Chapter 53

Far Superior

I think I might’ve overdone it. My left arm is still shaking from my last attack. I guess I still can’t handle elemental magic. From here on I’ll use darkness as cover and pick them off one by one. As soon as they leave the camp.

I’ve been sitting on top of this tree waiting for them to make a move for a while now. Did they give up? I doubt they’re smart enough to do that. Going by their personalities they’re probably arguing about what they should do right now.

“I swear I’m going to strangle that kid when I find him.” An angry voice came from right below me.

Looks like I was right. I could barely hold my laughter in. These guys have no idea that I’m literally on top of them. They’re as blind as the merchant.

“Where the hell did that kid go?”

Yea, where did he go? The archer is the only one that’s capable of tracking me in the dark. If he’s not with them then they’ll never find me even if I’m standing right in front of them.

“Forget about him; we need to locate the girl before she gets herself killed.”

“I know that, but how the hell are we going to find her? I can barely see my hand.”

“We’re not. Let’s head back to the lodge. She’ll eventually have to go back there if she’s want to escape.”

The lodge? Shit I left Aaron there. If they head there now, they’ll use him as hostage.

I slam my fist into the tree. For some reason just thinking about it anger me greatly.

“Relax calm down.” I exhaled deeply to calm myself.

Perhaps I can use this my advantage. They’ll never expect me to attack them if they’re holding a hostage. But what if they accidentally kill him during the fight?

Looks like I have no choice but kill them right here and now. I really didn’t want to fight them head on since they have the number advantage, but I have no idea how I’ll act if they capture Aaron.

“Watch out.” My body shudder at the soft voice that came behind me. Sensing I was in danger I lean towards the tree to avoid whatever was coming my way. I wince in pain as an arrow flies over me scratching my face in the process.

“Impressive. You predicted my attack with my voice alone. Your reflex is definitely an A-plus, but sadly I’ll have to give your stealth a D minus. It was pretty easy to track you down.”

Wearing a cruel smile, a red-headed boy points his bow towards me.

“I honestly thought this job was going to be boring until I saw you in action. Using lighting to stun and destroy our light source was pretty clever. If I wasn’t there you definitely would’ve killed everyone.”

I take a quick glance at the bandits. They’re getting further away by the second. I don’t have time to fight this brat.

Ignoring the kid, I leaped towards the bandits.

“Whoa, whoa where do you think you’re going.” Another arrow zips right past me and destroys the branch I was aiming for.

“Shit!” In a panic, I quickly reach for the nearest branch which immediately broke on me, with nothing else to grab all I could do was brace myself for impact.

“Gaah!” A yelp escapes from my mouth the moment I hit the ground. I never did like listening to my own voice, so hearing myself scream was more painful than the actual fall.

“That sounded like it hurt are you ok?”

Every single part of me wanted to shove my sword down his throat, unfortunately, I didn’t have time for that. The bandits were getting close to the lodge. I need to stop them before they find Aaron.

 I let out a groan as I pick myself up and slowly walk towards the lodge.

“Are you seriously going to keep ignoring me?” Another arrow landed right next to my feet. It was impossible for me to contain my anger anymore. I tightly grip my sword and turn back towards the kid who was still smiling like this was one big joke.

“Listen, kid, this is the only warning I’m going to give you, back off.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that. I was ordered to capture you. Plus, I already fired another arrow.”

“What?” Before I could figure out what he meant I felt something sharp pierce my back. I knew exactly what hit me. Somehow this bastard fired an arrow around me when I wasn’t paying attention. Thankfully my jacket prevented it from impaling me, but the pain I receive from the shot was enough to destroy the little patience I had left for this kid. I pulled the arrow out my back threw it back at the kid.

“So you finally plan on fighting me?” With a smug grin, he casually grabs the arrow I threw at him.

“You shouldn’t be so happy, this isn’t a play fight, I fully intend on killing you.”

“That’s exactly why I’m happy. A warrior can only shine when their life on the line. Now let’s see which of us is more superior.” Pulling back his bowstring, the kid fires the arrow I threw at him.

Channel magic into my sword, I quickly move it into the arrow’s path.

(Command: Repel)

The arrow bounces away from me the moment it touched my sword and flew towards its owner.

“How predictable.” Calmly, the kid moves his head out of the way of the arrow. “Since you don’t possess any ranged weapon I figure you’ll use my arrows against me in some way. But I must say that attack was brilliant. Commanding your sword to repel all attacks that touch it. Mana manipulation is also an A+

“Are we going to fight, or are you going to join my fan club?”

“Right sorry about that. I got a little too excited, it won’t happen again.”  Once again the kid pulls his bowstring except for this time I could sense energy gathering into his arrow. “Let’s see if you can repel this.”

