The line between confidence and stupidity was quite thin...

Nero couldn't help but feel a slight sense of trepidation as he stared at the other humans closing in on him.

In their eyes, he could see it. The looks of suspicion and fear.

Of greed, hatred and envy.

But of course, all that had little to do with him.

In reality, he knew he was not of much worth to these people. They didn't care for him nor his fate.

Instead, they wanted what he had.

There was nothing else to it.

And because he desired to keep what he had, he had to go.

In his bid to protect his interests, he was now balancing on the line between confidence and stupidity.

He knew he was much stronger than every individual here, especially in his Black Body Form.

They individually couldn't match his prowess.

If he wanted, he could crush their skulls and tear them all apart.

But that was individually.

In reality, things were a fair bit different.

For one, after travelling with the combined party for a few days, he had come to analyze the way these Hunters fought and handled the Abominations of the world.

They were used to bringing down creatures much larger and stronger than they were.

Besides being physically enhanced to varying degrees, there was nothing special about them.

For all intents and purposes, they were just slightly faster, stronger humans.

And yet, they all had the capacity to fell a grade D Abomination if they worked together.

In other words, he absolutely would he cut down should he attempt to fight them head on.

Combined with the fact that he wasn't exactly eager to show off the Black Body form just yet, hos chances of surviving weren't that much.

Of course, he was not some mindless Abomination.

He was an intelligent human just like they were.

His weapons were also superior to theirs.

He had some back to lay his confidence.

But that was also what made him the most concerned.

If he killed them all...

The dark thought flashed through his mind again. But this time, it was not leaving.

This was a game of chicken.

But in this case, both parties were going to see it through to the butter end.

He had no choice. If he wanted to survive, his blade needed to cut without hesitation.

Because the moment he hesitated, his head would be mercilessly placed on the chopping block.

In that moment, something about Nero's demeanor changed.

The tip of Gungnir glinted in the darkness.

Soft starlight woven from the clear heavens fell upon him.

The depths of his eyes glowed with a faint golden light, those strange, enigmatic runes bright within them.

He huffed.

Johanna sneered as she fired two bolts off with a sharp twang.

Each arrowhead was crafted from local treated Darksteel. They were sharp enough to puncture through the defenses of even the most hardy Abominations.

Nero's eyes widened as his body reacted, moving out of the way.

However, at this time, Garrick and Fallow were rushing in.

Garrick grunted as he swung his large broadsword at his neck, eyes full of killing intent.

Fallow on the other hand wielded an incredibly sharp Cutlass that sinisterly cut as his hip.

Nero's expression was dark as he swung the Silver Blade at the Cutlass. Then he fucked, avoiding Garrick's strike.

The two men, with more combat experience had forseen this.

Making full advantage of their superior body mass, they closed in on him and slammed forward with their shoulders.

However, their eyes widened when they realized they had been unable to knock Nero off his feet.

'What the hell is this kid made of?!' Fallow raised his gaze in time to see Nero's elbow smashing into the bridge of his nose.

"Ah!" Fallow cursed as he reeled backwards, gripping his nose.

His trembling hands moved away to reveal the blood pouring down his nose like a broken dam.

His face twisted in rage,

"Bastard!" He snarled.

Garrick smashed his fist at Nero's midsection, but he tilted his body to the side.

With a flick of his wrist, Gungnir came screaming through the air, aimed as his chest.

Garrick brought his sword up, blocking the strike.

However, he was pushed back by three steps.

He grimaced and clicked his tongue,

"I knew there was something strange about you. Are you even human, you monster?"

Nero raised a brow coldly,

"You of all people can't say that."

His eyes narrowed dangerously as he spat,

"Do you want to know what Lawson's final words were?"

Garrick's expression changed.

Nero snarled as he stepped forward,

"They were kill Garrick."

Garrick snarled and charged towards him.

A heavy blow smashed into Nero's face, sending him skidding backwards.

E grunted and twisted his body to bring Gungnir up just in time to intercept Garrick's crazed strikes.

However, he was unable to beat the follow-up storms of attacks.

A burst of pain raced through his side, forcing him to let out a yelp.

A crossbow bolt was buried in his side.

He gritted his teeth and glared at Johanna who was busy reloading her crossbow.

Garrick's flurry of attacks brought his attention back to him.

The next moment, Fallow rejoined the battle with renewed fury, senselessly swinging the blade.

Nero grimaced as he tried his best to avoid the wild danger.

Combined with Garrick's persistence, he was slowly losing ground.

In it all, Lucy and Obed had not yet joined in.

Witnessing the scene unfolding, Obed shook his head in disgust,

"What a terrible thing to witness."

He let out a sigh and turned away.

He knew it was long coming. Unfortunately, there was nothing he could do to help the kid. Although he was surprised the kid had lasted so long, he was dealing with multiple seasoned veterans who were very experienced when dealing with creatures much stronger than they were.

There was little the kid would be able to do.

He should had just left them to die that day. At least that way, he wouldn't have had to suffer now.

Obed sighed then turned back.

'The battle should be over by now.'

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