Chapter 123 - Dreadgnaw

Green-spotted Hyenas have quite a notorious reputation inside the Plainsteed Rift; apparently, that's what the Planet Dualmoon's highest-ranking officials from the Federation decided to call the maintained-type Dimensional Rift. The beasts always travel in packs and they always attack during the night. The green spots on fur could release some kind of paralyzing toxic gas, allowing them to ambush unsuspecting prey or even Energy Refiners.

It's considered a peak Ordinary Rank that even a Stage 2 Energy Refiner could only run away if one encountered them.

However, that's not all. In every three hundred green-spotted hyenas, one of them would stand out and break the threshold to be considered as an Extraordinary Rank creature. It would grow twice the size of a regular green-spotted hyena and possessed jaws strong enough to bite through a Standard Metadome's armor plate.

There were instances of a group of Stage 2 Energy Refiners encountering them at night and the fatality rate with those encounters was as high as 90%. Of the remaining 10%, 5% consists of having at least one survivor, 5% consists of groups that managed to escape without casualty.

Naturally, if a group was stronger and had enough preparation, they could fight back and drive them away. Unfortunately, the hyenas were sly creatures that always favored ambush.

Recalling that information, not only Aldrin but even Frederic who was the most excited for another round of battle gaped at what they arrived at.

Faye's group of ten Energy Refiners had been reduced to eight. Moreover, the remaining eight Metadomes were scattered, each one being swarmed by at least ten hyenas.

On the ground, or specifically beneath the huge hyena, two Metadomes were trampled, the cockpit ripped open. 

As for the trainees operating them, Aldrin scanned the surroundings to look for them since there's no bloodstains in either cockpit.

"… How? It's already unusual for green-spotted hyenas to attack during the day but for even the feared Dreadgnaw." Irina muttered in fright. Caroline also paled upon seeing it.

As for Aldrin and the other two men, they also had their apprehensions.

Although it should still be considered a green-spotted hyena, they gave a nickname to that bigger and seemingly the leader of the huge pack; Dreadgnaw.

"Yes, it's unusual. But have you forgotten? Those hyenas we took care of didn't release their toxic gas. And even here. They're brute-forcing Faye and the others." Aldrin tried to sound calm while at the same time, he ordered his Dimensional Clones to move closer.

Given that no Instructors provided aid to them even when two Metadomes had already fallen, Aldrin guessed that they wouldn't receive any help from them or if not that, they're not nearby.

"For now, let's move and give Faye's group a breathing space to retreat."

"Or you can also back out now. I won't force you to fight in this seemingly slim chance of victory." He added after not hearing the other four's affirmation.

"No way! I'll help! Point where you want me to be!" Irina was the first one who answered, courage slowly masked the fear that's apparent on her face.

"I can't leave Irina," Clark answered. Even at this moment, he's trying to appeal to her. But it's understandable, especially in the current situation.

"I'll rely on you again, Caroline." Frederic addressed the glasses girl of their group, surprising Aldrin.

"Eh? No… I'm just fitting in my role." And Caroline's complexion returned to normal albeit slightly flustered.

"Mhm. Then leave the Dreadgnaw to me. You four join up with them and ask them about the two trainees whose Metadome got wrecked."

Aldrin didn't waste time to praise their conviction. Every second counts. The eight were in a terrible state and only a few of them appeared to still have the energy to fight back.

With the unusual things pointed out that clearly defied the description of the beasts, Aldrin could now certainly attribute that to the change in the Dimension.

Consequently, he geared his mind to not expect the Dimensional Creatures to behave according to the previously written description of them.

"Aldrin, take care."

Aldrin was slightly surprised at her words. He thought Irina would stop him or at least question his decision to take on the biggest threat.

"Mhm. You too. Anyway, move out. I'll still support you so focus on rescuing them first."

With that, the first one who sprang out from where they stopped was Aldrin himself.

With his refined energy being channeled to his Metadome, the EQL and its engine worked double time. As if he's controlling his own body, Aldrin ran forward. Two hazy Shadow Clones of his Metadome then appeared and ran alongside him.

Before the Dreadgnaw noticed his presence, He fired the Material Blaster in its direction.

As the large shell of the weapon whistled through the air, the huge hyena yawned and lazily turned its head, facing the incoming attack as if it's not a threat.

It stood up with its four legs and then slapped the compressed energy projectile of the blaster to the side.

"Really?" Aldrin was dumbfounded. "Dodge it, at least!" He couldn't help but comment.

Nonetheless, he continued his charge. The two Shadow Clones already moved ahead, kicking away the smaller hyenas blocking his path.

"One more!"

He once again fired the Material Blaster. Given that the range was already shortened, the Dreadgnaw couldn't slap the shell anymore. Instead, it raised its clawed paw to block it!

'Huh? Such an insane defensive capability.' He thought. But then, he noticed something.

"Aura Veil…"

The Dreadgnaw was currently covered by Dimensional Energy. It's colorless making it hard to see from afar.

Nonetheless, the force of the Material Blaster successfully pushed it away from its position. And when the smoke disappeared, Aldrin saw it failed to block it completely, the blaster successfully drew the beast's blood.

Through that, Aldrin understood, it's not unbeatable. He just had to kill it before it killed him!

Aldrin drew the Metadome's sword and activated Shadow Steps.

"Ugh!"

Feeling the large drainage of his refined energy, Aldrin grimaced. It's a normal occurrence. Janet and the books he read mentioned that. Despite being able to channel and activate a Concept through a Metadome, the refined energy needed would also scale with it, especially with the movement-type Concepts where he's literally bringing the whole metal construct with him.

That's why it's not advisable to always use a Concept while operating a Metadome.

Nonetheless, he forced his eyes open to deliver his attack. He slashed down at the huge hyena as soon as he reappeared behind it.

Through the EQL, Aldrin clearly felt the numbing sensation on his hand as the blade tried to cut through the Aura Veil. Nonetheless, a smile appeared on his lips. His sword cut through the beast! I

However, it's too early for him to rejoice.

In front of his eyes, the green-spotted hyenas began jumping and biting at his Metadome.

He swung his sword cutting through some of them but most of them continued gnawing at him.

And using that chance, the enraged Dreadgnaw joined the fray.

Aldrin could only see a large paw hitting his side before an overwhelming force sent him skidding on the ground.

Following that, another paw stepped on him, preventing him from recovering.

Moments later, the ugly mug of Dreadgnaw looked down at him as if smugly saying, "This is easy."

"Yeah. It is." Aldrin smirked.

From behind the beast, a hazy Shadow Clone wielded the Material Blaster and fired mercilessly.