Monsters were creatures that lost their mind during their evolutionary process. They are often seen in regions where the mana volatility is high.
But the one that shot out of the research outpost was not something that mutated because of mana volatility. The region where the research outpost stood was normal. There was no problem with the amount and form of mana in the area.
Which meant that the oddly mutated lizard was something they engineered.
It certainly was not something that came from outside.
"Healing accelerant and monsters. They are kind of related." Oliver muttered.
Monsters, due to their highly evolved body, could heal faster than most mana beasts of the same rank. The outpost that was researching healing accelerant would certainly study monsters. It was understandable.
"No wonder they built the research outpost far away from the city. The federation couldn't allow dangerous research to be performed within the city wall." Oliver said and turned to look at Achara. "Did you know what kind of research was being conducted inside?" He asked.
"Just what was in the documents."
"That is?"
"Research on monsters and mana beasts to find ways to synthesise healing solutions by using cultured tissue," Achara said clearly, not hiding any detail. She wanted everyone nearby to hear.
"It looks like one of the cultured tissues grew eight legs and went on a rampage," Oliver mocked.
Some soldiers glared, displeased by his tone. But Oliver remained unbothered by their hostility. Nature was taking its course. When humans disregard other living organisms and fall into the pit they create, he was not responsible for saving them. Proper research within safety guidelines would have prevented this. And yet, something like this happened. It was proof enough that they were doing something they were not supposed to do.
"One day, human greed will destroy the world," Oliver spoke, recalling the future events.
In his past life, he'd seen humanity's downfall. He'd watched their organizations and leaders crumble, their defenses breached from within by demons.
It was a tale as old as time. After all, the forbidden fruit was the sweetest.
"Don't bother glaring at me. There are more coming." Oliver said without mincing his words and pointed at the entrance.
More monster lizards with eight legs had come to the outer area and were looking cautiously at the soldier.
There were ten soldiers and more than a dozen lizards the size of cows. All of them were channeling mana, creating a sharp tingling sensation on Olvier's body.
'Grade D,' Oliver silently said.
He gauged the aura field created by the mana concluded.
Grade D were creatures that could use about 1000 units of mana. They were dangerous. Normal guns had no chance of piercing their body. Only specialised guns and bullets used by the military could pierce their skin.
However, Oliver was not scared.
Most of the soldiers with him were peak D-rank, their leader was a C-ranker, and they even had a rank-A superhuman standby. The sheer number of opponents didn't matter in front of skilled warriors whose techniques were honed to deadly perfection.
The peak D rankers could use about 1000 units of mana, while a C ranker could use 10,000 units. Like that, by each rank increment, the mana available would increase by ten times. Achara, an A ranker, would have mana in the range of 100,000- 999,999.
The A-rankers were truly strong. They were powerhouses that served as the pillars of a nation, their very presence a deterrent to enemies. There was nothing to worry about.
"Good luck." He said and crouched down behind the SUV.
Just as Oliver expected, the monsters, driven by pure instinct, ran forward towards the soldiers.
Before they could cover even a few meters, bullets rained down on them. Immediately, six of them died.
At this point, the bullets in their assault rifles ran out. The soldier took out their weapons and ran out. Some were holding sturdy alloy knives, while the others were holding swords of different shapes and sizes.
Their mana-enhanced bodies bellowed as muscles and tendons sprang into action.
Although most superhumans have superpowers, they might not have something that can be used in battle. Furthermore, they might not have powers that can be used without harming allies. So, most of the superhumans prefer melee battles.
Within a second, their weapons clashed with the bodies of the monsters.
All of the soldiers had split into teams of two and were attacking the remaining monsters in a pincer manoeuvre.
The mindless beasts had no idea they were running to their death and fell prey to the swords and knives of the soldier. Soon, the group of eight-legged lizards were cut up into tiny pieces.
The battle ended without any surprise.
Blood was scattered everywhere on the ground.
Oliver looked at it and screamed in his mind," My precious!" He didn't like how they wasted blood.
He slowly moved to where he could directly touch the blood and channeled it towards him. Oliver could only manipulate blood that was directly in contact with him or in contact with the blood he was controlling.
'My blood sac is already filled. But it would a waste to not collect it.'
'I should bring some kind of carry case or a plastic canister to carry more blood.'
Although controlling blood does not require mana, it puts a great strain on his mind. The more blood he controls for the longer the duration, the heavier the toll it has on him. So, controlling them all the time and carrying them along with him is impossible.
He could have done it if he was in his older body. But doing crazy stuff like that requires a large blood sac and a lot of training.
Still, he controlled about ten litres and moved it into his military backpack. The inner lining of the backpack was waterproof, and with the help of another plastic bag, he easily found a way to store the blood.
Ten litres were not much, but it could play an important role when he was in a desperate situation.
—
"What is the kid doing?"
"Collecting blood! His ability is related to blood." The leader of the soldiers replied.
Although the leader always wore a serious expression on his face, he was friendly with the people of his team.
"His name is Oliver, and he can control blood. He can also detect demons with his ability." The team leader explained when he saw his mean wearing frown.
"Oh!" They nodded and went back to doing their things.
The battle was short but intense, they had to reload their guns and rest.
"In five minutes, we will enter the outpost and make our way to the command center." The leader said.
Immediately, the drone operator used the communication system within the SUV to broadcast the information to the base.
Maybe the signal would reach the base, maybe it wouldn't. That was the case when transmitting radio signals to Earth. But they still would do to leave behind useful information in case the situation worsened.
Oliver stuck close to Achara and waited for the soldiers to prepare.