Chapter 186: Crystallize [4]

—[Chain–Act Complete!]—

[Find the source of the mana density.]

[Rewards Obtained:]

[Sovereign of Creation: EXP — +2%]

[Act Progression: 5%]

————

"Ah."

So the elf was the reason for the mana density in the forest.

Figures.

Not only that, but what is this act progression feature?

No matter how much he looked, he could never find its progression in the system.

"...."

Turning back, there, he could see the Behemoth's towering figure. It was a significant distance away.

By estimation, it would reach them in nine minutes.

"....What is that?"

Carl spoke with a horrified tone. They were still several steps away from each other.

Brandon turned around and stared at the large crystal tree.

"It's an elf."

"An elf?"

"The hair color is a bit different. But the leaf pointed ears matched the reports."

Amelia's cool voice cut through.

"I can't believe it. It really looks like... a human."

This was the first time Brandon had seen one as well. But he was used to the sight from all the media he consumed in his past life.

Thus, it wasn't quite a shock for him to see one up close.

If the concept of elves were the same as from what he knew, then it explained the heavy mana in the atmosphere surrounding the elf, trapped inside the crystal tree.

Elves were always described to be loved by mana.

Therefore, it wasn't a stretch to say that the mana in the air gathered around the elf and had caused the atmosphere in the forest.

It was then.

—[Chain–Act]—

[Save the Elf.]

[Rewards:]

[Act Progression: 5%]

[Wraiths' Descent: –2%]

————

Once again, the system had given him directions. It was never this constant in the past.

In the first place, how can such meager quests such as this and escorting Carl would even prevent the Wraiths' descent—

He paused his thoughts.

Everything started to click.

If his conjectures were proven correct, then the quests weren't actually preventing the descent.

Otherwise, it wouldn't make sense.

"Then...."

All of this.

The system was leading him to this exact moment.

As if the system knew that escorting Carl would entail stumbling upon this elf in front of him.

Thwack!

He forcefully punched his face.

Thwack!

Again.

Thwack!

And again...

Thwack!

"Brandon!"

Thwack!

Until he was able to trick his brain that the pain came from his punches.

"Haaa..."

He took a deep heavy breath. His face was battered and his nose started to bleed.

Clenching his face, he looked ahead.

There should be someplace they could hide to rest.

But his vision started getting hazy, and he couldn't look properly anymore.

Realizing what he was doing, Amelia scouted ahead as well.

"There."

She pointed ahead.

"Just take the lead."

He didn't have the luxury to look anymore. Amelia nodded her head and led the group.

Carl followed her closely, and after the distance was maintained, Brandon followed suit, clenching his face tightly.

[Mana Burst: 57 seconds]

"Tsk."

He clicked his tongue as he continued following Amelia.

30.

23.

13.

7.

4.

3.

2.

Without any concern for his surroundings, Brandon immediately slumped down and leaned behind what seemed to be a wall.

Rumble... Rumble...

The unstable mana around him lashed out and the surroundings shook intensely.

1.

"Akh!"

Overexerting [Mana Burst], adding to the fact that his mana was eating away at him, and his body breaking, the pain was too tremendous for him to handle all at once.

Rumble... Ru...

The shaking intensified. But all he could hear was constant ringing in his ears.

Peering his eyes open, there, he could see Carl and Amelia outside.

They were in, yet, another cave.

Amelia seemed to be running towards him. Her expressions, laced with genuine concern. His vision was blurry, and the world started spinning.

Ru...

...And he blanked out.