It was the "Wild Heart" ring Leylo had given him, capable of briefly boosting all the wearer's physical attributes.
Facing the python's lunging strike, Ed did not dodge. Instead, he took a step forward, the ground beneath him seeming to shudder with the impact. His longsword, infused with earthy yellow Qi, became incredibly heavy as he swung it upward with crushing force toward the giant python's lower jaw!
Clang!
A deafening sound of metal striking metal echoed! Ed's blade struck the python's hardened scales, but it left only a shallow white mark as sparks showered the air. The massive momentum of the python's charge sent Ed reeling back three steps before he could steady himself, his sword-arm numbing from the shock.
What incredibly hard scales! Ed thought, startled.
The giant python was clearly enraged. Its massive tail swept out like a steel whip, whistling as it tore through the air. If this hit landed squarely, even a knight's plate armor wouldn't be enough to protect them.
In the nick of time, the bracelet on Ed's right arm glowed with a soft white light. An ethereal silver shield materialized instantly before him. It was the "Bracelet of Protection"!
Boom!
The snake's tail slammed into the shield with a dull thud. The shield shattered instantly into fragments of silver light, but it gave Ed the chance he needed to regain his footing, his gaze sharpening with lethal intent.
This beast is incredibly strong!
The bracelet could only trigger a Rank 1 magic shield; it was expected that a Rank 3 magic beast would shatter it in a single blow. The Frostfang Great Python, apparently surprised its attack was blocked, hesitated for a moment, its reptilian eyes flashing with tyranny. It opened its maw again, and a bone-chilling frost began to gather in its throat. The temperature dropped sharply, and a thin layer of frost formed on the nearby rocks.
Ed, a seasoned fighter, moved instantly. He didn't retreat. Instead, he charged again, his steps steady and powerful as if rooted to the earth. Aided by the explosive power of the "Wild Heart" ring, his speed was significantly faster than before. His Earth Knight Qi surged to its limit, wrapping him in a yellow glow. He lowered his center of gravity, dragging his sword along the ground like a charging bull.
The python was about to exhale its frost breath, but seeing Ed lunging directly at its face, it instinctively pulled its head back to adjust its angle of attack.
Now!
Ed's eyes flashed; he seized the fleeting opportunity! His charging momentum shifted abruptly, his body twisting at an impossible angle to avoid the closing fangs. The longsword, infused with all his Qi and augmented by the ring's power, no longer slashed. Instead, it moved in a cunning arc, thrusting violently into the python's relatively soft "seven-inch" spot—the fatal weakness of any serpent!
Puchi!
This time, there was no sound of clashing metal. The blade, driven by the Earth Knight's dense Qi and the "Wild Heart's" strength, finally pierced the resilient scales and sank deep into the beast's body!
Hiss—!
The Frostfang Great Python let out a shrill, agonized screech. Its massive body writhed frantically, its tail lashing out blindly at the ground and cave walls, sending stones flying and dust billowing. The gathering frost breath dissipated instantly.
Having landed the blow, Ed immediately withdrew his sword and leaped back, sharp and efficient. He knew that a dying magic beast was often the most dangerous. Indeed, despite the heavy wound, the python's savagery remained. It lunged at Ed with its bleeding body in a final, desperate counterattack. But lacking accuracy and speed, the effort was futile.
Ed calmly stepped aside, watching as the giant beast slammed into the ground. After a few more struggles, the light in its vertical pupils faded, and it finally fell still. Only the icy blue scales continued to glisten with a cold chill in the dim light.
For a moment, only the heavy breathing of the knights filled the canyon.
"Well done, Ed," Leylo's voice broke the silence, a satisfied smile on his face. Not only was Ed's strength growing rapidly, but his combat intuition was exceptional. The two magic items had also played their part perfectly.
Ed sheathed his sword, catching his breath, his face reflecting a hint of excitement. Killing a Rank 3 magic beast solo was a significant breakthrough for him. "It was only possible thanks to the treasures you bestowed, My Lord," Ed said humbly, moving to return the magic items.
"You were the one who seized the opportunity," Leylo waved him off. He took back the Bracelet of Protection but gifted the "Wild Heart" ring to Ed. The bracelet offered little to an Earth Knight, but the ring's strength augmentation was a perfect fit for Ed, the territory's strongest warrior.
"Alright, clean up the battlefield. Process the carcass; the hide and fangs are excellent materials. Then, carefully dig up that Dragonthorn tree. Make sure not to damage the roots."
"Yes, My Lord!"
The knights responded in unison, the tension replaced by the joy of victory. As some handled the python, others began carefully excavating the red tree. Moonlight, back on Leylo's shoulder, licked its paws, seemingly bored by the fight but casting covetous glances at the blood-red fruit.
As the night deepened, the group returned to Blackstone Town. Near the construction site of the new castle, the area was brightly lit—a stark contrast to the quiet of the town.
"Old Buck is efficient," Leylo noted, pulling on his reins.
Indeed, dozens of residents were busy under Old Buck's direction. Piles of processed vines and hemp ropes were being woven into massive capture nets and snares.
"My Lord, you're back!" Old Buck hurried over, his voice raspy but energetic. "The items you ordered—everyone is working around the clock to finish them!"