52 Inviting Disaster Upon One's Self (I)
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A few moments before the incident...
"With that being settled, let us venture into the depths then," Krone voiced in a lighthearted tone as he sheathed his two weathered sabers in the sheaths at his waist. The equipment of these mercenaries was long due for an upgrade. However, most of their acquired funds were instead funneled into cultivation resources.
While it wasn't a bad idea, it wasn't the smartest. Everyone knew good equipment went a long way once one acclimated to it. An upgrade in one rank of an artifact's grade surpassed that in which a small realm upgrade of cultivation could provide.
"Err, I don' think 'dis is the best idea fer' the group. The lad is stronger than typical chil'ren but I don' think he will suffice. He's not a Warrior," Vren said, trying to dissuade Krone from making this decision. After all, most of the defensive matters fell upon his shoulders. Hence, going up against even stronger Rank 2 Spirit Beast wasn't exactly in his plans.
"He may not be a warrior, but he understands the ways of killing," Slaid commented as he glanced at Krone. He then approached Vren before wrapping his arms around his shoulder and dragging him off to the side.
"Oi, listen up you blockhead. There's logic to my decision, take a look at that child's weapon. What grade do you suppose it is?"
For a moment, Vren turned back and gazed at the weapon at Apollo's waist but Krone smacked his head all of a sudden. "Damn, don't you know how to be inconspicuous?! For god's sake."
"Ouch, I'm thinking maybe this thing is a Rank 3!" Vren whispered animatedly while rubbing his head.
"Exactly my thoughts. Therefore, it's like this. With him as the fourth, we won't have to worry about failing to damage the beasts we encounter in the deeper recesses of the forest. Additionally, we don't necessarily have to reward him," Krone said as he winked and lowered his voice even more.
In return, Slaid gave a silent nod. Obviously, the two bore similar intentions.
Of course, this didn't escape Apollo's senses, yet he remained oblivious with a small smirk. Biding his time, he leaned against the tree as he watched his stamina returned to full. 'Late Stage Rank 1 requires more strength to cut, which in turn burns my stamina quicker without the use of my full strength. But it isn't time yet.'
"Ah! So that's ye' plan. Hehehehe, I like it. I'll get me some fine ladies and brew," Vren snickered as his mind wandered to the pleasures of both food and woman. What's a man without indulging in such basic delicacies?
"So play along. If my plan unfolds properly, we'll fetch a pretty penny. Keep in mind, hmmm…?"
Suddenly, Krone spared Apollo another glance before taking notice of a faint aura radiating from the pendant around Apollo's neck. Narrowing his eyes, he couldn't understand why he couldn't tell what it was, 'What grade is that item? The vibe from it is even rarer than the weapon. Perhaps this child does have some secrets. I didn't think he'd be from a large family, but perhaps that may be true. I'll have to make sure. Usually, those types of heritages have precautions set in place.'
"Hey, kid. What family do you hail from?" Krone asked with a seemingly harmless expression.
"None," Apollo replied without hesitating. At the same time, he kept his usual deadpan expression. Immediately, Krone's expression brightened, while a hint of excitement flashed within his eyes before returning to normal.
'Silly me, I almost made a mistake. Luckily, he's a child who doesn't seem to be aware of this world's unfairness. Truly a shame he isn't cognizant of the cruelties of this word. But, that makes it even better for us,' Krone internalized.
"I see. Then you're more than welcome to journey with us," Krone said with an earnest smile before turning around. Not long after, with Slaid and Vren in tow, they took the first step across a border that would soon become a nightmare.
The sky darkened continually as they moved with caution. Even the weakest beast in the area was a Peak Rank 1 Spirit Beast. However, Apollo looked back and took a mental note of the path they took just in case. Subsequently, he moved his gaze to their feet.
'They're leaving too many tracks. What kind of group are they? It should be basic knowledge to erase your tracks. After all, there are detection type beasts who-'
"Aowwwoooo!"
"Roooaaarrr!"
A deafening howl and thunderous roared echoed through the breadth of the forest. However, they came from opposing directions. The roar originated from in front of them, whereas the howl came from behind them. Luckily, the howl seemed weaker in strength and farther away.
Nevertheless, Apollo clicked his tongue in annoyance and withdrew the Dark Cutter before sprinting to a tree. 'Idiots! That wolf is tracking us. As for that other beast, it sensed us. How are these professional mercenaries? They must be too occupied scheming amongst themselves to take notice. Tch...'
Apollo remembered a situation that happened to him at the beginning of his training where he was ambushed by multiple beasts, leaving him utterly damaged so he reacted even quicker than the others.
The worst possible scenario in a battle was the advent of surprise attacks. Even more so when it pertained to having your back exposed, a perilous situation could easily appear from those conditions.
[Their obliviousness is shocking. But I commend your reactions. There is nothing direr, than having to split your attention at inopportune moments when embroiled in a difficult confrontation.]
'I know, I've learned from that mistake,' Apollo responded while silently surveying the trio's action. Withdrawing their weapons as well, they prepared for confrontation by entering a state optimal for battle.
Whoosh!
A golden streak dashed past the trio, coming to a skidding halt that revealed its appearance. A beast similar to a lynx, except it possessed a body many times larger than its general size. Furthermore, while the luster of its grey and gold fur radiated wisps of Natural Essence, its piercing silver eyes examined the trio and then shifted to Apollo who hid himself behind a tree.
'This may be problematic. I was barely able to discern its speed and it noticed me despite hiding. Not to mention…' Falling silent, Apollo frowned at the status which presented itself. It seemed as if he could never catch a break. He was always thrust into one perilous situation after the other. So much so, he was turning numb to the fact.
「Monster Name: Storm Colossus Lynx
Type: Variant
Rank: Middle Stage Rank 2 Spirit Beast
Health: 7,000/7,000」
〈System: Opponent is on par with a Rank 2 - 4 Zul Knight. Tread carefully.〉
'Fuck...' Apollo thought as he stood consumed by bewilderment. This was the first time he was facing off against a healthy Rank 2 Spirit Beast, one that was a Variant at that. Typically, he would run in this situation as he understood he wasn't their opponent just yet. However, he sensed the greed emanating from these mercenaries.
'Maybe...' Apollo thought, with a slight nod.
Still, glancing at the wisp of lightning snaking around the lynx's limbs, which were accompanied by light surges of wind caused Apollo's expression to darken noticeably.
"Damn, what a terrible mix of elements," Apollo muttered before abruptly widening his eyes. Finally, the lynx made another move, and it caused waves to take place throughout the trio of mercenaries!
Bang!
Its paw wreathed in a translucent and purplish glow slammed against Vren's greatsword. Widening his eyes in shock, he spat a mouthful of blood from the impact. Filled with indignation, he roared. "What de' FUCK! This is why I said nay' to this venture!"
'Hmm?!' Apollo squinted in the direction the fluctuations came from. It was in Krone's general direction! His dual sabers were sheathed in a scarlet glow. It felt similar to a feeling he couldn't put his finger on.
[This type of energy can be achieved in this world? I wonder what type of technique he cultivates to possess a rudimentary aura rivaling an infant demon.]
'Huh? I thought demons were non-existent in this world,' Apollo countered before scaling the tree he hid behind.
[It's not demonic, it's a derivative. It just seems similar to what our demons use. If I'm not mistaken, then…]
Skrreeeeeeeeeee!
A bloody screech was heard as Krone made his move.
