Dark hair with even darker eyes and horns protruding from his temples. A build of almost six and a half feet tall with rippling muscles exposed proudly for all to see, kind courtesy of the sleeveless tank top. The uniformed lieutenant raised his head and cast his eyes onto the hill before him, the pearl sitting majestically in between his eyebrows a giveaway of his race.
His dark eyes looked at the figure that stood atop the hill- a young child. Per his observation, this little boy wasn't even in his teens, yet he felt unsettled looking at him.
"Lieutenant, he is just a child. I think our caution is overzealous." A man who was even taller than the lieutenant, by about two inches or so, addressed his superior.
The lieutenant still had his eyes fixed on the hill, not looking at the taller yet lanky man.
"Are you doubting my judgement?" he asked the slimmer man, no emotion present on his face.
"We both know that I'm not. I am just curious. We are half a hundred strong, proud members of the Celestial race. By not killing the boy we have shown mercy for he stands in our path. But I feel dread from you. That, I do not understand."
The lieutenant smiled, finally showing some emotion on his straight face.
"Your observation is as keen as ever. You really are a Greater Celestial. Indeed I am wary. My senses keep crying out, warning me that we face a predator, not a prey. And this is a fight we cannot avoid. So my senses tell me."
The lanky man was taken aback. His lieutenant had never been wrong at judging such situations. Just like him, his superior was a Greater Celestial. And his bloodline skill- his glow- was a very rare one. It had been dubbed 'The Sense' by all who knew him. It had a simple yet vital function. It allowed him to judge and assess the danger levels of his enemies. This skill had saved many lives. So, if he said the little kid was a threat, then he was a threat.
The taller subordinate had a stern look now, his easy going expression wiped away cleanly by the lieutenant's words. Greater Celestials were different from Lesser Celestials- they were noble born. Their talents also exceeded that of the Lesser Celestials, able to devour more energy than the Lessers. Hence, he had his arrogance- but he was no fool. He knew which battles to pick, and the ones to avoid- this was one to avoid.
Unfortunately, from his lieutenant's words, the appearance of the danger was no coincidence- he was here for them. A sigh leaked out of his lips as he joined his leader in looking at the danger ahead.
"Hey Kahn. If we survive this, buy me a drink would you?" The lanky man said
"Hehe. You have my word Max." The lieutenant broke into a warm smile as he replied in the affirmative.
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Mane looked down calmly at the 'entourage' that were beneath him. Like a king surveying the land, his gaze was unwavering, absolute confidence in his eyes, as though he wasn't currently facing a group of about 50 Celestials.
"Are you sure kid" the talkative 6th asked, his question drawing the ire of the 7th and the 8th.
"There's no need to be worried 6th. Mane doesn't attempt anything he has no confidence in" the 1st interjected.
"I want to see how far I've improved with the 'prideful sword'. I am also eager to try out the 'blood blade' technique 8th taught me."
Mane nodded as he gripped his weapons tightly.
"Fine then. Let's see you dance kid." The 6th relented
Mane smiled at his words and took up a fighting stance, placing the sword before him and the blade, held behind him. He was very clearly going to strike with the blade first.
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"He has taken up a stance. It looks like he's ready. We must attack first, only then will we survive."
The lieutenant spoke to his second-in-command, as he retrieved his own weapon, a gigantic hammer. The Second-in-command nodded as he signaled the men to get ready. He saw confusion on their faces, a right reaction for a troop that only could see a little boy up ahead.
"Men! Do not underestimate this enemy. He may look small, but the Lieutenant's glow has identified him as a huge threat. Disregard him, and lose your lives! Am I clear?!"
"Sir yes Sir!!!"
"Interesting. No arrogance on their faces, and an order not to underestimate me. I will leave them alive." Mane looked at the rapidly approaching group with newfound respect. How long had it been since he wasn't looked down on due to his small stature. Finally, a group that took no chances. He felt appreciation for them, hence his decision to show mercy.
Mane crouched down, and leaped down the hill with tremendous speed. When he was but a few meters from the troops he activated his technique.
"Star flicker"
*whoosh*
Lieutenant Kahn only had one thing on his mind- engage the enemy personally. With himself and his Second-in-command attacking their enemy at the same time, it may give the others the chance to get some attacks in. He knew he couldn't allow their opponent to get past him and rain havoc onto the troops- that will spell their doom.
Well, that was the plan until the target suddenly disappeared. Lieutenant Kahn turned pale when he heard screams coming in from behind.
Max was just as startled as Kahn. The plan to contain the enemy had gone awry. The damned bastard had found his way to the soldiers! He, just like Kahn, turned around as Kahn screamed, "ON ME!"