—

<Human: Ethan Brandon>

<Rank: Low-Silver>

<Talents: Speed (E+), Crystal Hardening (E+), Protective Shield (F), Accuracy Enhancement (F+), Regeneration (F+), Dagger Wield (F-), Water (F), Wind (F), Fire (F+), Mental Enhancement (F)>

<Transformations: Shadowfang Wolf (Peak-Bronze), Razorback Boar (Peak-Bronze), Black Beetle (High-Bronze), Brown Bear (Peak-Bronze), Crystal Ape (Mid-Silver), Panther (Mid-Silver)>

<Level 4>

<Health Points: 1560> <Mana Points: 1200>

<Strength: 155> <Agility: 158> <Intelligence: 120> <Vitality: 156>

<Free Attributes: 15>

<Skills: Basic Footwork (Novice – 30%)>

—

His ‘Basic Footwork’ skill had improved dramatically during the life-or-death struggle with the silver-rank beast.

Soon, he would be ready for greater challenges and greater rewards.

Rising unsteadily to his feet, Ethan surveyed the battlefield, marked by broken trees and blood-soaked earth. The fight had been closer than he cared to admit. Next time, he would be stronger.

He ended his transformation and transformed into the brown bear transformation for faster healing.

<Transformation Active: Brown Bear(Peak-Bronze)>

The generation talent of the brown bear worked its magic as he sat down, contemplating how he could have handled the panther differently.

<Transformation Active: Brown Bear(Peak-Bronze)>

The regeneration talent of the brown bear worked its magic as Ethan found a safe spot and sat down, contemplating how he could have handled the panther differently. The wounds across his body slowly knit together, flesh mending at an accelerated rate. His breathing steadied as vitality flowed through his body.

For nearly ten minutes, he remained motionless, allowing the transformation’s healing properties to restore what the battle had taken.

When his wounds had closed and his mana reserves replenished, Ethan released the bear transformation, returning to his human form.

<Transformation Deactivated>

He rolled his shoulders, testing his recovered body.

“It’s still painful, but much better than before. Anyway, it’s good enough for now.”

Ethan cast one final glance at the battlefield where he’d faced death and emerged victorious.

“Still more threats to handle,” he murmured, orienting himself toward the city walls visible in the distance.

The battle was reaching its climax.

Lin, Tiana, and Hong Wei—they remained unaware of the gathering storm, depending on him for protection against forces they couldn’t comprehend.

Ethan began his journey back toward the embattled city.

Meanwhile…

In the northern part of the city, chaos reigned.

The wall slowly crumbled as chaos emerged on the battlefield.

<Ferocious Beast: Stormwing Harpy>

<Wind Control: D- Grade>

<Rank: Mid-Silver>

General Feng, still bloodied from his battle with the Crystal Ape, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with General Han. Two Low silver-rank unified against a common enemy.

Or so it appeared.

“Formation three!” Feng barked, his silver aura flaring as he deflected a wind-blade that would have decapitated a nearby officer.

The Harpy hovered above, feminine features twisted in a mockery of human expression. It’s feathered wings spread wide, conjuring cyclonic winds that tore through defensive formations with ease.

“It’s too intelligent for standard tactics,” Han replied, eyes never leaving the circling monster. “We need to adapt.”

Something in his tone caught Feng’s attention. But he didn’t dwell on it, as the harpy was very dangerous and he couldn’t afford to lose focus.

The Harpy dived, talons extended toward Feng’s chest. He pivoted, blade rising to counter. Steel met crystalline claws with a sound like shattering glass.

“Its right side!” Feng called to Han. “Strike now!”

Han moved, his sword driving toward the monster’s exposed flank. The Harpy twisted mid-air, narrowly avoiding a fatal blow.

But something was off. The spear had missed its mark by millimetres. A veteran like Han didn’t miss.

‘Was that deliberate?’

“Shield wall!” he commanded, his own silver aura expanding to protect the bronze-rank soldiers behind him.

The impact drove him back many steps, boots carving furrows in blood-soaked earth. Pain lanced through his still-healing wounds from the earlier battle.

Han appeared beside him, trying to disrupt the monster’s next attack. “You’re injured,” he observed. “Perhaps you should fall back.”

“And leave you to face this alone?” Feng managed a grim smile. “Not a chance.”

Something flickered in Han’s eyes, calculation, perhaps. Or regret.

The Harpy circled above, silver eyes tracking their movements with unnerving precision. Its features held no bestial rage, only cold intelligence as it assessed its opponents.

“It’s studying us,” Feng muttered. “This beast is very intelligent, although it doesn’t have a strong attacking prowess, it’s versatile and intelligent. It’s slowly winning.”

Han nodded. “Not like ordinary monsters.”

“We need to end this quickly.” Feng gathered his strength for another assault. “Before it adapts fully.”

“Agreed.” Han raised his hand, signalling the archers positioned along the wall. “Suppressing fire!”

Arrows darkened the sky, forcing the Harpy to evade. It flew between projectiles with grace, but the barrage achieved its purpose—momentarily limiting the monster’s mobility.

Feng seized the opportunity, charging forward as Han covered his flank. Their coordinated attack drove the Harpy backward, silver blood spilling from several minor wounds.

For a moment, victory seemed possible.

Then something changed.

The Harpy’s eyes met Han’s across the battlefield, a moment of connection that lasted barely a heartbeat. But in that instant, understanding passed between them.

Feng sensed something was wrong but couldn’t place its source. Instinct screamed a warning as he pressed his attack against the seemingly retreating monster.

“It’s weakening!” he called to Han. “One final push!”

The Harpy backed toward a section of collapsed wall, wings spread defensively. Its eyes remained calm.

Too calm.

Feng hesitated fractionally, his battlefield instinct overriding his mind. Something wasn’t right.

The monster wasn’t cornered—it was positioning itself.

“Han! It’s a trap!”

His warning came too late.

The Harpy’s wings swept forward, unleashing not an attack but a swirling vortex of dust and debris. Visibility dropped to zero in an instant, the dust storm encompassing both generals and the monster.

Feng raised his arm to shield his eyes, maintaining his defensive stance within the blinding cloud. Sounds distorted in the howling wind, making it impossible to track opponents by ear.

“Han! On me!” he shouted, voice barely audible in the raging tempest.

Movement registered to his right. A familiar silver aura approached through the dust.

Relief flooded him. “We need to—”

Pain erupted through Feng’s back, sudden and shocking. Something cold and impossibly sharp had pierced his armour, driving through his muscle and vital organs.

What…?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep