Chapter 114: Escape Goes South.

“Get out of my way!” Stanley roared, veins bulging on his forehead as he swung his broadsword with reckless force.

When they had passed through this forest earlier, not a single beast had dared approach them.

But now, a massive figure stepped into his path.

A ferocious ape stood before him, its presence alone radiating overwhelming pressure.

[Redmane Ape]

[Level: 16]

[Attributes: Strength 36, Constitution 34, Agility 22, Spirit 4, Defense 26]

[Trait (1): Raging Flurry — Rapid consecutive strikes that increase attack speed for ten seconds.]

[Trait (2): Battle Roar — Boosts strength significantly for ten seconds.]

The Redmane Ape slammed its fists against its chest and let out a thunderous roar in response.

Its amber eyes glowed with pure battle intent, locking onto Stanley like a predator that had found worthy prey.

It had broad shoulders and thick crimson fur flowing along its mane and arms.

Its knuckles were scarred and hardened from constant combat, giving it a savage, domineering presence. Every movement carried brute power.

Stanley gritted his teeth, forcing himself to remain calm despite the dread creeping into his chest.

’I need to kill this damn beast quickly before the others arrive.’

He did not have time to waste.

He could not afford to gamble his life against a wild monster when death already stalked him from behind.

Still, the Redmane Ape blocked the only viable path forward.

“Last Stand Seven Strikes!”

Stanley roared as his blade erupted with violent energy. He unleashed a relentless barrage of slashes, each strike carrying desperate intent.

The sword howled as it cut through the air, landing blow after blow against the Redmane Ape’s massive body.

The ape roared in pain and staggered back several steps, crimson fur splitting as shallow wounds opened across its chest and arms.

Yet the fighting intent in its eyes did not diminish.

Instead, it burned brighter.

The Redmane Ape’s fur stood on end, glowing with a deep crimson sheen. Ignoring its injuries, it threw back its head and let out a deafening roar.

Its muscles swelled visibly. Its frame grew larger, more imposing, as raw strength surged through its body.

Battle Roar activated.

With a violent stomp that cracked the earth beneath it, the ape lunged forward, leaving deep footprints in the soil as it unleashed a devastating flurry of blows.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Human and beast collided in a storm of steel and flesh. Stanley’s sword clashed repeatedly against hardened fists and forearms, shockwaves rippling outward with every impact.

Trees shattered under stray blows. Thick trunks snapped like twigs. Leaves and debris filled the air as the forest itself seemed to recoil from the violence.

Weaker beasts fled in terror, scurrying away from the epicenter of the battle.

Every time Stanley thought he had gained the upper hand, the Redmane Ape would activate its traits, pushing him back through sheer brutality.

Its Raging Flurry came in waves, relentless, savage, and unyielding.

The two exchanged hundreds of blows.

Blood stained the ground.

Stanley employed every trick in his arsenal, feints, deceptive footwork, sudden bursts of speed, but the Redmane Ape remained undaunted.

Redmane Apes were infamous for their lust for battle.

The longer they fought, the stronger they became.

At first, Stanley had been able to inflict meaningful damage, carving gashes across the beast’s body.

But as the fight dragged on, his situation grew increasingly dire. His stamina dwindled. His breathing grew ragged.

’I can’t continue like this…’

’The others will arrive soon…’

Stanley’s heart sank. He had never imagined his luck would be so bad to encounter such a battle-crazed monster while fleeing for his life.

’I need to escape.’

The moment the thought formed, he acted decisively.

Stanley abandoned the fight without hesitation and turned, sprinting deeper into the forest.

Unfortunately, he forgot one critical detail.

A Redmane Ape never let go of a worthy opponent.

Roar!

The beast bellowed furiously and charged after him, crashing through trees and undergrowth with terrifying speed.

“Fuck!”

Stanley cursed loudly, his voice hoarse.

“Fuck! Just leave me alone!”

He wanted to cry, but no tears came. His legs burned as he pushed himself beyond his limits, lungs screaming for air.

He had thought escaping Thoren was the end of his nightmare. He had even begun to imagine reporting back to their leader.

Yet now, death pursued him in another form.

And the beast was closing in with every passing second.

Elsewhere in the forest, Nyssa’s situation was no better.

Her eyes burned with fury and impatience as she glared at the ring of wolves surrounding her.

The Jade Wind Wolf pack moved silently, emerald fur blending with the forest as their glowing eyes tracked her every movement.

Among them were Level 15 and Level 16 wolves and at their center stood the Alpha, its aura pressing heavily against her.

It was close to Level 17.

Just like her.

“Inferno: Searing Rain!”

Nyssa slammed her staff into the ground, unleashing her strongest spell.

The sky darkened instantly.

Moments later, a rain of blazing fire descended from above, engulfing the Jade Wind Wolf pack in a roaring inferno.

Howl!

Agonized cries echoed as several wolves were burned to ash. The Alpha snarled furiously, smoke rising from its scorched fur, before releasing a sharp command.

The surviving wolves retreated swiftly, disappearing into the forest.

Nyssa sneered as she watched them flee and prepared to resume her escape.

Then she glanced over her shoulder.

Her blood ran cold.

Five undead figures were closing in on her at terrifying speed.

“No!”

She screamed and turned to flee.

The battle with the wolves had cost her precious time. The undead had drawn far too close.

Fear clenched her heart like a vice.

She raced through the forest with everything she had left.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, five Jade Wind Wolves burst from the undergrowth, ambushing her path.

Nyssa barely managed to raise her staff in time, blocking a set of claws mere inches from tearing her throat open. The impact sent her skidding backward.

She retaliated instantly, hurling a fireball.

Boom!

One wolf was incinerated instantly. The others retreated, but their eyes gleamed with savage cunning.

Nyssa cursed inwardly at the Alpha’s trickery, but she had no time to deal with them.

Her only thought was to escape.

Whoosh!

Danger!

From the corner of her eye, she spotted a massive hammer spinning toward her at lethal speed.

’Shit!’

She twisted desperately to the side.

Bang!

The hammer smashed into a tree, shattering it into splinters.

Nyssa scrambled to her feet, her face pale, heart pounding wildly in her chest.

But before she could disappear into the forest, the undead arrived.

*****

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