Han Yan and I were sitting beside a lake while eating cooked mutant meat.
The night was quiet.
Only the sound of flowing water and burning wood echoed around us.
Suddenly—
rustling sounds came from nearby bushes.
Both Han Yan and I instantly became alert.
A man with severe injuries slowly walked out from the forest.
Blood covered his chest and arm.
His clothes were torn badly.
But despite his injuries—
his eyes remained sharp and dangerous.
The man looked at both of us before asking hoarsely,
"Where is Glory Shelter?"
Han Yan and I looked at each other briefly.
Then I answered calmly.
"This is not Glory Shelter."
"This is Steel Armor Shelter."
The injured man frowned immediately.
"I want to go to Glory Shelter."
Then—
his expression suddenly became arrogant.
"Give me your Beast Souls."
"I may forgive both of you."
Han Yan frowned immediately.
Before either of us could speak—
Bang!
The injured man suddenly kicked me backward.
I slid several meters across the ground instantly.
My expression changed immediately.
Fast.
Even while heavily injured—
that man remained terrifyingly strong.
Meanwhile—
the injured man suddenly rushed toward Han Yan.
Han Yan instantly summoned the Sacred Golden Beetle armor.
Golden light covered her entire body immediately.
She stepped backward twice quickly to avoid the incoming attack.
The injured man narrowed his eyes slightly after seeing the armor.
"You can still stand against my Jade Skin?"
Then his expression became colder.
"Now give me your Beast Souls."
"I will forgive you."
Han Yan and I exchanged glances silently.
Then—
without hesitation—
both of us attacked simultaneously.
I rushed from the left side while Han Yan attacked from the front.
The injured man defended continuously against our attacks.
Clang!
Boom!
Dust scattered around the lakeside.
The battle continued for nearly two minutes.
Despite using Jade Skin, the injured man gradually became exhausted because of his previous injuries.
His breathing became heavier.
Blood continued flowing from his wounds.
He slowly retreated while defending desperately.
Then—
Han Yan suddenly saw an opening.
Her eyes sharpened instantly.
She thrust her weapon directly toward the man's chest.
At that moment—
the injured man's expression finally changed completely.
Because he could already see—
a hole about to appear where his heart lay.