NOVEL NEXT Chapter 91: Loot
Higher-rank Aura Users might consider the horns as a weakness of the Magic Beasts, but that was only because they were strong.
In truth, these horns could be the toughest part of the Magic Beasts as it was concentrated with magic or mana.
'That's it...'
At this time, Hayden continued to watch the battle and his Ocularis Lens had already completed most of its analysis.
The attack patterns of the Apes, their agility, strength, and other statistics were already recorded.
This included the four Aura Users…
In his estimate, Farah and the rest of the team would be able to win within 10 more minutes… After all, the Apes were already filled with small injuries and it would just accumulate as the fight continued…
If the Man-Eating Apes didn't stop moving or receive any treatment, they would bleed faster and Farah's team would win.
"But that will exhaust them…" Hayden muttered, referring to the mercenaries.
If these Man-Eating Apes were normal and didn't consume some sort of drug to make them stronger or act berserk, they would've been killed already. At this time, these Apes were approaching the level of Two-Horned Magic Beasts already.
Unfortunately, Farah and her team weren't that strong just yet.
'It should be fine...' Hayden thought as he made up his mind.
"I'll help… We need to finish them off faster… The injured inside the carriage can't last for another 10 minutes..." Hayden said as his Ocularis Lens confirmed three people inside the wreckage. Two of them were heavily injured while one of them was most likely a guard shielding his body for the two injured.
Hayden moved as he didn't wait for permission.
He dashed forward and his sword was already drawn.
"Kid, no—!" Farah shouted as she was worried that their plan would just be wasted.
She had also calculated that they would be able to win soon, so they fought cautiously to avoid getting injured. She didn't care if the injured inside the carriage would die as she cared more for the mission's success. Rescuing people wasn't their priority.
However, Hayden wasn't listening.
He aimed for the first ape's horn… To be exact, it was aimed at the tip of the horn… This part was definitely sharp and could pierce through many objects, even rocks.
Nonetheless, Hayden knew that his plan would surely work. He just needed to damage it at the right time…
'Now…'
Mind Sword!
When his Aura exploded, he also activated his Aura Technique! This Mind Sword was a mysterious ability he learned that uses not just Aura but his Mental Energy.
By doing this, he had masked the traces of his Aura Technique and was definitely a lot harder to notice.
As soon as the Mind Sword reached the mind of the Ape, its mana or energy flow was disrupted for a second…
Crack!
It was at this time that the tip of his sword grazed the horn… The attack wasn't heavy but it was enough.
As soon as Hayden completed his attack, the Ape was disoriented and it instinctively dashed forward!
It was a pattern that the Lens was able to read whenever its horn was attacked! Then, with the guide that he did, the Ape had instead dashed forward to the second Ape!
Thud!
The second Ape failed to react in time and was stabbed by the first Ape's horn!
"Kiiii~"
The second Ape screeched in pain as it endured the pain and pushed back the disoriented Ape!
Farah's eyes widened as she saw an opportunity.
She realized that Hayden was the real deal and they had to trust him for now!
"The horn! Aim for the horn!"
Well, she saw how Hayden easily disoriented the Ape after hitting its horn. It was definitely a normal reaction.
However, without the Mind Sword, there was no way they could copy his trick.
Nonetheless, Hayden did not explain and thought of just using it for their advantage… He should have no issues using Mind Sword seven times a day or even ten times if he pushes himself.
If they got curious why they failed the next time they did this, they could only blame themselves…
In any case, Farah switched tactics, her greatsword was now hammering at the apes' horns instead of their bodies.
Rayleigh also abandoned his bow, drawing a slender dueling blade before he darted in to slash at the base of the horns. Although he was a Master Archer, there was still a chance that he might hit Farah and others while they were fighting in close combat.
Then, Nea, despite her bruised ribs, flanked the Apes. She was able to get their attention with her daggers, giving some gaps for her teammates to exploit!
Palos, shaking off the hit, roared and brought his axe down on an exposed horn and almost broke it off!
With Hayden's secret help with his Mind Sword, the battle didn't last that long…
One by one, the apes fell as the drugs on their bodies seemed to have lost their effects as well.
After all, they noticed how their eyes suddenly turned from red to black… Furthermore, their stone-like muscles seemed to have softened, perhaps due to the side effects of the drug.
Thud!
Just like that, all the Man-Eating Apes were killed as Farah finished them off by stabbing their hearts.
"Hell of a move, kid," Palos panted, clapping Hayden on the back. "That was a dangerous move but you made it easier for us."
Farah then wiped her blade clean, eyeing Hayden with respect. "Where'd you learn to spot that? I'm guessing that the drugs they consumed weakened their horns, but strengthened their physique. So don't try it against other Magic Beasts." She reminded.
Hayden smiled at this and nodded. "I guess I just got lucky…"
He then paused for a moment and curiously asked.
"I heard that the hearts of Magic Beasts could be sold… Is that true?"
Farah nodded and smiled. She realized that Hayden was curious as to why she destroyed their hearts.
In any case, Farah started explaining some things to Hayden since he was new to this…