Chapter 9: Modified Creatures (Seeking Investment and Support!)

"Knight Captain! We're being attacked by monsters," Robin shouted, his voice trembling with an uncontrollable quiver.

In this world where Sword and magic coexist, the term "monster" is extremely broad; they come in many forms, possess bizarre abilities, and are often more troublesome than ordinary foes.

The Malizi Knight heard, his expression growing ever more solemn, and he swiftly scanned the surroundings, trying to catch the monsters' trail.

"Everyone stay calm, keep formation! Observe the surroundings, listen to my commands."

His voice was steady and strong, attempting to steady everyone's panic.

Eric gripped his weapon tightly, sweat beading his forehead, and lowered his voice to Robin: "What on earth is this? How does it appear suddenly and vanish just as quickly?"

Robin shook his head, his gaze never leaving the darkness, "I don't know, but it's certainly not friendly. Stay alert."

Lily nervously moved closer, her hand trembling slightly, but her eyes showed resolve, "Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

Tomson hid behind the group, his voice shaking: "Hope we can get through this safely."

At that moment, the thick fog seemed to grow even denser, the surroundings eerily silent, only the group's nervous breathing audible.

The next second, another startled shout rang out, sharp and terrifying, like a Sharp Blade slicing the fog, clear in everyone's ears, coming from the direction of Fitz Knight's squad. Immediately followed by Fitz Knight's angry roar, a roar brimming with boundless power and fury, as if to tear the enemy before them to pieces.

Then a massive crash echoed, shaking the ground slightly, followed by the sound of heavy objects colliding and hitting the ground, standing out starkly in the silent, fear‑filled atmosphere.

"Did the attack hit?" Robin muttered instinctively, his eyes full of doubt and tension, fixed on the direction of the sound, trying to see through the fog.

Yet before he could recover, the next second the system emitted a rapid alarm, the sharp sound echoing in his mind like a death‑summoning Rune.

At the same time, the right side of his vision kept flashing red light, unusually conspicuous.

"The enemy is attacking from the right," Robin reacted almost instantly; trusting the system completely, he unhesitatingly gathered all his strength into his Sword, and with a do‑or‑die momentum, slashed to the right.

"Clang!"

The crisp, resonant metal clash rang out; this time Robin clearly felt he had struck something, like cutting into an incredibly hard stone, the shock numbing his arm.

He stared and saw the Sword tip only penetrated half an inch before it could go any further.

In the hazy fog, a vague black silhouette could be seen, massive and twisted, exuding a nauseating putrid stench.

The outline of the black shape flickered in the mist, like a demon from hell, staring at Robin with a cold, evil gaze.

As Robin and the black shape stalled, the strongest among the Knight Apprentices, Silvan, moved.

His eyes flashed like lightning, locking onto the silhouette; he thrust his feet into the ground, the whole body dashing toward it like a black bolt of lightning.

The battle axe in his hand rose high, its blade glinting a chilling cold light in the dim illumination.

Then Silvan let out a roar, the axe blade bearing a thousand‑pound force, striking the black shape heavily.

The blow's power was overwhelmingly domineering, the air itself roaring "whoosh" as it split.

A crisp "crack" rang out, as if something had been cleanly sliced.

The black shape was blasted away by the force, carving a black arc through the thick fog before crashing heavily to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.

"Not bad, kid!" Silvan's mouth twitched upward in a faint sneer; he turned to Robin, his eyes mixing praise with a hint of arrogance.

Silvan is already in his thirties, at the peak of his Knight Apprentice state.

For years he has strived to break through that final step and become a Formal Knight, yet this decisive kick has always eluded him.

Nevertheless, among the Knight Apprentices, his strength still towers above the rest.

His muscles bulge, radiating power; every movement exudes a battle‑hardened steadiness and ferocity.

Robin panted lightly, casting a grateful glance at Silvan, "Thanks, Lord Silvan!"

At that moment, Robin's understanding of Silvan's prowess deepened.

Based on his assessment of the Knight Breathing Experience in the system, Silvan's Knight Breathing Experience should exceed 950.

After all, that thunderous strike was not only astonishing in power, but the rhythm of Silvan's exertion and his control over force were far beyond what an ordinary Knight Apprentice could achieve.

As everyone's nerves stayed taut, the black shape, tossed into the air, rolled and, before its heavy landing, revealed its true form.

It turned out to be a Giant Python grotesquely altered, its massive body beyond imagination, stretching dozens of zhang in length.

Its body resembled a writhing hill, winding and twisted, emitting a chilling aura.

Across the Giant Python's body, many spots were studded with sturdy armored shields, their shapes varied—some square, some round, sizes uneven—yet tightly arranged, covering most of its flesh.

The armor's surface was etched with strange Runes, faintly emitting a cold glow, as if narrating some evil magical power.

The material seemed extremely hard; Robin's full‑force Sword left only a half‑inch scar, while Silvan's axe, capable of cleaving mountains, merely flung it, causing no fatal damage.

The Giant Python's head rose high, its triangular skull twisted, two massive fangs protruding from its jaws, dripping ink‑green venom that corroded the ground into small pits.

Its eyes were like two dim green lanterns, emitting a grim glow, full of endless malice and blood‑thirsty desire, glaring fiercely at the group as if seeking the next target.

Robin stared at the grotesquely altered Giant Python, his eyes full of doubt and caution, and couldn't help asking, "Is this a monster?"

His voice rang especially clear in the tension‑filled atmosphere.

The other Knight Apprentices exchanged glances, shaking their heads in confusion.

They had seen many strange creatures, but none like this before.

Each face was marked with bewilderment and unease, their gazes revealing fear of the unknown.

(End of Chapter)