With a smirk, the kid fires the arrow. Just like I expected this one is much stronger than the last, I can’t push this one back as easily as the first one.

“Ngh.” I clench my teeth as I try to push the arrow back.

It’s so heavy. Is this kid seriously trying to counter my ability by simply overpowering me? If so then he’s going to need more power than that.

Pouring more strength into my sword I send the arrow right back to its owner.

At that speed, there’s no way he’s catching that, unless he wants to lose his hand. It’s my win.

“So you can repel that too huh?” The arrow suddenly makes a sharp right into the dark forest.

That was definitely command magic. A complex one at that. Making his arrow move in such a weird way probably took a decent amount of energy. Why would he go through the trouble of moving his arrow, when he could’ve simply dodge?

“Alright, I think I fully understand how that technique work.”

Here we go again. It’s bad enough I got wait for him shoot me to attack, but I also got to listen to him come up with a way to beat me. After this is over with creating a range technique is going to be priority number one.

“That technique of yours not only allows you send attacks back to your opponent, but it also nullifies the force of the attack that was sent to you. Simply hitting you harder isn’t going to work, the best way to defeat that ability is to hit you faster than you can react.” The kid grabs another arrow and fire straight at my legs.

I won’t be able to repel his attack if he’s aiming that low, but as long as I know where the arrow is coming from I’ll be able to dodge it.

Just as I was about to sidestep out of the way, another arrow came flying out the forest. I raise my arm just in time to block the arrow. Before I had time to feel relieved, an intense pain strikes my left leg, causing me to collapse back onto the ground.

The arrow tore straight through my stocking and left a pretty nasty cut on my leg. Avoiding his next attack going to be difficult now.

No, forget the next one, where the hell did that other arrow come from? I’m sure he’s the only archer the bandits got. Is it possible that arrow was the one from before? If so then that means…

I look behind to see the arrow that struck my leg was heading back towards me.

This kid not only can he make his arrow move in a weird way, but he also makes them track down his opponent. What an annoying ability. The only way to beat this is to counter with an equally annoying ability.

I coat my entire left hand in a black mist and then place it in the dirt.

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

I really didn’t want to do this since I still have no idea how much that lighting attack took out of me, but I don’t have time to play the long game with this kid, I need to deal with him quickly and get back to Aaron.

[Blight]

A root burst from the ground and grabs the arrow behind me.

“What?!” The kid shouted. While he was still stunned, I took control of the tree roots around me and sent them right at him.

“What the hell you can control plants?!” The kid rapidly fired three arrows at the approaching tree root. Unfazed by his attacks, the root smashes his arrows and slam into the tree he stood on.

“Damn it!” Kid fired couple more arrows at the root as he fell to the ground.

“Give it up. that plant is strong enough to strangle an orc to death. Your weak attacks won’t be able to destroy it.”

“We’ll see about that.” Another arrow launches from the kid’s bow. Determine to prove me wrong, the arrow fly’s head first into the corrupted root, cleanly pierce straight through it. The gaping hole the arrow left grew bigger as the plant crumble away.

I somewhat expected this would happen. While my power allows me to strengthen whatever I take control of it also eats away at their life. Their no way that plant could withstand such a powerful blow. It’s disappointing that it didn’t kill the kid before it started to withered, but at least it got him out the tree, now I can finish him with my sword.

I lightly tap the ground, signaling two more tree roots to attack.

“More plants? Fine, I’ll take them down too.”

Good, I was hoping you’ll accept the challenge.

I dash towards the kid as soon as he shot the tree roots I sent at him. Using the withering roots as cover, I was able to quickly close the distances. The kid desperately tried to stop me by pointing his bow at me, but it was too late. I’m already in midst my swing. His head will be gone before he can draw another arrow.

It’s obvious that I’m going to win, yet for some reason, I feel uneasy. Perhaps it’s the way the kid is holding his bow. He doesn’t have an arrow yet he’s pulling back his bowstring like he has one loaded. Perhaps the fear of death got to him. No, despite my sword being so close to his neck the kid still looks calm he’s definitely planning something.

 I was suddenly push back by an invisible force the moment the kid release his string. I roughly slam my feet into the dirt to stop myself from sliding.

I didn’t take any physical damage from his attack, but my mind felt like it got shredded to pieces. My winning strategy was completely beaten by an attack my eyes couldn’t see. And now I’m back to square one again.

This is taking too long if I don’t beat this kid quickly then Aaron…

My body involuntarily shudders at the thought.

Relax, the reason why I’m in so much pain right now is that I haven’t been fully focusing on this fight. The only way I’ll get back to Aaron alive is by completely crushing this boy in front of me.

(Kid P.O.V)

That was too close, I nearly lost my head. I didn’t think she could move that fast with that injury. I doubt she can do it again though. Blood is still dripping out from that cut on her leg, if this keeps up it’ll probably get infected.

