Chapter 42: Come Over Here

With a single punch, Han Feng knocked the Three-Eyed Demon Wolf unconscious. Straightening up, he dusted off his hands and asked, "Any more?"

The Three-Eyed Demon Wolf summoned by Jordan Pires was indeed a D-rank creature, but it had only just entered that rank. Having devoured a rival to ascend, it had not yet fully digested its newfound energy, its realm still unstable when it was called into this world. The wolf's combat prowess was not even equal to the average D-rank ability user—a weakling among D-ranks, yet the fiercest among weaklings.

Its strength attribute barely exceeded 600 points, a far cry from Han Feng's near 3000, an almost monstrous disparity. Han Feng immediately discerned its hollow exterior, so he dispatched it swiftly—a display of power, and a warning.

Though weak, in the eyes of ordinary folk it remained a formidable D-rank demon wolf, for few could perceive its fragile foundation.

If they wanted to use him as a stepping stone to establish their dominance, he would show them whose blade was sharper.

Mitchell Fran glanced at Jordan Pires, his look questioning: "What happened?" Jordan Pires returned a bewildered gaze, "No idea, maybe something went wrong?" Their original plan had been to test Han Feng's strength with a summoned beast, hoping to glean some battle information, but nothing came of it. The summoned wolf was knocked out before it could even withstand a single round, instantly defeated.

Han Feng watched them with bored indifference, making no move to attack, his gaze filled with provocation—he was only a finger's curl away from beckoning, "Come at me!"

Mitchell Fran glanced again at Jordan Pires, who was already summoning a second creature. Deciding not to wait, Mitchell drew his weapon and charged.

Having instigated this conflict, hesitating after Han Feng's display would make them seem cowed. If such an impression took hold, it would defeat their original purpose for this challenge.

Mitchell's weapon was a slender Western rapier, gleaming silver, complementing his handsome face and golden hair, giving him the air of a knight from days long past.

Yet he lacked the knight's spirit. After Han Feng's display, they abandoned thoughts of a fair duel. Even with a newly advanced D-rank wolf, they could not match Han Feng's prowess. Now, all they wished was a quick victory, to repel the enemy and establish their own dominance.

Since both wielded swords, it was time for a proper exchange. Han Feng drew Greysil—Dawn of Destruction. His action caused no surprise among the others; thanks to spatial magicians and advancements in spatial technology, simple storage devices, though expensive, were readily available.

Mitchell Fran closed in rapidly, his rapier angled behind him. When he was within ten meters of Han Feng, his body suddenly burst forth with astonishing speed.

His figure seemed to vanish, reappearing instantly before Han Feng, his rapier thrust straight at Han Feng's heart.

This was his signature move: Instant Thrust, reminiscent of "Soru" from One Piece—a high-speed movement, not a spatial teleportation, but traceable nonetheless. Scores had fallen to this move, its power lying in its suddenness.

Just before the rapier reached his chest, Han Feng stepped back, raising Greysil to block the blade tip.

Clang!

The rapier's tip struck Greysil's blade. At the moment of contact, Han Feng angled his sword, skillfully redirecting the force aside, deflecting the rapier's path.

Simultaneously, Han Feng pivoted and delivered a powerful whip kick, landing heavily upon Mitchell Fran.

Mitchell was sent flying like a cannonball. A pale blue energy shield flickered twice before shattering—his defensive artifact.

Realizing his special move failed and unable to dodge Han Feng's counter, Mitchell had swiftly activated his shield, unwilling to experience Han Feng's strength firsthand. After all, even the demon wolf had been slammed into the ground.

His decision proved wise—Han Feng's kick shattered the shield, which was durable enough to withstand numerous D-rank attacks, sometimes thirty or forty from weaker D-rank users, demonstrating the sheer force behind Han Feng's blow.

Though the kick did not land directly, his shield would not activate again soon. Mitchell crawled up, ready to attack once more, when suddenly a roar sounded from nearby.

A Scorpion-Tailed Lion appeared beside Jordan Pires—a creature with the body of a lion, dragon's wings, and a scorpion's tail. Its venomous sting was infamous, capable of corroding metal like acid and paralyzing muscles for long periods.

Once struck by its tail, unless one possessed extraordinary resistance, it meant certain doom.

This was a true D-rank summoning beast, not a newly ascended weakling.

Unlike the Three-Eyed Demon Wolf, it was Jordan Pires's contracted beast. Such beasts formed a master-servant bond with summoners, growing together as loyal companions. The wolf had been a mere temporary summon, a transactional relationship—summoner providing mana, beast fighting for a short period.

Jordan Pires cast two spells to enhance the lion's strength and speed, and the beast charged, then abruptly took flight on its leathery wings.

Han Feng narrowed his phoenix eyes. He could not fly, and an airborne enemy was hard to handle, while two foes remained on the ground.

Han Feng burst forth like a black phantom, rushing toward Jordan Pires, who brandished his magical tome. If he did not eliminate the summoner first, more beasts would flood the battlefield, wasting time and patience.

Thus, he resolved to take the initiative, to end the fight swiftly and decisively.

"Wind Bind!" A white whirlwind suddenly enveloped Han Feng's feet, his speed dropping by half. Jordan Pires held a torn magic scroll—Han Feng was too fast for incantations, so only instant-cast scrolls could restrain him.

Mitchell Fran seized the opportunity, rapier flashing with spirit energy, slashing at Han Feng's throat.

Above, the Scorpion-Tailed Lion folded its wings and plunged, its tail exuding deadly menace.

A chilling sound split the air.