My Talent's Name Is Generator Chapter 971 Trouble

The trial concluded, and the majestic throne along with the platform vanished before my very eyes. The stone crumbled into nothingness, as though it had never graced existence. I had anticipated some remnant, a testament for others to discover and attempt, but it became abundantly clear that this trial was not meant for sharing.

It had been claimed.

Or perhaps, lost forever.

I turned, retracing my steps back towards the Billion Sanctuary. Upon my arrival, the familiar golden dome of the safe zone stood resolute, its faint barrier shimmering, repelling all that lay beyond. I passed through unimpeded and made a direct path to the stream, cleansing the blood and grime from my body, allowing the soothing, cool water to calm my senses as I regained my breath. Outside the protective dome, monsters could still be seen prowling. Once I was refreshed, I proceeded back towards the central hut.

Abruptly, a notification materialized.

[Leon Starc accepted your friend request]

[You are receiving a call from Leon Starc]

Without a moment's hesitation, I accepted, assuming it was Knight.

"Billion?" a gruff voice inquired through the receiver.

"Yes, sir. You have me right here," I replied.

"Good. My time is limited, so pay close attention." His voice was hushed, and I could detect a palpable urgency beneath his words. "I am currently trapped by followers, hiding in the basement of a prison. They are actively hunting me, and I doubt I can escape on my own. I am in a city named Ture. It's occupied by some alien race. They are magic casters… some kind of cult. Reach here swiftly. I do not have much time."

The connection severed before I could utter a word in response.

"City of Ture…" I murmured, my fingers already navigating to the map interface.

The city was not visible, as my map coverage was insufficient. A frown creased my brow as I reopened the shop, directing my attention straight to the upgrade section. Following two purchases, the map expanded dramatically, revealing new territories as I zoomed out further until, at last, the city of Ture came into view.

It was an immense distance from my current location. Far too great to traverse quickly on foot, especially with two intervening cities.

"What should I do…" I whispered, my gaze drifting from the map to the dense forest bordering the safe zone.

Then, inspiration struck.

A mount. I wasted no further time. Grabbing my trusty axe, I stepped out of the safe zone and broke into a sprint, plunging deeper into the woods.

The first creature I encountered was a formidable bear. Its colossal form emerged from behind a thicket of trees, its crimson eyes fixing upon me as it emitted a low, guttural growl.

[Monster Bear – Level 25]

I did not falter. The instant it lunged, I moved with precision, my axe swinging in a decisive arc.

The axe moved only once. The strike cleaved through its neck with brutal efficiency, and its massive body toppled to the ground before its charging momentum had even fully dissipated.

I pressed onward. Ahead, the earth trembled subtly as movement stirred beneath the surface, and then they emerged – giant ants, dozens in number, erupting from the soil, their mandibles clacking menacingly as they surged towards me.

"Radiant Slash."

The axe sliced through the air, followed by a surge of raw energy. Lightning crackled along the blade's edge as the arc of destruction tore forward, sweeping across the entire swarm. The moment of impact triggered a discharge that rippled through them, chaining from one ant to the next, causing the entire group to collapse almost instantaneously.

None of them exceeded level 40. Despite annihilating a pack of nearly 20 ants, I received no level-ups. My search for a mount continued.

The forest grew denser, then sparse, and along my path, more monsters appeared – wolves, wild boars, creatures warped by the system's influence, yet none managed to impede me for more than a fleeting moment. Each encounter concluded as swiftly as it began, my passage unimpeded as I cut through them without altering my stride.

Eventually, a larger entity blocked my path.

A crocodile.

Its immense form slid from a murky waterhole nearby, its jaws snapping shut once as it oriented itself towards me.

[Monster Crocodile – Level 40]

It lunged ferociously. I advanced, bringing my axe down in a powerful blow. The blade bisected its skull in a single, clean motion. The heavy body crashed onto the ground as I wrenched the weapon free and moved forward.

[Level Up!]

[Level 60 -> Level 61]

[Combat Points + 140]

[Influence Points + 0]

I increased my pace, venturing further until, at last, I set my eyes upon them.

Three monster horses. Their eyes pulsed with a malevolent red glow, a single, sharp horn protruding from their foreheads. Their bodies were larger, infused with greater strength, and their stances were taut with aggression as they turned towards me the moment I entered their perceived territory.

[Monster Horse – Level 40]

They charged in unison the instant they registered my presence. I met their charge head-on.

The first horse approached from the flank. I shifted my position and brought my axe across its body, the blade severing its neck as it passed. The second horse attempted to press its attack immediately, but I pivoted into its trajectory and struck again, the impact felling it mid-charge.

The third horse also attempted to charge. I did not allow it to.

I entered, extending my leg in a powerful forward kick that struck its flank precisely, destabilizing it and sending it tumbling to the ground. Before it could even think of getting up, I swiftly moved to bring my axe down, the sharp edge settling against its neck.

It froze instantly.

For a fleeting moment, it thrashed, its muscles tensing beneath me, but I leaned in subtly, applying just enough pressure with the blade to make the danger palpable.

"Don't," I stated, my voice a low murmur.

It stilled completely.

With deliberate, measured movements, I released my grip slightly, allowing it to rise, then planted my foot on its back. The axe remained poised at its neck, never once losing its threatening position.

"Now, we proceed," I breathed out.

It attempted to resist. I secured a firm grip on its mane, tugging just enough to tilt its head upward while simultaneously deepening the blade's press into its skin.

That was sufficient. The defiance shattered. The horse surged forward immediately.

And its speed was astonishing, far exceeding my expectations. The forest became a green blur as it galloped at full tilt, its body finally yielding to my guidance as I maintained a steady hold, directing its course.

Towards Ture, we were heading.

My gaze remained fixed on the map as we hurtled onward, the surrounding trees a streaked vision. The horse was swift, yet from time to time, it exhibited resistance, its momentum faltering. Each instance, I would apply a little more pressure with the axe against its neck, a gentle reminder. This was always enough to bring it back under control.

The first city materialized on the horizon not long thereafter.

I reduced speed just enough to scout around it once. The map showed no red markings. There was no discernible activity within its limits. No indication of believers or any alien influence. The structures stood, seemingly untouched, yet vacant.

"So, not every city has fallen under their dominion," I mused aloud, continuing my journey. I urged the horse forward once more, and it instantly accelerated, carrying me deeper into the wilderness without any hesitation.

Within the span of an hour, the second city appeared.

Marked in ominous red.

A designated safe zone for Believers.

I steered clear, making no approach. I altered my route, circling it at a safe distance while maintaining my pace. The horse surged ahead again, and finally, after thirty minutes of relentless riding, I found myself before Ture.