As they cleared the second wave, they realized that only low-level beasts were now being drawn to them. These beasts had abilities similar to those of the previous wave, which cancelled Aengus’s plan to stack new skills. While he managed to acquire a few new skills, the rest were simply assimilated into his existing skills.
In terms of stats, his gains were minimal. With his stats exceeding 5,500 points, the low-level beasts barely offered any substantial stats, only adding in decimal amounts.
It also became evident that these beasts possessed a certain level of intelligence. Recognizing the danger ahead, they stopped falling into his trap as he had initially hoped. It was almost as if they had been warned beforehand.
After synthesizing Aria with some additional beasts, Aengus sent 300 more near-death creatures to the Monster Breeding Space.
With a glint of determination, Aengus began planning his next steps. He had gained some additional knowledge from Manas about this forest; there were still mythical creatures hidden somewhere deep within. The thought of hunting them brought him exhilaration.
“Aria, it looks like we need to head deeper. They’ve become alert and cunning—or perhaps they received orders from their superiors.”
Aria, noticing his grin, felt a sense of unease but asked, “What’s the new plan? Are you planning to go after their leaders now?”
“Yes. I think they’re more intelligent and definitely of higher ranks.” He reassured her with a confident grin. “No need to worry, Aria. I can handle them. If I could, I’d devour this whole forest slowly—if only there weren’t humans around.”
“Ah, I nearly forgot! If you’re worried about the humans, I can now send them a message to withdraw from the forest. My control over nature has increased significantly after all your help. My command of consciousness can now connect to every tree and plant nearby. If I try harder, I might be able to connect with all the plants and unintelligent creatures as well,” she informed him, excited to offer him some real help.
Aengus was intrigued by the news.
“That’s great news, Aria! Quickly send them a warning to leave the forest immediately. If they don’t leave even after hearing it, they’ll have to bear the consequences themselves.”
“Alright, let me focus,” Aria said before touching a nearby tree, intending to connect with every plant in the ecosystem.
Aengus’s eyes were deeply fixed on Aria as she transformed into her Nature Goddess mode. Her hair turned glowing white, and her entire body radiated a pure aura. Her hands glowed with green as she finally connected with the plants.
Aria guided her consciousness through the plants far and wide, starting from outside the dome, then at the edges in all directions, then heading slowly toward the middle. She also connected with some unintelligent creatures. But It was getting increasingly difficult, but she forced herself, pushing beyond her limits.
Aengus’s brows furrowed as he saw Aria’s forehead covered with sweat. It was clear she was pushing herself too hard, just for his sake.
But he didn’t want her hard work to be wasted or for her to get discouraged, so he held his breath, trusting her completely. He didn’t have any way to help her either; he was simply helpless in this regard. It had been a long time since he had felt such helplessness.
“I know you can do it, Aria. I trust you,” he whispered beside her ear, just when she needed it, just as she had done to cheer him up before.
Hearing his words, Aria suddenly felt a surge of confidence and more nature power coursing through her, as if a dam had just been broken loose.
With increased ferocity, her consciousness spread almost everywhere like a web.
She spotted humans as well as some terrifying, mythical evolved beasts, making her mind shake for a moment.
The mythical beasts felt a foreign sensation of being observed, but they couldn’t discern what it was or where it came from.
Ignoring the mythical beasts, she targeted the humans, though she did make a mental map marking their locations to inform Aengus if needed.
Her warning spread to the humans, clear and loud.
“Serious Warning to the humans! Very soon this forest will not be safe for no one. Those who want to stay alive, leave the forest at this instant. Otherwise, you won’t have enough time to escape later. Don’t take this lightly. You don’t want to disappear from the face of the earth. Think about your family and friends. And you won’t hear the same warning twice. Next time, you will only see chaos. Goodbye!”
Her words, carried by the plants, trees, and unintelligent small creatures, reverberated throughout the forest, reaching the ears of the humans and some shrewd beasts. Her voice was heavenly and resonant, making some humans realize the seriousness of the sudden warning.
“Darling, did you hear that? We should leave immediately.”
“Yes, let’s go, baby. I’m getting goosebumps already.”
—
“Guys, hurry! Something bad is about to happen. Even Mother Nature is warning us to stay safe!”
“Haha, Oliver, you’re such a fool! There’s no ‘Mother Nature.’ Someone probably caught wind of some incredible treasures here, so they’re telling everyone to leave so they can grab everything for themselves.”
“Stop reminding me of their nonsense, and let’s find those treasures quickly.”
—
More than half took the warning seriously, leaving the forest, while others, clouded by greed, decided to stay, unknowingly sealing their fate. The wheels of destiny began to turn.
—
(AN: For those wondering why humans are hunting in the forest instead of dungeons, it’s because the dungeons are only for beginners, ranging from Rank F to D.)
—
At the heart of Darkwood Forest, a massive, mythical fox-like creature with seven tails stood alert, its fur shimmering with a dark, ethereal glow. It seemed to speak to the mountain range towering before it, spanning over two kilometers in length and rising four kilometers high. Despite its own imposing presence, the fox showed a clear sense of fear and reverence toward the mountain.
“My Lord, it appears the humans are up to something cunning once again,” the fox said cautiously. “They’re evacuating the weaker ones for some reason.”
To any observer, it would be baffling—what force could demand such respect from a beast of this caliber? And just what kind of presence lay hidden within that mountain?
