Chapter 42.2: Cleaning Up the Streets With its Filth: Bloodhound (II)
Year 0003, Month XI-XII: The Imperium
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Day 134-140: Battle in the Nearby Vicinity
The final week of the winter season's second month brought with it a bitter cold that seemed to seep into the very bones of those who dared venture outside. Meanwhile, the two opposing powers had reached an uneasy stalemate along the frontier of the Kingdom of Ogind. The battle lines, once fluid and ever-changing, had been pushed back to their original positions along the contested border shared between Arwen and Ogind. Neither side possessed the strength to break through the other's defenses, leaving both armies to entrench themselves in preparation for the inevitable spring offensive.
Back in the city, August had carefully orchestrated his departure, leaving behind a deliberately crafted trail of breadcrumbs for his pursuers to follow. His primary objective was straightforward yet dangerous: to lure the bloodhounds who had come to hunt him away from the populated areas where innocent civilians might become collateral damage. For several days, he had led them through the winding paths and hidden routes that surrounded the city's outskirts, keeping them engaged in what appeared to be a legitimate pursuit while actually leading them further from their intended quarry.
The disinformation campaign he had orchestrated through the remaining criminal elements within the city had proven remarkably effective. False sightings, fabricated witness accounts, and carefully planted evidence all pointed to August's supposed location in a remote section of the nearby forest. The bloodhounds, confident in their tracking abilities and eager to complete their mission, had taken the bait without hesitation.
August had chosen his battlefield with the calculating precision of a master strategist and a seasoned hunter. The forest clearing where he had established his false camp was surrounded by dense undergrowth and towering trees that would limit his enemies' mobility while providing him with numerous escape routes should the confrontation turn against him. More importantly, the natural environment played to his strengths as someone who had spent years hunting dangerous beasts in similar terrain.
When the bloodhounds finally arrived at the designated location, August was waiting for them. He emerged from the shadows with deliberate casualness, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp with focused intent. "Who might you be, and what brings you to this remote corner of the world?" he asked, his voice carrying just the right mixture of curiosity and wariness. "More importantly, who sent you here?"
The bloodhounds' response was immediate and predictable. Rather than engaging in the verbal sparring that August had initiated, they drew their weapons with practiced efficiency. The female bear beastman, designation "Twenty-One," unslung her specialized bow while her companion, the demi-human orc known as "Ten," raised his mace and shield in a defensive stance. Their training had conditioned them to view every encounter as a potential combat situation, and they had no intention of allowing their target to escape through clever wordplay or misdirection.
August had expected this reaction. In truth, he already knew exactly who they were and who had sent them. The Corvus Syndicate's bloodhounds were legendary for their single-minded focus and unwavering dedication to completing their assigned tasks. They were not negotiators or interrogators; they were instruments of death, honed to a razor's edge through years of conditioning and battlefield experience.
The tactical situation presented itself clearly to August's experienced eye. Twenty-One had positioned herself at medium range, her bow already knocked with an arrow that gleamed with an unnatural blue light—undoubtedly enhanced with some form of magical enchantment. Ten had moved to intercept any direct assault, his massive frame serving as both shield and weapon for his partner. It was a textbook formation, one that had undoubtedly served them well in countless previous encounters.
However, August had learned through bitter experience that prolonged combat rarely favored the individual facing multiple opponents. Every second that passed in a drawn-out battle increased the likelihood of a critical error or unexpected complication. The key to victory lay not in demonstrating superior skill through extended combat, but in achieving decisive results through overwhelming force applied at the precise moment of maximum effectiveness.
The skill he had been developing since his confrontation with Baron Toffer had finally reached its full potential through constant practice in his spare time. "Zephyr's Arcing Bolt Gale-Tempest" represented the pinnacle of his current abilities, a devastating combination of wind and lightning magic that could level the playing field against even the most formidable opponents.
"Zephyr's Arcing Bolt Gale-Tempest"
(CLASS V - GRANDMASTER) | (Mid-Tier Skill ★★)
The technique began with August drawing upon the ambient mana in the surrounding environment, his Guardian Beast's power amplifying his natural magical abilities to unprecedented levels. Wind currents began to swirl around him, creating a localized atmospheric disturbance that sent leaves and debris spinning through the air. The temperature dropped noticeably as electrical energy began to accumulate in the storm clouds gathering overhead.
The primary strike manifested as a precision lightning bolt guided by wind currents for guaranteed accuracy. The electrical discharge would then arc to nearby enemies within a 180-degree cone extending one hundred meters forward, creating a stunning field that could immobilize multiple targets simultaneously. The elemental synergy between wind and lightning meant that the wind amplified the lightning damage while extending the effective range far beyond what either element could achieve independently.
The base damage output was formidable: 4,950 points of combined lightning and wind damage, with subsequent damage scaling up to 675% maximum for five seconds within the area of effect. When augmented by 20% of his Guardian Beast's power, the initial damage potential reached a staggering 1,176,120 up to 9,114,930 damage points. The mana consumption was equally impressive, requiring 20,000 MP—nearly half of his current total mana reserves—but the devastating effectiveness justified the cost.
