Cainsz... Cainsz...
Albrecht tried to recall every single hero and adventurer he met in the past since he feared that he'd forgotten about Cainsz. Then again, he was fairly certain that he had not encountered a Cainsz in the past.
He was right on the money. In terms of meeting each other, this was the first time that Cainsz had seen Albrecht face to face. Nevertheless, this wasn't the first time Cainsz had encountered Albrecht. After all, it had already been a few months since he became particularly interested in Albrecht.
"I'm sorry, I don't think we've met before... ?" Albrecht's voice shakily trailed off as he suspiciously eyed Cainsz. If they really did meet in the past, then there's no way Albrecht could have forgotten his striking maroon red hair and phoenix-like scarlet eyes.
He was the very definition of a fiery lad— the polar opposite of the somewhat timid Albrecht.
"Of course, we haven't met before. BUT! This wasn't the first time I've seen you. In fact, I traveled all this way just to see you. We need to talk."
From afar, the sound of the Adamantium Goliath Snake was heard as it crashed onto the ground and dug its way through again. It was determined to kill both Albrecht and Daley, and it wouldn't stop at anything.
"First, the snake, and then we talk." Albrecht grimly said. Now that he'd taken a breather, and he knew most of the move sets that the snake used, he was positive that it wouldn't catch him off-guard a second time.
"Sure, I'll be waiting." Cainsz casually waved them off with a smile on his face, leaving both Albrecht and Daley dumbfounded.
"WHAT?!" Daley exclaimed. If looks could kill, then his stare would've killed Cainsz a hundred times over due to how bloodshot it was.
"What do you mean what?" Cainsz asked, confused. He was surprised that the little boy had the gall to scream right at his face when he was a notable member of the Heroes of Lomenschwaal.
"You're not going to help?!" Daley asked. More than anything, he wanted to confirm whether Cainsz would involve himself in the subjugation or not. "You're clearly pretty strong. With your help, you can take down the Adamantium Goliath Snake, easy-peasy."
Cainsz puffed his chest as if he completely understood Daley's concern. However, he had no intention of helping them, not even a sliver.
"Relax, kid. I'm not paid enough to deal with this. I'm going to watch from the sidelines. You go do your thing, all right?" Cainsz said with a relaxed expression on his face. Without saying anything, he leaned against a nearby tree before closing his eyes.
"Don't worry, I'll jump in if ever you're in danger. Once you're done dealing with that snake, we'll talk. Take your time, I can wait."
"But my village... you're just going to let our village get destroyed? You won't step forward even when you can do something about it?" Daley snapped.
"You're not my employer kid. Besides, that snake is way beyond my pay grade." Cainsz said, waving his hand as if to shoo Daley away.
This was a normal occurrence outside a kingdom so Albrecht was used to it. He didn't bother convincing Cainsz since his actions were justified. He was a hero, and his main focus is to conquer Ground Zero instead of dealing with monsters and beasts all over the place.
Besides, Cainsz did say that he would wait and that he would jump into action whenever they get in danger. This gave Albrecht the confidence boost he needed in order to take on the Adamantium Goliath Snake for the second time.
"You stay here, all right?" Albrecht advised before Daley could say anything else. He didn't want to endanger the little boy. He had done enough for his village.
If there was someone who could keep Daley safe, it would be Cainsz. Whether Albrecht wanted to admit it or not, Cainsz was capable enough of keeping the little boy out of danger.
"Sure, I'll keep him safe. You go do your thing. I know you can easily deal with that snake, provided that you're a hero and all. Also, I kind of wish that you would disprove my image of you. I'll be rooting for you, Albrecht Stein."
Knowing that Cainsz would save his life no matter what, Albrecht decided to go through with the trial. Without wasting another second, he accelerated towards the hole that the gigantic snake had dug. Somehow, he heard the ominous sound of the ground crumbling down as he approached the hole, and then the snake reappeared.
Kiahhk~!
With his brows furrowed, Albrecht acted as if he was unsheathing something. He was totally concentrating on the gigantic snake as it charged at him. Before it got to where he was, he activated the skill 'Sword of the Cosmos' and then blocked the snake with it. He braced his knees for impact and then pointed his blade at the snake.
"I'm not letting you through, you cursed snake." Albrecht declared, mustering up all his courage as he thrust the sword straight through the snake's mouth.
Sensing the upcoming attack, the snake reluctantly closed its mouth and instead changed its attack into a headbutt. With its Zecian Aura Armor, it was certain that Albrecht wouldn't be able to penetrate its hide.
[You've activated the skill 'Saddim's Touch']
[Saddim's Touch (Unique, S-Rank)— active skill, allows the user to hold certain objects without touching them. Allows unwieldable weapons to be wielded by the user. If an enemy was touched, there's a 50% chance that a deterioration status will be placed. This rate increases exponentially the stronger the enemy is.]
Before the Adamantium Goliath Snake could completely close its mouth, Albrecht threw his 'Sword of the Cosmos' using his skill 'Saddim's Touch'. With fluid control, he was able to lodge the blade in the snake's mouth, disabling its closing mouth.
However, this didn't stop the snake from charging at him. It was do or die for the snake. Disregarding its open mouth— which had become its weakness— it charged at Albrecht, aiming to swallow him whole even if it meant forcing his jaws to close and stabbing its face through with the blade.
"Welp," Cainsz indifferently said as he watched the situation unfold from afar.
"What?! You're not going to help him?!" Daley asked in exclamation.