Chapter 194 Chase (1/2)
Lyner suddenly moved faster than the eye could see, he charged at Matthew trying to hit him. Yet before he could reach his target he dodged, as a bullet pass by him. Alex who was expecting Lyner to attack Matthew shot blindly behind Matthew's back. He wasn't able to see how Lyner moved, but the moment he felt Lyner's intense killing intent coming close, Alex just shot randomly behind Matthew.
It was a lucky shot, but it gave them the time they needed to do the next step. They now know that Lyner stopped his mind games, and was now going on the attack. Alex and Matthew looked at each other when Alex suddenly started blinking. That was the signal to initiate the plan.
Matthew suddenly went into his pseudo RELEASE state and started to run faster, deeper into the mountains. Alex also went into his own RELEASE state ready to face Lyner.
Alex knew that this time it would be different from the last time they fought. The Lyner he was facing now was in a totally different league from the Lyner he fought a month ago. This was the true form of the SS rank merc. An incredible speed that the eye couldn't follow, amazing reflexes that could dodge any and all attacks, he even had the senses of a wild animal. Not to mention the overwhelming pressure of his killing intent, that could suffocate a normal person.
This was the monster Alex was facing, but even in this situation, Alex remained ever calm. He had simulated a bunch of scenarios in his head if he ever needed to face the strongest merc of Berdonia. First, he needed to see how much of a difference they had in terms of overall performance.
Alex who was in his strongest state jumped up to the branch were Lyner was going to jump to. He intercepted Lyner who wasn't focusing on him. Alex knew that Lyner's priority right now was to capture Matthew and play with him. Based on Alex's understanding of Lyner, the merc that loved to battle was at times intelligent and wise, but when he is agitated or excited, he was prone to follow his wild instincts.
So even though Lyner most probably knew it would be better to deal with Alex first, his irritation of Matthew would shine through. So he would try to bypass Alex and head straight to Matthew. Knowing all this Alex was sure Lyner would be a bit impatient since he wanted to chase Matthew.
Alex who was now on a branch on the same height as Lyner started shooting with his M1911 pistol. Lyner who saw Alex shooting at him continued to move forward, Alex's shooting was very accurate, which made them very predictable. Lyner easily dodges all the bullets while moving forward.
Seeing Lyner so close to him now, Alex initiated a melee, but before he could strike, Lyner took hold of Alex's collar and swung him downwards. Alex who landed safely on the ground was about to jump back up but was stopped for a second. There was a knife pierced onto the ground that had caught onto Alex's pants.
Alex didn't even notice Lyner threw a knife at him, he was like a magician with his use of misdirection. With that moment delay, Lyner was able to successfully bypass Alex. This was still within Alex's expectations. After removing the knife that stuck to his pants Alex followed Lyner.
...
Matthew who has an overwhelming head start running was now in his normal state. It was like Lyner pointed out he couldn't stay in that pseudo RELEASE state for a prolonged period of time. Still, he was running at full speed and Alex was delaying Lyner so with this he might not need to do what Alex said he needed to do.
As Matthew was feeling a bit comfortable, he suddenly felt an intense suffocating bloodlust. He knew immediately who it was. He couldn't believe that Lyner was able to follow after him so fast.
Matthew didn't want to do phase two of the plan, he wanted to do anything else but that. Still, he knew that Alex's plan was the best bet he has to win this game. Matthew gritted his teeth and lay on the on the ground in a turtle position. His hands were covering his face, and his legs covering his body. He hardened his body to the utmost waiting for Lyner to attack him.