Skill Extraction: Exploring Dungeons

Chapter 1008 - 875: The Hunt Begins

The appearance of Lily also signaled the return of Kane and the others from their rest within the World Ring.

Finally, I could have some relief and rest, for the fortress Kane and his team were defending was truly inhospitable.

Lily turned her head around and found Bedalin calling her, then she instantly appeared atop Bedalin’s shoulder.

"Did you go out on patrol or went out to clean up those cultists?"

"Took down a bishop and a follower, but the others escaped."

Just then, Xi flew over next to Lily and asked, "Lily, how are Virginie and Mico? Why haven’t they come into the guild recently?"

"Their learning progress is extremely slow, so I’ve been giving them extra training lately."

The one who responded was Kreya, who walked over with a smile.

After Kreya arrived, she first hugged Bedalin.

"They’re just kids, why be so strict?" Xi couldn’t help but say from the side.

She felt Kreya was a bit too harsh on her two daughters.

These two little princesses were the treasures of the entire guild.

Kreya shook her head helplessly and sighed, "There’s no helping it, I have too little time to spend with them, and there’s always a sense of anxiety in my heart."

Upon hearing Kreya’s words, everyone present fell silent.

With the strength of Kreya and Kane, they could afford to spend decades accompanying their two daughters as they grew.

Decades are just a flicker for their endless lifespan at this moment.

However, the current situation is not enough for them to accomplish such thoughts; they might really miss this most important period of their children’s lives.

Kreya collected her emotions and smiled, "Alright, let’s not talk about this, Kane has something to announce, let’s hurry over."

Thus, she led everyone toward the fortress’s hall ahead.

When they entered the hall.

Besides Kane and their squad.

There were only fellow guild members Raphael, Kafka at the tricolor level.

Supportive meeting members Bedalin, Loerloth, and Gordon’s disciple, Mu Han.

All golden-level members were from the Lantern Guild.

Many joined during these decades, while some were old friends.

For instance, little Gemu, over these decades, had already grown to the golden-level Explorer, following Kane and the others in battles.

There were also Bonona’s twin daughters and the small crocodile.

These four formed a squad, leveling up to golden, with various strong members of the Lantern Guild, having trained since childhood within the guild.

Their path to leveling was remarkably smooth.

Aside from these familiar faces, there were many direct descendants from the Platinum Country.

A few outgoing and belligerent Moon’s Child, newly reborn Tree-men, battle-loving Intelligent Mechanisms.

And numerous talented youngsters from the Platinum Country.

Unknowingly, the Platinum Country and Lantern Guild were able to self-sufficiently produce countless strong individuals.

The Lantern Guild’s instructor system perfectly provided the best school and most perfect training grounds for these youngsters.

Kane stood alone on stage, looking down at these Explorers.

"It’s been over half a year since our last assembled Hunting Team, it’s time to form one again."

Upon hearing Kane’s first sentence, the Explorers below cheered.

Of course, there were quite a few Explorers with a look of regret.

It’s well-known that 99% of the Explorers here are from the Lantern Guild, hunting actions mean more Magic Stones will flow into their hands.

Throughout decades, the Lantern Guild’s contribution system, centered around Magic Stones, had long been perfected; the array of items and various services available were dazzling.

With more Magic Stones, their strength would make exaggerated leaps forward.

Those with talent might seize the opportunity to advance to tricolor; those lacking talent could lay down a more solid foundation.

Correspondingly, every hunting event inevitably results in losses for the guild.

Fortunately, the guild has its core building, the Spring of Rebirth.

"The old rule remains: members who have died and been reborn through the Spring of Rebirth cannot participate; you know it’s for your own good."

"Those qualified and willing to participate can register, and we will screen some from among them."

After saying some more words, Kane went down, then went alone to the room above.

He handed the scene over to someone else within the guild.

In the upstairs living room, Kane walked over and sat on the couch.

Aside from him, Mira and Hughes were in front.

Mira advanced to the five-color level over 10 years ago, even earlier than Kane.

Hughes, on the other hand, was a veteran five-color powerhouse.

They came as temporary replacements during Kane’s rest period.

Bedalin, Gelotte, and Mu Han were also brought by them.

At this moment, Mira had her entire left arm wrapped in bandages.

"It has been hard on you during this time," Kane said with a smile to the two.

Hughes simply smiled and waved his hand.

Mira, however, cradled her bandaged left hand and couldn’t help but complain.

"This damned place of yours is truly terrifying, I haven’t rested for a single day in the past ten days of guarding for you. No wonder the troop configuration here is higher than in many places.

I still can’t comprehend why those cultists hate you so much? The attack frequency here is excessively high."

