Floating Island - Triple S Talent

Chapter 163: Battle with mountain tigers

"We're not the only ones who took on this mission," murmured Fira as they passed another team resting by the roadside. "Everyone looks ready to fight."

"The more teams there are, the fiercer the competition for the best mountain tigers," Ravon replied, still focused ahead. "But we must stay focused on our mission."

A few minutes later, they finally arrived at the area known as the mountain tigers' habitat. The ground became slightly rockier, and the rustling sounds among the leaves heightened the existing tension. The trees surrounding them appeared larger and older, creating a more oppressive atmosphere.

"We've reached the mountain tiger territory."

Ravon and the others stopped, carefully observing the area around them. Deep within the forest, they could see several trails where the grass had been parted, forming a path. It seemed the path had been created by a pack of mountain tigers.

"Everyone, activate your gear, and stay sharp," Ravon reminded the others.

They immediately activated their equipment and followed one of the natural trails where the grass had split. Moving cautiously in a formation with Reynor leading at the front and Fira guarding the rear, ready for close combat at any moment.

*Rustle... rustle...*

The sound of grass being stepped on echoed through the forest, filled with natural noises. Ravon's five-member team sharpened their senses, anticipating a sudden attack from any direction.

The team continued their exploration deeper into the forest, following the clear mountain tiger tracks along the path. The parted grass and large footprints on the ground made it evident they were approaching the hunting grounds of the tigers. They walked in a steady formation, each member prepared for any sudden assault.

Ravon closely observed the signs around him. "Look at this," he said, pointing at a large tree with fresh claw marks. "These marks show they pass through here frequently. We need to be careful."

Irsan glanced at where Ravon pointed and swallowed nervously. "What kind of tiger could leave claw marks that big?" he thought, feeling his anxiety creep up again.

Not far from there, they also found the carcass of a savaged animal, with deep bite marks clearly visible. Reynor grimaced at the sight. "Looks like they've just hunted. We're not far from their den."

Suddenly, Fira, who was at the back, halted and sharpened her hearing. "Shh… do you hear that?" she whispered, her right hand gripping the hilt of her black sword.

The entire team stopped and fell silent. The usual forest sounds of rustling leaves and the wind suddenly gave way to an eerie quiet. Liana, standing in the middle, started sensing that something was amiss.

And in an instant, without warning, a large, muscular mountain tiger leaped out from the bushes, lunging straight at them!

"watch out!" shouted Ravon.

But Fira was ready. With one swift movement, she drew her black sword and activated "Lightning Slash," a skill that allowed her to attack at incredible speed.

Her sword flashed like lightning, striking the mountain tiger in mid-leap. The tiger roared in pain and was knocked back several meters, rolling on the ground.

"Well done, Fira!" praised Reynor, who quickly stepped forward, raising his large shield, ready for the next assault.

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They immediately formed a battle stance. Reynor stood at the front, his shield raised high to protect the team. Fira stood on the right, her sword glowing, prepared for another strike. On the left, Ravon gripped his sharp dagger tightly, his eyes scanning for an opening to attack. In the center, Liana and Irsan were ready to provide support from the rear with ranged attacks.

But before they could relax, another loud roar echoed. Emerging from the shadows of the trees, more mountain tigers appeared one by one. Each tiger was larger than the first, their bodies standing over 1.5 meters tall, with black and white striped fur that stood out starkly among the foliage. Their glowing red eyes revealed a murderous intent that was terrifying.

"There are more of them!" Liana called out, her voice filled with caution.

Three mountain tigers now stood surrounding them. With immense strength and taut muscles, they were preparing to pounce.

Irsan, standing at the back, felt his body tremble slightly. Although he had trained for this, it was his first time facing such a grave threat. His breathing quickened as he tried to control the fear creeping up on him.

At this moment, the entire team could clearly see the status and attributes of the mountain tigers in front of them.

[Mountain Tiger]

- Level: 10

- Type: Fighter

- Attribute: Str 30, Int 22, Agi 28, Res 28

- (Tiger's Strength) Enters berserk mode, +10% movement speed, +5% increased damage for 1 minute. Afterward, attributes decrease by 10% for 10 seconds.

