Cursed Immortality

'Just what kind of magic scroll is this? Not only did it activate like a runic array, but it also isn't showing any sign of disappearing…' Jacob thought as he dodged the white lighting bolts. 

Although they were fast, in Jacob's eyes, they were a tad bit slow after achieving a unique rank physique, so he wasn't worried. 

On the other hand, the surrounding trees were static, and they experienced massive damage from this strange magic scroll as the white flames spread fast, and they seemed to be the bane of these trees. 

As for the small figure, it was already close to the top while being protected by a lighting barrier. 

'Since you provided this opportunity, it would be unwise not to take advantage of it.' Jacob thought coldly before he started to move. 

However, he didn't have any magic that could make him step on air, but he does have a low profile and effective method. A gray disc appeared below his feet. He started to fly above while some of the tree branches were heading his way. 

But they were not enough to match his prowess as he covered his blades in flames and sliced through them. 

"Hmm?" The small figure finally noticed the strange movement amidst the chaos as his eyes landed on a giant burning figure moving upward like him, and he was even faster than him. 

'A flame iron giant? But aren't their flames supposed to be crimson, and he's too large, not match the profile of the Alliance Chairman, and what is that tool he's using to fly?' Deep interest surfaced in the mysterious figure's eyes, 'So, he wants to take advantage of my efforts, huh? I'll remember it.' A dreadful smile emerged behind his mask, and he stopped paying attention to Jacob. 

As more and more white lightning spread, more trees began to activate, and the fire was turning into a wildfire. This also seemed to affect the trees' proficiency to attack, and their attack became clumsy and disorientated. 

Brandished with green fire, the blades became even more brilliant and fierce as he slashed one last time, and the light of the gloomy sky shone on his face. 

Jacob maneuvered the disc and instantly escaped the web of trees. He didn't stop as he continued to go higher, and he only stopped when he was over seven hundred meters high in the sky. 

Now, he could see the dense forest filled with a sea of trees, and suddenly, he looked down, and his emotionless eyes locked with the small figure who was also looking at him, and the lightning barrier around him was also gone. 

However, unlike him, that person was only a few meters high from the burning trees, and that seemed to be his limit, or he didn't want to approach Jacob. 

'His abilities and means are not to be underestimated. I should get rid of him while I have the chance before he gets in my way.' Malice surfaced in Jacob's eyes as a hint of crimson surface, 'It's a pity I won't be able to get my hands on his heart or treasures, but at this point, I don't think he would make much difference on my progress… Slumber Hex!' 

The entire hex mana reserve emptied at this moment, and thereafter, the small figure suddenly started to fall into the burning trees. 

Jacob thought it was over and was about to avert his eyes when, right at this moment, something magical happened. 

An array of rune symbols suddenly surfaced around the falling person, and before it could even touch the fire, he vanished with a blink!

Shocked, Jacob narrowed his eyes and felt like he was hallucinating, 'Did he just vanish or teleported?' 

His heart went cold as this was not what he expected, and the person who seemed insignificant became more mysterious and terrifying. 

'First that magic scroll and now this strange ability which literally saved his life. Who could've had this sort of means…' Jacob thought gloomily, 'Anyhow since my hex worked, this means that person was epic. There is no need to worry about him if he won't get in the way. But if he appeared again…' 

Killing intent flashed past his eyes, and he decided to put this matter back in his head for now since it was too late to do anything. 

He looked around and finally stopped when he spotted what he was looking for. There was an enormous silhouette of the tree a few hundred miles away from his current position, and it was as tall as the sky and a few miles in diameter as it stood in the center of the forest. 

Seeing the enormous tree on the horizon and then thinking about the trees below, he thought with a hint of apprehension, 'Don't tell me that thing is also alive…' 

Just thinking about it made Jacob fearful as that thing wasn't something that could be killed quickly because its sheer size was enough to put anything he had ever faced to shame.

'A unique rank species of a tree. I need to figure out where its core is, and if not, then all I can do is launch that thing here…' Jacob grimaced as he started to fly toward the new target, the enormous tree!

--- 

To the north of the deadly forest, with a flash, a small figure appeared and landed on the snow bed. But it didn't move as he was in a slumber, neither there was anything that could threaten its life in the vicinity. 

After six hours, the person finally regained his consciousness, and shock with fear surfaced in his heart, "I-I…what the hell happened? My life talisman that Grandpa gave me is gone… Just what the hell did he do?!" 

He muttered with horrifying fear swirling in his very being as he felt trepidation just thinking about that flaming giant figure…

--- 

On another part of the forest, a giant enveloped in dense crimson flames was throwing punches, and with each punch, a few trees would be blasted apart with sheer destructive might from his punch. 

"Hmph, not even a challenge." Gunnar arrogantly sneered while his eyes were deadly cold as he walked toward the enormous tree. 

Gunnar suddenly frowned before a vermin transponder appeared in his hand, and the moment he activated it, a sweet voice rang, "Dad, was that you who caused that commotion just now?" 

Gunnar couldn't help but smile faintly, and gentleness appeared in his eyes, but he didn't let it show in his stern tone, "What took you so long to come?" 

"Hmph, do you know how hard it is to find you in this place? But I know you won't sit still, so I just followed the commotion, and I was right on the mark. Just wait a moment. I've also found our people and more." Charlotte cheerfully replied. 

Gunnar didn't tarry as he said, "Make it quick. We need to deal with that tree and make sure to claim the shackle!"