(From MC's perspective)
Insect forest,
After breaking into the underground chamber, I began to search for treasures. Surprisingly, the underground hideout was not as damaged as I had previously imagined.
The stone path leads to a wide room. A surprise glint flashed in my eyes. I see this hideout must be used for emergency purposes.
While walking, I remember the elite bandit leader. The reason he came to this insect forest was to plunder resources from the adventurers.
All that is because the bandit leader suffered a gruesome injury before coming to this city. And he used the resources from the plundering to cure himself.
After gaining some clarity, I furrowed my eyebrows. This means I'm reaching a dead end. Anyway, I have come this far.
It's better to search entirely before leaving this place. After a couple of seconds, I walked into the wide room.
The spacious underground room looked empty without any items. Seeing that my expression darkened. I expected this but still, it's shocking to see that nothing is left in this room.
I sighed inwardly before leaving this place with disappointment.
Days passed,
After finding nothing in the core area. I had spent many days searching for treasure in other dangerous spots. But apart from weird monsters and bugs, I had failed to come across something valuable.
For the rest of the time, I heavily practiced my lightning techniques, blood field technique, and two soul techniques. In case of injury, I used the healing scripture to heal myself.
Also, the insect forest turned out to be a perfect place for practice. At the time of thunder and rain, I practice essence cultivation. So my cultivation didn't face any hurdles.
When it comes to proficiency in techniques.
1. Sword Divide: Great wheel (Beginner)
2. Lightning Wheel: Great wheel (Beginner)
3. Lightning Phantom: Great wheel (Beginner)
4. Blood Field Technique: Small wheel (intermediate)
5. Soul Tower Method: Small wheel (Beginner)
6. Soul Needle Art: Small wheel ( Beginner)
I got six ranges of attacks under my sleeve. I made a wise decision to come here. Otherwise, I would have forgotten about the soul techniques.
Due to the changes that happened in a mysterious forest(Trunulesia), I had no time to think about soul techniques.
But here, I spent a few days getting started with these techniques. I successfully constructed one layer of the soul tower. And I successfully practiced two moves from soul needle art.
I believe this preparation with Elite level cultivation is enough to deal with all kinds of backhands in the odyssey monster zone.
A few weeks later,
I walked out of the insect forest after completing the investigations. About the origin of insect forests, I can conclude. The land beneath the insect forest hides the secrets.
Especially the deep cave structure. I didn't make it to the end. Which made me dissatisfied. But it's also real that I can come back at any time.
I feel my current Elite level strength is not safe. So it's better to come back after raising a few realms.
After coming out, I don't plan on leaving right away. I booked a good hotel nearby and decided to take some rest.
Night time,
Laying down in my bed. I'm reading all the undead messages so far. Most of them were just updates from Elder Thornton and Uncle James.
Thinking about Uncle James and Granny Park. I feel a sense of guilt inside. After coming back from baguva city, I didn't go home and see my family.
Which pains me a lot but I have no other choice. A lot of eyes were staring at my family. The current city lord turned out to be a Crimson Hall supporter.
So there is no point in confronting him right now. Everything will be settled when I get my place in the academy.
Thinking about the academy. My gaze fell on one particular update from Elder Thornton. It is about the crimson hall competition.
"Finally," My eyes lit up with surprise. The wait is over now. I read further messages to confirm.
"So, the crimson hall will announce the date in five days," I muttered to myself. But still, a hint of disappointment flashed in my eyes.
I heard from Jonathan that the location of Odyssey Monster Zone is far away. And it will take many days to reach the place.
Because that particular monster zone is forbidden and restricted to civilians.
To reach there, it will be a herculean task. The next second, my eyes burst out with a cold glint. Looks like the crimson hall is purposely doing this late announcement.
So many warriors from rival forces would miss this opportunity. "Hmph," I gave a cold snort in my heart.
Jonathan had destroyed multiple branches of the crimson hall a few months ago. But I believe this is not enough.
If anything goes wrong in the competition, the crimson hall will pay a heavy price.
Then shaking my head, I decided to leave tomorrow morning. I guess many of them don't know about the location. So they are going to wait for the announcement.
But I'm different. I can use this opportunity to reach the Odyssey Monster Zone a few days earlier than other people.
After reading the unread messages, I sent a message about my departure to Uncle James, Elder Thornton, and Jonathan.
The following day,
I left the hotel early to board the train. Unfortunately, it will take a few days to reach the red city. But it can't be helped.
Time passed in a blink of an eye,
On the way, the passengers were talking about the crimson hall. Even though they don't know about the real face of this organization.
Everyone is speculating about which genius would perform well in the competition. After hearing all those amusing conversations, I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
I hope that many will survive a massacre. I don't even know what kind of hybrid and experimental monster they would let out in the competition.
Several days later,
The train reached the red city. After stepping out of the compartment, I smiled in relief. Two days ago, crimson hall announced the date and location of the competition.
Most importantly I wasn't surprised by their evil trick. They did something. The competition will start in six days. But It will be hard for normal warriors to reach the location without any support.
Thankfully, my situation is quite different. During the journey, I received a reply from Jonathan. He had made arrangements for my trip long ago.
The news was not surprising to me at all. Then shaking my head, I exited the station and hopped inside the air cab.
Swish!
Sitting back, I observed the city. Some digital boards are showing ads about crimson halls. Which is very eye-catching.
The next second, a strange expression appeared on my face. These days, I also learned about my reputation here. Which is completely bad.
Unlike the days after the star tower performance. This time the new city lord has managed to spoil my name. Especially my disappearance after the Hansen incident.
The new city lord blamed me for the no-show.
Even the narratives of media posts were similar to his. But none of these affected my moods.
All of these were just passing clouds. Long since I knew that our region is just a corner of the barren land.
Especially after becoming a student of a powerful existence. My horizons had widened. So the new city lord is jumping clowns in my eyes.
Swish!
Several minutes later,
The air cab landed in front of the Hansen institute. Since I covered my face with a mask. The cab driver didn't recognize me. After paying the fees, I stepped out and walked towards the gate.
"Hmm," I raised my eyebrows in surprise. I see a group of students coming and going. The classes and training started a week ago.
Seeing that I sighed inwardly. Hardly few people go to the higher city and see the wider world.
After entering the access code, I walked into the building. I directly took the lift to reach Elder Thornton's cabin.
A few minutes later,
I arrived in front of a big room. Right after the door opened and I walked into the cabin.
"Zack, how have you been?" a familiar voice reached my ears.
Turning, I see the face of Uncle James. There is also Granny Park sitting beside him. Elder Thornton sitting in the main seat.
"Everyone is here," I uttered in surprise.
My face becomes bright instantly. After a long time, I'm meeting my family. Suddenly, a wave of sadness washed over my heart.
Because I see Granny Park's body deteriorating due to old age. My Elite sense picked up the dead vitality from her body.
Seeing her I received a bright smile. "I'm doing fine, Uncle. What about you and granny? Is she alright?" I asked.
Before James could speak, Granny Park took initiative to speak. "Zack, you are back finally. "It's good to see you again," Granny Park said in a trembling voice.
Hearing that, I immediately hugged her and supported her to sit.