Chapter 174 - Increasing Combat Power (2/2)

I only got a little bit of action during the fight since they didn't allow me to spoil their training practices. All I could do was be their fourth eyes -since Sanji's third eyes was Tom and Tom's third eyes was Sanji. Whenever a shadow found an opening that neither Tom nor Sanji noticed, I would act and save those two asses.

I doubt they knew about it since they were too engrossed in fighting.

Anyway, long story short, because of those disturbances along the way, we could only reach the river in the middle of the day. Even so, I was still happy because the reality was even more beautiful than the picture in the brochure.

The water was cold and fresh. The stones that scattered on the bank and in the river, even if they were scalding hot from being roasted under the sun, looked so amazingly wonderful. I took a deep breath. The air in the forest, even though felt fresh, but it was a bit damp. The smell of rotten trees was a bit more imminent than in the other part of the forest.

However, the fresh air in the river was a bit different. Which was why I was so excited the moment I stepped onto the stones on the bank.

”Jane, be careful!” Sanji reminded me as he kept his pace to match mine.

”Okay!” I replied. Of course, I would be careful. I didn't want to slip and hit my head on the hard rock accidentally.

I went to find a shade to sit down and at the same time playing with water. But, hahaha... it was all just my wishful thinking. I really couldn't find such spot here. If it were still at ten in the morning, I wouldn't hesitate to sit down under the sun light while playing with water.

However, it had passed twelve! The sun was obviously not playing around at this particular time. It was like the sun was on rage, screaming 'burn! burn!' while pouring its heat to Earth.

So, no. I wouldn't do something that harmful to my own body.

”Let's cross the river!” I said to the both of them after tasting the water with my hands for a while.

”I thought you still want to play with water.” Tom peered into me in confusion.

”No, thanks. The sun is definitely waiting for me to do it, but I'm not going to satisfy its wish.”

”Heh, what a way to say that you're afraid to be burned.” Tom smirked.

”Let's go!” Ignoring his teasing remarks, I hopped from one stone to another until I finally reached the opposite side of the river.

But, this side was a bit strange. My eyes focused on the forest as I felt something was waiting for me to get inside. It was as if I was walking into a trap.

I frowned. What trap could it be?

”What is it?” Tom asked as he peered into the forest, following my action.

”Something is here.” Sanji said coldly. He must have sensed it, too.

”No shit, Sherlock.” Tom grunted. I didn't see it but I knew he was sneering at Sanji. ”So, are we going to stand here all day long?”

He was right. No matter how uneasy I was feeling, I couldn't stop here. Stepping forward, I stayed alerted just in case it was another ambush.

The atmosphere in the forest was totally different with the other side of the river. This time, it was even denser and more powerful than before. I frowned as I noticed the presence of stronger entity around. I became even more wary because I could only sense the presence but I couldn't see it.

”Come out.” I said as my eyes darted here and there to find the owner of this suppressing ability.

Tom and Saji were ready to battle at anytime. However, since the enemy still refused to show themselves, they could only maintain their alert stance all the times.

My voice echoed slightly in the calm forest. Following that, a big shadow loomed all over us. I frown as the shadow tried to intimidate us.

Is it seriously trying to intimidate me? Who told him to do something like this? Was it still the same master as the ones before? If it was, I guess I needed to meet this master before I could continue my journey.

I closed my eyes and waved my hand towards the shadow which was still refusing to come out obediently and instead only using his lousy skill to scare us. A shriek was heard as I successfully hooked my fingers into its body. Following after that, something fell right in front of us, creating a loud thumping sound.

Opening my eyes, I smirked as I stared at the one who was still sprawling on the ground in front of me.