43 Book 3 Chapter 39 (1/2)
However, Lavos stressed demons grew exponentially more powerful the higher their tier. For example, Lavos' lowest level rune was seven. The stat bonuses he received from all his runes was mindboggling.
Over the decades, the minotaur tribe dwindled in numbers, leaving only the battle-hardened elites. Each one could fight one to two levels higher. However, for most demons, it was hard for a tier one to kill a tier two, and almost impossible to kill a tier three. Those that could cross grades were the cream of the crop, and it was because of this Lavos was so impressed.
With no runes, top-grade ascenders were strong enough to kill tier three demons one on one. Above them were Shenlong and the others. Based on the brief spar between them, Lavos concluded Shenlong was strong enough to kill a tier four demon by himself. They shattered the rules of the floor. Lavos looked forward to the day these humans had as many runes as him.
After everyone rested, Andy left the haven under Shenlong's party's protection. Peter spent nearly an hour convincing the coward, and only after guaranteeing his safety did the kid accept.
”Found one.” Not long after the party left, Roy spotted a tier one silverclaw scorpion the size of a car. The beast was sleeping under the shade of a withered tree, and based on its lack of movement, it hadn't noticed them yet.
(Mutant) Silverclaw Scorpion - Level 210
Health: 200,000/200,000
Shenlong and the others glanced at Andy. Gulping, the kid inspected the giant scorpion in the distance. His vivid imagination instantly created ten scenarios of him ripped to shreds. He only relaxed a bit when he realized Shenlong could probably kill it in a single hit. With such strong guardians protecting him like he was royalty, he would probably be safe. Probably.
According to Lavos, a demon would only submit to a higher tier demon. This meant Andy had to create a tier two demon at a minimum. However, would a demon strong enough to lead a horde be tier two? Unlikely.
Keeping this in mind, Andy strained his imagination to create a four-armed gorilla the size of a tank. Although the gorilla had four runes, it was only on the surface. Strangely, Andy wasn't able to imagine runes' functions, so he made sure the gorilla exuded a demon's aura. Thankfully, he had gotten a lifetime of such an aura last night.
The gorilla roared as it charged over to the scorpion, crossing twenty feet with every step. Jolted awake, the scorpion prepared to fight, only to freeze upon seeing its aggressor. It let out a soft hiss in deference. There was no need to fight – it had fully submitted to the gorilla's might.
Seeing this, Shenlong asked Andy, ”Try giving it a command.”
Surprisingly, the scorpion bobbed its head up and down. It appeared to have some degree of intelligence.
Watching from afar, the party broke into smiles. The test was a success. It was only a matter of time before a monster horde formed. At that moment, Andy let out a sigh. ”It won't work. My imagination is draining too fast. I can only form this gorilla for ten hours at most; that's nowhere near enough time to gather a horde.”
”Hm. What about dropping its tier by one?” Shenlong suggested. Although there was less chance for tier three demons to follow the command of a tier four demon, what other option did they have?
Andy mused aloud. ”It'll last around twenty-four hours.”
”Forget it.” Shenlong shook his head and turned to return to the haven to inform Peter. They'd only be able to gather a few hundred demons in that time, so there was no point in continuing the plan. Before leaving, Andy had the gorilla punch the scorpion. The poor thing died in a few hits, baffled at the sudden attack.
It didn't take long to travel back to the haven. Ascenders packed the place compared to last night. Hundreds of non-combatants repaired the walls, set up traps, or made new engravings.
Peter was standing on the wall. Seeing Shenlong's party return so soon, he wasn't surprised. This was within his calculations. Either the demons didn't consider Andy's illusions authentic, or the energy cost was too high. Peter made his way down to greet the party. Before Andy could speak, he waved his hand. ”Don't worry. I have another method to gather a monster horde.”