Aetherios System [Slow Build OP MC, Isekai LitRPG/Cultivation] Chapter 177: Book 3: Chapter 30: Objective Complete

Read chapter 177 of Aetherios System [Slow Build OP MC, Isekai LitRPG/Cultivation] by TTReynolds on NovelPedia.

Book 3: Chapter 30: Objective Complete Chapter 30: Objective Complete The boss hit the dirt with a final shudder, and after what had felt like hours of fighting, the clearing fell quiet. You Have Slain Primal Chimera Sergeant, Forest! +2,483 Experience +2,250 Dungeon Points Then the silence was broken as the rest of the raid continued the fight. The pack of lesser forest chimera roared in protest of their fallen leader, vines and claws attacking in furious abandon. But without their big boss to lead them they were little more than dumb beasts once more. Eric and Kate shouted overlapping formations, their squads answering in practiced unison. Fire, lightning, wind, and steel crashed down one the beasts all at once. The last of the bear-things were put to the sword in minutes, reduced to twitching carcasses scattered among the tree roots and stone. As the last one gasped its final breath, Rynel and Selka were already moving through the bodies with blades in hand, cutting free glittering essence fragments and beast cores. Doran and Garret pried tusks from ruined skulls, keeping anything that might fetch a price or be reforged into something useful. Henry, Allie and Myrae seemed intrigued by the Boss’ vines, as they began cutting them free to store them in bags. Everyone got to work rather quickly in collecting a few cores, their faint glow pulsing before being dropped into pouches and packs. Everything was efficient, and well practiced. Alex wanted to help, but he was having trouble getting back up. Standing or walking was out of the question, and he barely managed to crawl a few feet before having to stop. He slumped against the shrine instead, the cold stone digging into his spine. He wasn’t sure if it was his bones or his pride that hurt worse, but either way, he needed a moment. The shrine loomed over him, a grotesque tree of bone, glyphs and talismans humming faintly with sinister green hued aether. He could feel the System’s presence in it, patient and waiting for him to continue. He fumbled with his storage bracelet, pulling out a small green stamina potion and downing the contents. It wouldn't lessen his body’s physical strain and injuries, but it will at least give him the energy to stay awake. A soft rustle drew his attention. Holly had dropped down beside him, her light frame brushing against his arm as she leaned her back against the same altar. She glanced at him sidelong, the corner of her mouth twitching. “You look like hell,” she said. Alex snorted, tilting his head toward her. “Yeah? You’re one to talk, you’ll need to wash those martial robes four times at least to get all the purple blood out. You couldn’t have been more careful with all that slicing and dicing you were doing? Next time, you’re going to have to sit the fight out.” “Hardly,” her smirk deepened. “Admit it. You like watching me work.” “Oh, I wasn’t watching your technique.” He managed a tired but playful grin. Holly’s laugh was short, her eyes glinting as she leaned a little closer. “Careful, soldier. Say things like that and I might think you want a private performance later.” “Oh intriguing tactic you have there,” Alex tilted his head closer to hers, his lips barely brushing her cheek. Her breath was hot against his ear as he spoke. “Don’t threaten me with a good time, Holly.” She pulled back just an inch and gave him a long, considering look. Then she flicked her braid over her shoulder, before brushing his chest and arm as she settled back against the stone again. “Mm. Cute. Keep talking like that, and I’ll let you live long enough to see how far you can push it.” Alex opened his mouth to say something else, maybe something reckless, but the sound of boots on stone interrupted the moment. “Oi.” It was Rynel. The archer stood a few feet away with a brow raised, his expression was somewhere between amusement and impatience. Cole was already at his side, and behind them, the rest of the raid was gathering. All of their packs a bit heavier and thei