Chapter 16 – More than 25 1st stage Beasts
8th March | Naga Forest
Even though it was already afternoon, the towering trees of the Naga Forest cast deep, looming shadows. Sunlight struggled to pierce the dense canopy, creating a twilight realm beneath the leaves. The rustle of branches overhead mixed with the soft crunch of boots on the forest floor.
Yes, it is the group of Vector Astrum, that had regrouped at the North-eastern entrance of the forest, just beyond the foothills. With quiet precision, they began their journey inward, into the vast wilderness of Naga Forest, stretching endlessly before them.
At the periphery, they encountered some minor beast attacks, small packs of beasts disturbed by the sudden intrusion of humans: two spotted fang-boars, a trio of long-tusk deerhounds, and a lone forest bear.
None of these were a threat.
They were swiftly dealt with by the guards in the group and no action was required to be taken by Vector and his commanders— Marcus, Tristan and Rhea.
The group gathered the beast corpses carefully, nothing would go to waste.
They packed them for transportation, every part would be used, whether for crafting weapons, tools, or other essential supplies.
Bones of the beasts were ideal for crafting arrows, weapon handles, and reinforced grips.
Hides could be treated and fashioned into leather armor, boots, or bracers.
Claws and teeth served as sharp arrowheads, knife points, or were kept as raw materials for crafting deadly traps.
Tendons and ligaments made for excellent bowstrings, binding ropes, and tension– based weapon parts due to their natural strength and flexibility.
Most importantly, Beasts who had awakened Blood Energy or had reached the 1st stage or higher stage through eating precious or rare herbs. Such beasts are the best for material… but regretfully they hadn't encountered them till now.
Vector walked at the center of the formation, hands clasped calmly behind his back. His presence was quiet but commanding.
Beside him, Sebastian Sinclair, ever watchful, remained similarly uninvolved. His calm was not disinterest, it was the restraint of someone who had long surpassed such minor threats.
Sebastian is a 3rd Stage body refinement warrior— he was a rarity even within the resistance.
A 3rd stage Body refining expert rarity can be explained by the fact that only one in 1000 awakened Blood energy. Of those, just one in 100 Blood Energy users advanced to the 1st stage Body Refining. Promotion to 2nd and 3rd stage is even less likely, even if he is a genius— reason being the rarity of the Medicinal herbs or due to the herbs being in control of powerful forces.
Before entering the forest, Sebastian had quietly advised Vector.
"Let the guards handle the beasts," he had said. "They need to earn their confidence."
The group was comprised of around forty guards and scouts, all Blood Energy awakeners. Among them, ten had reached the first stage of Body Refinement. Even some of the scholars and craftsmen had awakened Blood Energy, and a few stood at the first stage as well.
The unit was divided into three teams:
Marcus commanded 20 guards.
Tristan and Rhea each led 10 scouts and guards.
As they moved deeper, the true threats of the Naga Forest began to show themselves.
A sharp rustle broke through the canopy above. A shape leapt from the trees—a Shadow Panther. Its muscles rippled, fangs bared. The beast had clearly awakened Blood Energy.
Without hesitation, Marcus gave the order. His nearby team of three guards leapt into action and dispatched the beast cleanly, without injury.
The panther's body was collected immediately.
Its materials would be especially valuable— its blood could be used in blood-awakening elixirs, and its hide and bones were ideal for forging.
As the group pushed further, beast attacks became more frequent—but still manageable. Most of the creatures they encountered had not awakened Blood Energy, and no truly powerful threats had yet appeared.
Then came a sudden rustle from the dense underbrush to the right, where Rhea's team held the flank.
A group of four dire wolves, all Blood Energy awakened, lunged out of the shadows with snarls and glowing eyes.
The group collected the body and were very happy with the harvest… Its material, same as Shadow Panther, is important for forging weapons and making medicines.
Their bodies, like the panther's, were gathered for parts. Spirits were high— these beasts could be used for weapons and pill-making.
The group continued to push deeper.
By now, they had collected the corpses of over fifteen beasts—a significant harvest.
But it wasn't until they reached the deepest parts of the forest that the real trial began.
Though they only skirted this zone briefly, they had entered the edge of the inner Region— One of the most dangerous parts of the Naga Forest.
The forest was divided into four zones:
Periphery – Common beasts
Outer Region – Common and Blood Energy beasts
Inner Region – Blood Energy beasts and rare 1st stage
Core Region – Few beasts, but most are at the first or second stage of Body Refinement
Core region is the den of the Overlord Beasts, they are usually in 2nd stage and can be counted on 1 hand.
When they encountered the Shadow Panther they were in the Outer region... But now they are entering the Inner region. Vantara Village is also in the Inner region.
A sharp growl broke the air.
From the dense brush emerged a pack of Redmaw Hyenas. Their crimson eyes glowed faintly, their mangy fur spiked. These weren't typical predators.
"Redmaw Hyenas…" Marcus muttered, voice low. "They always move in packs… and this one… definitely more than 10."
The beasts were infamous throughout the Naga Forest.
Redmaw Hyenas were notorious predators within the wilderness of the Naga Forest, often feared more for their coordination than sheer strength.
Named after the deep crimson hue that stained their jaws, whether naturally, by birth, or from bloody battles. They hunted in tightly organized packs, rarely seen alone.
Rhea nodded grimly. "They're aggressive, fast, and coordinated. Each one's about three times stronger than a normal human. Still weaker than someone in the 1st stage of body refinement, but they make up for it in numbers."
Vector's eyes narrowed as more glowing red eyes emerged from the trees.
"Estimated count… 25 or more," Tristan said, already drawing a blade from his waist. "They're circling us."
"They're testing our defense," Rhea added. "If we don't break the pack formation fast, they'll overwhelm the craftsmen."
Marcus immediately took command. "Hold formation! Protect the craftsmen!"
Weapons were drawn, swords, spears, crossbows, sabers– all readied and drawn. But the size of the pack was overwhelming, and several of the guards were already showing signs of fatigue from earlier battles.
Marcus, Tristan and Rhea, the trio move their eyes to Sebastian… who is currently most suitable to take the group.
The Redmaw Hyenas also didn't attack immediately as they instinctively sensed something— Sebastian's presence. The aura of a 3rd-stage expert pressed down on the pack like a weight, keeping them at bay for now.
Even Rhea's brow tensed as she watched the hyenas begin to spread out.
"If we engage directly with them, we'll suffer injuries and, maybe, casualties."
Her voice was steady, but the weight of her words was clear. Her eyes flicked, just briefly, toward Sebastian.
Sebastian, however, stood still, one hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. His eyes, sharp and unreadable, were fixed on Vector.
He was waiting— for a signal.
Vector stepped forward slowly, his figure stood and aura he radiated as if a peerless commander. If anyone comes in front they will be destroyed by the sheer pressure.
Vector declared, "I'll handle them."
Sebastian's eyes widened slightly.
"Young Master, are you sure? These beasts are in the 1st stage— and you've only awakened Blood Energy."
Vector smiled faintly,
"Who said I've only awakened Blood Energy?"
With a domineering tone he said, "I'm a 1st-stage Body Refiner now."