Ethan strode toward the jungle boundary. His mana reserves had increased since the last time he was there. The tier 3 herb’s effects had integrated completely into his physiology.

‘Time to test these improvements against real opposition.’

Once he was inside the forest, his senses detected subtle changes in the jungle’s wildlife.

The ecosystem had shifted in response to his earlier rampage, predator populations adjusting to new threat assessments.

‘They’re hiding more, it seems like the battle with Apex Mane was quite loud.’

Movement in the canopy announced his first encounter.

Three Sky Razors descended through filtered sunlight, their speed creating blur effects that would confuse normal opponents. But Ethan’s eyes tracked their movements with crystal clear clarity.

‘Speed specialists. They will be a good warmup for my next fight.’

The lead Sky Razor dove toward his position with lightning-quick precision, its claws extended for a killing strike. But Ethan’s fire talent responded faster than thought itself, D rank flames erupting in controlled bursts that intercepted the creature mid-flight.

Superheated air consumed the Sky Razor’s wings before it could adjust its trajectory.

Screech!

The sky razor screeched as it plummeted to earth in a ball of flame, its speed useless against fire that soon consumed its body entirely.

‘The difference in F rank talents and D rank talents is huge. I’m using less energy for more destruction.’

The remaining two Sky Razors adapted instantly, their pack intelligence recognising the elevated threat level. They flanked him from opposite directions, hoping to overwhelm his defences through their coordinated assault.

Water manipulation answered their strategy. Moisture drawn from jungle air created twin barriers that absorbed their diving attacks while redirecting momentum harmlessly aside.

The aquatic shields held effortlessly, his water control providing defence that Mid-Silver claws couldn’t dream of penetrating.

‘Fire for offence, water for defence.’

Wind blades finished both creatures before they could attempt retreat. Compressed air sliced through enhanced hide with terrifying accuracy, ending the encounter in less than ten seconds.

‘Not bad…three silver cores collected in the span of a few seconds. Resource accumulation continues no matter what.’

Deeper into the jungle, Ethan entered an area with volcanic formations. Steam rose from natural vents while sulfurous scents marked territories where extreme temperatures supported specialised ecosystems.

‘Fire salamanders, once again. Time to test my improved talent against them.’

Four Inferno Salamanders emerged from lava pools, their flame-wreathed bodies radiating heat that would incinerate normal plant life. But Ethan’s enhanced fire manipulation met their natural abilities with overwhelming superiority.

‘My fire versus their fire. No contest this time.’

The battle became a demonstration rather than a combat. His D- rank flames consumed their flame auras like candles meeting blowtorches, superior control overwhelming natural talent through sheer power.

Steam erupted as he combined fire and water in devastating coordination. Superheated vapor cooked the salamanders from within their own flame bodies, turning their greatest strength into fatal weakness.

‘Four more cores…’

Resource notifications continued accumulating as he moved deeper into hostile territory:

‘Total resources gained: 55 wood, 40 stone, 45 sand’

‘Core collection: 7 additional Mid-Silver’

‘Productive expedition. But the real target awaits ahead.’

The jungle trail wound through increasingly familiar territory—scorched vegetation marking the site of his previous encounter with C-grade power. Ancient trees bore char marks from their elemental confrontation while disturbed earth showed where the Apex Mane had shattered stone through sheer physical force.

‘Close now. Very close.’

His senses detected familiar energy signatures before visual contact became possible. The distinctive power emanations of the Apex Mane spread through the jungle air like a predator’s heartbeat.

‘It’s still here. Still hunting in the same territory.’ Ethan thought with a twisted look on his face.

Ethan approached the previous battlefield with caution, every talent ready for immediate activation. The clearing appeared exactly as he’d left it, a circle of destruction where two apex predators had tested their capabilities against each other.

Movement in the shadows announced his target’s presence.

The Apex Mane emerged from concealing vegetation with grace that seemed undiminished despite its grievous wounds. The left side of its face bore the permanent scar of their previous encounter, a channel carved from ruined eye socket to jawline that would mark it forever.

The signature that Ethan had left on its face would stay with it forever.

But the creature’s remaining golden eye blazed with fury that Ethan had earned from their first confrontation. Its muscles rippled with power while its claws extended in preparation for violence once again.

‘It remembers me. Good. This will be personal.’

The Apex Mane’s scarred visage twisted into something approaching a smile as it recognised the source of its permanent disfigurement. Revenge motivations burned in its remaining eye—a predator’s fury at being marked by supposed prey.

‘You want another round? Let’s see how you will handle my power…especially when you lost an eye whilst I’m brand new.’

Power radiated from both combatants as they faced each other across the scorched clearing. The jungle itself seemed to hold its breath, trees preparing to witness round two of their apocalyptic confrontation.

But this time, Ethan carried advantages that could tip the balance more than before.

‘I must finish it this time…I need to get its core and devour it.’

The Apex Mane’s muscles tensed for the opening assault, C-grade enhancement gathering like a storm about to break. Its scarred face promised violence that would surpass their previous encounter.

Ethan’s own talents swirled around his position, fire, water, wind, and crystal hardening, preparing for coordinated defence and overwhelming offence.

‘Round two. Let’s finish what we started.’

The clearing erupted into violence as two apex predators collided with the force of natural disasters.

ROAR!

The Apex Mane’s bellow shook trees as it launched forward, its high stats coupled with its C-grade enhancement transforming its massive body into a living missile.

Claws extended like spears sought Ethan’s throat while golden fury blazed in its remaining eye.

Here we go again. Time for round 2.

But this time, Ethan was ready.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep