C6 Troublesome Things

The Lava Elite Monster was somewhat perplexed at the moment. He had been tasked with scouring the area for humans, but he was acutely aware of the challenge in detecting their presence in this region. Creatures like him adhered to a strict hierarchy, with different species occupying distinct territories based on their rank.

From the updates relayed by the ordinary Lava Monsters, it seemed that humans had only been spotted in the common zones, not in the domains patrolled by the likes of the Lava Elite Monsters. Yet, unexpectedly, he found himself ambushed by two humans shortly after beginning his patrol. In a burst of excitement, he unleashed the Great Fire Ball Technique on one of the assailants.

To his frustration, the attack obliterated one of the humans instantly. He was aware of the humans' frailty but hadn't anticipated they would be this feeble, weaker even than the average Lava Monster. The directive had been clear: capture humans alive if possible. So, after dispatching one human, he spotted the other attempting to flee and, with an enraged roar, he gave chase.

For Chung Tianya, this scenario was akin to the aggro mechanics in typical games. He realized that he had now become the Elite Monster's prime target. Unless he could escape the area, the creature's hostility would persist, relentlessly pursuing him until his demise.

"Did this wretched designer never play a game in their life?" Chung Tianya thought as he fled. "This Elite Monster is easily ten times more powerful than any we've faced before. How are we supposed to defeat them when we can't even make it out of Beginner Village?"

While running, Chung Tianya internally lambasted Lin Tian, the game's designer, for the seemingly insurmountable challenge.

In most games, players are barred from entering certain areas until they've reached the requisite level or strength. Essentially, these are combat or level-restricted zones. But this map appeared to lack such limitations; if you were bold enough, you could venture anywhere.

The result of this lack of restriction was starkly evident. Chung Tianya and Qi Tian had stealthily ventured into the territory of an Elite Monster far beyond their own capabilities, leading to one being instantly killed and the other desperately fleeing for his life.

Lin Tian had previously considered the issue of the disproportionately strong monsters within the current map. He realized that he should isolate these creatures, sealing them away in a separate area, accessible only to players who had achieved the requisite level or combat strength.

Implementing such a change wasn't a challenge for Lin Tian, who had become the sovereign of the Reincarnation Small World. Any normal alterations within this realm were well within his capabilities, though they would require a significant expenditure of energy.

Regrettably, Bai Li currently lacked the necessary energy to create barriers that would only obstruct humans. Consequently, the plan was shelved for the time being. However, Lin Tian was determined to introduce these restrictions into the game once he had amassed enough energy.

"I give up, no more running. Even if I manage to break free from this Elite Monster's aggro range, I'd be running straight into a horde of ordinary monsters. We barely sneaked past them earlier, and there's no way I can force my way through alone—it would be suicide," Chung Tianya reasoned, gasping for breath after a short sprint. Resigned to his fate, he accepted that death in this place came with the possibility of resurrection, albeit followed by a period of debilitation.

"Ha, you grotesque beast, after such a long chase, it's time you show me what you're capable of," Chung Tianya taunted, spear in hand, as he faced the Elite Monster with a defiant sneer. The monster, taken aback, couldn't fathom why the human who had just fled in panic was now boldly challenging him.

The Lava Elite Monster let out a series of furious roars. Known for their volatile nature, the Lava Clan couldn't stand being provoked. Anger overrode their reason, and they sought to annihilate the human before them immediately, abandoning any thoughts of capture.

With a whoosh, two massive fireballs, conjured by the Great Fire Ball Technique, hurtled toward Chung Tianya from both sides. Resigned to his fate, he felt a moment of release as the fireballs consumed him, and he vanished in a flash of white light, leaving no trace behind.

At that moment, he made a silent vow not to return to this place until he had leveled up and improved his equipment.

Continuing to venture here was tantamount to seeking death. With his current capabilities, it was a death wish. The Elite Monster was only Level 5, but after days of grinding, he had barely reached Level 3. Despite the small gap in levels, their combat strength was worlds apart.

Shortly after Chung Tianya dissipated into a white light, a fiery blaze descended from the sky, landing before the Elite Monster.

"Where is the human?"

The Fire Elf had sensed the human's presence and had hurried over, eager to capture a human and present him as a trophy to his king.

"The human, I have slain the human!"

The Elite Monster stuttered, facing the Fire Elf's cold gaze. Fear gripped his heart as he remembered the command to capture, not kill. He realized the Fire Elf might not be so forgiving.

"Heh, it seems you've grown too comfortable, ignoring the commands from those above. Well, if that's the case, you may as well cease to exist."

The Fire Elf's smile was gentle, but his eyes betrayed a deadly intent.

With a thunderous boom, the Lava Elite Monster before him exploded into rubble, scattering across the ground.

No one saw how the Fire Elf struck; it was as if he could slay with mere thought.

...

"Lin Tian, snap out of it! I don't know what's happening, but the high-level monsters of the Lava Clan, who usually stick to the depths of the wasteland, have suddenly come to the outskirts and are besieging the humans. We need to come up with a plan, fast."

Hovering above Beginner Village, Lin Tian surveyed the buildings below, pondering what improvements were still needed.

It was then that Bai Li approached him with troubling news.