Michael was shocked. Before his evolution, he knew he was strong enough to defeat Rank 3 monsters physically-at least the weaker ones, in their early stages. But never in his wildest thoughts did he imagine he could blow two apart with a single punch each.
What kind of power was this?
Michael's chest rose and fell sharply, his heart pounding against his ribs. His mind spun.
He clenched his fist again, staring at the faint tremor in his knuckles.
Michael was in intense shock.
But the battlefield didn't stop.
In the first layer of the void, more than two dozen monsters also stared at the scene in shock.
It wasn't only them-Even Michael's undead themselves were taken aback.
Even as genuine Rank 3 creatures, none of them could punch a fellow Rank 3 to death with a single blow. What sort of strength was that?
Some of the monsters wavered, shaken by the sight. But not all.
Among them, three stood apart.
These three didn't flinch. The weakest of them radiated at Level 63, while the strongest pressed at Level 67.
At least in terms of levels, they surpassed Michael's undead.
Like his own evolved creatures, these three weren't mere beasts. They were intelligent-if not more so, having survived for decades as leaders among monsters. And just as their intelligence had carried them this far, it also made them cautious. They did not throw themselves recklessly into the fray, nor did they attempt to overshadow one another in a power struggle.
Because in battles of this scale, sacrifice meant nothing if it only benefited others.
This was the reason why even though they were powerful enough to put pressure on Michael undead, they didn't do more than a certain level as they watched out for opportunities to be the ultimate winner in this struggle.
However, seeing Michael's display of power, even these three monsters felt their composure waver.
For the first time, panic flickered across their gazes.
This "fruit" was not weak. On the contrary, it might run away before they could claim it. That thought terrified them.
Like the other Rank 3 monsters, they had all benefitted just from waiting here--each of their laws had sharpened, their cultivation inching forward simply from the ripening aura spilling off Michael's transformation. And that was only the scraps.
Their foundations were deep, their accumulations profound, and they could feel it clearly: this wasn't ordinary fortune.
If the mere aftermath of this "fruit" ripening could bring such gains, then what would happen if they devoured the fruit itself?
They didn't believe they would ever again be stuck at their current level. No, with this "fruit," the barrier to the next stage would crumble. The path that had been sealed before them for decades-centuries- would finally open.
Yes, though they were intelligent, cautious, and cunning as humans, they still called Michael fruit. That was the essence of their thoughts. Whether or not Michael had any opinion on this wasn't their concern. The three monsters finally broke their silence. Their voices rolled across the battlefield, searing into the minds of every creature
"You should all know the situation," a serpent-like one hissed, its tone
both commanding and cold. "Among us, only we three have the chance to seize this fruit."
The lion-shaped abomination growled, its mane flaring into burning spears. "But do not fear-you will not be left with nothing. Hold back the undead. Do not let them intervene. Do this, and you will share in the benefits once the fruit is consumed. We'll compensate you."
"The fruit might not be enough for us all but it would give us strength to return back to you. The human kingdoms around us for example. They have strong people that prevent us from devouring to our satisfaction. With more strength, if a million ants is not enough, we'll give you ten million!"
The third, a hulking beast with crystalline horns, let out a low, grinding laugh. "Yes... suppress the guardians. The fruit belongs to us, but its overflow will be enough for all. Stand in our way, and you will only die for nothing."
Their words carried the weight of authority, but also greed so raw it twisted the air.
To be honest, the other monsters knew they also didn't stand much chance. Even if they were able to take fruit, keeping it might be
The other monsters faltered. Their gazes flickered, hesitation tugging at their instincts. To obey the three was tempting.
But to the undead who heard this proclamation, it was nothing short
Prince's growl rolled like thunder, his vines thrashing against the void as if they could strangle the voices themselves. Gale's wings beat once, severing winds screaming sharp enough to split mountains. Beginning and Lily snarled in unison, their Titan forms looming like calamities waiting to strike. Lucky's draconic eyes burned, his roar vibrating the first layer of the void itself.
Furious that anyone dared reduce their master to a fruit. Furious that these monsters believed they could carve him open and divide him
In that instant, a terrible intent boiled from Michael's undead-five voices, five wills, converging into a storm that shook the void.
Their fury was not blind rage. It was sharp, cold, and vengeful.
The message was clear.
Touch our master, and we will bury you here.
The air in the first layer of the void grew heavy.
The serpent's tongue flicked, its eyes narrowing into slits of
venomous green. "Defiant dogs. Do you really think you can match
"Did our mercy confuse you?"
For a heartbeat, both sides held still.
The lesser monsters glanced back and forth between the three leaders and the furious undead, caught between fear and greed. Their hesitation fractured, resolve flickering like dying candles.
Then the crystalline-horned monster gave the order. Its mana voice boomed like a bell.
"Hold the guardians! We take the fruit!"
A/N: Writing isn't easy. It may look that way, but it isn't, especially when it's every single day. I don't hate it; in fact, I love it. Writing is my life and the one thing I take most seriously. Orıginal content can be found at 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵✶𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮✶𝓷𝓮𝓽
I understand the frustration when chapters are delayed, but I ask for your understanding that sometimes delays are inevitable. I'll continue to do my best, and I'm deeply grateful for all the support you've given me so far. Without you, this book would just be words on a page.
Next upload in a few hours. Will make it two due to the delay. Thank you so much for exercising patience.