Ch 63:- Tower.

With Leo vanishing into the thick forest, Rayne swiftly seized control of the dire situation. He reached into his inventory, summoning a gleaming kunai with green liquid coating it's edge that he firmly grasped in his hand. His eyes narrowed with intense focus, and every movement he made was calculated with precision. The orangutan-like creatures, driven by their savage ferocity, lunged at him, their intentions clear.

As the first creature lunged forward, Rayne effortlessly sidestepped, evading its attack with a fluid motion that seemed almost effortless. In one seamless motion, he struck with unwavering accuracy, plunging the kunai deep into the creature's vulnerable neck, instantly incapacitating it. The creature let out a guttural cry before collapsing to the forest floor.

Harnessing the momentum from his previous strike, Rayne swiftly spun around, executing a breathtaking spinning kick that collided with another oncoming creature. The force of impact sent it hurtling through the air, crashing onto the forest floor in a disoriented stupor. Sensing an opening, Rayne closed in, his kunai finding its mark as he swiftly slit the creature's throat, extinguishing its existence forever.

The remaining orangutans, fueled by a mixture of fury and desperation, grew increasingly aggressive. They lunged at Rayne from every angle, their razor-sharp claws slashing through the air with deadly intent. Yet, Rayne's agility and reflexes were unparalleled.

He fluidly weaved and dodged through their onslaught, his body moving with grace and finesse. Timing his strikes with deadly precision, he dispatched one creature after another, his kunai finding their weak spots with surgical precision—a swift stab to the heart, a devastating slice across the throat. Each strike was a testament to Rayne's lethal proficiency, swiftly ending the lives of his adversaries.

Rayne's movements flowed with a natural grace, a testament to years of dedicated training. He anticipated their every move, countering with deadly accuracy, leaving no room for error. His strikes were clean and efficient, ensuring minimal suffering for his opponents.

As the final few orangutans approached, fear flickered in their eyes, a glimpse of their imminent demise. Rayne stood his ground, his gaze steely and unwavering. With unwavering determination, he readied himself for their desperate onslaught. In an explosive burst of speed, he maneuvered through their attacks, striking with lethal precision.

One by one, the remaining creatures fell before him, their life force extinguished by Rayne's unwavering resolve. He stood amidst the fallen, a figure of resilience and strength, his breath steady and composed. The once tumultuous forest now echoed with a solemn silence, punctuated only by the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft cadence of Rayne's steady heartbeat.

Rayne swiftly made his way towards the injured students, retrieving a medkit from his thigh bag pouch. With deftness and efficiency, he began patching up their wounds, his nimble fingers working swiftly. Unbeknownst to the others, he discreetly channeled his Qi, harnessing its healing energy to accelerate their regeneration, aiding in their recovery.

"Can you all walk?" Rayne inquired, his voice laced with concern as he glanced at the group of students. Some attempted to rise to their feet, but their movements were unsteady, hindered by their injuries. Just then, Fay arrived at the scene, drawn by the echoes of the intense battle.

Upon seeing her, Rayne let out a sigh, knowing he would have to recount the events to her. As if in response to the turmoil, crackling lightning filled the air, followed by a light drizzle as Leo returned with a small group of students who still possessed the ability to walk.

"Where are the others?" Rayne asked, his voice filled with worry.

"They got separated," Leo replied, his voice tinged with a sense of urgency.

Rayne's expression turned somber, his brows furrowing with concern. Closing his eyes briefly, he took a deep breath, his body enveloped by a faint purple aura seen only be Leo which shocked him but soon he calmed himself down. As Rayne opened his eyes, they now shimmered with an intense crimson glow. However, Fay, standing behind him, remained unaware of this mysterious transformation.

Rayne: /Where are you, Cia?/

Cia: /Rayne! Is that you? I'm not entirely sure, but we're currently scaling a mountain, trying to escape from a gigantic ape-like creature. Oh my god, what are those things? Are those plants? No! It devoured Quinn! Oh no, Fex too! It's chasing us! It got Vorden and Layla!/

Rayne: /Listen to me carefully. I want you to follow their path. Do you understand?/

Cia: /Are you out of your mind? I can't do that!/

Rayne: /I'm not asking you. I am commanding you. Go. Do you understand?/

Cia: /Yes, master./

With that, Rayne abruptly terminated the transmission, the crimson glow in his eyes fading away. He turned to Leo and Fay, his expression resolute.

