The Dugbog suddenly sent multiple thick vines directly toward Moon, targeting him specifically. The beast had attacked at the perfect moment—Moon had just released an explosive fireball to intercept wooden spikes threatening one of the warriors, leaving him temporarily vulnerable with his guard down.

The Dugbog was intelligent enough to recognize the weak link in the group. Unlike Kael and the established team members, Moon was a stranger who wasn't as protected by coordinated defenses. Eliminating him would reduce the group's offensive pressure and create an opening for the beast to break through entirely.

Moon wasn't able to form another fireball in time to intercept the approaching vines.

I can't take that hit directly. I should use my—

Fortunately, before Moon had to resort to extreme measures to escape the attack, Kael sent a devastatingly powerful fireball that incinerated most of the incoming vines instantly.

BOOM!

Despite the flames consuming the majority of the threat, one particularly persistent vine managed to slip through the conflagration, still moving with dangerous speed toward Moon's position.

With most of the danger now eliminated, Moon decided to face the remaining attack directly rather than waste mana dodging.

The vine slammed into his cross-raised arms like a battering ram. Silver Skin absorbed much of the damage, preventing bones from shattering, but the sheer force behind the attack sent him stumbling backwards several meters. His boots carved deep furrows through dirt and ash before he managed to arrest his momentum.

Hiss!

Moon's arms grew numb from blocking that single vine strike, pain radiating from wrist to shoulder.

The realisation hit him immediately.

I would have died instantly if all those vines had connected at once. This beast is too dangerous, too powerful.

The Dugbog's strength was no joke. Even seemingly glancing blows carried enough force to pulverise the bones of average First Sanctuary awakeners. Moon's Silver Skin and enhanced constitution were the only reasons he was still standing after that impact.

Moon glanced at the two warriors who'd been engaging the beast at close range throughout the fight—Marcus with his dual swords and the spear-wielding woman whose name he hadn't caught yet.

Both had died twice already during this extended battle. But they'd learned from their mistakes, committing to less risky actions and accepting more defensive roles. Their movements were more cautious now, their aggression tempered by the knowledge of how quickly the Dugbog could kill them if they overextended.

I wonder how many lives they have left.

This was a zone where death cost one hundred fifty lives per resurrection. Unlike Moon with his Grim Reaper talent multiplying his life accumulation, these people didn't have any special advantages beyond standard hunting rewards. Dying twice meant three hundred lives spent just staying alive, not counting whatever they'd invested in skill upgrades or previous deaths in other zones.

How many deaths could they afford before retreat became mandatory? Based on Moon's estimate, he believed they had at most one or two more resurrections left before they'd be forced to disengage entirely. Although killing the beast would provide immense rewards—experience, materials, lives—it wasn't worth risking their true death.

Kael, in stark contrast, had yet to die or even sustain serious injury. His positioning was outstanding, always maintaining optimal distance. Close enough to deliver maximum damage with his fire magic, but just far enough to avoid the Dugbog's devastating counterattacks. His spatial awareness and combat instincts earned grudging respect from Moon despite their lack of personal connection.

I guess that's one of the benefits of being born into a prestigious family. Training from childhood. Access to tutors who teach proper combat fundamentals before you ever enter the sanctuary.

Moon wasn't foolish enough to believe he possessed instincts anywhere near Kael's level yet, or the coordination the rest of the team demonstrated. They were far more experienced than he was in fighting high-level beasts and managing complex battlefield dynamics.

The only advantages Moon currently possessed were his powerful class combination, his Grim Reaper talent, and his hunger.

Kael's team also clearly prioritised protecting him as the primary damage dealer. The warriors drew aggression deliberately, positioning themselves to intercept attacks aimed at Kael. The support mage maintained barriers around him, specifically when dangerous attacks came too close. Even the archer occasionally shot at the Dugbog's eyes purely to redirect its attention away from Kael during vulnerable moments when he was channelling particularly powerful spells.

A smart but basic tactic: protect the strongest asset at all costs.

Moon returned his focus to the fight, channelling another Explosive Flame despite his still-numb arms protesting the motion.

The skill was improving; he could feel the proficiency rising with each use, but not fast enough. He needed to push harder if he wanted to reach mastery before the twenty-four-hour timer expired.

Moon continued his relentless assault, sending explosion after explosion toward the increasingly desperate Dugbog. Each detonation created craters in the earth, shredded the manipulated vegetation, and gradually wore down the beast's defences.

The Dugbog was running out of options. Its mana reserves, while vast, weren't infinite. The surrounding vegetation, while abundant, was being systematically destroyed faster than the beast could replenish its arsenal.

And Moon's opportunity to master Explosive Flame was also running out. Two hours had already passed since copying the class, after all.

"I want you to take over the main offensive role." Kael's low voice entered Moon's ears despite the chaos of the battlefield.

Moon raised his eyebrow for a brief moment before nodding. Although he wasn't sure why Kael would make such a request, he believed the heir of the Glassy group had a reason based on his observation of Kael throughout the fight.

"Alright, but hurry up. I won't be able to hold it for long," Moon responded as he switched positions and started gathering more mana to keep the pressure on the beast.

Kael didn't respond verbally, but his body language said enough. He was already stepping back from the frontline, his staff lowering as he began channelling something.

As Moon took hold of the main damage role, the situation grew more difficult instantly. Kael was no longer attacking alongside them—he'd already closed his eyes and begun preparing something that required his full concentration.

Moon kept using Explosive Flame to fight the Dugbog despite the growing difficulties they faced. Unlike the others here, he wasn't fighting purely for experience or lives. He was fighting because he knew it would be difficult to find such a powerful punching bag without risking his life unnecessarily. The Dugbog was strong enough to push him, but not so overwhelming that he couldn't survive with the others helping him. It was perfect training conditions.

So he took full advantage of it.

He kept spamming the skill relentlessly, and occasionally strengthened attacks using wind manipulation to increase their speed and penetration. Each explosion chipped away at the Dugbog's defences, preventing it from regaining initiative.

The two warriors at the front also grew more defensive. They weren't attacking as aggressively as before, understanding that the stranger they'd allowed into their group wouldn't deal nearly as much damage as the prodigy of their team. Their role had shifted from offence to pure defence, keeping the Dugbog occupied until Kael finished whatever he was preparing.

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