An awkward silence fell among those present.

  Ruby Voss narrowed her eyes, her pursuit halting as she took in the figures before her.

  Lachlan tilted his head, his face showing interest rather than displeasure. His gaze swept across the shadows between the trees before returning to the red-clad young man still struggling to his feet.

  Evelyn moved closer to Nathan, knowing this was his intention. Tier 2 cultivators could project their spirit to scout the surroundings, but the radius was limited to between tens and a hundred meters at most. To know about Ruby Voss's presence, Argentius must have helped.

  The clanking and whirring of machinery made everyone turn to look at the deep pit.

  A figure in modern orange and black armor climbed up. The armor was a masterpiece of mechanical invention with a sturdy exterior. The metallic surface was smooth and pristine. Various heavy weapons were mounted on it. The joints were perfectly calibrated to allow the wearer unrestricted movement without any hindrance. On the chest was painted the image of a purple eagle. Currently, smoke was billowing from a round hole in the back as its owner stood up. The helmet retracted down to the neck, revealing a weary face with dark circles under the eyes.

  He pushed his messy blonde hair to one side, smiling.

  "Quite a gathering, isn't it?"

  "Laurent Nyralith," Lachlan's voice brimmed with joy. "You seem to be struggling quite a bit."

  "One against five, what else could you expect?"

  Nathan lay there listening in surprise. He had heard of this Nyralith scion - a genius among Artificers. What's noteworthy was that he rose not through natural talent but through passion and diligence. Rumors said he heavily abused stimulants to stay awake day after day for research and crafting. The consequence was the lifeless eyes that permanently resided on his face.

  As for his injuries, Nathan had recovered significantly. The Titan Bloodline combined with his Tier 2 Physical Cultivation physique was something none present would consider. He remained lying down to wait for a chance to escape. Acting now didn't seem appropriate.

  "Shall we all mind our own business then?" Ruby Voss spoke up.

  Her appearance now matched the others better, wearing a black form-fitting outfit that still allowed freedom of movement and combat capability. Her hair was tied up neatly. Her gem-like eyes looked toward Lachlan.

  "You'd like that, wouldn't you?" Lachlan smirked.

  "Lachlan," Ruby's voice hardened, "now is not the time for us to fight."

  "That's not for you to decide," Lachlan flatly rejected her advice.

  Ruby reassessed her situation. She had the numerical advantage, five against Lachlan's four. Thus, the situation depended on the remaining two. The presumptuous chef and the blue-haired girl were certainly hostile to Lachlan. The advantage remained hers.

  "Fighting won't do you any good," Ruby said coldly.

  "You think you're so clever?" Lachlan mocked. "Don't project your shallow perspective onto me."

  At that, Ruby's gaze lowered, clearly showing anger. The conflict between her father and Regional Commander Axel Rourke guaranteed inevitable clashes between her and Lachlan. However, The Shifting Trials had only just begun. She still wanted to hunt for treasures and rewards that the nation had placed within this pocket dimension.

  "Then we'll withdraw," Ruby conceded, turning to leave.

  "Who said you could leave?" Just as Lachlan asked, his three subordinates spread out to surround her group.

  "Don't you think you're going too far?" Ruby asked in irritation. "Even if you defeat me, you'll pay a price."

  "That's exactly your stupidity," Lachlan spread his arms, "assuming I won't pay the price. You think I care that much about the results of The Shifting Trials? That I'm invested in those rewards and treasures? Don't forget, this isn't my first time in such an event."

  Ruby was speechless. She could talk tough to others, but against someone as malicious as Lachlan, she found herself at a disadvantage.

  "Want revenge, Laurent?" Lachlan offered.

  Ruby's heart grew cold when she saw those lifeless eyes flash with a spark.

  In response, Laurent activated his armor's helmet, which rotated back into place with metallic sounds.

  Ruby looked toward Evelyn, the final remaining party, directly ignoring Nathan.

  Receiving a confirming nod from her opponent, Ruby let out a breath, regaining some confidence.

  With a wave of his hand, Lachlan ordered his companions to attack. Laurent Nyralith's full-body armor lit up, jets of flame shooting from beneath his feet as he flew toward the enemy.

  The four on Ruby's side drew their equipment, fearlessly meeting the challenge. The two leaders hadn't yet moved, their eyes locked on each other.

  When Ruby glanced sideways at her temporary ally, she only saw the red-clad young man already standing, staring intently at her. His gaze made her heart grow even colder.

  "Run!" Nathan said, loud enough for Evelyn to hear.

