The movement of the horned mutant sent shivers down Chitra's spine. Fortunately, she was prepared for the battle to begin.
While Kain was healing from his injuries, the other warriors, including Chitra, were regaining their energy. That was just one of the reasons why they didn't attack the horned mutant as soon as they saw it.
Seeing the horned mutant sprinting towards her, Chitra decided to dodge the attack. In a direct physical confrontation, she was weaker than the horned mutant. So, she had to dodge it by any means necessary. If not, injuries would build up in her body easily.
"Swish..." The air pressure from the punch of the horned mutant brushed past her as she narrowly dodged its fist.
"Aaah!" Chitra groaned.
To avoid the attack, she had to contort her body into an unnatural position. The attack was too fast for her body to react normally. Thankfully, her combat sense and the intuition of the divine butterfly tribe allowed her to evade the attack.
"BOOM!" The attack that missed slammed against the outer wall of the giant underground hall. With a thunderous sound, the wall broke into a thousand pieces, scattering in the air.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Chitra distanced herself from the horned mutant.
Just one attack from the mutant was enough for her to gauge its strength. It became apparent that she would lose if the situation didn't change.
Meanwhile,
The protector of Karthi also deduced the obvious outcome of the battle after witnessing the scene. His extensive battle experience enabled him to objectively assess the scenario and take action.
He stealthily crept behind Karthi, gathering energy in his palm. He swiftly lifted his palm and struck Karthi's neck in one effortless motion.
The energy surged into Karthi's body, stunning him for a moment. Using this opportunity, the protector sent another wave of energy into Karthi's body to immobilize him.
Within seconds, Karthi lost his ability to move. His body went limp as he fell to the ground. The protector swiftly caught his body, preventing it from hitting the floor.
"I have no choice," he said, gazing at Karthi, who was rolling his eyes in anger.
Although immobilized, Karthi remained conscious. He could see and hear everything happening outside. He wanted to scream at his protector for doing this to him even though he knew the reasoning behind his action.
"Mr White-robe, it's time for us to part. If you want to escape, we can leave together," the protector said, ignoring Karthi's piercing gaze.
"You're free to leave if you wish," Alex replied, his gaze fixed on Kain.
"While it's regrettable that I have to abandon you, a warrior with the bloodline of the primal chaos tribe, I pray for your survival. May we meet again." The protector immediately decided to escape with Karthi without wasting any time.
He was entrusted with protecting Karthi with his life, and he was determined to fulfil that duty. This thought compelled him to forsake everyone else and flee. Even Alex, someone with the primal chaos bloodline strong enough to resonate with their blood, was abandoned to fulfil his mission.
Lifting Karthi's limp body and placing it over his shoulder, the protector dashed for the exit - the same route they had used to enter the underground hall.
"Do you believe you can escape this place?" Kain, who witnessed this, was irritated by the protector's actions. He was unwilling to let them flee.
Flexing his muscles, Kain rushed towards the exit to block the protector and Karthi. He wanted to test his new mutant body. However, a powerful kick pushed him back. Alex had intervened before he could reach the exit.
"Let them go," Alex said calmly after pushing Kain back.
He then took out two chairs and sat down on one.
"You'll miss the spectacle if you chase after them. Let's see how your greatest creation fares against a real tier 5 warrior," Alex suggested, tapping the chair next to him. He invited Kain to sit beside him and watch the battle between Chitra and the horned mutant.
Although Alex had given him a solid kick, Kain's now healed and enhanced body was completely unaffected. He brushed off the dirt from his robe and locked eyes with Alex.
Kain was now a mutant, a third-generation one without the weaknesses of the second-generation. Even though he was not as strong as the rampaging second-generation mutant, his physical abilities had greatly increased.
He had no reason to fear Alex.
Nodding, Kain walked over to the chair and sat down next to Alex. Alex's suggestion was too enticing to decline. Kain was someone who savoured his successes, and the horned mutant represented one of his greatest successes. Alex used this knowledge to capture his attention and prevent him from pursuing Karthi and the protector.
