Chapter 94: Chapter94-OP Enemy

Why couldn't they defeat those guys? They should have dealt with this by now, especially Solos and Allen. What were they even doing? If everyone were gold rankers, it would explain why Anna and Zeras were struggling, but what about the others? Solos and Allen were both attacking the black-masked rebel with their weapons, giving it their all. Yet, none of their strikes landed. Every time they got close, the rebel dodged with unbelievable speed. What kind of opponent are they up against? This speed is crazy! Wait, is he even moving? I couldn't even follow his leg movements. I quickly activated my appraisal skill, and a virtual screen appeared before me, showing his details... **Name:** Drek Tremor (Super Monster) **Height:** 6'1" **Weight:** 250 lbs **Personality:** Your level is insufficient to discern! **Evaluation:**Your level is insufficient to discern! **Probability:** Your level is insufficient to discern! I sighed... So, this is why his speed is insanely fast... I somewhat expected it, considering his speed was unlike any other Gold Rankers, I had seen... Normally, if this were my first time witnessing it, I would have been hugely surprised. But with the daily doses of surprises I've been getting, it was just another typical moment. Still, I had to admit that guy is pretty strong even without his super monster's power... *** All super monsters like him have abilities similar to infected monsters, making them very powerful compared to humans. However, they can't defeat someone of a higher rank. This is one of their major weaknesses. Which is why... Instead of humans being afraid of them, it's the other way aroundthey fear humans more than we fear them. As I was watching others' battles and thinking about all this, a sudden realization struck me... Wait, wait, wait! Doesn't that mean that guy might have an ability related to speed? Yeah, that could be it. By using his ability, he might be boosting his speed to dodge their attacks. Maybe his ability is similar to my dash skill, but at a maxed-out level. Hmm... That must be it... I turned my attention back to the ongoing battle. Allen, Anna, Solos, and Zeras were all getting more exhausted with each passing second. Surprisingly, even that guy's minions were fighting fiercely. That's bad, very bad... At this rate, they might all be defeated within the next half hour. I glanced at my watch to check the time. Name: Michael Frostburne Total Rules Broken: 1 Current Rules Broken: 0 Time: 12:15 p.m. ... Alright, so, let's move Wait! Why should I go? This isn't my fight, and what would I even gain from getting involved? In the end, they'll kill all the rebels, and I won't gain any EXP. Hmm... That's a good reason to stay hidden, but won't these guys come after me once they're done with them? I mean, it's natural for them to attack me since I'm on the enemy team... Hmm... Now it's getting confusing. Normally, if that Drek guy weren't here, I'd have join the fight. But with him around, I'm hesitant. He's just way too overpowered... I stood there, lost in thought, weighing my options. Every second felt like an eternity as I debated my next move. The sounds of battle raged around me, and I could see Allen, Anna, Solos, and Zeras struggling against their relentless opponents. A minute passed, and I came to a conclusion. Even if I don't get any experience points, I need to ensure my survival. To do that, I have to eliminate all threats before they eliminate me. This is a good opportunity to strike while they're distracted by the others. I scanned the battlefield, searching for my first target. I definitely didn't want to take on Drek head-on, so my priority would be eliminating his minions first. They were busy fighting, focused on their respective battles, making them vulnerable to a surprise attack. The minion currently fighting Anna became my first target... I targeted him mainly because Anna, out of the four, was clearly losing the fight. Her movements were getting sloppier with each passing minute. The first rebel was using hit-and-retreat tactics on her. One moment he was engaging her, and the next he was retreating, making Anna waste more energy moving forward. Hmm... It might be better if I use that strategy here... I never thought I'd resort to this, given that I don't like teaming up with others. But considering the current situation, it seems like the best approach. So, I drew one of my guns from my inventory and waited for the right moment to strike... Anna and the rebel circled each other, swords at the ready. Each movement was a tense dance of anticipation, both waiting for the other to make a mistake. Anna lunged forward, her blade aimed at the rebel's midsection. He parried swiftly, their swords clashing with a metallic ring. Sparks flew as they exchanged blows, each strike met with a counterstrike, neither gaining an upper hand. The rebel swung his sword in a wide arc, aiming for Anna's shoulder. She deflected it and responded with a quick thrust toward his chest. He twisted to the side, avoiding her blade by mere inches, and retaliated with a slash aimed at her legs. Anna jumped back, her movements now noticeably slower