Chapter 182

Chapter 182: The Hidden Peril

Where there was a roar, there was battle.

After a brief moment of thought, Midi swiftly moved toward the source of the dragon’s roar. He slipped through the forest as swiftly and lightly as a fox, the Black Sky sword in his hand radiating a sharp, intimidating aura.

As he advanced, Midi noticed many creatures fleeing in the opposite direction. The dragon’s roar had clearly startled the native beings of the Sea of Trees, driving them from their territories. Fortunately, Midi recognized these creatures and knew their detection ranges, allowing him to avoid sudden confrontations before they could escalate into battles.

When nearing the source of the roar, Midi halted, lowering his body into the shadows of the forest before creeping forward with feline stealth.

Another deafening dragon roar erupted.

This time, it mingled with new sounds—magical explosions, clashing steel, and sharp, rapid shouts.

A fierce battle raged.

On one side stood over a dozen child-sized humanoids. Each stood barely a meter tall, their skin uniformly colored in vivid blues, greens, earthy tones, or metallic shades. They perched on floating rocks, clad in crude armor, clutching javelins with empty tubes at their waists and leather pouches hanging from their belts.

Their seaweed-like hair hid their faces, leaving only single large eyes visible, fixed intently on their foe.

Though they appeared toy-like at half a human’s height—seemingly easy to knock from their rocks—Midi knew these were among the Sea of Three Towers’ most dangerous inhabitants:

Humanoids!

Opposing them stood a tall, lithe figure.

The female Dragonkin warrior wore ornate magical armor, wielding a frost-glinting halberd. Her limbs were powerful, her features sharp and handsome, distinguished by coiled horns crowning her forehead and a long scaly tail sweeping behind her. Beneath her feet lay the shattered remains of a Humanoid.

If Humanoids ranked among the forest’s dangers, Dragonkin stood as its apex predators. The scene proved it—a dozen Humanoids encircling one Dragonkin, yet hesitating to attack.

But Midi saw the truth: this Dragonkin neared her limit.

Her armor bore countless gashes and dents, blue blood oozing from weak points. Drawing on past combat experience in these woods, Midi knew a Dragonkin who’d roared twice would be drained. Her labored breathing and erratic magic flow confirmed it.

This was a hunt—Humanoids as hunters, the Dragonkin their prey.

As spectator, what should he do?

Midi’s gaze settled on the steel-colored Humanoid leader.

The Humanoids remained oblivious to the stalker in their shadows. They’d planned this ambush meticulously, wearing down their target’s Physical Strength and will. Now focused on the final strike, they never considered other threats.

Who would dare interfere with a Humanoid hunt here?

The steel Humanoid leader screeched a rapid command.

Seven remaining Humanoids advanced from three directions, forming a closing net around the Dragonkin.

As they struck, Midi moved.

He vanished, darting past shrubs and rocks, crossing dozens of meters in an instant. Shadows swallowed him until he materialized behind the isolated steel Humanoid leader—a bird’s shadow gliding soundlessly across the sky.

Demon Shadow Flash—an advanced Ghost Cry skill.

The small golden sword within Midi hummed, its golden brilliance igniting as pure magic surged through him. The gathered power raced down his arm, through the sword’s hilt, and erupted from its edge like a falling meteor. A blinding silver arc descended toward the steel Humanoid’s skull.

Demon Swordman skill: Silver Light Fall Blade!

Midi never held back. This seamless assault would have overwhelmed any elite on the West Coast—few from the Delos Empire or Belmar Kingdom could withstand such strikes.

Moreover, Midi’s attack had been a sneak strike.

Yet just as the Black Sky sword’s edge neared its target, the ambushed steel Humanoid whirled around and raised its javelin with blinding speed!

Clang!

Metal screeched as Midi’s full-force slash got blocked. The supernaturally tough javelin didn’t break, only cracking under the Black Sky sword’s strike. Worse, the Humanoid’s raw power matched Midi’s diving momentum – Sky City’s battle standards far surpassed Arad’s.

Midi’s Sword of Victory and Guardian no longer felt unstoppable here.

But the reincarnator had anticipated these powerful races’ combat strength. When his first strike failed, he instantly triggered his backup plan. As the Black Sky sword locked with the javelin, Midi suddenly surged with inner power, forcing the weapon down before disengaging.

Though fast and strong, the steel Humanoid knew nothing of swordsmanship combos. The sudden disengagement made it stagger, defenses wide open.

Midi’s blade became an afterimage.

Demon Swordman skill: Rapid Thrust!

The strike pierced the Humanoid’s throat unimpeded. A wrist flick sent the Black Sky sword slicing through its neck.

Their leader’s death threw the seven remaining Humanoids into confusion. But within seconds, the seasoned warriors regrouped. Abandoning the female Dragonkin, they shrieked and charged Midi.

Three hurled javelins. Two stone seat riders closed in for melee. The last two chanted spells, eyes glowing.

Stone pillars erupted beneath Midi while icy shards rained from above – the signature magic pillar attack. Weak or strong, all Humanoids could manifest pillars of stone, ice, steel or fire through this innate skill. Combined with brute strength and reflexes, this made them Sea of Trees’ deadliest races.

Trapped in their killing net, Midi should’ve been doomed. The Humanoids screeched in anticipation, single eyes bloodthirsty.

But Midi had prepared for their trademark move. Golden light enveloped him as he Demon Shadow Flashed dozens of meters away, evading the barrage. Mid-air, he launched a Silver Light Fall Blade at the nearest ice Humanoid.

Though weaker than steel variants, the ice warrior confidently charged Midi’s "direct assault" – only to overcommit against a feint. Midi spun past, kicking its stone seat away. The platform went spinning as its rider crashed into a pit. Before the dazed Humanoid could rise, Midi’s sword removed its head.

Another comrade lost. The remaining six glared with hate-filled eyes, drawing blowpipes – their poisoned darts trump card. Between magic pillars, javelins, stone seat charges, and now lethal darts, even Midi would struggle.

Yet the youth remained calm. "Forgotten something?" he taunted.

Though not understanding Arad’s tongue, they sensed mockery. Their shrieks peaked as they attacked –

CRACK!

Lightning obliterated a Humanoid mid-charge. The forgotten female Dragonkin warrior had recovered, now commanding the battlefield’s high point.