Chapter 96 - Even the Weakest Carry Fire
The highland area where Tave and the others had landed stood at a considerable elevation, stretching out into thick forests and mountain ridges that sloped steeply downward. Though the peak was mostly covered in rocky formations with only sparse tree growth, it was a small relief that not many monsters roamed the upper levels. For now, it could serve as a provisional refuge.
Still, Tave needed to chart every potential threat lurking throughout the mountainous region and the lowlands beyond. He had to estimate how vast a territory they needed to explore and ultimately conquer, all in search of the ultimate monster. The one they had to defeat to finally seal this Rift.
And this was a Tier 4 Emergency Rift. That meant the presence of a Mini Boss was inevitable. Possibly more than one. The difficulty and danger they brought varied wildly and could never be fully anticipated.
Just remembering how a Mini Boss from a Tier 3 Rift had already taken the life of one of their expedition members was enough to make him wary. Now they were in even more treacherous territory.
The day had begun shifting toward evening, but with Panpan now accompanying him on this scouting run, Tave was able to push further and stay out longer.
This was only possible thanks to a special connection maintained by Elowen, one of the forest elves, with her kin. A mental link that allowed them to send and receive messages across long distances. As long as Panpan and Elowen were positioned apart, communication remained intact and reliable.
Truly convenient. If only this world had a more proper communication device.
They moved steadily downhill, leaping between boulders and weaving through trees that were growing denser and rising high above them. The towering surroundings gave them a real sense of the scale of this place, and the sheer size of the enemies they might face.
Tave reached into his storage ring and pulled out a small tin, popping the lid to reveal strips of dried meat. He began to chew, slowly regaining his appetite now that he had some space away from the group.
Perhaps it was just how an introvert’s mind worked. He functioned best when fewer people were around. Still, he wasn’t entirely alone. Panpan was with him.
"Want some?" he asked, holding the tin out toward the elf girl walking beside him.