n an area, of Brave Man's Graveyard, the once luscious forest that showcased nature's divine beauty had now been transformed into one that had been devastated by an catastrophic event.

No longer were there gigantic trees in which the beautiful sounds of birds chirping could be heard. These trees were now nothing more than splinters that would be a nuisance for the barefooted.

The once flat terrain was no more as cracks were formed as far as the eyes could see. At some points, the ground protruded upwards while crumbling at others.

Within the centre of it all, was a youth whose dreads blew with the wind. Surrounding him were two beasts. One was a gorilla that fur was white as snow. It made the previously large white and black gorilla seem nothing more than a toddler with its stature.

On the other side of the youth was a brown and black jackal. Its built in comparison was surely not as imposing, however, the aura it brought forth was just as intimating.

Howl!!!!!!!!!!!

The Jackal made its presence felt as it looked at the small figure of Taf, within the centre of the large open lands.

"Should i be intimidated furball..."

Taf looked on as a serious expression was on his face. In his hands was his hammer that was three feet in length.

Growlll!!!!!!!!!!

The white gorilla growled before beating its chest.

" Don't worry there no need to showcase the might of that chest of yours. My hammer will fully test its might when it pummels it to bits. We'll see if you should truly be proud then"

His hammer was then pointed at the gorilla which seemingly infuriated it even more. It then calmed down a bit as it looked on Taf before it. Though it was not as evident in comparison to a human's facial expression, a smirk started to form on its face.

As it smirked Taf heard a rough voice within his head.

" Human child, for the past few months you have been nothing but a plague up on my kind as we have been sealed in this wretched lands.

I take it we have been confined to this area to be nothing but a means by which to sharpen your edges. We might not be able to contend with your benefactor, but do you think yourself omnipotent?"

The white fur gorilla seemed bemused as it sent Taf the message.

" Telepathy huh, guess that should be expected"

For a second Taf was startled as he heard the message but it was not out the norm. Though in the qi beast stage, those demon beasts at 9th exceeded some of the rule placed on lower levels.

" Omnipotent i am not for sure. Harbinger of death, however, I'm a certainty if needs deem fit. You are indeed right, this confinement is the tool used to sharpen my edges.

My only need is for your cores at the moment, however, and your lives matter not. I try not to be blood thirty if it can be avoided and unlike the previous lot, you're all intelligent beings.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

At your stage, i am aware that you can forgo your cores. Though it will cause your levels to fall, this can be recovered within a few years through cultivation.

So this brings me to my point. Before you lies two options. Within the first, your lives are retained but your cores lost. Then the second in which i become a reaper of your souls and even then your cores are mine.

Choose wisely...."

As Taf spoke a chill could be felt as he delivered his last words. He then observed the two demon beasts...

" Child you are indeed bemusing. I don't know if that gall of yours should be lauded, or if i should use my fangs to rip out that insolent tongue of yours. You have posed your questions but i have one of my own."

The brown Jackal spoke within Taf's mind while its stance from all appearances portrayed a predator stalking its prey.

" I take it that is your refusal, huh. By all means, ask away"

A hammer with blood dripping smeared the ground as Taf listened.

" Your benefactor has powers that even those of higher realms cower in his presence. Will he interfere in our battle if you were in need? If so be the case i must say I do indeed loath your cowardness"

The Jackal displayed a dismissive look as it spoke to Taf.

" Interesting, your means in which you attempt to garner information is quite conning, but sadly it is not enough. No wonder you are a Jackal and not a fox my friend. You're free to try once more, however. Don't worry I have time.

In regards to my cowardness if you think this is the case, by all means, shout it to the heavens. However, true cowardness is hiding behind a ' What if'. "

Of course, Taf would not display all of his cards to these demon beasts at the 9th stage. Especially after seeing how sly they could be. It's always good when you have some form of deterrence.

Though he did not fear these demon beasts, if all of them were to fight him at the same time he knew for a certainty he would be a dead man.

Therefore, he would keep the veil of his benefactor within the background to level the playing field somewhat.

" Hmmm, guess we'll only know after you're a withering corpse child"

The brown Jackal sneered before calling out internal...

☆ Demon Inherent Art - Sounds of the Almighty Howl☆

Hoowllll!!!!!!!!!!

Ripples could be seen within the air as sound waves ripped apart all that was touched. The area became like a desert as dust was all around.

The target of the attack Taf gritted his teeth. His hands showed signs of blood, as slashing long thin cuts could be seen. His clothes nearly became non-existent as his shirt and pants were being ripped to shreds.

" Trying to see me naked. Pervert..."

He then shouted within his mind activating his art...

☆ Elemental Art ( Earth) Embodiment of the lands☆

All the earth that had turned to dust took refuge on Taf solidifying around him. He now had an earthly hue attached to all parts of his body as he took the onslaught.

" Die human!!!"

The white fur gigantic ape was not to be left out as it charged on all fours. As it charged it called out within its mind.

☆ Demon Inherent Art - Ape Born of Iron☆

With every stride, its muscles were cover by iron sheen. Its speeds tripled as contrary to its huge size it would be a feat to find a beast quicker. Seeing the charging beast, Taf knew without a doubt he couldn't dodge in time.

☆ Elemental Art ( Earth) Metallic bones☆

Booom!!!!!

It pummelled Taf who was still encased within the earth's armour. He was hit so hard by the gorilla's attack that he was flung within the skies.

Howllll!!!!!

The Jackal was unrelenting in its attacks as it sought to crumble the earth husk protecting Taf.

High within the skies, May looked on as she was helpless to offer any assistance. For the first time during this trial, while witnessing Taf within a battle, she was genuinely worried for his well being. This was the first time she has ever seen him injured during a fight.

She prepared to Swope down an rescue him, charging away if the needs arise. This was one of the contingencies they had put in place.

PUK!!!

Taf spat out a mouthful of blood. Although he was encased in earth his body felt a significant amount of the blow. He wasn't as phased as a sane man might have been at the moment, as he grinned. His white teeth were no more as they were stained by his blood that dripped from the side of his mouth.

" So this is the difference between levels huh. It definitely was not an exaggeration when they deemed it the difference between heaven and earth.

You both have dished out your assaults now give me the honours.