After hours of deep sleep, I woke up in the morning, probably around 7 a.m.
My body kinda feels fresh. My senses gradually come back.
However, the supposedly morning sunlight didn't appear to illuminate the sky. The melody-singing sound of birds didn't appear to compliment it.
All I heard is the sounds of countless drops of water.
But hey, it is what it is. I gotta say it—even though the sunlight ain't appearing, like more than half of the time—the raindrops are soothing. They usually drive me to sleep and comfort me when I'm outside to train alone.
We gotta appreciate everything that happens, either it's raining or warm sunlight.
As I grew, as time passed, I started to like rain—for the cold air it brought, for the life it gave.
Full honesty, I used to hate rain when I was little. Every time I wanted to do something outside, it would rain, and I'd either rush through it, which Father would get mad at me for, or stay inside the house. It was an obstacle for me—well, at least it used to be.
One time, when I was six? If I recalled correctly—
My father sat beside me a few years ago when it was raining outside. We were next to the wooden window, slightly opened, showing the harsh yet gentle rain. My twin sibling? The gentle patter of rain pulled them into slumber.
He put his hand on my shoulder, knowing that I was a little frustrated due to the rain. With a genuine smile that softened his firm gaze,
"Son?"
I slightly relaxed my frustrated gaze and my grip to look at him, with curiosity.
He smirked and looked directly at the window again.
"Frustrated by the rain, again?"
I lowered my gaze and nodded.
"Heee… What could we do?"
"The rain is only light though…"
Suddenly, Father stood up and tiptoed sneakily to not wake the sibling and got the raincoat alongside the umbrella.
I was confused, but after realizing the intention, I too got excited. I stood up fast and was about to walk until—
"Shhh, walk slowly!…"
My father whispered-yelled.
I jolted a little and scratched my head out of happiness.
We both walked out and locked all the doors and windows.
A basic journey through the light rain. Or so we thought—
While still recalling memories,
Suddenly, a manly voice echoed from far away:
"SUDDEN ATTACK ON WEST SIDE NEAR THE TOWN!"
WHAT?!—
Sudden attack? From who? Monstrous entities? Again?
But I thought any attack or war would be, at the very least, a week from now?
I quickly changed my clothes and wore some lightweight physical armor suit.
Lastly, when I was about to wear the head protector—
"Kid!"
Unc rushed inside the tent, checking on me.
"Yes Sir!" I stood like a soldier.
"Pretty sure you heard the call. Hurry. Our branch will be one of the teams that must settle this crap."
"Is it monsters?"
Unc looked back at me.
"Possibly yes, possibly not."
"I will be one of the co-leads on this operation."
I hurried up and gathered with the others.
Outside, I could see our base camp had very little exposure to the rain, thanks to the Mana barrier. A half-sphere barrier surrounded the camp. Contrary to the inside, the rain was much harsher out there.
Later on, The high ranks used their mana to cast quantum transportation to teleport us near the attack.
Only a quarter of the warriors—that's 20 warriors, or 5 teams—were deployed. The others stayed as a cautious act. In case another attack happened, or if we needed backup.
I could see Bald Bro too. Looks like fate has brought us to show our skill.
I could also see Unc using his mana to create his own armor—that's the better version of the mere physical one. The physical ones are designed to provide protection and utilize base mana on individuals who can't control, or have very low, base mana—like regular humans, including me.
Mana Armor, however, is just better from every aspect. So convenient—featherweight, yet incredibly resilient. The durability is based on the user's mana, and so is its shape.
Unc's armor was dark dim emerald greenish. Looked basic, like other knight armor but for elven. Perhaps Unc did that to appear as a less important target as possible?
In a specific formation, our surroundings became warped and distorted. It's the Group Quantum Teleportation. An ability used to save as much energy and mana from soldiers before war as possible. A highly efficient method.
The ability took a few dozen seconds—not only to teleport us to the targeted location, but also to place each individual in a specific spot to ensure the most effective formation after arriving.
With just a glimpse, I could see Bald Bro in front of us all. He would be the main lead. Unc probably led the Elven Archers.
During operations like these, all teams must unite.
But I still don't get it… Why would the monsters attack this early? Especially this close to the town—near our protection perimeter? They wouldn't send us for weak monsters.
So it must be powerful ones... But still, they should've known—it's a dumb decision to attack here, right?
