102 Targets (2/2)
”Why should we hand over our map?!” One of the men countered. However, John quickly rose an arm to silence the man.
”Here.” John said as he tossed over a rolled-up leather parchment. ”This covers the planned route we had planned on taking. We have plenty of other routes, so we'll be avoiding this one for the indefinite future. Good luck.” He turned and waved his arm down, indicating for his men to leave.
”Wait.” Ed called behind them. He walked towards the lava mutant's severed head and fished around in its skull, quickly locating a mana-core within it. 'Good. If that mutant was as strong as in my dream, then it'd be a crime for it not to have a mana-core. Still, I wonder why it didn't use any long-range attacks. Do purple mana-core mutants lack the ability?' He shook his head, exiting his thoughts. He tossed the purple mana-core forward. ”Sorry for being cheap. This is all the payment I can give right now.”
John caught the mana-core. ”Thanks, but we don't need it. Mr. Long informed us to let you keep any cores earned on this expedition.” He tossed it back. ”A word of caution, don't go eating the purple mana-cores. Many espers have gone mad down here, and many have died from the foolishness of trying such things.”
”Thanks.” He nodded. ”Tell Mr. Long that I'll visit him within the next six months. If I don't, then he can forget about our prior agreement.”
”Got it.” John waved as he and his men left.
...
Ed stood alone within the empty cavern. Slowly, the scales covering his body vanished, as did the claws, needle-like teeth, and tail. 'I wonder where it all goes?' He wondered as he examined his body. He was less in tune with his body than usual thanks to the blockage of his mana. However, he still had some ideas in mind. 'It's unlikely created from mana due to my current environment. Could it be like a blueprint? My cells divide, creating the necessary features according to the blueprint? If yes, then am I going to keep transforming even further?' His worries continued to grow. Each transformation was becoming harder to revert. It was also taking longer to regain his sanity. How much longer before he turned into a mindless beast forever?
'I need to find some test subjects.' His eyes sharpened as he glanced down at the purple mana-core in his hand. 'Since this is a secret route that John's squad uses, then I'm unlikely to run into any good subjects down here. I need to return closer to the entrance and keep an eye open for good targets.' With those thoughts in mind, he headed back towards the entrance to the maze.
...
Ed camped out near the beginning of the maze. He occasionally switched tunnels, keeping his eyes open for any targets. He had found a few already, but unfortunately, they were in small elite groups comparable to John's squad. Most squads of 10 men or less were either elites or fools, and it was unlikely Ed would be lucky enough to run into another group of fools like he had the first time he entered the maze. It wasn't uncommon for squads as big as 50 men to enter together.
It took nearly a day before he finally spotted his target. A group of 30 men entered together. Most of them seemed to be average in strength, with only a few elites heading the group. Such a squad was bound to lose a few members during their journey.
'Good.' Ed grinned as he followed behind them. Unconsciously, his movements had become more reptilian-like. He clung to walls and hid in shadows, making not a single sound as he followed them through the winding tunnels. He was watching for an opportunity. If he could split their forces during a mutant attack, then he might be able to pick up a straggler or two that left the group. He could also use their supplies, as he had already burned through the small amount of rations within his bag.
Unfortunately for Ed, the opportunity did not come as soon as he hoped. He stalked them for nearly two days as they traveled deeper and deeper inside. He grew increasingly dizzy as he forced himself to stay awake, knowing that he was just one or two more unconscious transformations from permanent insanity.
The 30-man squad soon stopped to setup camp for the third time. A large man amongst them was their leader. He stepped away from the group, a hooded figure following behind him. ”You can come out now.” He said towards Ed's direction.
'What?!' Ed's eyes widened in shock. 'Is he bluffing? He's got to be bluffing, right?'
”Are you coming out? Or are you just a coward?” The man taunted. ”I figured the mighty Forge, hero of Georgia and rebellion leader of Florida, would have more guts than that.”
'He knows.' Ed frowned as he stepped out of the shadows of a nearby tunnel. ”How did you know?” He questioned.
”We lured you on purpose.” A high-pitched voice responded from the hooded figure. She lowered the hood, revealing herself as Samantha, the ponytail pilot. ”The Captain really is unfair, making me clean up my mess alone like this. I read about your little hobbies. The information wasn't detailed, but Nexus had some ideas of what you've done based on the information you sold them. I knew it was only a matter of time before you went hunting for test subjects.”
”Is that so.” Ed nodded, a bored look on his face. ”So, you gathered a squad of mediocre prisoners to lure me? Don't you think you're overestimating yourself a bit?”
”Humph!” She snorted. ”Do you think I came unprepared? Besides, I'm stronger than you to begin with and you're outnumbered. I'll wipe out the humiliation you've inflicted upon me.”
”Ah.” Ed sighed as he tilted his neck and rubbed it, cracking it in the process. ”You have everything you could desire in the world up above, but you came down here to dance with the devil instead.” He grinned. ”Well, I don't mind. You're saving me some time from hunting you down after I escape.”