Typically, the troop configuration of this fortress where Kane and the others resided would be 5 five-color, 2 tricolor, and over 2,000 golden-level Explorers.

All personnel here are members of the Lantern Guild.

The reason Kane chooses to cram all guild members here is mainly for the incentive provided by Magic Stones.

High-intensity battles with enemies will make them stronger and prevent a decline in fighting spirit due to low harvest.

This was the initial problem faced by this fortress when guild members were insufficient.

The frequency of attacks here is significantly higher, requiring a rotation of one wave after another of defenders.

The number of gold-level individuals is understandable, the number of tricolor individuals is slightly scarce, but having five-color individuals is a bit excessive.

Kane’s entire squad of five is fully stationed here.

In a normal fort, the configuration for five-color individuals is two, with three for places frequently attacked.

However, since Kane’s team is a five-member squad, coupled with fewer tricolor individuals than other places, and with Kane being targeted, the frequency and number of enemy attacks are also more than elsewhere.

With comprehensive consideration, that’s why it’s configured this way.

During the over ten-day rest period, they temporarily came to supplement the defenses, and apparently, their numbers and quality are lower than that of Kane’s original team.

It stands to reason that the pressure they endure is naturally much greater than elsewhere.

Even Miraste, who had advanced to five-color, was injured.

Listening to Miraste’s complaints, Kane smiled and looked at his arm, asking, "How is it? You’re not too seriously injured, are you?"

Miraste shook his head: "I just need a few days of rest, just a slight decrease in combat power, no infection."

Hearing such an answer, Kane nodded.

"Didn’t you say last time that you envied the troop configuration here? Our team of five can be together. Do you still envy it now?"

Hearing Kane’s teasing, Miraste shook his head again.

After chatting for a while, Hughes and Miraste stood up.

"Since you’re back now, we have to return and report."

"See you next time."

"No problem, see you next time."

After that, the two left to join Bedalin and others for departure.

Before long, Kreya and the others came up.

They sat beside Kane on the sofa.

"The selection has been completed."

Kane nodded, and a virtual map appeared in front of them.

The map showed a vast expanse of white mist, with the only locations being their fortress and the enemy’s forward camp.

The forward camp they faced ahead had a total of three sites.

In the mist, there were red lines, which were the routes identified to be the enemy’s preferred paths.

This was the only order they found amidst the chaotic space.

"Let’s discuss the hunting plan and routes now."

They were already familiar with the process and began to voice their opinions.

...

Several hours later.

The hunting action officially began.

The entire operation was divided into six action groups, composed of Kane’s five members and two of Raphael’s, making a group of seven.

However, among Kane’s five members, one must be stationed at the fort for defense at all times.

This time, Meizike was on defense.

The action group led by Kane’s four members was the main hunting group.

Raphael’s group was primarily responsible for reconnaissance and support.

Kane’s team attacked from four different routes, while Raphael’s group could move freely among them.

The freedom allowed them to adjust as needed.

Within this, Kane’s hunting group was the primary killing point.

Raphael’s tricolor group could only carry one team of gold-level explorers.

Kreya’s five-color group could take three teams, which meant 15 gold-level explorers.

Due to the unique Origin Skills, Kane could take six teams alone, which meant 30 gold-level explorers.

Moreover, Kane’s combat style had a wide range and could autonomously attack, allowing coordination with 30 explorers.

At once, they could annihilate a large group of enemies.

Now the operation officially began.

"We’ll take Route 4."

With that, Kane led the six squads behind him into the mist.

Kreya and the others chose different paths and began to take action.

Meanwhile, Raphael’s two squads had already proceeded ahead, scouting before everyone else.

As they advanced, the surrounding mist became restless, starting to swirl furiously like a sea of white clouds.

The spiraling mist continuously obscured their vision and shielded their senses.

Only Kane’s eyes still emitted a golden glow.

Their moving speed was not rapid; otherwise, they would’ve covered 20 kilometers in minutes.

Instead, they deliberately slowed their pace, slightly crouching their bodies, covered in cloaks made of hexagonal modules.

In the mist, they moved like formless things along the Path of the Formless, heading forward.

"Enemy at eleven o’clock, conceal your steps, restrain your aura, and approach slowly."

The silent voice appeared in everyone’s ears.

They were already accustomed; although most were on a hunting operation with Kane for the first time, the presence of the training ground was nothing to laugh at. They began following orders, concealing their footsteps.

A third eye opened on Kane’s forehead.

The cloaks formed by hexagonal modules covered everyone for covert action.

They became even more concealed, stealthily moving towards the enemy.

"Two bishops, six followers, team one and team two, it’s your move."

Upon hearing Kane’s command, two five-member teams broke off from the main group and charged forward.