Demonic Moles, in their adult form, are second-tier monsters, generally around level 20. Elites are typically level 25, and there are no boss-level variants.

  HP: 135. No MP. They specialize in physical defense but have low magic resistance. Usually, they dwell underground in plains and hilly terrains such as grasslands, deserts, and farmlands.

  Kenley led Tia along the beautiful shores of Lake Mazur, walking a considerable distance before arriving at a new cave entrance.

  Hearing the sound of demonic moles wreaking havoc on the crops, Kenley immediately signaled for a halt."We're here."

  Tia nodded silently. They weren't thieves or rangers, so their footsteps were not light, making it easy for enemies to detect them. Moreover, demonic moles were second-tier monsters, with combat strength far surpassing theirs.

  Although Tia didn't understand why her master was bold enough to take on a quest above their level, she trusted Kenley and believed in his every decision.

  Hiding behind a rock, Kenley cautiously peeked out.

  There were two demonic moles in total, about thirty meters away from the entrance to their burrow.

  Demonic moles were timid creatures that would immediately flee to their nests at the slightest disturbance. Despite being second-tier monsters, even a farmer could scare them off.

  However, their combat prowess was not to be underestimated. Kenley remembered clearly that even a first-tier warrior would be dead after taking four or five swipes from a demonic mole's claws.

  Not to mention that Kenley was currently wearing green-quality armor looted from a slave guard captain. Facing such monsters without a proper team could easily result in a counterattack.

  After counting the enemies and confirming no hidden threats nearby, even the Ring of Life detected no suspicious signs. It seemed there were only these two.

  "Tia, remember what I'm about to say. The moment the fight starts, if those creatures try to escape, immediately cast a Wall of Fire along their escape path. Then, follow up with Fireball to attack them from a distance. I'll keep them occupied, giving you ample time and range for your spells. Understood?"

  "Yes! Tia understands! But, Master, what does 'ranged output' mean?" Tia asked with a puzzled look.

  "Uh—well, it just means attacking from a distance, got it?" Kenley was momentarily stunned, forgetting that this wasn't a game world, and instinctively used the term "output." He quickly corrected himself.

  "Alright! Tia understands!" Tia replied with a sweet smile.

  "Attack only when I give the signal. I'll count to three, then we'll start."

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  "Okay!"

  "One!"

  "Two!"

  "Three!"

  As soon as the word left his mouth, Kenley dashed forward with a swift motion.

  "Charge!"

  The first charge barely ended when Kenley launched another.

  "Charge!"

  The distance to the demonic moles was still a bit far. To inflict significant damage instantly, Kenley had to close the gap quickly. Thus, he decisively used up both charges' cooldowns.

  The two demonic moles were still leisurely munching on crops, completely unaware of the enemy creeping up behind them.

  "Blunt Strike!"

  Without hesitation, Kenley struck twice—once on the left mole's abdomen and once on the right mole's back.

  The two moles, happily gnawing on large ears of corn, were caught entirely off guard and took the full brunt of the strikes.

  A dizzying sensation overwhelmed them as stars danced before their eyes!

  "Falling Petals—, Flower Dance—, Broken Branch—!"

  Kenley's eyes narrowed as he unleashed a flurry of three swift strikes on the mole to the right.

  HP -21

  HP -25

  HP -23

  The right demonic mole took severe damage, its HP nearly halved!

  As the three-second stun ended, the moles regained their senses. The one on the left turned around, only to see Kenley mercilessly slashing its companion, blood splattering amidst agonized screams.

  Terrified, the left mole let out a shrill squeak, standing upright. Though it didn't look imposing while on all fours, its towering posture now exuded an oppressive aura, making Tia, who was watching from a distance, feel tense.

  "Master, watch out!"

  Tia gasped, covering her mouth, a large fireball materializing in her right hand.

  But just then, something unexpected happened.

  The upright demonic mole, without even glancing at Kenley's level, screeched and bolted towards the burrow entrance—still standing upright, which looked ridiculously comical.

  Kenley, however, paid no heed to the fleeing mole, nor did he seem concerned about a potential ambush. He remained focused on assaulting the mole before him.

  Tia, finally understanding Kenley's strategy, marveled at how well he had grasped the demonic moles' behavior.

  "Tia!"

  "Wall of Fire!"

  Kenley called out without turning back.

  The fleeing mole moved alarmingly fast, already halfway to the burrow.

  Tia reacted instantly, raising her hand as the flames morphed.

  "The blazing sun sheds its tears—Wall of Fire!"

  A five-meter-wide wall of fire erupted from the ground, blocking the mole's escape.

  "Squeak—squeak!"

  The demonic mole was startled, realizing too late that the humans had brought a mage along.

  Meanwhile, Kenley's fight was nearing its end.

  "Petal Core—!"

  Having mastered the first level of Floral Swordsmanship, Kenley's Petal Core inflicted a new round of dizziness on the right mole—an entire second of stun!

  "Full Bloom—!"

  Kenley's eyes glinted coldly as he unleashed the final move of the first level.

  Squelch!

  Another 30 HP down. In total, the mole had taken 116 damage, leaving it with a mere 14 HP.

  With a swift kick, Kenley sent the mole stumbling back, denying any chance of retaliation, before immediately turning to chase the fleeing one, leaving the injured mole to bleed out.

  Enraged, the heavily wounded mole saw its opportunity. Rising to its feet, it charged at Kenley's back in a desperate attack.

  "Master, watch out!"

  Tia's heart was in her throat as she watched, appalled by Kenley's apparent disregard for his back.

  But then, something wholly unexpected happened.

  The charging mole barely took two steps before its body was suddenly riddled with countless fine wounds, bursting apart like a blooming violet!

  Blood sprayed like a crimson rain, and the second-tier monster was effortlessly slain by Kenley!

  That was the reason Full Bloom was a finishing move—its three-second grievous wound effect caused 100% of Kenley's attack power as bleeding damage per second, effectively slicing the mole three more times!

  Watching her master dash toward the next target without a backward glance, Tia was left utterly speechless.

  Naturally, Kate and her party, who were following closely behind, were equally stunned!