My (Monster?) Hero Life

Chapter 13: Rare, Medium or Well Done?

In the end he chose [Padded Feet] and [Mind Numb]. To him these would be the best choices for an all around power boost as well as being suitable for interpersonal combat. These choices had placed his agility into the double digits, making him certain his reflexes would be faster than anyone else amongst the party.

He noticed that the others had already began to move off towards the Salamanders territory so he quickly caught up. Falling in with the rest of the rest of the party he felt his nerves grow tense. He was trying to decide whether to surprise them now or wait.

On one hand working with them to kill some of the great lizards would net him some good exp that he was sorely lacking in right now. The down side was that the party may ambush him during the fight which would place him in an extremely dangerous situation.

On the other hand he could cut his loses right now and take the initiative to attack. This would hand him a free surprise attack and he had already gained enough from Salamanders as is. Besides he would not be able to carry much more back with him anyway.

'Yeah, it's not much of a choice really.' he thought, knowing that only one option was really viable in his current situation.

He started sizing up what he uad now designated as his prey. 'So what would cause the most damage then?' he thought carefully. Taking his time he slowly moved through the group to walk besides Yasmin.

'Yeah, once I take her down that's them lost one of their skill users. On top of that it will be sure to deliver a mental blow.'

Toying with his shortsword inside his coat he moved to position himself in the centre of the party. In the hopes of using the sudden shock to take down at least one more.

As soon as he was certain of his positioning he deftly drew his blade aiming to slice open Yasmin's exposed throat.

"What the FUCK!" he yelled in astonishment.

Yasmin was staring at him with wide eyes as a semi transparent yellow barrier stopped his blade inches from her neck. His previous shout had drawn the attention of the others who had failed to notice what he had attempted.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOI.." Paul began to roar before catching one of Kace's concealed throwing daggers in his eyeball causing blood to erupt everywhere.

Unfortunately Jason was a bit more prepared and managed to get away with being grazed on his cheek by the one that had been sent flying towards him. As Paul fell to the floor with a heavy thud, having lost his life from the dagger piercing straight through into his brain, Connor in a panic was failing to draw his sword from its sheath.

Kace lashes out with brutal kick directly into his gut, sending him sprawling into the dirt wheezing. Yasmin furiously sent out a fist towards his jaw. The hair on Kace's arm began to stand on end, warning him of the imminent threat.

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Diving to the side he quickly tucked himself in, managing to perform a roll escaping the encirclement that he had placed himself into. With deep breaths he locked eyes with Jason who had moved to beside Yasmin. Connor on the other hand was still not faring well. Desperately trying to catch his breath.

"Hey Kace!" Jason's voice called out. "Tell me something. Since when have you known?"

"What!?" Yasmin cried out in shock staring at him.

"Well, I kind of guessed back in the Guild with the way you lot were acting. However you guys confirmed it yourselves as you made your way here!" Kace taunted, trying not to let his frustration enter his voice.

'I fucked up.' he thought to himself solemnly. 'Both of the more dangerous ones are still breathing. This is no longer ideal. I didn't expect her skill to be a defensive one.'

"Is that so?" Jason chuckled. "Then tell me this. Why didn't you escape when we sent you to scout?"

"Would you have let me go so easily?" Kace countered his argument.

"I s'pose not. You know, you're pretty sharp for a rookie." Jason shot a look that could kill at Kace while he said this.

Kace chuckled in response. Glaring at his opponents not wanting to miss a single movement. Connor had finally returned to his feet. Freeing his blade he stood there with a hateful look in his eyes. 'Guess he has nothing to say to me.'

Kace was outnumbered and tensions began to rise higher. It was Yasmin who made the first move. Dashing forward her speed was above his own, forcing him to rely on his greater agility to thwart her attempts. Connor was inching around towards his back and Yasmin would not allow him to move in a way to keep him in his sights.

The battle between the two of them was furious. As Kace was at his wits end trying to keep her at bay he felt something off with the surrounding atmosphere. Glancing out of the corner of his eye he noticed a wind building up around Jason who had kept his distance.

This immediately alarmed him. Causing him to become distracted which in turn allowed Yasmin to land a clean blow.

-20 HP

The notification floated in his vision. 'Shit, can't afford to take many of those.' This just confirmed his belief that he was outclassed in this fight. His only choice now would be to try and create an opportunity to escape. He could always ambush them during the return journey.

With this thought in mind he began to show hesitation in his movements. The more experienced group did not fail to miss this and pressed their advantage.

-20 HP

-15 HP

This pair of notifications were a result from a short two burst combo from Yasmin that slipped past his guard. Leaving Kace with pain throbbing throughout his chest.

At this point Jason was ready with the magic he had been channelling. A blade of wind formed from his hand. Using this opportunity he rushed into the fray. Kace had been struggling before but now it was only a matter of time until his doom. There was still one other opponent who had not joined in yet hiding in his blind spot.

He had no other choice but to go all out to save his skin!

[Kinetic Vision Activated]

This would not last for long so he had to make it count. As before everything slowed down allowing him a moment to catch his breath. The blows kept rushing at him, desperate to end his existence. Although his kinetic vision allowed him to be able to respond more easily the pair had such amazing teamwork and were so in sync with their movements he was left with no opportunity to go on the offensive.

[Instinct Activated]

This notification popped up as he felt an invisible force take control of his body. Just like a puppet on the end of its strings. He felt his body contorting itself as he performed a strange pivot.

With his eyesight he could see Connor with an outstretched blade passing through his previous position. A look of abstract horror on his face.

Directly in front of him now was Yasmin. Who was forced to parry his blade and receive his body in what had turned into a spectacular tackle. Sending them tumbling on the ground.

Jason only spared them a momentary glance before continuing the assault. His blows were fast and full of rage. Even without the other two Kace still had his hands full. He could not afford to attack recklessly for fear of the damage the wind blade would cause him.

'Fuck it! There's no better time than now!'

Kace used his mana to perform [Mind Numb]. An invisible cloud of mana washed over Jason who, even though he had sensed it, failed to react due to the close proximity between them. Not sensing anything abnormal about his condition he pressed on with a confused look in his eyes.

Kace only had to wait a few swings before it happened. As he watched Yasmin and Connor recover Jason's next swing appeared sluggish and lacking power. Kace smiled at this giving Jason a terrible feeling in his heart.

As the blow came down Kace dodged to the outside of his projected swing allowing him to catch Jason's arm in his hand. Mana gathered in his spare hand. Using this he cast [Spider Thread] in its solid form, skewering through Jason's thigh and into the ground. Pinning him in place.

He howled in pain as a despairing look appeared on Yasmin's face. Tears welling up in her eyes. Not yet fully recovered from the fall she did not have enough time to react.

Kace took Jason's face in his hand, turning it so that the two of them stared into each other eyes. His golden eyes glittered with triumph at having trapped his prey. Fear washed over Jason as he felt mana building around Kace yet again. Suddenly a fiery glow was reflected in Jason's eyes as he stared in horror as Kace's throat lit up from inside with the wrath of a volcano.

[Flame Spit]. This was what Kace had chosen to end this man's life with. He expelled the liquid fire from his mouth, instantly melting Jason's skin. As it slid from his face and burned it's way into his skull some remnants of it showered his body. Riddling him with molten holes.

"JASON!!!" yelled Yasmin, falling into the abyss of despair.