Chapter 12
621 wasted no time as he swiftly merged into the darkness clearly planning to catch the burly man off guard.
He crouched in the shadows, his small form nearly blending with the darkness. His eyes glinted with a cold intelligence as he observed Vulture and his five assistants in the cavern.
The central forge's flickering flames provided a chaotic dance of light and shadow, the perfect cover for an assassin.
As 621 decided to make his move, he propelled himself forward, swift and silent. His small figure darted from shadow to shadow, using the cavern's terrain to his advantage. He aimed to strike Vulture from an angle where his burly opponent least expected.
However, as 621 closed in, he sensed an abrupt disturbance in the air. A barrier-like shield materialized around Vulture, causing 621's first attack to falter. The young assassin quickly retreated, landing softly on the cavern floor. He analyzed the situation, his logical mind processing the unexpected defence.
Vulture grinned, his massive frame slowly turning to face his unseen adversary. "Not bad, little shadow. But you'll need more than stealth to get through my defences."
“You see, a little birdie warned me recently,” Vulture chuckled. “Initially I thought nothing of it…but it got me curious,” he paused; “so I prepared a little something as you saw” he smiled.
“Who would’ve guessed that someone stupid enough would actually try.”
621 remained silent, his eyes narrowing as he assessed Vulture's abilities. The cavern echoed with the clangs of the assistants working at the forge, the rhythmic sounds adding tension to the atmosphere.
Vulture, sensing an opportunity, gathered flames around his hands. The fire danced in response to his fire spiritual root, casting an eerie glow across the cavern. He took a step forward, the heat intensifying with each movement.
“Come, you little maggot!”
621, still hidden in the shadows, contemplated his next move. He understood that a direct assault wouldn't be effective against Vulture's barrier. Instead, he needed to exploit weaknesses. As his small form blended with the darkness, he considered the assistants working diligently at the forge.
Without warning, 621 reappeared, this time not attacking Vulture directly but targeting his surroundings. He dashed toward the assistants, aiming to create chaos and distract Vulture. Swift as a gust of wind, 621 propelled himself towards the central forge cocking his clenched fist backwards before he delivered a powerful punch forwards completely destroying the stone forge, immediately shrouding the cavern in temporary darkness.
This infuriated Vulture as he roared into action, the flames on his hands flaring brighter. He struggled to maintain control over the situation since 621 weaved between the assistants, striking with calculated precision.
The young assassin used the chaos to his advantage, avoiding direct confrontation with the barrier while destabilizing Vulture's focus.
As Vulture grappled with the sudden darkness, 621 exploited the momentary confusion. He lunged at the burly blacksmith, aiming for vulnerable points in his defence as 621 launched a series of powerful strikes. The cavern became a battleground of shadows and fire, the clash of martial skill against elemental power.
As 621 continued to dance through the shadows whilst attacking, he observed the temporary barrier shielding Vulture. His keen senses detected the fluctuations in its energy as he struck out, and a plan formed in his strategic mind.
The young assassin understood that the barrier, though formidable, was not invincible and had its limits.
On the other hand, Vulture, his fiery aura pulsating, chuckled as he felt the difference in realms. His energy resonated with the cavern, creating a palpable pressure. The flames around him burned brighter, fueled by the superiority of his cultivation.
"Young one," Vulture boomed, his voice echoing through the cavern as he evaded strikes from the shadows.
"It's presumptuous for a mere cultivator in the Mortal Transformation realm to challenge someone of my stature. You should know your place", he laughed aloud.
Vulture suddenly released his unbridled aura challenging 621 in a battle of realms.
“Take a good look mortal, for this is the Qi Condensation realm!”, Vulture then raised his hand as a fiery ball coalesced in his palm before he threw it out at the shadow of 621 barely missing him.
621, despite the difference in cultivation realms, remained unfazed. He understood the challenge ahead but wasn't one to back down easily. His calculating gaze met Vulture's, and a smirk played across his lips.
In response, Vulture raised both his hands, flames swirling around him with increased intensity. His Qi Condensation energy radiated, forming an invisible barrier that seemed to repel any attack. Confidence exuded from the burly blacksmith as he prepared to counter 621's moves.
