A Story of Evil

Chapter 173: Hunting

"In position yet?" Sol said through the communication bracelet in a low and almost inaudible tone.

"Working on it." Nathan replied, his careful footsteps also being heard by Sol.

"Same here." Was Hendrickson's reply. Trying to be as careful as Nathan but failing miserably.

"Take your time guys. Just remember that the whole plan would go down the drain if they notice our movements. And the longer we take, the higher the chance of that happening." Sol reminded.

"That doesn't sound very convincing my king."

"Oh it's not meant to convince Rick."

It was already late in the afternoon. The group was within another city like area which sat at the far left from where the cliff was. They only chanced upon the place but, as soon as they entered, they were welcomed by a group of goblins which tried plundering from them while attempting to steal the women. Unfortunately, the goblins chose the wrong targets and were disposed of immediately.

They weren't the only ones that attempted this. The group passed by two more nests of monsters. Having to eradicate all the monsters on both areas as they needed to pass through. The words of Damian didn't apply at that moment because, if they didn't kill the monsters, then they were the ones that would be killed. It was a simple rule of the jungle and, they were just following it for their own preservation.

However, they were far from actually finding any clues or hints on a new crystal location. At the moment, the group was simply focused on paving a path for themselves while also securing a location which they can use to camp for the night. After all, the sky was already painted by sunset and it wouldn't take long for darkness to finally come back.

Sol didn't like the idea of setting up camp in the dead of night when they couldn't see anything. He wanted to avoid it as much as possible. That's why they were on the situation they were in.

Their target for that afternoon were a group of armadillos. These creatures had spikes and scales on their bodies which made them look even sturdier. Unfortunately, these are creatures which the domains have yet to see in the Cullings. And so, there was no information on them.

Luckily for them however, these monsters almost has the same level as Sol. Hence, the paladin was able to take a good look at their information.

[Name: None]

[Monster Type: Armadillo]

[Specification: Armored Offensive Type]

[Level: 20]

[Information: Apart from their naturally sturdy exoskeleton, these monsters also have spikes around their body which can be used as projectiles. The said spikes are as sturdy as the exoskeleton and works as a form of spell. Making its use available as long as the monsters have mana]

[Information: The same spikes are used like a morningstar's when the armadillo takes its defensive curl form. Creating an absolute defense while also being able to move at high speed as they roll in the battlefield.]

[Information: These monsters are collectively deadly and must be avoided if a proper preventive measure has not been made.]

It is because of this very same set of information that Sol and his team was taking great caution. With the nature of the armadillos, no other monster nest was nearby and, neither were hunter monsters nearby. They do not look like monsters that could easily be eaten even when killed. A combination which made them an instant repellent no matter how strong another monster pack may be.

Sol wanted to maximize this. To catch the monsters by surprise and kill them before they could take their defensive form. This was the shortest and safest route they could take. One which he carefully planned out and, was ruined by Hendrickson at that moment.

The big guy suddenly stepped on the edge of the high spot he was on. This made him fall down to the middle of the armadillos while making enough sound to alert them.

"That idiot." Sol thought as he commanded:

"Now!"

"Gladly." Cain said in reply, finally revealing himself as he threw a set of grenades at the armadillos. These began releasing gas even before they dropped to the ground. Creating a makeshift mist that blocked the vision of the monsters.

Then it was time for Jade, Alice, and Sol who went down to face the vision obscured monsters. All of them had a skill which allowed them to navigate even in such a situation. Giving them the upper hand in the fight. Aside from this, their weapons were also extremely sharp. Sol's Void Sword, Alice's enchanted weapon and, Jade's halberd, all had properties which countered the armadillos completely.

Meanwhile, Hendrickson's only job was to serve as a distraction at that point. With him falling down he had no choice but to activate his steel body as the armadillos relentlessly attacked him.

"I could use some help here guys!" He screamed, already being bombarded by the iron spikes of the armadillos which easily chipped away his skill.

"Don't be such a pussy Rick. You chose that on your own." Alice commented, seemingly flying through the filed of smoke. Even if the armadillos could see her, it would be too late as she would already be in an attacking motion. As for her feet, it's movement was so light that the armadillos could only hear their own movements and not hers.

Meanwhile, Sol and Jade were just as quick in dealing with their opponents. Jade in particular had the length of his halberd to thank for. Allowing him to thrust even without getting close enough for the monsters to see his body. This gave him the upper hand. Piercing through them and making them explode with his green flames from the small wounds he creates that pierces through the exoskeleton of the monsters.

As for Solomon, his [Spatial Awareness] was enough to restore his vision. The smokescreen didn't impair him as much as all the others and, he was able to execute a set of fluid motions over and over again. Not even having any hard time killing the armadillos as his void sword could virtually cut trough any physical object.

Of course the monsters tried fighting back. In fact they even entered their defensive ball spike form. Running around the filed of smoke in hopes of hitting their prey. But since they were blind, their chances were close to zero. And even when they were lucky enough, the only member of the team they ever hit was Hendrickson. A man who finally got used to the beating and reactivated his steel body over and over again in order not to get killed.

"Can't you guys go any faster!"

"Working on it!" Alice replied, actually having fun with all the beating which the steel user was getting. She didn't like her allies getting killed but, Hendrickson was far from dying. That's why she simply entertained herself in the torture he was receiving.

"Guys stop goofing around. Sunset is almost up." Sol reminded.

"So you were really fooling around!" Hendrickson shouted.

"Ahh quit complaining. You're not gonna die big guy." Alice commented, slicing another armadillo in half.

"That's not a valid excuse!" Hendrickson declared, getting the laughter of the other members of the team.

Just as Sol dictated, the fight finally reached its climax. With their numbers rapidly decreasing, the remaining armadillos were not much of a threat anymore. There were only ten left in total and, this was the only time when the smokescreen completely vanished.

The other members of the team who were lying in wait finally came down. Cinder whistled calling forth the direwolves which ran down on the armadillos. Meanwhile, Hendrickson vented out his anger on the remaining monsters. Taking out his claymore and activating the chainsaw.

He then focused on three armadillos which went for him. The steel user didn't hesitate to make one full vertical swing, catching one which was stopped on its tracks. The creature continued spinning despite this while the two which evaded continued attacking Hendrickson.

But at that point, nothing could move him anymore. With all the beatings he got, Hendrickson was already partly numb from their attacks. He thus focused on the armadillo he caught. Making his weapon's chainsaw spin in full throttle, against the armadillo which continued spinning as well. Sparks flew as the other members of the team watched the scene. Already finished with the other seven which remained.

"My bet is on the armadillos." Cain said.

"Same here." Jade added.

They watched the intense battle unfold and, after ten seconds, the victor finally came out. Hendrickson's chainsaw began breaking through the exoskeleton of the armadillo. It tried escaping and, the attack of the other armadillos also attempted to knock him out. But Hendrickson did not yield.

"HAAAAAA!" He screamed, making teh veins on his arms protrude as he finally slammed the ground with his claymore. Cutting the armadillo in half.

He then caught the two remaining armadillos. One on each had. He forced all of his armor on his hands and, began hitting them against his chainsaw sword which was half buried in the ground. It was a grotesque sight but nevertheless enjoyable. And after one whole minute of this torture, Hendrickson came out victorious.

"Good job Rick." Sol said impressed by the display just like everyone else.

"Yeah that's right! It's a good job alright" Hendrickson repeated, puffing out his chest in achievement. Meanwhile everyone began preparing for the night that was to come. All of them being sad that the armadillos lost.