54 Foolish Coveting, Mindless Mistakes

    ''----''

    ''A few moments before the incident...''

    ''"With that being settled

    let us venture into the depths then

    " stated Krone in a lighthearted manner as he sheathed his two weathered sabers in the sheaths at their waist. The equipment of these mercenaries was long due for an upgrade. However

    most of their acquired funds were instead funneled into cultivation resources.''

    ''While it wasn''t a bad idea

    it wasn''t the smartest. Everyone knew good equipment went a long way once one acclimated to it. An upgrade in one rank of an artifact''s grade surpassed that in which a small realm upgrade of cultivation could provide.''

    ''"Err

    I don'' think ''dis is the best idea fer'' the group. The lad is stronger than typical chil''ren but I don'' think he will suffice. He''s not a Warrior

    " stated Vren trying to dissuade Krone from making this decision. After all

    most of the defensive matters fell upon his shoulders. Hence

    going up against even stronger Rank 3 Spirit Beast wasn''t exactly in his plans.''

    ''"He may not be a warrior

    but he understands the ways of killing

    " uttered Slaid as he glanced at Krone approaching Vren before wrapping his arms around his shoulder.''

    ''Dragging Vren to the side

    Krone relayed his ideas to him

    "Oi

    listen up you block. There''s logic to my decision

    take a look at that child''s weapon. What grade do you suppose it is?"''

    ''Turning back

    Vren gazed at the weapon at Apollo''s waist. Judging from its appearance

    a thought came to his mind

    "I''m thinking maybe this thing is a Rank 3!"''

    ''"Exactly my thoughts. Therefore

    it''s like this. With him as the fourth

    we won''t have to worry about failing to damage the beasts we encounter in the deeper recesses of the forest. Additionally

    we don''t necessarily have to reward him

    " stated Krone as he winked lowering his voice

    sending Slaid a signal who silently nodded back.''

    ''Of course

    this didn''t escape Apollo''s sense yet he remained oblivious with a small smirk. Biding his time

    he leaned against the tree as he watched his stamina returned to full. ''Late Stage Rank 2 requires more strength to cut which in turn burns my stamina quicker. But it isn''t time yet.'' After all...hmm?''''

    ''"Ah! So that''s ye'' plan. Hehehehe

    I like it. I''ll get me some fine ladies and brew

    " chuckled Vren as his mind wandered to the pleasures of both food and woman. What''s a man without indulging in such basic delicacies.''

    ''"So play along. If my plan unfolds properly

    we''ll fetch a pretty penny. Keep in mind

    hmmm…?"''

    ''Turning back around

    Krone noticed a faint aura radiating from the pendant around Apollo''s neck. Narrowing his eyes

    he couldn''t understand why he couldn''t tell what it was

    ''What grade is that item? The vibe from it is even rarer than the weapon. Perhaps this child does have some secrets. I don''t think he''s from a large family but perhaps that may be true. I''ll have to make sure. Usually

    those types of heritages have precautions set in place.''''

    ''"Hey

    kid. What family do you hail from?" questioned Krone with a thoughtful gaze.''

    ''"None

    " replied Apollo with his usual deadpan expression. Upon receiving that answered

    Krone''s expression brightened while a hint of excitement flashed within his eyes before returning to normal.''

    ''''Silly me

    I almost made a mistake. Luckily

    he''s a child and he doesn''t seem to be interested in lying. Hmm

    although he isn''t earnest

    he shouldn''t be cognizant of the cruelties of this word. Unfortunately

    this is how we survive.''''

    ''"I see. Then you''re more than welcome to journey with us

    " chuckled Krone before turning around Slaid and Vren in tow. With this

    he crossed the border into what would soon become a nightmare.''

    ''The sky darkened a great degree as they moved with caution. Even the weakest beast in the area was a Middle Stage Rank 3 Beast. However

    Apollo looked back and took a mental note of the path they took just in case. Subsequently

    he moved his gaze to their feet.''

