Chapter 698: Chapter 698: I Won’t Hesitate to Kill You
"Alright, guys, it’s been a month since we took down Baraqiel. We’ve got through two months of training in here thanks to the time dilation, which leaves us with a bit under ninety days to complete the trial.
Like we discussed before, the time limit is unlikely to be a significant factor, but we shouldn’t drag things out any further.
It’s time to make our next move, and once we eliminate the second Angel, we’ll have close to three months left to target the third and final Angel. That about sums up our current situation," I remarked, as I glanced around at the others.
Today’s the 20th of April, 2172, aka 4/20. Ordinarily, I’d be gorging myself on weed right now. But given the circumstances, getting stoned is the last thing on my mind right now.
"So, what’s the plan, exactly? Even though things have changed, we don’t really have any options besides the same strategy we went with last time," Responded Ciel with a frown.
"<Yeah, this is going to be a pain, the odds are stacked against us>," Sighed Rex warily.
"Well, I can’t deny that. But, yeah, our strategy this time isn’t too different from our last one. I’ll sneak into Sanctuary Alpha, find the Angel, let you guys out, and then, we attack. Ideally, we’ll force the Angel to use Ascent before any Hunters, particularly Jaden or Aria, have a chance to enter the fray. Considering that Jaden lives in Sanctuary Alpha, avoiding him is the bigger concern," I pointed out.
"Yeah, it’ll take a while for Ariella to get to Sanctuary Alpha from Theta. Even with a Teleporter, it should take at least a few minutes for word to reach them," Nodded Cleo in agreement.
"Hey, that Pilfer ability that lets you temporarily steal a Skill, why don’t you target Ascent or the Angel’s other Divine Arts?" Suggested Alkimia thoughtfully.
"I did consider that, but I’m not so sure it’s the best move. Using Pilfer on Ascent might’ve worked on Baraqiel, but with these two Angels, they’ve got their wings and Halos out by default, which could mean that they’re at full power at all times. In which case, them activating Ascent might have no other effect than casting that inescapable barrier.
If it does turn out that Ascent also works as a power boost, I’ll definitely seriously consider using Pilfer to steal it. But otherwise, targeting Status Effect Immunity is our best option. Between Command and my other debuffs, not to mention Cleo’s poison-based Skills, taking Status Effect Immunity away from the Angels will give us so many more options to work with," I replied objectively.
"All this is assuming that we’re fighting the Angels while they’re by themselves. But based on our fight against Baraqiel, it’s clear that the Angels are going to hold off on using Ascent for as long as they possibly can, so the chances of having to fight Jaden, Ariella and other Hunters is pretty high. How should we approach things if it comes to that?" Inquired Cleo, a conflicted look on her face.
"We’ll just have to knock them out and set them aside, that’s our only real option," I sighed wistfully.
"Nah, fuck that. You idiots can do what you want, but if anyone tries to fuck with me, they’re dead," Declared Leto without hesitation.
"Maybe we should leave you in here," Muttered Ciel with a grimace.
"Um, I don’t think I’ll be much help against the Angels, so I’ll try to handle any others who get dragged into it. Status Effect Immunity doesn’t work on the chemicals I create, a bit of chloroform should do the trick," Chimed in Alkimia.
"Oh, yeah, that works. Sounds good, we’ll be counting on you, then," I nodded, giving her a thumbs up.
"And what if they regain consciousness midway through? The best option is to just kill them," Scoffed Leto coldly.
"For the last time, we’re not killing anyone besides the Angels, dipshit," I uttered, doing my best to keep my cool.
"Hah, you’re only saying that because one of the people who could end up interfering is your girlfriend! Get over that shit, she doesn’t even know who you are right now! Seriously, use your fucking head and kill the bitch, you can just find a new one after-...agh!" He gasped, as I lunged at him and grabbed him by the throat, lifting him off his feet as I tightened my grip.
"Not. Another. Word."
"I-I’m not scared of you! Y-You know I’m r-right, so-...!"
"<Mana Pulse>."
"F-FUCKKK!!! Wha...?!" He cried out in agony, before I hurled him away with a snap of my arm, a loud thud ringing out as he slammed onto the wall in that direction.
He coughed sharply as blood poured out of his mouth, trembling in agony as he shakily lifted his head and met my gaze with a vicious death glare.
"Normally, I wouldn’t be too happy about you violently lashing out like that...but he was asking for it," Remarked mom with a frown.
"That’s putting it lightly," Added Ciel icily.
"F-Fuck all of you, I swear I’ll...!" He uttered maliciously, before coughing raspily.
"Hey, I don’t think we should take him with us. At this point, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t stab us in the back," Spoke up Cleo.
"Yeah, that’s pretty much a given. But we don’t have much of a choice. Since we can’t summon the Apostles and Spirits, our options are limited. And if nothing else, I doubt he’s stupid enough to pull something like that during the trial. He doesn’t stand a chance of defeating the Angels by himself, after all," I pointed out, before adding as I glanced at him, "But just so we’re clear, right now, you need us a hell of a lot more than we need you. Try anything and I won’t hesitate to kill you on the spot. Are we clear?"
"Tch...," He clicked his tongue as he averted his gaze and got back onto his feet, his shoulders trembling as he clenched his fists.
Damn it, this tension is the last thing we need right now. Oh, well, no point in dwelling on it, it’s too late for that.
"I’ll take that as a yes. Now, then, use the scroll I gave you to heal yourself and get ready. We’ll be heading out shortly."
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