Despite labeling it an investigation, there wasn't much to delve into. Their understanding suggested that the dark hunters aimed to capture nearby villagers using monsters to nourish their blood, presumably to bolster their strength. With no further discoveries, the affected villagers were taken back by the Cras Island Garrison and resettled."Since there's nothing more to do, I'll take my leave."Adrian bid farewell to Nathaniel before departing. With the matter resolved, his focus shifted to preparing for the investigation of the Aetherians. Initially, he debated whether to inform Aubrey and Rean, but ultimately decided against it. While telling Aubrey seemed acceptable, he hesitated about telling Rean, sharing his deliberations only with Nathaniel. Furthermore, the preliminary investigation required his full attention, as Nathaniel and the others belonged to the garrison. Official personnel entering the Aetherians' territory would undoubtedly attract attention.Being unknown to t

The creature’s mouth, filled with uneven yellow teeth, oozed countless strange black fluids emitting a foul, putrid odor. Another level-eight pinnacle stage monster had emerged—a Glutton.Gluttons, known for their large bellies, relied on constant feeding to maintain their strength. And their bellies secreted a corrosive slime, their most potent weapon.The simultaneous appearance of two level-eight pinnacle stage monsters added to the intrigue.Observing this, Adrian smirked. "You two want to attack me together? Two aren't enough. Bring out your stronger companions, if you have any. I'll handle them all at once."A powerful aura radiated from Adrian, slightly overpowering the surrounding dark aura."Hehehe… Since you're so eager, I'll oblige."Laughter echoed as a gray figure materialized—a female banshee draped in a gray cloak with straight black hair. Like the others, she too was a level-eight pinnacle stage creature.Adrian thought that the situation was becoming interesting

Adrian moved closer and managed to catch wind of their conversation."Why is the leader looking for Aubrey in the middle of the night?""Beats me, and it’s none of our concern. We just need to take Aubrey to him.""Alright."They talked as they walked, and soon they arrived at a secluded courtyard with a small, quiet room. The two of them knocked on the door, and the sound echoed through the empty courtyard.After a while, a voice from inside asked, "Who is it?"Hiding in the dark, Adrian recognized Aubrey's voice.One of the young priests answered, "It's us, Aubrey. The leader wants to see you.""Oh, I see." Aubrey poked her head out of the room.In the dim lighting, Adrian noticed Aubrey looked haggard. He hadn't seen her in days, and it was unclear what had happened to her since then. Adrian stayed hidden, quietly observing.After tidying herself up, Aubrey followed the two priests out of the courtyard. Adrian followed them from a distance. In the center of Aether Sanctum

After saying this, Bradley rushed at Aubrey. Adrian, hiding in the dark, hadn't seen it wrong. Bradley was charging like a hungry wolf about to pounce on its prey.Aubrey, terrified, screamed and quickly dodged to the side. However, Bradley was incredibly fast and precise. In the blink of an eye, he reached Aubrey, leaving her no room to escape.Seeing this, Aubrey was stunned. "Sir!" she cried.Bradley said fiercely, "Since you are unwilling to follow the rules of the Aetherians, you must receive severe punishment." With a strange roar, he lunged at her, scaring Aubrey out of her wits.Boom!In the next second, a loud noise erupted. Amid rolling dust, Bradley flew backward into the distance.Bradley regained his footing and looked toward Aubrey. Furious, he demanded, "Who dares to stop me?!"There was a flash, and Adrian appeared before them. Seeing that Bradley was about to harm Aubrey, Adrian could no longer stay hidden and took action.Bradley glared at Adrian. "So, it’s yo

"Divine Frost Slayer Blade, arise!" Adrian commanded as he unsheathed his sword and rushed toward Bradley.Whoosh!Bradley felt unease, realizing the danger too late. Adrian's attack arrived swiftly, leaving him defenseless.“Argh!”With a shout, Bradley felt weak. Adrian's attack pierced through him, leaving him stunned. Looking down at his chest, Bradley felt an unexpected sense of relief throughout his body.Meanwhile, Adrian stood firm before Bradley.Bradley was stunned for a moment before speaking up, "Very well."Adrian sensed a hint of hopelessness in Bradley. He snorted coldly. "What, still not convinced? Unwilling to admit defeat?""Haha, hahaha..." Bradley burst into a series of loud laughter.The laughter grated on Adrian's nerves. He glared fiercely at Bradley. "What the hell are you laughing at?"Bradley's eyes narrowed. "Kid, do you really think you can kill me? I still have my strongest move, which I haven't used yet.""Oh? What else can you do? Hurry up and