Sometimes, an ordinary battle could quickly turn into a life-or-death situation. Just one mistake by an Awakened who had fought monsters for many years could lead to death, from a random attack or fangs sinking into the neck.
Garet hadn't come very far, but death was right in front of him. The Stone Groug's fist would smash him into the ground, like being hit by a sledgehammer weighing several tons. Even an Awakened whose body was much stronger than that of ordinary people had no chance of survival.
Well, that would be true if it weren't for abilities that could sometimes completely turn the tide of battle.
Everything happened too fast for Garet to figure out, but as soon as he saw the Void Seal, his fighting spirit rose to its limit.
The development of the Zenith Grid was the foundation of the Awakened's power, it was the level that made all other aspects stronger as well.
The transition from the Initial Anchor to the First Anchor was an important step for any Awakened. It happened with a surge of energy reminiscent of what a person experiences when first coming into contact with energy when the Dusk began.
This surge of energy acted as a spark that started the process of creating the First Anchor. The spark could appear for many reasons, and Garet did not even understand why his Genesis Core was suddenly able to start creating the First Anchor.
But Korona saw everything.
'A drop of blood... Immediately after that, his aura intensified, but will he be able to protect himself?!' She exclaimed inwardly.
Tremble.
A moment before the blow, the purple energy turned into a black diamond shield hovering above Garet's hand.
The impact passed through his body, pinning his back to the ground, but his hand remained intact, even though the Stone Groug had attacked with full force.
They looked at each other, their eyes wide open, because Garet was as baffled as the Stone Groug, who didn't understand how the small man had survived his strike.
Crack.
Cracks ran across the black barrier, while purple light from the edges fell on Garet's face, warning him that he would no longer be able to defend himself, even with his new ability.
'Right, Xir said that the second part of my Zenith was unavailable to me because of the limitations set by the Genesis Core. The Void Seal, it's mine, but at what cost?'
Due to the adrenaline rushing through his veins, Garet didn't feel it, but one use of the Void Seal consumed several times more energy than the Dark Cleave and the Sun Seal.
So far, he hasn't had enough energy to freely use the Void Seal, especially considering that he spent energy faster than others.
But, for once, he could afford it, considering that he was currently undergoing an evolution.
"GHM!" The Stone Groug growled before bringing his second fist down.
In his rage, he didn't notice the figure behind him who finally managed to return to the fight.
Korona's blades were crossed as a dark mist receded from her body, turning her into a blur that slammed into the Stone Groug's back at tremendous speed. She used her Blank just like Garet earlier.
Despite the difference in size, it was enough to knock the Stone Groug to the ground with a splash of blood gushing from his back.
"You're finished!" Korona exclaimed as she prepared to plunge her blades into the Stone Groug's chest.
But the monster threw her aside at the last moment.
Unfortunately for the Stone Groug, he didn't notice Garet approaching him.
"Alright..." Garet muttered with trembling hands, holding his sword full of energy. "It's time to end this, or I'll actually die."
Exhaling a cold breath, Garet swung widely as the Dark Cleave crashed into the Stone Groug, ultimately passing right through his neck.
Thump.
Garet collapsed to his knees as everything blurred before his eyes. He used much more energy than he should have.
"Agh... Agh... Agh..."
Breathing heavily, Garet raised his head as his face paled.
Two amber eyes stared at him with hatred and a desire to destroy, but that was not going to happen.
That piercing glare was the last thing the Stone Groug could do before the dark slash ended his life. The stream of blood flowing from his neck flooded the ground like a pond, leaving the monster no chance.
"Shit!"
Korona slammed her fist into the ground with a grimace, rising from the land only to freeze in place.
They won, and the final attack was not delivered by her, but by a young man who was a complete novice.
Envy, rivalry, and even pride mingled in Korona's mind until she pulled herself together and rushed forward.
That was not what she needed to be thinking about right now.
"Garet!" She exclaimed, running up to him. "Are you okay?"
With a deep sigh, he nodded, watching the moon shine brightly upon them.
"Yeah, it looks like we won, doesn't it?"
Korona glared over her shoulder at the Stone Groug as a smile spread across her face.
"Of course! As if you could lose with an ally like me!"
"Hahaha, well, your last attack saved me. That's your Blank's ability, right? What can I say, that was cool, I wish I had an ability like that too. Hah, you just knocked a giant to the ground!"
Korona blushed as she looked away.
"No, seriously. You almost died..." She bit her lip almost to the point of bleeding. "Your Zenith saved you, but it was risky. Damn it! You shouldn't have taken such a dangerous mission as your first!"
In response, Garet only laughed even harder.
"Hahaha, but we beat him!"
"Whatever!" Korona exclaimed, grabbing him by the collar as their foreheads nearly collided. "Next time you might not be so lucky, and some monster will just tear you to pieces!"
In a burst of joy, Garet wanted to joke, but seeing her sincere gaze, he nodded calmly.
"Got it. You're a more experienced hunter, right? So, I'll listen to you."
Then, his gaze shifted to the Spiky Moon Flower.
"Moreover... After victory comes reward, as always, right?"