"Mam, I believe you should take these students to safety. Despite my efforts to patch them up, they are still injured, and the risk of infection is high," Rayne advised, his concern evident.

Fay understood the gravity of the situation and nodded in agreement, before saying "What about you?"

Rayne's gaze shifted between Leo and Fay as he answered.

"I will be assisting Sir in tracking down the remaining members of my class," Rayne replied with determination, receiving a silent nod of acknowledgment from Leo.

Fay's gaze shifted between the fallen students, a somber expression on her face. She knew she had to keep moving forward, for the sake of those who were still alive. With a determined tone, she addressed the remaining students "Prepare yourselves. Those who can still walk, assist others and help each other and good luck to all of you."

Grateful for her words, the students rallied together, offering support to those who needed it. Meanwhile, Rayne and Leo swiftly departed in a different direction, determined to locate his missing classmates.

Fay sighed, her gaze lingering on the fallen comrades, a silent prayer in her heart. With a resolute mindset, she urged the group to continue, aware of the looming dangers. As if in response to their predicament, another thunderous crackle echoed through the forest, striking a nearby tree and engulfing it in flames. The explosion shattered the tree, sending shards of wood flying in all directions. The rain intensified, transforming into a downpour that created a thick layer of fog, obscuring their vision.

Fay, undeterred by the worsening weather, urged them forward, her voice cutting through the mist "Hurry! Move faster! We can't afford to get lost in this forest!"

Her words served as a motivation for the group, pushing them to quicken their pace despite the treacherous conditions.

Meanwhile, both Rayne and Leo pushed themselves to the limit, utilizing their heightened senses and dragon vision to navigate through the dense forest. The relentless rain had turned the ground muddy, making it increasingly difficult for them to maintain their speed. The thick fog further hindered Rayne's visibility, but they refused to be deterred.

Their determination led them to a wireframe structure of a mountain, illuminated by several red and yellow glows. Each glow represented the presence of intermediate-tier beasts, while a massive red glow indicated the presence of an advanced-tier beast. As they approached the area, they spotted a group of orangutan-like creatures, along with more fallen students and injured comrades on the brink of death.

Without hesitation, Leo understood the urgency of the situation and immediately confronted the beasts, diverting their attention away from Rayne. Seizing the opportunity, Rayne swiftly moved to save the injured students. Utilizing his Qi-induced healing abilities and the dwindling resources of his medkit, he worked diligently to stabilize their conditions, knowing that every moment counted. As he tended to their wounds, his eyes remained fixed on the mountain where Del and another student, armed with a shield, valiantly defended themselves and the ten remaining students against the onslaught of the massive beast. With them helping to keep the plant like beast at bay.

After Leo successfully eliminated all the minion intermediate-tier beasts, he wasted no time and darted towards the mountain, joining the fray against the formidable adversary. With a powerful display of combat prowess, he clashed fiercely with the creature, trading blows and employing every technique at his disposal.

The battle was intense, the clash of forces reverberating through the mountainous terrain. Leo's determination to protect his students prevailed, and he ultimately slayed the advanced-tier beast. Rayne acknowledged the immense difficulty of the task for Leo. Although the beast was categorized as advanced-tier, Rayne recognized its strength to be that of a king-tier, only one step away from its evolution into a fully fledged king-tier beast.

Rayne, after attending to the injured students, continued his ascent up the mountain, driven by the need for a comprehensive understanding of the unfolding events. As he made his way, a tree-like beast approached him, but he swiftly dispatched it with a powerful kick, creating a gaping hole. Another creature advanced, and with a forceful punch, Rayne ended its life, extracting valuable beast crystals from its remains. Undeterred, he pressed on, climbing higher. The sight that greeted him was one of devastation caused by the colossal ape-like beast. Not only had it claimed the lives of several students, but it had also crushed strange plant-like creatures and uprooted trees in its wake.

