V3 Chapter 34
"YOU BASTARD! DIEE!!"
The spear-wielding fighter let out an angry yell and charged from the left, while the red-haired man came out from the right. Both of them attacked together.
Cian didn’t retreat and instead, stand his ground and fought them head-on. Repelling the thrusting spear with his left hand, his leg raised to block the sword, creating a metallic spark as they clashed. He felt a bit of pain, proving the power of the red-haired swordsman. However, it was only for a moment, and his skill was still able to endure the impact, leaving only a little numbness.
Fortunately, it’s not a high-level magic weapon. Though their weapons are indeed better than your average magic weapons, however, it's not enough to break my armament. Their strength is also a little bit lacking as well. Though, I can see how they were able to defeat countless Werebeasts.
Cian nodded his head in admiration. These people are really remarkable. They were actually stronger than the Werebeasts he had fought a few days ago with Asceius and Iris. Though, they seem to depend heavily on attacking vital points, and killing techniques. So, for those who know about them like he is, their fighting techniques and skills have drastically fallen down in effectiveness.
But not only that... these people greatly underestimate me...huh?
Did they think that I was able to read their attacks and dodge them, all because of my speed? What an idiot. If they noticed that their techniques have lost their effectiveness, they should have immediately changed their tactics, or run away. But to think they still try to force their way to me. How stupid they are!
Right now, they have lost elegance and finesse in their combat skills and are now no different from brute force. Their movement has become dull and monotonous, it's easy to read them.
Though, even with this favorable situation, if it was me from a few days ago, perhaps, I would have a hard time fighting against them. Unfortunately for them, I had grown since then. Not to mention the powers I stole from the Jaggerjaw that improved my physique and physical toughness!
They are too weak for me now.
The attackers were becoming desperate on their assault due to constantly missing, and blocking their prided attacks, and is basically no different from ordinary warriors. But it doesn't mean they were helpless. Time passed, and the battle raged even stronger, the exchange intensified. Facing three super elites at the same was too much even for his level without using special abilities.
Along with their rage and desperation, the strength and speed of the human fighters have also increased even more. Faster and stronger. However, despite the situation becoming dangerous, Cian didn’t pull out any weapon or even call back the [Imagis Realis]. Nor did he use his special abilities and skill. Not even Magic. In which, he was certain the moment he does so, the battle would surely end.
Instead, he continued using basic martial arts, basic abilities, using every part of his body as his weapon. His lips were making an arc in madness. While his first plan was to destroy the group and try to end the battle as soon as possible, however, another instinct came over him, hijacking his mind and body.
Why don't you have fun for a while... play as much as you want. Excellent toys are before you- a good predator knows how to play with his prey!
-those words echoed inside his mind, driving out his control.
This is not how an Assassin fights...! Assassin is not a Hunter! We don't play with our prey! We eliminate them! We need to kill them immediately!
Are you still on to that, brother? The moment you took my body, you know, you're not an ordinary killer anymore. Living in the dark, that's not how this game plays anymore! Your inherent abilities are good- but only against Humans- but not enough to kill a God!
.... ....!
Face reality brother. Cian Cahlo had ceased to exist, along with the man-killer- Cian Jekyll. You are not an assassin anymore! What's good before, is not enough for us anymore! It's time to take the front stage! Expand your mind, hone your knowledge, and sharpen your skills- everything that can be done and use, obtain, mold it into a perfect combination!
You took Magic, you learn how to create a Chimera, you create Armament and other techniques, you tinker in crafting and potions, you grab on everything as much as you can, you scavenge on anything that tickled your curiosity- isn't it because you're preparing for this?
Silent Killing is not enough for us. This Trial... isn't this the best stage to hone our skills? Don't fear death. Abhor stagnancy.
Cian clenched his fist and throw a punch. Suddenly, the red-haired man saw the incoming attack and block with his sword. A muffled echoed in the air, and the red-haired man was knocked a few steps back. Fwooosh. Cian didn't stop and pounced like a wild beast toward him. However, a spear tip came from behind, and Cian was forced to stop and launched a sweeping kick as he rotated in the air.