Undeterred, 621 adjusted his strategy. Instead of a direct assault, he focused on evasion and misdirection. He continued to dart through the shadows, avoiding the brunt of Vulture's flames. The burly man's attacks clashed against the cavern walls causing tremors whilst leaving scorch marks in their wake.
Vulture, growing more confident, took measured steps forward. "You can't escape the difference in our realms, little mutt. Your attacks mean nothing against me."
621, utilizing his mortal transformation techniques to their fullest extent, remained elusive. He circled the cavern, analyzing Vulture's movements. The assassin's mind worked quickly, adapting his strategy to exploit weaknesses rather than confront the overwhelming strength head-on.
As Vulture attempted to corner 621, the burly blacksmith's attention became fixated on the young assassin's movements. In the midst of this, 621 exploited Vulture's distraction to disrupt the stability of the cavern terrain.
The eight-year-old assailant added to the small tremors by dislodging rocks and creating obstacles in Vulture's path. As Vulture struggled to maintain his footing, 621 seized the opportunity. He launched a series of quick, precise strikes at vulnerable points, aiming to disrupt Vulture's shield-like barrier.
Vulture grunted, feeling the unexpected challenge from the lower realm opponent. The flames around him wavered momentarily as 621's calculated attacks found their mark. The cavern echoed with the clash of energies as the dance of fire and shadow intensified.
As Vulture retaliated with his superior prowess, 621's movements became more deliberate. He skillfully evaded the burly blacksmith's attacks, biding his time for the opportune moment. The darkness, a result of the destroyed forge, played to 621's advantage, but it also posed a challenge for Vulture, who relied on his own fire attacks for visibility.
621 seized the moment when Vulture was momentarily disoriented in the darkness, he launched an assault. The young assassin struck with precision further targeting vulnerable points on Vulture's barrier, striking where he perceived was the weakest. The burly blacksmith, hindered by the lack of visibility, struggled to defend against the onslaught.
It was bad enough the fact that he was blind in one eye, the total darkness illuminated only by his flames; he found it truly despicable.
Vulture grunted in frustration, his flames flickering around him as he attempted to regain control. The cavern echoed with the clash of their powers, the dance of fire and shadows creating an intense atmosphere.
As 621 continued his assault, he finally noticed subtle changes in the barrier surrounding Vulture. The temporary nature of the defence became much more apparent. With each successful strike, the barrier weakened, dissipating energy to mitigate the damage. The young assassin adjusted his tactics, focusing on exploiting this vulnerability.
Realizing the impending dissipation of the barrier, 621 intensified his attacks. He pushed Vulture to his limits, striking with a calculated ferocity. The burly blacksmith, now aware of the dwindling protection, fought desperately to repel the attacks.
The darkness in the cavern added to the chaos. Vulture, accustomed to using his fire attacks in open terrains, found himself at a disadvantage. The shadows played tricks on his perception, making it challenging to anticipate 621's swift movements.
As the barrier reached its limit, Vulture unleashed a final burst of flames, attempting to gain control of the situation. However, 621, recognizing the critical moment, exploited the distraction. He delivered a series of precise blows that bypassed the fading barrier, striking directly at Vulture's vital points.
The burly blacksmith staggered, the remnants of the dissipating barrier flickering like dying embers.
“Son of a bitch…” Vulture muttered, “Not bad at all, young mutt”, bulging veins sketched itself across his face as he gazed around him.
“But can you handle this!?”
The burly blacksmith roared in fury, channeling the power of his Qi Condensation realm into a devastating area of effect fire skill.
A torrent of flames erupted from Vulture, the cavern becoming a maelstrom of searing heat and destruction. The fire skill, fueled by the intensity of his cultivation, spread in a furious wave, consuming everything in its path friend or foe. The darkness, once an ally to 621, became an accomplice to the inferno, casting eerie shadows dancing in the flames.
621, caught off guard by the sudden onslaught, found himself engulfed in the fiery chaos. His black robes immediately caught fire, and the young assassin staggered, desperately trying to extinguish the flames that clung to him. The searing heat seeped through the fabric, causing him to grit his teeth in pain.