  The others were Tier 2s and could hear clearly through their encompassing Spirit, but couldn't stop mid-attack. Internally, they cursed Nathan's ancestors.

  Evelyn offered no resistance, channeling the mana she'd been gathering into a thick ice wall that split everything into two sides. Then, she spread her hand toward the ground, creating an ice path for her and Nathan to escape.

  "Chef," Lachlan's voice was cheerful. "Don't let me catch you again!"

  Nathan remained vigilant despite hearing those words. He hadn't forgotten Lachlan's ghost-like movement ability, fearing an ambush if he lowered his guard. However, Evelyn and he had already covered considerable distance. The sounds of combat between the two sides grew fainter with no signs of pursuit.

  He let out a relieved breath.

  "Seems like we're not being chased anymore," he said to Evelyn.

  "Appears so," Evelyn nodded.

  Despite the intense combat, her appearance remained largely undisturbed. Her clothes were still neat. Her silky hair sparkled in the darkness.

  As for Nathan, like her fighting style, he was completely disheveled.

  "Why aren't you wearing armor?" Evelyn asked.

  "I only have one set," Nathan said bitterly. "Those self-operating defensive gear with mana stones are too damn expensive."

  Evelyn nodded in agreement. Tier 2 armor required the power of a tier 2 cultivator to activate. The difference between raw mana and mana refined through spirit was immense.

  Nathan had considered buying a backup set, but after checking, he found the armor's durability was only comparable to Qi Armor. Combined with the extortionate price, he'd passed. He planned to use it in the final stages of The Shifting Trials, increasing his chances of success.

  That previous strike, though powerful, could have been resisted if he'd raised his Berserker state slightly higher. No need to waste armor unnecessarily.

  Argentius joined them at the crossroads leading toward the nearest mountain.

  The group decided to leave the forest, heading toward the area of jagged rocks, hoping to find a cave for shelter.

  After some searching, Nathan and Argentius found one near a sheer cliff face. Surrounding rocks and sparse vegetation provided natural camouflage. After driving away some insects from the cave, Nathan entered to clean up and make fire. He also took out pre-purchased camping equipment to set up a comfortable resting spot. A narrow bed on one side, chairs near the fire.

  "Come in!" Nathan called to Evelyn and Argentius waiting outside.

  Nathan took out some dried meat to prepare it more appetizingly. While waiting, Evelyn spoke up.

  "I thought you would help Ruby Voss?"

  "We got on bad terms," Nathan said simply to explain his situation.

  Indeed, everyone would have expected him to help defeat Lachlan. With him there, Evelyn would participate. Six against five would have significantly increased their chances of victory. Mainly, Ruby's treatment had left an impression on him. He respected those who respected him. Ruby had never considered he would be a crucial link in an important future process that night.

  "Leaving seems to have been the wise choice," Evelyn commented. "Unlike Ruby, Lachlan appears ready to sacrifice his companions."

  "That's understandable," Nathan agreed. "He just needs to promise benefits. Whether they continue The Shifting Trials or not doesn't matter. But how did they gather so quickly?"

  Evelyn held out her hand, showing a badge with a blue cloud design.

  "Through things like this," she said.

  "Does everyone at Azure Lake Academy have one?"

  "No, Reza gave this to me."

  Nathan pressed his lips together hearing that. He clearly heard the disdain in her voice.

  "Must be expensive and hard to get, right?"

  "How would I know?" Evelyn said indifferently.

  Nathan smiled. If not, everyone would have them already. Even Zeryn hadn't shared this.

  He didn't dwell on the issue further, returning to food preparation. Fighting all evening had left him starving.

  Evelyn only ate a small portion, still full from her earlier meal with Argentius. Nathan devoured the rest ravenously, forgetting to maintain appearances. When he noticed Evelyn's gaze, he knew it was too late to salvage his image and gave up trying.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  After eating, he asked Evelyn to keep watch while he took a nap. With Argentius nearby, he wasn't too worried she would attack or harm him.

  With the help of [Efficient Sleep], he only needed an hour to wake up in a much better state. His mind was no longer sluggish like after enduring that strike. The blood vessels in his body no longer responded with stinging pain.

  When he opened his eyes, he caught Evelyn halting her movements.

  She was pulling up her right sleeve, her left hand holding a medicinal ointment. A bruise appeared in Nathan's view.

  He sat up abruptly, moving closer to look. The injury was a large bruise, somewhat disturbing to see. He frowned as he realized.