Ash-colored leg clashed with the spear, and a sonic boom occurred. Both of them were pushed away from each other. Cian taking four steps, while the spear-man took three steps back.
"What the hell are you?!"
The spear-man cried out in rage.
Quit messing with me! What the hell is this Foxman! One attack from this guy is enough to shake my insides. I felt like my muscles is screaming in pain. It's taking every ounce of my strength just to keep with this bastard! How is this possible?!
But he was not the only one who was appalled by this scene. Even the red-haired man was hiding his shaking desperately. His arm was bleeding from the scratches he had received.
Are you kidding me?! Three of us, and yet, I felt as if I'm still looking at the beast licking its paw while watching us in amusement? This gotta be the most ridiculous joke I've heard about. I can't even laugh about it.
This guy can't be left alive!
But Cian only smiled in response to their terrible expressions. Suddenly, at this moment, a cold light flickered from the corner of his eyes, and the female assassin started her relentless attack. Once again, each assault was directed straight into his chest, throat, and eyes. She kicked, aimed at his groin, but he was able to dodge it by rolling away. At this moment, with their roars and cries echoing in the surrounding area, the red-haired man and the spear-wielding fighter charged straight at him with a very explosive burst of speed.
Listen to me.
Listen to your heart.
While he slowly back away, her arms blurred, attacking, defending, and repelling the two men’s attacks. It was an incredible scene how, despite having three opponents, he was still able to fight against them without even losing much. However, his hands and arms were now covered in blood, splattering and drenching the two men on their faces and arms.
Still, they didn’t care and continued attacking him. With loud cries and yell, both men struck at the same time, and Cian’s guard was destroyed, a long slash appearing on his chest from his shoulder, causing his face to distort slightly. He stepped back and jumped away when the blue-haired man once again came charging in with his spear. But a shadow came over him from behind.
Cian had already predicted she would strike at this moment, as he would do as well if he was in her situation. The red-haired woman managed to strike his back with the black dagger, tearing his close apart, before Cian could twist his hips, and delivered a swirling kick. But the red-haired woman had already disappeared.
Coming and going like a ghost…amazing.
Phantom!
Ghost Reaper!
Death Dancer!
Such abilities can certainly let her inherit those infamous titles that signify the best in the Assassin World back on Earth.
It’s as if I’m seeing myself, Cian mused as he continued to dodge. His eyes followed her every movement. And among the three of them, only she alone, grab his attention.
This woman, Regina is indeed an incredible skillful assassin. Things would have been much harder if she didn’t use my precious blade. He grinned- though, his clothes were torn, his back remained unblemished.
Looking at it, Regina thought Cian was constantly using that strange skill he used to defend their attacks, not realizing that even without it, she would never be able to hurt him, much less scratch him using the sharp black blade in her hand. She then pulled out three daggers from her back waist, and throw them accurately towards him.
Cian looking at the fast, rushing sharp cold lights, immediately jumped back, then, using the air as a scaffold made a second jumped as the red-haired man chased after him, slashing his sword. He avoided it, then, without warning, he turned and leapt in the opposite direction as if to flee.
Indeed, there was just no better moment than now for his training!
Reaching his limit during this battle of life and death, something is awakening deep inside of him. A sleeping beast.
This is a very good opportunity to sharpen the mastery of his skills and fighting techniques.
...you bastards, let me enjoy this until the end...!
The three fighters stared at him, and though, the Foxman was gravely mistaken to underestimate the determination of their team to kill him. Under the red-haired man’s order, the three immediately gave swift pursuit. It was not long before they had gained ground on their target and forced him to increase his efforts to escape.
“What is it, Foxman?! Running away, what happened to your cheeky mouth?!”
The blue-haired man taunted as he continued running through the cluster of trees and chase after him.
“Can’t say anything are you? You werebeasts are just cowards,”
Cian continued to smile faint, ignoring his outbursts, displaying the act of desperately running away.
