The battlefield became a tumultuous mix of growls and manic shouts as the three eldritch creatures' clashed. The Reckiwoo's manic shouting echoed the loudest through the air, further fueling the chaos.

Zest, sensing the impending danger, rushed to my side. Their antlers crackled with crimson electricity as they expressed their concern. "Aera, we must retreat now! The Reckiwoo's arrival has thrown everything into disarray. We need to regroup and reassess our strategy."

What in the blazes was going on? I wondered, while muddled by the fierce battle unfolding before me. Both species among the (F+) Barbapts and the Makaqoves in the (Common) and (UnCommon) variants were quickly dispatched and sent flying with great force from the [F-Rank] Reckiwoo's rampage.

The Barbapts and Makaqoves crashed hard and brokenly on the floor, while also bursting through obstructions in the environment as a result from the Reckiwoo's sheer might.

My mind raced with conflicting emotions. Part of me marveled at the Reckiwoo's raw power and its ability to disrupt the established hierarchy of the battlefield. Another part, however, recognized the potential danger it posed. Its recklessness and unpredictable nature could easily turn the tides against us.

I nodded in agreement with Zest's words as the eldritch deer beckoned for me to get on its back. "You're right, Zest." I began, as I mounted their back. "The Reckiwoo has tipped the scales of this battle… it's best not to get caught in the crossfire of its unpredictable onslaught."

Immediately, Zest and I turned our backs on the chaotic scene, making a hasty strategic retreat as the cries and laughter of the Reckiwoo rang out behind us. Both the Makaqoves and Barbapts, now faced with this new and formidable Eldriyssal, had no choice but to redirect their attention towards the grinning creature.

As we hurried away, my mind wondered back to the Reckiwoo's might. The Reckiwoo's arrival had disrupted the balance of the battlefield, and its presence left an undeniable mark on my consciousness. What made this F-rank creature far more powerful than those within its weight classification? What other wonders and perils awaited us in this eldritch realm?

With Zest—and the Plelepun emerging from the ground, we resumed to retreat, seeking a moment of respite to regroup and devise a new strategy.

As we vanished into the safety of the surrounding foliage, I cast one last glance over my shoulder, taking in the chaotic scene. The Reckiwoo continued to revel in its destruction, the Makaqoves snapping and snarling, and the Barbapt left battered and bewildered.

In that moment, I couldn't help but acknowledge that in this world of untamed forces, I was just a small figure, fighting to survive amidst the overwhelming chaos.

Little did we know that our retreat had caught the attention of the Reckiwoo, whose mischievous grin widened with intrigue at the sight of our fleeing forms…

···

While the three of us retreated from the chaotic battlefield, my mind was consumed by curiosity and concern. The Reckiwoo's display of power had left a lasting impression on me, and I couldn't help but wonder about its origins and capabilities. I turned to Zest hoping for some insight.

"Zest, that Reckiwoo... It's astonishing. Despite being an F-rank, it possesses such incredible power. How is that possible?" I inquired.

Zest, their antlers crackling with residual electricity, spoke with a thoughtful expression. "Aera, power in this realm doesn't always adhere to conventional classifications. The Reckiwoo may be an F-rank in terms of its designated rank, but its raw strength and recklessness make it a force to be reckoned with."

I furrowed my brow, trying to grasp the concept. "So, its power isn't accurately reflected by its rank? That seems... unconventional."

Zest nodded. "Indeed. This world is filled with unpredictable creatures, each with their own unique abilities and potential. The Reckiwoo embodies the untamed forces of chaos, and its strength defies expectations."

As we continued our retreat, the Plelepun joined our conversation, repeating the phrase under its breath: "Yo. It's bad news. Yo. It's bad news. Yo. It's bad news…" It whined.

I turned to the Plelepun, appreciating its straightforwardness. "I understand, Plelepun. The Reckiwoo is a force not to be trifled with, and we need to be cautious around it."

The Plelepun nodded vigorously, its body noticeably quivering. "Yo. Really. Be careful. It's definitely not something to be taken lightly. The Reckiwoo may seem small, but its strength is not to be underestimated. It's known for causing havoc and mayhem wherever it goes. It's one of those rare Eldriyssals that defy conventional rankings and expectations."

As their words sank in, the gravity of the situation continued to weigh on me as we hurried through the unfamiliar terrain.