  "Was this because of me?"

  Evelyn shifted uncomfortably, mumbling.

  "You're too close."

  Nathan looked up, their eyes only a hand's width apart. Those crystal-ice eyes seemed to look straight into his soul.

  Startled and dazed, he awkwardly backed away, knocking over items with a clatter.

  "I'm sorry," he finally managed after a pause.

  "It's nothing," Evelyn said, her tone gentle. "You had to do it then."

  Remembering the aftermath, he blinked, his face slightly scrunching up.

  "Is your shoulder also injured?"

  Evelyn paused, about to deny it but then nodded.

  Nathan stiffened. He'd never collaborated with anyone or tested his strength, forgetting how powerful he actually was. He had tried to be as gentle as possible when grabbing his new teammate's hand. However, looking at her delicate frame, he felt guilty for not being more precise in controlling his strength.

  Others would have cursed him out by now. Or at least given him a lecture. Evelyn was sparing with words and just stayed silent.

  Taking out a small candy box, he handed it to Evelyn.

  "Pain relief candy," he explained. "Has some healing properties too. Tomorrow I'll find some ingredients to make soup or something to help you."

  Evelyn took the candy box, saying.

  "I'll take the candy, but you don't need to go to such trouble."

  "I want to. Otherwise, I'll die from guilt."

  Evelyn didn't protest further. She took out a bright red round candy and put it in her mouth. The sweet candy melted with a cooling sensation, making her eyes brighten. This could definitely be a tasty snack.

  "Eat as much as you like because I have plenty," Nathan said with a smile. He'd scraped away most of the Blood Moss in Moirath Forest before leaving.

  Evelyn nodded, taking a few more pieces into her mouth. Though she didn't smile, she showed some happiness. The pain truly subsided very quickly.

  Nathan saw this and let out a breath, considering it somewhat of a recovery.

  "Well done, young man," Argentius, lying flat on the ground nearby, teased.

  "Make one more snarky comment and I'll reduce your food portion," Nathan responded irritably.

  "Hmph, always threatening me with food."

  "As long as it works, right?"

  Nathan's reply was met with a growl from the cat, carrying no threat whatsoever.

  Evelyn curiously looked at Argentius as if wanting to ask something. But unlike Mirela, she only dared to look, not reaching out to make any gesture.

  Nathan silently observed everything, thinking about what to do next.

  When night turned to dawn and Evelyn had rested enough to recover her mana to peak levels, the three packed everything and left the cave.

  Having deviated in one direction, the group decided to explore the southwestern region of the area. If anything changed, they would alter course later.

  Greeting them were Stone Skippers along the mountain slopes. These goat-like monsters could blend into rocks, making them hard to detect. Notably, they could also conceal their aura, making them difficult to spot even with Evelyn's vigilant spirit. Nathan nearly got knocked down, barely managing to grab their horns and throw himself back.

  The Stone Skippers then went into hiding. They weren't aggressive types, the butting was just for self-defense. Though these monsters weren't dangerous, they were annoying with their ear-piercing cries. It was like a chain reaction - when one started wailing, the next would join in. Before one knew it, the entire cliff face and valley echoed with goat cries.

  Avoiding that hassle, Nathan and Evelyn ignored them. This environment wasn't suitable for them anyway.

  Then upon reaching the plateau, Nathan's group was forced into combat when encountering a herd of Wind Runners. Similar to the Gale Foxes in Moirath Forest, these antelope-like monsters used wind as their combat foundation. They moved quite fast, using sharp horns to attack. When trying to disorient opponents, they would create dust storms with their hooves.

  Although they were Tier 1 monsters, Evelyn and Nathan struggled for a while to defeat them. These creatures were just as noisy as the Stone Skippers, and they constantly kicked up dust to obscure both fighters' vision. Argentius could have resolved it in an instant but followed Nathan's order to stay back.

  The difficulty increased when the Tier 2 monster leading the Wind Runners coordinated their movements. It was Nathan's first time facing organized tactical attacks from monsters.

  The Wind Runners used a diamond formation to attack. The lead runner would charge at the enemy. If Evelyn blocked it with ice techniques, two runners on the sides would combine forces to attack. Then, the last one would gather wind in its horns, launching a mini storm to disrupt their formation. The initial three would regroup after impact, re-establishing formation. This was just from one side - the monsters performed this from all four directions.

  With the Tier 2 Wind Runner's help, Evelyn's attacks were somewhat hindered.