“Cian, let me help,”
A different voice from that annoying one echoed inside his head. It was none other than Amadea who was hiding somewhere. Seeing him gets hurt, the blood alraune was starting to get anxious, at the same time, very furious. She’s very pissed- the desire to kill the three humans is so great, it’s hurting her. However-
“Not yet,”
Cian didn’t let her appear at this moment. No, he doesn't want to. It will only spoil the fun.
“Just stay there for a moment- we don’t know what kind of special abilities they have, or whether they have it in the first place. If we wanted to kill them, we’ll need to kill them swiftly, and in a way, they would not be able to fight back or do anything to turn the tables- especially that woman…” he gave her this reason.
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Now then... basic fighting skills seemed to have reached their limit. I guess it's time for me to increase the level a bit higher.
Fwooosh.
Cian duck as he dodged the blow. The naked blade that had swung down on him had been bloodthirsty, but he had dodged and was still alive. The red-haired man is really fast…quick and had precise blows. He somersaulted in the air, and then, with channeling his magic power, then accumulating them in his right arm.
His magic took on the form of plasma in his hand, striking against the ions in the atmosphere. The chi-chi-chi sound released almost had the same feeling as the sound of thousands of birds made.
"Magic?!"
The red-haired man was certainly surprised upon seeing Cian's lightning magic and hurriedly his sword swept at him horizontally. Baaaang! The two men’s attacks intersected. It was then followed by a large explosion. Both sides were even as they leap toward the opposite direction.
“So you can also magic? And a variant Lightning Magic as well,” the opponent grumbled with a dark expression.
“I still have a lot more where that came from,” replied Cian. His arm continued to crackle in electric sparks. He then looks at him, and his lips curved into a playful smile. “Do you really want to chase me down? I admit I would have a hard time defeating you three, but killing me is different,”
“Then, let’s see about that.”
"... ..."
"I will have my entertainment in killing you!”
The red-haired fighter kicked against the branch he was standing and leaped up. Without hesitation, the human fighter was leaping upwards.
“...?!"
Though,he didn’t expect the Foxman to take action later than he did.
It was just that he was fast.
“Not smart,”
Cian scowled and watched as his opponent appeared above him. His [Night’s Eye] gleamed dimly, He felt a piercing pain striking his head as he forces the [Night’s Eye] to work faster than normal.
When people are about to make their attack, their muscles will tense slightly in preparation for the movement. Cian’s eyes never overlooked that “source” of imminent movement. That was why it was possible for him to move before his opponent did their killing strike.
"... don't blame me then, I've been very merciful,"
He clenched his fist and with a loud, piercing noise as if thousands of birds are crying, he throws a full-powered punch against the swinging sword. Thunder Fist gleamed brightly through the dark, dim forest.
Crackle! Crackle! Shkriiiaaaaahhhhh-!!
Cian gritted his teeth as he felt a pushing force coming towards his hand and even an aching sting of pain as he felt his skin cracking. Still, he let out a loud cry, and channel even more strength. The red-haired man who was confident in his strength suddenly felt an incredibly pushing force against him-
Crack!
An eerie noise came out, and his face paled.
Without hesitation, he jumped backward, the pushing force knocked him away. His arms gone number, almost paralyzed, and quivering. Though, it didn’t injured him seriously since he back away immediately, but he still felt vomiting blood, as an iron-taste lingered on his throat. He kicked the branch of a tree, and hurriedly jumped back.
My attack was still too shallow!
Cian grunted in annoyance before immediately giving chase. However, as he was flying mid-air, the spearman and the red-haired woman finally arrived, brushing past the red-haired man, the spearman came shooting towards him like an arrow that was shot from a bow, aiming towards him.
Good teamwork.
They sure are good at coordinating their movements properly.
Cian smirked and changed his stance, and raised both of his hands against his chest, like a defending boxer, covering his face and chest. Invoking [Hardened] and [Iron Skin], the spear hit his arms, and as if feeling like being hit by a sledgehammer, Cian was knocked back against a tree. His defenses unable to be completed in time, his arms mangled, broken and a large amount of blood spurted out from them.
