The deeper Renji went, the stranger the garden became.
The emerald vines twisted higher, curling into arches that resembled gates, and the buzzing of wings turned sharper. His steps slowed as another swarm of mantises emerged, their forelegs gleaming like polished blades under the light.
Renji tightened his fists.
"Another wave…"
He broke into motion, knuckles cracking against chitin, crushing through the swarm. Sparks of energy flared from each kill, his system chiming softly as his EXP counter ticked upward. Despite the numbers, his movements were sharper, quicker. His senses guided him to avoid every swipe, every slash—until the last mantis fell at his feet.
[+120 EXP]
[+110 EXP]
He exhaled, wiping blood from his cheek.
"Hah… not bad." His eyes drifted to the translucent window that appeared before him.
Predator's Gaze – E rank.
He smirked, whispering under his breath.
"It would've been nice to snatch something from these mobs… but the boss…" His gaze hardened. "The boss will be better."
Renji pushed deeper into the labyrinth of vines. Each step felt heavier, the air thick with insect pheromones. Then… silence.
The buzzing stopped.
Ahead, the garden opened into a massive clearing. At its center stood a creature that dwarfed the others. Its emerald carapace shimmered like armor, its forelegs as long as spears, serrated edges glinting in the dim light. Six smaller mantises clung to its back like living ornaments, chittering softly as their king flexed its wings.
Renji's eyes narrowed.
"So you're the boss of this garden…"
The Mantis King screeched, its voice like metal scraping glass. The vines themselves seemed to respond, tightening and coiling along the clearing's edges, cutting off any retreat.
Renji cracked his neck, lips curling into a grin.
"Perfect. Let's see if you're worthy."
The ground trembled as the King lunged forward, its forelegs scissoring with enough force to slice stone in half.
Renji moved. His knuckles slammed against chitin, sparks bursting into the air. The impact numbed his fist, but he stood his ground, forcing the beast back with a burst of strength.
The battle began.