BXBX NOVEL Chapter 147: Exposure and Crisis
They were certain this was the origin of the peculiar sounds they had heard.
Danger lurked!
Realizing this, Colin unsheathed a longsword, its blade adorned with twisted patterns resembling the sun, radiating an aura of formidable power.
Was this the source of Colin\'s confidence?
Enzo mused as he trailed behind Colin and Veena.
He refrained from following too closely, instead exerting great effort to mask his presence, a feat not difficult for him.
However, circumstances took an unexpected turn.
Enzo\'s body tensed suddenly as he sensed a cool, delicate hand caressing his cheek, trailing down to his neck and then sliding to his chest, followed by a soft form pressing against him from behind, accompanied by a subtle fragrance and a chilling voice: "You dare to appear before me? Last time, it was you who spied on me from the shadows, wasn\'t it?"
Enzo turned slightly, releasing a sigh of relief.
The exquisite face before him bore no trace of anger or malice.
He inquired, "ow may I address you, beautiful lady?"
"Audrey." she replied.
Enzo continued, "Lady Audrey, are you the one commanding those beasts and supernatural creatures to attack the nearby human tribes?"
At this, Audrey acknowledged with nonchalance, asking, "Is there a problem with that? Humans and beasts are natural enemies—it\'s either kill or be killed. This is merely a trivial matter. But you, have you come here for such a trifling issue? If so, your wisdom is lacking."
Enzo remained silent.
He then queried, "Why do you incite the beast tide?"
Audrey chuckled softly and replied, "Your question is quite absurd, akin to asking why humans seek sustenance. Furthermore, why should I divulge that information to you?"
"You are a fine specimen of humanity, suitable to be served as a post-dinner delicacy."
Enzo felt his body ensnared.
Then, Audrey opened a spatial portal, transporting him to a rather confined and peculiar realm.
This unique domain was a floating island, from the edge of which one could discern the depths of Plata Plain below.
It bore a striking resemblance to the cavernous scene Priest Lucy had previously shown him.
Did these two places, indeed, share a connection?
As Enzo pondered this, he sensed a force approaching from behind, and he was unceremoniously tossed in front of a colossal egg.
Audrey stepped forward and tapped on the eggshell.
From within the remaining half of the shell emerged a hatchling beastfolk.
Its body was adorned with scales, and it sported a pair of twisted horns upon its head, sharp claws on its limbs, and a tail protruding from its back, while its head seemed to undergo further transformation.
Curiously, Enzo inquired, "What is this?"
Audrey coldly replied, "You ask too many questions."
With a wry smile, Enzo said, "Let us consider it my final wish before demise. I wonder, dear and beautiful Audrey, could you fulfill this humble request of mine?"
"Absolutely not!"
Audrey\'s response was curt.
She reached out, grasping Enzo\'s neck and squeezing with force.
To her astonishment, instead of snapping his neck, Enzo\'s form simply dissipated into green luminescence, vanishing before her eyes.
Realizing she had been outwitted, a dawning comprehension washed over Audrey.
"Damn that wretch!"
At this moment, Audrey was consumed by fury.
Transforming into the majestic Six-Winged Colorful Phoenix, she soared out of this bizarre realm, her cries echoing as a means to release her pent-up rage.
This time, misfortune befell Colin and Veena.
The violent gusts rendered them unable to stand, forcing them to crouch on the ground. Yet, as the soil was whipped into the air, even this position could not shield them from the onslaught of the tempestuous winds, compelling them to flee swiftly.
In the distance, where Enzo encountered Colin and Veena, his figure reappeared.
A smile graced his lips, but it swiftly evaporated, giving way to a serious demeanor.
Muttering to himself, Enzo remarked, "Indeed, Audrey possesses formidable strength; confronting her head-on is utterly futile. Moreover, her acute perception allows her to sense presences within a certain range and appear beside her targets unnoticed."
"Dealing with her is no simple task."
"However, it is not an impossibility. She, too, harbors vulnerabilities."
Since entering Plata Plain, Enzo had no intention of confronting Audrey directly.
With his deepening understanding of the totem known as the Ring of the World, the abilities at his disposal grew increasingly profound. The Ring of the World was no ordinary totem. It encompassed myriad elements and could transform into various forms.
To elaborate further: The Ring of the World is composed of Life Elements and Fusion Elements.
The elements of life, originating from the Tree of Life, are among the foundational components that constitute the world.
