At that very moment, Ancel, Caroline, and a few others converged, ceaselessly striking at the roots with relentless fervor. Yet, these roots seemed innumerable. Moreover, their fortitude was not to be underestimated.Ordinary attacks seemed futile against their defenses. Yet, channeling their inner energy against these roots, both Ancel and Caroline found themselves expending significant effort.Thus, after what seemed like an eternity in battle, the duo's complexion began to pale noticeably. Even Venn was panting heavily, sweat and blood marking his visage.Witnessing this, a crease of worry formed on Benjamin's brow. He had managed to sever dozens of these roots, yet they emerged as if from an inexhaustible source, re-sprouting and assailing him once more.Undoubtedly, these roots targeted Benjamin in significantly larger numbers compared to the others. Yet, with his unmatched prowess, they fell as swiftly as they rose."Hmm, it appears only unique tactics will rid us of this Spirit
Caroline and Ancel exchanged silent, yet profound glances upon hearing Benjamin’s words. Whatever silent accord they might have reached remained veiled, but seeing their bickering cease, Benjamin signaled Venn to halt the troops.Of course, they couldn't rest just anywhere. Under Benjamin’s guidance, the unit retreated slightly, finding an open, level patch of land. Once settled, Benjamin summoned both Ancel and Caroline, seeking counsel.Upon hearing Benjamin's strategy, a cloud of disapproval darkened Ancel's brow.Spotting this, Caroline interjected: "Benjamin, this is perilous. Perhaps I should accompany you while the captain leads the troops back. What say you?""Nay!" Both Ancel and Benjamin chorused. A moment of shared confusion ensued as their eyes met."Cough, Captain, Caroline, my decision is final. Both of you remain and ensure our soldiers’ safety. I shall venture into the relics. This place holds no promises of safety, so be ever vigilant. Should peril arise, send a distr
In truth, deep within Benjamin's heart, he was profoundly certain that this majestic palace was indelibly linked to the art of immortal cultivation. Even more so, it might just be the very catalyst for the mutation of the beast herd.Of course, these thoughts were mere speculations swirling inside Benjamin's mind. Presently, seeing Phoenix so drawn towards the palace and setting its flight towards it, Benjamin couldn't just stand by and let the creature approach it alone. His form swiftly darted forward. As he sprinted towards the grand palace, numerous beasts grazed past him.In their eyes, it was as if Benjamin was invisible. Or more aptly, their growing fear of something lurking behind them overshadowed any interest they might have in a mere human like Benjamin.At first, he didn't feel any particular unease. However, as he closed in on the palace, a growing sense of foreboding enveloped Benjamin's heart.ROAR!Just as Benjamin was a mere kilometer away from the palace, a fierce be
Thud!Pain shot through Benjamin's body, almost as if he were on the verge of breaking apart. Grimacing, he quickly pushed himself up, taking in his new surroundings.To his surprise, he found himself within a secret chamber, dimly lit. Despite his keen eyesight, it took him a while to discern the details around him.The chamber, considerably smaller than the hall above, had bare walls. But right at its center stood a stone pedestal, upon which rested a metallic plaque.Upon sighting the pedestal and the plaque, caution washed over Benjamin. Unsure of any potential traps, he was however without any means of escape.After a brief hesitation, he approached the stone platform with the utmost caution. Once certain of no imminent danger, he gingerly lifted the metal plaque.The moment his fingertips made contact, a chilling sensation washed over him, so intense that Benjamin nearly shivered in response. Fortunately, the icy sensation dissipated as quickly as it came. Only then did Benjamin
In the embrace of a timeless twilight, Benjamin, after what felt like an eternity of fleeing, found himself confronted by the ominous maw of a dark, looming cave. From within its depths, there emanated intermittent wisps of a chilling, black mist, thicker and more sinister than any he'd encountered before. This cave was noticeably distant from the last one where Benjamin had discovered the sinister Crimson Devil Confinement Technique.Pausing to gather his thoughts, he hesitated just before the cave's entrance. As his gaze briefly skimmed its interior, he realized that despite the day not yet surrendering to night, he could discern nothing within its shadows. Even straining his vision did not reveal the slightest hint of its contents.It was evident: some powerful seal or spell concealed the cave's mysteries. Given Benjamin's exceptional sight, it was unthinkable that he couldn't see into its heart otherwise. Moreover, the restrained ebb and flow of the dark aura oozing from within wa
"Commander, to blame them entirely would be unjust. Who could have foreseen the gravity of this situation?"After a tense pause, a tall, slender young man with a certain steely determination on his face stood up and addressed the Chief Commander, General Jeffrey Harris.But Jeffrey’s mood was hardly assuaged. His face still shadowed with a tinge of anger, he huffed: "Unforeseen? A mere oversight and they're absolved? Do you realize who those soldiers are? The future pillars of our nation! And just because you didn't anticipate, they were thrust into peril. Had it not been for Benjamin leading the squad, would we not have lost the lot?"With each word, Jeffrey's rage seemed to intensify, his glare challenging each seated officer. But they collectively averted their eyes, their collective silence speaking volumes.In the end, Jeffrey, unable to contain his frustration, finally erupted: "Enough! Reflect on your actions. Within a day, I expect remedial plans. Any further discrepancies, an
"Isabella, why are you here?"Upon realizing the occupant was not Olivia but his wife-in-name, Isabella, a sense of foreboding crept into Benjamin's heart, causing him to exclaim aloud.Yet hearing Benjamin’s cry, a look of astonishment crossed Isabella's face. She looked up, her eyes shimmering with an odd emotion."Why are you here?"At her words, Benjamin’s face stiffened. It then struck him that their marital ties remained unbroken. Though Isabella harbored no feelings for him, hadn’t she always been loyal?Hoping to clarify, he quickly explained: "I was searching for a friend. And you?""Likewise, seeking a friend."Their conversation faltered, an awkward silence enveloping the room. Eventually, unable to bear the tension, Benjamin blurted: "Isabella, where is my friend?"Locking eyes with him, Isabella replied coldly: "I don't know. She was gone when I arrived."Benjamin's brow furrowed in concern. He had distinctly instructed Venn and Noam to ensure Olivia’s well-being. Yet, th
One couldn't fault Violet for her astonishment. After all, these fruits had vanished from the world for tens of thousands of years. Witnessing such a bounty now, especially as a legendary alchemist herself, it was inevitable that she'd be overwhelmed.Observing her reaction, Benjamin fell into contemplative silence. Internally, he was filled with remorse. Had he known their immense value earlier, he would never have frivolously used them, or generously gifted one to each person as a vital essence supplement. Such prodigality was a tragic waste.Regrettably, the complete knowledge of the Phoenix legacy eluded him. And he had accessed the Celestial Palace's legacy a tad too late. As such, he now possessed only a handful of the Thousand-Year Fruit, enough to make just about a dozen potions or so.Certainly, if Violet could successfully concoct the legendary spiritual pill, Benjamin would feel profoundly fortunate for himself.After all, in one of Violet's furnaces, she could craft over a