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Chapter 437: Terrorclaw Beasts
Whoosh!
A high-speed slicing sound echoed through the dark tunnel.
A spinning arrow struck precisely at a shadowy figure.
The sharp arrowhead tore through thick leather, pierced solid muscle, and collided with hardened bone, producing a dull thud.
Blood sprayed out in a gush.
The grievously wounded cave troll let out a pained scream as it collapsed to the ground.
Before it could rise, a burly figure charged forward, raising a shield high before smashing it down on the troll's head.
Boom!
The powerful impact knocked the cave troll back to the ground. Before it could cry out, a serrated shortsword drove into its chest.
The massive body fell, terror fading from its eyes as all light dimmed to darkness.
Without hesitation, Jifan pulled out his shortsword. He felt no strain, a hint of realization and joy flashing through his eyes.
"So, this is what a modified body feels like?"
"It's incredibly strong."
With a robust physique as a foundation, Jifan finally experienced the joy of overpowering an opponent through sheer force.
"My strength surpasses yours, my speed is greater, and my equipment is superior. What can you possibly do against me?"
A fleeting, slightly juvenile thought passed through his mind as he reflected on his attack and noted areas for improvement.
Dragging the cave troll's corpse, Jifan moved to the designated location.
Seven or eight cave troll corpses were already piled in the middle of a clearing.
The thick smell of blood spread in all directions.
The modified warriors, prepared for battle, silently took their positions and stared into the dark tunnel depths.
Blinking thoughtfully, Annie regarded the simple trap with skepticism. Knowing Matthew's nature, she openly asked:
"Are Terrorclaw Beasts really this foolish?"
Shaking his head calmly, Matthew recalled the savage, cunning, and dangerous creatures as he put away his spell scroll, replying methodically:
"Terrorclaw Beasts are incredibly intelligent, with an average intelligence of 8. They employ a variety of dangerous attack strategies."
"Ambushes are their favorite tactic, and group assaults are their preferred combat method."
"With an average challenge level of 13, they are among the most dangerous types of high-level magical creatures."
"Apart from their mountain-splitting claws, their most dangerous weapon is their incredibly tough and explosively powerful tail."
"Their weaknesses, besides their noses, lie in the areas under their arms when they raise their claws to strike."
Matthew's clear voice carried information about the Terrorclaw Beasts to everyone, providing detailed and valuable insight.
The modified warriors were unsurprised by their lord's extensive knowledge and memorized his guidance.
After all, having intelligence in advance provides a significant advantage.
Suddenly, a sinister figure leapt out from behind Matthew.
A gleaming claw slashed down with a chilling whoosh, slicing Matthew in two.
In the faint glow of the tunnel, the grotesque and twisted body of the Terrorclaw Beast was revealed.
The swift and terrifying ambush sent a shiver down Annie's spine. She recalled Matthew's earlier warning:
"Terrorclaw Beasts love ambushes the most!"
Wasn't this exactly the case?
Had Matthew just died?
The sudden turn of events made Annie retreat quickly. Her complex emotions underscored the harsh reality of the Underdark's dangers.
Before Annie could retaliate, the Terrorclaw Beast roared angrily. The Matthew it had sliced had vanished without a trace.
It was an illusion!
Annie relaxed slightly, but a hurried shout reached her ears:
"Dodge!"
Before the words finished, a heavy slicing sound rushed from behind. Sensing imminent danger, Annie leapt into the air.
Mid-air, she turned and nocked an arrow.
Whoosh!
The arrow, powered by explosive force, ripped through the air and struck a Terrorclaw Beast's eye.
"RoarâŚ!"
The creature's head snapped to the side, but instead of collapsing, it lunged toward Annie with its raised claw aimed to strike.
Suspended in mid-air, Annie saw the deadly claw closing in and regretted ignoring Matthew's earlier warning:
"The Terrorclaw Beast's weak point isn't its eyes; it's its nose!"
Death loomed close, gripping Annie with its inevitability.
She realized she wouldn't have time to land and escape before the claws tore her apart.
Unlike Matthew's illusion, she was real.
Was this truly the end?
Annie felt both unwillingness and despair.
Across from her, Parry watched in panic. Even though he had aimed an arrow at the beast's weak point, he couldn't stop its attack.
Annie couldn't die!
Boom!
A 4-meter tall, 2-ton Terrorclaw Beast was suddenly slammed aside.
Two bloodstained axes slashed into the creature's neck and chest.
Crack!
Bones shattered instantly. The unbalanced Terrorclaw Beast was disemboweled on the spot.
Moments ago, a vigorous predator was violently killed by Beelzebub.
Its dying wails echoed through the dark Underdark.
Meanwhile, the Terrorclaw Beast that had destroyed Matthew's illusion charged in madly.
Behind it, four or five similarly massive figures emerged from the shadows.
They were pack creatures, particularly fond of ambushes!
But the modified warriors were clearly prepared!
Confirming Annie's safety, Beelzebub hefted his axe and charged. The blood aura surrounding him illuminated the terrifying forms of the Terrorclaw Beasts.
Thick gray-brown scales covered their bulky frames. Their powerful hind legs alternated in quick strides.
Scythe-like claws rose high, ready to strike Beelzebub.
Boom!
The first Terrorclaw Beast flew backward, its chest split open and its prized claws broken in half.
With 29 points of peak-level extraordinary strength, Beelzebub had a clear upper hand in direct confrontations!
Over a dozen crossbow bolts fired simultaneously, piercing the four or five charging Terrorclaw Beasts.
The bolts, coated in specialized paralytic poison, weakened their combat effectiveness.
Having narrowly escaped, Annie angrily fired her bow to assist Beelzebub in quickly killing the first Terrorclaw Beast.
Echoing roars erupted from the depths of the cave.
Over a dozen Terrorclaw Beasts of varying sizes surged toward the battlefield, surrounding it from all sides.
They loved overwhelming their prey!
Witnessing the scene, Matthew gestured to the battle-ready modified warriors:
"It's your turn!"