So, like old friends, they sat side by side and began to observe the battle between the horned mutant and Chitra.
-
Meanwhile, Chitra was locked in a desperate battle with the horned mutant.
The initial attack had been straightforward and crude. However, as time passed, the mutant began employing intricate attack patterns that were increasingly difficult for Chitra to evade. Despite twisting and contorting her body in unnatural ways, evading the mutant's attacks became more and more challenging.
One might have expected the mutant to tire and slow down after expending so much energy on its attacks. But even in that regard, Chitra received unfortunate news - the horned mutant showed no signs of slowing down in the least.
"Who do you think will emerge victorious?" Alex asked Kain, who was seated nearby. He was curious to hear Kain's response.
"Why even bother asking? The outcome of this battle is already predetermined. The tier 5 warrior from the divine butterfly tribe can't possibly defeat my masterpiece."
"And how can you be so certain?"
"How can I not be?" Kain smirked. With an eerie smile, he continued, "I have yet to issue the command to eliminate its enemies. The creature is merely toying with its prey." Kain declared proudly.
'Interesting, that explains how Chitra is managing to dodge the monster's attacks,' Alex thought as he observed the battle through his mana vision.
'While it's difficult to precisely gauge the energy within a tier 5 warrior's body, I can perceive the energy density within the horned mutant's body. The energy it expends in its attacks, compared to its actual reserves, is minuscule.'
'Chitra is struggling just to dodge these attacks. I can't fathom how she would evade more powerful attacks if the creature were to utilize more energy.'
'Furthermore, with each passing second, the creature is refining its combat techniques. Just as I anticipated, it's far more intelligent than any of the second-generation mutants I've encountered.'
'Escape is the only viable option now. I can't hope to stand and win against it. If only I had an opportunity to eliminate that wretch, Kain.' Alex admitted his powerlessness while glancing at the excited Kain.
'Even with my newfound strength, I still feel utterly impotent. I am pretty useless, aren't I?'
Alex's observations were on point. He was pretty and useless at the same time.
"What would happen once you order the horned mutant to kill its prey? After all, Just like that monster, Chitra has yet to show her full power. I presume you're aware that a tier 5 warrior possesses the unique ability to summon their spirit guardian for a brief duration. How do you think your creation will fare against such an ability?"
"Naturally, it will prevail. If you believe this is the mutant's final state, you're sorely mistaken. At its peak, it can absorb far more energy. But that's a matter for later; I'm in no hurry to destroy my toys. I want to witness its growth gradually—"
"—If possible, I want to capture a live tier 5 warrior for experimentation. Let's say that's the compensation for destroying all my plans."
As Alex heard Kain's words, an ominous feeling gripped him. Yet, there was nothing he could do to prevent what was about to unfold. Once again, he found himself wishing for a miracle. Some aspects were beyond his control, and this sensation of powerlessness lingered, stifling him.
'My future is bleak as usual. It seems like the world won't allow me to live a peaceful life.'
Still, his mind raced, attempting to absorb all the information Kain had generously shared.
'The horned mutant has untapped growth potential. It's capable of absorbing much more energy. Kain's interest lies in capturing Chitra alive, exploiting her vulnerabilities.'
While Alex pondered, Chitra felt the grip of exhaustion tightening around her. Each passing moment drained her strength, while the horned mutant seemed to grow even more relentless.
In this fleeting skirmish, she had already sustained minor injuries. Her clothing bore multiple tears, some stained with her blood.
'I can't afford to hold back any longer. Delaying tactics won't suffice. The time to act is now.' Chitra's decision was abrupt; she leapt backwards, her crystalline eyes emanating an intense gleam.
Something deep within her was being awakened.
Without allowing the horned mutant a chance to react, she channelled a tremendous surge of energy. Delicate tendrils of power extended from her, entwining with the ceiling's architecture, temporarily slowing her adversary's advance.
"Spirit Guardian Summoning," she declared resolutely, her hands pressed to her chest.
R𝑒ad latest chapt𝒆rs at freew𝒆(b)novel.c(o)m Only