C8 The Carrion Ant

The crimson wand stirred the air, creating intense magical fluctuations as it unleashed a barrage of fireballs from the ether. They exploded upon the creature's thick blue hide, inflicting only superficial damage—a testament to the hide's impressive defensive capabilities.

"Hankamer, take the lead. Bran, another round. Verl, assist with targeting the previous blast site. Egerton, you hang back... Egerton, have you lost your mind?"

Ngoh was issuing orders methodically, preparing to deliver the final blow to the Level D octopus bugbear before him, when he noticed Egerton, who had been on the fringes, suddenly break from Hankamer's defensive perimeter. Gliding along the path of the fireballs and the holy light pillar, Egerton found himself face-to-face with the octopus bugbear, mere inches from an enthusiastic embrace.

"This kid, showing off isn't done like this... Holy crap, how is that even possible?!"

Macleay, from a short distance away, caught sight of the scene. He was about to unleash a devastating burst of light energy from his gleaming golden axe to obliterate the massive octopus bugbear when an unbelievable moment unfolded before him and the others.

As the fireballs and holy light pillar rained down, Egerton contorted his body at impossible angles, evading the creature's tentacles and the shower of sparks from the fireballs. With a flawless pirouette, he lightly thrust his modest long blade into the beast's wound, snuffing out its waning life.

The entire sequence took less than a second. Egerton's actions were seamless, so swift that one moment the group was gripped with fear, and the next, it was all over.

"What's with you guys? Do I have any wounds on me?" Egerton asked, bewildered.

"Holy shit, not a single wound? How is that possible?"

"Forget wounds, there's not even a scratch on your clothes. This is downright freakish!"

"Damaged? Didn't you notice there's not even a speck of blood on it? This goes beyond abnormal—it's monstrous!"

Ngoh and the others swarmed Egerton, groping him from all directions while expressing their admiration.

"Back off, everyone. I'm not into that!" Egerton darted away, his face etched with terror.

"Holy shit, how did you just get out of there? Are you really a Class 2?"

"Could it be your class ability, Dodger? Can you actually dodge every attack?"

"It can't be that overpowered, can it? I think his own strength has to be a factor!"

The trio was caught up in shock and debate, completely oblivious to the fact that they were in the perilous Skyreach Spire.

Even Macleay, who should have been keeping an eye on them, didn't intervene, so astounding was Egerton's performance.

Macleay was sure he could replicate the feat, but the real question was the disparity in their strengths. How could it make sense for him, a Class 5 exorcist, to compare physical abilities with Egerton, a mere Class 2?

Even if Macleay was the most physically capable among them, he couldn't believe that he, an Awakened One, could achieve what Egerton just did.

That level of performance wasn't just about physical ability; it required absolute confidence in one's own strength and a firm grasp of the bigger picture. Only with these three elements in harmony could one even attempt it.

"The Dodger's previous class was the Penetrator, which allows for keener observation. That's why I'm better at seizing the right moment in battle. The Dodger mostly just lets me evade minor attacks," Egerton clarified.

He had to explain; otherwise, Egerton feared these guys might dissect him out of sheer curiosity.

"Does personality have an influence?" Ngoh suddenly wondered.

"Personality? Perhaps," Egerton replied, noncommittally.

It wasn't that he was trying to conceal anything; he genuinely had no clue.

Personality is only perceived when an Awakened One first awakens their Class under the brilliance of divine force, which forms a unique tattoo seal, distinguishing the personality type of the believer.

However, the strength of Egerton's Class 1 was entirely granted by the missionary system, devoid of any infusion of divine force. Consequently, there was no tattoo seal, and whether he had a personality remained unknown to all.

"My personality enhances my ability to understand combat, which might be a factor," Egerton supplemented.

"If you have a personality, why didn't you mention it sooner?" Bran asked, feeling as though he'd been duped.

They had agreed to be ordinary people together, but Egerton had secretly become a prodigy. That seemed to be the sentiment.

"It's not a particularly notable personality, so I didn't bring it up," Egerton said, touching his nose with a hint of embarrassment.

"Alright, enough dawdling, let's keep moving. We've been here for half an hour and have only taken down one Level D magical creature. At this rate, today's haul will be pretty dismal," Macleay interjected, having gleaned the information he sought and recalling his responsibility.

