Chapter 920: Prey
There were high-quality plants spread all throughout the clearing, which likely could only be found in the Ferae Jungle.
However, Izroth could feel an unusual presence in this place and decided that it was best to leave this area undisturbed.
In fact, if Niflheim had failed to follow his instinct and had not given the order to not make any unnecessary disturbances, Izroth himself would have done so.
If he were alone or the 9th Division was not on a time limit, then Izroth would have been more than willing to take the risk. After all, without risk, there was seldom a worthwhile reward.
But, given their current circumstances, it was best to keep moving forward. Not to mention, this area of the Ferae Jungle had probably never been explored by players before now. Therefore, it would not be too late to make a trip in the near future and return to claim the materials here.
As Izroth and the 9th Division made their way through the clearing, the Ferae Glasswing Butterflies maintained a peaceful nature.
"After going through that stormy place and dealing with those bugs, this is a nice change of pace." Astral Knight commented.
"Yeah, almost makes you forget that we're in the middle of a mission. I wouldn't mind relaxing here for a bit." Clouded Sky stated with a light chuckle.
"Hey, Sky, what do you think about our Captain?" Astral Knight asked.
"Huh? Where's this coming from? Don't tell me you're regretting things now." Clouded Sky responded as one of his brows raised.
"No, that's not it. It's just, aren't you the least bit curious? You know, if the rumors are true?" Astral Knight said in a lowered voice so as not to be overheard by those around them.
"Rumors? Ah, you're talking about-"
Rmmmmmble! Click! Click! Click!
Out of nowhere, the ground in the clearing shook violently as the Ferae Glasswing Butterflies started to fly in wild and panicked patterns. At the same time, the sound of loud clicking noises constantly rang in the ears of the group. The clicking seemed to be growing closer with every passing moment.
'Hm?'
"Something's coming this way fast. I'll lead it away, take the division members and proceed. I won't be far behind." Izroth said as he activated the skill Light Feather Footwork and sped off in the direction of the clicking noise.
"Wait-!" Niflheim tried to call out; however, Izroth was already too far away, and the clicking noise drowned out his voice.
"This guy, why does he always have to be so reckless?" Niflheim muttered as he released a small sigh.
"Forget it. He can take care of himself. I'll just focus on handling things on this end." Niflheim thought to himself.
Niflheim, "Follow me! We're rushing through! Champion, Astral—you're with me! Menerva, I'll leave the coordination of the ranged players to you!"
Menerva, "Understood."
Niflheim, "Everyone else, prepare yourselves! Make sure you don't fall behind!"
After Niflheim gave the order, Champion and Astral Knight made their way to his side. The three then lead the group forward at an increased pace on a direct path to the opposite side of the clearing.
...
'Odd. The concentration of mana in this area of the Ferae Jungle is incredibly dense. Even my Energy Vision Sense is having a rough time differentiating things. But, the clicking noise definitely originated from somewhere around here.'
Swoosh!
Suddenly, Izroth kicked off his back foot and launched himself forward. Just as he did so, he felt a cold breeze brush past his back.
'It seems there are still a few strange things in this jungle.'
Izroth shifted his weight to his dominant foot and spun around halfway as he continued to slide back a couple of meters before coming to a stop.
What entered Izroths gaze, where he had just stood moments ago, was a giant praying mantis approximately two meters tall.
The creature was dark crimson in color with small silver spikes protruding out of its back.
Though the most terrifying thing about this creature was the pair of long razor-sharp blades located on its front legs.
Name: Ferae Obsconis Mantis(Rare)
Level: 58
HP: 9,281/132,583(7%)
The Ferae Obsconis Mantis tilted its head to the side slightly as it appeared to be sizing up Izroth after its surprise attack failed.
Izroth narrowed his eyes as the system information for the Ferae Obsconis Mantis was displayed.
'It's already been weakened to such an extent.'
Despite his Energy Vision Sense not functioning to its fullest extent, relying on his natural senses, Izroth was fairly certain that there were no other players or NPCs around this section of the Ferae Jungle.
