Chapter 343: Less than 5% (I)
A lone figure sliced through the turbulent waters at the border of the Monsoon Continent, moving with astonishing speed. Each stroke propelled him forward against waves so powerful they could easily crush steel hulls and sink military couriers. The rise of Terra had transformed the oceans into treacherous expanses, filled not only with monstrous creatures but also with unpredictable currents and waves. These natural forces challenged even Champion Tier life forms, making the sea a death trap for the unwary. Yet, Vlad pushed on, his determination unwavering, suppressing the crushing exhaustion that threatened to send his body to the bottom of the ocean.
Despite vitality nearing that of a Guardian Tier, Vlad could not simply ignore fatigue. His breathing was ragged, each inhale and exhale a testament to his dwindling stamina. The Depravita had been swimming for fourteen days, and his body screamed for rest. But there was no other choice. He couldn’t risk returning to land within the Monsoon Continent, which was entirely under the hive’s control.
The hive was aware of his presence. They had seen his strength, and now he was a marked target. To set foot on the continent was to invite certain death.
As Vlad powered through the waves, memories of his journey through the Monsoon Continent flooded his mind—the narrow escapes, the relentless pursuit, and the haunting cries of the hive creatures. A cold shiver ran down his spine as he recalled his last encounter with the hive. If he had been deeper within the continent when they detected him or lacked an escape route like the ocean, he might have become just another piece of prey, consumed by the hive and transformed into material for their drones.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon on the fourteenth day, Vlad’s keen eyes spotted a massive cliff rising from the sea—a colossal wall of jagged rock towering over the churning waters below. The cliff had no shore at its base, plunging directly into the ocean depths where waves crashed against it with ferocious might.
Each collision sent spray soaring into the air, echoing like thunder. The sheer force of the waves could pulverize solid rock and would have smashed lesser beings against the cliff without mercy.
"This must be past the border of the Monsoon Continent," Vlad murmured, a hint of relief softening his features. For the first time in weeks, he felt a semblance of security. However, the challenge was far from over. Climbing the cliff seemed nearly impossible. Approaching it meant braving the monstrous waves that threatened to crush anything in their path—and he was simply too tired to fight against them.
But Vlad was not without options.
His eyes sharpened with resolve as he summoned the power of the Inferno Comet Runic Set. His skin began to glow, pulsing with fiery energy. The water around him hissed and steamed, vaporizing instantly due to the intensity of his flames. Without wasting another moment, he propelled himself upward with a mighty leap, soaring over a hundred meters into the air.
He collided with the side of the mountain, his hand piercing into the solid rock as if it were soft clay. Fingers dug deep, anchoring him securely and halting his descent. Dangling high above the merciless sea, Vlad allowed himself a brief smile. But the momentary triumph was cut short as a sharp pain flared within him. He clenched his teeth, his expression twisting with a grimace.
The backlash from pushing the Heart of Wrath to its limits was catching up to him. He had managed to suppress its effects by keeping his energy usage minimal, but activating the Runic Set had reignited the strain. Waves of agony pulsed through his mind, threatening to overwhelm him.