"Egerton, since your Class boosts your observational skills, you'll take command of the next battle," Macleay proposed after a short walk.

"Uh, is that really okay?" Egerton asked, casting a glance at Ngoh.

"No worries. I'm just the interim captain. I wouldn't even be doing this if the other three were cut out for it," Ngoh reassured, patting his chest. His dark complexion made him barely noticeable within the gloomy confines of the Skyreach Spire.

"You say that as if I'm eager to take charge," Egerton thought to himself, feeling somewhat resigned.

Back in the Eastern Region, he mostly worked alone, seldom leading others in battle.

"Wait!" A few minutes later, Egerton abruptly halted the group as a faint sound reached his ears.

"What's the matter?" Ngoh asked, scrutinizing the surroundings with no success in discerning anything unusual.

Macleay, equally puzzled, looked at Egerton with a mix of skepticism and curiosity.

"It appears that the Classes of this world, while strong, have abilities that are quite extreme!"

Observing the reactions of those around him, Egerton mused internally.

Macleay, despite being a Class 5 warrior, only demonstrated a slightly better perception than Ngoh, lacking the overwhelming dominance expected of someone at his level.

"We're likely dealing with a large number of Carrion Ants," Egerton whispered. At his words, everyone inhaled sharply.

It's important to note that Carrion Ants, while only Level D magical creatures, are rated as such due to their highly exploitable weaknesses.

These minuscule beings, nearly invisible to the naked eye, possess an attack strength comparable to other ordinary Level D magical creatures. Moreover, their tendency to swarm in groups, sometimes numbering in the thousands, can be a nightmare. If their vulnerabilities aren't targeted, even a Class 4 expert might fall victim to the Carrion Ants.

"What should I do?" Bran asked, a bead of cold sweat rolling down his forehead as his hand clutched his wand, shaking.

"We still have some distance, and they're somewhat dispersed. Move forward a few more meters, then use your sparks!" Egerton instructed with caution.

Fire is the archenemy of Carrion Ants, the very reason they cannot advance beyond Level D as magical creatures.

Additionally, wide-ranging magical attacks can also inflict considerable damage on the Carrion Ants.

"Three, two, one, now!" Egerton commanded as they advanced three meters and thousands of Carrion Ants, unable to restrain themselves any longer, swarmed out from the crevices in the walls and ground, engulfing the group. Despite having briefed Bran in advance, Egerton couldn't help but feel frustrated that the young man's reaction was still a beat too slow.

"Verl, shine the Holy Light!" As the flames raged, effectively holding back and scorching the Carrion Ants, Egerton noticed the fire's reach was insufficient and quickly directed Verl.

A sacred glow then rose, casting light in all directions.

"Is that necessary?" Bran grumbled, oblivious to his earlier blunder.

Yet, as the firelight faded, both Bran and Ngoh's faces betrayed a look of lingering dread.

One-fifth of the Carrion Ant corpses showed no signs of scorching. Clearly, they hadn't been touched by Bran's fiery attack. If Verl hadn't cast a timely Holy Light, we would have been in a real bind.

"I'm sorry, I made a mistake just now!" Bran said, his face turning red with embarrassment.

"It's okay. Hiccups are bound to happen the first time around. And look, everything turned out alright," Egerton said with a reassuring smile.

"This kid really has what it takes to be a captain," Macleay mused to himself.

Egerton's command was impressive, and he lacked the haughtiness often seen in the young. His kind treatment of his teammates was a hallmark of a great captain. Egerton not only checked that box but also possessed considerable strength—a truly rare combination.

"Garros has found himself a real gem. It's no wonder he's so anxious and on edge. With this guy on the team, they're destined to become a powerhouse, maybe even the top one!" Macleay envisioned a bright future for the team.

"Isn't that Macleay, the vice-captain of the Sunstriders? What brings you to the hundredth level of Skyreach Spire to guide newcomers today?"

An incongruous voice interrupted his thoughts, causing Macleay's brow to furrow as he looked ahead, his expression quickly shifting to one of mild fear.

"Ralph, what are you doing here? Don't tell me you're behind the Carrion Ants' ambush?"

His words instantly snapped the relaxed group back to a state of high alert.