32 Real danger

In a desolate part of the Wasteland, there was a swamp, the sole habitat of a plant known as the Ferocious Grower. This plant, with limited uses, devoured other vegetation, dominating its environment. Consequently, few races chose to inhabit this area, except for the goblins.

Goblins were considered one of the lower life-forms in the Wasteland, characterized by their insatiable lust and rapid growth. The swamp's tribe had over a thousand members.

Although individually weak, in large numbers, a few hundred goblins could threaten even a pseudo-magus, driven by their reckless instincts and disregard for their own lives.

The swamp was typically tranquil due to the low value of goblin corpses and the lack of valuable resources. However, today it was filled with screams.

A shadowy figure moved swiftly, leaving shattered goblin corpses in its wake. Additionally, chains snaked through the swamp like demonic serpents, indiscriminately destroying all life they encountered.

The goblins, driven by base instincts, continued to attack the shadowy figure, but their efforts were in vain. Any goblin coming within three meters of the figure was bisected, while those further away fell prey to the chains.

Sophia watched from the swamp's edge, astonished by the display of power, which surpassed that of any pseudo-magus group. She couldn't see Zatiel clearly due to his rapid movements and shadow form, but the destructive capability of the chains was unmistakable.

'Someday, I will also...' Sophia's determination grew as she watched, but she was startled by her own aspirations. Since her mutation, she had considered herself inferior, aiming only to return to normal. The idea of wielding such power was new and startling.

'It's because of him!' Realizing the source of her change, her resolve hardened.

After several hours, the screams ceased. The once-thriving goblin tribe was annihilated, their remains scattered across the swamp.

Zatiel emerged with his usual composure and approached Sophia.

"Now it's your turn. Collect the roots of the red plants here. The others are useless," Zatiel instructed, sitting to meditate without waiting for a response.

"Yes, right away. May I ask a question?" Sophia inquired, seeking to understand her surroundings better.

"You're probably wondering why I treated the goblins differently than the kobolds," Zatiel surmised. Unlike his approach with the kobolds, he had immediately resorted to slaughter upon encountering the goblins.

Sophia nodded, accustomed to Zatiel deciphering her thoughts.

"The goblins weren't worth the effort. If the kobolds apply the technique effectively, they'll become valuable. However, the goblins are too savage and unintelligent. Subjugating them would be more trouble than it's worth. Thus, exterminating them was the more efficient choice," Zatiel explained, his perspective cold but pragmatic.

Sophia's fear surfaced at his words. "So, if someone isn't worth the effort, you just discard them?" she asked, trembling.

"Yes," Zatiel responded, eyes still closed, seemingly oblivious to her distress.

Sophia fought against her fear, resolving to prove her value. "I'll collect them now," she declared, leaving for the task.

Zatiel opened his eyes and smiled, admiring her determination.

'As long as your will continues to grow, any sacrifice is justified.'

He then closed his eyes to meditate but abruptly reappeared thirty meters away, punching the ground with full force. The impact, equivalent to tons of force, created a crater.

A figure emerged from the debris, injured but having evaded the worst of the attack.

"You dodged well, but with that injury, you won't be so lucky next time," Zatiel stated coldly, confronting his attacker.

"Wait! I didn't come to harm you. We share a common problem and could help each other," Alan pleaded.

Zatiel was unyielding. "Yesterday, your mission was my death. Today, you seek alliance. Trusting you would be foolish."

As Zatiel prepared to strike, Sophia rushed back, alarmed by the commotion.

"Are you okay?" she asked, concerned for Zatiel.

He was about to reassure her when a sudden sense of danger overwhelmed them. From the sky, a ball of light descended at an astonishing speed. Before any of them could react, it exploded into a fiery sphere, engulfing them all.