    ''''They''re leaving too many tracks. What kind of group are they? It should be basic knowledge to erase your tracks

    after all

    there are detection type beasts who-''''

    ''"Aowwwoooo!"''

    ''"Roooaaarrr!"''

    ''An echoing howl and thunderous roared echoed. However

    they came from opposing directions. The roar originated from in front of them whereas the howl came from behind them. Luckily

    the howl seemed weaker in strength and farther away.''

    ''Clicking his tongue in annoyance

    Apollo withdrew the Vantablack Knife before sprinting to a tree. ''Idiots! That wolf is tracking us. As for that other beast

    it sensed us. How are these professional mercenaries? They must be too occupied scheming amongst themselves to take notice. Tch...''''

    ''Reacting in a sufficient fashion

    Apollo remembered a situation that happened to him at the beginning of his training; he was ambushed by multiple beasts leaving him utterly damaged. The worst possible scenario in a battle was the advent of surprise attacks. Even more so when it pertained to having your back exposed.''

    ''[Their obliviousness is shocking. But I commend your reactions. There is nothing direr

    than having to split your attention at inopportune moments when embroiled in a difficult confrontation.]''

    ''''I know

    I''ve learned from that mistake

    '' mentally responded Apollo while silently surveying the trio''s action. Withdrawing their weapons as well

    they prepared for confrontation entering a battle state.''

    ''''Whoosh!''''

    ''A golden streak dashed past the trio

    coming to a skidding halt that revealed its appearance. A beast similar to a lynx except it was multiple times large. Furthermore

    the luster of its grey and gold fur radiated wisps of Natural Essence. Its piercing silver eyes examined the trio and then shifted to Apollo who shifted behind a tree.''

    ''''This may be problematic. I was barely able to discern its speed. Not to mention…'' Falling silent

    Apollo frowned at the status which presented itself. It seemed as if he could never catch a break. He was always thrust into one perilous situation after the other. So much so

    he was turning numb to the fact.''

    ''Monster Name: Storm Colossus Lynx''

    ''Type: Variant''

    ''Rank: Middle Stage Rank 3 Spirit Beast''

    ''Health: 7

    000/7

    000''

    ''Chance of Defeat: Incalculable.''

    ''''Incalculable? What the hell does that mean?'' thought Apollo as he stood consumed by bewilderment.''

    ''[You fail to understand. That Spirit Beast is not only Rank 3… it''s a Variant! To put it in perspective for you

    that thing is equivalent to a Peak Zul Warrior at the least! Even then

    I feel that is an understatement. From its name and appearance

    it''s of the Wind and Lightning Elements!]''

    ''''Bang!''''

    ''Its paw wreathed in a translucent and purplish glow slammed against Vren''s greatsword. Widening his eyes in shock

    he spat a mouthful of blood from the impact. Filled with indignation

    he roared. "What de'' FUCK! This is why I said nay'' to this venture!"''

    ''''Crap! This thing is comparable to a Zul Knight

    isn''t it? I don''t want to risk it

    '' thought Apollo before preparing to retreat.''

    ''[Wait! Stay. There''s something odd about this beast. Furthermore... what''s that fluctuation? It feels oddly familiar.]''

    ''''Hmm?'' turning his head

    Apollo squinted in the direction the fluctuations came from. It was in Krone''s general direction! His dual sabers were sheathed in a scarlet glow. It felt similar to a feeling he couldn''t put his finger on.''

    ''[This type of energy can be achieved in this world? I wonder what type of technique he cultivates to possess a rudimentary aura rivaling an infant demon.]''

    ''''Huh? I thought demons were non-existent on this world

    '' countered Apollo before scaling the tree he hid behind.''

    ''[It''s not demonic

    it''s a derivative. It just seems similar to what our demons use. If I''m not mistaken

    then…]''

    ''''Skrreeeeeeeeeee!''''