Fortunately, the mermen were not very strong. They were monsters that generally appeared in C and D-Grade Gates and were easily taken care of by C-Rank Hunters or even D+-Rank Hunters who had been aiming for C-Grade Gates. Furthermore, none of the Hunters who had entered the Rhine River Gate were D+ or lower. They were all more than capable of hunting them, even more so now that the Hunters had been strengthened due to the increased concentration of mana.

“It’s mermen!”

“That’s a relief!”

As expected, the Hunters sang with joy and prepared for battle. Gaining confidence, they began preparing for battle without even organizing their formations. While their confidence was evident, it was a tale in which one would know but two would not.[1]

‘This is…’

“Keheeek!”

“What is this?”

They were next to the water, and mermen were known to get stronger if there was water nearby. The mermen were completely drenched in water. With large numbers, they rushed in with a speed that exceeded the Hunters’ expectations.

"Damn it! Kill them first!"

The Hunters and mermen collided. The Hunters had stood confidently in the front row and tried to counterattack the first few times by blocking the long thorns the mermen held.

“Kyaaak!”

“Save me!”

Due to their inattentiveness from their overconfidence, injuries began to appear among the Hunters, one after another. Furthermore, they had still not fully realized that the increased mana had bolstered their strength. This had all occurred only five minutes...