"Thank you, Zest," I said, gratitude lacing my voice. "And thank you, Plelepun, for your warning. We'll do everything we can to avoid it-"

A sudden tremor shook the ground beneath our feet. I turned my gaze back, and my heart sank as I saw the Reckiwoo emerging from the UvoSath's forest, its eyes glimmering delightfully upon us. The Reckiwoo's mischievous grin widened into a manic expression of delight, and I could sense the sheer thrill it derived from the chase.

"FIGHT ME!" The Reckiwoo screeched.

"Zest, Plelepun, run!" I shouted, urgency ringing in my voice. But before we could gain more distance, the Reckiwoo hastened its pursuit, charging forward with unstoppable force.

Its compact frame tore through the surrounding landscape, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Entire trees snapped like twigs, hulking boulders shattered under its powerful blows, and the very air seemed to crackle with electrifying energy.

The Plelepun let out a panicked trumpet, its form quivering with fear. "Yo, we have got to keep moving! It's tearing everything apart!"

Momentarily, the Plelepun burrowed deeper into the ground, seeking refuge from the approaching cataclysm, leaving Zest and I to fend for ourselves.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Zest sprinted as fast they could, while I clung onto Zest as tightly as I possible, but the Reckiwoo's remained persistent in its pursuit as it continued closing the gap between us, its laughter emitting louder than the devastating chorus within the air.

With each thunderous step and bound of the Reckiwoo's, the ground quaked, and I knew that escape was becoming increasingly unlikely.

I glanced over my shoulder once again, catching sight of the Reckiwoo in hot pursuit. Its eyes gleamed with manic excitement, and its mischievous grin widened as it tore through the surrounding landscape with reckless abandon.

"By the Elders, it's relentless!" Zest exclaimed. "The Reckiwoo's destructive power is beyond anything I have ever witnessed!"

We pushed ourselves to our limits, running with every ounce of strength we had left. But no matter how fast we moved, the Reckiwoo seemed to effortlessly gain ground. Each leaping stride it took sent shockwaves, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

I could see that the Reckiwoo closing in on us, and a mighty surge of instinctual adrenaline coursed through my veins. This was something that we should never fight.

I knew we could not outrun it indefinitely. We needed a plan, a way to divert its attention or find a momentary respite. Desperation fueled my thoughts as I scanned the surrounding terrain for any possible advantage.

A burst of inspiration struck me. "Plelepun!" I called out. "Use your burrowing skills! Create a diversion, lead it away from us!"

The Plelepun immediately popped out from the ground, and despite its trembling, it nodded resolutely. It quickly darted to a nearby patch of soft earth and disappeared beneath the surface, burrowing with all its might.

I watched as the Plelepun burrowed into the ground, its trunk disappearing beneath the surface. It was a hopeful thought, but hindering the Reckiwoo was better than nothing. I believed that the network of tunnels and traps that the Plelepun could create would be capable of confusing and subduing the Reckiwoo, granting us a precious moment to regroup and plan our next move.

But my expectations were merely a fabrication to the reality that came next.

With a thunderous crash, the ground beneath us caved in, forming a colossal crater. One made by a simple stomp by the Reckiwoo, which made the ground tremble harshly. It briskly obliterated the Plelepun's attempts to hinder its pursuit, while leading Zest to stumble and for me to almost be thrown off Zest's back.

The Reckiwoo's sheer strength had torn through the earth, shattering the tunnels and exposing the Plelepun's hiding place.

My heart sank as I witnessed the Plelepun being forcefully pulled out from the ground by its trunk, its desperate cries filling the air.

The Reckiwoo held a firm grip around the eldritch elephant's trunk, its strength overpowering even the Plelepun's sturdy form.

"AHAHAHA! Up we go!" The Reckiwoo shrieked.

With a swift twirl, the Reckiwoo spun, generating a whirlwind of motion before hurling the Plelepun with unimaginable force towards the side of a nearby mountain.

Time seemed to slow as I watched in horror, my heart sinking as the Plelepun's body collided with the mountain, the force of the impact echoing through the surrounding landscape. Rocks and debris tumbled down the slopes as the Plelepun disappeared into the unforgiving rockface, which had been replaced with a massive gaping hole.

"Ple…Plelepun…" A wave of anguish washed over me, but there was no time to mourn—fury ignited within me, fueling my next actions.

I clenched my ears, my grip tightening around the haft of my spear, as I leapt off Zest and stared down the Reckiwoo.

