Chapter 158: The first wave
The protective barrier shattered like crystalline glass, its fragments dissolving into sparkling motes that scattered on wind that shouldn’t exist. Seven days of absolute protection had ended, leaving them exposed to whatever challenges the realm would provide.
The response was immediate and overwhelming.
Dimensional rifts tore open across the territorial perimeter as massive forms began emerging from spaces between realities. These weren’t the predictable spawning creatures Ethan had encountered—they were territorial challenge entities specifically designed to test defensive capabilities.
ROAR! SCREECH! HOWL!
Hundreds of creatures poured through dimensional gaps while storm clouds provided additional concealment for aerial threats that descended like living nightmares. Bronze and silver-rank entities formed coordinated assault waves that would challenge new territories.
"Here they come!" Elena shouted from her elevated position, enhanced arrows already knocked, while targeting arrays identified priority threats.
The first territorial defense had officially begun—a trial by fire that would determine whether their combined forces could maintain control over acquired domains.
...
The notification that appeared before Ethan made him smirk with predatory satisfaction:
[TERRITORIAL DEFENSE TRIAL]
[Objective: Eliminate challenge entities within the time limit]