54 Chapter 54: The Grim Reaper (2/2)

The black giant said nothing. He didn't even move a single muscle, merely waiting for an order from his master. I had a feeling that he wasn't human. He couldn't possibly be human. Swallowing, I regarded the silent goliath with trepidation.

This guy…he's a spirit. On the same level as Angelica. That must mean that Selina was a summoner like Dad.

”Stand back, the both of you,” Cecilia ordered as she drew her sword out. I didn't see her take out her divine device, but she must have it on her gown, for she activated it and it expanded into a glowing blade. Cecilia calmly adopted a defensive stance, raising her sword in front of her. Her expression was resolute, and she showed no fear in front of such a formidable opponent.

Impressive.

In response to her incredible fighting spirit, the goliath named Hades growled and advanced a single huge step forward. The demonic energy billowed from his body and almost solidified into something tangible. The killing intent pouring from his massive body was so thick that I felt as if I was suffocating.

”I'm shocked,” Alicia whispered quietly as she cast an optical spell on her eyes, her purple pupils shimmering as she analyzed Hades. ”In terms of raw ability, that thing is above Cecilia.”

”That can't be good.” I gulped in dread as I attempted to calm my trembling hands. I had seen Cecilia's combat skills firsthand, even tasted near-defeat at her hands when she took down Vermillion Phoenix. And now we were facing an enemy that was above her in terms of physical ability? Didn't that mean we were basically screwed?

”This isn't an opponent we can overpower with brute force,” Alicia remarked. She sounded calm, but I could hear the strain in her voice. ”Richard, you should keep your distance. Back me up with long-range spells, and then summon whatever you can. Cecilia will hold him off for you to complete your summoning spells, but when necessary, offer long-range support.”

Alicia probably remembered how I summoned Lyra as a bow and used Vega. However, I shook my head and protested.

”I'm a guy. I can't just leave a girl like Cecilia to fight that giant in melee combat by herself.”

”Just do what Alicia tells you to!” Cecilia snapped, her voice harsh. ”I'll be fine. I can handle the melee combat. You'll only be in the way.”

Ouch. The truth hurt, but I knew she was right.

”You too, Alicia. You specialize in long-range combat anyway, so stay back. Don't get too close.”

”I understand.” By now Alicia had drawn her divine devices. I was surprised to see that this time she had chosen to wield a pair of hi-tech energy guns that shot magical projectiles made from condensed energy. She wasn't using her bow this time, huh?

”Is your discussion over?” Selina asked sweetly. ”Then I'll begin, okay?”

Cecilia tensed, but she did not rise to the assassin's provocation. Not that Selina cared. She shook her head in amusement, and then swung her hand down with a smile of anticipation.

”Do it, Hades.”

Hades' gigantic muscles bulged as arcane blood-red energy rippled through his massive body, the tattoos glowing brilliantly in the dark. Then he literally disappeared.

The next thing I knew, Hades had cleared the distance of almost a hundred meters in a single bound, and was swinging his massive scythe down with a ferocious roar.

”Gemini!”

Twin swords, one black and one white, materialized in my hands as I prepared to defend myself. Apparently Hades was targeting me first – which, admittedly was a sound tactical decision. Of the three of us, I was probably the weakest. Eliminate me first, and he would effectively cut our fighting strength by a third.

”Richard!”

Alicia whirled around in panic, realizing Hades' intent, but she was too late. Even as she raised her dual guns and let loose a volley of bolts, they dispersed harmlessly against Hades' solid back. Fortunately, I was more than capable of defending myself, and I parried Hades' blow by crossing my twin swords…

…only to have Castor and Pollux shatter instantly. Blood spouted from my arms as I was sent hurtling several dozen meters back, the sheer force propelling my body into the ground and leaving a trail of broken rocks and earth.

”Gah…!”

This guy was strong…incredibly strong. I had never met anyone who could fling me across such great distances with just a normal swing. Even without casting any spells or using any special techniques, Hades' attack packed so much raw power that it felt as if I had been struck by a truck.

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And he still wasn't done yet.

Aware that I was still alive, Hades bent his knees and sprang forward to end my life, his scythe slashing down to behead me…