บท 51: [51] Just something left IV
Raymod continued to seek a way to breach Billy's nimble defences, which always managed to avoid his attacks. In this duel, he relied not only on physical power but also on strategy. Billy was unaware that Raymod had also studied the Northern sword style, renowned for its combat intelligence. This style is known for its strategic and tactical acumen in battle.
The fight evolved into a clash of combat intellect, a high-speed tactical chess game where both sides employed their expertise and wits. Every move and decision was a play to deceive and manipulate the opponent, transforming the battle into a deadly game of skill and strategy.
As Raymod suffered wounds across his body, weakness began to seep in. Blood dripping from his injuries soaked the ground, and his fighting strength gradually waned. In this dire state, Raymod was forced to think up cunning methods to defeat Billy. The combat intelligence he had previously wielded with confidence now had to contend with meticulously planned devious tactics.
"If a direct attack won't do the trick, then I'll need to try a subtler approach," Raymod muttered, his expression taut with seething anger. In this increasingly critical situation, he decided to use a devious technique involving traps and deception.
Raymod swiftly retrieved a small pouch from his pocket and threw it into the air. The pouch burst, releasing a white powder that quickly filled the room with thick grey smoke. The smoke spread rapidly, obscuring visibility and creating a fog that covered the entire battlefield.
With determined steps, Raymod entered the thick fog. Though he could no longer see, he relied on his experience and cunning to confront an opponent now shrouded by the smoke. This move might seem foolish to some, but for Raymod, it was a tactic he had often used to gain a strategic advantage. He boldly advanced through the fog, searching for Billy's silhouette among the increasingly dense smoke.
In the fog, Billy panicked, his body trembling from the vague shadowy movements. Raymod, with a face full of cunning and a smirk of scorn, prepared to strike with a lethal slash. However, his steps halted when his feet became ensnared in something slippery and sticky.
"Hah?" Raymod exclaimed in surprise, feeling an unexpected resistance beneath his feet. He realized he had been trapped in the sticky fluid previously prepared by Billy. This fluid, initially designed to trap giant monsters, was now used against his own enemy. The sticky substance wrapped around his legs, making it difficult to move.
"Ah, how foolish. I wanted a thrilling fight, worthy of respect, but you, immoral man, just disgust me. Even though you were once a knight, your attempt to assault a child is utterly vile," Billy said, his figure becoming clearer as the smoke began to clear.
"You! What do you know about honour!" Raymod roared, his anger reaching a crescendo. "You don't know what happened in my past! I was once a respected knight in my generation, but what did I get? Only humiliation and manipulation from those damned nobles!"
"Hmph, there's no justification for your actions now," Billy replied, aiming his pistol at Raymod's head, ensnared in the sticky fluid. "I despise rapists, and with that, I'll end your life."
Raymod, still trapped and unable to move, tried to calm himself while feeling an explosive energy building inside him. "Heh? Kill me, boy? Don't joke!" he said with a mocking tone. The energy coalescing within him began to erupt with tremendous power, creating a destructive aura around him.
But Billy, with unshakable calm, pulled the trigger of his pistol. With a loud, ear-splitting bang, the shot flew out, shattering Raymod's forehead and tearing his head apart into a spray of blood and flesh. Raymod fell with his body twitching, experiencing the futility of all his power in the face of death.
Billy blew the smoke from his pistol's muzzle with a nonchalant attitude, then skillfully reholstered both pistols. He adjusted his cowboy hat and stepped out of the room, ready to return to Princess Benedict who was still waiting at the previous location.
"Heh, if you're guilty, be prepared to face the consequences. Pervert," Billy muttered, tipping the edge of his hat to hide the scornful expression on his face.
---
Unbeknownst to Billy, something lay hidden beneath Raymod's corpse. Both seemed to tremble with strange energy, a sign that Raymod, known as the Toxic Dragon, possessed the ability to shapeshift. A faint vibration began to be felt on Raymod's lifeless body, as if something was moving beneath the surface.
Elsewhere, Billy approached Benedict, who appeared slightly trembling despite her blank expression. "Hey, you're safe now. Are you happy?" Billy asked, carefully gathering the girl's clothes.
Benedict opened her mouth with a barely audible voice, but clear enough for Billy. "Thank you…"
"Ahaha~ Relax. I did this for the guild quest too. Let's get out of this damned cave!" Billy replied cheerfully, trying to lighten the mood.
Benedict nodded slightly and accepted her clothes from Billy. They then stepped out of the cave. At the entrance, they were greeted by an unusual sight: many people stood around the cave area, and Desmod, the loyal beastman, was standing in line with the prisoners.
"Hey, Desmod!" Billy called out, walking up to Desmod with a casual stride, followed by Benedict behind him.
"Ah, Mr Billy! You've finally arrived. I was worried and thinking about going back in," Desmod said with a relieved tone, his eyes appearing anxious but grateful.
"Hehehe~ Don't worry, it turns out the bandit boss wasn't as tough as expected," Billy replied with a broad smile.
"Really? And who is this girl, resembling a princess?" Desmod asked, slightly crouching to get a better look at Benedict.
"Well, it's a long story, but you're right; she's a princess."
"Hah?"
"I'll explain later. For now—"
But before Billy could continue, a massive threat suddenly emerged from inside the cave. A tremendous tremor shook the ground around them, and with a terrifying roar, the cave began to collapse. From the darkness emerged a colossal centipede with horrifying tentacles, seemingly tearing apart the earth beneath it.
The monster, its body covered in a hard shell and eyes glowing red, emitted a fearsome hiss. Its presence filled the air with a foul stench and dangerous energy, forcing Billy and Desmod to prepare for an unprecedented threat.
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