Chapter 163: Chapter163-Fierce Battle!
"The No. 1 mine has had many rumors circulating about it, some true, some false, but even after all these years, there are still a constant stream of people wanting to sneak in to mine the ores. The reason is simple."
Old Mac took a deep breath, pointed to his pickaxe, and said in a deep voice, "Because only in the No. 1 mine can you find this kind of ore, which is incredibly sturdy, highly malleable, heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and rust-proof. If it has any drawbacks, it's that its density is too high and its weight is extremely heavy. Just this small pickaxe weighs over a hundred pounds."
"But for adventurers and craftsmen, it's always the best metal material, irreplaceable.
Unfortunately, the No. 1 mine was mysteriously shut down, so I can only use the stock I have on hand to make this last pickaxe.
If possible, I'd really like to mine some more and forge it into weapons."
Listening to Old Mac's lament, Exiled Immortal's eyes twinkled. "Actually, it's not impossible to get in, Uncle Mac. I can help you, but I have one condition: you have to forge a weapon for me."
As soon as these words were spoken, John instantly understood what Exiled Immortal was up to. "No, it's too risky. We might involve innocent people, which isn't our intention."
"Don't worry, John. I'll control the range of the tornado. No one will get hurt. Aren't you curious at all?"
"No, I'm not. You already have a Demigod-tier weapon. Why do you need so many more? For a collection?"
"Of course! Don't you guys have a collection hobby? I'm an old hoarder. Even if I don't use them, they're proof of my growth."
Exiled Immortal looked around, trying to gain the support of others.
But since they all had updated their equipment and didn't need as many weapons to support their Sword Rain skill like Exiled Immortal did, everyone disagreed with such a risky plan.
"Why is everyone silent? I promise I won't hurt anyone! We'll just go in for three, no, two hours! What do you say, Uncle Mac?"
"...I'm a bit tempted, but isn't it a bit too risky?"
"It's not risky. I've used my talent skill so many times, I'm already an expert. John, please agree, I'm begging you!"
"Sigh... just this once, Exiled Immortal. We shouldn't complicate things further. Remember, don't hurt anyone."
Exiled Immortal's eyes lit up immediately, and he smiled, "No problem! I'll make some preparations, and then we'll set off. I'll create a wind field to approach, and you guys can sneak in. Once we've mined the ores, we'll slip away without anyone noticing!"
...
"Eight minutes, just a little short of the required ten. It's a pity, but rules are rules. Abbot, he's yours."
Elowen spoke sternly, tossing a long sword to Abbot without any trace of sympathy. Abbot's eyes lit up as he caught the sword. The weight, the feel, the sharpness—it was far superior to any weapon he had traded with humans for!
"Thank you, Lord Elowen!"
"No need. You may step back now."
Elowen slowly walked forward, surveying the crowd before continuing, "So far, thirteen people have completed the test. Five have lasted ten minutes, six did not, and only one has achieved victory.
Now, only the two of you have yet to start the assessment. Babylon, Eden, you've both chosen Aeris as your opponent. Aeris, what do you think?"
"Haha! Let's not waste everyone's time. Both of you come at me together. A long sword and a spear are both weapons I handle well. I can't wait!"
"Did you hear that, you two? Aeris proposes to fight both of you simultaneously. What do you think?"
"Hmph, don't cry if you lose."
After their previous encounter, Eden and Babylon's relationship had visibly softened. They no longer viewed each other as enemies, and their cooperation had improved significantly. Moreover, having an extra person reduced the pressure, so they naturally wouldn't refuse.
Seeing this, Elowen didn't say anything more. After clearing the field, he handed the stage over to the three of them.
"Hehe, Eden, you've got guts! Have you forgotten how I dealt with you when we were in the guard? And you still dare to challenge me?"
"A brave man doesn't dwell on past glories. Besides, I don't necessarily have to beat you. Lasting ten minutes is the same, isn't it?"
"Ten minutes? With you? You can barely last three minutes, believe it?"
"Save the reminiscing for after the fight. Why waste words?"
Babylon twirled his spear, slinging it across his back and urged, "Are you two going to fight or not?"
"Hey, kid, you've got quite a temper. Haven't had a proper beating yet, have you?"
"That depends on the severity. I reckon you might not be..."
Before Babylon could finish his sentence, he was sent flying like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily against a tree trunk!
"Too much talk."
Aeris smirked, withdrawing his foot and turning his gaze to Eden, grinning broadly.
"Your turn!"
"Damn it, going for a sneak attack, huh?"
Before Aeris could respond, a flash of cold light attacked him, aiming straight for his forehead. He could only rely on his instincts to counterattack, barely deflecting the silver spear!
However, Babylon followed up with a relentless pursuit, landing a solid kick on Aeris' face, forcing him back over ten steps, repaying the favor!
"Going for a sneak attack, huh? Huh?"
"Hahaha! This is getting interesting!"
The kick was hardly painful, not even breaking Aeris' defense. He simply dusted himself off and stood back up, drawing the broadsword from his waist and testing its weight.
"Come on, I'll have some real fun with you two today!"
Boom!
A muffled sound echoed as Aeris' figure vanished from where he stood. The ground beneath him cracked like a spider web, revealing the immense strength Aeris possessed!
The broadsword swung down with tremendous force, as if it could split the mountain, crashing heavily towards Babylon!
Seeing this, Eden quickly shoved Babylon aside, lifting his sword to counter from below. Though he deflected most of the force, his hands were left tingling!
Babylon wouldn't just stand by, he charged forward with his spear, aiming for Aeris, but was swept away with a horizontal strike, rolling on the ground!
"Babylon?!"
"I'm fine!"
"Still have the energy to worry about others? Eden, your skills have improved!"
Aeris burst into laughter, landing a straight punch right to Eden's face, knocking him to the ground! Seeing this, Elowen sighed and shook his head, but he wasn't surprised.
Aeris was undeniably strong. If he fought with all his might, even Elowen might not be his match. Queen Elaria had once said that Aeris was an elf who had awakened his bloodline, possessing a taller stature, greater strength, and faster speed compared to most.
The price for his extraordinary physical prowess was that he could hardly feel any blessings from the goddess of nature. From the moment Eden and Babylon made their choice, Elowen had anticipated this outcome. Even lasting just ten minutes was a significant challenge for them.
"Well, do you want more?"
Aeris sent Eden flying with a kick and knocked Babylon, who had just managed to stand up, back to the ground. Both of them lay there, gasping for breath, with only one word in their minds: pain!
Aeris' strength was more akin to that of a dwarf than an elf, yet his reflexes and combat skills were exceptional. Even when outnumbered two to one, he overwhelmed them completely. What incredible power! It was no wonder that Lord Elowen entrusted him with the crucial task of guarding the labyrinth. With Aeris there, no monster could likely get past this stage.
"Babylon, Eden, do you want to continue?"
"Continue! Why not? I can't take this beating for nothing!"
Without a moment's hesitation, Babylon responded, using his spear to stand up, spitting out some blood, and grinning, "Even if we lose, we have to fight back! What about you, Eden?"
"Help me up... I hit my stomach on your knee just now. It hurts a bit..."
"..." m|vle mp _yr novel source
"Keep going, I'm not giving up. But Aeris, you really went too hard. You knocked out one of my teeth!"