and less precise. The rebel, recognizing her fatigue, began to employ his hit-and-retreat tactics more aggressively. He would dart in, deliver a quick strike, then retreat before Anna could fully react. Each time, she was forced to step forward, expending more energy with each advance. Their swords met again, locking together in a deadlock. They strained against each other, both trying to push the other back... Now is the time... It was at this moment that I saw my opportunity. I fired multiple bullets, targeting the rebel's legs and hands. The sudden sound of gunfire caught him and the others off guard, making them all turn towards the source. In other words, they were all now looking in my direction, surprised. Why? Because they didn't expect to see me up here. I stood in the middle of the entrance, holding my gun like a soldier. It was an amazing yet familiar feeling... They all had surprised expressions on their faces and in their eyes... The Rebel saw the bullets coming towards his direction and tried to retreat, breaking the deadlock with Anna. He managed to avoid most of the bullets, his speed allowing him to move just in time. However, in his haste to evade, he failed to notice something crucial and lethal. What was that? Anna's blade, now aimed directly at him... As the rebel retreated, Anna seized the opportunity. She lunged forward with all her remaining strength, her sword aimed directly at his underbelly. The rebel, distracted by my gunfire, couldn't react in time. Anna's blade pierced through his defenses, stabbing deep into his abdomen. The rebel gasped, his eyes wide with shock. I can understand the shock and disbelief in their expressions. Anyone would be stunned, considering that just a few seconds ago he was in a winning position, and now he's lost... It also highlights how quickly things can change... One moment you're the winner, and the next, you might be the loser. So, be cautious and always keep an eye on your surroundings and, your enemy... This is a rule that every smart anime protagonist follows... And of course, I'd definitely try to follow this rule... Now, returning to the current situation. He dropped his sword, clutching at the wound as he staggered back. Anna twisted the blade, ensuring the injury was fatal, before pulling it out. The rebel fell to his knees, blood pouring from the wound. He didn't take long to die... Afterward, silence fell over the battlefield as everyone, including my allies, stared at me. I was still holding my gun, standing in the same spot as before. But I didn't realize they were all staring at me because my focus was on the virtual screen in front of me, displaying an absurd message: (Congratulations, Host, 1 Human Core (Gold) has been added to your inventory!) (Congratulations, Host, 1 Healing Potion (Gold) has been added to your inventory!) (Congratulations, Host, 50 Human Essences have been added to your Character Profile!) Am I seeing this correctly? Are my eyes not playing tricks on me? I'm getting EXP for helping out? Why didn't I know about this before? I never expected or thought I could earn EXP from just a little help... Hmm... Now that I think about it, I've never actually helped anyone. I always killed monsters and humans by myself, or at the last moment... Maybe that's why I never knew about this feature. After checking my status for a few more seconds, I closed it and was immediately surprised by all the eyes staring at me. At first, a wave of shyness washed over me under their gaze, making me feel exposed and self-conscious. But then, as the heat of the moment surged within me, a new sensation began to take hold. It was something good, something exhilarating. It was a feeling I had never experienced before. A feeling I had always been nervous about, afraid to even imagine. It was a sense of coolness, a rush of confidence and pride. Yeah, I was feeling cool. Cool in a way that made me stand a little taller, my grip on my gun a little firmer. The awe and disbelief in their eyes were now fueling me, and for the first time, I felt like I belonged in this chaotic, battle-worn world. For the first time in both my lives, I felt incredibly cool in front of so many people... From the irritating Anna to my arch-enemy Solos, they couldn't believe I ended a battle with a single move. Anna said in a not-so-appreciative tone, "Hey, thanks!" Her voice carried a hint of reluctance, and her eyes barely met mine. It was obvious she wasn't pleased about needing my help, but I wasn't concerned with her feelings. I did what I believed was necessary at that moment. I just nodded, keeping my expression neutral. Allen, on the other hand, couldn't contain his excitement. "Michael, you did a great job, man!" he cheered, his face lighting up with genuine enthusiasm. His eyes sparkled with admiration and relief. Zeras remained silent, his usual stoic demeanor unchanged. However, a faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, and a glint of approval was visible in his eyes. He didn't need to say anything; his expression spoke volumes. Solos, however, was a different story. His face was a mask of sternness and jealousy. "Chezz!" he muttered under his