"Fucking Chamalien." Lucas thought grimly, it was just an E ranked monster but due to its troublesome invisibility, it was classified as a special D rank monster.
Although the monster had turned invisible, it didn't mean that Lucas had no way of catching it. Wherever it went, traces of red followed.
Lucas grinned as he chased after the fleeing monster, "What? You ain't dining and dashing." He muttered, removing his tattered shirt.
The Chamalien seemed to understand how Lucas was tracking it and clutched its wound in a desperate attempt to throw Lucas off its trail. But the stains were too obvious to cover.
Lucas surged forward and swung his sword, unleashing the first form of the [Gravar Style]. The air howled as a violent guest tore through the forest, tearing down the undergrowth.
The Chamalien screeched, his body staggered as it fell to the ground with a thud. The wind tore its body apart, forcing it to spurt more of its corrosive blood.
Lucas exhaled shakily, the mana dying from his sword. 'God why did I overperform? That drained a quarter of my reserves.' He thought grimly.
Lucas approached the alien, and raised his sword, preparing to finish it in a clean strike.
Whoosh!
Suddenly, the monster's tail lashed out, Lucas's eyes widened as its tail slammed against his chest with a rattling force.
The impact threw him back, draining the air from his lungs. His boots skidded against the mud, pain shot through his chest like wildfire. Lucas stumbled, his breath shook as he gasped violently.
The monster didn't let the opening escape its slippery claws, in a boom, it suddenly lunged upwards and brought its claws down Lucas like a guillotine.
Lucas's vision blurred, but his instincts kicked in. His hand tightened around the hilt of his sword. He let out a growl before forcing himself to crouch.
Time came to a halt. As the claws descended, Lucas tugged at his mana, enhancing the sword once again.
Just as the chameleon-like monster was about to claw at his face, Lucas's sword carved upwards. The air exploded around him, a violent gust covering the area.
His steel carved up the Chamalien's neck, beheading the beast. The monster's putrid blood covered Lucas in purple as its carcass fell to the ground with a thud as a blue screen appeared in his vision.
"Special D-rank? More like a special pain in my ass." His voice was hoarse, but his lips tugged into a dark grin.
Lucas stood up in a grunt and leaned against his sword for support.
He then turned his attention to the screen that appeared, as another notification popped up on the screen, and another.
[Teammate Kim Hajin has died - Team points:5]
[Teammate Bessy Harris has died - Team points:4]
[Teammate Adaline Shade has died - Team points:3]
Looking at the notifications, Lucas blinked, before his lips widened into a snicker.
"Oh my god, isn't this poetic?" He laughed hysterically as he wiped a tear from his eyes.
Lucas soon paid attention to his hair which had come apart in his struggle and sighed before tying it into a loose bun really quickly.
Lucas glanced down his burning chest to see a deep scar running across his chest and to his waist, right where the monster's serrated tail slammed into him.
Suddenly Lucas's ears perked up.
Rustle! Rustle!
Two silhouettes emerged from between the tangled vines, Lucas instinctively raised his sword.
The first was a tall, broad boy, carrying a jagged axe slung across his shoulder. His face had fresh scars across it, giving him a rugged charm.
The second was slimmer, wrapped in tattered robes, her pale hand had its skin ripped apart, leaving a deep jagged dark wound, exposing raw tissue.
The boy raised his arms defensively, a pleasant smile plastered on his face, "I'm Elliot Wilson, Rank 748 and she's Elia Deggers, Rank 323."
He introduced himself calmly, his voice steady and soft. "And?" Lucas asked warily, not letting his guard down.
Elliot's smile faltered for only a second before returning, practiced and polite. "Relax. We're not here to fight you." He said, extending his hand for a shake.
Lucas glanced at his hand before looking back up, "Hmm? So continue on your merry way!" He said with an exaggerated smile.
Elliot clasped his neck, his face turning shy, "About that…." He said with an awkward chuckle, "We discovered a hidden task a few miles away from here and we want you to help."
He said while putting an arm on his axe, which Lucas noticed.
'I could've taken them and crushed them if I didn't fight that bloody monster.' Lucas thought darkly. His body was littered with wounds that stopped him from utilising his entire strength, that and his mana reserves which were half dry.
Lucas sighed and glanced at the both of them, "I don't have a choice do I?"
Elliot smiled, his hands clasped against each other, creating a small thump, "I'm glad you realised that, Rank 1750."
'Bloody rascals.' They knew exactly who he was, and came after him because of that.
Lucas's eyes twitched as he struggled to contain his rage.
He could've made quick work off them if he was at peak condition or at least close to it.
Life truly wasn't fair.
"Well, lead the way!" Lucas said with a smile.
"I'm glad you know your place, Rank 1750." Elia muttered, her voice low and curt as if reminding a dog about the food chain.
Lucas remained silent, but he would definitely get revenge no matter how long it took!
_____
A/N - Is empowering things with mana a thing in TAPOV? I don't remember, if it isn't, then it is now. Also, show some love! Donate stones!