Chapter 8: Axel Storm

In Arden, danger zones are the general name for all areas occupied by different kinds of abnormalities, ranging from demonic beasts to powerful extraterrestrials.FF-rank, Blood Level, and F-rank, Fang Level danger zones are categorized as low-level areas.

These areas are mostly used as training grounds for newly awakened hunters. The monsters in these places range from level one to level thirty.

There are far fiercer and tougher danger levels beyond these.

Twenty years ago, Arden itself became an S-rank, Cataclysm Level danger zone when a powerful alien race known as the Lunaris attacked, aiming to cleanse the planet and turn it into their waste dump.

The strength of the Lunaris was unlike anything the planet had ever witnessed. Their generals could wipe out entire cities with simple gestures.

One of their leaders even turned the largest ocean into a raging storm of corrosive energy, poisoning the waters for hundreds of miles and annihilating all life within.

It took the combined effort of tens of thousands of high-level hunters, dozens of guardians, and Arden’s one and only Seeker, Axel Storm, to finally defeat them and send them away.

"Till date, people still fear that the Lunaris are plotting another war," Logan concluded his narration with a loud sigh.

"For me, I believe the Lunaris are not the only extraterrestrial threats on our planet. There are definitely over a dozen more worlds stronger than them that might one day attack," Ashton added.

Marlon listened quietly to the two nerds going all out with their historical knowledge as the three of them strolled through the desert.

The trio wore desert gear provided by the training camp authorities.

Their Sandshift Suits clung comfortably to their bodies, paired with anti-slip boots that made walking through the dunes easier. Dune Masks covered the lower halves of their faces, filtering dust while still allowing them to talk clearly.


The combination of the Sandshift Suit, anti-slip boots, and Dune Masks made the harsh conditions of the desert bearable.

"The strongest man in Arden, Axel Storm — where is he now?" Marlon asked curiously.

That name was on everyone’s lips. You couldn’t listen to the radio or scroll through social media without hearing it mentioned.

However, since he transmigrated into this world, there had never been a single sighting of this man, and his face had never been documented online.

Rumors had it that he was an antisocial powerhouse who preferred living a calm and peaceful life while still being the strongest alive.

"Axel Storm is currently exploring a new planet, according to the media. The new planet houses a lot of aether crystals and useful resources that would benefit Arden," Ashton responded almost immediately.

"Oh..." Marlon exclaimed, sounding pretty surprised.

"Yeah, I heard he flew to that planet using his own flight ability, without any kind of spacecraft."

"For real?"

The two nerds nodded, their eyes shining with admiration as they began praising his name like excited fangirls.

"Axel Storm is incredible!"

"If only I had an SS-rank or EX-rank talent, with years of steady grinding, I could become like him. But alas, here I am cursed with a meager and useless talent," Logan whispered loudly.

"Finally, our grinding zone for today has appeared!" Marlon cut off their fanboying with an excited exclamation.

The two paused their discussion and halted, the warm desert breeze blowing against their faces.

They stared at the phenomenon not too far away, partially covered by the dusty desert winds yet still clearly visible.

It was a red-hued, dome-shaped magical barrier that covered a vast area. Everything within and beyond the barrier was out of sight.

It was a danger zone — a low-level, field-type danger zone, one of the most common of its kind.

The red-hued magical barrier shimmered faintly with danger and malevolent energy.

Logan and Ashton swallowed nervously as they looked at the ominous structure. While it wasn’t their first time seeing one, it would be their first time entering, and they were naturally anxious.

Marlon, on the other hand, had an excited smirk hidden under his Dune Mask. His breathing grew heavier as he couldn’t wait to venture inside and slay the monsters within.

"What are you guys waiting for? Let’s go!" he urged before sprinting forward.

The two exchanged confused looks before shrugging and joining the race.

After a short run, they arrived in front of the magical barrier, and instantly, each of them received warning notifications from their systems.

⚠ ENTERING DANGER ZONE

Name: Crimson Expanse

Grade: FF-Rank, Blood Level

Recommended

TeamLevel: 3–15

PlayerLimit: 3–10

Seeing that it was an FF-rank, Blood Level danger zone, Logan and Ashton sighed in relief. If it were anything higher, they would’ve ditched Marlon and fled, no matter how much they trusted him.

After confirming the grade of the danger zone, Marlon smirked and grabbed the shoulders of the two nerds.

"You two are delaying me. Lets get on with this."

He pulled them into the magical barrier with him. The sensation of crossing it was akin to passing through a wall of foam — so subtle that one could easily miss it.

After crossing, the crimson environment of the expanse lay bare before them. Dozens of monstrous red eyes darted in their direction at once.

...

First Week Challenge:

Every 50 Powerstones Equal 3 Extra Chaps.

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