A few hours later, the system shop's teleportation portal hummed with constant activity. The runes inscribed on the portal's frame flared to life in rapid succession, flashing without pause as streams of light heralded the arrival of groups of people one after another.
"Aren't you coming?" Alex gave a wink to Tilia before disappearing in the portal. Shen Yue smiled awkwardly and followed after her, bringing Mei Mei along with her. Liam looked the other way as if he did not see what just happened.
After everyone went through the portal, Liam finally paid the tab and stepped in the portal as well. The next second he was engulfed in a vortex of light, the swirling energies carrying him through space. The familiar sensation of being pulled and stretched filled his senses, and then, with a soft thud, he landed on solid ground.
Unlike the hellish icy world he had visited before, this one was rather a tamed world. So at the end of the teleportation portal, there was a system shop like structure except this one was run by beast kin.
"Welcome, travelers," a feline beast kin greeted them with a bow, her voice carrying a soft purr. Her fur was a sleek black with streaks of gold, and her emerald-green eyes assessed them carefully. "This is the Verdant Exchange Hub. How may we assist you today?"
"We need a token for 10 days." Liam walked ahead and flashed his system card, from which immediately a huge amount of credits was deducted. The feline beast kin's eyes widened slightly at the sight of the balance, but she maintained her professional demeanor, nodding respectfully.
"Of course, honored guest," she purred, motioning to another attendant nearby. A wolf beast kin with a stern expression stepped forward, handing Liam a jade-green token etched with intricate runes. "This token grants you access to the Verdant Wilds for the specified duration. Please adhere to the hub's regulations while within the territory."
Liam nodded, taking the token and glancing back at his group. Alex and Shen Yue were already looking around the hub, marveling at the unique architecture and the variety of beast kin bustling about. Mei Mei clung to Shen Yue's side, her curious eyes darting from stall to stall, where exotic wares shimmered under the sunlight.
Liam tucked the token into his inventory and turned to his group. "Alright, let's not waste any time. The Legacy Event starts soon, and we need to prepare. Stick together, and don't wander off."
Alex smirked, her hands resting on her hips. "Relax, boss. We'll be fine. It's not our first rodeo."
Shen Yue nodded, though her gaze lingered on Mei Mei. "We'll keep an eye on each other. Mei Mei, stay close, okay?"
"Yes, Sister Yue," Mei Mei chirped, gripping Shen Yue's hand tightly.
The group moved through the bustling exchange hub, their presence drawing curious glances from the beast kin traders and adventurers. The architecture was a blend of natural and crafted elements, with towering trees intertwined with shimmering crystal structures.
Stalls displayed an array of goods, from rare herbs and enchanted weapons to beast cores and peculiar artifacts.
"If you guys want something from here, then feel free to hunt down beasts, sell the beast parts and earn the money to buy whatever you want. No one is stopping you from killing as many as you want."
Liam's gaze swept over the bustling hub, his sharp eyes noting the subtle tension among some of the beast kin. "Stick to the rules of the hub," he said, his tone firm. "We're here for the Event preparation, not to pick unnecessary fights."
Eldrin looked at Liam and rolled his eyes silently. The elf was excited to tag along since it had been a while he was out and about in the myriad realms.
The group looked around for a while after which Liam disappeared into the forests first. Except for the main stronghold the entire world was covered with lush forests from top to bottom. The rule of thumb was that areas closer to the stronghold had weaker beasts while areas in the depths of the forests had stronger ones.
Liam headed straight for the depths while the rest of the group cautiously lingered on the borders. The group fanned out a little but still kept together. They treaded lightly and soon the first beast arrived at their doorstep.
The beast was a hulking, bear-like creature with fur that shimmered like molten metal under the dappled sunlight. Its crimson eyes burned with primal ferocity, and the low rumble of its growl reverberated through the air as it emerged from the undergrowth.
Alex was the first to react. She faced the beast head on with her shield and swung her heavy sword down at the beast's shoulder, aiming for a quick and decisive strike. The blade met resistance as it clashed with the beast's shimmering metallic fur, sending sparks flying. The creature roared in pain but retaliated swiftly, swiping at Alex with a massive claw.
Alex immediately stepped back dodging the attack, but the claw still managed to land on her. Or rather the dao domain projected from the claw still managed to reach her.
Alex stumbled back as the force of the beast's claw, infused with its primal dao domain, sent ripples of energy through the air. Her shield absorbed most of the physical impact, but the lingering energy from the claw grazed her, causing her to grit her teeth in pain.
"This bastard has a gravity domain. Be careful." She warned but there was not the slightest hint of panic on her face. Her lips curled upwards into a wide grin as she swung the sword again, this time unleashing a dao domain of her own.
"Don't stand in my way, you ugly bastard. I have a husband to chase after."
A blinding divine light enveloped her sword and this time when the sword clashed, a deafening crack echoed. The superior dao domain easily broke apart the inferior one and the bear's arm was severed cleanly at the joint. A spray of shimmering ichor burst from the wound as the beast roared in agony, staggering back. The metallic sheen of its fur dulled, and its crimson eyes boiled with rage.
Alex smirked, her grip tightening on her sword. "Not so tough now, are you?" she taunted, stepping forward with confident strides.