The thought of going up against two high-ranking monsters at the same time was not a wise decision. In the past, Emery was barely able to defeat one, but now the boy wanted to fight two at the same time. However, he understood this had to be done - no matter how difficult it might be.
To use his power effectively, Emery had to trigger his bloodline through a heated battle in the same way he did during his fight with Atlas and his training with the combat puppets in the privileged class.
The experience he gained from fighting against two dozen high-ranking beasts these past few days seemed to have paid off. Mow, his battle senses had been strengthened to the next level.
In contrast to humans, the strength and even the ability of beasts could be easily defined by its form and appearance. In this event, it would be easier to predict the level of difficulty that one would encounter in dealing with them.
With the exception of its wings, the Forest Harpy had 6 arms with claws as sharp as blades that could cut through anything. If that wasn't bad enough, the creature also had the ability to blend in with its surroundings, making it a troublesome enemy to fight against.
With those characteristics, Emery predicted the creature had to be the cautious type. It would probably wait for the right moment to strike and attack at close range with incredible agility and dexterity.
The Amber Cat, on the other hand, was quite different from the Forest Harpy. It was more difficult to predict. Despite its four large muscular limbs, which suggested extraordinary strength, the flame that covered its body implied it had superior magical abilities. Emery predicted that, as the case may be, the cat was most likely a mid to close-combat sort of creature.
Completing his analysis, Emery acted promptly and quickly employed his battle art technique.
[Immortal Gate]
In the wake of his [Battle Howl] and his [Fey Transformation] ability, Emery had finally reached the pinnacle of his physical abilities. He was physically and mentally prepared to deal with whatever came his way at this point in his life.
[Battle power increase by 52]
[Battle Power: 148(210)]
His next move was to swiftly pull out his tier 4 sword and rush toward the flaming cat and fight with the beast. As predicted, the harpy didn't move when it saw him taking action. It was hiding in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to attack.
This was an excellent opportunity for Emery to refine his [Weeping Phantom] and [Dao Sword Technique], so he took full advantage of the situation. Loud sounds resounded through the forest. His figure and the fiery beast exchanged strike after strike.
After a few minutes, the fight was weighed more in the favor of Emery, as he put more pressure on the flaming cat. However, despite the fact the furious cat appeared to be on the verge of losing, the battle did not seem to be over quickly.
Just a moment later, Emery realized the flame that had been flickering on the beast's body had grown even more ferociously. He quickly guessed this was the sign of the beast going to unleash a powerful magic attack. So, he quickly took measures.
Whooossssshhh!
A hundred meter radius around the Amber Cat got completely burned by flames, and the woodland was reduced to ashes.
Emery, on the other hand, was able to stay out of the crisis, using a prepared [Blink] to a dozen meters back and [Granite Skin] to cover his entire body. He was fortunate to be to able to withstand this situation.
After successfully going through one crisis, another immediately followed. It was the much-awaited second beast that appeared from behind. Fortunately, Emery had already expected it.
Since Emery had planned ahead of time, he was able to avoid the surprise attack without sustaining any injury.
After performing what could be counted as a perfect dodge, Emery swiftly cast [Shadow Root] that quickly entangled and immobilized the creature in its current location.
"I will deal with you in a minute," Emery said, as he glanced at the flying creature.
Unfortunately, just when he finished the sentence, Emery was forced to swallow them back, as the harpy had already managed to slice through all of the roots with its blade arms, allowing it to easily escape.
At the same time, the Amber Cat was also ready for a second round. With this, the fight quickly devolved into a two against one clash, that managed to push Emery to his limit.
Splatt! Splatt! Splatt!
Blood splattered as Emery had to deal with attacks coming from two different directions. The intense battle caused him to receive multiple wounds from the harpy's bladed arms.
While he was struggling with the harpy, the flaming beast took advantage of the opening and pounced at him. Emery managed to dodge the beast's sharp claws at the last moment However, he didn't escape unscathed, as the flames it emitted managed to burn through his [Granite Skin].
It was at this point Emery became aware of the same sensation he had experienced a long time ago. A specialized spell that he desperately needed. In the end, because of the five-fold increase channeling between dark core and nature core, Emery finally was able to cast it.
Emery's body was scorched by a high-temperature flame blown by the amber cat, while the harpy struck him with multiple powerful swings. He was indeed being attacked here and there, but surprisingly, this time, there was a different sound generated when those sharp blades hit its target.
Clank clank clank
When the flame and the smoke dissipated, the beast could see that a shiny green layer had formed over their prey.
[Jade Skin]
Evidently, Emery's most powerful spell had been resurrected and was ready to be used once again. His power had rendered the beast's slashes and fire significantly less effective than they had previously been.
As an alternative, Emery took advantage of the situation to grab the Forest Harpy, holding it with his arms tightly, so it couldn't escape. He then started swinging his arms over his head and smashing the living out of it.
Emery no longer felt threatened by the two beasts, because of his new, improved [Jade Skin] that now covered his entire body and protected him from any harm. He even threw his sword away and just got into a direct, street-style brawl with the two wild creatures.
He did not realize that 10 minutes had passed without the urge emerging through his body.
15 minutes
20 minutes.
Even though it was a difficult struggle and each of the monster's attacks still continued to inflict painful wounds, Emery refrained himself from unleashing any critical move to kill the beast, in an attempt to push his bloodline to its breaking point.
The ground started to shake and the grass was engulfed in flames.
30 minutes passed, more than twice longer than his previous record, before Emery started feeling the glimpse of the urge.
He attempted to recall the feeling he had when he fought with Atlas. At that time, it was his dark core that was expanding through his bloodline. Right now, Emery decided to do the polar opposite of what had happened before.
He allowed the nature core to take control and for the first time, he was aware of something resurfacing.
Emery cracked a slight smile, before a sudden explosion of spirit force erupted from within him.
His two arms and body started to turn silver; the tattoo on his body began to glow green, followed by the two claw marks tattoo falling under his eyes. His face transformation began with the merging of the two eyebrows. Until, finally, he was fully formed.
[Shaman Transformation]