[Name: Fission Fungus]
[Race: Plant]
[Tier: 4 (0/100)]
[Strength: 10]
[Constitution: 72]
[Agility: 70]
[Spirit: 86]
[Skills: Wooden Spikes, Explosive Mushroom, Fission (Causes exploded mushrooms to split into countless tiny spores, triggering a secondary explosion.)]
[Description: A harmless little mushroom, a master of demolition, excelling in wide-area destructive attacks.]
The fourth-tier Fission Fungus had significantly increased explosive power, now with the added bonus of a secondary explosion. What Alex needed most right now was a wide-area attack method, and this Fission Fungus had arrived just in time.
After spending all his accumulated Mana, Alex now had five more fourth-tier units by his side. Including the previous ones, he now had a total of thirty-four units, just six short of a full recruitment. With two days left before the safety period ended, he had plenty of time.
Having nothing else to do, Alex decided not to stay in his territory. After a quick preparation, he led all his plants except for the six Kings of the Man-Eating Flowers out of his territory and headed toward the distant mountains, hoping to stumble upon other monster gathering spots.
Just as he and his plant army entered the mountains, on the other side, less than three kilometers away, a massive force of over a hundred units appeared, surrounding the entrance to a swamp.
"Boss Sebastian, this is it. The gathering spot of the Red-Tailed Scorpions," a submissive man in the group said to the arrogant young man beside him.
Their group consisted of five people, each leading over twenty units. Nearly half of them were fourth-tier, totaling around fifty units! The most formidable among them was the young man, who, aside from two third-tier angels, had eighteen fourth-tier two-winged angels by his side. This was none other than Sebastian, who had been very active in the regional chat recently, known for his angelic units.
Thanks to their team's advantage, they had already surpassed many others, reaching the fourth tier and recruiting numerous fourth-tier units. Only one person in their group hadn't reached the fourth tier yet.
"Let's move. Clear out this monster gathering spot, and Michael can advance to the fourth tier," Sebastian said casually, glancing at the swamp in the distance.
Michael, standing nearby, was overjoyed. "Thank you, Boss Sebastian!"
"Enough with the thanks," Sebastian waved his hand dismissively. "As long as you work well under me, you'll get your share. Let's get ready."
"Roger!"
With that, the other four dispersed, spreading out in different directions. Led by Sebastian's fourth-tier angels, they charged into the swamp, beginning the extermination of the Red-Tailed Scorpions.
Under the onslaught of so many fourth-tier units, the Red-Tailed Scorpions stood no chance, collapsing like a house of cards. Before long, the swamp erupted as a Black Scorpion, several times larger than the ordinary ones, burst out, letting out a sharp screech.
"It's a fourth-tier Red-Tailed Scorpion King! Be careful!"
The fighters were startled, immediately on high alert. But before they could react, a golden arrow shot through the air.
"Boom!"
The arrow exploded, piercing through the Scorpion King's body and sending it flying several meters away. Before it could struggle, the other units swarmed in, decapitating it.
A fourth-tier monster, slain in an instant!
"As expected of Boss Sebastian, taking down a fourth-tier monster so easily."
"Angelic units are truly powerful, far beyond our reach."
The underlings couldn't help but shower Sebastian with praise. If it were them, they would have had a much harder time dealing with the Scorpion King. But Sebastian had done it effortlessly, without losing a single unit, showcasing his strength.
Their flattery made Sebastian's chin rise slightly, a hint of pride in his eyes.
"Roar!"
Suddenly, a beast's roar echoed from the distance, interrupting their conversation. Everyone, including Sebastian, turned toward the source of the sound.
"Sounds like someone's fighting monsters! Should we check it out?" one of them asked, looking uncertain.
"You all stay here and clean up. I'll go take a look," Sebastian said, confident in his abilities. With that, he headed toward the battle site, his angels following closely.
When they arrived at the scene, they found the battle already over. A third-tier monster lay dead on the ground, and a stranger stood nearby, accompanied by a few peculiar plants.
"Hmm?"
Alex, who was in the middle of processing the corpse, noticed Sebastian and immediately grew wary. He had been so engrossed in the fight that he hadn't realized someone else was nearby, and now they had been drawn to him. When he recognized Sebastian, his expression shifted slightly, showing a hint of surprise.
Wasn't this the guy he had briefly clashed with during the airdrop event? What was he doing here?
Before Alex could think further, Sebastian approached.
"Kid, all alone?" Sebastian didn't recognize Alex, but when he saw the plant units by Alex's side, a trace of disdain flashed in his eyes. It was common knowledge that plant units were weak in the early stages, lacking offensive capabilities. Moreover, with so many fourth-tier angels by his side, Sebastian didn't see Alex as a threat at all.
His gaze was brazen, openly scrutinizing Alex, which made Alex frown.
"Shouldn't you introduce yourself before asking questions?" Alex stood up, speaking calmly.
Having observed the regional chat for so long, Alex had heard about Sebastian's arrogant nature, and now, seeing him in person, the rumors proved true. Sebastian's condescending attitude was unmistakable, and Alex didn't like the way he was being looked at.
Alex's undisguised displeasure made Sebastian narrow his eyes.
"How should I introduce myself? Like this?" As soon as he finished speaking, one of the angels by his side suddenly raised its bow and fired a radiant arrow straight at Alex.
"Whoosh!"
The arrow was fast, gleaming with light, and in an instant, it was right in front of Alex. Clearly, this was a test of Alex's abilities. But Sebastian had miscalculated.
Just as the golden arrow was about to hit Alex, it was suddenly entangled by a cluster of thorny vines, dropping harmlessly to the ground. From behind the other plants, River emerged, flying to Alex's side.
The moment River appeared, the angels by Sebastian's side grew restless.
"Is that how you greet people?" Alex said coldly, his eyes locked on Sebastian.
That arrow, though meant as a test, had been fired with little restraint. If Alex hadn't been strong enough, the outcome could have been very different.
Sebastian, too, seemed surprised that his attack had been so easily deflected. He gave River a long, appraising look but didn't seem to notice the unease among his angels. After all, no matter how strong plant units were in the early stages, they couldn't possibly match the offensive power of his angelic army.
Seeing his plan foiled, Sebastian's expression turned cold. "You're unlucky to have run into me. Hand over your Mana, and maybe I'll let you live."
"Oh? Is that so?" Alex smiled, a genuine, almost amused smile. Then, just as suddenly, his expression darkened.
Vines shot out from the grass and trees around him, lashing toward Sebastian and his angels. The battle was on.