Vulture, standing amidst the conflagration, glared at the aftermath of his unleashed power. The area around him was scorched, the remnants of the forge and the screams of his assistants only attested to the destruction of the blaze. Apparently, two of the assistants failed to dodge in time causing in their demise as burnt flesh soon suffused the dark cavern.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
The bald man 's face twisted with a mix of rage and satisfaction, believing that his higher cultivation had secured victory.
However, 621, despite the initial shock, wasn't one to be easily defeated. Through sheer willpower, the young assassin managed to suppress the flames that threatened to consume him. His bare hands glowed with a faint energy as he tapped into his Qi techniques to resist the fire's effects.
With his black robes singed and tattered, 621 emerged from the flames, his eyes gleaming with a newfound determination. The pain only served to fuel his resolve, as he faced Vulture with a focused gaze, undeterred by his superior cultivation.
Vulture, though confident in his display of power, realized that the battle was far from over.
The remaining assistants on the other hand screamed for help as 621 heard them stumble all over the place adding chaos to the already tense exchange.
621, his black robes still somewhat smouldering, moved with ruthless efficiency in the shadows. The three remaining assistants, unaware of the young assassin's intentions, fell victim to 621's swift and brutal strikes. With calculated precision, he incapacitated them with quick blows to the head, ensuring they posed no threat in the ongoing battle.
Vulture, now standing alone amidst the remnants of the fiery chaos, launched fireballs in frustration, attempting to flush out 621 from the shadows. The cavern echoed with the explosive impacts as the flames illuminated the surroundings intermittently.
“Come out you fucking rat!”
Vulture taunted, his voice reverberating through the cavern, challenging 621 to face him directly.
However, the latter wasn't one to fall for such provocations. Realizing the dangers of engaging Vulture in close combat, especially with the threat of the area of effect fire skill, 621 opted for a different strategy.
He scanned the forge surroundings, eyes sharp even in the dim light, and identified a variety of weapons scattered about.
With unparalleled speed, 621 seized the opportunity. He picked up the weapons one by one, each movement a blur of motion. Knives, swords, spears and even partially forged items became projectiles in his skilled hands.
The weapons whizzed through the air with relentless speed and power, targeting Vulture with deadly accuracy.
Vulture, caught off guard by the sudden barrage, attempted to deflect and evade the incoming onslaught of weapons. His fiery attacks served as a makeshift shield, but it was evident that the relentless assault was taking its toll.
Blades sliced through the air, some finding their mark and causing injuries that marred Vulture's previously confident demeanor.
His flesh and skin was practically being torn off by metal projectiles causing splotches of blood to ricochet into the surroundings.
As 621 continued to rain down weapons upon his opponent, the burly blacksmith struggled to maintain the same level of aggression. His attacks became less precise, and the injuries accumulated, hindering the effectiveness of his fire manipulation.
The cavern echoed with the clash of weapons and the occasional roar of flames. 621, still concealed within the shadows, exploited the distance, utilizing the weapons from the forge to keep Vulture at bay. The burly blacksmith, increasingly worn down, found himself on the defensive, facing the relentless storm unleashed by the young assassin.
However, Vulture maintained a calm perspective even in the face of unexpected tactics; he relied on and utilized his sheer physical prowess to adapt to the situation. Spotting a shield nearby, he swiftly equipped it before deflecting the oncoming barrage of weapons with a calculated ease that showcased his skill and experience.
“You think you can keep embarrassing me like this you useless coward?” Vulture shouted aloud clearly infuriated.
The burly blacksmith couldn't help but find the situation somewhat ridiculous – the very weapons he had forged were now turned against him.
Acknowledging 621's threat, Vulture shifted his mindset. He realized that underestimating the lower realm assassin could lead to dire consequences.
With a renewed focus, Vulture elevated the intensity of his attacks. The flames around him roared with increased vigor as he tapped into his superior Qi reserves, unleashing a wide range of fire attacks that emphasised on area.
This decision caused the cavern to become utterly chaotic. The battlefield was illuminated by the bursts of flames and the occasional glint of metal as weapons clashed against Vulture's makeshift shield.
Sensing 621's slight movements in the darkness, Vulture strategically aimed his attacks to snuff out the elusive assassin.
621, realizing the effectiveness of Vulture's strategy, made much more concerted efforts to dodge the wide-range attacks. He no longer focused solely on the relentless barrage of weapons since he put some more emphasis on evasion and strategic positioning.
