Chapter 16

As they moved closer towards the western exit, the number of Scavengers increased in geometric progression. Their progress slowed down as they mostly circled around instead of fighting. Sunny's shadow proved to be their lifesaver in the unknown land. Kiyotaka constantly analyzed the Labyrinth and its changing patterns, sharing his speculations with Sunny.

His incredible problem-solving ability greatly helped them, making their progress not as slow as it would have been. Members of the cohort were always amazed at Kiyotaka's analytical skills and gradually trusted his judgment more and more.

After some time, Sunny received an Echo of a Carapace Scavenger that increased their travel speed. It also helped them save energy as they didn't have to walk anymore.

Somehow, they made it out of the Labyrinth despite the swarm of hungry scavengers. Fighting their way through, they moved west towards Ashen Barrow, a tall hill capable of becoming a real island once the water rose at night. Its shape was of a colossal barrow, covered in gray sand left behind by dead coral. This hill resembled a mountain of ash crowned by a giant tree at its peak.

As they were resting on top of a cliff near Ashen Barrow, they suddenly saw a creature they had never seen before.

The creature was as large as a house, with its eight segmented legs resembling tall pillars. Its form was similar to that of scavengers and centurions, comprised of a crab-like carapace and a protruding, somewhat humanoid torso. However, this was where the similarities ended.

Instead of chitin, the behemoth's shell was seemingly made out of polished, lustrous metal. It was as though its whole body had once been submerged into a crucible of molten steel, emerging from it encased in an impenetrable suit of shining armor.

It was close to Ashen Barrow, seemingly protecting the area by killing anything that dared to trespass. For the cohort, it became like a wall on their way towards the west.

As they looked at it, Nephis spoke.

"Let's kill it."

Sunny's eyes went wide as he looked at Nephis.

"Are you crazy? Can't you see that towering Awakened Demon? Demon, I say!"

Kiyotaka chimed in.

"We can do it. With careful planning, taking that guy out should be feasible."

Sunny didn't know what to say anymore, so he just stood next to Cassie, the only person he deemed not crazy.

As they carefully planned their strategy, it was divided into three steps:

1. Lure the demon to a favorable position.

2. Entrap him.

3. Finish him off.

---

The Corrupted Demon was guarding the path towards the Tree as always, eternally devoted to his duty. Suddenly, it saw a human in a red tunic looking at it, emanating bloodlust.

Without any thought, it moved to kill the trespasser. As it swung its massive claw with frightening speed, the human turned around and dashed away, barely dodging the strike.

Displeased with its own incompetence, the Demon chased and struck again with more speed but failed to kill the annoying human yet again. The chase continued as the demon soon found itself between two high cliffs.

Suddenly, a strange hollow Scavenger bit its leg, diverting its attention. As it was about to step on it, the human who did nothing but retreat suddenly dashed at it with the speed close to the level of Awakened. A red aura was emanating from him, fueled by bloodlust.

Ayanokouji engaged in melee. But he wasn't alone; Nephis came from the side. As they both clashed against the demon, sustaining light injuries from time to time, they tried to create an opportunity for Sunny, who was lurking in the shadows. When the opportunity arrived, he struck with his sword at its vulnerable torso. The sword dove deep into the demon's flesh as it shrieked in pain. But it wasn't dead; it madly swung its arm at Sunny, ignoring the attacks of the others. Sunny, according to the plan, grinned and retreated to the shadows before the Corrupted Knight had a chance to counterattack.

This created an opening for Nephis and Kiyotaka as they attacked the demon with their own swords. This type of fight continued for a while. Both parties were seriously tired, and heavy wounds started to accumulate on the melee fighters' bodies. Soon enough, the demon faltered, and Nephis set it ablaze with her Aspect Ability, despite suffering from using the Aspect. The demon fought relentlessly yet couldn't help but fall as Sunny delivered the final blow to its exposed back.

After the fight, Nephis forced herself to heal Sunny and Kiyotaka despite the pain she felt. Soon, all of them slumped down and rested, with Cassie cooking them the demon's meat.