Finally, Rayne reached the summit where Del and the remaining nineteen members of the team awaited. Taking into account those he had previously saved, there were approximately thirty students who had survived out of the original fifty. The downpour intensified, offering no respite or signs of easing. As Rayne surveyed the scene, his gaze fell upon the lifeless body of a massive ape, covered in gray fur, with six menacing eyes and jagged teeth. Leo stood nearby, having successfully slain the last of the plant-like creatures.

Approaching the summit, Rayne greeted Del before inquiring about the team's condition. Most of the students showed signs of hypothermia, prompting Rayne to retrieve a blanket from the bag given to Del. Activating the blanket, he covered the shivering students, its warmth seeping into their bodies, providing much-needed comfort and helping to restore their body temperature. The relief on their faces was evident as they began to thaw from the cold embrace of the relentless downpour.

Afterward, Rayne approached Leo and Del, who appeared to be engaged in a conversation. "Any news on the rest of the students?" Rayne inquired, his concern evident in his voice.

"Yeah, from what I've heard, the plant beast swallowed them," Leo replied, sharing the information he had gathered.

"They are probably dead. We should return to shelter now," Del interjected in a panicky tone, displaying his cowardice and eagerness to escape the perilous situation.

Rayne, however, remained steadfast. "No, we can't give up just yet. I need to confirm if they are truly deceased," he asserted, his eyes fixated on the beast before him. His determination shone through, undeterred by the uncertainty.

"You mentioned they were swallowed, correct?" Rayne questioned Del, seeking clarification.

"Yes," Del replied, though even he seemed uncertain about the fate of his students.

"Alright then. I will descend and investigate further. Sir, I request that you inform Miss Fay about the situation here. We'll require additional manpower to safely evacuate the injured students," Rayne stated resolutely, his words exuding a professionalism beyond his years as a mere student.

"I'll do my best," Leo nodded in acknowledgment.

"To those who are able, assist the injured down there. Wrap them in these blankets," Rayne commanded, gesturing toward the heated blankets. In response, everyone nodded in understanding, swiftly moving into action to provide aid and warmth to their fellow students.

After having a discussion with Del, Rayne swiftly retrieved a sturdy rope from the bag, skillfully securing it around a robust rock formation. With a sense of urgency, Leo began excavating the very spot where the monstrous beast had emerged, exposing a treacherous quicksand-like place, its fluid nature resembling water. Without a moment's hesitation, Rayne braced himself and fearlessly leaped into the churning abyss. As he descended, a surge of weightlessness coursed through his legs, giving way to a sudden plunge. The emptiness stretched before him, a seemingly endless void spanning a daunting 20 meters. Engulfed in a breathtaking freefall, Rayne adeptly absorbed the impact, landing lithely on his feet. Rolling smoothly to a stop, he deftly negated any potential harm. With a quick assessment, he ensured the rope remained steadfast, providing a lifeline back to the surface. Then, his gaze swept across the cavern, searching for any glimmer of life amidst the shadows. Regrettably, the grim reality unveiled itself—most of the fallen students had succumbed to the perils of the descent. Untying the rope, Rayne retrieved the scanner given to him by Del before he started to actively explore the place following the dots which showed the location of the students.

As Rayne ventured deeper into the tunnel, he couldn't help but be captivated by the enchanting sight that greeted him. The walls shimmered with delicate, thin blue crystals, emitting a gentle luminescence that illuminated the immediate vicinity. Though the glow wasn't strong enough to illuminate the entire area, it provided a faint guiding light that beckoned him forward.

Intrigued by the unfamiliar crystals, Rayne couldn't resist his curiosity and voiced his question aloud. "What are these?" he pondered, his gaze fixated on the mesmerizing formations. The crystals bore a resemblance to beast crystals, but there was a refined quality to their energy, unlike anything he had encountered before.

Eager to learn more, Rayne extended his hand and gently touched one of the crystals, activating his [Inspect]. Instantly, information about it appeared, unveiling the nature of these intriguing objects.

[Name: Basic tier crystal

Description: These crystals store energy within them, often formed when beast crystals are buried underground and subjected to extreme heat and pressure, undergoing a process of refinement. Alternatively, they may form due to the presence of a nest crystal. These crystals are commonly utilized by mages, wizards, or witches as a secondary power source to fuel their magic.] (Didn't particularly knew the lore about them so decided to make one up.)

