Chapter 37: Chapter 37- Ambush
Chapter 37- Ambush
The green fire consumed everything in its path. It didn’t stop at all, like a hungry beast with an insatiable appetite. A normal fire would’ve already died down with the overwhelming wave that crashed into it, and yet this fire seemed to only thrive from that hardwood.
The chief’s expression changed subtly as he felt immense pressure slam into his body, making him step back. His face darkened the more he realized that the fire wasn’t stopping at all.
However, he was no small fry either, as he channeled all his essence. The wood branched out, forming a massive wall against the fire. The wall was several meters thick, enough to block missiles and large explosions, let alone a fire.
"Hahaha, try your best, chief. The divine fire will consume everything you cherish in this world." The man said. "Your rune and your people will be swept away. But, fear not, you will be a very much appreciated stepping stone in our path toward the truth."
"Hnng..."
"Chief!"
The battle around them didn’t stop that entire time. The Hunters were all fire users so the Wood Folks were completely pressed. Burn marks formed on their bodies as they clashed violently with their enemies.
*CLING*
The weapons, being made out of wood, caught on fire. The two sides battled fiercely, but it was clear the Hunters were winning.
"Where do you think you’re going?!" Seeing that one of the Wood Folks tried to rush to help his chief, one of the hunters used that opportunity and attacked. Slashing with his burning blade, he left a deep mark in the man’s back as he fell to the ground, crying in agony.
"No!!!"
The entire place was submerged in turmoil as the first Wood man fell. The rest tried to recover, but the hunters found that loophole and used it instantly.
It was as if the entire battle shifted completely. All it needed was one fallen man, and the entire group felt a strong hit to their morale.
"... Zen," Cipha muttered as she noticed the shift, and her face darkened.
"I know," Zen replied. He knew that the battle wasn’t going to last long. They were going to lose miserably and get massacred. However, Zen didn’t move. "Not yet. We can’t expose ourselves yet. We need the perfect opportunity."
"..." Cipha clenched her fists tightly, fighting the urge to run out and kill all these bastards. But, she knew that would only make the situation worse, and she can’t afford to do that when it was already bad enough.
"Let’s go," Zen said. "I have an idea."
"..."
With that, the two started making their way around, using the leaves and bushes to their advantage to stay hidden while closing the distance down toward the Hunters.
Meanwhile, in the heart of battle, the fire had already consumed its way through everything and reached the hard wall before it started violently burning it down. A hole was carved into it within seconds.
"...!!" The chief tried to form even more wood to stop the fire. But, it was pointless. Everything was being consumed rapidly, and before he knew it, a gap appeared in the wall and through it, he saw his enemy emerge like a flash.
*BANG*
Before he could even react, he found himself flying several hundred feet back before slamming into a tree violently. All the air was knocked out of his lungs as he struggled to even move. He stared up, his heart racing wildly as he saw the Nar leader approaching him.
In his hand was a burning sword, swaying gently with his walk.
"Fire consumes wood. Fire consumes anything in its path. It burns and leaves nothing but ashes. The divine fire is the true monarch of this world." He said with a terrifying look on his face. "You aren’t to be blamed, chief. You were just another unfortunate soul in the path of the Divine Fire."
"..." The chief breathed heavily as he stared up.
"The rune of reality is something we need to achieve our true goal. "Fear not, it will be in good hands."
"You... monsters... Will never... gain that kind... of power..."
"Hm? You think? You are so naive, chief. I expected way more from someone who lived for hundreds of years. This world doesn’t really care whether you’re a monster or not..." The man crouched down and stared into his eyes. "It only cares whether you are strong enough or not."
"..."
The chief clenched his teeth angrily, but he couldn’t move. The hit was extremely hard, and the burn marks on his chest dug deep into his flesh.
"Sigh, anyway, let’s not waste any more time. I need to get this over with quickly." The man said as he brandished his sword and aimed it at the chief’s head. "Farewell, chief. Your people will follow you soon enough."
Then, he lifted the sword, ready to slice his head off. The chief closed his eyes as he stopped moving completely. He felt the power seep out of him as he realized that his death had come.
’I’m sorry... I’m truly sorry... Oh, great goddess... We have let you down.’ He thought to himself as the bitter feeling filled his heart.
He couldn’t believe that he would let down his people and their sacred temple. He never thought everything could end so quickly. However, what frustrated him even more was the fact that... Humans have grown so strong. Since the last time he encountered them, they had evolved so much, and their powers have become far more volatile and unpredictable.
’They have evolved... again. Unlike any other creature, these monsters never cease to evolve.’ He thought to himself as he watched the blade descend on him. "You... monsters..."
*Swish*
Suddenly, something shifted out of nowhere. The chief heard a sizzling sound as he saw a flashing light appear in his vision.
*BANG*
An electric shock slammed into the spot where the Nar leader stood. It all happened so quickly that he could barely react.
"Hm." The Nar leader reappeared a few dozen meters away. He was able to sense the attack and dodge it in time. ’Intruder?’
Looking up, he saw a silhouette emerge from the forest as it attacked him instantly. The electricity coursed through the ground, attacking him from every angle. The man leaped in the air as he locked eyes with the intruder.
"Hm?" The moment he saw her face, his eyes widened. "Is that..."
Before he could even finish that thought, he saw Cipha throw her sword like a javelin at him. Since it was charged with electricity, the blade was shining with a bright light as it reached him in less than a second.
*CLING*
Using his blade, he deflected the sword with ease. ’What is this supposed to be? She surely doesn’t think this could’ve worked.... Righ-’
Right as he landed on the ground, suddenly, a shadow appeared behind him. For a second, the man was completely shocked. He didn’t notice anyone behind him a second ago.
’Where?!’
His eyes looked back, just as the blade sank into his flesh. His body moved instinctively as he unleashed his aura, pushing the attacker back while he jumped away. His hand held his side as he felt blood gushing out of the injury.
He was injured... very badly.
