It was a long journey from Etheron City to Elven Nation, however, for those who were fast, it would only take a few days.
Moreover, Nock Fletcher was planning on taking the shortest path available no matter what type of monster they encountered.
This journey was not only going to be to reach Elven Nation but also for Nock to truly see the potential and talent of these geniuses. It could also be treated as training for them.
With him and so many S-Rank Heroes, there couldn’t really be any danger. At least, not so much that they would immediately lose their lives.
Anyway, they sprinted lightly. It was not too fast even for Rank-B but definitely not too slow. As for Rank-S, this was barely like a walk to them.
However, they needed to match the pace of B-Rank who are the weakest in this group of geniuses.
In this group, aside from the agents from The Authority and a group of bodyguards of Williams and his friends who are hired by their parents, there were 5 Rank-S, a dozen of Rank-A and the rest were Rank-B.
Although Zion, Misha, Lisa and Sylvia were also in Rank-B, they were also the youngest. Their age was around 5 years younger than the average age of the group.
Nock Fletcher wanted to see whether they really had the capabilities to fight off monsters or were they just flaunting their rank like William.
Without training and experiencing danger, Nock didn’t believe that being high-rank was any help. Rather it was those who are brave and survived many dangers that were able to come on top.
Nock Fletcher led the group and at the end were those Rank-S agents.
As the group pressed on, their journey took them through dense forests and treacherous terrains. However, with the group having already experienced a harsher environment, they had no problem traveling through it.
Though the same could not be said about William and his friends. They could be seen complaining and whining while their bodyguard would at times help them.
Hours of traveling, they met with a few monsters but nothing too dangerous. They were just some Rank-C and D monsters who would run at the sight of humans or would get killed if they tried to attack.
The atmosphere grew increasingly tense as they neared a notorious area known for its dangerous monsters.
Nock Fletcher remained vigilant, his senses attuned to any signs of an impending threat. With his extraordinary senses, he could sense the strength of the monsters that were ahead before anyone else.
He stopped running and turned around to the group.
“Listen up, everyone,” Nock Fletcher commanded, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the group.
“There is a group of Sylvan Shadowscale ahead. They are known for their stealth and coordinated attacks. Stay alert and be prepared to fight as a unit. Me, and those agents would not be helping you all. Take this as an experience.”
Nock said. Sylvan Shadowscale were perfect enemies for the group of geniuses. While Sylvan Shadowscale were Rank-A monsters, they were cunning and attacked from unexpected places.
Moreover, it was a rare monster that would rarely appear in the dungeon, so it was good for them to fight and experience their strength.
Rather being frightened, they seemed raring to go. They were bored because they were sprinting for many hours without being able to do anything.
They were also already formed groups. Most of them were geniuses who belonged to one group and those who weren’t were able to become friends in their stay at Etheron City.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, the dense foliage and the ethereal hush added to the suspense. Suddenly, the air grew thick with an eerie silence, a sure sign that danger lurked nearby.
Nock Fletcher has hidden his aura and stayed hidden. Though he kept his eyes on everyone, so that they don’t get themselves killed.
Other Rank-S agents also followed Nock and kept their aura in check while keeping their eyes on the group that they were responsible for protecting.
Mia’s trained eyes assessed the situation quickly, recognizing the need for swift action. She signaled to Amelia and Zero who were in one group.
Similar were the case for other three Rank-S geniuses who signaled their group members about the monster. With their keen sense, it was easier for them to see the situation clearly.
Others were also able to read the situation and knew that the enemy was here. Hiro and his group also were vigilant.
-SWISH!
From the shadows, the Sylvan Shadowscale emerged, their sleek forms blending seamlessly with the dimly lit surroundings. The pack consisted of hundred of the creatures, their eyes gleaming with an otherworldly glow as they encircled the group.
Two S-Rank heroes lunged forward, engaging the Sylvan Shadowscale with precision and skill. Their weapons clashed with the agile creatures, their strikes attempting to disrupt the pack’s cohesion.
Mia also used her long distance attack and immediately killed two Sylvan Shadowscale. Amelia didn’t immediately engage with the monster as she focused more on protecting and healing others.
The Rank-A and Rank-B geniuses watched in awe and anticipation. Rank-A monsters were being killed by them as if they were no big deal.
The battle commenced with a flurry of lightning-fast strikes and powerful spells. The S-Rank heroes showcased their immense combat prowess, weaving through the frenzied attacks of the Shadowfangs. Their movements were a dance of deadly precision, each strike aiming for a vital spot.
However, Sylvan Shadowscale attacked from all sides and Rank-A and Rank-B geniuses also had to fight them.
Without hesitation, Hiro sprang into action, swiftly unsheathing his sword. Hiro fought with one of the Sylvan Shadowscale.
Sylvia showcased her archery skills, firing arrows that found their mark with remarkable accuracy, temporarily disorienting the creatures.
Lisa channeled her mana, strengthening their group and making them even stronger. Misha also went and engaged with one of the creatures though she struggled to handle them.
Zion also went and fought with one of the monsters. Lisa and Syvlia made sure to support the two of them. As for hiro, he was able to handle the monster even without their help.
The battle intensified, each side unleashing their full potential. The forest echoed with the clash of weapons, the hiss of magic, and the defiant roars of the Sylvan Shadowscale.
The group remained resolute, their collective strength shining through as they fought with unwavering determination.
“This is a surprise! I didn’t think that Hiro and his friend would be able to handle three Sylvan Shadowscale.”
One of the agents was surprised by them who maintained composure and executed good teamwork.
“I thought that they would lack teamwork and experience but they are doing good for someone who has recently graduated.”
Another one added. Other Rank-B were also doing good as they were not called geniuses for nothing.
Even in the face of a Rank-A monster, they were able to fight with them without much problem.
“Hiro is even more impressive. He has already killed one and is fighting with another. Even those geniuses in Rank-A are not as good as him.”
“In a few years they should be able to become unstoppable. Hiro might even surpass Ice Enchantress and become the strongest in the future.”
Rank-S agents proudly discussed. As Hiro was going to join The Authority like them, they were proud of him. More talented he was, the more good it was for The Authority.
“Haha… I wouldn’t be so sure!”
Nock Fletcher intervened.
“What do you mean sir Nock?”
One of them respectfully asked.
Nock was also from The Authority and shouldn’t have had a problem with Hiro. Hiro was hailed as the greatest geniuses and would become the strongest in the future but they knew that Nock might have some reason that they don’t know about.
“He does have the talent but look at that, isn’t he doing better than Hiro?”
Nock said while pointing at Zero who was easily subduing Sylvan Shadowscale.
-SLASH!
That was the fourth Sylvan Shadowscale that Zero killed. Beside Rank-S, Zero was definitely the one with highest kills here.
Many of them had never fought with Sylvan Shadowscale but it wasn’t true for Zero. He fought with a lot of Sylvan Shadoscale even when he was at Rank-B. He knew their weaknesses well and their habits.
He had no problem fighting with them and could easily take care of them.
However, it didn’t take long for others to also quickly take care of the monster. They were not called geniuses for no reason.
They could immediately know the fighting style of Sylvan Shadowscale and then it was nothing more than repeating those processes to kill more monsters.
Rank-S though didn’t even need to rely on such things. They could easily overpower the monster and kill them.
Finally, after a fierce and relentless struggle, the last Sylvan Shadowscale fell to the ground, defeated.