"When my circle got smaller, my vision got clearer. There is strength in loyalty, not numbers" -Trent Shelton
FRANCISCO POV
There were several gasps as the soldiers leapt back to a safe distance. Steal sang as we drew our swords. I spun to the side as the Rotbeast's claws shot through the air to where I had been standing.
The Rotbeast had no reason to attack us in a group, but we had to do everything in our power to prevent it from rushing to harm the merchandise in the carriage. My men encircled the beast closing off it's escape route. I cackled with laughter as the monster had unknowingly put itself into the worst possible position. The Rotbeast would serve well as our trophy.
The monster launched another attack at my men in the hopes of thinning the crowd. Percival deflected the strike with his blade, but the swift attack sunk deeply into Bors' shoulder.
Growing up isolated in the woods with my father I was taught skills that were needed to survive in this peaceful, yet catastrophic world. Joining Sardis' Militia emphasized the skills that I'd been taught while bringing me closer to these men. They were the only family outside of my father that I had ever known. I had trained them in the way of the sword, sparing them the a boring life of a farmer. Fury built up in my throat as I saw Bors bleeding profusely; but my training prevented me from releasing this rage onto the varmint. This was not my fight, I wanted this to be a learning experience for my 'family.'
|"Humans like animals treasure their own peace and comfort, wishing upon themselves not to become prey" I said "They hunt when they are hungry, and live peacefully thereafter…"
Percival nodded his head persistently as he devoured the toothsome meal that litter our table. The candlelight flickered endlessly illuminating my irritated face in the darkness. I watched as the youngsters mouths watered with anticipation, but at least had the courtesy to hear me out.
"Listen, you fool!" I barked angrily "Wars are never won by a single one person, they're won through troops of soldiers. Individually you can cause a ripple in the ocean, but together you can create tidal waves."
"If you want to go fast, go alone …" Gawain continued with a sigh "If you want to go far, go together."
"Do you have a head injury, old man?" Percival said reaching for my fork. "I got the words carved into my heart, why'd you gotta repeat it every damn day?"
"I just hope you all don't fight with reckless abandonment" I said slapping Percival's hand from my fork "when faced with an enemy stronger than yourselves."|
The Rotbeast threw its weight onto Percival. As they fell, it bashed Percival's head into the dirt road. Not having the patience to see if the man had died, the beast continued it's onslaught, spinning around to claw at Bors' throat.
A loud snap sounded as a crossbow bolt whipped into the Rotbeasts rear. Ice quickly spread from the wound. The Runic Crossbow was a gift to Rainard from his father. He never let it go even in his sleep like a child clinging onto his favourite toy, but this child never got bored of his toy. The beast roared in anger snapping the ice into small glass-like shards. In a movement faster than thought, it launched itself at the man.
I smirked as Gawain intercepted. He feigned a slash with his greatsword. The Rotbeast raised its arm to deflect the strike, unknowingly leaving itself open to Gawain's true intentions. I burst with pride as Gawain slipped under the beast's guard landing a blow to its chest causing it to tumble backwards as if hit with an artillery shell.
Breaking away from his daze, Rainard launched another crossbow bolt at the Rotbeast. Taking the bolt to the arm, the elements had no time to converge as it continued until it burst free from the other side.
With a shnick, Rainard reloaded his crossbow possibly hoping to freeze it's exposed heart. The beast dove to the side dodging the bolt by a mere inch. The Rotbeast frantically drew back while hope dwindled in its eyes.
"Shit" The wind crackled. I watched stunned as the Rotbeast's aura suddenly grew exponentially while it shrunk in size. It's skin showed signs of rupturing as smoldering red stripes took the skins place.
The ground shock as I disappeared from my position, appearing before the beast. Intending to draw my sword, I was instead hurled back fifty paces. Slamming into a boulder, I grit my teeth with fervour. The searing pain was so intense that all of my muscles locked up. I became no more than a statue.
The monster ran towards Rainard, who realized too late that he wouldn't be able to reload in time. Unable to draw his sword, the Rotbeast spun the man in circles with his immense strength before releasing him like a cannonball with a set course into the woods.
An bestial snarl crawled it's way up Gawain's throat "I'll kill you." He lunged, swinging his greatsword and missing. The Rotbeast slammed him to the ground, burying punches, over and over again.
Primal Fury. The power to tap into a animalistic rage that vastly improves the capacity to inflict and take damage which would be impossible in their standard state. Activated through fear and anger, it is present in any sentient lifeform. Their only thoughts morph into fighting and reverting back to their usual state of mind is scant. Though their performance become affected by the after-effects quickly after activating such demonic skill.
"Heavenly Father of Fire, I worship you in awe, in your strong hands, I place my life today" I muttered "Pyrokinetic Exoskeleton"
Flames burst forth encircling me in a never ending dance. I felt my muscles bulge nearly tearing my armour apart as I gained another spring to my step. I fired several daggers as I made my way towards the beast at astonishing speeds.
"Burst"
The daggers which wedged themselves into the critters arm burst into flames melting the Rotbeast's already thin skin to its bone. I drew my longsword which swiftly became coated into flames.
I launched a series of attacks against the Rotbeast, managing to burn one of it's eyes into ashes. The monster descended even more deeply into madness. I struck the beast's lung with my sword, but the effects that I hoped for were far from satisfactory. It continued to rain down blows on me which I swiftly deflected.
I lurched to the side, but was shot down to the earth depressing it by a meter. My breath caught in my throat as I coughed out spewed out red clouds of blood. With grim determination, I dragged myself of the ground. Grabbing ahold of my longsword I once again rampaged towards the Rotbeast.
Faster. I needed to be faster. Gaining momentum, at breathtaking speeds I slashed across the beast's throat. It's head fell to the ground as the battle which seemed to last forever was finished within mere moments. I turned to catch a glimpse of Azrail staring unblinkingly in awe before collapsing to the ground.