Chapter 106: Eitherbells

Seraphina's face lit up. Why was she so slow? Of course, she knew that her temporary group, Griffin Wing's, was commission by the Ludwig family. 

Griffin Wing's was only composed of two sisters. Two Rank-A Hunters and the leader, Morgan, was nearing Rank-S. The only reason she was allowed to join their group was that she was a Rank-A woman with a rare affinity to plants. And that their mutual cooperation was only temporary.

Clyde Ludwig. Seraphina saw that man multiple times in their ship. Their ship, which House Ludwig provided for their group. That meant that Griffin Wings and Clyde were also in the Lost Islet of Tethyt.

Maybe that was the reason why Jane was in a bad mood.

"Thanks for explaining, Theodore." Seraphina smiled her brightest.

Theodore's face burst red, but Jane called his name.

"Come here, Theodore."

Theodore immediately scurried beside his sister. His mouth clamped shut while he held his staff tight.

"What will happen if you find your group? Will you go to them?" Jane asked Seraphina, not giving her the barest glance.

"Uhm. .. yes. Since I am looking for them in the first place."

".. ."

That meant that there was a chance that Seraphina and Jane would become enemies in the future.

The mood turned heavy, and Kai couldn't take it anymore and said, "Look. Everyone has their circumstances but right now. That doesn't matter. Whether you leave and go to your group once you find them is your choice. But right now, can we just focused on the present matter?"

Ryu nodded at Kai's words. 

Seraphina didn't say anything more, and Jane muttered a low, "Sorry."

It's not Seraphina's fault. It's just that Jane hated Clyde to her core. He was the perfect example of an arrogant young master, and Jane didn't know what Morgan, the leader of Griffin Wings, saw in him. Else, why were they helping Ludwig's house?

True that Clyde was handsome and a mighty hunter, but besides that, Marcus was way a hundred times better.

Was it a hunter thing? Since Morgan is also a hunter.

"I see the end of the cave."

Everyone became vigilant at Kai's words, and Jane forgot about Clyde and Morgan for a second. She brought out her staff and held Theodore's hand.

Kai put a finger over his lips, signaling them to remain quiet while Ryu looked over his shoulder to ensure they were not pincer from both sides.

The group made a steady pace towards the end of the tunnel. One step at a time, and when they slip a look at what was inside, they breathed the held they held.

The Leviathan was not in this place.

"Whew. I thought I'd wet myself there." Kai wiped the nonexistent sweat on his forehead.

"What is that?" Ryu asked, looking at the weird jellyfish-like creatures floating above them. 

The jellyfish had rainbow pastel colors and floated in a mesmerizing sight. Its head and tentacles glowed, giving life and light to the place.

(Pic)

The area they were in was like a mountains range only under the Ocean. It was hard to believe that mountains existed under a tiny cave. But their eyes didn't deceive them. They were really in an area full of Rocky Mountains with numerous glowing crystals sprouting from its exteriors. The crystals looked like trees and flowers that spread across the area.

"W-where are we?" Kai wondered with mouth hanging open.

Theodore squatted and wanted to poke the numerous crystals scattered on the seafloor when Seraphina stopped him.

"Don't touch it," warned Seraphina, "They're Either Crystals."

"Either Crystal?!" Jane and Kai's eyes rounded.

Ryu tilted his head. Were they expensive and edible?

Seraphina nodded. 

Jane laughed, and her eyes sparkled. "Either Crystals are sought after ingredients for magic Potions, and it's the main ingredient for Elixirs and Mana potions! They are considered rare items that you wouldn't find in the Mortal Realm!"

Her voice was ecstatic as her face. With the amount of Either Crystal in this place, it was enough dowry for Marcus to marry her!

Kai rubbed his hands. His stomach was twisting in glee. "So that little creature didn't lie to us. It said one of the rooms or places is where the treasures and items are. Who knows that with just this single place, we'd already be set for life?"

They were thinking it the wrong way this entire time. They should be finding hidden rooms, areas, or places like this one and not aimlessly venture in the open seafloor above.

Kai was about to pull the crystals when Seraphina slapped his hand.

"Ouch! What's the deal?" Kai grabbed his hand and blew cold air around it.

Seraphina stepped forward and looked everyone in the eyes. Her face was grave as her voice when she spoke, "True that Either Crystals are craved materials, but it's never easy to acquire them."

Seraphina pointed at the thousands and thousands of jellyfish above them. They seemed to be watching their every move though they didn't have any indication that they would attack.

"They're called Eitherbells. Though they appear harmless and not aggressive, they're actually Rank-S creatures."

Everyone gasp and Ryu took a second look at the jellyfish. Rank-S? Those creatures that look like lamps than anything else?

"T-that thing. .. is an S-rank?" Kai pointed at the Eitherbells with a shaking hand.

"Don't be misled by their appearance," Seraphina continued. "Eitherbells are immune to ranged attacks, and it could teleport nonstop. It could teleport beside you within a fraction second, and before you could even react, it had probably swallowed you whole, and you'll be nothing but the liquid inside its head within a matter of seconds when it's done with you. Its acid is corrosive, and besides that, it could manipulate objects using telekinesis."

"They usually play with the crystals and considered it part of their own. See those tiny Either Crystals floating above their head? They make a crown of it and like to float them around their heads. Eitherbells wouldn't pursue us as long as we passed by empty-handed, but it will attack anyone who attempted to gather its precious crystals. It's a pain to fight."

"A pain but not entirely undefeatable." Jane didn't want to give up. This was a material that could set her and Marcus's future in stone!

Kai nodded his head so fast it was going to detached from his neck.

Seraphina understood the other's hesitation, but against an Eitherbell, they'd rather face a Leviathan. At least it was asleep. "It shouldn't be a problem if it's only a few of them. But do you really want to try your luck and stake your life upon thousands of them?"

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A/N

Hey Guys!

We've reach 100PS so I'll post an extra chapy tom! 

Next Goal is 500! XD