2 Chapter 2
Chapter 2
"It's been 15 days since we entered the Perilous Plains," Ron remarked, observing the damaged carriages. The Perilous Plains posed threats that challenged even regular humans and Preparatory Knights.
The carriage's blemishes were courtesy of a pack of plain direwolves that had ambushed them upon arrival.
...
"Your skills in carriage operation are commendable," a black-robed Knight remarked, examining Ron.
"Your praise is appreciated," Ron replied. His calculated nature led him to befriend this Knight, recognizing the value of strong allies in the face of potential danger.
...
"Ron, you're back!" A freckled youngster welcomed him with a forced smile.
"Yes," Ron replied, taking a moment to sit and eat flatbread. He shared the situation with them, acknowledging the potential benefits of influencing others for the upcoming challenges.
Dong! Dong!
The carriage doors opened rhythmically, revealing George, clad in armor and brandishing his longsword. "Gentlemen and ladies, it's break time. If you wish to stretch your legs, venture outside. If not, remain indoors as it's perilous out there..."
The carriage occupants grew restless, and a few red-faced girls exchanged glances before exiting. Ron readied his crossblade and said, "Let's go."
...
Ron knew it was time for the anticipated confrontation with the direwolves. They would attack as a pack, and no help would arrive until they met the minimum requirement.
"Initiate the A.I. Chip scanning," Ron thought. A three-dimensional display revealed the surrounding area, heightening his vigilance as they awaited the imminent direwolf assault.
"Warning! Dangerous creatures approaching!" the A.I. Chip alerted. Ron signaled George and the alliance members to retreat.
Bang Bang!
A resounding gong marked the moment. "The Lord Magus senses danger! All acolytes, retreat to the horse carriages!" a black-robed man's voice echoed.
Panic ensued as acolytes made a frantic dash for safety. The Furze Alliance members, now alerted, raced towards the carriages.
"Aaawoooooo!"
A prolonged, bloodthirsty howl filled the air. The direwolves abandoned their stealthy approach, charging recklessly.
Chaos erupted, and the unattended youngsters were terrified. The black-robed Knight leaped into action to fend off the direwolves. Ron, with urgency, organized a barricade and secured the defensive perimeter.
Now, Ron and George would join the battle, recognizing their inability to retreat due to the direwolves' overwhelming numbers.
...
"A.I. Chip, initiate the most efficient method of elimination," Ron instructed. He fought prudently, not risking his life. As time passed, direwolves fell. Ron experienced the peculiar warmth spreading through his body.
[Beep! Host body infiltrated by a mysterious energy! Would you like to expel it?]
Confused, Ron chose to expel it, but the action failed. Anxiety gnawed at him as he looked toward the Magus. "What's going on? I've followed the novel's events precisely to avoid unexpected occurrences."
...
"Scan my body for changes," Ron ordered. The A.I. Chip reported a minor stat increase.
This energy transfer resembled Shi Yan's Devour Skill in God of Slaughter. Ron knew he had to investigate this further.
...
"A.I. Chip, analyze this phenomenon," Ron commanded, intensifying his assault on the direwolves and drawing closer to their lifeless bodies. Day turned into night as he methodically eliminated the direwolves.
A surge of energy coursed into Ron as the Dire Wolf King appeared. The resulting influx of energy caused dizziness and a throbbing headache, clearly exceeding his body's capacity.
After receiving orders to clean up, Ron invited three appreciative girls into his carriage to release pent-up stress. They left with blissful smiles.
...
"A.I. Chip, check my body's stats," Ron demanded.
His strength and overall vitality had experienced a substantial boost. Ron was exhilarated by the newfound potential of this mysterious energy. If he could harness and control it, he could save himself countless hardships as a scientist with an obsession for immortality.
The energy source had been the deaths of numerous direwolves. Ron knew he couldn't have slaughtered them all, particularly the stronger specimens.
...
Aware that the next stop was the Death Beach, Ron spent his leisure time meditating and enjoying the company of his companions. He distanced himself from Angelo, who was nearing the end of his usefulness. Ron interacted with him sparingly.
...
"We've arrived at the Death Beach!" Angelo, who had been sleeping, awoke and made the announcement.
As they approached the sea, a town-like settlement appeared on the horizon. Tents of various shapes and sizes formed a massive camp, surrounded by carriages similar to the one Ron drove.
...
"Welcome to the intermediate stop, the Death Beach!" a declaration rang out. "Here, you will decide on your future academy and return to your respective institutions to pursue scientific endeavors!"
