20 Beas (2/2)

Huh? What is that flash of light?

A man aged around 30 tore up a scroll hanging around his waist.

”I spotted some strange lights in the woods. Requesting backup. I will approach it.”

-

It has been 10 minutes and help still hasn't arrived. The three were growing increasingly worried as they saw the deer almost breaking free from the tree.

”What do we do? Can't you use your primal essence thing?”

”Primal essence is what a beast's aura is made up of. That thing probably has enough to protect itself from mine. It is easy to suppress others if you have more but the same goes for the opposite. Trying to suppress that thing is a death wish.”

*Crk*

The deer broke out and and turned around to look at the three. It's eyes were dyed red with hatred and anger. The three were light on their feet and shifted around constantly to avoid being charged at.

*Boom*

The deer charged forwards releasing a loud shock wave as it moved. Over the 10 minutes, it had at least doubled in size and its antlers had only since then grown bigger. This was the main reason it got stuck in the first place. The deer charged towards Xin Fan attempting to maul him to death. Xin Fan quickly leaped to the side and released a 'harvest slash' attempting to blind an eye. Tianfei followed suit and also released a 'harvest slash' onto the other eye. As the blades approached, the deer closed its eyes and blocked it with just the skin on its eyelids.

”Keep it up. Don't let it hit you.”

Chilong had slid under the deer attempting to cut it through the belly. However, even at the belly, the blade of his axe could not penetrate. The deer lifted up its legs and attempted to stomp down hard. Chilong quickly dashed out from underneath narrowly avoiding the crushing hooves. As the battle with the deer continued, ever so often, Xin Fan would feel as is his legs would freeze up. Despite knowing full well it was a bad idea, his legs locked up in fear. Xin Fan felt the crushing pain of antlers ripping away at his flesh. Xin Fan began to have a sense of deja vu. He has definitely been in this situation before. But where? Where had he felt this?

”I don't want to die! I don't want to die!”

Fear had a slow buildup. At first, it was a mild annoyance however as it continued onward, it became debilitating. As the battle progressed, it seemed as a puzzle was slowly being pieced together, until finally he snapped.

”I cannot die...”

[ Primal Mind has been reactivated ]

[ Primal Essence has been unlocked ]

[ Soul Fragmentation at 70% ]

A faint visible aura could be seen emanating from Xin Fan. It looked a lot different from Chilong. If one were to make a comparison, Chilong would be a raging river whereas Xin Fan would be candle light.

Who is this? Why do I see myself fighting? That is not me!

Xin Fan could not control his body. Unlike last time, he is conscious. Xin Fan's body acted on pure instinct. As the deer charged, his body would dodge with perfection and cut away at the skin moving better than Xin Fan normally would. Every time on the same spot at the throat using the same technique;'Harvest Slash II'.

”What are you doing!? That isn't going to work!”

Chilong seemed desperate as he saw Xin Fan cutting at the deer.

That isn't me! I can't control this!

Despite saying this, from the moment Xin Fan released aura, Chilong could tell that he was no longer in control. Chilong could hopelessly watch as Xin Fan continued to make scratches upon scratches on the same spot. At this point, the deer was solely focused on Xin Fan. It would always just miss before getting cut.

*Drip*

Xin Fan's nose started to bleed as he fought. There was no doubt that he had gone past his body's limit. Despite the protests from his mind, his body would not stop. As he started to cough up blood, the blades broke through and cut into the flesh. Both Xin Fan and the beast were in a state of frenzy. The beast became increasingly agitated and kicked around more and more often. As Xin Fan picked up the pace, blood was spraying through the air from both until it was indistinguishable which one was the true beast.

The blade cut through the throat of the beast stopping it completely in its tracks. It was anticlimactic and both simply collapsed onto the ground. One dead, one heavily injured. Neither Chilong nor Tianfei knew which one was still alive.

A step of footsteps could be heard approaching the clearing.

”What happened here!”