I don't think I’ve ever run as much in a single day in my life as I’ve already managed today. Part of me is beginning to wonder, if I return, will I keep my athleticism? As a nerdy type, I was always ostracised in sports in school, which forever turned me away from them. It's a shame, because even I can appreciate the thrill of your body working at full clap. Is it something primal inherent in humans from their hunter days?

Who knows?

This place is even more bizarre up close. I was initially pretty wary that the arcs of electricity might zap one of us dead, but it seems that they are always drawn to the lightning rods without fail. I'm sure there was something back in physics that said it always takes the most convenient route to the ground, but when, in this world, there appears to be a lightning generating chasm, who knows if the Earth rules stick?

The tower looms above us now. No further explosions occurred after the first, and I don't know if that's a good sign.

We pause at a natural rock outcropping to take watch of the tower entrance. The doors have certainly been thrown open. Now is probably my last chance to check out my skill tree before we proceed.

I don't really have time to make anything here, but I take Improvised Explosives II anyway. It gives me the ability to make more complex mechanical fuses, as well as understanding how to make Nitroglycerin, and the parts for makeshift pipe bombs and flechette bombs. Getting material suitable for these explosives, and their casing and detonators could be hard, though.

I guess this kind of knowledge is more intense, because this cost 3 of the 5 points I got this level. Then, as a derivative upgrade of my Heightened Threat Awareness and combat fitness, I notice Precognitive Evasion as a new option. It’s the other 2 points; but being able to dodge before I consciously register a threat is bound to be a lifesaver for someone naturally dense like me, right?

Apparently we got to cover just in time. I pick up my skills just before Kiku yanks me down by the collar. Peeking over the edge of the stone, we observe 3 demons walk out and take up guard positions.

My danger sense spikes from all around too, presumably from the lancing arcs of lightning. The booms of thunder are pretty loud now, and are pretty constant, which at least does give us sound cover, but simultaneously means no eavesdropping.

I watch the demons. They are indeed very much humanoid, though it is now apparent at this distance that they have rough ash grey skin, and lizard like tails, as well as yellow, or red irises, in addition to the ragged wings and goat horns. To be honest, they have a cocktail of draconic, as well as demonic flavours to them. Considering that a necrodragon is in charge of them, this kind of makes sense.

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Despite their claws, they are still carrying weapons and wearing armour... and whilst you normally think of supposedly evil creatures using crude iron blades and cobbled together cuirasses; that is not the case here. The largest of three especially seems to have quite elaborate looking chainmail.

Aria pokes me in the shoulder and points out a route around the rocks to not far from the demons with her finger. I nod, and start to move in that direction in short bursts, just like I'm playing a cover based FPS. Not sure what they want me to do there now, but I’m thinking it looks like the safest spot for me to observe.

I watch Aria and Kiku split up as well as I fall prone on top of the rocks, looking down over the three guards, and wait for the girls assault.

I feel a little bit bad for this, but on the way here, Kiku did briefly explain that these demon troops were effectively the Special Forces. Their line and file troops are the replenishable zombie type things. So I imagine I would mostly just get in the way at the moment until I can make some more explosives. I hope the girls will be able to manage.

The battle below begins almost imperceptibly. A sword flies out of nowhere, straight into the helmet visor of the demon furthest from me.

I want to shout "one hundred an eightyyyyy!" to commemorate Kiku's Bullseye debut.

To the demons credit they react instantly to the blood gushing from their compatriot, rushing to Kiku's now exposed location.

But this is directly where Aria wants them, as she pops up from the other side and skewers the second smaller demon on her spear from behind. The demons chainmail buckles but simply cannot take a direct strike from that black spear amplified with her super strength, making his whole body cave backwards in a 'U' shape. It looked painful to say the least. I'm glad I’ve only received her punches.

She tears the spear free, red blood splattering her face, and swings it round in an arc to clash with the larger demons sword in a shower of sparks.

And I rapidly roll to the right.

What?!

An axe blade lands directly where my head was a second ago with a thunk.

Now looking up and behind, but still prone, I see an annoyed demon, much smaller and lankier than the ones below. It nearly axed me to the back the head!

I nearly piss myself. I fumble for my staff in panic but it drops off to the side. The demon grins menacingly, stomps a foot on my chest, winding me, and raises its battle-axe again to cut me in two before I can move.

Man... This is a pathetic way to go. Sorry Aria. Sorry Kiku. I close my eyes as the axe comes down.