Chapter 109: The Earthdevourer Beast

The strength levels of monsters, aside from their rank tiers, have been further classified by human scholars. Among them, common-grade monsters are the most frequently encountered. Elite-grade monsters possess significantly greater power, and above the elite tier lies the lord-grade. Lord-grade monsters are typically the rulers within their rank. Beyond the lord-grade, there exist even higher classifications: legendary and calamity.

Legendary monsters are usually applied to mighty beings such as dragons or other powerful races comparable to dragons. As for calamity-grade monsters, they are exceedingly rare, terrifying entities that even dragons fear. Calamity-grade monsters are born at a minimum of sixth rank, and only deities can stand against them.

Chu Yun was uncertain of the exact grade of this colossal beast, but he estimated it to be at least a legendary creature, possibly even a calamity-grade monster. The reappearance of such a fearsome giant on the continent would surely bring about immense disaster.

“The power of the sacred relic has already weakened to the fourth rank; its strength shouldn’t be at the sixth rank, otherwise it would have easily been shattered. Given its enormous size, it’s likely a fifth-rank legendary creature,” Chu Yun mused.

The fifth rank represents the pinnacle of mortal power. It is said that the Kingdom of Elno boasts a fifth-rank protector of the realm. However, as with monster classifications, there is a vast disparity in power even among fifth-rank beings. The renowned fifth-rank warrior of Elno, by rumor, could only defeat elite fifth-rank monsters. With the aid of various magical equipment and tools, perhaps they could fend off lord-grade fifth-rank monsters, but clearly, that would be insufficient to slay this beast.

In the past, when facing monsters of such a caliber, humans often resorted to begging for the mercy and assistance of the gods. Now, with the gods no longer a reliable source of support, humanity must rely solely on their own strength to overcome such dangers.

Fortunately, the emergence of divine fragments has given humanity hope, offering the possibility of harnessing their power.

“Perhaps it’s not so bleak. Maybe this monster won’t attack humans once it’s full,” Chu Yun considered, recalling the numerous forbidden zones scattered across the continent. Many powerful monsters dwell within these forbidden lands, but they rarely appear in human society because only the extreme environments of these forbidden zones suit their preferences.

The stronger the monster, the more stringent its habitat requirements.

This pangolin-like beast might prefer to dwell beneath the earth’s surface.

“No, that can’t be right. According to the residual information within the sacred relic, it was precisely because of this monster’s rampage among humans that a saint sought a way to seal it away,” Chu Yun reflected.

Lost in thought, Chu Yun returned to Paimon’s side. Increasingly more adventurers were fleeing from the falling rocks mountain, heading toward Blackstone City. Some adventurers who shared Chu Yun’s cautious approach waited for the beast to finish its meal so they could scavenge.

Though most monsters were devoured whole, some were crushed to death by falling rocks. These monsters, normally difficult to hunt, could now be excavated easily to obtain valuable materials, making it worthwhile to wait.

At this moment, members of the Cloverleaf Adventurers’ Guild safely escaped the falling rocks mountain thanks to the elves’ agility. Witnessing the giant beast feasting and the collapsing mountainside, their faces were filled with worry.

“Alas, it seems unlikely we’ll gather any more Glaze Lilies now. Mr. Chu Yun, did you manage to collect any?” Bethserina asked anxiously as she passed Chu Yun and Paimon.

It was evident she didn’t hold much hope and was merely asking casually.

Curious, Chu Yun inquired, “May I ask what your relationship is with the Lady of the City? I did manage to gather some Glaze Lilies.”

Ordinary adventurers wouldn’t be so concerned if they failed to collect the flowers since it’s others who profit from them.

Bethserina’s eyes lit up with surprise. “You really did?”

Chu Yun produced one from his spatial storage. The pale blue Glaze Lily emitted an intoxicating, delicate fragrance. Each person perceived the scent differently, yet all found it captivating.

“That’s wonderful! Keli can be saved! Mr. Chu Yun, how many Glaze Lilies did you collect? I can purchase them all at the city lord’s price, and of course, I’ll inform the city lord that you gathered them,” Bethserina asked anxiously, eager to return immediately.

Chu Yun smiled and withdrew a hundred Glaze Lilies from his space. “Quite lucky, I found a densely growing patch. A hundred should suffice.”

“But you haven’t answered my question yet.”

Bethserina and her team visibly relaxed and then erupted with joy.

“It’s not really a secret; many know. I am actually Keli’s aunt,” Bethserina revealed, clearing up all of Chu Yun’s doubts with a single sentence.

“I see.”

Bethserina continued, “Mr. Chu Yun, here are five hundred platinum coins. Please sell me the Glaze Lilies. I must hurry back; the longer I delay, the harder it will be to treat her illness.”

Chu Yun had no reason to doubt her sincerity. He accepted the five hundred platinum coins and handed over the Glaze Lilies.

“Is this enough?” Chu Yun still had twenty-three left in his space, which seemed of little use to keep.

“That’s plenty. Actually, only thirty are truly needed; the rest are backups. If even this many don’t work, then no amount will,” Bethserina said, carefully storing the flowers in a beautifully crafted spatial necklace—likely her own handiwork.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Chu Yun. If you ever need assistance, please come to Star Tree Residence,” Bethserina expressed her gratitude.

“No need for thanks; I was just completing an adventurer’s task. By the way, Bethserina, do you know what kind of monster that giant beast is?” Chu Yun asked hastily as she prepared to leave.

Elves have longer lifespans and a richer historical heritage, so they often know more about ancient matters.

Bethserina’s face darkened with concern. “I once saw a creature very similar to it in an ancient text—a legendary monster called the Earth Devourer.”

“The Earth Devourer continuously enhances its strength by consuming fertile land and energy-rich crystal mines. It favors human farmlands and weapon-making mines.”

“Because of its massive size and voracious appetite, it has also devoured humans as food. Judging by its size and scale color, this Earth Devourer is fully grown!”

Bethserina’s assessment aligned with Chu Yun’s suspicions; such a monster was beyond their means to handle.

“Don’t worry. The Kingdom of Elno has signed a pact with other nations on the continent to jointly combat monsters. When facing monsters of this level, they can request aid from heroes of other countries. Soon, formidable warriors from across the continent will gather in Elno to hunt this beast together!” Bethserina said with a slight easing of her expression.

This agreement has a long history and has been enacted many times. Although Elno must pay a hefty price, the problem should ultimately be resolved.

Chu Yun, however, was less optimistic. Times have changed; now everyone is preoccupied with seeking divine fragments.