Earlier, as Zyro was analyzing the people around them. Some vampires spared them a glance, but shrugged off shortly after. However, there were some abnormalities.
Zyro thought of it as wary vampires suspecting their presence here, but those guys won't cause them trouble if they don't made a ruckus in their territory. Moreover, they won't be staying here for long, they'll leave as soon Scarlet find the way to the hidden tunnel.
Or so, he thought.
Just now, he saw shady people moving elsewhere as soon as they saw them.
Zyro sighed and waited patiently.
'The princess isn't as lucky either.'
They've already wandered throughout the village underground street by the time Zyro notice this. It's too late to turn back now.
Finally, Scarlet said with excitement, oblivious about the impending predicament heading towards them.
"I've already check the other corner of this underworld, this is the last place. I'm sure, it will be here."
She took a turn and looks around.
It was a secluded corridor, going straight ahead into the darkness afar. Dim lanterns shone weakly in the walls, an eerie silence enveloping the atmosphere.
"I'm right, it is here!"
Zyro and Pert can't see what she's talking about, but in Scarlet vampiric eyes, the shrouding darkness is nonexistent. Allowing her to gaze clearly up ahead, where an entrance that leads to the other settlement is nested.
But as she was just about to hasten her pace, four figures came from an intersection ahead. Blocking their path, those guys wore hooded cloaks similar to the one Scarlet is wearing. Their faces are hidden in the shadows.
One might assume she's part of them, but it wasn't the case. Scarlet cloak doesn't suit her size, dirtied by dried blood and have some tatters. It's evident she stole her cloak from someone, as for who that someone was...
As she had said before, she's being pursued by assassins sent by her rivals for the throne.
So, the four blocking their path was probably assassins.
Scarlet steps slowed down, her crimson eyes frozen wide at the sight of her enemies. Then, she stopped advancing.
All of a sudden, her previous excitement was gone. She said with a cold voice, her composure hiding the bitterness she's feeling.
"Stay back."
Hearing footsteps behind, Zyro glances over his shoulder. At their back, another four assassins came out from the shadows and slowly walked towards them. Cutting their line of retreat.
The assassins advance with steady steps, holding varying weapons in their hands.
Scarlet expression turned darkened, realizing that they're surrounded from both sides.
Her breathing hasten, as her heart beat fastens.
She's confused on what to do under all this pressure, conflicted whether to head forward or leave?
Although, she received lessons of combat strategies to be decisive in battle. This is the first time she's experiencing enemy attack, with the intent to kill her and her companions. The pressure are overwhelming.
Amidst the tension, Zyro's voice resounded behind her. Cold as steel, lacking the usual politeness when he talks to her.
"Tell me, will it take time to get through the passage entrance?"
Scarlet was taken aback by his calmness in such dire situation, but replied honestly to him.
"It was disguised by some stuff, and there were probably tough barricades, too. So yes, it will took a lot of time."
"Then we'll retreat."
The clouds of Scarlet head cleared. She was worried if they retreated, the path she intended to take will be discovered and enemy reinforcement will come.
However, it's better than dying.
But her heart are aching. Scarlet lips quivered, forming a pained smile as she look at Zyro and Pert. The two people who followed her, believe in her, and aid her through this journey.
Her voice sounding like a sad melody.
"Don't die... Please."
Scarlet then turn around to face the approaching assassins at the back. To pave their way of retreat with the blood of these hooded vampires.
But to do so, she had to abandon Zyro and Pert in order stop the enemies at the back from advancing and made way.
As soon as Scarlet set off, the assassins at front run forward to support their comrades and surrounded the three.
Pert, the archer aim his bow to them. But Zyro lightly grips his shoulder as he strides forward, saying:
"Focused on supporting Scarlet instead, I'll hold them back."
Pert was about to say something, but Zyro already run to the charging enemy. Leaving Pert standing at the middle of it all. Scarlet and Zyro both taking on four enemies on both side at the same time.
Amidst his run, Zyro took out Broken Sword and threw it to the assassins. The dark blade spun with dangerous speed, but the assassins took no notice. For in their sight, Zyro hand held nothing, and threw nothing.
Until one of their teammates suddenly fell backwards, his head sprouted blood as he stumbled on the ground.
The assassins stop on their tracks to check on their fallen companion, confusion written all over their faces.
They clearly seen and sense nothing.
The Broken Sword can't be perceived by others.