August's reputation as the "Blurred Devil" was not merely theatrical flourish. As he activated the technique, his movement speed increased to levels that strained the limits of human perception. Even experienced fighters like the bloodhounds found themselves struggling to track his position as he seemed to flicker in and out of existence like a mirage.
Twenty-One, despite her extensive training and combat experience, found herself unable to maintain a proper bead on her target. Her enhanced senses, refined through years of hunting human prey, were overwhelmed by the sheer speed of August's movements. Ten, though more successful in tracking the general direction of the attack, realized too late that his defensive stance was entirely inadequate for the magnitude of the incoming assault.
The bloodhounds' confidence, built upon years of successful missions and countless victories against seemingly impossible odds, became their downfall. They had faced powerful opponents before, but never one who could combine such overwhelming magical firepower with tactical intelligence and environmental awareness. Their training had prepared them for human opponents who would engage in extended combat, not for someone who would stake everything on a single, decisive strike.
As the technique reached its climax, a massive blast of wind-guided lightning tore through the forest clearing. The air itself seemed to ignite as electrical energy arced between the trees, creating a spectacular display of raw magical power. The lightning struck with surgical precision, the wind currents ensuring that both targets were caught within the devastating cone of destruction.
Twenty-One's enhanced reflexes and natural agility proved insufficient against the technique's guaranteed accuracy. The initial lightning strike paralyzed her instantly, her nervous system overwhelmed by the electrical discharge. The subsequent area-of-effect damage, amplified by the wind currents, burned through her defenses like paper. Her specialized bloodhound armor, designed to protect against conventional attacks and some form of magical attack, offered no meaningful resistance against the combined elemental assault.
Ten's superior constitution and defensive capabilities allowed him to survive the initial impact, but only barely. His massive frame absorbed punishment that would have instantly killed a lesser opponent, but the continuous damage over time gradually wore down his defenses. The electrical residue left behind by the technique continued to ravage his body, dealing additional damage with each passing second. His high tenacity, a trait that had saved his life on numerous occasions, only prolonged his suffering as his body fought against the inevitable.
Within minutes, both bloodhounds lay dead among the scorched remains of what had once been a peaceful forest of pure white snow. The earth itself had been scarred by the technique's power melting the snow that had filled it, with lightning-struck trees still smoldering and patches of ground fused into glass-like formations by the intense heat.
From an outside observer's perspective, the entire confrontation had lasted approximately five minutes from beginning to end. August had released a single, overwhelmingly powerful technique that had eliminated both opponents with devastating efficiency. The massive expenditure of mana had been justified by the complete tactical victory, proving that sometimes the most effective approach was also the most direct.
As the silence of the forest returned, broken only by the crackling of dying flames and the settling of debris, August reflected on the nature of combat itself. Battles were not determined by their duration or the elegance of the techniques employed, but solely by the identity of the victor. Whether a fight lasted seconds, minutes, or hours was irrelevant—only the final outcome mattered. Experience, skill, and reputation meant nothing if they could not secure victory when it counted most.
The familiar sound of the system notification chimed in his mind, a welcome confirmation of his success.
[SYSTEM: DING! CONGRATULATIONS MASTER, YOU ARE NOW LEVEL 24, ONLY ONE LEVEL SHY OF REACHING LEVEL 25.**
**DING! EMERGENCY MISSION: SLAY THE BLOODHOUNDS COMPLETED**
**REWARDS:**
I. UPGRADE TO A MASTER RANK ARMOR AND WEAPON SET
II. RECEIVE A HIGH TIER SKILL
III. ALL STATS/SUB-STATS INCREASE +1,000
IV. AETHERWINGS FAVORABILITY INCREASED ★★★★★, +30% GUARDIAN BEASTS POWER]
The rewards were substantial, reflecting the significant challenge that the bloodhounds had represented. The upgraded equipment would enhance his capabilities considerably, while the new skill would expand his tactical options for future encounters. Most importantly, the stat increases would bring him closer to the threshold where he could begin to challenge even more dangerous opponents.
August took a moment to examine the bodies of his fallen enemies, searching for any useful equipment or intelligence that might prove valuable. The bloodhounds' gear was of exceptional quality, their weapons and armor bearing the distinctive markings of the Corvus Syndicate's manufacturing facilities. More importantly, he found several documents that confirmed his suspicions about the organization's structure and operations.
While these particular bloodhounds had not been among those directly responsible for Uncle Christopher's death—those assassins had been eliminated by Aetherwing during their previous encounter—they represented the same corrupt system that had destroyed his dynamic family of refugees. Every member of the Corvus Syndicate bore collective responsibility for the organization's crimes, and August felt no guilt about their fate.
As he prepared to leave the battlefield, August reflected on the larger implications of his victory. The evidence he had carefully collected over the months, now safely stored within his magical pouch, would soon serve a greater purpose. The connection between the Corvus Syndicate and Zargos Mercantile, along with their involvement in the Kirin raiders' activities, represented information that certain parties would find extremely valuable.
