deep down, that if they were caught, he stood little chance against their boss—a powerful A-Rank tamer.
Wu Ming's plan was to make it to the cave exit and use his Eagle to fly them to safety. If they managed to take off, they might just escape this nightmare.
Up above, one of the soldiers grew suspicious when he noticed unusual patterns among the bushes by the wall. Moving closer, he pushed aside the foliage to reveal a hidden tunnel. Bending down, he took a few steps inside before emerging and running back to his boss.
"Sir! We found a tunnel, and the sand on the ground has fresh footprints!" the soldier reported eagerly.
Hearing this from a distance, Wu Ming's heart skipped a beat. They'd been found. He knew that running too fast could alert the soldiers and their beasts, yet he wasn't confident that a slower pace would get them out in time. The tension mounted, and he had to make a quick decision.
Gripping Wu Chen's hand tightly, Wu Ming took a deep breath, and they began running as fast as they could. The soldiers entering the tunnel could faintly hear their footsteps echoing further ahead. "Hurry! They're escaping!" one of them shouted.
As the soldiers moved deeper, they were suddenly blocked by two C-Rank beasts standing guard: Wu Ming's Black Python and the tiger. The soldiers exchanged nervous glances before two of them sent their beasts forward—one a light brown deer with glowing horns, the other a koala with sharp claws.
The tiger lunged forward, massive claws gleaming, blocking the path as the python wrapped around the koala, venom already dripping toward the deer. Paralyzed, the deer collapsed, while the koala was almost strangled in the python's tail. Realizing they were no match for the powerful C-Rank creatures, the soldiers hesitated.
In the next moment, the boss appeared, charging in with his own forceful presence. He swiftly overtook both the Black Python and the tiger, his own high-level tamer abilities making quick work of Wu Ming's beasts.
Just as they reached the cave exit, Wu Ming suddenly coughed up blood, clutching his chest. The realization hit him—someone stronger than he'd expected was closing in. Summoning his Eagle, he watched as the small creature grew massive. He quickly helped Wu Chen onto its back, securing the bags beside him.
Just as the Eagle was ready to take flight, the A-Rank tamer emerged from the tunnel, spotting them instantly. He was an intimidating figure, like an ancient warlord, with a towering build, a wide face striped with three black marks on his left cheek, and long braids hanging down either side.
Without hesitation, he summoned a massive C-Rank Black Bear, launching it straight at Wu Ming. Exhausted as it was, Wu Ming's python managed a weak defensive strike, buying them a precious moment.
Wu Ming glanced at Wu Chen, his heart heavy. For a brief second, he made a decision, then jumped down from the eagle. "Xiao Chen, go on without me. The eagle will take you to your father's friend. Stay safe and grow strong."
"No, Brother!" Wu Chen shouted, his voice echoing, tears filling his eyes. "You can't leave me!" But his cries grew faint as the eagle flew higher and higher, carrying him to safety.
"Brother Ming, no… please, no… don't leave me!" Wu Chen sobbed, clutching the eagle's feathers, straining to catch sight of Wu Ming below.
Standing alone at the cave's edge, Wu Ming let a faint smile escape. "I fulfilled my responsibility, Master," he murmured, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I hope… you won't blame me. I tried my best."
He turned, facing his enemy with grim resolve. "Stay safe, Xiao Chen. Brother Ming is sorry he couldn't protect you better," he whispered to himself, summoning his exhausted beasts one last time.
The A-Rank tamer glared, unleashing his Black Bear once more. Wu Ming readied himself, knowing this was his final stand.
The bear lunged at his python injuring his severely, Wu Ming forwarded his tiger, as the tiger took the stage it gathered last a bit of his strength and launch a counterattack on the black bear. The attack was severe enough to injur the bear mildly severe.
But-- the A-1 level tamer had more than that. He unleashed another of his beast, a white striped tiger, As the white tiger launched his attack on Wu Ming's beast. Wu Ming coughed Little more blood. His beasts gave up and returned to his soul space, Wu Ming was gravely injured. Not too far the eagle felt mildly exhausted as Wu Ming's core strength was damaged, and it looked as though the eagle would soon be on the ground.
Wu Ming was about to lose his concious.
And Wu Chen could feel the eagle going down.