Strange Occurrence

<Zone Dungeon Mission>

• Zone Rank: Creator

• Creature Type: Elemental Giants

Watching the data on the screen, the 8 didn't know what to say.

"Is this some kind of joke, yes?", asked Rose with a dumbfounded expression.

Giants. A very rare creature, which only appeared after the fourth rank. However, except for their huge size, there was nothing special about them, which made them an easy target to slay.

However seeing the 'Elemental' title before the giant name, everyone was given a shock.

Elemental Giants were usually the core's guards in a giant type zone, which are incredibly hard and annoying to kill. If the information is true and every creature in that zone is really a type of Elemental Giant, then what terrifying creature will be the guard?

Only thinking about it, made one to tremble in fear.

"What are we doing now?", asked Skull on the side. The previous cocky look on his face this time could be nowhere to be seen, but only ice cold seriousness.

Hearing the question, Kyle looked thoughtful and a while later he looked at Greg and Joe.

"If it's true, then with the current ranks and powers, the two of you will die in an instant. Of course, we don't want that, so the very first thing we do is try to make you rank up."

"To do what?", asked Skull angrily on the side.

"You heard it right. We will help them rank up. As you know, ranking up onto the third rank is an easy task. Only after that will the real cultivation begin. So helping them shouldn't be a problem."

Knowing that he had a point, Skull turned his face to the side with an unsatisfied expression.

Seeing this, Kyle just smiled and looked at Joe and Greg.

"So, how many energy crystals do you need to rank up?"

"47.", said Joe, while looking at Greg.

Opening his data, Greg looked at his energy bar, and in the end, he smiled wryly.

"226."

It was because he invested all of his crystals, just to rank up his pet. If he had known this would happen, he would think twice before deciding.

However, the past was past and one needs to concentrate on the present without thinking about what would have happened if...

Kyle heard what Greg said and nodded.

"We can go into the city and buy energy crystals. If I'm not wrong one High-class energy crystal from a third rank creature costs only 1 golden coin, which would give you 20. This means 15 golden coins and the two of you will rank up without a problem."

"Okay Kyle, this is enough. 15 f**ing golden coins just to rank them up? Why don't we give them also Soul Creatures as a gift?", asked Skull on the side angrily.

"Yeah, that's too much. Now I need to agree with Skull too.", said Rose as she stepped a bit forward in agreement.

"About the energy crystals, I don't really need any. I have some at home so ranking up would be nothing. But I think Greg needs a bit of help." said Joe as he stepped back.

Greg heard this, scratched his neck, and looked at Kyle.

"I have put away some money at home if I somehow I need to buy something in a hurry, but I only have 10 golden coins. I need two more."

Hearing this, Skull clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction, but Kyle on the other hand just smiled.

"Splendid! Well then let's not waste any more time and let's buy some crystals."

***

After walking home and getting his spare money, Greg walked into a shop with Kyle.

"Welcome customers! How can I help you?", asked an old man as he walked before them with a happy face.

"Good afternoon. We came here to buy 12 third rank High-class energy crystals. Is there any?"

Hearing this, the old man started to smile and with a nod, he turned around.

"Sure, sure. Just wait for a second please."

After going into a room, Greg looked around.

They were standing in a huge room, where numerous energy crystals with different colors, shapes, and sizes could be seen everywhere standing beautifully in a glass.

While he was looking around with awe, suddenly the old man came back with a box in his hands.

Putting it on the table he lifted up the lid, showing 12 shining crystals in it.

"These are all High-class energy crystals from a third-ranked zone. If this will satisfy the dear customer's need, then it will be 12 golden coins."

After confirming the number, Kyle nodded and gave the man the money. Taking over the box he handed it to Greg.

"Here. Take your time and consume them. After you finished we will go."

Greg nodded, took out a pearl-sized crystal, and started to consume it.

In an instant, it started to melt into his hand, giving him a refreshing feeling all over his body.

After 2 minutes a familiar sound appeared in his head.

'High-class energy crystal consumed'

Looking as his energy bar really went up by 20, making Greg took out the next crystal without hesitation.

As he was consuming the crystals one by one, he felt as the vitality in his body grew with each second, however after consuming the last crystal, somehow nothing happened.

Greg looked into the box and seeing as there were no more, he looked at his energy bar.

'499/500'

"Huh?"

Seeing the confused look on his face, Kyle stepped next to him. Seeing that he needed only one more, he raised his eyebrow and looked at the man.

"What should this mean old man?"

Seeing the somewhat angry look, the old man was a bit terrified and raised his hand.

"I don't know. I gave you the 12 High-class crystals. I didn't do anything. If you don't believe in me I can--"

Before the old man could say anything more, Greg took out a bronze coin and said calmly, "Give me the lowest rank and class energy crystal you have."

The old man nodded and without hesitation, he ran into the room. Less than a second later he came out with a blue crystal in hand, while handing it over to Greg.

"Here."

Greg took it away from the man and started to consume the crystal.

In an instant, it melted into his hand and a second later a piece of information appeared in his head.

'Low-class energy crystal consumed'

Looking at his energy bar after that, his eyes widened.

'499/500'

"What de hell?!", asked Greg loudly with a confused look.

Kyle saw this scene too and was speechless. He never met in the past with anyone who would have had a problem like this.

After thinking for a while, Kyle looked at the old man and said, "Thank you very much for your help. We will take our leave now."

The old man could only nod and watch as Kyle and Greg walked out of the shop.

Walking in the street Greg looked at Kyle and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, I don't know what just happened."

Kyle just shook his head as an answer and said, "You don't need to apologize. Even I don't know what just happened, so there is no problem at all. We will figure it out somehow."

Hearing this Greg just nodded, but on the inside, he was deep in thought.

"Should it be in connection with that strange phenomenon, when the stone said I need to reach the third rank first? But if yes, how should I rank up in the future?"

As he was thinking about solutions for this problem, he didn't notice but they finally arrived back at the Mansion, where Rose and the others were waiting for them before the entrance.

When Joe saw Greg, he looked confused and asked, "Didn't you rank up?"

"Well... it's a long story. I will tell you on the way."

Hearing this Joe just nodded and looked at Kyle.

Seeing as everybody was looking at him, Kyle looked at his watch and nodded.

"Okay. If everybody is ready, let's get going!"

"Yeah!"

With high spirit, the 8 started to walk toward the mountains, where the Zone Dungeon laid.