breath, his voice dripping with resentment. His narrowed eyes and clenched jaw made it clear he wasn't happy about my unexpected success. Then, without another word, they all turned back to the fight. Drek pulled Allen into his battle, while Zeras resumed his clash with another minion. I could see Solos throwing glances my way as he engaged with his opponent, his frustration evident in every move. I quickly headed towards Zeras to assist him. Midway, I heard Anna's voice behind me. "What's your problem? Don't you have any manners? I just thanked you; the least you could do is acknowledge it." I sighed inwardly. I had expected this from her. Without pausing, I responded with a neutral tone, "I appreciate your thanks." Then I continued on, leaving Anna in shock. She clearly hadn't expected that reply, but I unlike her didn't have time to waste on trivial matters. *** A few minutes later, with Anna and Zeras' help, I eliminated the last remaining minion. I then sat down to rest while Anna and Zeras joined Solos and Allen, who were still battling Drek, turning their duo fight into a team effort. After a few minutes of rest, I quickly surveyed the battlefield to get a grasp of the situation. What I saw, though, shocked me. Huh? Is he becoming stronger every second? I can hardly keep up with his hand movements now... What's going on? Wasn't his ability only supposed to enhance his leg speed? Did I miscalculate? How did this happen? He was only using his legs earlier... Wait! Was he just bluffing? Damn it, he deceived me... The fight against Drek was intensifying, with Allen, Anna, Solos, and Zeras struggling against him. Realizing the urgency, I decided to join the fray. I drew my gun, but the chaos made long-range shots impractical. Oh no, the guns would be pretty much useless now. So, I holstered it and pulled out my daggers. To make a impact, I needed to get in close. I approached Zeras, who was locked in a fierce struggle with Drek. "Zeras, hold him a bit for me." Zeras was holding his own, but it was clear that Drek's speed and strength were overwhelming. I moved in, positioning myself to assist Zeras. Drek, seemingly aware of my approach, pivoted with blinding speed. His movements were a blur, almost like watching a high-speed video. He swung his sword in a wide arc towards Zeras, who barely had time to react. The impact of Drek's sword forced Zeras back, his defenses crumbling under the relentless assault. Fuck this guy... It looks like I'll have to fight directly. Let's see if I can make a difference in the battle... I darted in, aiming for Drek's exposed side. As I lunged, Drek's sword flicked out, catching my blades mid-strike. What? The force of his blow sent my daggers skittering across the ground, leaving me momentarily disarmed. He cooked me hard... Drek spun around, his blade cutting through the air with incredible precision. He slashed at me, forcing me to retreat. I defended against his attack by crossing my arms in front of me, forming an "X" shape. Even though I tried to block it, his slash still left a deep scar on both of my hands... Blood was dripping from my wounds, but it was bearable since I was already used to it. I scrambled to retrieve my daggers, the speed of Drek's attacks making it nearly impossible to keep up. Anna tried to intervene, her sword slicing through the air in an attempt to catch Drek off-guard. But she clearly failed; Drek was always one step ahead. His speed was almost godlike, and she underestimated it, thinking she could keep up. He dodged her strikes effortlessly, his movements a blur of motion. He then retaliated with a vicious overhead swing that Anna barely managed to block. Still, I was impressed by her blocking tacticsthey seemed to be superior to mine... The sheer force of his strike pushed her back, her balance faltering. As she fought with him, I put some distance between us to avoid getting hurt by him again... Really, I don't want that again... Solos, determined not to be left out, charged in with his own sword. He engaged Drek in a high-speed duel, their blades flashing in the sunlight. But even with Solos' aggressive attacks, Drek's superior speed and strength kept him on the defensive. Drek's sword danced around Solos' strikes, his own blade landing blows that forced Solos to parry and retreat. Allen, wielding his war flail, tried to provide support from the sidelines. He swung the heavy weapon with impressive force, hoping to land a decisive blow. But Drek, now a master of speed, dodged each swing effortlessly, as if it were a stroll in the park. In a sudden burst of speed, Drek closed the distance between them, his sword slicing through the air. The blade found its mark, striking Allen's side and sending him sprawling to the ground, his war flail tumbling from his grasp. I saw Allen hit the ground, and, vomit some blood out, pain etched across his face. Man, that looks really painful. Drek then closed the distance in an instant, leaving him completely at his mercy, with his sword ready for a fatal strike. Wait! No, he's not going to kill him, right? There's no way, right? But before I could finish my thought, Drek did something I didn't expect at all.