  Argentius, watching everything in frustration, went to confront the Tier 2 monster. He used his negotiation ability to intimidate. After a while, the Wind Runners came to a peace agreement, no longer fighting to the death with the two humans.

  Evelyn and Nathan left with gloomy expressions, contemplating the difficulty of The Shifting Trials. Including last night's Forest Hydra, both struggled to defeat Tier 2 monsters. Nathan knew Evelyn was stronger than she showed. The focus was on benefits not outweighing risks. She could go all out fighting the Wind Runner, but would need extensive rest afterward to continue.

  Nathan knew she was aiming for Tier 3 monsters. Thinking of this, he truly felt amazed at Adrian's capability, who topped the rankings. Even if not Tier 3 monsters, his continuous defeat of Tier 2 monsters was already frightening.

  Nathan wasn't weak either, proving his strength when encountering the third type of mountain monster, Stone Mimics. These monsters could copy human forms and completely countered Evelyn. Her ice powers caused minimal damage to them. This demonstrated how monster battles heavily depended on individual advantages.

  Like a madman, Nathan jumped into the enemy formation to attack. His fists and kicks left whistling sounds and deafening explosions in their wake. The Stone Mimics' rock surface was like cake under his hands. Combined with his high-quality gloves, each of his strikes sent Stone Mimics falling like dominoes. These monsters' vital part was actually more like parasites. Whenever a stone humanoid fell, they would jump to another rock, starting to establish a new entity.

  Outside, whenever Evelyn saw the small black slimy things that looked like slime, she would freeze them. Then with a squeeze of her hand, she would end the monster's life.

  When facing the Tier 2 Stone Mimic, Nathan regained his confidence. He fought it without taking a single step back. The monster's giant form cast a shadow over his entire body. Yet now, as they locked in a four-handed test of strength, the monster was the one trembling. Its stone joints continuously shuddered, as if unable to hold on much longer.

  Nathan roared, pushing forward with both hands, making the monster stagger and nearly fall. It flailed its arms, trying to block his advance.

  Triggered [Counter Strike]. One credit given.

  This new skill adjusted perfectly to his fighting style. His body instinctively spun in mid-air, his leg kicking straight into the Stone Mimic's elbow joint. Nathan's strength combined with the monster's momentum created an impact force beyond its endurance threshold. With a crack, the Stone Mimic's arm - as large as Nathan's entire body - fell limply. Its featureless head spun wildly as if in disbelief.

  Nathan was still in his jumping motion, launching continuous punches at the monster's chest. In mere seconds, he had attacked dozens of times. Unable to withstand more, the Stone Mimic's rocky chest shattered, revealing the black parasitic substance inside.

  When the black mass tried to summon more rocks from the surroundings, Nathan grabbed it, tearing away the tendrils it was using to attach to the solid body, and threw it behind him to Evelyn. She froze it but didn't crush it yet. After a while, without a host, the monster died. The black slime solidified like coal disintegrating when Evelyn dispelled her technique, dropping the monster core inside.

  The arms of both people trembled. Essence simultaneously entered Nathan's body.

  "You're not absorbing the essence?" Nathan asked curiously. He could sense the essence could actually be shared. Given her level, Evelyn could absorb even more if she wanted.

  "What for?" Evelyn asked with wide eyes.

  "For cultivation."

  Evelyn frowned.

  "I had suspicions before, but after what Lachlan said, it's confirmed. You're a Physical Cultivator, aren't you?"

  Nathan shrugged, nodding.

  "I'm not familiar with this path. But from what I've observed, I can deduce a bit. Unless I absorb corresponding neutralizing medicines, taking in essence will just be wasteful. Sometimes it even disrupts the internal balance when clashing with mana. If eating properly like when you cook, then maybe it would have an effect."

  Nathan made an "oh" sound, seeing for the first time a superior aspect of Physical Cultivation. It was indeed so. Sects like Verdant Spire rarely sent disciples to kill monsters. They mainly did it for training and reinforcing foundations rather than absorbing essence. Monster cores were what most cultivators aimed for since they contained the most essence and were preserved almost perfectly. When refined by Alchemists, they became medicine for advancement. The main issue was that unlike Physical Cultivation, they couldn't grow stronger immediately while fighting.

  He tossed the Stone Mimic's monster core to Evelyn, saying.

  "Consider it fair compensation."

  Evelyn nodded, storing the item in her spatial ring.

  "Next time, just absorb the essence and store it in your body," Nathan suggested. "I'll help you with the neutralization issue."

  "Alright," Evelyn agreed immediately without bargaining.

