The map first appeared on Rin’s system, but the others also gained access to it through their shared bond.
However, beyond showing the layout of the area, the map did not have any other functions yet.
"It looks like we need to look for more fragnts to complete the map and find the ga master. Let’s head toward this valley next. I have a feeling there is sothing there."
Rin was not much of a gar, but Albus had been one before the apocalypse. So he was put in charge of navigating the map.
As a forr player, Albus had sharp instincts and a good sense for where hidden treasures might be. So he led the way toward the entrance of the valley when they suddenly heard loud footsteps approaching.
"Everyone, hide."
Rin ordered in a low voice before grabbing Shelly and pulling her behind a rock.
The others quickly followed his example and hid as well. They watched as a huge monster walked past their hiding spot before suddenly pausing.
Everyone held their breath, waiting to see if they had been discovered.
But the monster did not linger for long before continuing on its way.
Sigh
"That was close. For a second, I thought we had been found. Is everyone alright?"
Albus asked as he stepped out from hiding. The others nodded before regrouping and turning their attention toward the valley entrance.
"We need to be more careful and stay alert. There is no telling what we might find in there."
Rin reminded everyone, and they tightened their grip on their weapons before following him inside.
...
After their first encounter with a monster, they did not see any others for a while. And as they continued searching the area, Rin finally spotted another shard.
It was sitting in the middle of an open field and looked far too easy to retrieve.
But sothing about its placent made Rin certain it was a trap.
"It has to be a trap. There is no way the task would be this simple."
Serena voiced the sa suspicion, and everyone else agreed with her.
But even if it was a trap, they still needed to retrieve the fragnt. The only question was who would go.
"I should go. I can use my powers to restrain anything that gets too close. You all can protect from a distance."
The plan sounded simple enough, but it also showed just how much Teressa trusted the others with her safety.
If they failed to help her in ti, or if the monster broke through her defenses too quickly, then she would be the one to suffer the consequences.
But soone had to act as bait, and Rin knew Teressa was the best choice.
Teressa waited to see if anyone would object before turning around and walking toward the shard.
She had not gone far before everyone sensed a monster rushing toward her.
A massive creature charged at Teressa, and she imdiately used her powers to pin it in place. The restraint only lasted for a few seconds, but that was all the ti Albus and Serena needed to attack.
Shelly, on the other hand, made a dismissive sound that almost resembled disappointnt as she watched Teressa being rescued by the others. But once she realized her reaction was too obvious, she also moved forward to check on Teressa.
Before anyone could reach her, Teressa raised a hand to stop them and glared in warning.
"I am alright. Keep your distance for now. I will signal when it is safe for you to co closer."
Teressa assured them as she continued walking.
She could not sense another monster nearby, but she still had a bad feeling that things were not over yet.
She finally reached the shard and carefully held it near her system interface.
The shard was absorbed instantly, and a new feature unlocked.
[New function unlocked — Monster Location.]
"You did well, Teressa. Now co back—"
Rin called out, only to freeze in shock as huge boulders suddenly ca tumbling down toward her.
Teressa froze as well before instinctively trying to run out of the way.
But there was nowhere for her to escape. She was going to get hit no matter what.
"I won’t be able to dodge this. I’ll try to minimize the damage, so make sure you all stay back."
She yelled, but Rin was already moving before he consciously realized it. A bomb had sohow found its way into his hand.
Everyone else was frozen in shock — or in Shelly’s case, unwilling to move — so their reactions were much slower than his.
"Rin, what are you doing? Co back—"
Shelly shouted, but Rin was already halfway across the valley and had decided to throw the bomb.
"Teressa, jump to the side and duck!"
Teressa imdiately followed his order and threw herself to the side.
Rin hurled the bomb, and the boulders exploded apart.
Sharp fragnts rained down on Teressa, and several pieces cut into her back and shoulder. But at least she avoided any major injuries.
"Teressa, run back right now!"
Rin’s panicked voice snapped her out of her daze, and she imdiately turned and started running.
A loud cry echoed from within the debris before sothing lunged toward her.
"Darn it! Stay back."
Teressa used her powers to restrain the monster, but it resisted and shattered her restraints.
Still, she managed to buy Rin enough ti to throw another bomb.
The monster did not die, but it staggered, giving both Albus and Serena the chance to join the fight.
But even their attacks did not seem very effective.
"Darn it! What kind of armor is this thing made of? It’s so hard to cut through!"
Albus shouted as he tried forcing his blade through the creature’s shell. But the monster was far too powerful for him to handle alone.
Shelly was the only one who had not joined the battle yet, but the monster made the mistake of targeting Rin next, causing her to completely lose her composure.
One second, Shelly was standing beside Alia.
The next, her sword was embedded deep in the monster’s shell.
And unlike Serena or Albus, Shelly possessed enough raw strength to crack through the armor and strike the soft flesh underneath.
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