Duel

The chilling smile and blunt words sent shivers down everyone's spine. Several people examined the discovered weapons with curiosity, but they were clueless about how to wield them. If only they had turned to Varion for guidance.

"Everyone, the hunt is about to begin. I hope to see you again," Varion announced calmly.

With a bang, the stone wall opposite them opened, and Varion, accompanied by S20, swiftly disappeared into the opening. The others hesitated, unsure whether to follow. Eventually, they entered the passage Varion had taken, only to find themselves greeted by confusion. Initially faced with one passage, they now found themselves surrounded by five more, plunging them into darkness with no sign of Varion or the others.

"Damn, what now?" Stafford cursed, his frustration evident. "Let's follow the path leading to the exit," he suggested, the only logical course of action.

While they stumbled through the dark passages, Varion and s20 reappeared, having been present all along, invisible to the others.

"Commander, Predators has entered the Pyramids, and they're being pursued by aliens. There are still many inside," S20 reported.

Varion nodded thoughtfully. "Alright, let's follow them and see if these Iron Bloods are worth recruiting. Also, has the scientific research vessel arrived?"

"Yes, Mousse is controlling it. It's stationed on the other side of the Predator spacecraft," S20 confirmed.

In Varion's mind, a decision loomed—whether to confront the Predator Boys directly and seize their spaceship or let the Aliens aboard the Spaceship and then claim the vessel. The Predator Aliens posed a formidable threat but also presented logistical challenges.

Suddenly, S20's eyes glowed red as it unleashed a heat ray, disintegrating a dark object falling towards them—a face-hugging bug. Varion observed calmly as the creature was destroyed. These bugs multiplied rapidly, draining their host's energy within minutes and growing at an alarming rate.

"Commander, the passage has shifted," S20 alerted.

Varion frowned as they continued through the passage, encountering numerous aliens and face-hugging bugs.

"Hold on," Varion said, turning to face the darkness, a faint smile playing on his lips. He had sensed someone watching them. S20 followed his gaze, and they spotted a tall humanoid figure—a Predator.

"I know you understand Earth's language. Let's fight, one-on-one," Varion challenged.

With a bang, the ground shook, and dust filled the air as an electric current flickered, revealing the Predator on the other side.

"How about finding an open space for our duel?" Varion proposed.

The Predator considered their offer, intrigued by their fearlessness. These two were unlike any prey he had encountered before.

"Roar..."

With Varion and S20 leading the way, the Predator followed, seemingly accepting the challenge.

"It's quite peculiar. Here we have an interstellar civilization still adhering to such ancient and primitive traditions. Yet, it's precisely due to their bellicose nature that the entire Predator civilization has thrived and dominated in interstellar space," Varion mused.

Swish! A gleaming wrist knife materialized on the Predator's arm, radiating a sharp glint even in the dim light.

However, this Predator was merely a minor, akin to the teenage years of a human, despite their potentially lengthy lifespan of over 300 years. Predators lived in a matriarchal society.

"Roar..."

Beneath the mask, the Predator roared, its eyes fixed on S20, emitting a fierce and malevolent aura.

"Bring it on!" S20 challenged, goading the Predator into action.

Feeling provoked, the Predator couldn't resist. Gripping the wrist knife, it strode forward to engage. As it swung its arm, a burst of white light illuminated the air—the glint of the wrist knife.

Shila... A burst of fire erupted, briefly breaking the darkness.

The Predator froze, surprised by s20's lack of fear. But before it could react, s20 vanished.

Confused, the Predator turned, only to receive a powerful kick, followed by a swift punch to the forehead.

Who was this opponent? Surely not human. Could humans possess such speed and power? Countless thoughts raced through the Predator's mind. Despite considering asking for help, it feared appearing weak in front of the group.

Um?

S20 frowned as the Predator attempted to open its small computer, swiftly stepping on its arm.

"Thinking of cheating? Not happening!" s20 declared.

Zi... A red light struck the Predator's head, spraying green blood and leaving a burnt smell.

"How do you feel?" Varion inquired.

"Commander, three times the average strength of a human male, without the aid of technological items," S20 reported.

Varion nodded. "Not bad for a minor. With the right equipment, an elite team of human warriors may not stand a chance."

"Let's move on," Varion directed.

This particular Predator was not worthy of collection. Varion recalled the scar-equipped Predator with a spear among the three who performed the rite of passage. The spear held additional significance within the Predator race, serving as a standard weapon for the Elder Predator and indicating the scar's potential to age. Each weapon owned by the Predator signified completed hunts and their distinctiveness among their kind.

....

On the other hand, Peter and the others found themselves in a dire situation. A group of aliens trailed closely behind them, their comrades already captured and potentially becoming hosts for the creatures.

"Damn, what's going on?" Sidian exclaimed as they ran.

"I don't know, but now's not the time to talk. We need to hurry; those aliens vanished, but there might be something even more dangerous lurking," Woods urged, her eyes widening in fear. "Could there really be a Predator, like Varion mentioned?"

"It's possible," Sidian replied grimly.

DiDi Di Di Di Di Di Di Di Di... Sidian's watch beeped, indicating that ten minutes had passed. This meant that the Pyramids were active again, a glimmer of hope for them. Perhaps they could evade the pursuing aliens.

"Quick, here's a passage," Sidian pointed ahead.

The wall retracted to reveal a space inside, but they had no time to inspect it. It seemed to be filled with sculptures, extending further ahead.

"What...!" Peter crouched on the ground, terrified.

"You go! Leave me!" he pleaded.

But Woods refused to abandon him. "No, Sidian, help me."

"Damn," Sidian cursed, as they hurried Peter towards the emerging door, leaving behind the fallen flashlight. The sound of pursuit grew louder.

"Quick...!"

Damn, the door was already closing, and they wouldn't make it in time. Peter made a sacrifice, shoving Woods and Sidian away. "Go, leave me."

Sidian was stunned, but Woods insisted, "Take him with us, Sidian. He'll only die if he stays here." Despite her struggles, Sidian dragged Woods into the closing stone door.

The door sealed shut, leaving only a small opening, as the sounds of pursuit intensified.

"Peter? Peter...?" Woods called out.

Meanwhile, Peter readied himself, clutching an ice axe, prepared for a final stand.

"Clap clap clap...!" Applause echoed behind them.

Woods and Sidian turned, their flashlights illuminating the newcomers.

"Varion?"

Indeed, it was Varion and S20. With a structure diagram in hand, they easily found a route to catch up with the remaining group members.

"It's truly heartwarming. So, how many of you are left?" Varion remarked.

Woods scoffed, "You make me sick."

....

Free members can get a combo of 6+ advanced chapters from my books FOR FREE.

Join my P*atreon for early access to 60+ chapters ahead of the public release. 

Link : pa*treon.com/thebookaddict (Remove the *)