Treasure-hunting: Into the Unknown

After some time, the alarm from Mimi was lifted, and it seemed that those Batwing Beasts had retreated.

As soon as Zachary exited the system, he saw the Dawn Beast anxiously pacing around the cave, its egg nowhere to be found. Sensing his sudden intrusion, it swiftly turned its head to him. With a flash of rage, it let out a deafening roar that promised a bloody demise.

"Mimi, activate the treasure beast communication system," Zachary said quickly.

"Treasure beast communication system activated."

The Dawn Beast's booming voice rang in his ears. "Human! I will tear you to pieces!"

"If you kill me, you won't get your eggs back!" Zachary answered.

Despite everything, the creature looked perplexed. "You can understand me?"

"It isn't all too hard, after all. You know what, let's cut the crap and make a deal!" said Zachary, folding his arms across his chest.

"Deal? What deal?" the Dawn Beast asked.

"I'll take care of you from here on. In exchange, you give me your Dawn Fluid in occasion. If you agree, then I'll give you back the three eggs," Zachary said, knowing full well that in the end, they would still fall into his hands.

"No. If you don't give them back, I'll kill you!" the Dawn Beast roared.

"No room for negotiation, then? Then try and kill me!" Zachary sneered.

Growling even louder, it trembled as a strong Imperial Level beast soul emerged from its body. The beast's once-white fur slowly turned red as it was on fire. Hot energy then spread in all directions. Zachary could hear resounding crackles of stone and sand as the whole cave began to shake.

That was when he felt pressure crushing him, one strong enough to make him feel that his body was about to explode.

Zachary quickly released Gisele's spiritual soul, but she faded just as fast. Even though she was strong, she was no match for the Dawn Beast's soul.

By the time the creature completely transformed into

ee eggs. What a worthy trip indeed!

After leaving the Peach Blossom Forest, Zachary headed back to the Living-dead Tomb to report to Anne. He also told her about the Soul-gathering Bell.

"It seems you harvested quite a lot this time around. Not only did you catch the Dawn Beast, but you also got the ever-elusive and famous Soul-gathering Bell. However, although there is no question that the latter will be of great help to your cultivation of the Superb Spiritual Soul, you must remember not to be dependent on its power. The fate of the warrior who owned it tells you that much!" Anne said.

"I know. So, when can I catch the third elite treasure beast?" Zachary asked casually, as if he wasn't worried.

"Definitely not soon. You have to wait until you're close to the Sage Level," Anne replied.

"Close to the Sage Level? That would take some time. But now that I've got the Dawn Fluid, I can at least absorb two Celestial Energy Crystals. Plus the Dawn Fluid, it shouldn't take as long," he mumbled.

"Aren't you going to take part in the Imperial Level Warrior Contest? You will encounter quite harsh competitors there. You'll end up losing in the first round if you're too weak. I suggest you put your time in the Windstorm Valley to good use," Anne said promptly.