Free Web NovelChapter 174: Overwhelmed (2)
Rico realised his plan had failed, but he also knew backing down wasn’t an option anymore. With everyone’s abilities gone, he was the only one who could stand against Alex.
’No matter what, I must keep him busy until Shinon arrives.’ Rico thought to himself. ’Given the situation, Shinon is the only one who can defeat this fucker.’
There was a reason why it took Rico a while to get to the battlefield: Shinon. When Rico realised that Aric’s men had attacked the settlement, he rushed to radio Shinon and report to him about the situation.
With that thought in mind, Rico lunged at his opponent, but the result was unchanged. With every missed strike, Rico felt frustration gnawing at his core. His efforts seemed futile, his confidence slowly wavering.
"You see, what was your name again...? Ah, right, Rico," Alex taunted, a smug grin on his lips. "Your resistance is meaningless. Without abilities, you are nothing. A mere mortal cannot stand against the might of our power."
Rico gritted his teeth. He didn’t care if it took Shinon hours to get here; he would defend the girls with all his strength.
He circled Alex, his footwork agile and precise. He feinted one way, only to change direction in an instant. Rico’s strikes became faster and more unpredictable as he sought to bypass Alex’s ability to predict his movements.
Their clash intensified, the sound of metal clashing against metal ringing through the battlefield. Rico’s fiery machetes danced with deadly grace, creating a mesmerising display of light and heat. But despite his efforts, Alex’s ability continued to thwart his every move.
Soon enough, Rico got tired out. His movements became sluggish, which led to the moment Alex was waiting for.
With a calculated strike, Alex disarmed Rico, sending one of his machetes flying through the air. The blade clattered against the ground, leaving Rico momentarily defenceless. The weight of his defeat settled upon him, his shoulders slumping.
"It’s over, Rico. Your resistance ends here. Surrender, and perhaps I will show you mercy," Alex raised his sword, his voice dripping with triumph. "It would be a waste to let a talent like you go to waste. But I will end you if you don’t bow to Aric’s might this instant."
"Mercy? Offering mercy to an enemy is a right reserved for chivalrous people. Not cowardly bastards like yourself." Rico rose to his feet with a twisted smile on his face.
Even in his bloodied and bruised state, he knew he had to buy time for Shinon to reach the settlement and was willing to sacrifice himself if it meant the settlement would be protected.
With his remaining machete gripped tightly in his hand, he charged at Alex once again. Their swords clashed with a resounding clash, the clash of steel reverberating through the battlefield.
Rico fought with every ounce of strength left in him. Though outmatched by Alex’s predictive abilities, he refused to go down without a fight.
But Alex, fueled by his advantage and the thrill of imminent victory, effortlessly parried each of Rico’s desperate strikes. Blow after blow was deflected, and Rico’s hopes for survival seemed more distant with each passing moment. Even then, he pressed onwards.
Just then, a heavy blow from Alex’s sword sent Rico sprawling to the ground, his grip on his machete loosening.
Pain coursed through his body, but his spirit remained unbroken. He struggled to rise to his feet, his battered form refusing to yield.
Alex loomed over him, triumph radiating from his being. "You fought valiantly, Rico. But it seems your defiance ends here. I’ll try to make your death as painless as I can."
"Even if I fall today, others will rise in my place," Rico’s breaths came ragged, his vision blurred with pain. Though weakened, his resolve burned brightly. "And remember... you’ll meet your end soon enough at the hands of the man I proudly call my brother."
With those defiant words, Rico braced himself for the final, crushing blow from Alex’s sword. He closed his eyes, preparing for the end. But before the strike could land, something unexpected happened.
A shadowy tendril wrapped itself around Rico’s waist, pulling him backwards with a sudden force. Confusion clouded Rico’s senses as he looked behind him, trying to comprehend what had happened. And then he saw Shinon standing there, concealed beneath his hoodie. ƒreewebɳovel.com
"You did well, Rico," Shinon mumbled as he stepped forward. "You all did."
Shinon’s gloved hand reached up, slowly pulling back the hood, revealing a face that didn’t look pleased with the invader. His eyes darted all around the settlement, taking in the devastation Aric’s men had caused.
The cold wind whispered through the battlefield, akin to the silence before a storm, as Shinon’s piercing gaze met Alex’s.
"And who might you be?" Alex inquired, a hint of curiosity lacing his voice. "Another pawn in this futile resistance?"
Shinon remained silent, his expression unyielding. He refused to dignify Alex’s question with a response. Instead, he stood firm, a formidable presence that commanded attention. The absence of an answer only fueled Alex’s growing realisation.
Recognition flickered in Alex’s eyes as he processed the sight before him. Pieces of information fell into place, connecting the dots in his mind. Aric’s mention of the enigmatic "Shadowbearer" echoed in his memory, and now, standing before him, was the embodiment of that name.
A triumphant smirk curled on Alex’s lips as he realised the significance of the encounter.
"So, you’re the one they call the Shadowbearer," he taunted, his voice filled with arrogance. "Ah, I’ve been waiting for this moment. To have the pleasure of eliminating you myself, Shadowbearer."
Unfazed by Alex’s taunting, Shinon maintained a calm composure, his eyes locked onto his adversary. The atmosphere crackled with tension as the two stood face to face, each aware of the stakes at hand.
Alex’s confidence swelled as he thought about the device he believed would neutralise Shinon’s abilities. He reached for the spot where the device should have been, only to find emptiness. Confusion flickered across his face as he realised the device was missing.
"What the hell?"