A sense of wonder and realization washed over Rayne. "Magic! This world possesses magic," he exclaimed, his excitement palpable. Taking a moment to collect himself, he carefully gathered around 20 of these basic tier crystals, recognizing their potential value and uses.

Afterward, Rayne pressed on, traversing the tunnel until he finally reached its end. Exiting the tunnel, Rayne found himself in what appeared to be a sprawling town. The scale of the place was immense, making it difficult to gauge its size. Buildings stretched far and wide, comparable to the largest shelters he had encountered before.

Awe-struck, he gazed upward, but the ceiling seemed impossibly distant. Although visible, reaching it seemed unattainable. His attention shifted to the central structure, a towering round tower that stood prominently. Despite its impressive height, it barely grazed the ceiling. To touch it, he would need to build a structure of equal size atop the existing tower.

While the presence of an underground town beneath a mountain was surprising, it wasn't inconceivable. Rumors circulated of similar shelters on other planets, where extreme temperatures made above-ground habitation impossible.

The buildings in this town were constructed from a peculiar black stone material, reminiscent of the kind used by the Dalkis. Stepping into the area, the clamor of battle reached his ears, immediately capturing his attention. However, it wasn't just the clash of weapons that greeted him; he also sensed an overwhelming presence, similar to the ones he had encountered in the vampire world.

Shrugging off the unease that settled in his chest, Rayne sprinted forward, determined to confront the source of the turmoil. But instead of appearing directly in front of the formidable creature, he found himself by Cia's side. She lay in a pool of her own blood, her injuries severe. Without hesitation, Rayne slit his wrist, allowing his blood to dribble into her wound. As the scarlet liquid entered her body, her eyes slowly opened, emanating a crimson glow. With a sudden burst of energy, she sprang up, sinking her teeth into Rayne's arm and voraciously drinking his blood. Rayne visibly paled, his attempts to shake her off proving futile. Despite his struggles, she held on, unrelenting, until he forcefully removed her by kicking her away.

"Hah! I should have contemplated the consequences before creating such abominations. I never anticipated their insatiable appetite for high-quality blood," Rayne muttered, a mixture of regret and realization lacing his voice.

"Is that you, Rayne?" Cia's voice trembled with a hint of regained sanity as she surveyed her surroundings. Before she could elaborate further on the situation, Rayne interrupted her, his sense of urgency compelling him to teleport once again. This time, he materialized on a high rooftop—the iconic vantage point and his personal favorite. From there, he observed Fex and Quinn engaged in a fierce battle against the monstrous creature.

The creature had a distorted, yet vaguely human shape, towering at an imposing height of approximately eight feet. Its body appeared contorted and peculiar, as if composed of a fusion of mud and rocks. At the pinnacle where its head should have been, the creature exhibited a mesmerizing display of intertwined plant roots that accentuated its muscular structure. The remaining mass resembled a formless mound of mud. However, the truly unsettling aspect resided in the upper section of the creature's torso. Within the mire, multiple human skeletons were partially submerged, their skeletal remnants emerging from the muck—skulls, rib cages, and various other fragments forming an eerie mosaic.

It seemed as though the beast had been assembled using the surrounding elements, a macabre amalgamation of disparate parts. Notably, the creature or the beast possessed elongated arms devoid of conventional fingers. Instead, these appendages tapered into elongated, blade-like structures. Starting from the forearms, the muddy tree-like substance transitioned into a harder material, glistening with a vibrant green hue akin to precious jade.

As Rayne locked eyes with the beast, he couldn't help but feel a strange connection, as if there was a glimmer of understanding between them. The creature, against all expectations, nodded in acknowledgment, a gesture that left Rayne bewildered. However, he quickly dismissed his confusion, focusing on the task at hand.

With a swift motion, Rayne retrieved a magnificent artifact that had remained untouched until this moment—a longbow of legendary repute. Stories whispered of its devastating power, capable of single-handedly bringing down multiple flying vessels in a cataclysmic display. Its craftsmanship was exquisite, adorned with intricate carvings and adorned with gleaming runes.

