Chapitre 54: Paragon of charm and charisma

Gasping for air, I sprint through the dense foliage, my heart pounding in my chest. Glancing over my shoulder, I curse under my breath as I spot the monstrous figures in hot pursuit. Four towering lions, their flaming red manes ablaze, their eyes fixed on me with murderous intent. It's like something out of a nightmare, and I can't shake the feeling that those sadistic twins, is this an exam or attempted murder!!

With every stride, the heat of their fiery breath grows closer, urging me to push my limits. I dart towards a clearing ahead, desperation fueling my movements. Just as I reach the edge, I dive to the forest floor, narrowly evading a barrage of flaming projectiles that scorch the earth behind me.

As I lie there, adrenaline coursing through my veins, I can't help but curse my luck. Why did I have to be the bait? Why couldn't it have been someone else, someone larger and more expendable? Someone like Gregory, I'm sure they'd enjoy a Gregory roast. But there's no time for self-pity now; I need to keep moving.

Scrambling to my feet, I summon all my focus, conjuring tiny ice spikes to hinder my pursuers. With renewed determination, I push myself to the limit, racing through the forest with the lions hot on my heels.

Minutes later, I hear the enraged roars of the beasts behind me, signaling that my makeshift defense has bought me some precious time.

Ha! Take that you bastards, no Damien dinner for you.

As the beasts converge on me with menacing growls, I stand my ground, my back pressed against the sturdy trunk of a nearby tree. Despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins, I can't help but smirk defiantly at the fiery-eyed predators encircling me.

Just as the tension reaches its peak, the air around me ripples with distortion, and in the blink of an eye, I find myself inexplicably transported to safety. In my place stands the boss, Nathaniel, his spear crackling with ominous black lightning—a sight that never fails to send shivers down my spine.

With a swift and precise motion, Nathaniel brings his spear down with lethal force, unleashing a devastating onslaught of power that sends shockwaves rippling through the clearing. The ground trembles, and nearby trees sway dangerously as the beasts are engulfed in the ferocious attack.

Though the creatures are momentarily subdued by the force of Nathaniel's strike, they soon begin to stir, their primal instincts driving them to rise once more. Sensing the imminent threat, our group moves as one, converging on the fallen beasts with a synchronized onslaught of relentless attacks, ensuring they have no chance to recover or retaliate.

Together, we unleash a relentless barrage of elemental fury, our combined efforts turning the tide of battle in our favor as the beasts are swiftly overwhelmed by our coordinated assault.

As the adrenaline begins to ebb away, leaving exhaustion in its wake, I slump to the ground, my mace still gripped tightly in my hand. Every muscle in my body aches, and I can feel the sticky warmth of blood mingling with sweat on my skin. Around me, my comrades share in my weariness, their chests rising and falling rapidly as they catch their breath.

Raising my gaze, I find Nathaniel, our formidable leader, leaning casually against his spear with a serene expression on his face. Beside him stands Selene, his beloved, her presence a comforting anchor in the chaos that surrounds us. Despite the grime and gore that mar their appearance, there's an undeniable allure to their figures—a testament to their strength, resilience, and unwavering bond.

It's a scene straight out of a painting, the contrast between Nathaniel's disheveled robes and tousled hair, and Selene's ethereal beauty, creating a striking tableau against the backdrop of our battlefield. In that moment, I can't help but feel a pang of envy—life seems to have bestowed its blessings upon him in abundance, immensely attractive, a direct descendant of on the duke houses, talented and a beautiful strong lover, leaving the rest of us mere mortals to navigate our own struggles.

Glancing at my fellow companions, I can't help but marvel at the diverse array of traits that define each of them. Tama exudes an aura of rugged masculinity, while Lani radiates femininity and allure in equal measure, how they can achieve this despite having the same face is amazing. Elizabeth, with her captivating mismatched eyes and golden locks, possesses a unique charm all her own, like an ice beauty.

I shoot a sly glance at Gregory, unable to suppress a smirk. Compared to him, I feel like I'm practically a paragon of charm and charisma. After all, he's just a big, lumbering oaf—nothing particularly remarkable about him. With a silent chuckle, I indulge in a moment of self-satisfaction, relishing in my perceived superiority.

Suddenly, I feel a forceful shove from behind, sending me tumbling unceremoniously to the ground. Irritation flares within me as I whirl around to confront my assailant, only to find Gregory towering over me with his usual stoic expression.

"What the fuck is your problem?" I snap, my frustration bubbling to the surface.

Gregory's response is characteristically brief—a simple grunt that conveys more than words ever could. It's a reminder of our starkly different personalities, and the tension between us simmers just beneath the surface, waiting to erupt at the slightest provocation.

Bastard.