That hurts... but the speed of my skill invoking was still too slow. It's not enough!
Cian groaned in pain, but a shadow came over behind him.
Sensing the incoming death he knows all too well, Cian snorted in contempt.
I admit you are good, but like always, you move too predictable.
Without hesitation, his fluffy tail stood erect, like a cat that had its tail stepped on, and swept over the shadow behind him, like swatting a fly.
[Iron Tail Whip]!
"Wha-?!!"
Regina didn’t expect a fluffy tail could be so dangerous, and was caught off-guard. The arm that was stretched out to drive a blade on his defenseless back was immediately pulled back. But it couldn’t make in time with how close they are, and her chest was hit.
Feeling as if being hit by a steel club, Regina was knocked back with a strong force. She violently crashed on a tree behind her, strong enough that the enormous body of the tree cave in. Coughing with a pale expression, she started vomiting blood before losing consciousness, a second after, as the air on her lungs seemed to have been squeezed out.
“Regina!!”
“How dare you!!”
The two men were alarmed, unable to understand what had suddenly appeared. All they saw was a fluffy-looking tail whipping against their companion, and before they knew it, she had been knocked out. And judging from the condition of Regina's wounds and even losing her consciousness, the attack was clearly not as simple as it looks.
But how can that even be possible?
What the hell even happened?!
A Lizardman’s tail would probably knock someone out with how strong, and bristly they are. But a fur-covered tail…it’s difficult to see how it could have the power to knock someone out, especially to someone like Regina who’s been trained since young to be an elite-upper class warrior. Her physical body and toughness is not something one ca easily be underestimated.
It would take a terrible beating to knock someone like her.
“What did you do?! You bastard beast!!"
The spear-wielding fighter went into fury mode again, and charged towards Cian with bloodshot eyes.
Cian grinned, standing up with a bloody hand against a tree to stabilize himself.
“I told you, stabbing people in the back is not good, babe,”
He dusted his clothes as he watched the furious blue-haired man flying straight towards him. Disregarding the pain on his arms, he moved. Instead of running away, however, he rushed forward. A crazy smile appearing on his face.
Clouded by anger, even without the assistance of his [Night’s Eye], Cian was able to see the trajectory of his spear attack, and easily sidesteps the charge, dancing out of the opponent’s range. Then, he launches a counter-punch, stinging the spearman on the side of the head.
The man grimaces but shakes it off, bouncing on the balls of his feet. But without giving him chances of recovering, Cian immediately launches a flurry of kicks. Still, an expected of a Super Elite, the man dodges them agilely. Then, a presence appeared beside him, and Cian hurriedly rolled on the ground, dodging a sweeping strike of a sword. Cian looked up and saw the red-haired man already able to recover and was once again in pursuit.
He was quite persistent, and once again two people are gunning for his life. Spear and swords flashed, and more wounds appeared on his body, and even on his face. Then, suddenly, he stops, rotated and his leg kicks upwards.
Baaaang!
"Wha-?!
The thrusting spear was kicked upwards, and the impact caused the opponent to stop in his movement, his arms completely numb. But Cian was unable to follow and chain his attack as a moment later, the red-haired man swung out blindly, aiming for his head.
Sneering, Cian’s arm came up in an instant and stopped the strike cold, but the red-haired man seemed to have been ready for that. In fact, he'd planned for it. His sword whipped over his head, at an incredible speed that looked as if the sword multiplied into several swords, aiming to bite into his shoulder and cripple his arm. Sadly, it was not to be.
"...finally caught you, you bastard,"
Capturing each and every movement he’s made with his [Night’ Eye], Cian’s hand shot out in a blur of speed and caught the enemy’s wrist in an iron grip. Once more, he was frozen mid-attack. In response, the blue-haired man’s knee came up. A blow aimed at his groin, but Cian caught that too with his own knee.
