CHAPTER 339: SECOND STAGE [3]

The sticky fluid painted Coco’s clothes with a messy pattern as the blood splashed everywhere, its metallic scent filling the air.

The spectators in the arena watched the events unfold with wide-eyed astonishment, their gasps of disbelief reverberating through the space, the brutality of Coco’s actions had shocked them, the violence she displayed against the crocodile was different from the expected norms of a hunt.

Coco, still buzzing with adrenaline rush, seized another piece of the damaged armour on the crocodile’s head and with a powerful tug, she raised her arm back, summoning all her strength to deliver a powerful slam with the hoe against the exposed flesh.

ROAAAAAAAAR!

The impact sent ripples through the crocodile’s body, its pained cries echoing through the arena as its flesh took the blow— the force of the strike was immense, the hoe’s blade making a sickening squelch.

The crocodile writhed in pain as Coco relentlessly slammed the hoe down onto the already injured flesh, then with one last slam, she delivered the final and decisive blow.

The monster’s massive frame convulsed with the impact and trashed violently, its strength sapped by the repeated blows to its vulnerable head.

The arena fell into a tense silence as the crocodile’s body slowly became still until it completely stopped moving.

Coco let out a huff and let go of the crocodile once she felt it going limp under her, her body drenched in a shower of monster blood, the crimson liquid clung to her from head to toe, staining her clothing and splattering on her face and hair.

Her expression was a mix of satisfaction, but with a touch of disgust, and the contrast between the vibrant red blood and her fair skin made her even more striking.

Slowly, Coco climbed off the lifeless body of the crocodile.

She reached up and attempted to wipe the blood off her face, but her attempt only succeeded in smearing it across her cheek, leaving a crimson streak on her skin.

Unbothered, Coco walked towards the gate where the monstrous crocodile had emerged from, making the path she took marked by bloody footsteps— each step she takes leaving a trail of red.

As she walked across the arena, her eyes glued to the gate, a voice suddenly rang out.

"Release the Goleter!" The voice, which she recognized as the guild master’s, echoed through the arena like a hot knife cutting through butter.

A creaking sound soon filled the air as the gate opened once more, Coco’s attention shifting towards the gate, her expression hardening as she prepared herself for whatever would emerge next.

The ground groaned and trembled with power as whatever was waiting beyond the gate began to walk.

The lack of light only added to Coco’s unease, the dimness of the arena making it difficult for Coco to see the exact form of the monster, and with every step it took, the ground shook which told Coco that it will be big and heavy, just like the tough crocodile.

A heavy thud was heard and felt before the monster finally walked out from the shadows, revealing its form.

The creature was made of rock, its eyes glowing red with a menacing light, a massive stone pillar was slung across its shoulder, its muscular form carrying the weight effortlessly.

Coco’s lips parted in a mixture of awe and surprise, her eyes widening in bewilderment as she watched the creature approach, but her moment of awe was abruptly interrupted when the monster started running towards her with astonishing speed.

Coco flinched unconsciously, observing the monster’s rapid movement, her heart rate quickening at the sight of the massive rock creature charging towards her.

Coco instinctively took a step back, recognizing the need for distance between her and the rapidly approaching monster.

"What the heck is that thing?!" Coco asked herself as she turned and sprinted away from the creature, her footsteps carrying her away from the danger closing in.

The adrenaline that was previously coursing through her veins doubled and kept her focus on the task at hand, pushing herself to run as fast as she could to create some distance between herself and the stone monster.

Coco huffed out a frustrated breath, the words escaping her lips in a hiss, her eyebrows furrowed.

"And why do I keep running away from these monsters?!" She muttered to herself, exasperated, not liking the fact that people are watching her run her ass off.

Nevertheless, Coco pushed herself to keep running, her legs carrying her quickly across the arena, and even if she was frustrated with herself, she knew she had to keep moving to avoid the monster’s incoming attacks.

So, running is what she did.

However, as she started to prepare herself to run faster , the monster let out a deafening roar, but the words that reached Coco’s ears were unexpected.

"Come back here, outlander!" The creature bellowed, its voice deep and disoriented.

Coco’s mind registered the words, her stride faltering for a moment as she absorbed the realization that the monster was speaking— a full blown sentence that told her to come back.

Is this why it was so special?! Coco wondered, her lips parting, eyes wide in surprise as she glanced at the monster over her shoulder.

Though, she quickly shook her head, pushing aside the shock and kept running, the sound of the pursuing beast driving her forward.

Coco ran to the wall, determined to repeat her earlier trick, but decided to try a slightly different tactic this time.

Instead of launching into a backflip, Coco used the wall as a springboard and with a powerful leap, she propelled herself upwards, her body soaring through the air toward the face of the massive golem.

Time seemed to slow as she closed the gap, her eyes locked on the stone creature’s face, their gazes locking.

"You’re not welcome to this world!" The monster growled, just in time for Coco to plant her feet firmly on the rough surface of the monster’s head.