“Why don’t we call it quits? I’m sure you realize you can’t beat me. So admit defeat and I’ll treat that injury of yours.”

The girl response to my proposal by simply staring at me in confusion. Understandable, from her point of view, I’m just a bandit that’s trying to capture her. Perhaps if I stuck with my original plan and took at the bandits then I wouldn’t be having this problem. Oh, well, I really don’t care if she sees me as a friend or foe, I just want her to know I’m superior to her.

“Well, aren’t you cocky. You think you won just because you manage to scratch me?”

“That scratch is hindering your movement. Even the greatest swordsman is useless if they can’t get close to their target.”

“Heh, swordsman?” The girl giggles softly to herself. I’m not sure what I said was funny. “I see, you think I’m a swordsman. That’s why you kept your distance and aimed for my leg. That’s a pretty good way to deal with a swordsman, unfortunately for you, I’m not a swordsman.

A large root suddenly burst out from underneath my feet. I try to back away, but it quickly wraps around my bow. I watch in shock as the plant crush my bow into pieces.

“Damn, I was aiming for your neck, but I guess your bow will do too.” The girl slowly walks towards me with a menacing smile.

Shit, she got me. Without my bow, I can’t stop her from getting close or stop those plants she controls. This isn’t looking good.

“What’s the matter? Just a moment ago you said I couldn’t beat you, and now all sudden your too scared to face me. Was your confidence also destroy with your bow?”

“That’s easy for you to say you. You still have your weapon this fight is completely unfair now.”

“Heh, unfair?” The girl once again started laughing. Her plant ability was already unnerving, but listening to her laugh while approaching me with that bloody sword completely destroy the last bit of confidence I had.

“Didn’t I tell you before this isn’t a play fight? This is a death match. If you want to survive you’re going need to use every trick and weapon you got. Relent for a moment and you’ll find yourself bury six feet under.”

My body froze from the killing intent the girl was giving off. It felt like I was staring down the jaws of a starving predator.

“Well since you’re a kid I guess I’ll go easy on you.” The girl drops her sword to the ground. “Since you don’t have a weapon we’ll settle this with our fists.” I looked at the girl dumbfound as she stretches her arms out like she waiting for a hug. “Well, come on? Or are you still afraid?”

Despite dropping her weapon, I can still feel an intense bloodlust coming from her. This girl, she fully intends on beating me to death with her fists.

If it’s a fist fight then I might have a chance.

“Oh.” She said as I raise both my arms up and took the typical fighter stance. I expected her to raise her to guard the moment I took a stance, but for some reason she kept her arms stretch out. Leaving herself wide open. I’m not sure what she planning, but I’m going take advantage of this.

(Element: Blank shot)

I throw a light jab pushing the wind that was circling around my fist forward. The girl quickly responded to my attack by crossing her arms together. Despite having her guard up the wind still pushes her away, although it did no damage to her.

How the hell did she see that? I just shot pure wind at her, there’s no way in hell she’s capable of seeing that, especially at that speed. This girl isn’t human.

No, relax she still more hurt than you.

I took another look at the girl to see how she was holding up. Blood was still coming out from the wound on her leg, her arms were shaking most liking from blocking my attack, and her eyes were wide open like something caught her off guard.

I see, so she didn’t see that attack coming. Her body just simply reacted to the magic that was gathering around my hand. What incredible reflexes.

No, now is not to the time be praising her! She’s literally on her last leg, I just need to land one good blow and she’s done!

My confidence revived, I bolted straight towards her. The girl takes a step forward she puts her entire body weight into her punch. I quickly duck to avoid her awkward attack. Missing the blow completely threw her off balance. Taking advantage of this, I swept her legs off the ground.

As she fell, she twists her body around and places her hands on the ground. Lifting her lower body off the up, she thrust both her feet into my face.

(A/N: I had time with this one. The best way to explain it is Anna basically mule kicked him.)

S-She’s really trying to kill me. I was always aware of this, but watching blood fly from out my nose, I began to realize if I don’t get she serious. I will die

The girl’s face froze in fear as I raise my fist towards her. She knew exactly what I’m going to do. Thankfully she’s in a position where she can't do anything, all she can do is just watch me finish her off with my last attack.

(Element: Blank Shot)

Blood violently flew from her mouth the moment the wind pierce her chest.

“Arrgh, this fucking hurts!!!” Grabbing her chest, she rolled around while crying in agony. Normally I’m happy seeing my defeated opponent in pain, but for some reason, I felt odd.

Why did she toss her sword away? She had huge such a huge advantage over me, yet she gave it away and challenge me to a fistfight, despite being the injury. Was it out of honor?