But they didn't idle for long, the young man was approaching. So, they held their weapons and prepared to receive him. But to their surprise, as soon as they turn around. Zyro was crouched under them, his leg on full swing! Hitting two of the assassins footing, causing them to fall.
As they were stumbling, Zyro sprung up towards the assassin who remain standing. The assassin wields a dagger on a guarded stance. He slashed downward to counter Zyro's charge, only for his wrist to get caught midway. Zyro twisted his waist and delivered an elbow strike to the opponent face.
That vampire was probably an Alpha. His fitness was superior to average people, but his still at the weakest Mark. However, Zyro was momentary shocked. The moment Zyro elbow made contact to the vampire head, he heard the crunchy sound of bone cracking.
Damaging a person's skull to that degree, that vampire was probably dead.
And just like that, Zyro killed an Alpha with one strike.
But this was to be expected, Zyro's genetics received an upgrade after consuming the soul core. Enhancing his strength beyond average. He also activated the Blinker skill for a moment there, albeit, a little. Boosting his strength for an instant to make that attack more lethal. Couple with Shroud of knight beneath his cloth, covering his body with hard steel, especially his elbow.
His elbow strike felt like iron, rammed in the opponent skull with tremendous force. Of course, the Alpha died immediately.
Only now did Zyro realize how much he improve. How powerful he became.
But that doesn't mean the battle can be easily won, because not all opponents are mere Alpha's.
In the corner of his eye, Zyro notices the assassin he previously hit by the Broken Sword standing. That guy was charging at full speed back then, and meet his opposing blade head on. Yet... He survived.
After killing one assassin, he didn't waste time and quickly head to where his Broken Sword fell. A weapon in battle was extremely crucial, because it's what could be used to cut the enemies. At the same time, he'll be taking care of the injured vampire.
The assassin was wobbling, with bleeding head as he struggled to stand up. His vision hindered by blood, and pain disoriented his thoughts. Before he could realized the situation, a fist was already close to his face...
But a Beta's reaction time are not to be underestimated. In the split second, the assassins tilted his head, dodging the punch as it grazed his cheeks.
However, Zyro wasn't done yet.
Once again, he activated Dark Burst for a moment, giving him an instant power-up. His arm muscles suddenly ache.
When his fist missed, he changed its trajectory from a straight punch to was swing. The swing was faster and stronger, heading to the still disoriented assassin. That vampire probably thought Zyro's swinging fist would barely reach him. However, he didn't expect a silver blade would suddenly sprung out of that arm. Transforming the swinging fist into a lethal slash.
The Cybernetic armor exoskeleton, Zyro's inhumane strength and the Blinker's gift synchronized to powered that slash. Beta's bodies are two times better than Alpha's, so there's no point comparing its toughness to normal people. Yet, the silver blade passed through, severing the assassin's head.
'Two down.'
He counted in his mind.
But now, all advantages he had set-up had run out. As the assassin head landed on the ground, Zyro picked up The Broken Sword.
Then, he heard something whistle behind him. Zyro abruptly raises the invisible sword to defend, and meet a darting rode made of iron.
It bounced off with a spark, but the force numb his hand, causing him to step back.
This was a strength of a Beta in full glory.
The two assassins was back on their feet, their face hidden in the shadows of their hood.
One of the vampire viciously grit his teeth, and cried out.
"Bastard!!!! I will kill you!!"
That assassin then pounced to him with incredible speed. He was a well built man, he carried no weapon for he had just thrown his iron stake to Zyro.
Zyro braced himself, prepared of what's to come... However, unexpectedly. That guy directly charges in, disregarding his life to grab his body. Due to his carelessness, Zyro invisible blade wounded his throat.
Strangely, that burly assassin didn't care about the pain nor mind his throat being slit and blood gushing out. Because of this unexpected turn of events, the man manage to grab Zyro's body. Pushing him against the wall and locking his movements.
In that moment, Zyro saw a glimpse of the man red eyes hidden under the hood. It was deranged, full of rage, hatred and sorrow.
'I must have killed someone important to him.'
Was his conclusion.
His no stranger to such cases, in a world of violence. Losing your friend's or brothers in arms are inevitable. In such situations, one might let their raging emotions tool over.
Like what happened to this man.
He sacrifice his safety to put Zyro on a difficult situation.
Zyro cursed under his breath, seeing the other vampire aiming a short spear to the immobilized young man face.
His in a difficult position.