Mane was impressed at the reaction of the team. His speed had startled them-yes- but their recovery was brilliant. There was no sign of panic, only rage could be felt from the leaders. They obviously cared very much about the 'foot' soldiers.
Mane thought of this as he calmly avoided the spear aimed at him, twisting his little self and coiling around the attacker like a snake coils around its prey. He brought down his blade and separated the Lesser's head from his body- the 7th to fall to his blade. A fine achievement considering that the battle had been going on for barely a minute.
He leaped back expertly to avoid falling into the enemies' enclosure as his sword glowed brilliantly.
"Prideful sword. Dance of the half-moon"
Mane's silent mumble was accompanied by a beautiful half-moon formed by the swinging of his sword. A beauty his opponents did not appreciate. For even as the swing was over, the eerily dark half-moon continued on its path, destroying the bodies of a dozen more.
After destroying their formation, Mane leaped ahead with ferocity as he switched to the blade which he held in his left arm, a clear sign that he was an expert at dual wielding.
"Bloodied Blade. Crazed Cut of the Blade King."
The blade coated in his enemies' blood vibrated, as if excited at the prospect of causing more damage. Several blade shadows emerged from the original- about eight in total- flying ferociously at the unfortunate recipients of their enthusiasm.
*puchi*
Each golden blade shadow reaped a life, with some putting in 'more hours' and taking down an extra man.
Kahn and Max struggled to close down Mane. The little brat was as slippery as an eel. Whenever they got close to him, he used that strange technique of his to disappear into their ranks once more, causing mayhem. They had lost more than half their original number now, with only about fifteen remaining.
Each blade thrust, each sword swing, signaled the descent of the grim reaper. The host of the Underworld would have been pleased- only if Mane was truly taking their lives. Every pearl was left intact, none destroyed, yet in their frenzy, the Celestials did not notice this. If they did, they may not have fought like this, just as Mane wanted, ever so desperately.
Mane smiled as he felt danger approach from behind him. He rolled away to avoid the hammer that was thrown into his path, breaking apart the ground he formerly stood on. He had barely regained his footing when he felt danger once more. He instinctively raised his blade up, the blunt side leading the charge as he parried the attack from the lanky man.
*tink*
His right hand was busy as well, his sword slicing through the air in an attempt to slice his opponent in half- in a horizontal sweep.
*BOOM*
A deafening sound was heard. Its instigator was the shield of dirt that had blocked Mane's attack.
"Interesting. Well, that is why it's advised not to judge a book by its cover." Mane said, genuinely surprised by the lanky man's glow. No one would have pegged him as an inheritor of an earth based bloodline. If one was to look at appearances alone, the Lieutenant was more suited to wield such a bloodline.
He blushed slightly as he realised he was doing the one thing he disliked- judging based on appearances.
"Max. You alright there?" Kahn called out concerned, his eyes still fixed on Mane.
"Sh*t. Hurts like hell. Even with a shield between us, I'm sore all over. Not even you can take him head on."
Kahn's face fell at Max's words. His physical strength was mighty impressive even among the Celestials. He prepared himself for a bitter fight. That was when he saw the strangest thing he had seen on the battlefield. The opponent who clearly held the advantage, was sheathing his weapons.
"I'm done here." Mane said as he turned around and began walking away, as though he hadn't left his back wide open to his enemies.
"What do you mean? Even if you want to leave, why would we allow you to? You've killed several of my men" Kahn spoke up, yet his hammer, which he had retrieved, stayed beside him with no signs of initiating an attack.
"You fight very honorably. I have my back to you, yet you chose not to strike. Your men are the same. And who said I killed anyone? I left their life pearls intact. They'll be fully healed in a day's time at most."
Mane spoke up, his bright voice a contrast to the murderous atmosphere. Kahn was startled at his words. He immediately prompted a few of his men to check the bodies.
"All life pearls intact Lieutenant."
The feedback he received was like music to Kahn's ears. Due to his glow, he knew that the opponent could definitely kill them, hence he didn't pay attention to the state of his fallen men. Now, two things were obvious. One, the boy could have killed them because he obviously knew the secret of their life pearls, yet he chose not to. And two, he had killed Celestials before.
"Are you going to leave without a name? I'm Max, and that is Lieutenant Kahn. What's yours?" Max asked. After finding out the men were fine, he had lost all anger for the boy. What was left was appreciation. It was appreciation for a talent who could easily best a Greater Celestial- no, make that two Greater Celestials- and a large number of Lessers on his own. He was also so young. It wasn't a loss to trade friendship after a 'spar' with a respected opponent.
Mane halted his steps, a small smile on his face as he turned to face them. His hair shone brightly, complementing the golden sun in the sky. His eyes found its way to Max.
"Mane. My name is Mane. I do hope we meet again, Greater Celestial Max."
He resumed his walk, trekking slowly out of the battlefield. That was until a blinding light took him away from them.
"Was that…"
"A teleportation circle" Kahn interrupted Max, confirming the slim man's doubts.
"Our new friend seems to be of extraordinary background. I wonder what his story is." Max seemed more intrigued about the little boy than he was ten minutes ago.
"Well, you seem awfully excited about the one who almost took your life." Kahn smiled bitterly as he addressed Max. That did not mean he didn't understand him though. Max may look like an adult, but he was only fifteen. Celestials- especially Greater Celestials- grew up so much faster than the regular races.
For instance, Mane had assumed that Kahn was also an adult. But the truth was he was just a month older than Max- also fifteen years of age! Even among the Greater Celestials, they were at the peak in terms of talent. Yet they had lost to a child a few years younger than them. He knew Max loved a good challenge, a craving that hadn't been satisfied for some years now. Finally, they had found a rival.
They had finally found a person just like them- an entity made for combat!