Absolute Craft-Chapter 97: Taming The Rebellious Hounds (2)

Chapter 97: Taming The Rebellious Hounds (2)

Kyria had done a splendid job so far. He had limited the rebellious hounds’ options and chosen the perfect location for the ice cannon plan. They were now stationed on a hill dotted with trees, overlooking a wide clearing—an ideal spot for Blake to create ice tracks that would launch everyone into the sky.

Beyond that clearing stretched an expansive grassland where forest monsters ranging from level ten to fifty naturally spawned. Members of Anonymous House roamed the area in small parties, hunting monsters to farm valuable items.

Of course, that was just bait. Each of those players was fully prepared for a surprise attack and kept at least one survival skill ready to activate at a moment’s notice.

With Alex Red Moon in their ranks, Anonymous House knew exactly who was online and what buffs The Hounds possessed. Because Anonymous House had the strongest presence in this region, an attack from The Hounds was inevitable—though it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to them.

"What were you two talking about?" Kyria asked.

Blake didn’t find the question odd. Inwardly, Kyria was curious because he suspected Alex recognized Blake’s potential and might try to befriend him for her own gain. He suspected her motives could mirror Kyria’s, who had also proclaimed he would "tame" Blake and keep him permanently in his guild.

Alex had an edge: she was a beautiful woman who embraced her looks wholeheartedly. She wore clothes that emphasized her thick thighs and deep cleavage, turning her appearance into a weapon. She clearly took great pride in her body.

As for Blake, he was a man who might easily succumb to her charms. If he ended up focusing on hunting down Cerberus’ former members, it would be a waste—especially since that was Alex’s personal agenda in the game.

"We’ve moved past our old grievances and decided to start fresh," Blake replied.

"That’s all?" Kyria asked.

"Yeah," Blake answered.

’He’s lying to me,’ Kyria thought. After all, Alex had been laughing so loudly she drew everyone’s attention, implying they had talked about more than just "starting fresh." They even seemed friendlier afterward.

Since Blake and Kyria weren’t truly friends yet, Kyria chose not to dwell on it. He turned his focus to the main issue at hand: the rebellious hounds were close, finalizing their preparations for a sneak attack.

In just a few minutes, the battle would begin.

Blake sheathed his katana and moved into his usual stance. He swung upward, sending a slash cutting through the air that hooked upward at the end. Repeating that motion four more times, he created five tracks in total.

Sensing the surge in his power, Beatrix returned with Sol in a flash. Both took positions behind Blake, ready to fight.

Meanwhile, Kyria stood at the front of the central ice path. "We’ll charge the moment they attack our people. This mission won’t be easy, and I don’t expect everyone to be at their best. But you’ll all survive the crash, so don’t let fear hold you back. Land, regroup with your teams, and keep fighting."

By "survive the crash," Kyria was referring to a powerful tank skill called Null Barrier. It negated the first instance of damage taken after activation and lasted for a full minute. This allowed Kyria’s team to launch themselves into the air without worrying about their landing—everyone would endure that initial impact.

Even so, it remained a mental challenge. Some might panic mid-flight or freeze up entirely. This wasn’t just a game interface showing characters leaping off a cliff; it was a real fantasy world where every sensation felt overwhelmingly authentic.

Once everyone saluted to show they were ready, Kyria ordered the tanks to activate Null Barrier.

"Null Barrier!" the five tanks shouted. A faint purple aura enveloped them and those standing nearby, granting a brief window of impregnable defense. It was one of the strongest defensive skills in the tutorial zone.

Blake asked, "Did you loot those shields or craft them?"

He found the skill fascinating.

Kyria replied, "They’re loot drops. But Null Barrier isn’t as powerful as it seems. Just toss a pebble at a tank under that purple aura before you make a real attack."

His explanation prompted a collective sigh from the tanks.

"As expected—you already have a countermeasure," Blake said, offering genuine praise. Kyria responded with a proud smile.

With the skill in place, the real action began. The tanks climbed onto the makeshift platforms and braced themselves. After confirming they were all set, Kyria summoned thunder and conjured blue lightning that lightly prickled everyone’s skin.

This supportive spell increased their dexterity and movement speed. Teammates gave each tank a hard shove, sending them sliding forward at remarkable speed. Momentum took over, and the five tanks soared into the sky.

Next, the healers went, followed by the damage dealers.

"Uh, excuse me," one of the damage dealers said.

Kyria and Blake turned toward him.

He pointed at the ice path. Sol had already positioned himself there, ready to be launched on his own. When everyone noticed him, he looked up with bright, determined eyes that seemed to say, "Me fight."

He lowered his stance and leaned his head forward, his four draconic paws firmly planted on the icy floor. Maybe he was simply eager to be launched and had already taken position, but to Blake, he looked like a stubborn little brat determined not to let this opportunity slip away.

Blake scooped him up at once, apologizing to the damage dealer. Sol wriggled in Blake’s arms, eager to leap into the fray.

Soon enough, only Blake, Kyria, and two more damage dealers remained. Beatrix claimed one of the remaining platforms for herself.

Standing on the fourth platform with Sol clinging to him like a miniature pilot, Blake murmured, "I’ll find out what it means to be king in this battle."

With a crack of thunder, the White Demon was launched into the air, rising to join those already hovering beneath the clouds.