Or is it really just some stupid but powerful monster?
As I'm searching for answers, I can see Unc and Bald Bro look at each other and nod.
Looks like they're talking? Telepathing?
I do know you can deliver words to someone using Mana Connection. Just deliver though—if they're able to control the divine power of mana properly. You can't hear someone's thoughts without their consent. That's how Mana protects them. It's absolute. Except when someone unintentionally allows it. lol.
While the surroundings are still warping, Unc comes over to me. His face serious, with a slight smirk.
"Kid, you must protect civilians. Rescue as many as you can, BUT—don't appear yourself, if you possibly can, to the opps."
I look at him, slightly raising my eyebrows out of question.
"You don't need to fight. At all. In fact—use your raw speed. Be fast, but also as silent as possible. I'll enhance you a little to make things smoother."
I raise my right arm in an open palm.
"I got the order. However, sir—"
"You—just call me Unc, even in formality. Haha. I don't need that title."
I paused for a split second.
"I got the order, Unc. But… why can't I fight?"
Unc put his hand on his waist.
"You're the only new top prodigy here. Aka, secret future weapon."
"You understand, right? They're smart."
"And you can't use Mana Telepathic, right? It'll be hard to communicate silently."
As I looked at Unc's face, I wanted to object—I wanted to show my potential, to show my strength.
But… An order is an order.
I kinda get what he, they, meant.
The attack pattern is unusual. It's probably a trap or a decoy—to lure out any new potential warrior. To study how we move… How I move.
So they can prepare. Learn. Counter.
Damn… Those bastards are that smart?! What are they really?
The warping around us starts to fade.
Unc—Elf form and all—turns back and walks to his original position, while his Mana helmet and mask return to cover his face.
Holy sheet.
It's fascinating—the armor didn't just appear out of nowhere. It's like it assembled itself with mechanical movement!
Wait… Did it really work like that?
Or did Unc make it look like that just to be cooler? Lmao—either way, that's sure as hell cool.
Then Bald Bro yells out, right before the teleportation completes:
"WARRIORS, FOLLOW MY LEAD!!"
Then—
A second of blur.
We've arrived. In the battlefield, under the heavy rain.
The tankers and fighters—Acromegalithians and Dwarves—were in front. Humans, the stealth killers, usually acted as assassins. They went into hiding spots, led by Bald Bro in very front.
It seems like Bald Bro is special type, a Fighter / Assassin.
While the long-ranged attackers—the Elven—stayed at the back, led by Unc.
Just like Bald Bro, Unc is a special type, Ranged / Assasin.
I'd been teleported to the very back side, up on a tree branch. Ready to prevent any backline threat… and focus on saving or evacuating civilians.
Outside the wall—
The monsters. Dozens of them. Ready to attack.
From far away, I can still see them in detail when I focus my sight.
It's them… and it's crazy.
They have a similar formation as us?!
They've got their own humanoid monster leader too.
Their bodies—are shadowy aura. All of them. Their amount, at least 3-5 times more than us…
Usually, monsters are just… monsters. You know, creature-like.
But these?
They look more like humanoid monstrous entities than beastly monsters.
Is this really what the warriors have been dealing with for decades?
There's few DEAD HUMAN BODIES?!? THEY HAVE KILLED SOME INNOCENT SOULS?
As I grind my teeth, out of frustration,
DAMN IT—
...Wait. Hold on.
No—the monsters are there.
They're using those entities as rides?!
As I continue observing, the surroundings, the situation, are silent.
Bald Bro and the Humanoid Monstrous Leader exchange a gaze from afar. Every warrior is ready, waiting for any command.
A few outside civilians who survived rushed into the protective wall, entering the town to seek protection.
Then—
Bald Bro yelled in a loud, clear voice, full of dominance:
"SURRENDER NOW! YOU STAND NO CHANCE, AND YOU KNOW IT!"
The Leader looks at him, with blank anger and a deadly expression. He's clearly pissed.
Telepathing:
"They're strong, and it seems like this ain't gonna be easy. We can't afford to lose any warriors. Embrace."
"Elven squad, be ready in archery."
Firmly, Unc replied:
"Roger that."
"Human squad, half focus on their range attackers."
"Half focus on protecting our Elvens. They may bring their own assassins."
"The town has already activated its shields to prevent further damage. READY!"
