There were too many unknown factors to risk dragging this out any longer, not to mention Andrew had no idea how much time was left before it would completely mutate. Faced with this situation, Andrew couldn't just stand by and do nothing.
Therefore, the moment the Odogaron displayed its capture animation, it had unequivocally become a threat to this world.
If left in the Hollow, it would become an Ethereal that could destroy everything. If brought outside, it would become a monster that threatened human survival for the sake of food. In a world with no dragons—and none for it to hunt—preying on the most numerous species, humans, would be its inevitable choice.
Thankfully, both the invading boss, the Dullahan, and the original boss, Corrupted Overlord - Pompey, were already dead. The Ether energy in this nascent Hollow was now in a nosedive.
The spatial distortion was steadily returning to normal, and even its size had shrunk considerably. The rescue operation led by Belle must be progressing much more smoothly now.
Of course, one must be fully prepared before a battle. Andrew took out a whetstone and re-sharpened his Dullahan Tachi, restoring its edge to peak condition. Then, he pulled out an Adamant Seed and a Might Seed and ate them.
Unfortunately, he had already used up all his powders and potions. Otherwise, Andrew would have absolutely gone for the traditional three-piece buff combo.
With his current limited resources, this was the best he could do.
What gave Andrew the biggest headache was that the most critical item for fighting an Odogaron, the Wild Jerky that cures deep wounds, was long gone. The ones he had tried to make himself completely lacked the proper effect.
Even though Andrew was very confident in his own strength, this feeling of walking a tightrope high in the air without a safety net still made him a bit uneasy.
It was fine at other times, but during a dragon hunt, not wearing any armor just felt like something was missing. It just didn't have the right vibe, you know?
If only I'd known, I would have worn my armor. Even the Dullahan set would be better than nothing...
Although, against an Odogaron, the Dullahan set would be as useful as folded paper. During combat, it would purely serve a psychological purpose.
However, as Andrew looked at Caesar beside him and the group of Ethereals in the distance, an idea suddenly sparked.
Placing two Might Seeds and two Adamant Seeds into Caesar's hands, Andrew instructed her:
"These two types of seeds can enhance your defense and strength. I have a very important task to ask of you next."
Seeing Andrew's serious expression, Caesar couldn't help but tense up.
Or rather, she had been on edge ever since Andrew said he was going to fight that monster.
But when Andrew asked for her help, she responded without a moment's hesitation:
"To fight this monster with you? I'm in."
With that, Caesar resolutely raised "I Came" and "I Saw," looking ready to follow Andrew and charge into battle against the Odogaron.
However, Andrew quickly stopped her before she could even take a step.
"No, no, it's another, even more important and arduous mission."
As he spoke, Andrew pointed to the group of Tier-1 Ethereals not far away and said to Caesar:
"I need you to constantly provide me with shield support while also ensuring these Ethereals don't disturb the upcoming battlefield."
Though he called it shield support, it was really just like adding a flimsy layer of paper. Things had come to this; he'd just have to play the part of an unarmored god for once.
And if Caesar used her super armor effectively, she could indeed tank some hits to deal damage. It might actually be a huge help.
But his request to keep the small Ethereals from interfering was absolutely genuine.
Having these small Ethereals appear mid-fight was just like having herbivore dragons wander into a hunt. They take up space, block your attacks, and love to push you around.
A hunter who hasn't had their mental state shattered by a meddling herbivore isn't a good hunter, but if someone could prevent it from the start, that would be amazing.
Not to mention this Odogaron was currently feeding on Ethereals.
Besides, Andrew didn't have a protagonist's plot armor to fall back on.
Hearing that this was the important mission, even the usually straightforward Caesar became anxious. She said worriedly:
"Andrew, you're going to face that monster all by yourself?!"
Before she could say more, Andrew placed a firm hand on her shoulder, silencing her.
Andrew said earnestly:
"I'm not lying to you. This mission is truly vital. And how am I by myself? Your shield, Caesar, is very reassuring!"
Hearing this, Caesar couldn't bring herself to say anything further. After a brief silence, her tone was somewhat strained.
"I don't want you to do this. This monster just appeared out of nowhere, why should you, someone who has nothing to do with this, have to face it?"
But Caesar also knew, just from watching Andrew's earlier fight with the Odogaron, that she wouldn't be much help to him directly.
In the end, she just nodded firmly and said:
"If I see that you're in real danger, I will absolutely give it my all to get you out of there!"
Hearing her words, Andrew couldn't help but break into a smile. He gave Caesar a thumbs-up.
"Then watch me closely, my Raccoon!"
As Caesar's shield enveloped him, Andrew officially charged toward the Odogaron.
Having just devoured an Ethereal, the Odogaron had entered a second phase, much like it had eaten raw meat.
The frill-like sections on its neck and the patterns on its back pulsed with a scorching red glow, radiating intense heat.
White steam billowed from its head, like the thick white smoke from a high-horsepower engine.
Its nostrils were flared wide, constantly sniffing the air as if searching for its next suitable target.
The longer, sharper, serrated secondary claws gradually retracted now that the battle was over, resetting themselves between the primary claws.
Those hook-like claws were lined with incredibly sharp tertiary serrations that left deep gashes in the ground with even the slightest movement before being sheathed.
It was actually quite rare to see an Odogaron not in a hunting state. After all, with its high-intensity motor skills, a massive amount of food was essential. Every time Andrew had seen one, it was searching for prey.
But as it sniffed the air, Andrew knew he had undoubtedly been discovered.
With a sense of smell so acute it could practically substitute for sight, a sudden attack was inevitable once it started scanning its surroundings. Even hiding in a smoke bomb wouldn't work.
But this monster, which normally wouldn't engage a hunter unless attacked first, did something that completely defied Andrew's expectations.
The Odogaron immediately adopted an attack posture, its recently retracted secondary claws snapping out in an instant.
The front half of the Odogaron's body, glowing red, lowered progressively until it was pressed against the ground.
One foreclaw was raised, preparing to launch a pounce, while the other pointed directly at Andrew, a final warning.
On its coiled hind legs, the slender secondary claws dug firmly into the earth, providing an absolute anchor point for the explosive power to come.
Its thick tail was raised high like a giant iron bar, not only adjusting its body's balance but also quivering in anticipation of the impending battle.
And its nostrils were now flared to their absolute maximum, constantly tracking Andrew's position, while a threatening, low growl rumbled from its throat.
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