Chapter 29: Variants

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Sharpening his gaze, Apollo noticed a beast in the area they all had scattered from earlier. From the way it was sniffing the ground, it seemed to think of them as its targets. In light of his appearance, the beast halted its actions and lifted its head abruptly. Its keen eyes locked sights with Apollo who retrieved the Vantablack Knife reactively.

It was a large wolf with crimson eyes. However, the attention-grabbing features were both its azure fur as well as the streak of violet located upon its torso extending until the end of its tail. A gleam circulated through its eyes as it emitted a low growl. Its fangs possessed a slight metallic sheen with a luster matching polished steel.

Monster Name: Azure Lightning Wolf

Type: Variant

Cultivation: Peak Stage Rank 1 Spirit Beast

Health: 2,000/2,000

Chance of Defeat: 0.7%

'A Variant? What's a Variant?' thought Apollo as he prepared himself for the subsequent actions of the beast.

[A variant simply means a beast which doesn't conform to the norm of advancement. Under normal circumstances, it could also mean it's a hybrid offspring from mixed species of beast. Based on its aura, however, this variant is on the higher end of the spectrum. It possesses an element before entering the 2nd Rank. In other words, it's a beast of high talent. While it lacks a bloodline, it should still exhibit commendable battle capabilities.]

'So a variant is stronger than a typical monster? As for elements... I'm not aware of it. You'll need to explain to me more after this situation,' responded Apollo as he dodged to the side. The rocks splintered as they flew everywhere due to the wolf performing a powerful pounce.

'It's fast!' This was the only thought running through Apollo's mind as he responded to that attack. He estimated the only reason he was able to respond was due to their distance. Frowning, Apollo shook his head. Rather than waiting for a perilous situation to occur, he moved proactively instead of reactively and increased his Agility to the highest degree possible.

[Agility: 8.3 → 11.3]

Instantly, a refreshing and empowered feeling coursed through Apollo's limb. The 10.0 mark was a small watershed to be broken through with stats. As a result, what occurred was a shocking sight. 'This feeling is amazing. It feels like my body is empowered with neverending energy,' thought Apollo.

'Fwoosh!'

Kicking off his back foot, his initial acceleration increased greatly. A small foot was left in place of where he once stood. Immediately after, turned into a gust of wind only slightly slower than the wolf he was up against. Nevertheless, what he didn't achieve in stats was made up through tactics. This wolf was only faster when it came to linear acceleration. However, a human's bipedal body worked differently.

Performing a short step, Apollo pivoted to the side, landing a slash on the hind leg of the wolf causing an enraged howl. Remaining calm, Apollo spun and delivered a second cut before moving away. Glaring dangerously, the violet streak on the wolf's torso began illuminating.

A torrential amount of Natural Essence began interacting with the Azure Lightning Wolf as its tail became coated in a violet aura. As a result, its speed increased dangerously. Furthermore, arcs of lights crackled on its limbs as it dashed at a speed Apollo was currently unable to react to. A large tear appeared on the leg of his grey robes.

"Oh? It's the Lightning Gait," muttered Iruak as he shifted his gaze to Apollo. He was curious as to how Apollo would deal with this situation. Would he be able to capitalize and deal with this instance?

"Hoooo…" breathed Apollo as his eyes sharpened. Ignoring the gash on his leg, Apollo entered that same state as earlier. Dissecting the situation, he scrutinized all aspects of relevance. Soon enough, he came to his own answer—capitalize on the environment.

Dropping his posture, instead of confronting the wolf Apollo began running in a tight circle. With each step, he built up an obscene amount of speed until he began looking like a phantom in the wind. At that moment, he stuck the Vantablack Knife into the dirt kicking up a small dirt cloud.

The speed at which he moved kept it airborne. In a few moments, it looked like a crude prison of dirt. Hence, the wolf's sights were limited to areas Apollo had yet to reach. However, that was what Apollo was banking on as he removed his top robe.

His actions resulted in the Violet Lightning Wolf constantly switching positions until finally, it bolted for the only clear section. However, utilizing his shirt, Apollo launched a large amount of soil at the beast. Its actions had already been calculated by Apollo.

Taking note of this, Irauk nodded in approval, 'Witty use of his surroundings while also capitalizing on the conflictions of attributes. Lightning doesn't fare well against anything having to do with Earth.'

"Howoooo…!" howled the wolf as its sight and smell were removed from the equation. It could only rely upon hearing but even then the gusts of wind interrupted its sense of Apollo's presence. Like a phantom, he dashed back and forth delivering small cuts on its body. He unfurled a relentless barrage of slashes that drained both his stamina and the beast's health in tandem.

Luckily, his stamina could facilitate him doing this due to its large increase. It wasn't long before the beast's health fell under 20%. However, at that point, it fell into insanity. A large stream of lightning arcs danced around its body before spreading outward.

Reacting with the Natural Essence it became volatile. A sense of danger encroached upon Apollo causing him to retreat with haste. Without delay, he dashed into the distance.

'Krrrk' 'Krrrrk! 'Krrrrkllee!' 'Boom!'

A shockwave of lightning burst from its body which interacting with the airborne soil, blowing it back. Fortunately, it acted as a barrier containing the blast which achieved a radius of 3 meters.

After that small explosion, it fell into a powerless state, surprising Apollo, 'A survival tactic? Luckily it didn't land or else I could've been mortally wounded.'

Dashing in without hesitation, Apollo plunged his knife into its chest before striking upwards into its throat. A fountain of blood sprayed as its body fell limp and lifeless. His performance was unprecedented!

«Congratulations, you have killed a Variant equivalent to a formidable Early Stage Rank 2 Spirit Beast.»

«700 (350 + 350) Experience has been received.»

«Congratulations, you have reached Level 46.»

«You have been rewarded: .1 Attributes and 3 Stat Points.»

Dropping to his knees, Apollo felt a wave of exhaustion overtake him while Irauk grinned. 'It seems I have underestimated this boy. He has primal survival instincts. The way he fights and thinks...he holds his continuance with utmost importance.'

"OH MY GOD!" shouted a voice containing pure shock.