Heart of the Beast

"This... is he dead?"

"Linsey, you're even more eager to fight than I am?"

"I didn't do it!"

Linsey and Redface stared at each other in dismay before the corpse of the Black Eagle King.

Linsey then read aloud the text from the product information, "The corpse of a Fifth Stage Devil Beast, which died due to the influence of Essence."

"..."

"Dragon Beast."

This is not some mysterious death case, but something whose origin is obvious at a glance.

Most of the Devil Beast in the Black Mountain World are influenced by the Essence of Dragon Beast.

In particular, those Devil Beast that swore allegiance to the Dragon Beast inevitably accepted this change, whether willingly or unwillingly.

Those who attempt to escape this world and head to the Hidden Borderlands will even be frozen solid by the cold wind.

The changes in the Black Eagle King before my eyes are somewhat different.

But with Linsey's experience, she could tell what the other party's situation was.

Upon hearing this conclusion, the slight blush that had appeared flirtatious earlier turned serious.

"So, the Dragon Beast have noticed us?"

Linsey looked up at the sky and then denied it, saying, "I don't think so."

"It must have been the act of answering the question that triggered some underlying mechanism, which led to its demise."

"If the Dragon Beast knew our location and everything we've done, it would have no reason to remain indifferent."

Red frowned, his handsome brows furrowing as his gaze swept over the ordinary Black Eagle around him:

"These guys probably won't know anything about what happened next."

"Death itself is a signal," Linsey calmly continued his analysis. "The Dragon Beast does not want to reveal certain information, and even sets corresponding rules, killing its loyal subordinates for this purpose."

Linsey thought about what the Black Eagle King had said before he died.

The key information revealed by the other party can be summarized in just one thing.

"Dragon Beast are very concerned about their origins."

"Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the leakage of information in certain specific details."

Hong followed Linsey's train of thought and said:

"What that big bird was talking about was a huge pit that starts east of here?"

Linsey nodded in affirmation:

"Then there must be something in this huge pit, or in the surrounding area, that the Dragon Beast is wary of!"

This is a simple yet effective conclusion.

Linsey and Red exchanged glances.

The turning point of the journey was thus decided without a doubt.

What the Dragon Beast is trying to hide is something these challengers need to uncover. Even if the place the Dragon Beast wants to hide is certainly dangerous, they have no choice but to go there now.

Reality and goals responded to Linsey's decision.

After a long absence, some new text appeared on Linsey's Task Bar.

[The Mystery of Origins]

The dragon was born in the Thousand Mountains Stone Forest, where it grew stronger. Here also lies a secret it seeks to hide; uncover it!

[Mission Reward: Unlock puzzle Game Module, attribute/ Skill Experience Points.]

"Even the Task System is reacting to this target?"

Linsey raised an eyebrow slightly.

The reward for this mission will unlock the [Decryption Game] module, which means that the Dragon Beast has definitely put effort into hiding secrets, and it is probably not a problem that can be solved simply by force.

Linsey the possibilities that lay ahead.

While he was being drawn to the text on the Task Bar.

Red's gaze swept around, then she patted Linsey on the shoulder:

"Linsey, did you kill all of them?"

"Ah?"

Linsey looked up.

The target that Red was referring to was the ordinary Black Eagle that were still on top of the stone pillar, not daring to move.

The leader is now dead.

These ordinary Devil Beast huddled on top of the stone pillars, not even daring to seek revenge.

"..."

Looking at the scene before her, Linsey sighed.

He had just promised the Black Eagle King that he wouldn't kill all of these Black Eagle.

The other party also died under the rules set by the Dragon Beast because it answered the questions honestly. Even though it was an agreement without supervision, it still intended to keep its promise and not Slaughter the entire Black Eagle clan.

"Red, kill a few."

"Scare the other Black Eagle away, and this matter will be over."

"..."

A few minutes later, the top of the stone pillar where the Black Eagle had been perched was completely empty.

Scattered corpses lay on the ground, while in the distance, panicked black dots fled through the air, flying towards the Starshine Forest.

This was the result of Linsey deliberately driving them away.

At this moment, the sun has begun to set.

After this battle and carnage, dusk fell.

The height of the stone pillar was specially chosen by Black Eagle, and the temperature and environment were suitable.

Linsey and Red decided to stay up there and spend the night there.

While processing the collected Prey Material, they also disposed of the Black Eagle carcass and prepared dinner.

Linsey took out the heart contributed by the Black Eagle King and placed all four materials on the Workbench.

[1 Bear Heart + 1 Wolf Heart + 1 Eagle Heart + 1 Leopard Heart = Heart of the Beast]

[Accessories/Material: Heart of the Beast]

[Equipping this item increases strength, agility, eyesight, and hearing; it can also be used as a material to craft other items.]

[A unique ornament imbued with the power of wild beasts, at a reasonable price.]

Linsey tried equipping the [Heart of the Beast].

This accessory increases strength and agility by two points each, and also slightly sharpens vision and hearing. However, compared to the effects of a potion, the difference is still quite noticeable.

"After all, it's not bad that it can stay effective as long as it's equipped."

"Subsequent synthesis..."

Linsey looked through the subsequent crafting recipes for [Heart of the Beast], and found that the upgrade path for this item was simple and clear.

[1 Heart of the Beast + 1 Dragon Heart + 1 Giant Whale Heart + 1 Feathered Serpent Heart + 1 Phoenix Heart = Behemoth Heart]

"...Um."

"If this thing is synthesized, will it also be able to transform into the corresponding beast?"

Linsey pursed her lips.

The heart is a material that is very difficult to lose.

The synthesis of the [Behemoth Heart] is probably even more difficult than other high-level equipment, so there's no point in even thinking about it now.

Linsey opened the Hunting Notes again.

The Black Eagle King died directly under the influence of the Dragon Beast, and the corresponding leader kill reward naturally slipped through Linsey's fingers.

However, thanks to the cleanup of regular Black Eagle, the number of basic achievements is sufficient.

Linsey immediately accepted the reward.

[Oddity: Hunting Mark 3/3]

[Uses one use to mark an enemy. Until the enemy dies, obstacles preventing the confirmation of the target's location can be ignored. Duration: one day. Remaining uses: 3]

[Achievement items possess the magical ability to mark targets.]

What appeared in Linsey's hand was a round mark made of a brass-like material, only the size of a button.

Linsey knew how to use it just by holding it in her hand.

Make physical contact with the target, or simply stick the [Hunting Mark] to their clothing; the mark will be applied instantly, keeping the target constantly in Linsey's sight.

The usefulness of the [Hunting Mark] is self-evident when it comes to tasks such as tracking and investigation.

Linsey shrugged and put the [Hunting Mark] into her bag. "Too bad it can only be used three times."