Chapter 62 - Return [3]

"What are those things?" whispered Ellen beside me, her eyes wide as she watched the monsters.

Just like Ellen, I was curious too. Though they looked like ostriches, they definitely weren't, after all, nothing in this place is ordinary. Plus, even though I didn't look at ostrich pictures often, I was sure they normally didn't have horns. Activating [Identify], I kept my gaze on the "ostrich" and soon after, a translucent screen appeared in front of me.

[Ostrich Corniferous] - (Lv: - 40): A herbivorous monster that spends most of its time feeding, it has incredibly sturdy legs and physical resilience superior to many other monsters. Its main attack comes from its horn, capable of absorbing elements and using them against its enemies. However, despite this powerful form of defense, it only uses it as a last resort, preferring to flee at the slightest sign of danger.

Though the monster had a higher level than mine, seeing its description, it didn't seem really dangerous to me. In fact, everything indicated that it would flee at the slightest sign of danger. Anyway, my [Ecopulsation] didn't detect any other monsters nearby.

It might just be my impression, but it seems we'll be dealing with this monster for as long as we're here. Now, the only question remaining is how to hunt them without them fleeing. Honestly, their description makes it clear they're quite fast. I doubt we'll be able to catch them if they decide to run.

"Be careful, girls. Though they prefer to flee at the slightest sign of danger, these monsters can attack with their horns. Plus, I doubt we'll be able to keep up with them if they decide to run" I warned.

Ellen and Noelle listened attentively to my words, then turned their gazes to the monsters. Of course, they probably couldn't see the monsters' stats, so I didn't expect them to fully understand what I was trying to say. However, keeping them alert would be a good start. But I didn't even expect Noelle's next words.

"How lovely" she said.

Upon hearing those words, I turned my gaze to Noelle and found her staring at the monsters with bright eyes. For some reason, she seemed genuinely enchanted by the ostriches. I mean, they were indeed beautiful, with their colorful feathers, but still, they were monsters.

With this doubt in mind, I shifted my gaze to Ellen, hoping to find answers, but I realized she too was absorbed in contemplating the ostriches. I began to wonder if I was the only one who couldn't find enough beauty in them to be fascinated.

Noticing my gaze, Ellen turned to me and, with a sheepish expression, shrugged before speaking.

"Noelle and I have always been fascinated by birds, as far back as I can remember. This one, in particular... is so colorful, don't you think it's beautiful?" Ellen asked with an enchanted smile, turning her gaze back to the majestic creatures.

Yeah, I just couldn't understand their aesthetic sense. From my point of view, though relatively beautiful, they were still monsters at heart. For some reason, even though they both knew that, it seemed like we had different conceptions of ostriches.

"Just to clarify, we'll need to hunt all of them. You two are aware of that, right?" I inquired, raising an eyebrow.

For some reason, my words were putting me in the position of a villain. It was as if we were about to adopt a dog or a cat, and I was preventing it because I was allergic to both. Although that wasn't the best of comparisons, it was more or less how I felt.

Upon hearing my words, Ellen and Noelle seemed a bit saddened by what they would have to do. However, as quickly as they showed sadness, they composed themselves and nodded, determination stamped on their faces.

With that in mind, I began to explain the plan to them. Though technically conceived on the spot, I firmly believed it was a feasible plan. Basically, it involved blocking the monsters' escape route and, at the same time, using this circumstance to our advantage to defeat them as quickly as possible. Despite the apparent agility of these monsters, they didn't seem to be very resilient.

Even though I couldn't pinpoint the reason, I figured there must be some correlation with the nature of the mission, which involved hunting. Furthermore, the high number of monsters indicated the need to defeat them quickly. All these considerations led me to conclude that, despite being agile, these monsters weren't particularly resistant.

With everyone aware of their roles, we positioned ourselves according to my instructions. I assigned Noelle to initiate the attack, without specifying a particular signal, just saying she could act when she felt ready, while Ellen and I would move in sync.

So, I activated [Etheric Pumping]. Next, I raised my hand, causing my scythe to materialize. Without wasting time, I triggered my new ability, [Kinetic Transmutation]. My scythe, which previously radiated strength, was now enveloped in electricity generated by my skill. For the finishing touch, I also applied [Infusion].

After that, I waited a few seconds, focusing my attention on the spot where the monsters were, especially on the ground beneath their feet. A few moments later, the ground started to move unevenly. Before the monsters could realize anything, they were already sinking. As they noticed the situation, they began to struggle, but sadly for them, it was already too late.

With the terrain prepared, I hurled my scythe towards the field, aiming right in the middle of the monsters. The blade, as if it had been waiting for that moment, began to generate intense electrical discharges around it. The ground, also slowly, began to electrify, but it wasn't me who caused it; it was Ellen. In a matter of seconds, screens appeared before me, one after another.

You defeated [Ostrich Corniferous - Lv - 32] Experience acquired.

You defeated [Ostrich Corniferous - Lv - 36] Experience acquired.

You defeated [Ostrich Corniferous - Lv - 30] Experience acquired.

You defeated [Ostrich Corniferous - Lv - 29] Experience acquired.

You defeated [Ostrich Corniferous - Lv - 28] Experience acquired.

You defeated [Ostrich Corniferous - Lv - 40] Experience acquired.

You leveled up [38] -> [39] and gained 5 stat points and 1 skill point.

You defeated [Ostrich Corniferous - Lv - 29] Experience acquired.

You defeated [Ostrich Corniferous - Lv - 37] Experience acquired.