754 Desperate Times (2)
Kro'Han revelled in his newfound dominance over the mortals. The dense aura he exuded overpowered the battlefield without exceptions. Soldiers, once defiant, now lay helpless on the ground, gasping for air. "Is this your mighty resistance?" Kro'Han taunted, his voice echoing across the battlefield. "Pathetic."
As Kro'Han said that, a stray bullet hit him in the face. While the bullet failed even to penetrate the skin, the attempt was more than enough to anger the Precursor as he turned to see who was foolish enough to antagonise him. Kro'Han was expecting a soldier or one of Ashton's summons. Instead, he was a teenager, partially in his werewolf form, barely holding the gun. Kro'Han anger disappeared in a moment as he broke down laughing. He expected to face a new contender, but what he saw was a mutt. Kro'Han didn't know if he should have praised the boy for his bravery or punished him for his foolishness. "Very well," Kro'Han mumbled, scratching his chin. "This should do it."
With a wave of his hand, Kro'Han lifted the kid to his level. The kid was afraid but still refused to budge and kept firing at Kro'Han until the moment the Precursor crushed his gun into dust. "You're a feisty one, aren't you?" Kro'Han smirked, his gaze shifting between Ashton and the boy. "You know what, I respect people like you. Do you know why?"
"G-Go to h-hell!" The boy stuttered, swiping his claws in the air.
"Fine, I shall give you the freedom you so desperately seek."
Kro'Han then let go of the kid from a height that even an adult werewolf wouldn't survive, let alone a developing one. Unable to walk, Ashton extended his aura to create a protective barrier around the child.
However, Kro'Han wouldn't allow Ashton to save the kid with minimum effort. Revelling in his sadistic pleasure, Kro'Han sneered and waved his hand dismissively. His dark, malevolent aura nullified Ashton's protective aura. The child began to descend, the terror evident in his eyes. "NO!" Ashton yelled, but that was all he could do. Just when all hope seemed lost, Astaroth, taking advantage of Kro'Han's weakened aura preventing them from moving, shot towards the kid to save him. His arms extended, reaching the falling child just in time. Astaroth, defying the laws of gravity, broke the fall, cradling the child in his arms. Everyone conscious on the battlefield gasped in relief as Astaroth saved the day. While they didn't understand how or why Astaroth was on their side now, they weren't complaining. After all, if Ashton and Astaroth fought the Precursor together, they had a chance to defeat Kro'Han.
14:57
Ashton nodded in gratitude, downing the potions to numb the pain and hasten his recovery. As he gathered his strength, his gaze shifted towards Astaroth, standing between him and Kro'Han.
"Rest up. I'll buy you some time," Astaroth said and stepped towards Kro'Han when Ashton's hand gripped his arm, stopping him. Astaroth turned back, surprised by Ashton's firm grasp.
"I can't let you face him alone," Ashton stated, determination etched on his bruised face. "We fight together."
"Yeah? You're telling me that when your face looks like shit?" Astaroth laughed, prompting Ashton to laugh before groaning in pain.
"Ouch... you think I took all that beating for fun?" Ashton replied, closing his palm in a fist. "Don't tell me..."
The realisation struck Astaroth. Ashton had endured the punishment to charge his unique ability. A dangerous yet powerful trump card that could turn the tide of the battle – [Revenge Strike].
"Hold him off," Ashton groaned as he got to his feet, "I'll finish him with this."
Chimaera's Conquest