Banished from the herd, I was actually a member of a very rare species. ~With the unique skills that only I can use, I can grow and evolve quickly. I will become an unrivaled monster~ - Episode 7: A Supernatural Battle

Episode 7: A Supernatural Battle

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>> The Corrupted Ash Demon, Ramelga, has activated [Territory].  

>> [Dominion: Scorched Earth – Chaos] has come into contact with Dwozof’s [Dominion: Sea of Forest].  

>> A territorial conflict has occurred.  

>> [Dominion: Scorched Earth – Chaos] has partially seized control.  

>> Environmental characteristics have changed.

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OOOONNNN!!

A thunderous roar, as if a bomb had exploded right next to my ear, resonated with intense force. If I were human, my hearing might have been blown out by the sheer volume.

“(What… just happened!?)”

In the next moment, a bright red light filled my vision, and I was sent flying. As I tumbled through the air, I tried to gather information from the rapidly spinning world around me.

I was airborne.

It seemed the shockwave just now had launched me into the sky.

“(Was it those guys who did this?)”

Looking down from above, I saw two gigantic magical beasts within the forest. Both were massive enough to break through the trees and yet were engaging in a lightning-fast battle that belied their enormous size.

But what caught my eye even more than them was the state of the forest.

A part of the forest was ablaze with bright red flames. The cause was likely one of the giant beasts. It was a Red Ogre with four fiery arms, and the fire was spreading from where it stood.

However, strangely enough, the plants that should have been reduced to ashes were still lush and green. Occasionally, green leaves could be seen peeking through the flames. Moreover, it seemed like the trees were continuing to grow, extending their branches and thickening their trunks even amidst the fire.

Just as I started to question this, I began to fall. Crashing through branches, I eventually landed on the ground.

I had been flung diagonally, so I was some distance away from the battlefield of the giant beasts.

Or so I thought—

“GGAARRRRHH!!”

—when suddenly, the Red Ogre came barreling through the trees in front of me, knocking them down as it rolled forward. The surrounding trees immediately caught fire, likely due to some Skill it possessed.

“GRRRUAAHH!”

Charging down the path created by the Red Ogre came the other magical beast. If I had to describe it in one word, it would be a turtle carrying a forest on its back.

With its four sturdy legs, it shook the earth with every step. Its shell was covered in countless trees. However, its face didn’t resemble a turtle at all. It had a long neck, large fangs, and slit pupils, looking more like a dragon.

From its forehead to the back of its neck ran a row of saw-like horns.

“GGRRRAHH!”

The Forest Turtle moved to launch a counterattack, but the Red Ogre quickly rose, spitting fire as it did. Although the Red Ogre’s body was somewhat squat, it exuded no sense of weakness. Quite the opposite, in fact.

The muscles visible through the gaps in the flames covering its body were thick and powerful, showcasing its immense strength. Oddly, though, there seemed to be something like a plant sprout growing beside the horn on its forehead.

“GRRAHH!”

The Red Ogre slammed its fist into the ground. Flames poured into the earth from its fist. It was likely using some [Skill]. The ground, now glowing red-hot, quickly went through cycles of melting and solidifying.

When the Red Ogre pulled its fist out, a massive club emerged from the ground. The club was pitch-black as if scorched, yet it possessed a certain glass-like brilliance. The Red Ogre then coated the club with the same kind of flames that covered its body.

“GRRR!”

“GRRUU!”

As if ready for battle, the Red Ogre charged with the club in hand. The Forest Turtle extended several vines from the forest on its shell, wielding them with astonishing speed to counter the attack.

The vines, as thick as tree trunks, struck with such force that sharp cracking sounds filled the air, causing the Red Ogre’s body to recoil. Though the Red Ogre swung its club with such speed that it left afterimages, it seemed unable to keep up with both attacking and defending.

Reflecting the tide of battle, the range of the fire gradually shrank, and the forest became increasingly vibrant. Plants that had been blown away by the attacks were quickly regenerating.

To break free from its dire situation, the Red Ogre made its move. Its form disappeared, only to reappear behind the Forest Turtle. Judging by the delayed sound of an explosion, the Red Ogre must have used an explosion to propel itself at high speed.

