34 Dwindling Numbers (1/2)
In a swampy region of the forest predominated by large aspen and white oak trees, one could see a spiderweb of thick, green vines which seemed to strangle the trees. Like most trees within the Odon Forest, those within this region towered several feet into the air. Although the morning sun had already set in the sky, darkness covered most of the swampy region. Like most swamps, the foul smell of rotten eggs pervaded the air. In fact, the murky waters of the swamp bubbled slightly, producing a distinct sound overshadowed by the croaks of hundreds to thousands of frogs and toads.
However, the faint sound of metal colliding also echoed into the air. Two of the youths from James's set were having a deadly showdown in the eerie location.
”Disgusting vermin, how dare you ambush me?!” A Beastman shouted while clenching a gory wound slightly above his right shoulder. Standing on the branch of aspen tree, his bloodshot eyes stared at the murky waters of the swamp.
A cheerful laughter replied his enraged voice, followed by the words, ”Vermin? I eat dogs like you for breakfast. Killing you is my duty as a proud member of the Lizardmen. Stop struggling and let me end you pitiful life!”
At that moment, the head of Lizardman emerged from the greenish murky waters. With its cold-blooded slit pupils, it met the gaze of the enraged Beastman.
”Why don't you come out from there and stop running your foul mouth. Let's see who will end up eating who,” the Beastman retorted. Although his injury bled profusely, he no longer applied pressure on it. Instead, he assumed a provocative fighting stance. The faint sunlight which fell passed through the mesh of leaves, fell on his arms covered by a lustrous black gauntlet which had a curved blade at the wrist.
Raising his head from the murky waters, the Lizardman had an amused smile on his face as he started at the provocative stance of the Beastman. He held a six feet long trident which had a golden prong and a silver staff.
”Don't think you can provoke me. Your death is certain! I could have ended your life with the first strike, but I wanted to enjoy the moment. Just like I enjoyed killing your kind back in the selection,” the Lizardman said with an eerie smile on his face. However, the Beastman remained silent. Although enraged, he made sure he did not give the Lizardman that satisfaction.
'A Lizardman in a swamp is like a fish in water, and this injury is not helping my case. But I won't flee, this bastard thinks he can toy with the Beastmen?'
While this thought flashed through the mind of the Beastman, the Lizardman pointed his trident towards his direction. At that moment, the pillar of spinning water raised into the air. And its destination was where the Beastman stood. Using his digitigrade legs, the Beastman jumped into the air while twisting his body to avoid the sudden attack. However, a trident suddenly appeared from nowhere, targeting his left leg. Like an agile monkey, he twisted again while sending a ruthless kick towards his rear. Surprised by the agility of the Beastman, the Lizardman hurriedly raised the staff of the trident. Since his reaction was quick and decisive, he used the staff to parry the kick of the Beastman. However, the Beastman was not done yet. The moment he landed on the surface of the branch, he launched himself like a torpedo towards the Lizardman who had yet to regain his composure from the previous attack.
”I'll have your head,” the Beastman said with a few inches separating his blade from the neck of the Lizardman. However, another pillar of water suddenly blocked his attack. With his view blocked by the sudden attack, the trident of the Lizardman stabbed the left shoulder of the Beastman. With a violent twist, blood spurted into the air accompanied by the howl of the Beastman. In immeasurable pain, the Beastman hastily retreated. However, another pillar of water attacked if from the rear. Sending him spinning into the air, while blood dripped from the nasty wounds on his back and his shoulders. Crashing on the wooden surface like a ragged doll, the Beastman groaned in pain.
”Is that all you've got? I'm disappointed. Well, I blame myself from expecting much from a Beastman,” the Lizardman sneered while staring at the Beastman who squirmed in pain.
In severe pain, the Beastman could not utter a word in retort. In fact, he could not stare at the approaching Lizardman who snorted. All he could hear apart from his own groans, was the gentle footsteps of the Lizardman. Once the footsteps ceased, he knew his life would end. However, he had no intention of dying at the hands of Lizardman. He would rather commit suicide than fall at the hands of his race sworn enemy. He also knew the bastard won't give him a swift death, rather he would torture him until he died.
With this thought in mind, he used all his strength to direct the blade in his right gauntlet to his neck. However, before he could slit his throat, the Leg of the Lizardman stamped on his shoulder. Which caused him to scream in agony, much to the delight of the Lizardman.
”What do you think you're doing? Who told you am I done with you,” the Lizardman sneered while increasing the pressure on the shoulder of the Beastman.
Contrary to the expectations of the Lizardman, the Beastman stared laughing in a cheerful voice. Puzzled, the Lizardman said, ”Have you gone…” before he could finish his statement, the Beastman interrupted him. ”See you on the other side.”