Homunculus Rebirth-Chapter 17: What’s that rumbling?

Unlike many utility-based skills, the Formation Array was one of the rarest—and possessed a unique effect.

"This very reason is why we're here in the first place. As long as we kill a bunch of these monsters, we can get some titles. However, we can't just barrage them with spells and arrows. The worst part is that we need to enter their territory. That one monster we found roaming around must have been an outsider. These monsters normally stick with their groups."

Neon continued to draw a map, tracing what his eyes allowed him to see.

The two of them hadn't unlocked one of the most basic functions—the mini-map—so he improvised, relying on his photographic memory, a gift that served him well when using his mind was a must. He scribbled down their current location, then joined his disciple at the first herd they stumbled upon in their search. Their group wasn't large, so the two had no problem hunting for their lives.

"Remember what I told you: Archioles Medorus's weakness is in their heels. That's the only place with few grown scales. They're like a beast-version of Achilles. If they ever grow scales there, they'd be vulnerable to the large predators in the area.

"Now, like we practiced—I'll distract the herd. Meanwhile, you aim for their heels. Got it?"

Alex nodded, and his master darted off the moment he agreed.

Neon's tactics weren't perfect against these monsters. Their bodies required only minimal air and were sturdier than anything he had faced in his current state—this was a terrible matchup. But he wasn't alone. His disciple waited for the signal, and Neon stayed at the ready, bow drawn.

[System: The Guardian has activated the skill [Vine Manifestation].

Effect: Manifest and control vines based on Intelligence.

Synergy Detected: [Green Thumb] increases growth rate of greenery. Combined effect—enhanced vine growth.]

Vines erupted, thick enough to create a natural wall encasing the area.

"Archioles Medorus. This beast from five years ago was said to be the most durable thing the Guardians had ever faced. Their defense is what made them famous—and their tight formation made them even worse to battle. But how does a nearly blind beast attack?"

He answered his own question by stabbing his greatsword into the ground, creating a loud vibration.

Normally, sound wouldn't be enough to draw their attention. But these monsters—besides their natural enemies in the sky—saw most land-dwellers as prey. Detecting the vibrations, they pulled back, then charged toward him, their scales spreading and horns extending abnormally.

[System: The Guardian has overridden one of [Void Fang]'s skills: [Venomous Application].

Effect: Poison on the blade is temporarily accepted. Duration: 10 minutes.

Warning: Overuse may damage the weapon due to the poison's potency.]

"Give me your best formation for your assault."

Neon entered a stance, waiting for the enemy's next move.

[System: You've entered the field of the Stronghold Array.

Effect: Allies gain increased defense.

Enemies: Defense decreased based on their numbers.

Debuff: Guardian defense lowered by 25%. Speed reduced by 15%.]

As the monsters closed in, roots burst from the ground. These were the unused vines—disrupting the monsters' formation. Distracted by the vibrations and disoriented, they were latched onto by vines, leaving them wide open.

"That's the signal!!"

Alex reacted immediately. The arrow he had been holding was aimed directly at their heels.

**[System: Passive skill [Sickening Delusion] activated.

Passives:

Charging Force: Holding the arrow increases attack and pierce rate.

Venomous Touch: Chance to inflict [Weakening], [Paralysis], [Bleeding], [Hallucinations], or [Poison].

Arrow of Falsehood: 50% chance to create a phantom copy upon release.]**

"Thornerus Bone Structure, I call upon your power—form a protective layer on my right arm!"

He released the arrow. The recoil nearly tore his arm apart, but the bone layer saved him from anything worse than a sprain.

His arrows multiplied—most struck true, embedding deep into the heel of his target. The monsters shrieked. Neon, seeing the opening, swung his blade. The Leviathan's fluid soaked into the monster's scales, and under the potency of the poison, their scales liquefied.

Their defenses down, Neon slaughtered those who tried to flee.

With their scales gone, the monsters were vulnerable to Alex's arrows. Neon focused on the ones still adapting and tried to escape. But they stopped—vibrations they mistook for prey echoed again.

"Grieeeeeeh!!!"

They shrieked. Those unaffected rushed forward, their scaleless feet gliding freely. Their massive appearance had always been a deception. Without their armor-like scales, they were agile and deadly.

"Basic Sword Arts: Wide Horizontal Slash!!"

Neon didn't judge by appearances. He had learned the hard way—many times. It was because of his research, experiments, and close calls that he understood the world deeper than surface level.

One of his past experiments came to mind—a poisonous herb turned medicine. To an Alchemist, every detail mattered.

He had even prepared for their last resort: sound-based attacks. His ears were clogged with fabric collected from monsters he'd previously slain. Every calculation had been correct. Victory was assured.

But this wasn't just for battle—it was for materials.

He needed their scales. Their flesh. Their bones.

[System: The Devouring Leech's hunger has been satisfied.

Outcome:

+17 Health

+29 Defense

+18 Stamina]

**[Neon LVL 36

Title: Defier of Fate, First Blood, Super Rookie, Demon Hunter, Overkill, Speedrunner, One Shot

Class: Transcender

Race: Homunculus

Special Abilities: Golden Abyssal Eye, Behemoth Scales, Devouring Leech, Thornerus Bone Structure, Fangs of the Hydra

(Additional abilities will be unlocked as you progress)

Stats:

Health: 144 | Attack: 126 | Int: 102 | Luck: 75 | Dex: 90 | Speed: 112 | Defense: 125 | Stamina: 73 | Mana: 162

Status Points: 47

Race Unique Abilities: Inheritance, Homunculus Shift, Lesser Homunculus, Infestation

Skills:

Unparalleled Alchemical Knowledge (SSS+)

Empower (C+)

Crafting (D+)

Herb Gathering (E+)

Brewery (B+)

Sword Proficiency (B+)

Ailment Boost (C-)

Physical Resistance (D+)

Mental Resistance (E+)

Green Thumb (F+)

Vine Manifestation (D-)

Magical Resistance (D-)

Skill Mastery Boost (S-)]**

"I'm still curious about this mysterious class... I can't even remember the class selection process. But it sounds extraordinary. Maybe it's rare, since I've studied most classes and haven't seen this one before.

Time to return to Alex. I've already skinned everything they have. And I still need to kill over a hundred for the title—

—Wait. What was that? It came from Alex's location!"

A sudden disruption. A rumble—stronger than when Alex emerged from his cocoon.

Neon rushed over.

And instead of a monster, he saw Alex's wide, excited grin.

"Master, your back!! Look! A tower manifested in the Dark Forest!! This is the greatest thing that's ever happened in my life!!!"

A tall, ominous structure rose near their location. A message followed.

[System: You've discovered the 78th Tower.

Reward: +10 to every unlocked stat. +30 unused status points.

Encouragement: Challenge this newly created tower to receive even greater rewards.]