Out of nowhere, the Leader raised his broadblade with one hand and let out a yell in a strange language.
The moment the yell left his mouth, countless projectiles shot toward them.
Bald Bro shouted immediately, and the Acromegalithians used their mana to create shields and barriers, big enough to stop the incoming projectiles.
Without wasting any time, the monstrous entities on the frontlines charged forward, moving at incredible speed.
Bald Bro yelled again, giving the command, and some of the Acromegalithians rushed forward, backed by the fast Dwarfs.
A group of Human assassins moved quickly and stealthily toward the backline, but they were intercepted by the entities riding the monsters.
The battlefield erupted alongside the harsh weather into chaos. The sounds of warriors, monstrous entities, the rain and the thunder fill up the atmosphere
The Elven Squad wasn't about to lose either. Our projectile attacks were much stronger than theirs.
Everything must be as precise as possible since slippery from the rain could occur and hinder the warriors' stability, mobility and agility.
Bald Bro closed his eyes, drawing in a slow, deep breath. Time seemed to stretch and bend around him, the world, everything including the raindrops slowing to a crawl as he focused.
With the faintest flicker of energy, his sword was out, its edge gleaming as he settled into his stance, every muscle primed for the coming storm.
EXHALE
Then, in the blink of an eye, Bald Bro surged forward.
The air and the surrounding rain itself seemed to shatter in his wake, the sound of wind tearing apart nearly reaching the force of a sonic boom. In an instant, he was standing right in front of the Leader, his attack already in motion.
He struck with mind-bending speed, his sword slicing through the air like a scythe. The Leader's reaction was quick, but it was far too slow. The edge of Bald Bro's blade cut deep into his right hand, shadowy energy bleeding out in thick, dark tendrils.
The Leader staggered back, his eyes blazing with fury as he assessed his injury. Without a word, he glared at Bald Bro, a murderous intent emanating from him.
Bald Bro, unfazed, raised his right arm lazily, his finger curling in the air in a mocking gesture. His posture was relaxed, almost bored, as if the entire confrontation was beneath him.
Seething with rage, the Leader clutched his broadblade with both hands, his wounded arm already regenerating with terrifying speed. With a roar, he launched himself at Bald Bro, his monstrous frame barreling toward him.
But Bald Bro was a blur. Each of the Leader's vicious strikes—whether from the broadblade, his tail, or his other arms—missed by mere inches. Bald Bro twisted and danced around them with effortless precision, his every movement a masterpiece of speed and agility.
"Too slow, dumbass," he taunted, his voice dripping with amusement while the raindrops fall onto his armor gracefully.
The Leader's fury only grew, his regenerated arm now ready to join the onslaught. He switched his grip, now wielding the broadblade with both hands, his attacks becoming even more ferocious. Each swing was like a battering ram, seeking to crush Bald Bro into the ground.
Bald Bro's eyes gleamed with challenge. So that's how this type works? He smirked, ready for more. Show me more, then, ugly shadow.
The Leader's power surged as he began to adapt, his strikes faster, more deadly. His entire being seemed to shift, his movements becoming more fluid, more relentless. But even as his capability increased, Bald Bro was already one step ahead, dodging, evading, and countering with overwhelming precision.
As the Leader launched his relentless assault, Bald Bro's body moved with lethal grace. Every attack was met with a perfect counter—dodging, parrying, and counter-dodging in a fluid dance that left no room for error. But the chaos of battle wasn't confined to just the Leader. Other monsters closed in, their attacks crashing toward him from every direction.
Bald Bro didn't flinch. With a swift motion, his sword cleaved through their monstrous "flesh," the blade cutting through them like butter. But the distraction was brief, and the tide of battle quickly shifted. A barrage of consecutive strikes from the monsters, combined with a devastating blow from the Leader's broadblade, came crashing down. Bald Bro managed to deflect the worst of it, but the sheer force of the strike knocked his sword from his grasp.
A split second of vulnerability. But Bald Bro was never one to be caught off guard for long.
Instinctively, he shifted his focus. Weaponless, but never defenseless, he adapted with lightning speed. His entire body became a weapon, relying on his unparalleled reflexes and raw strength. Dodging, countering, and evading, he moved with a fluidity that made the impossible look easy. Ranged and melee attacks alike couldn't touch him as he flipped backward, then launched himself into the air, using his powerful kicks and punches to obliterate anything in his path. His every movement was a blur of speed, a torrent of power.
