Level differences mattered significantly. Each level increased base attributes, expanded mana reserves, and enhanced the effectiveness of skills.

A level twenty fire mage with a specialized class would naturally output more damage than a level nineteen generalist, even if the generalist had higher-quality skills. Because a mage at level 20, didn't only gain one attribute point to every attribute, but he was also given 5 allocatable attribute points that he could freely use on Mana.

Not to mention the possibility of Kael evolving his own skills through the lives accumulated, and the hidden talent that he had. For all Moon knew, Kael could also have a talent related to increasing damage output.

"Are you done watching from the bushes? If you don't reveal yourself... I'll turn you to ashes alongside that bush."

Moon's eyes widened as Kael's voice carried clearly across the distance, cutting through the sounds of battle without any apparent effort.

He was able to sense my presence? Moon thought, his shocked expression slowly returning to neutral. He's indeed a prodigy. Not just anyone could do that. Unless... somebody in his team with a detection skill told him?

Moon wasn't certain how Kael had identified his location, whether through personal sensory abilities honed by experience, a magical item or assistance from a teammate with detection skills. Either way, it didn't matter. Since he'd been discovered, he needed to reveal himself. Not because he feared Kael's threat, but simply because there was no point in antagonizing the group when he actually wanted to join the fight against the Dugbog.

Moon walked out from his concealed position alone, confirming that he was indeed the one who'd been caught observing.

"State your business." One of the awakeners in Kael's team spoke sharply, disengaging from the Dugbog momentarily to address the unknown intruder. The speaker was a tall man wielding dual swords, his stance defensive and wary.

His eyes tracked Moon's every movement, searching for signs of hostile intent. Neither side trusted each other. Because they both understood a core principle, trust was earned…not given.

When given even the slightest permission to harm, humans revealed a cruel side that most understood, especially in a world with few rules or consequences. When people saw profit, they couldn't help but pursue it. When they saw harm, they couldn't help but avoid it. If rewards were substantial, people would risk their lives for them. If punishments were severe, people would yield even when they held power. Those who trusted others carelessly were controlled by others.

The dual-sword wielder clearly understood this reality. His positioning kept Moon at a disadvantageous angle while maintaining escape routes for himself.

"It seems like you need help dealing with that beast. It's quite powerful after all. Why don't I join you?" Moon kept his tone casual but confident, projecting competence rather than desperation.

Moon hadn't walked out for no reason. He had a very important motive for joining this fight, but it would have to wait a few more minutes before truly revealing itself.

The dual-sword awakener stared at Moon for a long moment, as if trying to gauge whether he was lying or speaking truth. His eyes flicked to Moon's equipment, the staff, the cloak, searching for clues about his power and threat level.

"Let him join in. One more person sharing the lives and experience wouldn't hurt," Kael's low voice echoed across the battlefield as he sent another powerful fire spell toward the Dugbog.

The massive fireball struck the beast's wooden defenses, incinerating another wave of manipulated roots before they could complete their attack towards one of his team members.

Although Kael's fire element naturally countered the wood manipulation the Dugbog employed, the beast still held the advantage in this environment. They were fighting in a dense forest with a nearly unlimited supply of vegetation for the creature to control, and it possessed the immense mana pool that came naturally with being a high-level beast. The Dugbog could afford to trade attacks indefinitely while the awakeners' mana steadily depleted.

Moon smiled slightly as the dual-sword awakener continued staring him down for another moment before finally speaking. "Don't try anything stupid... you'll regret it."

"I have no intention of doing so," Moon replied evenly.

The awakener nodded curtly and returned his attention to the Dugbog, though Moon noticed he'd repositioned slightly to keep Moon in his peripheral vision.

Moon didn't mind, rather he was satisfied, he didn't want a fool for a teammate, that would be troublesome to deal with.

Moon walked closer to the active combat zone, stopping approximately ten meters from the Dugbog. He needed to be close enough to contribute meaningfully but far enough to avoid the beast's most dangerous close-range capabilities.

Although the current primary threat was the wood manipulation, such as roots erupting unpredictably, branches whipping with terrifying force, wooden spikes launching from unexpected angles. The Dugbog's physical body remained dangerous. Those jaws could crush bone with ease.

This was a level twenty-three A-rank beast, even more powerful than the Wind Lynx he'd fought earlier. Although possibly not as agile due to its larger body mass and element, it was far more durable and certainly packed a stronger punch. Its thick hide showed scorch marks from Kael's attacks, but no serious penetrating damage yet.

Moon assessed the battlefield quickly, identifying the team's composition and strategy.

Kael served as the primary damage dealer, unleashing devastating fire magic from medium range.

Two warriors, the dual-sword user named Marcus and a woman with a spear engaged at close range when openings appeared, targeting exposed areas and drawing the beast's attention.

A support mage maintained defensive barriers around the warriors and occasionally enhanced their movement speed. An archer positioned in the trees waited for clear shots, focusing on the Dugbog's eyes and other vulnerable points.

They didn't seem to have a tank, not that they needed to. Taking hits from the Dugbug would be foolish, considering its strength. The team was well coordinated, and a solid composition in Moon's eyes. Most importantly, they'd clearly fought together extensively.

Moon began channeling his mana, activating a very important skill.

[Class Slot {0/1}]

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