The blue-haired man grunted, his shin rattled from the harsh impact.
[Loot]!
The skill subconsciously reacted even though Cian had not intended-
[Unique-grade Relic: [Flute of Thousand Illusions] have successfully looted!]
What the hell. Does this guy have such incredible treasure? Though, Cian didn’t know what or how the [Flute of Thousand Illusions] work, but judging from its grade and name, anyone would know it’s not a simple item. But that’s not the only good news that came to him.
[Magic Eye analysis has been completed!]
[Name: Gordon Husbert. Power Level: Presumed to be around the 3rd rank. Skills: [Quick Blade Art] [Sword Art: Storm Assault] [Sword Art: Raging Fang] [Wind Step]
Special Skill: [Enhance Strengthening Magic] [Speed Boost]]
[Name: Roland Dortan. Power Level: Presumed to be around the 2nd rank.
Skills: [Reigordon Dragon Spear Battle Art] [Spear Art: Dragon Spear Thrust] [Spear Art: Dragon’s Continuous Thrust] [Spear Art: Dragon’s Tail]
Special Skill: [Enhanced Strengthening Magic] [Silent Step]]
3rd rank and 2nd rank…
No wonder they are strong. The power level category was just his [Magic Eye]’s own simple power division. Though, he doesn’t know if they are accurate or not, he still completely trust them.
From what he knows, his current base power is just at the middle of the 2nd rank, and perhaps just as powerful as the Spearman. but still, power level aside, they would still lose. After all, he has what these people lack, and that is- knowledge, experience, and powerful skills.
Cian clenched his fist and was about to punch the red-haired man, but at this moment, the spearman; Roland Dortan thrust his spear, aiming at his chest.
“Really annoying, aren’t you?”
Cian gritted his teeth, and then before the spear could even reach him, Cian’s hand flashed forward and seized the guy by the back of his cloak. Dragging him forward and off-balance. Then he launched himself into the air.
The red-haired man; Gordon Husbert swung, a wild blow meant to deter the abominable Foxman in desperation. But Cian ignored the fruitless action. Spinning sharply about, his heel shot out and struck the red-haired man square in the face, knocking him back several meters.
The blow caused the opponent's eyes to roll almost behind his head. The sword flew from his hand due to impact. But it didn't stop there. Cian followed his blow with another and another.
"GORDON!!!"
"I told you, you should have left,"
Cian planted another foot in the guy's chest, before kicking him clean across the area, continuing the motion to execute a flawless backflip simultaneously. During which a second, seemingly negligent kick flung the red-haired man’s sword into a nearby tree where it stuck fast, now far away from the red-haired man's reach.
However, at this moment, he felt a presence behind him. Cian reacted, thrusting out his left arm without hesitation.
"Guh?!"
With a squelch of torn flesh, the spearhead pierced through his hand.
“I got you, you bastard mutt!!”
The excited cry of the blue-haired man rang out. But it was only for a moment, as the hand that should have been pierced through by his spear, cutting it in the process suddenly stop. The once ecstatic blue-haired man's expression suddenly stiffened as he looks at the spearhead, which was now been grasped tightly with the enemy's wounded hand. Still, he actually cannot thrust it further, nor he could pull it back.
“Why you-!?”
The spearman tried to curse out loud, but he couldn’t finish what he was saying as he was suddenly pulled forward, only to be stopped by a palm against his chest. Now face to face, their noses inches away from each other. One was grinning savagely like a wild beast, while the other full of hatred.
"You caught me? You stupid idiot- I caught you!"
"You bastard!!"
They growled at each other, their eyes glaring at the reflections the one could be seen on their pupils.
“See, my cheeky mouth is still intact. But what about yours?”
The opponent's eyes suddenly widened. His face turned pale in an instant, and a flash of excruciating pain appeared on his face. His body then trembled, jerking as he looks at the Foxman incredulously.
“What did, you-?!”
"...you really are a fool,"
Cian looks down as the man collapsed in front of him with a mischievous smile.