Undefeated

Getting sneaked up on by a giant ape was certainly unexpected. Especially when said giant ape’s every step had been loud and heavy enough to be felt through the ground. The Red Guardian had subconsciously grown confident that it was fine to take his eyes off his adversary, since he seemed to advertise his position with each step he took.

The Guardian had fallen for the deception.

Upon realising that the ape was right behind him, he hurriedly put up his defence, shielding his neck and nape using his arms... Once more, that was the wrong decision.

Anoteros did not strike with his fists. He instead used the proximity to roar as loudly as he could muster right into the Guardian’s ears. The red-skinned being stumbled forward, feeling a sense of weightlessness wash over him as blood seeped from his ears.

Momentarily stunned, the Red Guardian was defenceless as Edrick grabbed him, proceeding to repeatedly smash him into the ground without delay, hands crushing down at the same time. Even then, the realm’s defender proved to be exceptionally resilient, as after a few moments, ambient energy began to be drawn to him once more.

This prompted Edrick to let go--By throwing the Guardian right into one of the pillars of the temple.

Anoteros narrowly avoided another blast of energy as the Red Guardian rose from the rubble. He looked worse for wear, but still very much operational.

Growling, he kicked off the ground straight toward Edrick. It didn’t even seem like getting ragdolled had damaged any of his bones.

‘Huh…’ the young noble narrowed his eyes. Clearly, the Red Guardian was powerful. Too powerful... As a matter of fact, the only reason he had been able to land so many hits without being damaged himself was merely because he had the element of surprise, and also due to his opponent being wary of his transformation.

But now, it had become clear that his strength was not great enough to damage the Guardian’s durable body. Therefore, all apprehension that was previously there vanished on the side of his adversary.

Whilst he was squeezing and slamming the Guardian around, he had felt that the red flesh was a bit odd to the touch. And so, he was fairly certain that this was where the impressive durability was coming from, in particular.

‘It’s a shame, but… There is no reason to stick around any longer’

Before the Guardian could reach him, he pushed against the ground and--Whilst still transformed--Ran to the side, grabbed his stuff, and just took off running, heading back toward the mountains.

For a moment, the Red Guardian was confused, not expecting Edrick to just immediately retreat like this, and just when the adrenaline was kicking in as well! It had been ages since the Guardian had been involved in a fight.

Usually, his targets would just exit the realm or be massacred with ease. It had been a long time since a human had landed a hit, and Anoteros had landed multiple of them! But alas, the noble scion was clever enough to see that this fight wasn’t going to go anywhere, and made the decision to walk away as soon as possible.

The realm’s defender sighed heavily and drew in ambient energy, healing his wounds at a remarkable speed.

Indeed, just as Xiao had claimed, the chances of defeating the Red Guardian in a fight were slim. Not only was he powerful, but his defences in particular were monstrously high, coupled with the ability to use ambient energy to heal. The best strategy to defeat him was to have incredible strength and to kill him in a single blow.

Apart from that, although high, his physical strength was not nearly as absurd.

Shaking his head, the Guardian turned and ran into the temple. He could still sense the presence of an intruder inside.

He honestly did not understand why anyone would come here specifically. As far as he was aware, there was nothing of value hidden inside. The temple was merely what it looked like on the outside: An old, dilapidated place of worship.

His steps were thunderous as he took many sharp turns, homing in directly on Xiao. The Guardian knew the layout perfectly. No time whatsoever was wasted as he rushed down the hallways, bursting into the room the crimson-eyed youth was in--

Nothing.

The Guardian grunted.

“Left… Already…”

Xiao escaped with his prize, unknowingly putting another crack into his own script…

___

Edrick would know if Xiao succeeded later. For now, with everything on the list already gathered, it was time for him to find a good spot to put the Lodestone down.

He needed to put it in a somewhat concealed place, but not one that was too difficult to manoeuvre, either, as he would certainly be bringing more people into the realm.

This was his future business, so he would need employees as well. Of course, they would all be branded with crests, but that did not change the point. They wouldn’t be as capable as him.

So, for example, he couldn’t place the Lodestone atop one of the mountains, which is where he currently was.

Taking advantage of the fact that he was already transformed, he climbed up one of the mountains. Currently untransformed with his bag lying next to his feet, he was standing completely naked whilst overlooking the horizon.

Catching no sight of any of the local Mountain Sasquatches, he sighed and pulled another set of clothes out of his bag to get dressed.

Although placing the Lodestone outside of the mountain range--Where he had just come from--Might sound like a good idea, there seemed to be no Underwood Elf villages outside of the area surrounded by the mountains.

The elves were a large portion of his plan to make this realm a profitable business. Their cooperation was key. They knew the place better than anyone else, and they could also serve as workers for Edrick…

During the next few days, Anoteros travelled back to where he had come from, all the whilst seeking out a suitable spot to put the Lodestone in.

On the way, he was careful to be stealthy, so as to avoid running into another Laughing Fox.

In his eyes, these beasts in particular were the main threat within the realm. All other dangers could be easily avoided by just being careful.

Laughing Foxes, on the other hand, would seek you out and would actively try to cause your demise.

Eventually, Edrick found a small cave hidden behind trees and bushes. It was nothing more than a small hole in the side of some hill, but it would do the job just fine.

‘I guess I should regroup with the others now…’