Floating Island - Triple S Talent

Standing at about 1.5 meters tall, its body was sturdy yet elegant.

[Wind Lion] King of the Wind Forest, possessing formidable combat strength and exceptional speed.

- Level: 18

- Attributes: STR 187, INT 155, AGI 276, RES 177

- (Skills): (Swift Run), (Roar of Morale)

Zega approached and affectionately stroked the lion's head. The lion responded by shaking its head and brushing its body against Zega's shoulder. Their bond was clearly more than just a soul contract—there was genuine trust and warmth between them.

"Ah, truly magnificent," murmured one of Zega's team members, admiring their leader's mount.

Meanwhile, the other team members had finished summoning their respective mounts. Three of them had powerful Black Stallions, while another summoned a large Black Bear. The sole woman on the team, Intan, summoned a sleek Silver Wolf that radiated a fierce aura.

"Intan, your wolf keeps getting bigger," quipped one of the team members in a tone of envy.

Intan chuckled lightly. "You wouldn't be able to handle it," she replied, stroking her wolf's head.

"Yeah, that's right," chimed in another member. "With your lazy habits, you wouldn't even be able to afford its tail."

The joke was met with laughter from the other team members, while the man being teased could only laugh awkwardly. "You're right," he admitted. "There's no point denying it."

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However, their laughter quickly ceased when Zega gave a firm command, "Enough joking. It's time to move out."

Within seconds, the entire team was mounted on their respective beasts. Zega led the way, riding his Wind Lion, which ran gracefully yet swiftly. Dust kicked up as they left the harbor, heading westward.

Along the road, they weren't the only team on the move. Many other teams were also racing their mounts toward the distant forest on the horizon. The sounds of animal footsteps, the rumble of wagon wheels, and the buzz of chatter filled the air, creating an atmosphere that was both lively and competitive.

***

The area far from the World Market Trade harbor had turned into a fierce battleground. A giant gorilla, towering at four meters tall with bulging muscles covering its body, was rampaging through the forest.

Surrounding it, a group of seven hunters moved in unison, wielding equipment that glowed green, signifying elite-grade gear with +5 enhancements. Every strike from the gorilla caused the ground to tremble violently, creating shockwaves that swept through the surrounding foliage.

Boom...

Thud...

The gorilla's massive arm slammed into the ground with enough force to create small cracks beneath it. The sound of the impact echoed deep into the forest, resonating like war drums.

The hunters moved swiftly, circling the gorilla while positioning themselves strategically. Though their bodies were drenched in sweat and their breaths came in ragged gasps, none of them backed down. Their eyes burned with sharp focus—they knew that even a single mistake could mean death.

A man wielding a long sword coated in a red aura suddenly dashed forward from the right. He ran in a straight line, each step leaving small clouds of dust in his wake. "David, cover me!" he shouted as he charged without slowing down.

Behind him, David, a slim mage holding a glowing staff, quickly chanted a spell. "Air Barrier!" he yelled. A pale blue light enveloped the swordsman's body, forming a transparent shield that moved in sync with him.

The swordsman leapt high, pushing off the ground with full force, causing leaves to scatter below him. In an instant, he was directly above the gorilla's back. "Death Slash!" he roared, his voice echoing with determination. The red aura around his sword flared brighter, radiating heat that almost resembled tongues of flame.

From below, the rest of the team held their breath. They paused their attacks, their eyes fixed on the man. "Come on… make it work…" one hunter muttered, his voice filled with hope. Everyone was watching this critical moment, knowing that a successful strike could determine their fate.

Slash!

The sword struck the gorilla's neck, producing a sharp sound as metal sliced through thick flesh. Blood gushed from the deep wound, staining the creature's dark fur. The gorilla let out an ear-splitting roar that shook the air, before staggering and dropping to its knees, its massive body slamming into the ground.

"We did it!" one hunter shouted triumphantly.

The others joined in the cheer, their faces lighting up with renewed energy. "Great! Let's finish it off!" another hunter yelled, raising his weapon high.

But their celebration was abruptly cut short as the gorilla's massive arms began to move. Both of its hands, which had been limp at its sides, suddenly swung upward with alarming speed, aiming to crush the man who had just struck its back.

"Captain, look out below!"

"Captain… run!"

Panicked shouts erupted from all directions. They watched in horror as the gorilla's giant hands formed a clapping motion—a deadly blow that would pulverize anyone caught in it. Find exclusive stories on empire

"Damn it..." the captain muttered under his breath, feeling a cold chill run down his spine. His body felt stiff, his energy drained from the previous slash. His mind raced for a solution, but the gorilla's movement was too fast.

Thud!

The gorilla's enormous hands came together, splattering fresh blood into the air before it dripped onto the trembling ground. The body of the man who had been the team's beacon of hope was now utterly crushed, lifeless.

The aftermath of the devastating attack brought a sudden silence, broken only by the low, guttural laughter of the gorilla as it pounded its chest in triumph.

Argh...

The gorilla thumped its chest repeatedly, each blow producing a resounding boom that echoed throughout the area. The ground trembled beneath the hunters' feet, as if responding to the creature's immense power. The air was thick with tension, forcing some of the hunters to clutch their chests, their hearts pounding wildly with fear.

"No… Captain!" one team member cried out, his voice filled with horror and despair. Their faces turned pale, some beginning to tremble. But in others, their eyes burned with rage.