Chapter 98 The Great Hunt 19 (1/2)

The Ixodoom is a vicious, massive, long-lived predator, like a cross between a crab and a spider. Provided they survive their much more vulnerable Ixoling juvenile state, these beasts can live to be over 200 years old.

They are covered in thick, beige, bony plates that can regenerate with unsettling speed, keeping them safe from most things crazy or desperate enough to attack it. Its red flesh isn't very hard in the opened areas of the exoskeleton but they are also very flexible, enabling the creature to twist its body and make fast, unpredictable movements.

It can climb along steep vertical surfaces with ease thanks to its ability to create sticky climbing webs from its rear end, and also use the deadly scythe-like limbs to climb. Add to this the potent acid it can spit from its maw, and Ixodooms are monsters best avoided if at all possible.

Threat Level: 4 (Dangerous)

John glanced at the entry about Ixodooms in the Universal Bestiary Codex and was able to confirm that the creature in front of them was some kind of Ixodoom.

But there was a difference in the image that was presented in the Codex, the size of the body and also the size of the scythes.

This one was a lot more menacing then the one shown in the Codex.

John looked beneath the Ixedoom and saw the small army of Ixolings following along.

”I have a small feeling that this ain't going to be easy.” John commented while grimly watching the creatures approaching the location where he and Nuru were standing side-by-side.

”If it was easssy, the Great Hunt wouldn't be fun.” Nuru shrugged her shoulders.

John rolled his eyes at Nuru's comment.

He checked his Spitfire Assault Rifle, looked at white pistol in the holster, and then glanced at the Dark Wraith dagger in the sheath.

He was ready.

After checking himself, he looked at Nuru.

She was casually standing there with the spear in her hands. Her whole demeanor was calm and serene, like this battle was just like all the others.

”How you suggest we to do this?” John asked for advice.

”I think isss for bessst if you maintain your distance and keep the attention of the Ixodoom in you while I deal with the Ixolingsss.”

”Alright.” John looked into his PIPS and counted his Spitfire ammunition. Once he saw that he had more than enough, he nodded in acknowledgement of Nuru's suggestion.

He raised his gun aimed at the Ixodoom's eyes.

*Bang*

The bullet travelled the whole distance in a blink of an eye and reached the target.

*Clang*

*ROARRRRR*

The bullet ricocheted after hitting right in the eye, even though John failed his initial intent of making the creature blind in one eye, he at least managed to enrage it.

”I have his attention, good luck to you.” John said while he placed the rifle on his back and started to climb the nearest tree.

”I think you're going to need more than me...” Nuru said in a low voice while she bent her knee and waited for John to attract the creature far enough for her to engage in a fight against the Ixolings.

...

*Bang*

John was currently jumping from tree to tree while using his white pistol, MX801S, to annoy the Ixodoom and keep it following him.

*Crack*

*ROARRRRR*

Since the pistol is a Tier 3 weapon, it was capable of somewhat create a few holes in the Ixodoom's shell, but it didn't have enough power to fully penetrate a Tier 4 creature's natural armor.

The creature ignore the faint dent created by the bullet in the shell of the head, where John aimed his gun, and just kept going forward while following John with its eyes glowing with killing intent, knocking off everything on the way, trees, monsters.

It was clearly enraged by John, enraged at a strange level...