It turned out that the forbidden area wasn't too far away, as after walking only for about two hours or so, the crowd had reached there.
The entrance to the area was marked by a large, almost holographic barrier that surrounded all four sides of the forbidden lands, looking like thin glass walls.
Thankfully on their way there, the group hadn't come across any escaped creatures, so after arriving, everyone stopped at a place near the entrance and began to formulate a plan of action, which caught Lyrian off guard since it was Cedric after all.
Where they currently were was in the midst of the jungle, far thicker than before, and from what he would see, the forbidden lands, which seemed giant looking at how the holographic walls extended far past what the eyes could see on the left and right, was even more dense of a jungle, with trees that reached over 3x the height of normal ones, and shrubbery that covered the floor like an infestation.
"Here's the plan! If we come across a creature, we will all use our strength to hunt it down. I don't care how strong it is, there are 50 of us here!" Cedric announced, causing a roar of cheer amongst the kids.
"And if we find that golden-tiered creature, the person who kills it will get the core and no exceptions!" He also said, causing another burst of applause.
'Hmm, well that's unfortunate for everyone else. I have to be the one to kill it since I also need to Reap its soul.' Lyrian thought to himself on hearing this.
After another small pep talk, the group began to enter the forbidden land through the holographic magic barrier slowly.
Once inside, the walk was cautious and ever so silent, everyone on the edge, anticipating what could happen next.
Finally, the crowd suddenly came to the ledge of a small hill. It was about a 20-foot jump down into an open area of the forest that stretched to about 100 by 100 square meters.
Cedric gave the silent command to stop as he saw this as an opportunity to scout out the area just a little, but that's when a giant creature suddenly leaped into the open area below them from the trees.
Lyrian immediately knew what it was from the looks of it, 'An Emperor Tiger,' He said to himself, looking at the beast.
"Is that what I think it is?" Alten said in shock as he looked down at the ferocious beast.
"Yes, and it's even bigger than the one we previously fought," Leon replied.
In the following split second, a giant white bear nearly 1.5x the size of the tiger stormed into the scene, taking a hefty bite into the back of the tiger's neck, killing it instantly as it stood up on its hiend legs–now staring at the kids on the ledge who it was now taller than.
[Warning! A creature with a lethal threat level has bloodlust over you!]
[Creature threat level: HAVOC]
"AHHH!" A random kid in the group suddenly let out a girlish scream before fainting on the spot.
Lyrian noticed the kid, then looked back at the bear, 'I guess fighting our way through here won't be an option...'
At that precise moment, an enormous gorilla with red fur and a gold-colored back emerged from the trees, charging into the bear that was the same size as it with a wild roar.
As the beasts tumbled away whilst they fought, several giant blue and yellow birds the size of cars flew over the group, screeching loudly as they marked their presence.
After the chaos finally somewhat settled, everyone in the group was left speechless.
Needless to say, this wasn't what anyone was expecting in the slightest. The ferociousness of the forbidden lands lived up to beyond what it was cut out to be.
"Alright! After those tier-four beasts!" Cedric suddenly yelled, jumping down from the hill before beginning to run toward where the beasts had moved their fight.
Many of the kids mindlessly followed his order, even though they were too scared. The only reason they came to the forbidden area in the first place was because they were part of a large group.
ραndαsnοvεl.cοm Coming alone was a death sentence, and so staying alone whilst here made no sense.
Lyrian and a few others stayed behind, however.
"What are you planning to do?" Leon asked, walking up to Lyrian.
Looking turned his head past his shoulder, "I'm going for that golden-tiered creature." He confidently spoke.
"Will you hunt other creatures on your way there?" Leon asked as Alten, Glis, and a few other kids listened to hear Lyrian's answer.
"Naturally. But for the most part, I will search for the golden-tiered creature of course."
"Alright, then I will come along with you. I don't see much of a better option here anyways."
"I have no problem with that, just don't slow me down." Lyrian smirked, "So, any clue where it is?"
Leon paused, no answer in mind.
"I think I can help with that." Alten stepped up, "According to the Tasnan Wilderlands map that I studied, there should be a flat mountain range a bit further down south. If I were to guess, the creature would be there, since that's where the highest rate of dangerous creatures are reported to be spotted."
"Then how about you join us? I don't know my way there, so I need a navigator." Lyrian suggested.
"I'd be delighted to! Lyrian!" Alten said, happy to be helpful to someone who he looked up to.
After this, the three suddenly turned and looked at Glis in sync, who was still just listening.
The sudden acknowledgment made her blush in embarrassment, as she exclaimed, "What! What are you staring at me for?!"
"Are you going to be coming along?" Alten asked.
"O-of course not! I just stayed behind because following that idiot is stupid and dumb!" She said, completely flustered before activating her ice skate and jumping away into the forest.
The rest of the kids looked to be shocked with fear, one of them even having pissed their pants.
"Are you guys insane!? You want to continue after seeing that! I'm outta here!" A kid said as he made his way to the exit, while the leftovers followed.
The three looked back at each other.
"Well, I guess it's just us three," Alten said.
"That's fine, this should be plenty." Lyrian lightly grinned as the three decided to head on their way to the flat mountain ranges down south.