MTLNOVEL Chapter 11: Chapter 10: The Ancient Tree
As Kai stepped closer, the system chimed again.
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**[Discovery: Ancient Tree of Resonance]**
**[Description: This tree is a rare phenomenon, its roots deeply connected to the natural energy of the Wild Zone. It may yield rare resources or attract unique creatures.]**
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Kai's curiosity piqued. He approached the tree cautiously, running a hand along its rough bark. His fingers brushed against something embedded in the trunk—a small, glowing crystal.
"Is this…?" Kai muttered, carefully prying the crystal loose.
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**[Item Acquired: Resonance Crystal]**
**[Description: A rare crystal infused with natural energy. Can be used to enhance bonded beasts or traded for valuable resources.]**
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Kai grinned. "Now we're talking. This is exactly the kind of stuff I was hoping to find."
Tiny clicked its mandibles in approval, while Stinger buzzed excitedly. Glow, however, seemed uneasy, its wings fluttering erratically.
Kai frowned. "What's wrong, Glow?"
Before he could react, the ground beneath him began to tremble. The ancient tree groaned, its roots shifting as something massive stirred beneath it.
A deep, guttural growl echoed through the clearing, and Kai's heart sank as a hulking creature emerged from the shadows.
It was a **Rootstalker**, a massive insect-like beast with bark-covered armor and glowing green eyes. Its mandibles clicked menacingly as it sized up Kai and his team.
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**[New Opponent Identified: Rootstalker]**
**[Tip: The Rootstalker is heavily armored but slow. Use speed and ranged attacks to target its weak points.]**
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Kai gritted his teeth. "Of course there's a guardian. Alright, team, let's take it down!"
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### **The Battle Begins**
The Rootstalker lunged forward, its massive body shredding the ground as it charged.
"Tiny, up front! Use *Harden* to block it!" Kai commanded.
Tiny stepped in, its exoskeleton shimmering as the **Harden** skill activated. The Rootstalker's claws scraped against Tiny's armor, but the Titan Ant held firm.
"Stinger, *Poison Sting*! Aim for its joints!"
Stinger buzzed overhead, launching a glowing green projectile that struck one of the Rootstalker's legs. The beast screeched, its movements faltering slightly as the poison began to take effect.
"Glow, blind it with your light!"
Glow hovered above the battlefield, its wings releasing a burst of golden light. The Rootstalker flinched, its glowing green eyes dimming as it struggled to adjust.
"Now, Tiny! *Mandible Strike*!"
Tiny lunged forward, its mandibles clamping down on the Rootstalker's exposed limb. The beast roared in pain, thrashing violently as it tried to shake Tiny loose.
The battle raged on, the Rootstalker's sheer size and strength making it a formidable opponent. But Kai's team fought with precision and coordination, slowly chipping away at the creature's defenses.
Finally, with one last coordinated strike, Tiny and Stinger brought the Rootstalker crashing to the ground.
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Kai let out a breath of relief as the system chimed.
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**[Battle Complete: Rootstalker Defeated]**
**[Rewards Acquired: 500 Beast Taming Points (BTP), Rootstalker's Fang.]**
**[Item Acquired: Rootstalker's Fang]**
**[Description: A rare crafting material. Can be used to create beast-enhancing equipment.]**
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Kai's status interface updated, and he grinned as he read through the rewards.
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**[Status Interface – Kai Anther]**
**Name**: Kai Anther
**Level**: 3 (EXP: 440/1,000)
**Beast Taming Points (BTP)**: 900
**New Items**:
- **Resonance Crystal**
- **Rootstalker's Fang**
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Kai glanced at his team, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. "Good job, everyone. That was tough, but we pulled it off."
Tiny clicked its mandibles, Stinger buzzed triumphantly, and Glow shimmered softly, its unease finally fading.
As Kai pocketed the Resonance Crystal and prepared to leave the clearing, he couldn't help but wonder what other secrets the Wild Zone might hold.
And he was determined to uncover them all.