  Having established a balanced exchange relationship between them, Nathan and Evelyn continued forward.

  When night fell, they found a place to stop. This time it was a small mountain valley with a babbling stream. The surrounding air was slightly humid but overall cool and pleasant.

  Nathan scooped stream water into the pot, deciding to make soup as he had promised Evelyn earlier. The stream water, mixed with mana and essence energies, carried special effects, allowing him to reduce some medicinal ingredients.

  While waiting for the food to simmer, Nathan went outside, choosing the brightest moonlit spot to sit down. He closed his eyes, falling into contemplation of Lunar Shadow's skill, Lunar Resonance. As expected, though the moonlight essence in this pocket dimension was weaker than in nature, it was still sufficient for him to absorb. This was a skill that could help him cultivate Spirit Cultivation. He had been using it every night remaining in Moirath Forest. Though progress was slow, it was advancing rather than stagnating. Combined with eating the Crimson Lotus seed, he had raised his level to Phase 4.7.

  Currently, he focused on essence. He just needed a bit more to break through.

  Evelyn watched him with curious eyes. She could sense the disturbance in the surrounding energy field. Thinking about how he had defeated Lunar Shadow, she wasn't surprised anymore.

  After about an hour, a tremor spread around. Nathan didn't hesitate to jump forward, plunging into the stream with a splash. He would truly only find a way to bury himself in the ground if he let Evelyn smell the foul odor emanating from his body.

  A layer of black slime spread across the stream's surface, looking disgusting. Toxins from medicines, food, and especially the Crimson Lotus seed were being expelled through his skin. With his current condition, he could eat another seed to enhance his Spirit Cultivation.

  As for Physical Cultivation, he let out a comfortable laugh.

  His skin had become tougher and more powerful, carrying a slight elasticity.

  When he returned, Evelyn watched him intently, saying.

  "You just broke through?"

  "That's right," Nathan answered. "But just a small level."

  Small but difficult and important. Just before changing Phases, there were always additional challenges.

  Nathan cheerfully returned to cooking, believing the coming days would bring even more opportunities.

  In his uplifted mood, he began to sing, utilizing today's talent. Singing had been granted again by [Random Talent].

  Hearing his voice, Evelyn swayed her head slightly, surprised by the young man's vocal ability.

  "You're quite multi-talented," she praised.

  "This?" Nathan pointed at his throat. "It varies by day."

  Evelyn seemed to have heard enough of his peculiarities and didn't inquire further.

  Though his mood was cheerful, his songs were all melancholic. He started with the gloomy "Grenade." He truly didn't want this, but it was one of youth's mistakes - heartbreak and turning to music. The result was an eccentric young man using sad lyrics to express his joy.

  After singing several "catch grenade" parts and various complaints, Evelyn couldn't help but ask.

  "Could you choose another song?"

  Nathan scratched his head, defending himself.

  "But it sounds good, doesn't it?"

  "But it sounds like you're resenting someone."

  Nathan wrinkled his nose, placing his hand on his chest as if Evelyn had stabbed him.

  Receiving a sidelong glance from the girl, Nathan shrank his neck, appearing to think. Finally, he could only think of one song - the one he sang with his mother during those nights driving away from their hometown seeking new shelter. Later in college, he sang it with friends during beach trips or camping.

  The lyrics of "Take Me Home, Country Roads" rose in the night. Nathan's voice was somewhat deep, yet gentle. The mood carried a sense of nostalgia and reminiscence. Though not cheerful, it brought a feeling of lightness to the heart.

  After singing one round, Nathan showed Evelyn how to change the lyrics as his friends had done to connect with each person's birthplace.

  When Evelyn saw Nathan bobbing his head to the rhythm signaling her, she remained silent. Feeling awkward, he continued. Seeing the young man's warmth, the girl instead took out a flute made of green jade, sparkling in the night. She tapped her hand on the flute, learning the rhythm before finally joining in her own way.

  One sang, one played the flute, one cat listened indifferently. Nathan changed the lyrics continuously, from his homeland to those of people who had been close to him, including Jessica. He hoped that in the future when encountering this song, he would remember Zeryn, Orin, Darkan, or Zahra, Xander. And of course, if possible, the blue-haired girl sitting beside him.

  Evelyn tilted her head back and forth playing the flute. Though very faint, Nathan could still see her lips pulling up, smiling beneath the movements.

  The performance ended when the black bracelet vibrated.

  Midnight had arrived, and the rankings were about to change again.