Chapter 38: Back to the basics.

Master Shikan, observing our victory, nodded in approval. "You have proven your adaptability in the face of diverse challenges. The dance of combat is not just physical but a symphony of mind and body. Continue to refine your skills, for the path of mastery is an ever-evolving journey."

We all began to wrap the creature with hyphae and consume it, gaining biomass in the process and making quick work of it… It looks like the other three are starting to outpace me in level. They gained two levels through that fight.

[You have gained one Biomass.]

Before we could react, a cloud of iridescent beetles emerged from the shadows, their glossy carapaces shimmering in the sunlight. They moved with surprising speed and agility, their mandibles clicking menacingly as they closed in on us.

Reacting swiftly, my companions and I assumed defensive stances, our senses on high alert. We knew we had to act fast to fend off the incoming swarm of beetles.

With a silent nod of determination, His Elegance, Captain, Zenmaster, and I sprang into action, each deploying our unique abilities and skills to combat the relentless onslaught of the beetles.

[You have defeated a Level 1 Infantile Coleoptera.]

[You have gained XP.]

[You have defeated a Level 5 Infantile Coleoptera.]

[You have gained XP.]

…

His Elegance, with his nimble movements and keen reflexes, darted between the beetles, delivering precise strikes with his fungal limbs. His mastery of Low-tier Fungal Martial Arts allowed him to unleash a flurry of kicks and punches, sending beetles flying in all directions.

Captain, with his formidable strength and resilience, formed a protective barrier around us, intercepting the charging beetles with his chitinous limbs. Using his Beginner Ethereal Blade Dance skills, slicing through the beetle swarm with ease.

[You have defeated a Level 2 Infantile Coleoptera.]

[You have gained XP.]

[Beginner Celestial Lance Dance has reached level 5. Upgrade available.]

…

As the battle raged on, we fought with unwavering determination, our teamwork and synergy proving to be our greatest strength. Despite the relentless assault of the beetle swarm, we remained resolute, pushing ourselves to our limits in our quest for victory.

With each coordinated strike and well-timed maneuver, we gained the upper hand, slowly whittling down the numbers of the beetle swarm. Our efforts were not in vain, as the once-formidable swarm began to falter, their ranks thinning as we pressed our advantage.

Finally, with a final, decisive blow, we emerged victorious, the last of the beetles scattering into the underbrush. As we caught our breath and surveyed the aftermath of the battle, we could see a field full of dead bodies. Luckily for us this swarm was full of young beetles otherwise we would have never been a match for our opponents.

[You have defeated a Level 3 Infantile Coleoptera.]

[You have gained XP.]