Looking at the two humans fighting from afar, Asher quickly realized that one was a newbie like him, while the other was maybe a rank 2.
"Now that's what we call a monster."
Asher couldn't help but compliment it; he had only met dogs and a weird monkey.
But this one was different, its stick-like body with its ribs out in the open, a long skull-like face. It will not be wrong to call it a beast, a creature from beyond.
The beast's claws were filled with darkness as it leaped on the man, with grayish-white armor.
It was maybe an instinct to get rid of the only threat it deemed worthy. A boy of much smaller height and even age was behind him, shaking in fear.
Ash was still contemplating if he should help them or just observe till the need arose; the latter was much more convenient, as it would give him the chance to observe how a real high-rank awakener fights.
Hiding himself even more, Ash quietly observed as the man repelled the attack with his shield, pushing the beast back as the ground around him shook, creating a shock wave, making the beast fall.
"Lord Kena, This is not a time to be trembling in fear. We have come here to fight, so attack this beast."
Not wanting for the boy to reply, the awakener dashed toward the beast with a sword in hand as it struck the beast.
The beast growled in pain as it was struck by the sword; its bone cracked.
Ash, who was observing from afar, was excited and marveled at the fight that was happening.
The rank 2 awakener fought with a fierce determination that was palpable even from the distance. His sword was a dance of death, a shimmering blade that seemed to be alive, carving the air with a grace that belied its lethal intent. The beast, though massive and terrifying, was no match for his skill and precision. Each strike was met with a roar of pain from the creature, its bones cracking under the onslaught.
The boy, finally gathering some courage, conjured a ball of water in his hand and shot it toward the beast.
The water bullet met the target, grazing the awakener as well as passing through his shoulder.
'No, wasn't it too reckless to attack when your team members are fighting at the front line?'
Asher complained to himself at seeing this; how could someone be so reckless?
The awakener, as if shocked by the strike, took this opportunity to step back from his fierce battle.
Even if it has looked like he was winning easily, it was far from the truth. The strikes he had done previously were nothing more than scratches to such a beast made of bones; no vital damage has been done yet.
If the beast attack hits him instead, it will be a devastating blow towards him.
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, the man took a heavy step, the ground as if turning into water puddles towards the beast, drawing him inside the ground.
The boy didn't wait this time and again fired a water bullet he had formed.
The shot landed straight on the creature's head, drenching him in water.
'I get it that you are trying to harm it, but you only made it wet. Why not give it a bath as well now?'
Ash joked inside at the sorry state of the kid. Even though he was joking around, he was all but serious; he knows how hard it is to fight a beast, and the one he fought was capable of destroying a village just in its early stages.
The boy who was initially happy as he attacked landed was again in shock, as it had no effect whatsoever.
The beast again growled as the land he was sucked into blasted in dark light, leaping again toward the man in armor.
Using his shield to brace for impact, he protected himself along with the kid.
"Seth, a-are you alright?" The boy mumbled as they both were pushed back.
The rank 2 awakener, Seth, growled a little as the attack had hit them.
"Yes," pushing the boy back, he dashed toward the beast to not let it attack again.
The ground shook around the beast, making it lose its balance. Seeing it tremble, Seth did a stab on its chest with all his might to land a devastating blow.
The sword penetrated deep into the creature's ribcage, the blade cutting through bone and flesh with ease. The beast let out an earth-shattering roar that echoed through the forest, and its body convulsed in pain.
Asher felt a sudden surge of admiration for the man's skill and bravery. He had seen rank 2 awakeners before, but never in such close combat. It was mesmerizing and terrifying all at once.
As the beast reeled from the attack, Seth took a step back, panting heavily. His eyes flickered with a mix of exertion and calculation. The creature was weakened but not down yet.
With the will to fight, the creature this time raised its claw and struck the man's arms. Using his armor to grab the beast, Seth again did a devastating blow to its head, finally cracking it.
The beast's skull split open, and a dark mist oozed out of the wound.
Asher's heart raced as he watched the battle unfold. He had never seen such power in action, and the reality of their world was setting in.
Seeing the beast laid down finally, the boy Kena sighed in relief as Seth backed down.
"That was a very good fight, Seth, but I am sure without me you would have done even better."
Kena praised Seth wholeheartedly to acknowledge him; Seth, initially surprised, still gave a firm nod.
"It was my duty to protect the young lord."
As they both chatted, Asher still didn't let his guard down; both awakeners were relaxed.
Asher knew that a beast would fight till its last breath, as he had previously witnessed from the tree; even in its final breath, it did everything it could to kill Asher, the source of its trouble.
And he was right; the beast, which lay down acting dead, leaped toward the boy, surprising Seth.
*Bang* *Bang*
Two shots were hurriedly fired along with 'static' towards the beast.
The first bullet missed its mark, but the second one didn't. It entered the cracked opening in the beast's skull.
The head blasted as it was shot inside, black blood splattered everywhere.
The boy whose legs have given up was on the ground shivering in fear.
Asher finally decided its time to show himself and walked toward them calmly not wanting to scare to boy even more who already on verge of tears.
"Who are you?"
The rank 2 awakener Seth asked in a stern voice as he looked at him. He had stepped forward, putting Kena behind in case something happened.
"I mean no harm; I was just watching you fight as I am a new awakener. And thought if I could help if need arises."
Asher emphasized the word 'help' as he was actually scared to fight the man who had just cracked open a beast skull with his hands.
'My head would get blasted if he punched me.'
Shuddering at his own thoughts, Asher genuinely expressed his motives to not let a misunderstanding happen.
"I see, we are... grateful towards you."
Seth said as he looked at Ash with keen eyes,his hands still on the hilt of his sword.
"I am Seth, and this is Lord Kena from House of Orgus."