One Versus Three

The other was a fire-breathing lizard that sported a redhead but a black body.

The final one was a gecko with slimy and sticky fluids dripping from its mouth; it had an albino complexion, and its razor-sharp tail gleamed at any slightest reflection of light.

These beasts surrounded Ji Min; they circled him, giving several taunting roars and hisses, seemingly waiting to lunge and barrage Ji Min should he make any slight movement.

Ji Min stood there with one foot stuck to the ground due to the gecko's slime, considerably reducing his mobility.

He wore a wicked and ruthless countenance and seemed to be giving off a very menacing vibe which seemed to be the only reason the beasts were yet to lunge at him.

[Sensei?] He called out.

[Young Lord, that Abyssal Medusa might have some level of resistance towards the tranquil poison due to its Petrification Venom being one of the most potent venoms within the Tranquil Poison.

Furthermore, the single rattle at the end of its tail shows that it has crossed the 100-year threshold, so it must have a considerable level of intuition or intelligence.] Sensei analyzed;

[But on the brighter side, it is also a juicy energy source, right?] Ji Min added as a smile crept up on his face, but it only made his expression crueler.

[As for that Lizard, its scales look tough, and you might be unable to cut through and envenom it; therefore, you might have to rely on brute force and hope it is weaker on the inside.] Sensei continued as Ji Min began to take mental notes and formulate a strategy.

[The most troublesome amongst them is that slimy gecko; just a bit of its slime managed to slow you down by 10 percent; if a more considerable portion of that slime gets on you, then I'm afraid things might get very grim.]

Sensei added as Ji Min looked at the trio, trying to scrutinize their weaknesses, but no matter how he thought about it, they were just like a perfect tag team.

[The Serpent would most likely be their attacking force, while the Gecko would try to support them with its sticky slime, then the Lizard would most likely try to get in my way of hurting them.] Ji Min deduced as Sensei gave a mental nod.

[True, but that is assuming that they are intelligent beasts who know each others' strengths and weaknesses well and can coordinate perfectly.] Sensei added as Ji Min shook his head.

[I think I should prepare for the worst-case scenario.] Ji Min added as he let half of the chains bound to his hands loose.

He grabbed the one on his left like a whip and then wrapped the one on his right hand around his fist.

[I cannot attack, defend and control the battle simultaneously, so I think I will have to bank on my reflexes to help me evade their attacks.] Ji Min continued to analyze as he then whipped the left chain at his legs.

Clang!

The chain hit the goo on his leg and splashed it all over the area while the chains on his leg absorbed the impact, transmitting only a little pain to him.

~Hnmm~

Ji Min gritted his teeth and bore the pain as he flexed his somewhat stiff right leg.

Roar!

The Fire-breathing Lizard bellowed at Ji Min before dashing towards him with flames spilling out of its maws.

[Sensei?]

[Don't worry, Young Lord; I've got you covered.]

With that single word of assurance, Ji Min bolted straight toward the gecko, and when he was halfway towards it, the fire-breathing lizard shot a stream of searing hot flames toward him.

Breaking his pause and taking three retreating steps, Ji Min managed to avoid the flames, and the moment he surveyed his surroundings, he realized that the Medusa was missing;

[From above!]

Sensei's warning came on time, but the serpent was a little faster than they had anticipated; thus, Ji Min could not avoid its tail lash.

"I've always wanted to test this; let's see who's stronger!" Ji Min bellowed as he stomped his left foot into the ground.

A spider-web of cracks spread all over the place as Ji Min borrowed the resultant momentum of the stomp to throw a vicious fist strike of his own.

Bang!

The duo collided, and Ji Min was forced to retreat about five steps while the serpent stood in place.

[Shit, this serpent is a little stronger than I am.] Ji Min cursed under his breath.

[Theoretically, that's wrong.

The only difference between you two is that it has had about 100 years to adapt to its Lord Stage strength, while you have yet to gain any form of mastery over yours at all; after all, you've only been here for approximately four months.]

Sensei consoled as Ji Min flicked the chain in his left hand, slamming it hard into the ground to cause some deterrence effect on the beasts.

The only response Ji Min got was another stream of flames headed towards him; instantly, he leaped toward a tree trunk in a bid to evade the searing-hot flames, but just as he was about to land, the serpent once again appeared in front of him with a countering tail strike.

[Shit, another tail lash!] Ji Min cursed as he increased his velocity, stomped his foot on the tree trunk, and redirected his trajectory.

Then just as he went airborne, the gecko suddenly spat a large clump of thick goo at him.

With the help of his sharp reflexes, Ji Min lashed out his chain toward the lizard; though it managed to evade the direct strike, the lizard was still too slow to avoid the chain wrapping itself on its hind leg.

Then with a firm yank, Ji Min pulled himself out of the goo's path as he and the lizard met mid-air.

Deng!

Ji Min sent a Lord Stage stomp at the lizard's flank, sending it flying to the side with a painful wail, before borrowing the momentum of the stomp to bolt toward the shocked and unsuspecting gecko.

With a furious grab of his fist, Ji Min delivered a vicious Lord Stage punch at the gecko, but the Serpent was quick to react, as it squirted its petrification venom at Ji Min.

Tissh!

The venom showered all over Ji Min's body, sending searing pains shooting through his body as his body began to petrify, slowing him down gradually.