Each movement was calculated as he weaved through the shadows, avoiding the fiery onslaught unleashed by the bald blacksmith.
Vulture's attacks became more methodical, covering a larger area to minimize 621's ability to evade. The echoes of clashes filled the cavern as 621, aware of the increased danger, adjusted his tactics. The remaining weapons in his hands became tools of precision rather than a relentless storm, used strategically to counter Vulture's advances.
The battle reached a crescendo as the clash of fire and shadows intensified. Vulture, determined to subdue the lower realm assassin, continued his wide-range assault. 621, in turn, used the darkness to his advantage, exploiting the chaotic terrain to evade and retaliate.
The cavern environment, already in turmoil, took an even more drastic turn as stalactites rained down from the ceilings. The sharp formations added a new layer of danger to the conflict, forcing both 621 and Vulture to dodge and weave amidst the descending spikes.
The stalactites became unpredictable obstacles, affecting the dynamics of the chaotic battle.
621, aware of his limitations against Vulture's superior Qi reserves, decided to employ a more cunning approach.
From his dimensional bag, he produced a mysterious vial containing a dangerous looking liquid, he uncorked it prompting an odd smell to diffuse around him; it was undeniably a poison.
Knowing the potential impact it could have, the 621 swiftly coated the blades of the weapons he had recently picked up with the toxic substance.
With renewed determination, 621 resumed his assault, ruthless and decisive.
The poisoned blades sailed through the air at unbelievable speeds, their deadly payload aimed precisely at Vulture.
The burly blacksmith, caught in the chaos of dodging stalactites and deflecting weapons soon found himself increasingly vulnerable to the new threat.
Still equipped with his makeshift shield, Vulture deflected the incoming weapons with a combination of skill and physical strength. However, 621's strategy was not solely focused on direct confrontation.
The young assassin leveraged the distorted environment as he aimed to bypass Vulture's defence through clever means.
As the poisoned blades struck Vulture's shield, the toxic substance seeped through the cracks and began to take effect.
Even as the poisoned blades were deflected, the sheer impacts caused the poisonous liquids to splatter around Vulture’s position causing some of it to enter his open wounds in unpredictable ways.
Vulture, initially confident in his ability to endure, soon felt the debilitating effects of the poison. His movements slowed, and a pained expression crossed his face.
621, observing the impact of the poison, seized the opportunity. He continued to hurl weapons at Vulture, not only aiming to bypass the burly blacksmith's defenses but also utilizing the environment to his advantage.
The assassin strategically targeted stalactites, causing them to fall in the path of Vulture's shield.
With each impact, the shield's stability waned.
The poisoned weapons and falling stalactites created a multi-faceted assault that tested Vulture's resilience. The burly blacksmith, now weakened by the poison, continued to struggle in maintaining control over the situation.
The cavern echoed with the clash of elements – fire, shadows, rocks and the toxic undercurrent of the mysterious substance.
"Your poison won't save you forever! I'll crush you and what's left of your pitiful existence, your entire bloodline will soon kiss the soles of my feet!"
"I'll make your death slow and painful” he laughed frantically. “Force you to watch unimaginable scenes, just you wait dirty bastard!”
Vulture's frustration boiled over as he hurled more threats and insults into the darkness, the cavern echoed with his enraged words.
However, deep down, the burly blacksmith knew he was in an unfavorable situation.
The darkness provided a veil for the elusive assassin whilst the relentless assault of weapons, compounded by the effects of the poison, created a dire predicament.
His vision started growing blurry and his movements, he felt it decline with each passing moment.
Vulture realized the severity of the situation. The shield, once a reliable defence, began to distort and break apart under the unforgiving impacts from both the weapons and the falling stalactites.
His arm, which held the shield, became increasingly numb as he felt the broken bones becoming unresponsive to his nuanced movements; it was all due to the relentless onslaught.
Despite the dire circumstances, Vulture recognized the need for retreat.
Panic etched across his face as he attempted to navigate through the chaotic terrain, his movements impaired by the poison and injuries.
621, keenly observing the signs of desperation, intensified his efforts. He knew that victory was within reach, and he surely wouldn't allow Vulture to escape the cavern.
