91 Looking for Avalon Part 4 (2/2)

Obviously, better crafting materials will result to a better mana artifacts.

”I'll definitely return for you once I settled my purpose here.” Wallace said as he was looking at a single Monk's Saffron planted on a nearby ground. The mesmerizing purple flower was alone in it's field and no other plants or trees can be seen within it's fifty meters radius. He moved his gaze and continued his journey.

Wallace neared on the mountain range and felt that the number of weaker mana beast lessened. The place was already the territory of Keroxes.

He made himself very careful to avoid any confrontation from the said beast. Although he felt that it was an exaggeration for a single Kerox to be an equal to five Battle Mages, he knows not to test their capability.

Wallace halted his steps and made his armor operate in full alert. He felt the presence of three Keroxes observing him silently like a predator waiting for it's chance.

”Not too close... about 300 meters. They sure know how to distance. Tsk. The old man said that they hunt alone but why are those three together?” He shook his head but could only smile wryly. He didn't fully trusted the information he got from the residents so he wasn't too shocked of it. At the very least, they said the truth about these Keroxes that they only lives within the area of the mountain range.

He observed the leading Kerox and noticed that it indeed looked like a horned bear with a long muscular arm like a gorilla. It also has a golden fur on the top part of it's body. He especially noticed it's absurd Mana fluctuation.

”Man, they didn't exaggerate. They actually underestimated these Keroxes.”

He realized the reason why his armor's stealth mode was seen through. Apparently, his personal stealth spell from his Mana Artifact was better compared to the stealth ability of his armor but it would lower his movement speed if uses it instead.

He carefully analyzed the strength of the leading beast and he noticed that the other two behind hiding on a nearby a tree trunk was weaker and didn't have a golden fur on them.

”It should be a leader or some sort... What a find, but now's not the time to fight. That golden Kerox should be on par with an Adept in terms of strength and Mana Shell.” Wallace decided to escape.

Mana Beasts have natural Mana Shells protecting them. He felt the sturdy layered Mana Shell of the beast and perceived that it wouldn't be fruitful battling them.

He firmly grasped his other suitcase in case there was a need to battle. He covertly activated his armor's Speed Mode.

He determined that it's best to fully use his armor's function to bypass the mountain range instead of slowly moving. The longer he stays here, the more he would encounter these Keroxes in their territory. He didn't dare to use flight as it was said that flying Mana Beast was even more dangerous in the Kharvatt Sierra and anyway, the flight mode consumes a lot more Mana. He only plans to use them if it's really required.

Wallace was about to move but stopped for a moment to analyze his path. Apparently, a number of Keroxes were in his supposed path.

”Whatever, it should only take about 15 minutes to reach the end of this Sierra.”

Speed Mode could operate for two full hours so he wasn't worried that Keroxes could catch up on him. He only needed to make sure not to bump with Adept-level Keroxes.

***

Not too far from Wallace's location. Eight individuals were silently moving as they approach the Sierra.

”There's an activity in our front.” One of the fully armored man at the back reported. All of them had hidden their faces on a full black helmet that seems to be magic engineered to have a Night Vision

”How far?” The man in the front with the biggest build asked.

”About four kilometers. We can reach there in two minutes if we use Haste.”

The leader nodded and glanced at the person beside him who understood the former and casted a magic spell.

”Imperial Command - Full Haste”

The eight of them was shrouded by blue Mana Particles before disappearing.

”Move!”

As soon as the leader ordered, the eight of them almost vanished within the cover of the night.