Chapter 177: Blizzard [3]

The fluctuation of mana had greatly impacted the world. The same went for the creatures that resided, just before the calamity struck.

A pack of wolves entered the cave. However, there was a stark difference in the wolves they were used to.

While wolves were the typical canine hounds with gray fur, these wolves had icicles protruding from all over their body.

Their eyes glowed an ominous icy glow as they glared at the group.

—Awooooo!

A shrilling howl echoed throughout the cave. Immediately, the wolves lashed out.

"...Hua?"

Carl was jolted awake from the commotion.

"Stay put, Carl. We'll handle this."

Brandon gestured his hand for Carl to stay still behind him.

"....O-okay."

Carl seemed to have been frightened as he pulled the fur coat that was draped around him, covering his eyes.

Brandon returned his attention to the ice-like wolves.

But since they were wolves...

"Goblins! Go...!"

Brandon wanted to test what the goblins were capable of.

At his call, the goblins bolted from their positions and attacked the wolves.

However....

Cr... Crack!

These wolves were different.

—Awoooo!

They howled, and ice that contorted into spikes—materialized from where they stood and headed for the goblins.

One of the goblins was caught off guard, and the ice spikes deeply impaled the goblin's body.

"Kunana... no!"

Brandon cried out.

He didn't know which goblin it was. He just hoped it wasn't Kukoro or little Kuoh.

In fact, he had forgotten all of their names besides the two mentioned....

The goblins looked at their dead comrade, before the spikes impaled them.

"Shit."

Brandon cursed out.

"I should've done it myself..."

And regretted.

There were five goblins at the start. But now, there were only two left. Thankfully, one of them was little Kuoh. Brandon could make out his small stature.

Extending his hand forward, threads loomed out from his finger tips and wrapped themselves around the remaining goblins.

Pulling his arm back, the two goblins were hurled back to safety.

"Kuakaka!"

"Kwaaa!"

The goblins seemed to be enraged at Brandon's actions.

"I'm sorry, little Kuoh. And... probably Kukoro. But let me handle it this time."

—It's fine. No worries, my King.

—Throughout heaven and earth, you alone are the honored one.

"Thanks, Kukoro and little Kuoh."

They didn't pose a challenge.

Clenching his hand, threads instantly wrapped themselves around the wolf and lifted it up.

He clenched his hand tightly.

The wolf's hide seemed to be thick as Brandon was unable to tear the wolf apart in one go.

And so, he exerted more strength.

Blood started seeping from the wolf's mouth, as well as its eyes.

——!

Splurt!

[You have slain a Frostwolf!]

[+0.3% EXP]

So the leveling feature was still there.

How neat.

The other wolves seemed petrified as they glared menacingly at Brandon, their eyes, glowing a icy glare.

A myriad of ice spikes protruded from the ground. Brandon swiftly dodged the attack as he leapt upwards.

Voosh— Voosh— Voosh——!

Throwing the black flames at the wolves, they howled in pain as burn marks scorched their hide.

Brandon continued this strategy for a while until he quickly finished them off. An ice sword materialized in his hand and he gripped the handle tightly.

Swoosh—!

Since the ice that served as the wolves' armor had melted, Brandon was easily able to to slice them apart.

[You have slain a Frostwolf!]

[You have slain a Frostwolf!]

[You have slain a Frostwolf!]

[You have slain a Frostwolf!]

Just like that, he had quickly decimated five ice wolves without breaking a sweat.

However, there were still five more as they bore their fangs against Brandon.

—Awooooo!

A shrilling howl rang out and once again, ice shot from the ground and headed towards Brandon.

Brandon leapt backwards, giving Amelia the go signal to switch with him.

But that was when...

Crack!

Before Brandon was able to land on his feet, a sword pierced through the air and struck the ice, shattering it in the process.

Brandon turned around, and several swords that seemed to be made from magic floated around Amelia.

"It's my turn."

Amelia spoke.

"Go."

Brandon nodded and Amelia instantly bursted forward. The swords closely followed her, floating all around her.

Brandon had already seen this before, back during the exhibition match.

But the sight had still left him astonished.

Bang! Bang!

"....?"

Brandon tilted his head as he watched Amelia fought off the ice wolves.

There was a pistol in her hand.

So she had a new fighting style...