"You... you monster!" I shouted, a great burst of lightning and fire blazed over me. The azure lightning crackling around me snapped trees and shattered boulders within my vicinity, surging more fervently by the second.

It was time to avenge the Plelepun and put an end to this reckless bastard!

"Zest, we can't let it escape," I said through gritted teeth. "We have to stop it, no matter the cost."

Zest nodded; their eyes gleaming with innate bloodlust.

Without another word, we advanced towards the grinning menace, channeling our combined strength and fury into a fierce assault.

I unleashed my [Melodious Shout], my voice resonating with a newfound intensity, while Zest unleashed torrents of crackling crimson lightning, directing them towards the Reckiwoo with pinpoint accuracy.

The air crackled with energy as our attacks collided with the Reckiwoo, momentarily staggering its advance. But this time, there was something different in its eyes. The mischievous grin remained, but there was a flicker of joyous respect—a twisted acknowledgment of our resolve.

Summoning every ounce of strength within me, I focused my energy on my long stretchable ears, extending them with a swift strikes as I leapt. With a resounding crack, my ears lashed out towards the Reckiwoo, aiming for direct, lethal strikes. I was determined to avenge the Plelepun a thousandfold!

[1000 EAR STRIKES] came crashing down upon the Reckiwoo! Shattering the environment around it!

But to my astonishment, the Reckiwoo weathered the blows with an almost casual indifference. It stood firm, absorbing every strike as if it were nothing more than a gentle breeze. My eyes widened in disbelief; my tiny form frozen in mid-air as I realized the magnitude of the challenge before me.

Before I could process my disbelief, the Reckiwoo retaliated with a devastating strike of its own. In an instant, its powerful fist crashed into my small body, sending me hurtling through the air with a force that felt like the collision of a freight train.

I crashed through crystals, boulders, and trees, their sturdy forms shattering upon impact. Pain seared through me as I ruptured through the solid surfaces, my fluffy fur becoming matted with dirt and debris.

My journey was abruptly halted by a devastating collision with a massive boulder. The impact shattered the crystalline rock, sending shards flying in all directions.

As the world spun around me, I gritted my teeth while my mind raced to find a solution. "Unbelievable…" I stated as I had never thought there be a monster to exist in such a caliber.

Even if that was the case, I couldn't let myself be defeated. I had survived countless battles before, faced with unimaginable odds. I refused to be crushed by this chaotic creature!

Dazed and disoriented, I struggled to regain my bearings. Pain radiated through me, but I refused to succumb to it. Pushing through the haze, I scrambled to my feet, my ears twitching in determination. This battle wasn't over yet.

As I shook off the disorienting effects of the impact, I glimpsed the Reckiwoo, its grin wider than ever, closing in on me with deranged intent. It seemed to relish the challenge, reveling in the chaos it sowed. But I wouldn't let it break me. Not now, not ever.

Electrifying myself, I extended my stretchable ears once again, preparing for another strike. This time, I would make it count. With my spear unsheathed, I lunged towards the Reckiwoo, my ears and spear slashing through the air.

But fate had other plans. The Reckiwoo's reflexes were honed to such a bizarre extent, its movements lightning-fast. In a cruel twist of fate, its own strike met my airborne body, and the impact was once again devastating.

For a moment I touched clouds, before I was struck painfully again as trees twirled and blurred into a chaotic whirlwind as I tumbled through the air, my small Merecritt form unable to regain control.

I fought to regain my bearings as the world spun in a dizzying frenzy. While my fluffy form bristled with pain as branches scraped against me, leaving trails of minor cuts and scratches.

I saw Zest, appearing shaken and heavily battered, charging forward, its antlers crackling with electricity. It launched a powerful blast towards the Reckiwoo, seeking to divert its attention and give me a chance to recover.

The clash of electrifying energy illuminated explosively throughout the forest, momentarily halting the Reckiwoo's pursuit.

Taking advantage of the respite, I willed myself to regain control. With a swift twist of my body, I extended my stretchable ears once again, this time using them as makeshift grappling hooks.

I managed to steady my trajectory, redirecting my flight towards another nearby tree.

As I hurtled towards the tree, I prepared to execute a risky maneuver that might turn the tide in my favor. I shook off the disorientation and aches that threatened to overwhelm me as I gazed upon the Reckiwoo.

Despite the tremendous gap between our physical strength, the Reckiwoo would be the perfect chance to test the current limitations of my F+ rank… It was strong, but it couldn’t be invincible?