The Final Desperation

7156 analyzed the situation and realized that he needed to go all out if he wanted to end this fight in a reasonable time.

"Move," he shouted at Silver and equipped his gauntlets. Then he crossed his arms and formed claws. A golden glow emanated from the gauntlets as 7156 felt his hands stiffen.

Tiger's Grasp

An immense strength coursed through his body as he shot towards Robert.

*Clang clang.*

7156's hands collided with the scimitar, sending sparks flashing in the darkness. The glow intensified as he brought his arms back for another strike. Then another. This process repeated as 7156 bombarded Robert with a flurry of claw strikes. With each parried strike, Robert felt the attacks growing stronger. It was faint but noticeable.

As the attacks stacked, Robert soon realized he was being pushed back.

"I can't allow him to continue."

A black smoke formed on his scimitar as he brought it down at an unbelievable speed. 7156 sensed the danger and crossed his forearms above his head.

*Dang.*

The golden glow of the gauntlets dimmed as the ground cracked beneath him. Robert pushed 7156 down into a squat as the black smoke darkened. 7156 felt immense pressure as his knees threatened to give out.

7156 squatted down slightly, giving himself some time to push up with all his strength. Using the upward momentum, 7156 pulled his arms apart and sent the scimitar upwards.

Tiger Burst

7156 shot forward and slammed into Robert's stomach with his fingers facing inward. He grabbed down as his gauntlet pierced Robert.

Tiger Swipe

His other hand burst into a blinding glow and came down on Robert's side. A huge chunk of flesh ripped off as he tried to recover his defense. 7156 followed this chance with more swipes at Robert.

"Shit!"

Robert cursed inwardly as he realized he would be dead if he didn't break this combo.

"I have no choice."

Blacken

Robert's entire body started emitting smoke as the whites of his eyes turned grey. His muscles bulged as he brought his scimitar down. Feeling the strong wind coming at him, 7156 jumped back to give himself some room.

*Bang.*

7156 slammed into the wall again. A sharp pain shot from his back as he felt the stone break and press against his clothes. He spat out a mouthful of blood as he waited for the dust to clear.

*Cough, cough.*

"That was rough."

He took out a healing potion and smashed it against his wounds. The glass bottle bit into his skin as the contents seeped into his body. White smoke emanated from the area as bits of glass popped off from the closing flesh. As he regained sight of Robert, he realized his skin had become shriveled.

Wrinkles formed on his face as he suddenly looked ten years older. This effect continued to worsen as his body emitted more black smoke.

"Is he using a forbidden technique?"

Robert got into a stance and pointed the tip of the weapon at him.

"You should be proud, making me use me black spot. But now, you'll pay the price with your life!"

Robert burst toward him as he brandished his sword.

"Let's end this."

Tiger Fury

His gauntlets took on a red glow, and his health started decreasing. A stronger power coursed through his veins as he swiped with all his strength.

*CLANG.*

The stone around them burst into shards as the shockwave shattered it. A huge force hit his arms as 7156 felt himself being pushed back. The scimitar slowly closed in on his head as Robert exerted more force. Sweat dripped down his face as he watched his death approach.

*Foosh.*

"Sword flash!"

Silver's voice came from behind Robert as he opened up a large cut on his back.

"Damm. Why is he so tough," Silver cursed as his palms became numb from the reaction force.

Capitalizing on this distraction, 7156 removed one arm and swiped at Robert's head. Robert hurriedly jumped back. He felt the force behind the attack from the prior collision and knew for a fact that should he receive it, he would lose his head.

*Puchi.*

Silver's sword appeared through Robert's chest when he was wide open. Robert ignored the injury and turned around to slash at Silver. Feeling the hilt snap out of his hand, Silver jumped back as well. A stream of blood and bits of bone flew out of his chest as the scimitar finished its trajectory.

As Silver landed, he felt the wound tighten, and a strong pain radiated from the area.

[You have received cursed energy corrosion. The wound has lost all life and has started rotting.]

"Careful. There are some nasty effects," Silver shouted.

