Chapter 31: Rock Golem

Similar to the Rock Golems, Metal Golems also possessed a golem core, and their effects were superior to Rock Golem Cores when used for forging.

After being refined and processed, equipment forged from the Metal Golem Cores provided better durability and spirit energy conductivity, which were important to Ain, who primarily relied on his physique and Spirit Impact during combat.

The regular dagger Ain brought on his previous trip was scrapped. It wasn’t intended to be used by spirit tamers. Just a single attack from the Razor Panther last time had damaged it. It was further damaged after Ain’s fatal blow to the panther.

With his gains last time, he could afford some cheaper Rank-1 equipment, but it wasn’t up to his standards. It was uncommon for spirit tamers to rely on physical combat, especially in the lower ranks. The cheaper equipment didn’t offer any big advantages, save for some protection.

Of course, better equipment and artifacts were available, especially on Cyberspace, but those were beyond Ain’s budget.

Along with the material cost, a hefty processing fee was included in the price tag.

Hence, Ain decided to eliminate one of those variables. Since he couldn’t afford good equipment, he would gather the main materials himself. It also tied in with his training. It was beneficial to gain various experiences during his growth.

This led to Ain’s decision to venture into the Rocky Region.

Rock Golems were common in the Rocky Region, and Metal Golems could also be seen occasionally. Their power was usually below rank-2, suitable for Ain.

Of course, this was still in the periphery. Ain was unable to gain credible information pertaining to the deeper reaches of the Rocky Region.

The fluxboard was zooming across the dusty, brown earth, with the lively green scenery already behind him.

Ain ignored some of the smaller rocks and circled around the larger ones. He couldn’t help but sigh to himself as he cruised further into the region.

His information stated that there were only rocks here, and that was indeed true. But Ain didn’t imagine at that time that some of the “rocks” would be akin to hills and small mountains!

There was an endless mountain range beyond the Rocky Region. A few outrageous guesses couldn’t help but appear in Ain’s mind regarding the formation of the Rocky Region.

Because of these large rocks, the space between the them became dusty valleys. Further into the distance, Ain could see more of the hill-sized rocks.

Thankfully, Ain wasn’t going to travel that far. He would stay within the region he had previously marked.

After some consideration, Ain used the fluxboard to scale the tallest rock in his surroundings to gain a better vantage point.

He summoned Nox, and let it watch his back.

“Wooo….” Nox curiously looked around at the new setting, as the black swirls on its gaseous body moved around.

Ain quickly reviewed some information he found as he surveyed for his targets.

Golems generally stayed within a certain range of their birthplace, never wandering off too far. Moreover, they were solitary spirit beasts, and rarely formed groups. Their intelligence could be considered below average as well.

Not only could they provide resources to Ain, but they were also great practice targets.

After finishing with his investigation, Ain decided on a direction and took off.

While searching for the golems, he also kept an eye out for other spirit tamers. Only after failing to find any did Ain make his move.

Because of the rocks of various sizes, there were many nooks and crannies, as well as areas where his sight couldn’t reach. Despite the scouting, Ain still remained vigilant.

He stopped near the targeted location and dismounted before stowing away the fluxboard. He moved forward with light footsteps before peeking over a small rock.

What entered his vision was a bulky figure over two meters tall. It resembled a disproportionate humanoid, with two tiny legs, and giant arms and a head, attached to an even larger torso. It comprised solely of rocks of different sizes. If not for the mixed coloration of the rocks, it was difficult to pick it apart from the surrounding rocks.

This was Ain’s current target, a Rock Golem.

Before commencing his attack, he checked his equipment.

Compared to last time, Ain’s fists were covered in dark-brown leather gloves. This was part of a Rank-0 equipment set, and it was only something temporary. His feet, knees, elbows, and chest were similarly protected by leather armor.

The fluxboard was snugly secured to the side of his backpack, looking no different from a thick metal plate.

The bags on Ain’s waist were all in their compact form, not interfering with his movement.

Finding no faults after checking his pockets, he finally jumped over the rock and approached the Rock Golem from behind.

The golem didn’t notice Ain’s presence and it was blankly staring at another rock.