Even as 621 pressed forward, he felt the toll of the battle accumulating on his own body. The scent of burnt flesh lingered in the air as the flames had found their mark several times. The familiar taste of blood lingered in his mouth; he knew deep down that a higher realm opponent was no small matter.
Despite the injuries, 621 pressed on. He planned to continue using the environment and the poisoned weapons to exploit Vulture's weaknesses.
As 621 keenly sensed Vulture's desperation to escape, he quickly redirected the falling stalactites and manipulated the rocks in the environment to create a makeshift blockade, temporarily cutting off the exit. The cavern became a maze of obstacles, hindering Vulture's path and buying precious moments for the young assassin.
Taking advantage of the distraction, 621 continued his relentless assault. Several weapons flew through the air, each calculated to keep Vulture on the defensive. The burly blacksmith, feeling the pressure of the encroaching obstacles, struggled to navigate the chaotic terrain.
However, Vulture, realizing this might be his last chance to escape, decided to unleash his ultimate area-of-effect skill once more. The cavern erupted in flames as the powerful attack filled the space, catching 621 slightly off guard.
However 621, had already anticipated this move.
Before retreating, 621 threw a gamble into the mix. With gritted teeth, he fronted part of the area-of-effect attack, absorbing some of the heat to create an opening for his own counterattack.
In that critical moment, he hurled a sharp spear with all of his might, the weapon coated with the same poison that had been wearing down Vulture throughout the battle.
Vulture, unbeknownst to the thrown spear in the chaos, turned around to make his hasty escape whilst making an effort to guard his upper chest but little did, he know; 621 had a different target.
The gamble played out as the sharp spear found its mark, impaling both of Vulture's legs. The burly blacksmith roared in pain as he was thrown off balance, teetering on the edges of the cavern.
Barely alive and incapacitated, Vulture's escape had been thwarted. The flames from his own attack illuminated the grim scene as 621, though battered and burnt, stood victorious.
..
The cavern, now dimly lit with the remnants of the battle, revealed the defeated and severely injured Vulture. In the distance, 621 saw his futile attempts to crawl away, marked by the slow and exaggerated breaths that resonated throughout the cavern.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Vulture's mind seemed to persist as he struggled to escape.
621, extinguishing the remaining flames in his path as he approached, unhurriedly walked towards the crawling figure of Vulture.
It was a strange sight – the once formidable arms dealer who had boasted of superior capabilities now reduced to a wounded and desperate state.
As 621 reached Vulture, the burly blacksmith still struggled, attempting to cast another fire skill with one arm outstretched. The poison, however, had already taken its toll, rendering him powerless.
Despite this, Vulture's laughter echoed manically, threats and insults still streaming from his lips as he vowed revenge.
"You think this changes anything, little shadow?" Vulture's voice, strained and weakened, struggled to maintain its former authority.
Between coughs of blood, he pushed against the rocks, his body trembling under the weight of the poison's devastating effects.
"I'll crawl out of this pit and hunt you down. You can't escape the vengeance of a master like me!"
Crimson stains marked the cavern floor as Vulture continued his futile attempts to crawl forward with bare hands.
"Laugh all you want now, but mark my words, this isn't over."
The once confident blacksmith, now a shell of his former self, coughed violently, the poison tearing at his insides.
"I'll rise from the ashes, and when I do, your end will be swift and merciless!"
Visible effects of the poison manifested on Vulture's body – his skin pale and clammy, sweat mixing with the blood on his face. His movements became more erratic as he strained against the rocks.
"You may have won the battle, but the war has just begun." A raspy laugh accompanied by another cough, this one more pronounced, betrayed the fragility of his once indomitable spirit.
"I'll haunt your every step, and you'll soon beg for the mercy I'll never grant."
621, maintaining a stoic silence, observed the fallen opponent. The threats and insults were but echoes in the dim cavern. As Vulture's laughter continued, 621 recognized the resolve in his eyes.
There was no denying that Vulture, even in defeat, still clung to the idea of vengeance but it was nothing more than mere delusions.
With a calm and determined demeanor, 621 finished the job. The cavern once filled with the clash of realms now fell silent, the echoes of the battle fading away.
Vulture's manic laughter was replaced by an eerie quietness as the shadows consumed the defeated arms dealer.