Conversely, the fusion element has evolved from the Beasts Totem. While it does not belong to the basic elements, it holds an irreplaceable role, enabling the amalgamation of diverse elements to forge unique abilities.
The ability that Enzo wields in this instance was derived from this concept, which he had aptly named—Replication.
Its specific effect entails the consumption of half of his energy to create a doppelgänger that resonates perfectly with his own essence. However, this duplicate lacked combat capabilities and served merely as a consumable or a pivotal asset at critical junctures.
This was not an overly formidable ability.
Yet, Enzo was acutely aware that this was merely due to its incomplete nature.
The Ring of the World could analyze supernatural abilities and, naturally, could also deduce their intricacies, but both processes required time and sufficient resources, namely, an adequate number of supernatural entities.
Thus, Enzo\'s ambition in entering the Plata Plain extends far beyond the surface.
He harbors the desire to hunt down all the supernatural beings that have gathered!
Should this scheme reach fruition, the Crimson Star Tribe would instantly boast hundreds, if not thousands, of supernatural powers, a force potent enough to dominate the entire barren mountain region.
In turn, he would acquire a multitude of abilities.
To realize this ambition, addressing Audrey becomes paramount.
Audrey\'s formidable strength had the potential to turn the tide of this war.
Initially, Enzo had formulated a plan, but the emergence of Colin and Veena has inspired him to devise an even more advantageous strategy.
...
As Audrey\'s outburst subsides and the cacophony ceases, the turbulent winds dissipate.
Yet, the heart of the Plata Plain lies in utter disarray.
Colin and Veena rise, their faces ashen, consumed by unbridled rage.
At that moment, another figure materializes before them.
Sensing the formidable aura emanating from the stranger, Colin and Veena became vigilant and inquired, "Who are you?"
The newcomer was, of course, Enzo in disguise.
Upon hearing their question, Enzo feigned a casual demeanor and replied, "My name is Crue."
Colin pressed further, "Mr. Crue, what is your purpose?"
Enzo smiled and said, "There is no need for such wariness, my friends. Our aims align; I am aware that you seek an extraordinary giant egg."
This revelation caused a noticeable shift in Colin and Veena\'s expressions.
Their gazes grew increasingly cautious, yet Enzo continued unabated, "That giant egg resides within the peculiar space above us. However, it is guarded by a Six-Winged Colorful Phoenix, and the cry you just heard was indeed from it."
Six-Winged Colorful Phoenix!
Colin and Veena\'s countenances shifted once more.
As the members of the external realm, they were well-versed in supernatural beings and fully understood the might of the Six-Winged Colorful Phoenix. What puzzled them, however, was why such a creature would appear in this realm.
Wait, the giant egg!
In that instant, a thread of clues connected in Colin\'s mind, filling him with urgency.
In contrast, Veena remained composed and turned to Enzo, asking, "Since you possess such knowledge yet still approach us, what exactly do you seek?"
Enzo smiled, "As expected of one from the Solar Dynasty, you are truly astute, much like the esteemed Miss Trelina."
Colin and Veena blanched simultaneously, exclaiming, "You know Princess Trelina?"
Enzo nodded, responding, "I have met her once. She was accompanied by a formidable individual named Ix."
Ix, the commander!
Colin and Veena were utterly astonished, simultaneously reflecting on their good fortune to encounter someone familiar with the Solar Dynasty, who surely recognized its power.
Thus, this individual named "Crue" would undoubtedly be disinclined to deceive them.
Colin and Veena relaxed, then inquired, "Do you have any way to enter that realm?"
Enzo shook his head, replying, "There is no way, unless that Six-Winged Colorful Phoenix can lead us in."
Upon hearing this, Veena grew troubled and sighed, "What a nuisance. If only we had something to serve as a guide, we could directly open a spatial portal."
Open a spatial portal?
This statement caused Enzo to pause slightly.
He suddenly realized he might have been caught in a misconception.
It seemed that opening a spatial portal should not be an insurmountable task. Otherwise, Veena would not have spoken so casually.
Thus, Enzo humbly inquired, "Isn\'t opening a spatial portal something only the strong can accomplish?"
Colin and Veena burst into laughter, their eyes brimming with disdain for Enzo, they mockingly retorted, "Only the primitive denizens of this barren land would think so. The enhancement of supernatural abilities fundamentally involves a deeper understanding of the world, and opening a spatial portal requires merely advancing to the Level 4. However, beyond meeting the requisite power level, one must comprehend the nature of space and how to detect its fluctuations."
"You wouldn\'t understand such matters, primitive as you are."