Chapter 26: Monster Ranch IV
As the Blood Golem continued its assault, Asher observed each movement, his eyes narrowing as he assessed its efficiency. The golem leaped from target to target, its bladed fingers flashing in deadly arcs, severing limbs and ending lives in seconds. Goblins shrieked in terror, some scrambling to flee, only to be intercepted and dispatched with swift, merciless strikes.
"Exceptional, young master," Sebas commented, unable to hide his admiration. "You've managed to channel both finesse and power into this construct. Most would struggle to maintain this level of control, especially in the midst of battle."
Emily nodded, equally impressed. "It's like watching an artist at work. You're wielding it as if it's part of you."
Asher gave a slight smile, though his gaze remained on the field. "It's still far from perfect," he replied, more to himself. "If I can control its movement down to the smallest motion, I'll be able to ensure no wasted energy in any strike."
At that, he gave a subtle mental command. In response, the golem's movements became even sharper, each strike perfectly aligned to take down its targets with maximum efficiency and minimal effort. With each kill, a faint red mist rose, drawn into the golem to replenish its energy and sharpen its form.
The remaining goblins had no time to react as the golem moved through the field, unstoppable and precise. When the last goblin fell, the golem stood still, awaiting Asher's next command, radiating an aura of dark energy and calm, deadly readiness.
Asher took a careful look at the goblins' poisoned weapons, noting the menacing green-black substance smeared over their jagged blades. "These goblins didn't come unprepared," he muttered, realizing that even a single cut from these crude weapons could be lethal.
A glint of determination sparked in his eyes as he activated Total Assimilation—this time, targeting his own Blade Golem. With a subtle command, he directed the skill to draw in the poison from each weapon on the field. Instantly, the toxic essence of the goblin weapons dissolved into a dark mist, which flowed toward the golem, coiling around it before sinking into its form. Every toxic particle fused with the golem's body, enhancing its edges with a dark, lethal gleam.
Sebas observed in astonishment, nodding with a proud smile. "An impeccable use of Assimilation in golem arts. Truly exceptional, young master."
Asher looked over his creation, the Blade Golem now a shimmering weapon of poison and blood. "Good," he murmured, pleased with the enhancement. "Now… let's see just how deadly you can be."
He commanded the golem forward, and with its newly poisoned blades, it became an even more terrifying force. Every slice it delivered now carried a poisonous death, and goblins that barely dodged a strike soon collapsed as even the slightest graze from the golem's edges proved fatal. The battlefield had indeed taken a darker turn, as Asher's golem moved with a new, weaponized power.
As the enhanced Blade Golem surged forward, its poisoned edges now a deadly blur, the goblins' fear became palpable. Any goblin within range was dispatched with brutal efficiency—the slightest graze or cut now spreading poison instantly, causing them to drop in agony before succumbing. The golem's movements were fluid, calculated, and precise, striking without hesitation as if fueled by Asher's own ruthless intent.
The remaining goblins attempted to organize, a few of them chanting guttural incantations as dark energy began to swirl in their hands. Shaman goblins, Asher realized, his eyes narrowing. These goblins weren't just fleeing—they were preparing a counterattack.
"Careful, young master," Sebas warned, recognizing the incoming danger. "Those shamans can channel death magic. A single misstep, and the toll could be steep."
Asher's eyes flickered with an intense focus. He extended his hand, strengthening his mental link with the Blade Golem. "Let's finish this," he murmured. With a subtle command, he directed the golem to split into three smaller, faster forms. Each fragment retained the same poisonous potency and was now agile enough to dodge and weave around the shamans' attacks.
Under his guidance, the three mini-golems struck with terrifying precision, each targeting a different shaman. The first golem dodged a dark energy bolt, slipping through the defenses to plunge its bladed arm into the shaman's chest. The second spiraled around another shaman's barriers, striking from behind with a lethal swipe, while the third darted between attacks, swiftly dispatching its target.
Within moments, the shamans fell, and the rest of the goblins scattered, realizing the futility of fighting. Asher allowed the golems to reassemble into their original form, standing among the fallen as a testament to his control and power. He took a moment, then released the blood from the golem, absorbing it back into his orb as the battlefield grew silent.
Sebas and Emily looked at him with newfound respect, recognizing the sheer control and strategy Asher had displayed. "Remarkable, young master," Sebas said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "Few could wield this level of mastery over such a volatile skill."
"Then it means there are only weaklings around me," Asher responded coldly, making Sebas close his mouth, while Emily merely shrugged.
"Anyway, young master, please take this," Sebas said as he handed a book to Asher.
"What's this?" Asher raised his eyebrows, noticing that the book was actually a mana art called Shadow Grave.
"It's a famous skill in the Supreme Necromancy family," Sebas explained. "With it, one can store undead and golems alike. Young master, you can store your creations inside for fast deployment when needed." Asher nodded, taking the book.
"Young master, do you need to hunt more?" Sebas asked. Asher shook his head.
"No, but I will return later," Asher replied as he began to leave. Sebas bowed and watched him go, silently noting, He is quite like you, my lord, before returning to his work.
"Did you enjoy your visit here?" Emily asked, watching Asher nod in response. Then she grinned. "Why don't we try a Realm Dungeon next? I think you might like it."
Asher looked at her with interest. "Realm Dungeon?"
Emily nodded eagerly. "Yes! It's a place filled with unique challenges and powerful creatures. Plus, the rewards are much greater than the usual areas."
Asher's eyes gleamed with intrigue as he considered the possibilities. "Alright. Let's see what this Realm Dungeon has to offer."
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A/N : enjoy, my story so far, leave a like and review, it helps