[Mountain Tiger]

- Level: 7

- Type: Fighter

- Attribute: Str 24, Int 16, Agi 18, Res 15

- (Tiger's Strength) Enters berserk mode, +10% movement speed, +5% increased damage for 1 minute. Afterward, attributes decrease by 10% for 10 seconds.

"We can handle this!" Ravon tried to encourage his team. "Don't let them separate us!"

One of the mountain tigers lunged at Reynor, slamming into his large shield with surprising force. Reynor was pushed back a few steps, but with incredible strength, he managed to hold his ground. "Now, attack!" he shouted, holding back the tiger's sharp teeth from piercing through his shield.

Fira moved swiftly, slashing from the right with a horizontal strike, creating a sharp, white streak. Irsan, watching from behind, was amazed by the grace of her cutting motion.

Meanwhile, Ravon seized the opportunity on the left, aiming a swift strike at the tiger's belly as it focused on attacking Reynor. His attack was quick, with Ravon skillfully spinning and bending to strike the abdomen.

*Slash…*

A long tear appeared on the tiger's belly, and its blood gushed out. The tiger roared in agony, unable to stand, collapsing helplessly to the ground.

[Successfully killed (Mountain Tiger | level 8), exp +21]

The familiar notification rang in Ravon's ears, but he paid it little mind. His gaze remained focused on the remaining mountain tigers.

Liana, from the back, began launching long-range attacks with her magic staff. A ball of light slowly formed and grew larger. When it reached its peak, Liana shouted and unleashed the magical orb directly at a mountain tiger not far from her.

The team continued to take down the mountain tigers one by one. Their movements were well-coordinated, and their battle formation became more solid as time passed. Every time a tiger leaped to attack, one of them was always ready to face it.

In the midst of the battle, Irsan, who had been providing support, began to gather his courage. He spotted a mountain tiger with a level of 5 not far from his position. With determination, he leaped forward and swung his sword, trying to slash at the tiger. However, unexpectedly, the tiger's right paw kicked him with tremendous force, sending him flying five meters away.

"Irsan!" Liana screamed, panicked as she saw him fall hard to the ground. Without hesitation, Ravon dashed towards the mountain tiger that had kicked Irsan. With swift and decisive movements, Ravon stabbed his dagger into the tiger's throat, killing it in a single strike.

[Successfully killed (Mountain Tiger | level 5), exp +8]

"Liana, check on Irsan! I'll handle the rest," Ravon said, turning his attention to the other tigers closing in.

Every time Ravon moved, he would kill a tiger within 3 to 5 motions. His lethal strikes were fast, agile, and powerful, even making some of the mountain tigers wary of him.

[Successfully killed (Mountain Tiger | level 8), exp +21]

[Successfully killed (Mountain Tiger | level 7), exp +19]

....

The constant notifications of kills didn't slow Ravon's ferocity as he continued to slaughter the approaching mountain tigers.

Liana ran towards Irsan, who was still lying on the ground. "Irsan, are you okay?" she asked, worried, examining his clearly pained expression.

Irsan tried to get up, but the pain in his chest made it difficult to move. "I... I'm fine," he replied, though it was evident he was in pain.

Without wasting time, Liana pulled out a small bottle containing a blue liquid from her bag. "Drink this," she said, handing the bottle to Irsan. "It will speed up your healing."

(Basic Healing Potion) A natural energy-infused potion with some basic herbal effects, capable of providing fundamental healing. Can be consumed in large quantities, but the best effects occur within the first five bottles.

Irsan took the bottle and quickly drank its contents. Within seconds, the pain in his chest began to subside, though he still couldn't stand fully.

Meanwhile, the battle raged on. The largest mountain tiger, at level 10, suddenly roared loudly, emitting a thick red aura. Its body was enveloped in a powerful energy, drastically increasing its strength.

"Tiger's Power," Ravon whispered, knowing that this was the mountain tiger's special skill, capable of drastically increasing their attack strength.

"Everyone, be careful! Don't let that tiger strike directly!" shouted Reynor, standing on the front line, warning his team.

Reynor immediately activated one of his defensive skills, "Protection Barrier!" In an instant, a transparent energy shield enveloped the other four team members, providing them with extra protection and an inexplicable sense of safety.