Death… And Me

Chapter 40 - Life Force

Reanʼs team once more left the leading group. But because there were another two warriors with them, no one cared too much. The other warriors simply thought that it was Opril and Diakar who really killed the Ape. No one tried to explain, so it stayed like that. If there was something to pay attention to, it is the fact that Alanda is allowing those four to move separated from the group. But since itʼs his orders, the warriors wouldnʼt complain.

Once again, Reanʼs group opened a few kilometers of distance from the leading group. However, the Two-Tailed Demonic Ape was the strongest Demonic Beast they found so far. The next six ones couldnʼt compare to it, so Rean and Roan quickly dispatched them.

The hunt would take five days this time, and so far, three had already passed. Rean and Roan killed 7 beasts so far. Because the route their group was taking stayed only at the forestʼs outskirts, there werenʼt that many beasts. Of course, that was on purpose. With the number of kids this time around, Alanda would never lead the group deeper into the forest.

Those three days made a big difference in Reanʼs swordsmanship. With Roan being able to teach every detail through their thoughts, it would be a wonder if Reanʼs progress was any slower. Opril and Diakar were also putting the effort. Still, Roan had to really explain everything with words and show with his own movement. Obviously, there is a big difference in that.

Today, Roan finally decided to let Rean use a sword against the demon beasts, so they were looking for a new one.

”Your Light Element, have you tried to use it in your own body?”

Rean shook his head.

”I just now got the control over it, so I only used the Light Element together with the Spiritual Energy to create those light tricks. I was intending to use it in my sword as you do with yours.”

Roan shook his head.

”If my darkness element can erode and destroy life force, your light element is probably the opposite. If you add it to your weapon, it might be worse than not using it. Make a test for me, put your light element on the sword, and give yourself a small cut. Just something minor is enough.”

Rean understood where Roan was coming from and immediately tried that. Sure enough, after cutting himself with the sword embued in Spiritual Energy and Light Element, the life force around the cut was greatly stimulated. The cut quickly started to heal. Of course, Reanʼs Light Element Control is just in a primary state, so the effect soon disappeared. Just 20% or so of the small cut healed.

”Indeed. My light element is directly connected to the life force. Using it with my sword will only help the demon beasts.”

Roan nodded.

”As I thought. So when you attack this time, donʼt use Light Element on your sword, but in your body instead. Of course, just like me, your control over the Light Element isnʼt anything that useful. So you probably wonʼt be able to sustain this effect for long. Instead, do it like me. I only use my darkness element in the last second of my attack. So do the same thing with your light element.”

Rean nodded and tried to use the Light Element to stimulate his body. Sure enough, he felt himself becoming a lot stronger and faster for a split of a second. However, the effect disappeared right after. Not only that, but he felt quite tired after it.

”It seems like since Iʼm using it in my entire body, the time I can sustain it is even smaller than you with your Sword.”

Ron nodded.

”Next time, try to use it in your arms only and see how long you can sustain it.”

Rean quickly made the test, and this time, he could sustain the Light Element over his arms for longer.

”I see what you mean. Although my attacks wonʼt have an additional effect on the demon beasts, they will still be more potent than usual since my own strength improved.”

Rean then went beside a tree and slashed it. With his actual power, he was able to leave behind a 15 or so centimeter long cut. But when he did that again by adding Light Element in his arm, the attack was faster and stronger, leaving an over 20 centimeters deep cut this time.

Roan nodded, satisfied.

”It can increase your combat power by around 30% for a second or two. That is an amazing difference that could turn the tables in a critical moment. Try to get better control over it as we look for the next target.”

Rean agreed with Roan, and their group kept moving.

Around two hours later, they found a Horned Shadow Leopard. Once again, Rean and Roan went in two different directions and used a pincer attack. But the Leopard was fast and quickly escaped. It circled around and attacked Roan.

Unfortunately for it, Roan was having it easy parrying and blocking the attacks. Rean came from the flank and slashed the sword down. Still, the Horned Shadow Leopard had already marked their presence, so when Rean and Roan attacked at the same time, it would retreat.

”Itʼs quite an intelligent one.”

Rean nodded.

”I will use my light element to blind it for a second. Use this chance to attack its legs.”

Roan agreed with Rean. His Light Trick was very convenient in situations like that.

Rean went forward while Roan circled around. The Leopard took the time that Roan was still out of range and attacked Rean as well. Once again, seeing that Roan was getting close, it decided to retreat. But it was at this moment that the Light Element burst with light, blinding the Leopard.

Without losing this chance, Rean and Roan slashed at its legs. However, just as they were about to hit, the Leopard jumped as high as it could. The strength of its four legs together made it soar! Rean and Roanʼs attacked missed, and the Leopard landed 20 or so meters away. However, it was at this moment that Rean, Roan, Opril, and Diakar heard a scream!

”Ahhh!”

When they looked in that direction, they noticed that another kid was there as well. Not only that, but the Shadow Leopard had also landed right beside the kid. It turned out that the Kid was Inna Malaka, who sneaked out of the big group to follow them.

”Fuck!”

---

Authorʼs note: If you like the story so far, consider leaving a few Power Stones to help the story.