The Red Ogre aimed its club at the Forest Turtle’s right hind leg but was immediately swatted away by the turtle’s tail. Although turtles typically have short tails, this Forest Turtle had an unusually long one, which it could use to attack.

The Red Ogre was sent flying over ten meters back, the sheer force of the wind causing nearby trees to tilt. In retaliation, the Red Ogre launched a blast of hot wind.

The attack was blocked by saplings that had suddenly sprouted in front of the Forest Turtle. These saplings, initially no taller than seedlings, seemed to have grown rapidly under the turtle’s influence.

The trees, despite being engulfed in flames, were resilient young saplings. What’s more, their roots extended and pierced the Red Ogre’s side. As the fire burning the forest weakened, the greenery grew even more lush.

“(This… this is the power of the “King of Magical Beasts”…!)”

I once heard from the wise Sla-Elder that the “King of Magical Beasts” has the power to control the world. This must be what he was talking about—the clash of worlds, a battle to claim environmental dominance. It’s a power so immense that it can alter the surrounding environment as a mere side effect.

“(…──)”

In a corner of this indescribably intense battlefield, I stood trembling, activating [Block]. I didn’t try to run away. I just stood there, shaking.

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>> Fuwa Katsu {Jewel Slime} has acquired the [Skill: Unyielding Spirit].

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“(──Amazing…!)”

──That such power could be wielded… it’s incredible!

I was simply overwhelmed with awe. The mere fact that such a powerful creature exists, and that I could witness this mythic battle up close, filled me with admiration that couldn’t be contained. The urge to keep watching this scene prevented me from making the rational choice to flee.

“GEEEGOOOOO!”

“GRRRLURRRRYUUUUU…!”

But regardless of my feelings, the battle was entering its final stage.

The Red Ogre began pouring all the flames it had, including those covering its body, into the club it wielded. The flames turned from red to a blinding white.

On the other hand, the Forest Turtle opened its jaws, gathering |Mana| into a glowing orb in front of its mouth. As the |Mana| intensified, the life force was drained from the surrounding trees, but the Forest Turtle’s [Skill] immediately revived them. The trees grew even denser, only to have their life force harvested again, further amplifying the power of the |Mana| orb.

──Both were preparing their final, decisive strikes.

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>> The Corrupted Ash Demon, Ramelga, has activated [Oni Flame Explosive Club Strike].  

>> The Ensnarer of Forest Chains, Dwozof, has activated [Forest Wrath].

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The orb of |Mana|, charged with an unimaginable amount of power, released a beam of fresh green light, which collided head-on with the blinding white club. A tremendous shockwave erupted, sending the surrounding trees flying.

After a fierce struggle between the beam and the club, it was the beam that ultimately prevailed. The light destroyed the club and pierced through the Red Ogre’s body, continuing deep into the forest.

The Red Ogre, with a massive hole from its abdomen to its chest, still managed to take a step towards the Forest Turtle. However, before it could take a second step, it collapsed to its knees. Its death was as certain as daylight.

As the Red Ogre perished, greenery began sprouting around the impact site. The small sprout that had been growing from the Red Ogre’s forehead withered, but such a trivial detail didn’t matter.

I watched in awe as the Forest Turtle began to walk away, its task complete.

(Someday… I, too…)

I didn’t have the courage to shout it out loud, but I made a vow in my heart. It wasn’t about no longer fearing being hunted, or proving something to my old companions. It was a pure and genuine desire.

I vowed to raise my <Level>, undergo {Evolution}, and someday become like them. No, I will become like them…!

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>> Fuwa Katsu {Jewel Slime} has met the requirements to acquire the [Skill: Folly].  

>> Fuwa Katsu {Jewel Slime}’s emotional state has exceeded its threshold.  

>> A resonance with the [Unique Skill] has occurred.  

>> A “Mind Shift” has occured.  

>> [Best Harvest] has evolved into [Earth Growth Thunderbolt].  

>> Analysis results have been added to the |Status|.

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