Chapter 55: Ogres are Not to Be Messed With [Please Collect and Recommend]

Although this forest was not large, every tree was thick and sturdy. The canopies were dense and interlaced, blocking out the sunlight. The forest appeared dappled and somewhat dark.

According to the guide, the Silver Treasure Chest here was guarded by Werebears. Although Zong Shen did not know exactly what a Werebear was, any monster capable of guarding a Silver Treasure Chest must possess formidable combat strength. Therefore, Zong Shen had brought his strongest combat lineup this time. Up until now, the only Silver Treasure Chest he had encountered turned out to be a trap, so he held a particular sense of anticipation for this one.

Speaking of which, he suddenly remembered the Poison Gas Treasure Chest he had tucked away; perhaps it could serve other great purposes. For instance, he could quietly place the chest near the enemy, activate it while holding his breath, make a quick escape, and then return to reap the rewards.

Zong Shen rubbed his chin, suddenly struck by the ingenious use of the Poison Gas Treasure Chest. He lifted his head, ending his thoughts, and looked toward the forest ahead. Due to the obstruction of the large trees, the ground in the forest was noticeably more damp than the soil on the grassland. Furthermore, there were no paths in the forest, nor were there any clearings. If he were to charge blindly into battle there, he feared he wouldn't be able to maneuver effectively. Moreover, the enemy was hidden while he was exposed; so far, Zong Shen had not seen a trace of either the Werebears or the treasure chest.

Zong Shen's principle was simple: if he could win without a struggle, he would never engage in a bitter fight. He cautiously took a few steps back and said to Favid, the Fire Mage, "Favid, aim for the center of this forest and begin casting 'Fire Rain'!"

Since there was something suspicious about this forest, setting it ablaze was the best way to solve the problem. If there was anything lurking within, it would surely react.

"Yes, My Lord!" Favid replied, looking worried. "However, this is an open grassland nearby. If the fire gets out of control, it might burn down the entire grassland and even affect our territory." As a Fire Mage, he was well aware of the power of flames and held a deep respect for them.

Zong Shen had clearly already considered this. There was currently no wind, and the forest was relatively isolated. The growth of so many trees had already depleted the nutrients from the surrounding grassland. The soil in the forest was damp and fertile, but due to soil erosion, a natural buffer zone of barren land had formed around the perimeter of the woods. Most importantly, if there truly were Werebears guarding the forest, they would not sit idly by. The initiative would remain in his hands.

Having weighed these factors, Zong Shen decided on the fire attack. He waved his hand, pointing toward the forest. Favid had no choice but to raise his staff and begin his incantation.

This was an area-of-effect spell that consumed 100 mana points. Ten seconds later, a peculiar magic circle appeared more than ten meters above Favid's head. In the next instant, the magic circle began to violently pour fist-sized fireballs into the center of the forest dozens of meters away. Each wave consisted of dozens of fireballs, falling like a rain of fire and striking the forest with a series of "crackle-pops."

Under the impact of the fireballs, the trees began to burn and sway. Many fireballs slipped through the gaps in the canopy and hit the ground, igniting a large number of trees. Wave after wave of fire rain fell, and the fire spread rapidly. Plumes of smoke began to rise from the center of the forest.

Finally, after the fifth wave of fire rain fell, several ferocious roars erupted from within the woods.

*Boom!*

A massive, burning tree stump flew out of the forest, accurately smashing toward Favid.

"Fall back!" Zong Shen's eyebrows shot up as he retreated quickly. Favid also hurriedly stopped his casting. Together, the group retreated rapidly to a distance of thirty meters.

*Boom!*

With a loud crash, the tree stump landed where they had just been, smashing a large crater into the soft ground. Sparks and dust flew in all directions.

The forest was also in turmoil. Several massive dark shadows were charging out wildly, pushing aside thick trees as they went. Three bipedal Werebears, five meters tall with green spinal plating on their backs, appeared before the group. These three Werebears were like three small mountains, exerting an immense sense of pressure. They were covered in thick fur, upon which a layer of green moss grew, giving them an ancient appearance. Their heavy, sturdy claws were as large as palm fans. Zong Shen had no doubt that if he were struck by one, his skull might be crushed instantly.

The three Werebears stood side-by-side like a barrier. At that moment, another figure, about two meters tall and even "smaller," stepped out slowly. It was also a Werebear, but its physique was much more compact compared to the previous three. It wore a peculiar helmet made of bear bone, decorated with paint and unknown bird feathers. It was draped in a white fur coat and held a small totem in its hands.

Neither side made a move. Zong Shen narrowed his eyes and began to check the attributes of these Werebears.

**[Werebear Warrior Lv20 (Green)]** **[Race: Beast]** **[Bludgeoning Damage: 81~84]** **[HP: 1000]** **[Armor: 35]** **[Magic Resistance: 20]** **[Skills: Roar Lv10 (Increases movement speed and attack power by 20% for 30 seconds, 1h cooldown); Savage Throw Lv10 (Throws any nearby object, dealing 1.5x bludgeoning throw damage); Slow Lv10 (Reduces an enemy target's attack speed by 25% and movement speed by 20% for 3s, 5m cooldown)]**

**[Elderly Werebear Shaman Lv25 (Green)]** **[Race: Beast]** **[Magic Damage: 61~64]** **[HP: 650]** **[MP: 500]** **[Armor: 20]** **[Magic Resistance: 25]** **[Skills: Healing Wave Lv10 (Consumes 80 MP to summon a healing wave that bounces between allies; initial healing is 120, decreasing by 50% per bounce, up to 4 bounces, 5m cooldown); Mighty Totem Lv8 (Consumes 100 MP to grant nearby allies extra strength, 8% amplification, 200m range; the totem can be destroyed, HP 100, Armor 0); Earth Spike Impact Lv10 (Consumes 50 MP to call upon the power of the earth, summoning spikes from beneath an enemy's feet, capable of altering terrain and dealing 1.5x magic damage)]**

*(These four big fellows are very difficult to deal with. If you are not confident, you can lure them away one by one; their mission is to guard a natural altar in the small forest, so they will not all leave.)*

"Holy crap, these four Green Werebears... each one is comparable to a Stitch-Monster Patto!"

"These Werebears are not to be trifled with!"

Zong Shen exclaimed inwardly, immediately feeling that this was going to be a difficult task. However, seeing that these four Werebears did not seem to have a strong desire to attack proactively, and referencing the guide's tips, Zong Shen already had a plan in mind!