Chapter 412: Chapter 214: Backstab and Ambush (Part 2)

Although Xia Nan has a certain level of physical defense ability, the [Destiny Coin] can even trigger the [Copper Bones] effect that completely negates physical damage.

But he didn’t want to waste this precious tool here.

If possible, he needed to find an opportunity to get close to Vireis.

Close enough that when he swung his sword, the opponent wouldn’t have time to react, in which case…

As he pondered, Cash spoke:

“Your timing is perfect, we suspect that the beast attack this time is secretly planned by the Beastman.”

It seemed he heard a certain keyword, Xia Nan reined in his killing intent, raising his eyebrows slightly.

“What do you mean?”

“Because shortly after Vireis escaped from the scene, she was immediately ambushed by the Beastman—it wasn’t a sudden encounter, should have been lurking nearby for a while.”

Cash spoke, making way to reveal the Zor half elf behind him, wrapped in blood-drenched bandages on the waist and abdomen.

“Fortunately, I reacted quickly, otherwise I’d be finished there.” Vireis nodded vigorously, saying viciously, “But it got poisoned by me too.”

“It won’t get far, if we set out now, we have a good chance to catch up!”

Without waiting for Xia Nan to reply, Cash added:

“There’s only one chance, this cunning Beastman has already discovered us, and continuously attacked us.”

“After the Bear, it should realize it’s not our match, if we let it escape this time, whether it stays in the Mist Forest in the future is uncertain.”

“Your investigation task may just have to end here.”

Upon hearing this, Xia Nan felt quite subtle.

His gaze lingered slightly on the wound on Vireis’ abdomen, and then on Cash’s sweat-covered face with bits of grass stuck on it.

Finally swept silently over their vulnerable necks.

He nodded slightly.

“Then let’s set off.”

…

For most adventurer teams in this world, it’s quite normal for the team atmosphere to change after a battle that reduces the team members.

Even if the deceased was a newcomer who just joined the team, there would inevitably be a feeling of melancholy; let alone someone who had been part of the team for many years.

Mint’s departure also altered the atmosphere within the Sea Thorn Squad.

However, the direction of change… was a bit strange.

As if some subtle balance was broken.

The Sea Thorn Squad, now only three people left, still maintained the most basic formation.

With Cash leading the way at the front, Xia Nan still trailing at the back, but compared to before, the distance between the two had visibly increased.

If Xia Nan wanted to make a move, he might take just a few steps forward, only to be discovered by Vireis who roamed along the side and occasionally threw concealed glances at him.

During the movement, Xia Nan also noticed that although they both looked a bit battered externally.

Their actual actions weren’t much affected, clearly maintaining a decent level of combat power.

“Stay alert, it might be around here.” Vireis’ voice reminded from the side.

“Its size is relatively small among Beastmen, my toxin should soon take effect, watch out for frenzy.”

Xia Nan was naturally vigilant in secret.

Of course, his vigilance also extended to the other two members of the team.

“Sasha!”

Suddenly, the nearby bushes shook violently, making noise.

Xia Nan tightly gripped the Beheading Longsword, holding the blade horizontally in front of his chest, immediately assuming a defensive stance.

Simultaneously, he diverted attention to keep watch on other directions in case of an enemy’s feint or an ally’s backstab.

At the same time, a creature with black mane all over its body, resembling a humanoid black bear, suddenly charged out of the bushes.

“It’s the Beastman!” Vireis shouted with hardly restrained excitement echoing through the forest.

The Beastman turned into a shadow, roaring and lunging at Cash at the forefront of the team.

“Swoosh!”

In return, it was met with the dense stabbing of the green-gray stone spears.

Standing at the rear, Xia Nan couldn’t see whether Cash’s current expression was excitement or tension, but undoubtedly, this middle-aged man who hailed from a fisher background was long prepared for battle.

Even before the agile Beastman could reach close, the phantom formed by spear thrusts was already blocking its front.

Whether affected by toxins or some other reason.

The explosive power and speed displayed by the Beastman at this moment were far less than Xia Nan expected.

Despite the surprise attack, it failed to gain any advantage.

The dark mane was easily shredded amidst sharp spear shadows, and the tough flesh didn’t show the expected defense.

In a blink, deep wounds covered its chest, and blood gushed out from them.

Roar——

The pitiful howl slightly vibrated the trees on both sides.

The Beastman, using all fours like a true black bear, dripping blood, fled deeper into the forest.

From its appearance to this point, only a few seconds had passed.

Xia Nan hadn’t even had a chance to strike.

“It’s it! Don’t let that beast escape!” Vireis couldn’t hide her excitement, her body originally lurking in the shadows also emerged in the forest, twisting fiercely.

Cash was even more determined.

Having personally pierced with the stone spear, leaving bloody wounds on the enemy, he naturally knew the extent of its injuries and how weak its condition was under toxin erosion.

With rewards so massive it could let them retire directly after this task, their long-tracked prey was within reach.

How could they possibly allow it to slip through their fingers?

Cash roared, his shout filled with such excitement it seemed tangible.

He charged straight towards the direction where the Beastman fled.

Vireis followed closely, as if being a step behind would mean missing out, her entire figure turned into a shadow, speeding up to the maximum.

Xia Nan still trailed behind.

For some reason, he felt something odd.

But he couldn’t pinpoint what exactly was strange.

Perhaps it was the deepening dusk casting dim light from above; or maybe it was the Beastman’s dark silhouette fading into the dense mist; or perhaps simply from the branch he had just crushed underfoot…

Attributing it to a vague instinct under high perception.

At this point, he naturally couldn’t just retreat.

But he also wouldn’t recklessly charge forward.

Becoming increasingly cautious while trailing behind the other two, continuing the pursuit.

A few minutes passed by in an instant.

Xia Nan hadn’t even accelerated, merely distantly following his teammates from behind.

Seeing Cash and Vireis suddenly stand still simultaneously.

He went forward to catch up, peering ahead.

In his sight emerged a rare clearing within the Mist Forest.

Its size isn’t large, around half a basketball court.

Yet, in the current vision filled with trees everywhere, it paradoxically conveyed a serene and spacious feeling.

In the center of the clearing stood an oak tree distinctly thicker than its peers around, about the size of five people embracing it.

The dense canopy cast a shadow on the ground, aligned with the darkening sky, vaguely resembling a fallen giant’s corpse.

And at the deepest part of the shade, red blood mingled with labored gasping sounds could be heard.

The target of Sea Thorn Squad, the wholly black bear-like Beastman, leaned weakly against the tree trunk.

Cold sharp eyes, reflecting yellow-green light like ghost flames, were gradually losing focus; his chest’s rhythmic rise was slowing, life ebbing quickly.

The most noticeable thing was its neck, resembling a necklace pendant, hanging by slender branches adorned with a vibrant green glow brimming with life force.

Xia Nan inexplicably felt a sense of familiarity.

Yet before he could ponder further.

From the teammate beside him.

His peripheral vision suddenly caught a glint of coldness.

In his ears was the shrill sound of a blade tearing through the air.