I look down at her to see she curl herself into a little ball.

Yea, I doubt it was out of honor. Well whatever she was thinking, I need to get her out of here before the bandits find her.

Heh, I know it’s kind of late for me to pretend that I care about her, but still it’s my job to protect her. Even though I was the one that beat the crap out of her.

I cautiously approach my defeated opponent. Even though I’m sure she can’t move anymore, I didn’t want to take any chances. I lightly jump back when she looked up at me. Her red eyes that was burning with malice now looked weak and docile.

I see why the bandits are so crazy over her. She really is cute when she isn’t trying to kill someone.

I extend my hand out to her while giving her small smile. For a few seconds, she stares me at confuse. Realizing I meant no harm a smile began to form on her face.

“You’re a fucking idiot.”

Suddenly I felt something cold pierce my stomach. Confuse I look down and saw the girl’s sword sticking out my body. The remaining strength I had in my body vanish instantly the moment I looked at the wound.

“H-How?!!” I scream in terror.

“Why don’t you look behind you.” The girl said weakly. I slowly look behind me to see a plant was holding a sword.

How long was she controlling that plant? Did it start when she dropped her sword? If that’s the case then that means she was controlling it the entire time while we were fighting. Is it even possible to have that sort of concentration?!

“Didn’t I tell you this was a deathmatch? If you want to survive you need use everything at your disposal.” The girl looked down at me like I was nothing more than a bug to her. For some reason, I felt a strange admiration towards her. Despite all the pain, she went through, she calmly crafted a plan to defeat me. I honestly can't bear a grudge against such a talent fighter. The only regret is that I have is I won’t be able to fight her again….

(Anna P.O.V)

I don’t know why, but I get the feeling I shouldn’t have killed him. Of course, I don't feel guilty killing him, it just that for some reason it didn’t feel like he was trying to kill me. He had plenty of chances to finish me off yet he never took them.

Oh well, I did warn him multiple time not to fight me. Hopefully and his next life he’ll learn not to get in my way.

I tried to pick myself up, but my body wouldn’t listen. No doubt about it, I’ve completely exhausted this body, there’s no way I can continue fighting. And yet despite knowing this, I found myself crawling back towards the lodge ready to take on the three remaining bandits.

“This is fucking stupid, why the hell am I doing this?!” I shouted hoping someone would answer me. Even though I already knew the answer.

Aaron. Those bandits must’ve made it back to the lodge by now, that means Aaron is…

I forcefully stop myself from thinking by standing on my injury leg. Despite the pain overwhelming my thoughts, I could still hear something in the back of my head.

If you fail to save him, you’ll suffer greatly.

“I-I need to hurry and get back to him.” Using my sword as a stick I slowly move towards the lodge.

Please be safe.

(Aaron P.O.V)

“Sis?” I look around the room to see it was empty.

I swore I heard her calling for me I guess I was dreaming.

“You think she’s hiding in there?” Just as I was about to lay back down. I heard an unfamiliar voice.

I thought we were the only humans here. Did they just arrive? I wanted to look out the window to see who they were, but the fear of them spotting me overwhelm my curiosity.

“No way, it’s too obvious.”

“You never know. People do stupid things when they’re afraid.”

“Well if she’s in there I call first dibs. I still need to pay her back for humiliating me earlier.”

“Didn’t the merchant tell you not to touch her.”

“Are you guys seriously going to let a fat old man prevent you from getting laid?”

Are they talking about my sister? And did they mention the merchant? The one that brought us here? What the hell happened while I was sleeping?!

My barrage of questions was interrupted by the door slowly opening. I rolled off the bed reach for my bow.

If those guys are evil, that means I need to kill them. Can I do it? Can I kill another human?

If they’re after my sister than of course, I can.

Answering my own question, I aim my arrow right at the door. My hand shook slightly, but I was determined to put down the person who was opening the door.

“Huh, what the hell is that?” The door suddenly stops moving, at the same time, I felt my heart stop beating.

What’s going on out there? Why didn’t he open the door?

“Hey, is that a monster?”

“It can’t be, there’s no way a beast can get in here.”

“Then what the hell is that?!”

“!!!!” The lodge shook violently from the thunderous roar. The confidence that I manage to build up immediately vanish the moment I heard the men outside scream for their life.

Unable to move, all I could do was continue to point my bow at the door and wait for someone to open it.

“....” The screaming abruptly stops. Still frozen in place I watch the door to the lodge slowly open.

The floor loudly creaks as a tall dark man walk into the room. I was so shaken up by what happened outside that I completely forgot to shoot. Good thing too, since the man that walk in is someone I know.

“Guild Master?” I said weakly. The man slowly turns to me. A wide grin appears on his face the moment he notices me.

“Oh good, you’re awake.”