The Frost Grave covered a large region. The condition within was simple yet deadly, and the monsters that inhabited it were all forms of creatures found in frozen-type danger zones. In a sense, the Frost Grave was a combination of those danger zones, made possible through the advanced technology of the Survival Matrix that had managed to gamify the situation.
Within the Frost Grave, plenty of trainees fell into the hands of powerful ice monsters. Some were forced to flee from their foes due to the difference in strength, and from time to time, a few trainees gave up because of the harsh weather conditions and were sent back to the outside world.
Only a few teams and solo raiders remained, holding strong determination not only to survive but to pass the test and become students of the prestigious Heartland Hunter Academy.
At the moment, one of such teams could be seen battling a group of distinctive ice monsters close to a warm zone.
The warm zone was a small area, only spacious enough to contain ten people. It had a faint green-hued barrier around it, and tiny glowing green cross symbols flashed on the barrier constantly, indicating its health-restoring feature.
Around this warm zone, Marlon and his team battled their opponents.
Marlon, as usual, brought death with a single punch to each low-level monster he faced. He even took care of the biggest and strongest monsters among the small horde alone, reducing the difficulty for his other teammates, who fought fiercely as well.
"Inferno Gauntlet!"
Ashton activated his skill as two crystal rats swarmed toward him with bared fangs and heated breaths.
The crystal rats were about four feet tall and roughly the same in width. They possessed the usual body structure of rats, but their heads were sturdier, covered in thick layers of ice that acted as helmets.
With such a feature, the rats were pretty dangerous for Ashton, who was only at level three with a close-range offensive skill.
Nonetheless, even though he was frightened, it wasn't to the point he used to be in the past—the point where he would panic and run away.
This time, he dug his feet into the ground and readied himself for the attack.
"Logan, now!" he barked.
Standing beside him, Logan stretched his hands and activated his skill: Beast Whisper.
After his skill activation, a few seconds passed with no effect on the two raging crystal rats—but the skill soon took hold.
Barely a few steps away from the two friends, one of the crystal rats suddenly halted and turned to its comrade. With a fierce growl, it swung its claws at its companion, who froze and let out a startled screech. The confused rat stepped back, glaring at its partner that had suddenly turned hostile, but its comrade gave no reply and lunged even more ferociously, its claws slashing with the intent to kill.
Conflict erupted between the two crystal rats—one attacking, the other bewildered.
Seeing the scene, Ashton smiled and gave his friend an appreciative nod before lunging forward. He balled his fiery fists and attacked the distracted rat.
The damage from his punches had grown stronger after his recent level-ups, but still, it wasn't enough to kill a crystal rat instantly, as they were at least level five. He continued striking relentlessly until the rat finally fell.
A notification appeared before him—he had gained 70% of the experience points, while the rest went to Logan for his assistance.
The other crystal rat, still under Logan's control, sat calmly on the ground with its glowing eyes fixed submissively on him as the Beast Whisper skill remained active.
Unlike the first time he had successfully used the skill, this time he was able to remain standing and maintain control without losing his breath.
His eyes shone brightly with satisfaction as he stretched his hand once again, preparing to make use of the crystal rat further.
He telepathically commanded the controlled rat to attack another one that was currently charging toward Lyra, who at that moment was engaged in battle with a pack of ice wolves.
Ashton dashed forward, using the same strategy as before to help finish off the rat being attacked.
"The two of them have improved greatly," Marlon muttered as he observed them.
The last time he had fought alongside them, they could only kill a few low-level monsters he had already weakened for them. But now, the two were handling monsters of the same level with more ferocity and coordination.
If they continued like this, it wouldn't be long before they were recognized as an unstoppable duo.
Marlon was excited about their growth but did not take his eyes off his own battle.
Two crystal rats were struggling under his grip, whimpering and making futile attempts to escape.
"Such cute little rats," he grinned, "too bad you joined the dark side."
He lifted the two monsters into the air and slammed their bodies against the frozen ground several times until they were reduced to shattered flesh and bone. Then he tossed them aside.
[ You've slain x2 Low-rank Crystal Rats. EXP +143 ]
[ Drain Activated: +80 Aether Points ]
Without remaining in place, he sprinted toward Lyra and assisted her against the ferocious ice wolves. Within a few seconds, he had taken down half of the group with his punches.
[ You've killed x1 Mid-rank Ice Wolf. EXP +110 ]
[ Drain Activated: +20 Health Points ]
Marlon dismissed the notifications and moved toward Ashton and Logan, who were now struggling against a single ice wolf. It was at least three times stronger than them and twice as strong as the most powerful crystal rat they had faced earlier.
He knew they would struggle, so he quickly assisted.
Ashton and Logan let out loud sighs of relief as the wolf fell lifeless to the ground. Though they didn't receive most of the experience points, as Marlon had landed the final strike, they still gained a fair amount.
They both thanked Marlon.
But at that moment, Marlon's eyes were fixed on something else.
[ You've reached a Breakthrough Moment ]
[ Your first breakthrough trial would now begin. ]
[ Please select the difficulty of your Breakthrough Trial ]