As Rayne retrieved the longbow, he struggled to handle its immense weight, causing it to slip from his grasp and crash onto the rooftop, partially destroying it. Determined, he exerted all his strength to stabilize the bow, ensuring it stood upright. With a cautious pause, he selected an obsidian-colored arrow, opting for its durability over a blood arrow that may not withstand the bow's force.

Placing the arrow onto the string, Rayne began channeling the soul force from his armor. In that moment, a message materialized before him:

[1000 soul force has been deducted. Draw has been activated.]

Ignoring the notification, he continued to stretch the string effortlessly, the bow bending beyond imagination. Sensing the optimal tension, he abruptly severed the soul force transfer, causing the bowstring to unleash a shot of unprecedented power and speed making the bow return to it's previous state.

The force was so immense that it severed two of Rayne's fingers instantly, the sound of their detachment accompanied by a deafening boom that ruptured his eardrums and momentarily stunned those around, including Cia. However, the arrow surged forward with incredible velocity, piercing through the beast and shattering its crystal core, bringing it to the brink of death.

Amidst the chaos, Quinn, the first to regain consciousness, beheld the scene before him. Determined not to let his kill slip away, he unleashed his full power, lunging toward the wounded beast. With his gauntlet adorned with sharp claws, he swiftly struck its head, ending its life in an instant and triumphantly completing his quest.

As Rayne lost his balance atop the rooftop, he plummeted downward, blood streaming from his nose and ears. Cia swiftly rushed to his side, concern etched on her face. She carefully retrieved his severed fingers that lay on the ground, Rayne then utilizing his blood control ability to reattach them to his hand.

In a display of extraordinary control, Rayne produced a small vial from his inventory containing a vibrant red liquid. He poured it over his injured fingers, observing as the potent substance initiated it's rapid healing. Then, realizing the severity of his internal wounds, he requested Cia's bottle and administered a single drop of its contents, swiftly drinking the remainder. The miraculous elixir mended his internal injuries, offering him a newfound vitality. He then asked Cia to keep it stored and not drink.

After retrieving his bow and storing it in his inventory, Rayne descended from the rooftop, accompanied by Cia. They made their way towards Quinn, who stood alongside Fex, while the rest of the group remained a short distance away near the town entrance. Just as they approached, a message popped up on Rayne's scanner.

Leo: Did you find any survivors?

Rayne swiftly replied,

Rayne: Found some.

Leo: Need backup?

Rayne glanced at the members present and considered the situation before responding.

Rayne: Not required.

Leo: Some travelers were exploring the caves and have been informed. They will be coming soon to pick you all up.

Rayne: Thanks.

As the message concluded, Rayne observed the group members who seemed unaware of his presence. Quinn was now sitting beside the lifeless beast, examining the arrow that had pierced through it, while Fex lay exhausted on the cave floor. Rayne instructed Cia to rejoin the others while he explored the area for any noteworthy findings.

Once again, Rayne vanished and reappeared on a rooftop. He leaped from the rooftop, making his way towards a tower that emitted a strong and intense aura. Along the way, he scoured the houses and streets, collecting samples of the black material for potential research and discovering valuable antique items to sell at high prices in online auctions. Upon reaching the tower, Rayne noticed that Quinn and Fex were already present, attempting to open its door. With a soft thud, Rayne landed in front of them, surprising them both.

"Hello there," Rayne greeted.

Quinn and Fex appeared stunned but quickly regained their composure.

"What are you doing here?" Quinn asked.

"Oh, nothing. Just went out for a walk," Rayne casually replied.

Quinn shook his head in dismissal at his antic. Meanwhile, Quinn heard a suggestion from his system, "You could use that blood crystal to open this door."

"Really?" Quinn responded mentally. He then placed the blood crystal into a peculiar hole in the large double doors with an arched entrance. The doors were adorned with intricate patterns and had a hole in the center in which the crystal was placed.

The sound of mechanical locks being released resonated from behind the door. Gears shifted, and the doors began to retract, revealing an entrance into the tower.

"Wow," the three of them exclaimed in unison, captivated by the sight before them.