The journey out of the Citadel was swift and decisive. Archelius led his squad Theodore, Raji, Lisa, and Bethany into the treacherous expanse of the Aethelgard Plains, leaving behind the dark, enclosed safety of the Citadel. The Plains were a mix of volcanic ice sheets and ash dunes, perpetually overcast by the toxic atmosphere.
Archelius moved at a determined pace, effortlessly clearing Level 25 and Level 30 threats with the brute-force efficiency of his War God's Edge (Rank E++). His goal was simple: reach Level 20 and find the Exotic Core.
The students, now Level 3 and 4, were surprisingly effective in supporting roles. Raji's scouting was meticulous, preventing numerous ambushes. Bethany's energy sight was constantly active, spotting hidden fissures and high-level patrols before they became a danger. Theodore and Lisa managed supplies, maintained perimeter security during rest stops, and acted as a quick-reaction force for low-level flankers.
During a tense traverse across an ice field, they encountered a pack of three Level 35 Frost Stalkers—lizard-like predators that moved with blurring speed across the slick surface.
"Sentinel formation! Defend Bethany!" Archelius roared, activating his Iron Skin and War God's Strike.
Archelius engaged two Stalkers head-on, delivering powerful slashes that broke their icy armor. The third Stalker, attempting to exploit a flank, was intercepted by Theodore and Raji.
Raji used a perfect Sprint Burst to draw the Stalker's attention, circling wide. Theodore, having gained confidence in his physical strength, managed to trip the massive creature with a well-aimed sweep of his leg. As the Stalker struggled, Archelius finished his engagement and executed a lightning-fast thrust with the War God's Edge into the Stalker's exposed neck.
[Frost Stalker (Level 35) Defeated. XP Gained: 350.]
The victory was swift, clean, and cooperative. The students were growing into their roles.
A Desperate Plea
After several hours of travel, the yellow signature of the Beast Nation territory became visible on the horizon—a jagged mountain range shrouded in red dust.
Archelius checked his stats.
[User: Archelius]
[Level: 19 (XP: 10200/25600)]
He was close to Level 20 and Rank D readiness.
As they rested behind a large dune, Bethany alerted the group to an unusual energy signature.
"It's Level 10," Bethany reported, "but it's not hostile. It's weak and erratic. It's moving toward us from the west."
"A single, low-level entity? On the plains?" Archelius squinted, checking the map. "Could be bait. Theodore, Raji, prepare to intercept."
Moments later, a figure stumbled over the dune. It was a haggard, badly wounded man, clad in tattered, scorched armor. He was barely standing, leaning heavily on a bent, smoking spear.
"Help... please," the man gasped, collapsing onto the ash. "They took everyone... The Beasts... they took my squad..."
[Entity Identified: Free Mercenary (Level 10). Critical Health.]
Raji and Theodore cautiously approached, daggers drawn.
"Who are you? What squad?" Archelius demanded, keeping the powerful War God's Edge pointed at the mercenary.
"My name is Varen," the mercenary croaked, raising a pleading hand. "I'm a scout for the Free Company. We were ambushed by the Beast Nation's Blood Hunters near the mountain pass. They took my comrades—they need bodies for their rituals. They're going to sacrifice them at the Bone Altar."
"Blood Hunters," Archelius noted. "Level?"
"Level 40 and above," Varen whispered, fear flashing in his eyes. "They're too strong. You have to save them. The pass is due east."
The Call for the Exotic Core
Archelius stared at the mercenary, calculating the risk. The mercenary was a distraction, an emotional plea, but the information was solid. The Blood Hunters were Level 40+, which meant a massive XP gain and the possibility of finding the Exotic Core.
"If we move now, we risk being drawn into an extended fight against Level 40s," Archelius mused aloud. "But the Bone Altar sounds like a nexus of power—a likely place for an Exotic Core."
Bethany, overhearing the conversation, approached Archelius. "The man is telling the truth. His energy is pure fear and desperation. The Beast Nation is gathering large amounts of life force at the mountain pass—it's a massive, pulsing energy signature."
Archelius made his decision. "We intervene. The Beast Nation is prioritizing the ritual over patrol. We hit them when they're concentrated."
He turned to Varen. "We will go to the Bone Altar. You will stay here. Raji, give him a potion and water. Lisa, keep watch."
Varen stared at Archelius's powerful armor and sword. "You... you will go? You look strong, but four against the Blood Hunters—"
"I am Level 19, Rank E++," Archelius cut him off, his voice cold. "I defeated their Imposter Lord counterpart at the Citadel. My power is greater than my level suggests. Theodore, Raji, with me. Bethany, you track the nexus. Lisa, you are our reserve and comms relay with Varen."
The squad moved out, leaving Varen recovering in the shadow of the dune.
Ambush at the Mountain Pass
The journey to the mountain pass was rapid. The yellow signature on the map intensified, showing a dangerous confluence of high-level entities.
They arrived at the mouth of a narrow gorge leading into the Beast Nation mountains. The entrance was guarded by three colossal, heavily muscled beasts—Level 45 Bone Crushers. They were clad in crude, bone armor and carried massive, spiked clubs.
"Level 45," Archelius confirmed. "Direct assault is too risky. We need to split them."
"Theodore, you are distraction Alpha. Raji, distraction Beta. Hit them with noise and movement. Draw them into the pass one by one. I want clean engagement," Archelius commanded.
The plan was high-risk. Theodore and Raji, using their basic Sprint Burst, created chaos by throwing rocks and shouting near the flank of the formation.
The Bone Crushers, creatures of instinct, reacted instantly. The lead Crusher lumbered into the pass, separating from its peers.
Archelius, concealed behind an outcrop, activated his Shadow Stealth Shroud and vanished.
As the first Crusher moved past his hiding spot, Archelius dropped the shroud and unleashed the ultimate, upgraded strike: the Rank E++ War God's Fist.
He slammed the punch into the Crusher's vulnerable, unarmored knee joint. The 5x multiplier, fueled by the full Rank E++ system, instantly vaporized the joint.
CRUSH!
The Level 45 Bone Crusher collapsed with a deafening crash, its heavy bone armor shattering around it.
Archelius immediately followed up with the War God's Edge, driving the silver Rank E++ sword through the Beast's core.
[Bone Crusher (Level 45) Defeated. XP Gained: 450.]
[Total XP: 10650/25600. Level Up: User Level 20!]
The familiar surge of power washed over Archelius. He had hit the Level requirement for Rank D.
[User: Archelius]
[Level: 20 (XP: 10/51200)]
[Core Power Restored: 100/100.]
[Available Skill Points: 1.]
He immediately invested the Skill Point into a final Rank E++ upgrade.
[Sprint Burst (Rank E+) Upgraded to Rank E++. Cost: 1 Skill Point.]
His speed was now maximal for the Rank, making him practically untouchable by most Level 50 threats.
He turned to face the remaining two Bone Crushers, who were rushing down the pass in a blind rage.
"Status: Ready for Rank D," Archelius announced into the pass. "Let's find that Exotic Core."
He met the two Level 45 Bone Crushers head-on, the War God's Edge blazing with a new, terrifying confidence. He no longer needed stealth or surprise. He only needed pure power and a straight path to the ritual site.