Chapter 16 - Agua Toad

"That creature definitely evolved from Agua Toad," the child exclaimed excitedly. "I'm Chlea, and this is Hanami," she happily introduced herself and her companion.

"But it looks like this evolved creature isn't very strong for a Rank C," Hanami said, sounding disappointed.

JuzTeen, Moonlight, and Ran were speechless when they heard this. Based on their levels, these girls could be Rank D or C players. Taking down a Rank D creature would be easy for them.

As the girls continued talking, the battle came to an end. Most of the Agua Toads scattered in different directions, trying to escape.

"But actually, we're sorry," Hanami suddenly apologized sincerely.

"Oh no, it should be us thanking you. You saved our lives," Ran gratefully replied.

"No, we were actually looking for strong water-type creatures in this area. We just happened to hear the commotion and came here," Chlea explained apologetically.

"But initially, we didn't plan on helping you. However, when we saw that giant evolved Agua Frog, we couldn't resist stepping in. We thought we could absorb its spirit and unlock my fourth skill," Hanami impulsively added.

Chlea, on the other hand, looked a bit regretful as she glanced sideways at Hanami.

"She's always been straightforward," Chlea whispered discreetly, subtly pointing towards Hanami.

Then Chlea introduced her companions, saying, "He is Legory, the other girl is Angel, and the blue-haired boy is Khoon." Following suit, Ran introduced themselves, saying, "Thank you, I am Ran, he is Moonlight, and this one is JuzTeen," stifling a laugh as he mentioned JuzTeen's name.

Legory couldn't help but laugh upon hearing JuzTeen's name, finding it amusing. Realizing the awkwardness, Legory extended his hand for a handshake, saying,

"Hi guys, Sorry. I couldn't stop laughing when I heard your name. I hope you won't be angry."

"It's okay, thanks for saving our lives," Ran accepted his gesture.

Legory then pointed towards the Agua Toad and instructed Hanami. "Try to absorb it."

"I checked the database, and this creature is called the Azure Agua Toad. It evolves from the Agua Toad through the most common evolutionary path. It has significant physical strength and powerful water-element skills," Khoon informed them.

Encouraged by Khoon's words, Hanami approached the Azure Agua Toad, sitting beside it and preparing to absorb its spirit.

Two bluish fish suddenly materialized beside Hanami, their shimmering scales reflecting the light in a mesmerizing dance. With effortless grace, they glided through the air, creating an ethereal spectacle around her. But then, a bluish light burst forth, transforming into a ribbon-like formation. Enveloping the Beasts, it gently tugged at their essence, drawing forth their souls. Though the onlookers had witnessed this spectral absorption countless times, they couldn't help but be captivated by its beauty. Their eyes were treated to a spectacle that was simply too exquisite to ignore.

After waiting for what seemed like an eternity, Hanami finally opened her eyes, her expression tinged with disappointment. A faint sheen of sweat formed on her forehead as she spoke with measured slowness.

"It appears that these skills lack the strength I was hoping for. They aren't quite aligned with what I had envisioned," she murmured.

In an effort to differentiate the game further, the developers had bestowed players with the ability to choose their own skills whenever they absorbed the beasts' spirits. This option allowed players to have greater control over their character's progression. However, severing the connection mid-absorption, due to dissatisfaction with the offered skills, came at a steep cost. It inflicted an agonizing pain, akin to the tearing apart of one's soul. While many players were tempted to try, they rarely attempted this ordeal more than once, as the searing anguish proved unbearable. They also observed that the pain increases as their level increase.

Secondly, they would lose some experience points, decreasing their own level. They couldn't afford that.

"That's really painful," Moonlight exclaimed, wincing at the memory of severing his absorption mid-point. It was a risky move, and he definitely felt the consequences firsthand.

"Don't worry! She's determined to become stronger," Legory said enthusiastically.

"We're all striving to become strong and compete in the end," Khoon added, his voice filled with determination. The rest of their teammates nodded in agreement.

"That's why we have to carefully choose the best options available to us," Khoon continued.

Hanami nodded in understanding. "Plus, the Frog skills weren't really compatible with my character. There were only a few water-related skills to choose from, and that beasts focuses more on physical abilities. I couldn't waste one of my slots on a skill that wouldn't benefit me much."

As they heard this, the trio exchanged glances, realizing the importance of picking suitable skills for their path. They hadn't thought about this aspect before. Moonlight especially realized that his current skill set, focusing on perception and evasion, didn't align with his desired playstyle. His shield, for example, was easily shattered by the beasts they encountered, showing its ineffectiveness for his defensive-oriented character path. His shield also give additional boosts on his first skill, solidifying the idea that Khoon said.

With this newfound understanding, the trio silently vowed to themselves, ' I need to choose more suitable skills next time!'

Next, the team decided to venture into Twin Mountain in search of even more mighty beasts. However, Moonlight made the choice to return back to the village. Luckily, they managed to capture a single frog along the way.

On the other hand, after an hour of searching, Sam and Legory finally arrived at their target location, a majestic waterfall with pristine crystal-like water. As Sam gazed upon the sight, a sense of nervousness washed over her. The area surrounding the waterfall was teeming with various beasts, peacefully coexisting and quenching their thirst.

"Most of the beasts here had a basic understanding not to engage in fights with others. Especially in this kind of location," Legory explained.

Then he pointed towards the floating plants situated beside the waterfall.

"That is the Moonlight Lily, the very creature they had come in search of." He added.

Sam observed the delicate petals and the faint grayish glow emitted by the plant.

Moonlight Lily

Rank E

It's a beast evolved from a Water Lily during a full moon, requiring sufficient Moonlight absorption for a successful evolution.

"It lacks attack skills, serving as support for other, stronger beasts. If Moonlight Lily is present nearby, powerful beasts will protect it. They wait for it to grow stronger before consuming it," Legory explained, emphasizing its pitiful life.

He then summons his Rafflesia and its vines suddenly shoot towards the Moonlight Lilies.

As a powerful roar echoes from the waterfall, a bluish bear emerges in the middle of it, angrily scanning the surroundings. Then, a massive water wall blocks the multiple attack. Other beasts scattered.

"It's Rank C!" Legory easily identified it.

"Azure Mountain Bear." He said.

Azure Mountain Bear

Rank C

It is actually a second evolution of Bear Beasts. First, a common Mountain Bear with an affinity of Earth Element, and having a powerful physic. But, it suddenly acquire another element, making it a dual Water and Earth Type Beast.