Chapter 148: Gold spawn point (2)

The abandoned spawning ground stretched before them like a geological amphitheater carved by ancient forces. Crystal formations jutted from mineral-rich soil while energy patterns created visible distortions that spoke of accumulated magical pressure seeking release.

Ethan positioned himself at optimal observation distance, his enhanced senses monitoring the subtle fluctuations that preceded manifestation events. Torrino remained nearby under careful watch, his military experience useful for interpreting spawning patterns.

“How long between manifestations?” Ethan asked, studying the energy readings that painted rainbow patterns across crystalline surfaces.

“Varies,” Torrino replied, his voice carrying professional assessment despite personal circumstances. “Anywhere from thirty minutes to three hours. The stronger the spawned creatures, the longer the intervals.”

The spawning ground hummed with contained potential as magical energies built toward critical thresholds. Ancient stones bore scorch marks and claw gouges that testified to decades of violent emergence events.

Time passed with their patience. Ethan’s enhanced perception tracked energy fluctuations while Torrino provided running commentary on the geological formations that channeled spawning forces into coherent manifestation.

“The central depression acts as focal point,” the captain explained, pointing toward a crater-like formation where crystal density reached maximum concentration. “Creatures emerge there before establishing territorial claims across the wider area.”

An hour elapsed before the first signs appeared.

Energy distortions intensified around the central spawning zone, reality beginning to warp as dimensional barriers thinned. Crystalline formations resonated with harmonic frequencies that made the air itself vibrate.

“It’s starting,” Torrino whispered, instinctive caution overriding his prisoner status. “Something’s coming through.”

The manifestation erupted with explosive force that shattered nearby stones. Three massive forms burst from dimensional rifts, their solid bodies displacing enough air to create pressure waves that rattled ancient trees.

<Ferocious Beast: Ironhide Devastator>

<Rank: Mid-Gold>

<Physical Enhancement Talent: C>

<Ferocious Beast: Ironhide Devastator>

<Rank: Mid-Gold>

<Physical Enhancement Talent: C>

<Ferocious Beast: Ironhide Crusher>

<Rank: Low-Gold>

<Physical Enhancement Talent: C>

Three boars, each the size of a small huts, their metallic hides gleaming with supernatural enhancement. Tusks like steel spears jutted from massive skulls while muscle definition spoke of strength that could reshape landscapes.

Ethan’s eyes widened as he processed their individual power levels. Two Mid-Gold specimens backed by one Low-Gold—substantial spawning output that promised excellent advancement opportunities.

But Torrino’s face had gone pale with recognition of something abnormal.

“Is this usual strength?” Ethan asked, noting his prisoner’s obvious concern.

Torrino shook his head vigorously. “No, it’s an anomaly. Usually only one Mid-Gold spawns per cycle, backed by several Low-Gold specimens. This is… unprecedented.”

The implications suggested either random variance or external factors influencing manifestation patterns. Either way, the mathematical result remained favorable—three C-grade Physical Enhancement talents available for systematic harvesting.

The Ironhide Ravagers detected human presence immediately. Ancient predator instincts oriented toward potential threats while territorial claims established dominance hierarchies among themselves.

The largest specimen—the Devastator—snorted challenge that shattered nearby crystal formations. Its Physical Enhancement talent activated with visible effect, muscles swelling beyond their already impressive proportions while metallic hide took on mirror-bright sheen.

Combat erupted without warning.

All three boars charged simultaneously, their coordinated assault demonstrating pack intelligence that transcended simple animal behavior. The ground trembled under their combined weight while displaced air created hurricane-force winds.

Ethan activated Enhanced Speed immediately. Reality shifted into manageable slow motion as his perception accelerated beyond normal limits. The boars’ charge became trackable rather than overwhelming, their individual attack patterns visible despite coordinated timing.

Crystal manipulation manifested around his entire body, mineral armor achieving diamond-bright density that could withstand impacts capable of shattering mountains. The defensive enhancement would be tested within seconds.

The Devastator reached him first, its massive bulk moving with speed that challenged physics. Tusks like siege weapons sought his torso while hooves capable of pulverizing stone targeted his defensive positioning.

Enhanced agility carried him aside at the last possible moment. The creature’s charge missed by centimeters, its tusks carving gouges through solid stone where he’d been standing microseconds before.

But the second devastator anticipated his evasion. The second boar’s attack came from the precisely calculated angle, its own tusks seeking to impale him during his recovery from the first dodge.

Fire magic erupted in controlled barriers that deflected the creature’s charge while volcanic mastery superheated the immediate environment. Steam rose from overheated stone as temperatures climbed beyond what most creatures could tolerate.

The Crusher completed their coordinated assault, its smaller but still substantial bulk targeting his flank while fire magic occupied his primary attention. Three-dimensional attack coordination that demonstrated tactical intelligence beyond simple animal cunning.

Water manipulation answered with pressurized streams that hammered the Crusher’s approach, hydraulic force sufficient to stagger even C-grade enhancement. But the creature’s metallic hide distributed impact across impossible surface area.

