Just as Rhode said, there weren’t too many means right now. The core of the issue was that the Dark Dragon’s soul power hadn’t been awakened completely. If not, no matter how rampant Chaos was, it wouldn’t be this flagrant. And now, what Rhode’s group had to do was assist Erin in passing the trials as soon as possible and eliminate the Chaos creatures that infiltrated the sacred trial grounds.
But…
“Your Majesty the Void Dragon, this is really dangerous.”
The dragon young ladies stared sternly at Rhode’s group, which stood on the teleportation ritual.
“In principle, even though this is the only effective way, I need to remind everyone that as we’ve sealed the connection between the trial grounds and Dark Dragon, the teleportation ritual has become unstable. In other words, after we activate the teleportation ritual, you may be sent to entirely different areas.”
“We’re prepared for it.”
Upon hearing the dragon young ladies’ words, Rhode nodded and turned to his group.
“Remember, don’t panic after we’re separated. Send out location signals straightaway and wipe out all obstacles! The trial must still be completed by Erin herself. All we need to do is eliminate as much Chaos as possible and stop it from expanding. Understood?”
“Got it, Leader.”
“Yes, Master.”
Upon hearing Rhode’s command, everyone nodded firmly. As a matter of fact, they weren’t afraid at all. Apart from Angelina who was weaker, the rest was more powerful, so much so that Chaos couldn’t pose too many problems for them. After listening to Rhode’s words, the dragon young ladies didn’t comment much. They exchanged glances with each other and raised their arms quickly. Shortly after, the pitch-black runes that appeared before Erin’s eyes showed up in front of Rhode’s group. They dispersed swiftly, transformed, and fused into the omnipresent dark curtain that enveloped their vision. At the next moment, Rhode felt the ground underneath his feet vanishing in an instant. Then, boundless pitch-blackness enfolded everything in sight.
Darkness scattered.
When Rhode opened his eyes again, what appeared before his eyes was no longer the ceremonial hall, but a pitch-black, gloomy forest instead. Pure black tree branches and snowy leaves emanating spots of gentle light reflected upon one another, unveiling a peculiar and gorgeous sense of beauty.
“I’m considered lucky to end up here.”
Looking at this scene, Rhode heaved a sigh of relief. Back then, even though Starlight didn’t get through Shadow Ravine successfully, they were considered one of the groups that stayed in this godforsaken place the longest. Rhode understood the various places of Shadow Ravine well. And now, it seemed like he had teleported to the ‘Crystal Forest’ within Shadow Ravine, which was one of the more beautiful and acceptable places for players. However, the creatures were more ferocious, elusive, and stronger to deal with. Therefore, unless the group was formidable, one couldn’t possibly dare to arrive here for treasure hunting. Back then, Rhode’s Starlight was one of them. But even so, they couldn’t withstand the terrifying and monochrome environment of the Shadow Ravine. They only managed to get through Crystal Forest once after turning around to return home.
Well, so be it. I still remember the terrain of this forest.
At this thought, Rhode scanned his surroundings. There wasn’t anyone else around. It seemed like it was just as the dragon young ladies mentioned; everyone was sent to a different area.
Rhode arranged his thoughts and clenched his fists. That’s right. His strength was also restrained. On the system interface, his attributes and skills were basically locked. At that moment, he was nothing more than a player at the max level of 85. Of course, with his identity as a dragon soul heir, it was still possible if he were to use his Void Dragon’s power to break the shackles forcefully. But in that case, he would abruptly disrupt the trial and the Dark Dragon’s soul would also receive damage from the impact. That was why unless absolutely necessary or critical, Rhode would never try to break the restraints.
He wasn’t too concerned about the safety of the rest. Mini Bubble Gum and Icy Snow had also been on an adventure here, so they were familiar with the environment. Anne’s instinct in battles couldn’t be better, so she should do fine. On the other hand, Cassidy was the Contrast Deity Warden. If she couldn’t survive in this place, her position ought to be taken by someone else. As for Angelina… Well, she was his card spirit, after all. She should be able to survive…
Poor Angelina. She was unknowingly criticized by Rhode yet again.