Of course, there was always the chance that the person possessed methods to escape his sense of perception. But, Izroth had a more likely answer.
Nevertheless, nothing changed the fact that a rare monster had delivered itself before him. How could Izroth just sit still and let such an opportunity slip away?
Swoosh!
In the blink of an eye, Izroth vanished and reappeared behind the Ferae Obsconis Mantis. Then, in one swift motion, he swung his Sword of the Storm outward as an overbearing aura was unleashed from the blade's edge.
-14,332
〈System Alert: Congratulations, you have defeated Ferae Obsconis Mantis!〉
〈System Alert: You have been rewarded 109,462 EXP!〉
〈System Alert: You have received x1 «Obsconis Mantis Exoskeleton»!〉
〈System Alert: You have received x1 «Obsconis Mantis Core»!〉
〈System Alert: You have received x1 «Obsconis Hunting Dagger»!〉
'Oh? The material is practically guaranteed since it's a rare monster. But, to also receive a core and weapon from the same drop—my luck isn't too bad.'
Izroth placed the items into his inventory as the Ferae Obsconis Mantis' body started to dissipate.
With one strike, not only did he gain over 100,000 experience points. But, he also managed to get his hands on a good harvest!
'It's a good thing I came this way. Otherwise, given its cunning nature, it would have lured whatever was after it right to the group.'
The Ferae Obsconis Mantis was a high-level rare monster. This meant that the possibility of it possessing some basic form of intelligence was high. Izroth was even more sure of this after it did not press the attack and instead took a moment to evaluate Izroth after he dodged its strike.
Izroth believed that the creature was running away from something or someone and attempted to wound him as a distraction and ultimately aid in its escape. But, it never expected Izroth to respond the way he did.
Boom! Boom! Click! Click! Click!
Without warning, the earth trembled around Izroth, causing him to turn. Simultaneously, the clicking noise grew louder as the trees were toppled one by one in the same direction that the Ferae Obsconis Mantis emerged.
Boom!
The tree in front of Izroth abruptly blew up and splintered apart as it fell toward him.
Izroth swiftly jumped to the side and landed safely out of the tree's path as it crashed into the ground.
The next moment, the clicking noises could no longer be heard. Instead, there was something heavy stepping on the ground that was not only heard but felt.
What appeared several meters away from Izroth was a gigantic beetle at least twice the size of the Ferae Obsconis Mantis.
The monster had a thick black exoskeleton that looked as though normal weapons would merely bounce off of it and a powerful horn that was responsible for blowing apart that tree not too long.
'This place doesn't shy away from surprises.'
Name: Ferae Adamantine Insolum Beetle(WORLD BOSS)
Level: 60
HP: ??? (100%)
A world boss! Not just any world boss, but one that reached level 60!
Without a doubt, it was likely this Ferae Adamantine Insolum Beetle that severely injured the Ferae Obsconis Mantis. But, if that were the case, it would mean that Izroth had just stolen this boss' prey!
Although its eyes were hard to see, Izroth could feel the Ferae Adamantine Insolum Beetle's gaze locked onto him—as if it knew that he was the one responsible for stealing its prey.
Click! Click! Click!
All of a sudden, the large beetle began to make rapid clicking noises. At first, it was no different from the previous time. However, not too long after it started up again, Izroth felt himself slowly losing focus.
Though the moment he realized what was happening, Izroth quickly activated his Soul Pressure and released his essence to fight off the clicking noise and regain his concentration.
After realizing that its sound was no longer having any effect on Izroth, the Ferae Adamantine Insolum Beetle stopped and immediately began a devastating charge toward Izroth.
Woosh!
Izroth halted the release of his Soul Pressure and started to move further away from the path being taken by the 9th Division.
'I'll lure it away, lose aggro, and then meet up with the rest of the 9th Division.'
Right now, facing a level 60 boss head-on would consume too much time. As a result, Izroth had no choice but to go with the second best option available.