The mercenaries are starting to feel cold sweat drip down their backs.
(Damn, I guess we have no choice. I can tell that it's no spirit or something watching us... Instead, they know we are trying to take the cleansing pool's water. I can see the glimmer of the cleansing pool's light ahead just as described; a soft, calming aura... The mage can sense it, but doesn't have the eyes to see it from here.)
These thoughts flashed through the dark skinned ranger's mind as if lightning, before he quickly motioned toward the direction of the pool in the typical mercenaries way with a specific hand motion. Even the rookie mage understood, and they suddenly dash forward, ignoring the ethereal voice!
These mercenaries were not to be underestimated. The two swordsmen were veteran 2*s; they had the combat capability and know-how to take down the average 3*, due to their training in mortal combat. Their mix of leather and plate did little to hinder their speed. Even the young mage, despite being a novice 2*, used a spell to temporarily boost his speed to keep up with the two.
Yet even with these 3 being capable, one could see the importance put on this mission by the Glaives just by looking at the dark skinned leader. His hair streaming behind him from his nimble movement and high speed as he seemed to flit across the forest floor demonstrated his ability as an accomplished 4* ranger! A 4* is practically the main elites of things like mercenary groups. Things such as 5*s who have crossed the legendary Threshold or even higher are practically unheard of outside groups with extensive history, backing, and power.
Yet even as he could already see the sheen of the pool ahead, an arrow comes piercing down from above!
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(They're pretty fast,) Simon couldn't help but think. But despite even the speed of that man in front, he could track them perfectly with his eyes glued on them. Right when Annie pulls and quickly fires a whistling arrow at the dark skinned man forcing him to dodge, he jumps down to the location of the two swordsmen, and strikes!
Due to the initial plan of just scaring them off failing spectacularly, they have to switch to the idea of 'fist' rather then 'palm.'
Considering that by now Simon has a much better grasp over both his strength and the strength he can expect from many kinds of enemies, he can afford to be non-lethal. Striking both of them leads to them being thrown to the side, each striking a tree, dazed and then soon unconscious. At the same time, the dark skinned ranger acrobatically maneuvers himself toward Simon after having dodged the arrow, with his shortsword drawn and whistling through the air at Simon!cAnnie in this space of 5 seconds has just loosed another arrow, though it seems it won't land until the ranger's blow does! At the moment the blade is about to meet Simon's sturdy claws and be deflected, his ears twitch, and he feels a shiver down his spine, with fur standing on end as a result.
He throws himself to the forest floor, tasting grass as a result. Before he can complain in his mind about not being a herbivore, he could see the flash of steel above him slice through the fireball that was heading toward his back courtesy of the young magician. In this time, before the hunter can strike down to insert his blade through Simon's compact frame, he is struck through the wrist by the prodigy archer! Hissing in pain, he flips in the direction of the mage, breaking and ripping out the arrow mid-air before positioning himself near the sweating and nervous mage, who is at the ready as well. As testament to his discipline, he did not loosen his grip on his weapon despite the pain.
With Simon now back on his feet, eyes narrowed, with his young face wearing a mocking grin, Annie drops behind him from her previous vantage point among the trees, standing beside him in much the same position as the two remaining mercenaries. Despite the strength of the 4* ranger, with his weapon of choice- his bow- not having the ability to be drawn in the fight quick enough due to the advantage of surprise, he is heavily limited in the capabilities he can display. As of this moment, the 4 combatants are locked in a staredown.
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(What the hell is going on!? That kid wearing a... bunch of fur or something? He's way too fast. He knocked out my men instantly... Which means he's strong enough to be at least a high rank 2*. And how was he able to notice this mage rookie's fire? I could see how quick that fireball was... I doubt I can reach the pool safely at this point... Especially considering that archer girl. How can she be such a strong 3* at that age!? I'll need to report back about the complications here. Even if it means abandoning this mage.)
His eyes flicker in disdain at the sweating yet determined mage for less then a second before he prepares to fade into the shadows behind him to escape when-
He is suddenly decapitated.
A 4* elite, well valued by his organization and a target of envy of many, is dead just like that.
Before the mage can even widen his eyes in astonishment, he suddenly faints. The two other swordsmen are not so lucky.
Each quickly have a thin specialized throwing dagger inserted into their foreheads from afar-
They were killed with such speed, precision, and control, that the bodies didn't even jerk before they breathed their last.
And appearing seemingly out of thin air, the culprit reveals himself to the two slack jawed wide eyed youths before him.
A dirty, brown, tattered leather cloak that has seen better days, and a white mask with only eye holes exposed, with a smooth bald head on a grey skinned body. Seemingly ignoring Simon completely, he stares into Annie's eyes and begins to speak in a monotone voice that seems to resonate in the air.
"A hero requires steadfast companions. This young mage shall be useful for your destined path; hear his story, and promise to help him; in return, he shall help you."
And as suddenly as the assassin appeared, he vanished.
Simon and Annie exchange dumbfounded glances in stunned silence. And in this silence, they wait for the morning to come.