e-booksonline Chapter 553 123.7 - Rank-6 Gate
Chapter 553 123.7 - Rank-6 Gate
Chapter 553 123.7 - Rank-6 Gate
ROOOAAAR!
The creature let out a deafening roar as the fire's corrosive energy tore through its outer defenses, but it wasn't yet defeated.
Astron leaped back, his body tense as he observed the flames wrapping around the Yeti. 'Elena's fire is working, but it's not enough to finish it. The defenses are still tough, but they're crumbling.'
As the flames began to flicker, signaling that the spell's effect was nearing its end, Astron didn't hesitate. He felt a surge of mana rise within him, flowing through his body and into his legs. The familiar sensation of his 「Cyclone Stance」 enveloped him, enhancing his footwork and preparing him for the rapid movements to come.
In an instant, he blasted forward, his legs carrying him with incredible speed as he circled the Yeti. His daggers gleamed with a sharp edge of mana as he coated them in energy, sharpening their blades and increasing their effectiveness against the weakened defenses.
With a sharp exhale, Astron activated the final form of the common dagger art that he had learned:
「Modified Form: Serpent's Dance」
It was something that most of the dagger users were given by the association, a common-grade art that everyone could have access to.
But he had modified the technique, improving it as he developed his combat abilities. This modified form was inspired by the [Martial Art] that he had learned from Dakota as he had adapted his dagger forms to flow seamlessly.
Yet, it still contained the base of the common grade art that he had practiced, making the fundamentals fitting for a dagger.
SWOOSH! His movements were a blur as he darted in and out of the Yeti's reach, his form weaving between its flailing limbs with deadly precision.
Eyes of Hourglass. The time was slowed right in front of him, as he could see the structure of the monster before him.
SLASH! SLASH! Each strike of his daggers was fast and purposeful, targeting the now-exposed joints and weak points that Elena's fire spell had revealed.
The venomous energy of the Serpent Fangs pulsed through the blades, spreading deeper into the Yeti's system with every strike.
Astron moved with fluidity, his body barely a shadow as he slashed across the Yeti's body, each cut leaving behind a trail of venom that corroded its insides.
The Yeti roared in agony, its massive form swaying as it tried to keep up with Astron's relentless assault, but it was too slow. Even in its peak-rank six strength, it couldn't match the speed and precision of Astron's 「Modified Serpent's Dance」.
The other members of the team watched in awe as Astron moved like a whirlwind of death, his strikes a series of controlled, lethal movements. He danced around the Yeti, cutting away at its strength piece by piece until the massive creature could barely stand.
Kurt, Gareth, and the others stayed on alert, but they could see that the tide had turned. Astron had taken control of the battle, and the Yeti was on its last legs.
With a final, powerful thrust, Astron drove his daggers deep into the Yeti's chest, right where its heart should be. The venom surged through the creature's body one last time, and the Yeti let out a final, desperate roar before its body went rigid, paralyzed by the poison coursing through it. The massive beast collapsed onto the icy ground with a heavy thud, the blizzard it had summoned dissipating into the cold air.
The battle was over.
"Come in," Toren called, his voice steady despite his fatigue.
The door opened, and Liana stepped inside, her expression professional but carrying a hint of warmth. She moved with her usual composed grace, though there was a touch of relief in her eyes when she saw him.
"Guild Master," she began, offering a respectful nod before stepping closer to the desk. "Congratulations on clearing the dungeon without any major injuries. The team has been eagerly awaiting your return."
Toren gave a tired smile, leaning back in his chair. "Thank you, Liana. It was a tough gate—tougher than we anticipated. But we managed to pull through."
Liana's gaze softened as she took a seat across from him. "I heard the monsters were stronger than expected. It's good to have you back in one piece."
Toren chuckled lightly, rubbing the back of his neck. "They were. Rank-8 gates always test the limits, but this one... it felt different. Like the energy inside was unstable. We had to adapt quickly."
Liana nodded, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Unstable gates are becoming more common. I've been hearing similar reports from other guilds. The mana flows within them are shifting unpredictably."
Toren sighed, his expression growing more serious. "That's what I'm worried about. If these fluctuations continue, even our top teams could struggle to handle the more dangerous gates. We'll need to adjust our strategies."
Liana smiled faintly, hearing that.
Toren leaned back in his chair, rubbing his tired eyes before giving Liana a curious look. "How are the little ones doing?"
Liana smiled at his choice of words and nodded. "They finished their first rank-6 gate in six hours. No injuries, just fatigue. Right now, they're in the second rank-6 gate."
Toren's eyes lit up with pride. "Six hours might seem like a long time, but for a group of newbies to clear a rank-6 gate without any serious injuries on their first try—that shows real talent. They've come a long way."
Liana nodded in agreement. "They've exceeded expectations. Astron's leadership has played a big part, but the team is pushing themselves. They're growing more confident with every challenge."
Toren's smile widened. "That's what I like to hear. It means they're ready for more, and we can count on them when the tougher gates come."
Liana paused for a moment, then shifted to another important topic. "There's also something else. Since the media attention, quite a few companies have been contacting us. The small footage from the dungeon run, especially the rank-6 gate, has stirred up a lot of interest. The team is being seen as the next big thing, and companies are eager to invest in Vanguard Haven."
"Oh....." Toren raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Companies? What kind of offers?"
Liana pulled out a tablet and scrolled through the details. "Sponsorship deals, equipment partnerships, even media companies wanting exclusive interviews and footage of the team in action. They're seeing potential, and the fact that we're guiding a team of fresh Hunters through rank-6 gates with this kind of efficiency is catching attention."
Toren leaned forward slightly, eyes narrowing as he looked over the media reports and sponsorship offers on the tablet Liana had presented. He tapped the screen thoughtfully, absorbing the attention Vanguard Haven was beginning to attract. After a moment, a small smile crept across his face.
"Hmm..." he muttered, looking up at Liana with a gleam of something calculated in his eyes. "If this is the level of interest we're generating with just a glimpse of what the team can do, then there's only one thing left to do."
Liana tilted her head slightly, curious. "And what would that be, Guild Master?"
Toren's smile widened, his tone almost casual but carrying a sharp edge. "Leak the location of the second rank-6 gate."