All of this transpired in mere seconds, a whirlwind of action so fast it was almost a blur. Only for those who are are capable enough in Mana can utilize it to keep up with his lightning speed.
The Leader, seeing Bald Bro still cutting through his minions like they were nothing, snarled with fury. With a roar, he swung his broadblade with all his might, the weapon slicing through the air with enough force to tear it apart. The sheer power of the blow seemed like it could split the ground.
But Bald Bro was no ordinary warrior. He anticipated the attack, reading the Leader's every move. Instead of retreating, he surged forward, closing the distance with a terrifying precision. In an instant, Bald Bro executed a flawless martial arts technique, a quick strike that landed with surgical precision on the Leader's arm and body. The impact sent a shockwave through the Leader, stunning him momentarily, causing him to lose his grip on the broadblade.
The Leader crashed to one knee, the ground shaking beneath his immense weight. But it was only for a moment. With a furious roar, he surged to his feet, eyes burning with unbridled rage. Bald Bro's gaze remained locked onto him, unwavering. His eyes were sharp, focused, his body coiled like a spring, ready to react to whatever came next.
The Leader let out a guttural growl, his aura flaring violently as he unleashed every ounce of his power and mana in a single, devastating wave. The ground trembled, and the air cracked with energy, sending a shockwave that tore through the battlefield. The force of it sent the surrounding air rushing like a violent storm. Bald Bro and the others managed to brace themselves, digging their feet into the earth, the wind threatening to tear them off their feet.
"Heh—Round 2?" Bald Bro's voice was a low chuckle, a confident grin tugging at his lips as he welcomed the fight.
The Leader's form began to warp, his muscles bulging and skin rippling as he morphed into a grotesque, more brutal version of himself. His body sprouted additional arms, each one ending in razor-sharp claws, twitching with lethal intent. His appearance alone was enough to send a shiver through the onlookers, but Bald Bro's eyes never wavered.
With a terrifying roar, the Leader shot forward, his speed an explosion of motion. In an instant, he was on Bald Bro, a blur of claw and fist. The shock of the transformation hit Bald Bro like a hammer. He was caught off guard, momentarily stunned by the sheer speed and ferocity of the attack. He didn't have time to mount a counter, but his instincts were sharp—he braced himself, absorbing the force with every ounce of strength in his body.
The Leader was everywhere. A storm of fists and claws rained down on Bald Bro—strikes to his face, his stomach, his sides, each one landing with earth-shattering force. The claws sliced through the air with deadly precision, aiming for his vital organs, targeting the liver and ribs with brutal intent.
The impact of the Leader's assault was like a hammer strike to the soul. Bald Bro was hurled through the air, the shockwave rippling out with enough force to tear through the battlefield. His body flew for what felt like miles, crashing into the earth with a deafening thud. His helmet was cracked, half of his armor shattered, leaving him exposed and breathless. The ground beneath him had splintered, the earth giving way to the sheer force of the blow.
But the pain wasn't enough to break his resolve. As the dust settled, Bald Bro struggled to push himself upright, his muscles aching, his vision blurred, but his spirit unyielding.
However, before he could fully recover, a familiar, bone-chilling sound reached his ears. The Leader was already charging toward him, moving with terrifying speed, his monstrous form a blur of raw fury. Bald Bro's eyes widened in shock, his breath catching as he realized just how little time he had. He was still on his knees, vulnerable, with no way to fully recover.
The weight of the situation slammed into him like a freight train. His body was battered, his movements sluggish from the devastating blows. He knew the next attack could be the one that shattered him completely—or worse, killed him.
The rain becomes heavier, the sky becomes darker and the lightning bolt strikes more frequent,
For a fleeting moment, Bald Bro thought about unleashing everything he had, letting his explosive strength rip through the air, annihilating anything in his path. But there was something holding him back. This wasn't just a one-on-one duel. The battlefield was filled with others, innocent lives caught in the wake of their clash. The consequences of such raw power would be catastrophic.
Bald Bro gritted his teeth. If only this wasn't a war... he thought, the desire to unleash his full strength overwhelming him. But the reality was unavoidable. He had to hold back, to restrain the explosive power that boiled within him. His strength was immense, but with the lives of others at stake, every ounce of control he exerted was a sacrifice.
Now, What can I do to escape?—