Asher and Herman exchanged a quick glance, their expressions sharpening. They both knew the situation had escalated beyond stealth—the inevitable, harsh combat was about to begin, and Its going to be hard fight as this normal Metis means he is awakened with a powerful rank Illusion ability.
"I'll take care of the leader. Just amplify my speed and strength," Asher said, his tone resolute.
Herman nodded. "Got it," he replied, patting Asher on the back. Asher felt a surge of energy coursing through him, his body vibrating with newfound power.
"I also amplified your endurance also," Herman added with a grin before turning his attention to the 29 Metis Chimeras. His focus was sharp, ready to intercept any who tried to overwhelm them.
Asher wasted no time, rushing toward the Metis leader like a lightning bolt.
"Amuse me, human," the Metis leader taunted, vanishing in an instant, only to reappear behind Asher. But Asher had anticipated the move. He activated his Sanguine Supreme ability, sending a burst of crimson energy that illuminated his path like a deadly beacon. The blood-red glow coiled around him, making his movements almost impossible to follow.
Meanwhile, Herman faced the Chimeras, using his Amplifier ability to create calculated openings. He dimmed their auras to confuse their senses and amplified his plasma whip to strike with brutal precision. One Chimera lunged at him from the side, but Herman pivoted gracefully, using the whip to sever its clawed arm before delivering a final strike to its neck.
Asher clashed with the Metis leader, trading blows at blinding speed. The leader's taunts became more frustrated as Asher evaded or countered each attack, his amplified strength allowing him to meet the Metis' power head-on. The air crackled with energy as Asher's red lightning surged around them, each strike leaving deep scorch marks on the ground.
Amid the chaos, one of the Chimeras attempted to sneak up behind Asher, but Herman intercepted it, sending a shockwave of amplified plasma that incinerated the creature mid-charge. "Watch your back, Asher!" Herman shouted, his voice sharp.
"I'm fine!" Asher replied without breaking stride, his eyes locked on the leader. He feinted left, then delivered a devastating uppercut laced with crimson lightning, the impact sending the leader skidding back several meters. Asher didn't let up, closing the distance instantly to follow up with another strike.
Herman, now outnumbered but holding his ground, amplified his agility, weaving through the enemy ranks while his whip flicked out like a serpent, incapacitating Chimera after Chimera. "You better finish that guy soon!" Herman called out, sweat glistening on his brow as he dodged another clawed strike.
Asher smirked. "Working on it!" He focused, channeling the full force of his Sanguine Supreme into one arm. The crimson energy swirled violently as he lunged forward, his fist glowing brighter than ever. The Metis leader's eyes widened just before the blow connected, a thunderous impact ripping through the air. The leader was thrown back, crashing into the outpost wall with a deafening roar.
The remaining Chimeras hesitated, their confidence faltering as they saw their leader struggling to rise. Herman seized the opportunity, unleashing a final amplified wave of plasma that swept through the remaining foes, leaving the battlefield silent save for the crackle of dissipating energy.
Asher exhaled, wiping blood from his knuckles as he turned to Herman. "All clear?"
Herman grinned. "All clear. You?"
Asher glanced at the crumpled form of the Metis leader, now unconscious and battered. "Taken care of."
The two exchanged a nod but then suddenly, crunching sound came, as Asher looked back and saw, metis leader injecting himself with something, and then he stood up, acting weirdly as his Normal hands broke and two scythe like came out of his hands, he is changing into Chimera now.
The Metis leader stood tall, his aura an oppressive wave of malice and strength. His hybrid form was monstrous yet refined—chitinous armor covered his body, and elongated limbs ended in razor-sharp claws. His eyes glowed a sinister green, and two insect-like wings on his back hummed faintly, ready to propel him in an instant.
"You dared to force me into this," the Metis sneered, flexing his claws. "though, I have to say, this is quite the power. This should be amusing."
Asher didn't waste time on words, rushing forward with lightning-infused speed. Herman amplified his strength, speed, and endurance in an instant, ensuring Asher could handle the ferocity of what was coming. The clash began with Asher's fist colliding against the Metis' claw. The shockwave of the impact sent dust and debris flying in every direction.
The leader was fast—faster than Asher had anticipated. In the blink of an eye, the Metis vanished and reappeared behind him, swinging his claws in a deadly arc. Asher ducked just in time, countering with an uppercut charged with red lightning. The strike landed, forcing the Metis back a few steps, but the chitinous armor absorbed most of the blow.
"Not bad," the Metis growled, smirking. "But you'll need more than that to harm me."
The leader retaliated with a rapid series of strikes, his claws cutting through the air with terrifying precision. Asher dodged and blocked as best he could, but one slash grazed his side, leaving a shallow wound. The pain seared, but he gritted his teeth and stayed focused.
"Asher! Focus on his openings!" Herman shouted, lashing his plasma whip to drive the Metis back for a moment. The leader's wings buzzed, and he soared into the air to evade Herman's strike.
Herman didn't let up. Amplifying the range of his whip, he lashed it upward, forcing the Metis to zigzag midair to avoid the crackling energy. Meanwhile, Asher leapt up with incredible speed, using the distraction to close the gap. New novel chapters are published on Novel~Fire. (n)et
The Metis noticed and twisted midair, bringing his claws down in a heavy swipe. Asher barely managed to parry with his arm coated in crimson energy, but the force sent him crashing back to the ground, creating a crater beneath him.
"Asher!" Herman called out, lashing his whip again. This time, he aimed for the leader's wings, successfully severing one. The Metis snarled in pain and rage, landing heavily on the ground.