The Flower Sprite had evolved into a Flower Demon.
Its agility was now among the highest of all plant-type creatures, far surpassing that of ordinary second-tier beings. Moreover, its healing abilities had significantly improved after the evolution. A wave of green light descended, and the scratches on Alex's arm healed almost instantly, disappearing as if they had never been there. It was more effective than any healing potion.
"Let's move forward," Alex said, deciding not to take the Blood Wolf Demon's corpse with him. The black wolves and Blaze Lions he had hunted earlier were more than enough for food. Strangely, he still hadn't discovered anything resembling a trading system, which meant he couldn't sell the corpses for Mana. So, he continued onward with his plants, clearing the path of monsters and exploring the surroundings.
By midday, as everyone was busy improving their territories, beams of light suddenly appeared in the sky, descending upon various corners of the Primordial Continent.
"Look at the sky! What is that?" The sudden phenomenon caused a stir in the regional chat.
"So many beams of light! Could it be treasures falling from the heavens? Or maybe meteorites?"
"Possibly! But there are so many of them!"
"Is the world ending again?"
"Brothers, one of the beams is close to me. I'll go check it out and report back."
"This could be something big. I'm going too!"
The sudden appearance of the light beams was so unexpected that many people were scared and retreated to their territories. However, some brave souls saw it as an opportunity and immediately headed toward the light beams with their troops to investigate.
One of the beams landed in a clearing about ten kilometers from Alex's territory. It didn't take long for nearby lords to arrive, clearing the surrounding monsters as they made their way to the beam's landing point. As time passed, more and more people gathered, and the clearing became lively.
"Hey, brother, you got here fast. Were you born nearby?"
"Yeah, not far from here. What about you?"
"Same here. I didn't realize there were so many people around. Maybe we can cooperate sometime."
"Sure, I was just thinking it's tough to survive alone. By the way, what tier is your territory now?"
"Already at the second tier, and I've recruited two second-tier troops."
"Same here. I just reached the second tier today, but I only have one second-tier troop for now. Those monsters are insane."
The lords in the clearing chatted excitedly, clearly thrilled to see other humans after so long. Some formed small groups, eagerly sharing their experiences. However, a few more aloof individuals stood alone in the corners, silently observing everyone as if memorizing their faces.
Lords couldn't see detailed information about each other or their troops, but they could see basic details like levels. Many in the clearing had already reached the second tier, and a few even had third-tier troops, though it was unclear whether they had recruited them or leveled them up by killing monsters. The gathering was a mix of all kinds of people.
Meanwhile, a few kilometers away in the forest, Alex had just defeated a second-tier monster, allowing his two Thornvine Flowers and Treant Warrior to level up to the third tier in a flash of light.
[Name: Poison Thornvine]
[Race: Plant]
[Tier: 3 (0/50)]
[Strength: 33]
[Constitution: 42]
[Agility: 25]
[Spirit: 30]
[Skills: Nature's Spirit, Poisonous Vine Whip]
[Description: A plant imbued with deadly poison, its attacks carry a toxic effect.]
[Name: Treant Berserker]
[Race: Plant]
[Tier: 3 (0/50)]
[Strength: 40]
[Constitution: 32]
[Agility: 32]
[Spirit: 32]
[Skills: Explosive Spores, Savage Cleave]
[Description: An advanced form of the Treant Warrior, excelling in close combat.]
The Poison Thornvine had gained a toxic ability, and its body had grown significantly larger, with its flower now a pale purple, clearly indicating its potency. The Treant Berserker stood even taller, its weapon transformed from a slender sword to a massive greatsword that it wielded with impressive force. The weapon was also infused with the Explosive Spores skill, covered in red spores that would detonate upon impact. Both troops' skills had been enhanced, making them far more powerful than before. With such allies, Alex no longer had to worry about encountering third-tier monsters.
"Let's go check it out," Alex said, leaving the monster's corpse behind as he headed toward the clearing, disappearing into the dense forest.
Back at the clearing, after nearly an hour of waiting, the atmosphere grew tense. Everyone looked up at the rapidly descending beam of light, as if anticipating something terrifying.
"It's here!" someone suddenly shouted.
The crowd tensed as the beam of light, carrying immense power, crashed into the ground with a deafening roar.
The entire clearing shook violently, and a powerful shockwave forced everyone to step back, their faces filled with awe. When the dust settled, a golden-edged chest, nearly half a person's height, appeared before them.
"A treasure chest!"
Everyone's expressions changed to one of ecstasy. The chest's radiant appearance and dramatic entrance made it clear that it was no ordinary item. After a brief moment of hesitation, they all rushed toward it.
"Get out of the way! The chest is mine!"
"No, it's mine! Don't you dare take it!"
"Who do you think you are? Back off! I saw it first!"
"Damn it! Don't make me fight you!"
In an instant, chaos erupted in the clearing. Those who had been calling each other brothers just moments ago now turned on each other, fighting viciously. Everyone was desperate to reach the chest, knowing that in this dangerous world, survival depended on becoming as strong as possible.
Friendship? Cooperation? To hell with that! When survival was at stake, who cared about brotherhood?
Within moments, someone with their troops reached the chest, causing the others to panic.
"Stop him! Don't let him touch the chest!"
Before the words had even finished, a barrage of attacks was unleashed. The young man who had been so close to the chest didn't even have time to react before he was overwhelmed, blood splattering everywhere.
The gruesome sight snapped everyone out of their frenzy. They stood frozen, their faces pale and eyes wide with fear. In the heat of the moment, they had instinctively ordered their troops to attack, but now, faced with the reality of a lifeless body, they were struck with horror.
A living person had just died.
The visceral impact of witnessing death up close was overwhelming for these people who had once lived in an orderly society. Some were so terrified that they abandoned the fight for the chest and fled, not daring to stay a moment longer.
And then, a purple vine covered in thorns suddenly appeared, darting past them and swiftly moving toward the chest.