Don’t die, I need you to buy me time and keep all these idiots off me. Davren said regretting taking this approach to this fight
Davren knew he had no choice and fully expected Kaylen not to make it to the end of this fight but hopefully she would be able to keep the crowd at bay while he takes care of whatever Slain was becoming. Even as Davren batted away another tentacle attack the skin on Slain’s face melted away revealing red live flesh. His teeth remodeled themselves even more, the needle points looking even more menacing. As his thin lips parted more the depth of the rows of teeth were revealed.
How many teeth do you have? Davren said
Don’t worry food you will find out VERY soon!! Slain said in an even more garbled yet intimidating voice.
Somehow this thing keeps getting stronger, Davren thought, still avoiding attacks that now included projectile teeth.
The ground under his feet was not so slowly transforming from solid to flesh like. This was a major concern.
Are we in your mouth? That….. that's disgusting!!! Davren said as a tentacle grabbed his leg.
Being in the thing's mouth was the only thing that made sense here. The ground turning to flesh and Slain himself resembling a tongue left no room for doubt.
What are you? He said cutting into the fleshy protrusion.
Are you just realizing your situation? Hmm for some reason I thought you were smarter. I guess B- Rank isn’t what we were told if fools like you achieved it. Each one of you humans happily walked in just begging to be fed on. And trust me I am happy to oblige. Slain said as he spit out more teeth, nearly clipping Davren’s leg.
He was right, Davren thought. Now the only way out was through, that would not be easy. Slain still appeared with a yellow glow which was deepening. The quick glance he was able to take saw those influenced by the liquid being slowly engulfed by the flesh. It now covered the feet of Slain’s victims. This was good news as Davren finally understood why he didn’t just eat everyone at once. He couldn’t, although this beast seemed to be getting stronger it looked like that was all an act. Slain was still F- Rank, but if he was allowed to consume them Davren had no idea how strong he would get.
Dodging to the side Davren watched as there was a pause in the constant attacks as Slain winched in pain.
Watch it!!! Slain’s deep menacing voice roared
A shiver could be felt throughout the room causing the juice induced people to temporarily shake, halting attacks that were still forming. Taking advantage of the halt in movement, Davren pressed the attack. He dug his sword into Slain’s chest, or where he assumed his chest was, expecting a groan, scream or something. Instead the hole tried to close around his sword.
Not wanting to lose his weapon Davren took out a small white item from his storage ring. Slapping it on the side of his sword caused it to glow brightly. At the same time a tentacle wrapped around his neck. This didn’t last long as a muffled scream erupted from Slain as the tentacle loosened and then dropped.
Didn’t expect that, did you beast? Davren said as he brought his sword across Slain’s midsection slicing him in half.
Slain was definitely not gaining in strength as quickly as before. He held steady at yellow though which was still concerning.
We need to free these people, Davren thought
Knowing he was unable to use his shield because of the way the tentacles moved and immolation took too much essence from him to risk an attempt. Since he was the only viable asset on the field if he faltered everyone dies. The limited items he had on hand would have to be enough. This flame of the Nightstalker was a gift from his best friend upon reaching B- Rank. It created a light that burned through even the darkest night and had the added benefit of being hotter than any fire on earth. The downside is that although it burned hot it did not last long without a continual influx of essence which he could not afford at this point. They needed to depower Slain so Davren could use Immolate. This was it, this battle was his if he could end it before his essence level was at an end.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
At least it was until what seemed like hundreds of pin-like teeth erupted from the half of the body still upright. Davren was forced back as he covered his face and vital areas. The space he was forced to give him allowed Slain to begin to reconstitute himself. The flesh bubbled out from the stump left after Davren cut him in half. As his mouth reformed, Slain turned his attention to Kaylen.
Oh boy, Davren said
Useless!! It’s too late for all that now girl. Slain said sounding unhinged
Your fight is over here beast. Davren said, chopping off one tentacle and barely deflecting another shooting towards Kaylen
The heat from the blade melted the skin of the flesh causing Slain to quickly retract it. This time Slain made jerking movements, clearly straining. This did not look good as he was previously a dimmer yellow, now Slain was glowing darker again.
Hurry!! This thing is getting stronger by the minute. Davren said grunting
Slurp
What was that? Davren thought
Looking around during his reprieve, he saw an empty space when one of the formerly influenced individuals was.
Oh crud, Davren said, more to himself
A scream cried out from the crowd. Genin, the floor ate Genin, somebody help..
Davren charged again as a flame bolt hit the ground he had just vacated. At that very moment Slain’s yellow outline flickers.
I said watch it!! Slain said as the room shook.
Multiple tentacles flashed toward Davren who was still charging. He was able to cut and deflect some but was hit nonetheless. Falling to the soft sticky ground he quickly rolled aside as another tentacle this one black shot out overhead.
He’s desperate, Davren thought.
Oh my God, Is that guy dead!! A young sounding male voice screamed
More tentacles chased Davren as he rolled under the ones attacking the crowd. Swinging his sword in the little space he had Davren smirked as he heard grunts followed by the multitude of tentacles receding. Pulling into itself Slain began shaking again, four bigger tentacles shot out wrapping around his limbs. He was able to avoid his sword arm being immobilized as Slain seemed to be weary of the heat emanating from the sword.
What’s the hold up over there!!? Davren yelled
Slurp
The squeeze grew tighter as Davren sliced at the tentacle pulling his right arm. He was definitely as strong moments ago, he thought.
Don’t let him eat anyone else dammit, this thing’s aura is a deeper yellow now. Davren barked before another tentacle wrapped around his face.
What am I supposed to do??? Kaylen yelled back
Davren pressed the sword hard on the tentacle wrapping his face. He poured more precious essence into the item powering the effect. Another groan sounded as Davren was finally able to gasp for breath as he was freed.
Slurp
Kaylen, it’s still growing limbs, what’s going on over there!! I swear if another person is eaten I'm gonna….
Another tentacle wrapped around his face as Slain finally attempted to pull him closer to its mouth. Davren swung wildly striking whatever he could, freeing his face again and one of his legs.
Not happening today, beast!! Davren yelled, Immolate!!
Slain caught fire briefly, dropping the tentacle attack as it attempted to free itself. Davren took the opportunity to distance himself breathing hard.
This thing must have been feeding off of my essence while I slept. It feels like my reserves are a fraction of my normal capacity.
Slurp
Not again, Davren muttered.
He glanced at Kaylen expecting her to be injured or dead only to see her using incredible acrobatics to avoid enemies.
What in the…? Davren let loose
Looking back at Slain he watched the yellow aura shift back to blue. Davren felt winded, the constant use of his analyze and movement abilities, fueling the sword and that immolate taking its toll.
Nooo, you ungrateful witch. Now you all die!!! Slain suddenly screamed.