Ain instructed Nox to keep a lookout and suddenly stomped hard with his right foot, accelerating towards the golem.

The loud noise attracted the golem’s attention as it moved to turn around. But before it could do so, Ain’s fist landed on its back.

Bam!

The muffled sound of impact rang out as the fist made contact. Ain used Spirit Impact from the get-go.

Scan was also activated simultaneously.

[Species: Rock Golem]

[Attribute: Earth]

[Rank: Beginner Rank-1]

[Quality: Noble | Max Quality: Transcendent]

As he skimmed through the information, Ain continued his assault. Although his senses were only average, from its spirit energy fluctuations in this proximity, he vaguely discerned that its rank was similar to his own, and Scan further reinforced it.

Since his first trip, Ain had encountered spirit beasts all the way from Rank-0 to Advanced Rank-1. By now, he was able to discern his opponent’s ranks from previous experiences.

After the first punch, he followed it up with one more. Another silent explosion sounded. Then, with a twist of his waist, he once again struck the same spot with a kick. This time, the sound of shattering rocks rang out.

Shatter!

It was only at this moment that the Rock Golem turned around. This reaction speed could be attributed to Ain’s agility, as well as its own sluggishness.

But at this point, deep cracks already covered its torso. Pieces of shattered rocks continuously fell off its body, like a crumbling porcelain vase.

After turning around, it lifted its right arm, shining with an earthy brown light, slamming it down with force.

‘A skill!’ Ain recognized, swiftly dodging to the side. This time, he was paying attention to any visual cues, as well as the change in spirit energy, allowing him to respond appropriately.

Boom! Shatter!

A small shockwave pushed away the air, as the golem’s fist struck the ground, rustling Ain’s clothes.

He looked at the small crater filled with cracks under its fist and thought, ‘Its strength is greater than regular Beginner Rank-1 Spirit Beasts.’

Not only that, but he also noted its high defense. A regular Beginner Rank-1 Spirit Beast would’ve been incapacitated after being struck with Spirit Impact three times, especially with Ain’s physique.

This attributed to why this region was seldom visited by spirit tamers. It was difficult to defeat the golems without a rank advantage, but higher-rank spirit tamers wouldn’t waste their time here.

Although it possessed high strength and defense, all of its advantages came at the cost of agility.

Before it could lift its bulky arm again, Ain, who was already beside it, punched out.

Bang! Bang! Shatter!

After only two more strikes, the Rock Golem’s torso exploded, as it shattered onto the ground.

Ain relaxed his stance and stared at the crumbling golem.

Amongst the debris, he spotted a special rock. Its surface was light brown and smooth. Although it wasn’t symmetrical, it roughly resembled a hexagonal sphere.

“The Rock Golem Core.” Ain recognized the rock and retrieved it from the debris.

The core fit snugly in his palm as he weighed it before placing it in his bag. ‘It's not too heavy; I should be able to carry a good amount.’

After that, Ain looked at the destroyed Rock Golem once more before retreating. This was just one of the Rock Golems he had spotted earlier. Next, he wanted repeat this process until he discovered a Metal Golem.

Just like that, four hours passed by.

Ain was standing atop another tall rock, scouring his surroundings.

He just finished hunting all the Rock Golems, planning to move onto another place.

In fact, this was the fifth time he did so. After hunting a few Rock Golems personally, Ain allowed Nox to participate. It was a good opportunity to train Nox in real combat.

Looking around, Ain suddenly squinted his eyes.

So far, most of the landscape here was shades of brown. But now, at the edge of his vision, Ain spotted a dull gray figure. At first, it looked like a shadow cast by the nearby rocks, but its humanoid figure caused him to reconsider.

Ain quickly looked around once more to memorize the locations of the Rock Golems before hopping on his fluxboard and descending down the rock.

Without wasting any time, he swiftly moved towards the gray figure. Nox hastily stuck itself to Ain’s shoulder, since it couldn’t keep up with the fluxboard.

Soon, Ain arrived nearby before sneaking his way over.

Similar to what he did before, Ain peeked over some rocks and spotted the gray figure he saw earlier.

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