After assessing his situation, Rhode extended his arm and a blinding, holy sword appeared in his hand shortly after. He stooped over and dashed ahead like a specter. The densely-packed, jade-like leaves and branches illuminating the entire Crystal Forest unfolded above him like a mesmerizing, dreamy scene. But Rhode clearly knew that dangerous hunters were lurking underneath the fantasy-like land. This place might seem vibrant and attractive, but if players were to step into shadowy areas, the concealed monsters would attack them immediately. When that happened, even Rhode would have a hard time escaping. Fortunately, the creatures were mostly in hibernation, so as long as Rhode observed his surroundings cautiously and ensured that he didn’t enter large patches of shadow, he should do fine.
Where should I head to next?
Rhode sized up the forest around him, comparing his current location with the map in his mind. Crystal Forest was worlds apart from the shadowy plain that Erin was in earlier. That was why Rhode was certain that he couldn’t possibly search for her now. But since he was here, it meant that some place in Crystal Forest was related to the trial and that was…
Crystal Tower.
In an instant, Rhode recalled the three-floors-tall tower in the center of Crystal Forest made entirely from pure, white crystals—it could be considered an ingenious artwork. However, Crystal Tower didn’t have anything unique on its own. There were neither worthy, valuable treasures nor peculiar BOSSes inside. Apart from a dozen construct guards, there was basically nothing in the entire tower. As there weren’t many benefits, players also weren’t passionate about the place. Rhode had also led members of Starlight and wreaked havoc inside, only to find nothing as a result. Other than the beautiful and exaggerating magical ritual on the second floor, there was nothing else. The magical ritual also failed to be activated, so Rhode had no choice but to give up in the game. But now, it seemed like Crystal Tower was part of the trial and perhaps that was why players couldn’t activate the magical ritual. That should be a magical ritual for the inheritance ceremony, so how was it possible for ordinary players to activate it?
Even though Rhode wasn’t 100 percent sure about his guess, right now he was rather certain that Crystal Tower was the most possible culprit. That was why he didn’t wait any longer. He turned around, stooped over, and strode forward under the brilliance of Crystal Forest.
“Aowu———!”
But just as he took a few steps, he suddenly heard the snarls of wild beasts. Along with loud bellows, the branches and leaves in Crystal Forest that emanated brilliance flickered like electrical lamps that were about to cut off, dimming instantly. Looking at this scene, Rhode’s heart sank.
Boom… Boom…
Shortly after, heavy, deep footsteps echoed and a tall figure appeared before him. It was a huge ape emanating shimmering radiance from head to toe, clutching a thick, stone slate in its hand. Gazing from a distance, the ape seemed as though it were constructed of light bulbs. The ‘ape’ sauntered toward the side of a towering tree, widened its mouth, and took in a deep breath. Shortly after, along with this action, the tree glowing in dazzling light gradually grew faint. In the blink of an eye, the bright branches and leaves became dull, lifeless, and dark.
Why is my luck so terrible?!
Rhode couldn’t help but grumble at this sight. It went without saying that he knew exactly what it was. It was one of the BOSSes in this ice cold forest covered in frost: the Crystal Ape. Unlike most shadowy creatures, the Crystal Ape devoured light as its food, which explained why it resided in Crystal Forest. Besides, the Crystal Ape was tyrannical and could manipulate shadowy creatures to fight in battles. Player groups were often wiped out once any accidents happened. At that moment, Rhode was alone. If his power weren’t limited, he wouldn’t have many difficulties. But now, it was hard to determine his chances.
What should I do?
Rhode hid in the nearby bushes, knitting his brows as he observed the enemies. As the Crystal Ape swallowed the attribute of light, it was highly sensitive to light reflections. The moment Rhode shifted, he would be discovered immediately. When that happened, he would be in huge trouble. It would also be tough for him to attack the Crystal Ape head-on. Even though Rhode wasn’t afraid of it, he felt like he had to be more careful based on the current situation.
But… It isn’t like I’ve run out of ideas.
At this thought, Rhode couldn’t help but gaze at the stream ahead.
Then, an idea cropped up in his head.
