C28 – Screeching Hedgehog
Candidates trickled into the Iron Woods, their numbers a mere drop in the vast expanse. They soon vanished among the towering trees, dwarfed by the enormity of the forest.
Upon entering, Qin Hongyu was struck by a sense of insignificance. The trees around him bore no resemblance to any he had seen before, their size and height bordering on the surreal. It was clear that in the desolate era, evolution and atavism had left their mark not just on animals, but on plants as well—each colossal tree required the embrace of three people just to span its girth.
Despite their cautious steps, the trio couldn’t prevent the dry leaves underfoot from crackling as they made their way through the Iron Woods. They were met with harrowing sights along their path, including the decaying carcasses of Demon Beasts, their stench hanging heavy in the air.
More than once, they witnessed fellow examinees paralyzed with fear at the sight of such horrors, some even crying out for help in terror.
“We’ve barely passed the half-hour mark, and already a good number have been weeded out,” Qin Hongyu observed, his brow furrowed in thought.
In front of him, what seemed like a small mound of earth began to shift, and a spiky hedgehog burrowed its way out. This was no ordinary hedgehog, though; it was a behemoth, easily five times the size of a regular one, its body bristling with razor-sharp spines that glinted with a metallic sheen, enough to make anyone’s skin crawl.
Qin Hongyu’s mind was instantly flooded with details about the creature before them:
[Demon Beast Name]: Screeching Hedgehog
[Demon Beast Skills]: Sharp Armor Defense, Spine Burst
[Demon Beast Special Characteristic]: When the Screeching Hedgehog sustains a mortal wound, it will eject all its spines. Seek cover immediately to avoid them!
“Watch out, everyone! We’re dealing with a low-level Screeching Hedgehog. Beware of its spikes—they can detonate!” Qin Hongyu urgently ushered the others to distance themselves from the metallic menace.
As they retreated, all three simultaneously called forth their battle spirits, which eyed the Screeching Hedgehog warily, ready for whatever might come next.