Wind blades materialized throughout the combat zone, invisible cutting edges seeking weak points in metallic armor that seemed to deflect everything. Several strikes found gaps between hide plates, drawing lots of blood from creatures that rarely experienced damage.

The boars’ response demonstrated why they dominated Gold-rank spawning cycles.

Physical Enhancement talents activated simultaneously, all three creatures achieving maximum C-grade output. Their already impressive bulk expanded further while speed capabilities increased beyond what their size should have allowed.

But Ethan felt something approaching boredom as he assessed their capabilities. These creatures, while formidable by regional standards, operated on power scales he’d transcended through systematic advancement.

’Time for experimentation rather than efficiency.’

“Come here,” he called out with casual authority, gesturing toward the largest boar. “Let’s see what that enhancement really accomplishes.”

The Devastator responded with murderous fury, its charge creating craters where hooves struck stone. But instead of his usual overwhelming counterattack, Ethan chose restraint.

Fire magic erupted in precisely controlled bursts—enough intensity to sear flesh without causing fatal damage. The creature’s metallic hide glowed cherry-red as superheated metal conducted thermal energy directly into muscle tissue.

Its scream of pain echoed across the spawning ground while steam rose from cooling blood that leaked through stress fractures in its armor.

’Thermal conductivity. Interesting weakness.’

Water manipulation followed immediately, pressurized streams striking the superheated hide with hydraulic precision. The rapid temperature differential created expansion stress that shattered several armor plates entirely.

The Devastator staggered under compound trauma, its C-grade enhancement struggling to compensate for systematic exploitation of material science principles.

“Fascinating,” Ethan observed conversationally. “Your armor becomes a liability under proper application of thermal dynamics.”

It attempted flanking maneuvers while its pack leader reeled from unexpected technical assault. But Ethan’s attention shifted toward testing wind manipulation combinations.

Compressed air formed invisible barriers that redirected the creature’s charge into crystal formations. The impact created explosions of mineral shrapnel that found every gap in metallic protection.

Blood sprayed in abstract patterns as the Ravager discovered that pack tactics meant nothing against superior individual control of battlefield dynamics.

“Your turn,” Ethan said, pointing toward the smallest boar. “Come here and demonstrate that Physical Enhancement.”

The Crusher charged with desperate courage, its Low-Gold capabilities pushed beyond safe parameters. But Low-Gold meant target practice for someone operating at his current power levels.

Crystal manipulation erupted from the spawning ground in geometric patterns that trapped the creature within cage-like formations. Each attempt to break free resulted in deeper lacerations as razor-sharp mineral edges found vulnerable flesh.

Volcanic mastery provided the thermal component. Magma seeped through crystal gaps, creating localized temperature zones that cooked the trapped creature without allowing escape or death.

The Crusher’s struggles became increasingly frantic as it realized the cage was designed for prolonged suffering rather than quick execution.

“Excellent durability,” Ethan noted approvingly. “C-grade enhancement provides impressive resistance to systematic torture.”

The three boars regrouped with pack intelligence that spoke of accumulated combat experience. Their coordinated positioning demonstrated professional assessment of tactical disadvantage.

But coordination meant nothing when facing overwhelming superiority backed by multiple talent applications.

“All together this time,” he commanded with theatrical authority. “Show me what territorial dominance looks like.”

The simultaneous charge created seismic disturbances that cracked ancient foundations. Six tusks like siege weapons sought his destruction while hooves capable of reshaping landscapes targeted his defensive positioning.

Enhanced Speed made their assault appear comedically slow. He walked between their attacks casually, each step calculated to demonstrate the gulf between their capabilities and his own.

Fire and water coordinated in steam-based warfare that turned their charge into chaotic stumbling. Superheated vapor concealed their target while creating environmental hazards that challenged even enhanced balance.

Crystal manipulation activated around his hands as he chose direct physical engagement. Diamond-bright knuckles met metallic hide in impacts that rang like struck bells while sending shockwaves through enhanced physiology.

The Devastator’s skull cracked under his casual backhand. Bone that should have resisted siege weapons cratered beneath High-Gold strength applied with surgical precision.

“Come here,” he said to the reeling creature.

Volcanic mastery flowed through crystal-hardened fists, each punch delivering molten fury directly into damaged flesh. The boar’s screams carried harmonics that shattered nearby formations while its metallic armor conducted internal heat with devastating efficiency.

The Ravager attempted rescue efforts that spoke of genuine pack loyalty. But loyalty meant nothing against Etyan’s power

Wind blades carved through its approach route, invisible cutting edges that removed chunks of flesh with precision. Each wound calculated to disable rather than kill—prolonged suffering over merciful execution.

Water manipulation created pressure waves that hammered the creature against crystal formations. Hydraulic force combined with mineral impact points to create compound trauma that overwhelmed even C-grade regeneration.

“Your pack coordination is admirable,” Ethan observed as the creatures struggled to maintain combat effectiveness. “But you are too weak, you can only become my beast core farm.”

The Crusher made one final desperate assault at Ethan, its diminished capabilities pushed beyond it’s sustainable limits.

Ethan smiled watching its suicidal attempt.

“Time to finish this.”

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