Felix's mind was in disarray as the beasts carried them through the woods. The two other children clung to their mounts for dear life as trees whipped by and branches scratched at them. Fear kept the children quiet. Felix glanced back.
Who the hell were they? Did we really have to run immediately?
Felix shook his head against his uncertainty.
Well they were obviously hostile based on Xue's reaction. I suppose fleeing was the right decision. They were all wearing some kind of uniform so they seem to be from some kind of official organization. However, I have no idea what power would wear something like that. If I get out of this, I need to at least get a sense of who the local players are.
Felix turned his head back and he cut off a scream as a cloaked figure phased into existence on his left. After a moment he realized it was the Onooka Clansmen who had appeared out of the woods earlier. He glanced at the waiting sign in the figures hands. “Apologize. I help get away.”
Felix felt relief since that someone with a higher cultivation level was there to help them. He could feel that the Onooka person had a higher cultivation but not how high. Then he thought of how many people had been chasing him.
He alone will probably not be enough to save us. I have no idea if Xue could stop some or any of the pursuers... We need to be practical about this.
Taking a nervous gulp, Felix pointed at the two recruits right behind them.
"No, take those two and split up. Hopefully some of us can get away.”
The figure cocked its head to the right while still keeping pace with them. For a second Felix thought they weren't going to listen to him but then they nodded. The figure scooped the two children off their mounts and disappeared into the woods.
I can’t believe I just told my only protection to run.
Felix gripped poor Chung to his chest and urged the mounts forward. With his other hand he reached out and grasped the reins of another of the mounts.
Hopefully the pursuers only follow one of us. Either they leave Chung and me alone because the Onooka man is more important or they follow the more obvious trail of these beasts. What else can I do?
Felix glanced around, noticing how thick the foilage was amongst the trees, a ray of light breaking through every now and then.
Maybe that will hide the Ragnorok strike for a moment. I should prep it to use at a moments notice.
Felix began preparing the basic motions of the technique. He stopped from summoning it and waited. After a few minutes he began to hope the men hadn't bothered to come after him.
Unfortunately, a figure soon blurred out of the trees behind them. As the figure neared, Felix grabbed some of the miscellanous stuff from within his bag. Right as the man stretched out his hand toward them, Felix tossed the objects at the man's face. Even as the man snorted in contempt, brushing aside a practice sword. Felix summoned the energy blade and the man's eyes opened wide as the blade appeared from only a few feet above from the foliage.
The figure still managed to barely bring out his sword to deflect the strike. However, the power of the stike made the man stumble. Felix's mouth dropped open as the man's foot got caught on a root, spun through the air, and then proceeded to face plant into a tree. The now prone figure qiuckly disappeared from view as the lizards ran on.
Huh, neat. I can't believe that worked.
Felix's happiness was cut short as another two figures appeared behind them. He fired a new Ragnorok stike at the closest of the two but this time the sword was deflected with ease.
Crap, crap crap-
The closest man swung his sword, sending a blade of wind that took out his mount's legs. Felix found himself airborn as his mount's screams split the air. On instinct, he curled around Chung while the world spun. The pair rolled across the ground and pain filled his world as a rock brought them to a stop.
He blearly blinked his eyes as he made out the two figures casually strolling in their direction. The two men paused for a second as a third figure shot out of the woods to join them. This man had a bleeding and broken nose.
"You litte shith." Screamed the man. His face red with rage as he clutched his nose. "Boys, le me takth car o the-
The man stopped talking as all three of the men looked over Felix's shoulder. Felix was confused as his rattled head tried to make sense of the the situation until a hand landed on his shoulder. He felt his stomach drop. Then a familar voice filled his ears.
“Well, well, well. When I found an empty training ground this morning, I expected to track down and punish a disobedient disciple Xue.”
Felix glanced back to see Elder Rong smilling down at him, the elder's other hand lightly tugging his beard. The elder gave Felix a wink and then looked back at the now hesitant assailants.
"My boy, you certainly have issues advoiding misfortune."
Then the elder's voice seemed to whisper in Felix's ear.
"Keep the child's face covered. It wouldn't do for him to see this."