Recent conversations with Count Gremory had revealed that the Imperial forces were actively seeking intelligence about the group responsible for the Kirin raids. The Count's subtle inquiries had made it clear that the Empire was prepared to act decisively once they possessed sufficient evidence to justify intervention. August had promised to share what he knew about the raiders, contingent upon his successful resolution of the bloodhound threat.
With that promise now fulfilled, it was time to arrange another private meeting in the Count's study. The wheels of justice, long stalled by the syndicate's influence and corruption, were finally beginning to turn. The evidence August possessed would not only expose the criminal organization's activities but also provide the Empire with the justification needed to take decisive action against them.
As he walked away from the scarred clearing, leaving behind only scorched earth and the remains of those who had sought to claim his life, August felt a sense of completion. Tomorrow would bring new challenges and new opportunities, but tonight he could rest knowing that another small piece of justice had been served. The dismantling of the Corvus Syndicate would require patience, careful planning, and strategic thinking—but with each fallen agent, their grip on power weakened further.
The last month of the year approached rapidly, bringing with it the final phase of winter before the cycle would begin anew. Change was coming to the kingdom of Ogind and its potential friendship with the Empire, and August intended to be at the center of it all, ensuring that those who had profited from corruption and violence would finally face the consequences of their actions.
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Bloodhound Information
**NAME:**
21 (Twenty-One)
**LEVEL:**
30 (85)
**AGE:**
70
**GENDER:**
Female
**RACE:**
Humanoid (Beastman)
**CATEGORY:**
III - (EXPERT)
**CLASS:**
"ARCHER" [+900 (ATTACK) DAMAGE AND +500 STAT AND SUB-STAT]
**TITLE:**
"BLOODHOUND" [+900 (ATTACK) DAMAGE, +500 STAT AND SUB-STAT]
**JOB:**
I. "HUNTING DOG" [+900 ATTACK DAMAGE AND +500 STAT AND SUB-STAT]
II. "ASSASSIN" [+900 (ATTACK) DAMAGE AND +900 (DEFENSE) DAMAGE NEGATION, +500 STAT AND SUB-STAT]
**EQUIPMENT:**
I. EXPERT BLOODHOUND ARMOR - [+500 (DEFENSE) DAMAGE NEGATION (×6), +500 STAT AND SUB-STAT (×6)]
II. EXPERT BLOODHOUND'S SPECIALIZED BOW AND ARROW - [+500 (×2) (ATTACK) DAMAGE]
III. EXPERT BLOODHOUND'S SPECIALIZED DAGGER - [+500 (ATTACK) DAMAGE]
**HP:** 85×200 = 17,000 + 8,000% = 1,377,000 HP
**MP:** 85×100 = 8,500 + 8,000% = 688,500 MP
**DAMAGE (ATTACK):** 8,000 + 6,300 + 8,000% = 1,158,300
**DAMAGE NEGATION (DEFENSE):** 8,000 + 3,900 + 8,000% = 963,900
**STAT/SUB-STAT:** (Base: +3,000) (Class/Title/Job/Equipment: +5,000) = +8,000%
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**NAME:**
10 (Ten)
**LEVEL:**
35 (90)
**AGE:**
50
**GENDER:**
Male
**RACE:**
Demi-Human (Ork)
**CATEGORY:**
IV - (MASTER)
**CLASS:**
"TANKER" [+1,000 (DEFENSE) DAMAGE NEGATION AND +1,000 STAT AND SUB-STAT]
**TITLE:**
"BLOODHOUND" [+1,000 (ATTACK) DAMAGE AND +1,000 STAT AND SUB-STAT]
**JOB:**
I. "ASSASSIN" [+1,000 (ATTACK) DAMAGE AND +1,000 STAT AND SUB-STAT]
II. "MASTER WARRIOR" [+1,000 (ATTACK) DAMAGE AND +1,000 (DEFENSE) DAMAGE NEGATION, +1,000 STAT AND SUB-STAT]
**EQUIPMENT:**
I. MASTER BLOODHOUND ARMOR - [+600 (DEFENSE) DAMAGE NEGATION (×6), +600 STAT AND SUB-STAT (×6)]
II. MASTER BLOODHOUND'S SPECIALIZED SWORD AND SHIELD - [+600 (ATTACK) DAMAGE AND +600 (DEFENSE) DAMAGE NEGATION]
III. MASTER BLOODHOUND'S SPECIALIZED DAGGER- [+600 (ATTACK) DAMAGE]
**HP:** 90×200 = 18,000 + 11,000% = 1,998,000 HP
**MP:** 90×100 = 9,000 + 11,000% = 999,000 MP
**DAMAGE (ATTACK):** 11,000 + 6,600 + 11,000% = 1,953,600
**DAMAGE NEGATION (DEFENSE):** 11,000 + 4,600 + 11,000% = 1,842,600
**STAT/SUB-STAT:** (Base: +3,400) (Class/Title/Job/Equipment: +7,600) = +11,000%