Zayden considered many tactics to kill the monsters. From his mana sense, he knew the type. But he wanted to take it down with style.
To do that, I had to think creatively. Which I suck at.
I can manipulate all the elements. Hmm. Considering my knowledge in fantasy, there are many ways.
He glanced at Jinchul and sighed inwardly. I need to appear unfazed as well.
He closed his eyes and sensed the monsters again. This time,they were getting closer.
" Ready."
Before the group could see the wolves, they heard growling. Soon the area was in was filled with monsters.
They were like a shadow filled with flesh. Their fur was painted with dry blood. Their eyes glowed with murderous instinct.
There were about 20 wolves.
Zayden snorted. " I need to close off my senses. They are too stinky."
" They are Shadow wolves. Rank D. They are common in insect type bosses' dungeons and orcs. Their bodies are weak compared to regular wolves but their speed makes up for that." Soo-ah said. Her knowledge in the monsters was above average hunter.
" Got it. It is simple. I just need to hit them fast." Zayden smirked and made a gesture of slashing. He aimed at the wolves from the left side as there were three of them gathering to attack them.
Wind condensed in front of him and formed a shape of blade. It then traveled through the distance in a flash. Instantly, three heads dropped to the ground.
Blood pool formed beneath them.
I used about 2% of my mana in this attack. There are about 18 left. If I attack without thinking, I will be exposed during the boss hunt.
Although I can refill my mana with Aura points, it is not worth it. Choice. Choice.
" Soo-ah, protect me. I want to try something."
" Yes."
Zayden smiled and activated the Aura of Dominance. This time he let his aura spread out the area without control.
Having increased in strength, he could feel the growth in this skill.
He saw murderous gazes of the wolves dropping and panic replaced them. He clasped his hands tightly and poured mana into it.
Feel the shape of water. I drink it everyday. I experienced it everyday.
He then let go of the mana ball into the air. It floated toward the wolf pack and exploded.
Under the influence of Aura of Dominance, the wolves didn't dare to move and let the wave of explosion enveloped them.
Soo-ah was expecting a powerful explosion from Zayden's attack but instead she saw the explosion produced a sprinkle of water. The water content was vase but it was nowhere near enough to take out all the wolves.
It didn't even injure a single wolf.
' What is he doing? He currently display two abilities. Does he have more under his belt?' Soo-ah thought.
One of the daring wolves jumped forward and dashed at Zayden. Soo-ah instantly arrived in front of Zayden and drew her sword.
The slash flashed with bright red color and the wolf was cut in half.
" Woah! Enchantment skill?" Zayden sensed increased in mana around the sword.
Zayden clapped his hand. " Now, stay behind me, Miss. Things were about to be spicy."
As soon as the flesh blood spilled, the wolves regained their instinct and slowly started to gain their mind. Zayden noted that and immediately went to do his plan.
He raised his hand, two fingers pointed toward the ceiling. The air around them crackled, warping them with intense mana. Sparks of electricity flickered loudly.
" Keep your feet dry, the wrath of the storm is going to unleash upon this place." Zayden laughed and pointed his finger at the wolves.
" Disappear." He coldy snorted.
The electricity traveled and spread through the entire pack. With the help of water, the zapping sound never stopped.
Zayden placed the finger near his mouth and blew at the invisible smoke. " Done."
I used about 15%. Not bad.
He turned around saw the expression. Soo-ah was puzzled. Jinchul's expression was stone cold.
Tch!
The only one he found amusing was the white tiger's newbie.The newbie had dropped to the ground, his chest panting up and down.
" Are you okay?" Zayden asked.
The newbie swallowed his saliva and nodded furiously. " I am fine, I don't know what is coming toward me but I feel myself fearing for my life."
Jinchul gave a hand and lifted up the newbie. " Must be because of Zayden's skill. He casted a pretty weird skill."
" Hmm." Zayden rubbed his chin and asked the newbie. " What is your rank?"
" Rank E, sir. My job is to guide the mining crew."
Zayden snapped his finger and gave a knowing nod. " I see. You should have told me earlier. Sorry about that. I thought everyone here could stand against my skill. Thankfully, I performed a lower version of the skill."
He turned toward the bodies and asked, " What are we going to do with the mana crystal?"
" Leave it here. The association didn't lack mana crystal."
" So rich."
Jinchul sighed. " I don't want to waste it but the higher-ups don't want to reveal your power yet." He gave a look at the newbie.
" That sucks." Zayden clicked his tongue. " Well, let's continue. There are about 2 packs before facing the boss."
Zayden walked away. Soo-ah followed beside him.
Jinchul looked at the newbie and asked, " Do you want to leave?"
" No, I am fine." The newbie wiped the sweat and tightened his grip on the clipboard.
" Alright." Jinchul said and started walking.
Zayden passed through the bodies, walking slowly. " Do you have another skill besides that red hue?"
Soo-ah replied, " I have. Body enchantment and weapon enchantment." She hesitated.
Zayden sensed something from her and tilted his head, " What's wrong?"
" Well, to tell the truth. My body can't handle body enchantment. I can last about 5 minutes in the quiet room. My brain couldn't keep up with sensory overload."
" If I used that in the battle, I would collapse."
" That is a nasty drawback." Zayden thought about his system and nodded to himself. " How strong is your body enchantment?"
Soo-ah pointed six fingers.
" Six times! That is a big boost."
" Yes."
With a single skill, she can jump a rank. Not bad. If she proves to be reliable, I will consider fixing the flaw using the system in the future. Right now, I need to upgrade my core or open the system shop.
I think too much about my core. I need to focus on the system skill. They are versatile and unique looking.
I will sort out everything after this dungeon. I need to file my drop out letter to the university as well.
Zayden sighed. Many things to do. Many things to worry about. I got one full year before Freak Shadow monarch pulled up and stole my points.
Soon, they met with the wolves. This time, Zayden used his earth element and binded the monster's mobility.
He let Soo-ah finish the final jobs of sending the souls to the shadow domain. He wanted to check her skill. Because she would be the one saving him inside the dungeon.
He used about 10% with the earth spell.
Manipulating existing elements required less mana than creating. But he had a hard time manipulating.
Although,there seemed to be no issue in the wind department. He knew the reason.
For the last pack, Zayden decided to just use the good old wind blade. After killing the fleeing wolf, Zayden wiped off the blood from his face.
He got the blood from Soo-ah's sword movement. She went frezy during the earth spell.
" Do you want to rest?" He asked Soo-ah.
" A little bit tired from the earlier battle but I can continue."
Zayden frowned. Please rest. My mana reserve is below 50%.
" No, I don't want to risk it. We will stay here until you catch your breath." Zayden glanced at Jinchul. Jinchul shrugged off with a look that said, not my place to say.
" Now, rest. After this, we have a giant insect to hunt."