Chapter 43: When Giants Clash: Nexus in the Crossfire
Ash and the others see the golden barrier rising in the sky, protecting the city from yellow and blue thunder that mistakenly comes toward Nexus City from the fight between the giant and the black being. From Nexus City, he watches the giant clash with the black being, wielding a massive golden hammer. He thinks, This black being's body structure is somewhat the same as the giant's.
He sees that when the giant and the black being's weapons collide, yellow and blue lightning bursts out as a side effect. He desperately wants to know what kind of species the black beings are. The desire to see the system status of the black being pounds in his heart, but just thinking about it makes his pulse race. Cold sweat trickles down his face, and fear grips his thoughts, clouding his ability to think rationally.
Minutes pass. He watches the terrifying battle between the two colossal beings. With a spark of determination in his eyes and a tight grip on his hand, he asks Nexus a question that's been gnawing at him—will checking the black being's status from inside the city provoke it? Will it bring disaster upon them?
The answer brings a breath of relief. Nexus confirms that neither the giant nor the black being will harm the citizens of Nexus, the Altar Owner, or the altar itself—unless provoked. Eldros World will annihilate either of them if they do. Also, checking a status window does not count as provocation.
Heart pounding, Ash decides to see the black being's status.
A window pops up before his eyes.
Name: Black Giant
Grade: ? (level not sufficient to see)
Level: ?
Quantity: 1
Description: ?
Abilities: ?
Weakness: ?
Shock floods him. His breath catches. Giants... are fighting each other? He struggles to believe it. But he forces himself to calm down and asks Nexus for information about the black giant.
At that moment, the battle rages on—fierce, violent, merciless. It's as if both beings are mortal enemies, intent on destroying each other no matter the cost. That scene stirs a deep curiosity in him, a hunger to learn their history. But Nexus's answer is a crushing disappointment. Anything about the black giant is strictly confidential for a level 0 altar city. Nexus knows nothing more.
With no other option, he turns his attention back to the fight. The power on display is overwhelming, but he places his faith in the golden barrier. He and the others, filled with anxiety and awe, choose to sleep—knowing that lingering in this battle of giant could bring attention they cannot afford.
Morning arrives.
The sun rises slowly, casting golden rays over Nexus City. A cool breeze whispers through the air, and the chirping of birds dances gently in the wind.
Ash opens his red eyes, restless despite the sleep. The fight still haunts his thoughts. Fear and awe still grip his chest. He steps outside, sprinkles water on his face, and blinks toward the place where the giants once clashed.
Only silence greets him.
The battlefield is empty now; the earth scarred with dark patches and deep pits. No sign of the giants remains.
He exhales softly, the tension in his shoulders easing. They're gone, he thinks. Maybe they both left after injuring each other. Maybe no one died.
A few hours later, he and the others decide to survey the lands surrounding Nexus City. A question nags at him: why were the giants fighting here? What made the first giant rest in this place? What drew it here from the other place?
They journey outward, eyes sharp, hearts wary, looking for any signs of danger, treasure, or change. After a while, they stumble upon something unique—a place where the surrounding mana is pure. It pulses gently through the air, almost inviting, and Ash senses it can be absorbed safely, without harm.
For a long time, he observes, but the only notable thing is the purity of the mana.
Curious, he asks Nexus about it. The answer makes his heart skip. It's most likely a relic area, a place where valuable remnants of the past lie hidden. The most important treasures have likely already been taken by the giant. But relic areas evolve with time, and maybe... just maybe... new opportunities will emerge.
His mind whirls with hope and anxiety.
He immediately assigns two experienced soldiers to guard the area. If any powerful monsters approach or anything changes, they are to alert Nexus City and Robin without hesitation. Their safety is a top priority.
With that secured, Ash and the others turn toward the forest. Smiles tug at their lips as they engage with monsters—not to kill, but to train the new soldiers. They fight without delay, guiding the newcomers with skill and patience.
Time slips by.
Ash chops wood with relentless speed, urgency burning in his chest. I must upgrade the city today. The golden barrier won't last forever. After seeing those giants... I don't know how long I can protect this place. The relic area is both a blessing and a ticking time bomb. I hope the upgrade brings something—anything—that can help me.
Hours later, they gather enough wood. The team sets off for the city, weary but determined.
Along the path, they encounter two level 2 monsters. From their movements and proximity, Ash guesses they may be a couple—but that doesn't matter. The moment the monsters charge at them, he makes his decision. They must die.
Before attacking, he checks their status.
Name: STONE RAT
Grade: Low-Grade Beast
Level: 2
Quantity: 2
Description: A small, rodent-like rat with oversized fangs capable of chewing through wood, leather, and even weak armor. It moves in packs, using its numbers to overwhelm prey and is mostly found in Stone Mountain.
Abilities: none
Ash leads the assault on one of the Stone Rats with the help of the soldiers. Ram takes the second one on alone.
Flames burst from Ash's swords as he charges. A fireball soars ahead and strikes the beast. He slashes at its neck, but it doesn't fall. Gritting his teeth, he casts two more fireballs in quick succession. One hits—but not where he wants. The Stone Rat shrieks. The second fireball strikes the neck wound dead-on. The beast collapses, still breathing.
Ash wastes no time. He plunges his flaming swords into its body, finishing it off.
He turns toward Ram and sees his comrade dispatching the second Stone Rat with practiced ease.
Ash watches the soldiers nearby. Their response is sharp. Quick. Capable.
We need to polish them more, he thinks. These soldiers will be the pillars of my army.
Minutes later, they resume the journey, sweat dripping, shoulders heavy with lumber. When Nexus City's gate comes into view, a sense of urgency returns to Ash.
Now I have the wood. I just need stone. One more trip. I believe we still have the energy and time to finish it.
They reach the city. Ash tells the soldiers to unload the wood in the warehouse, then makes his way to the market building.
Inside, a system window appears.
Do you want to trade using the text feature of the market building?
Or
Trade with both parties' physical presence (extra mana charge because physical presence costs mana from the market building, and recovering mana is necessary)?
He chooses the first option. In the search bar, he types "pickaxe." Several options appear. He picks the best-looking one.
Name: Pickaxe (Item - resource)
Status: Good
Quantity: 1
Ability: Helps in mining stone and rock
Description: Best for mining-related work, use with caution
Grade: Low-grade
Price: 5 (mana points)
He buys 10. Then, he searches for axes and select the best one.
Name: Axe (Item - resource)
Status: Good
Quantity: 1
Ability: Helps in chopping trees and wood
Description: Best for chopping and cutting work
Grade: Low-grade
Price: 5 (mana points)
He buys 10 axes.
I've spent 100 mana points out of the 200 I earned from the level 2 Stone Rats' mana-stones, he thinks "I really hope the city develops faster and earns more mana for nexus and me. I should leave shopping to Robin so I can focus on more important matters."
He gives Robin charge of the axes and two pickaxes. The remaining eight will be used by the soldiers and him.
Soon, Ash and the others leave Nexus City and head toward Stone Mountain to gather stone. He glances at the pickaxes and sighs.
I wish we had a vehicle for this journey instead of walking slowly.
As they approach the stone mountain, his eyes widen. A monster colony lurks nearby.
His heart tightens.
I really have to kill them, he thinks, even though I claimed the level 1 stone mountain before...
As Ash scans the monster colony, a shiver runs down his spine as his eyes lock with one of the creatures. It doesn't move, but the dark, calculating gaze it returns pierces him to his core. A low growl echoes from the pack. The silence is shattered as the monsters begin to stir. Ash's heart races.