บท 895: SS-Elite Peak Stage (Essence Breakthrough)

From MC's Perspective:

With a heavy sigh, I turned my back on the dense, ominous forest that had been the battleground for the past hour. The crisp autumn air carried the faint scent of decay and iron, a stark reminder of the carnage I had just witnessed. The trek back to the HQ was a silent affair, my mind replaying the brutal encounter.

Eighteen minutes later, I stepped back into the familiar confines of the HQ building. The warmth that greeted me was a stark contrast to the chilling atmosphere of the forest.

I approached the mission counter, my hands trembling slightly as I handed over the mission document.

The staff, their faces etched with the usual blend of boredom and curiosity, efficiently collected the monster cores from my bag, their eyes scanning the items with practiced indifference. With a final stamp of approval, the mission was officially completed.