Chapter 11: Entering the Yellow Zone
The Yellow Zone—a place where only C-rank hunters could hope to survive. Though most monsters here were classified as D-rank, they hunted in deadly packs. Thunder Wolves, Poison Hyenas, and Golden Monkeys roamed the dense terrain. Even for seasoned C-rank hunters, this area was considered dangerous.
The party of four stepped cautiously into the forest. Compared to the Green Zone, the Yellow Zone was much darker. Thick canopies blocked the sunlight, and the air was damp with the scent of moss and decay. Strange cries echoed in the distance, making the atmosphere feel even more suffocating.
They eventually reached a murky swamp, where they spotted their target—a Red-Bellied Toad. Its fiery crimson belly glowed slightly against the green muck, and it sat motionless by the water's edge.
Alex stepped forward and said calmly, "You guys stay here. I'll be done in a minute."
Moving like a phantom, Alex used the shadows to approach the toad from behind. In a blink, his dagger pierced its brain, killing it instantly. He retrieved its heart and returned, his skin now covered in a faint green slime from the swamp.
William stepped forward with a black wooden box, and Alex dropped the heart inside. William quickly sealed it and placed the box in his elemental space ring.
Alex smirked. "How was that?"
At that very moment, an earth spike shot through Alex's chest. His body jerked, then collapsed onto his back.
William sneered, "Idiot. You thought I'd ever be friends with trash like you? I'm the heir of the great Mythical Lion Clan."