7156 didn't need Silver to tell him, as the wound had turned black. While Robert was distracted with Silver, 7156 unleashed another combo of attacks. This time, Robert had nothing to break out of it. Becoming desperate, Robert thrust his scimitar at 7156 and ignored the incoming attack. It was clear that he wanted to exchange injuries in hopes 7156 would back down.

But Robert miscalculated one thing. The gauntlet was not the only legendary equipment 7156 had available.

Absolute Defense.

A small barrier formed around 7156 as he adjusted the trajectory of the attack.

*Pssss.*

A searing pain paralyzed Robert as 7156's claws dug into his neck. Feeling hopeless, Robert swung his scimitar at 7156's head, but his attack was stopped again while 7156's attack removed half of his skull. 7156 then canceled the effects after he saw the killing prompt, causing a wave of fatigue to wash over him as he unequipped the gauntlets and stored them away.

7156 dragged his feet over to Silver and checked his wound.

"You okay?"

"I'll manage," Silver replied between hisses of pain.

"Commotion. We need to leave."

"Yes."

Silver leaned against the cracked walls and stumbled about. 7156 frowned and walked over. Then he slung Silver's arm over his neck and helped him along.

"Thank you."

"Ehh."

They needed to leave quickly as the fire had caused a big commotion. If not, there was a big risk of them getting discovered, and in their current state, that would be a death sentence. But their worst fears came true as they heard footsteps coming from around the corner.

Before they could find a place to hide, a 2.3-meter-tall pirate spotted them. Realizing that 7156 and Silver were the intruders, he drew the two axes from his back.

 

[Pirate Captain: Runefeld]

Health: 7200/ 7200

Energy: 40/40

Con: 22

Str: 21

Dex: 19

Int: 4

Spc: 2

 - Mini-boss physique: +5000 health

 - Axe mastery (Expert)

 - Captain's prestige: Every crewmate in his presence gains +1 str.

No further skills can be read.

 

7156 let go of Silver's arm and prepared himself for a last stand. In his current condition, he didn't have any way to fight another mini-boss-level pirate, especially when it took everything from both of them to kill Robert, a weaker pirate compared to the captain. As they understood their predicament, they heard another set of footsteps from behind them.

"Seems like they have us surrounded," Silver gritted his teeth and tried to stand up, "I'll try to buy you some time."

At this moment, Silver had fully accepted his death, but he wanted to fight for a chance to let 7156 escape. There was a low chance, but what harm was there in trying?

"Seems like you two could use some help."

A familiar voice came from behind.

"Enigma! No, run! You can't beat this guy."

Silver was not happy to see this teammate of his. Although he had showcased decent combat abilities, there was no way he could protect both of them and deal with an opponent above his level. This would only result in another unnecessary death.

"Step back, will you?"

Genji took out a bottle of murky liquid and popped off the wooden cork. Then he poured its contents into his saber and tossed the bottle back into his storage. [Jaguar] absorbed the murky fluid and took on a greyish color. 7156 simply took Silver's arm and led him aside.

"No. What are you doing, 7156? Can't you see that's a death sentence trying to fight him? If we need to sacrifice someone, it should be me. I can barely move right now, so I would be the most cost-effective-"

"Trust him."

7156 interrupted Silver's rambling and continued to retreat.

"Have you said your piece, matey? 'Cause your time is up!"

Runefeld looked at this scene with an indifferent expression. To him, it didn't matter who these people were. They were weaker than him, so he could afford to waste time.

"Those won't be our last words, but yours."

Swift movement

Genji appeared next to him and slashed at his arm, forcing Runefeld to move his right hand to block. Then Runefeld wound his other arm back, ready to cleave down but Genji deviated the strike with a flick of his wrist, leaving a minor nick on Runefeld's arm. Runefeld ignored the minor cut and brought his axe down again, causing Genji to twist his body and stab at the exposed shoulder.

Runefeld once again ignored the attack and prepared his next one. So far, these attacks were aimed at nonlethal areas, so trying to dodge them would be a waste of time. It would be more efficient for him to take the blows to trade injuries. He had the strength advantage, so a single hit was all he needed to end the fight.

Genji sidestepped the attack again and launched a flurry of attacks. Since he knew that going for a head-on collision would result in his death, he focused on delivering as many attacks as possible. Numerous small cuts opened on Runefeld, but his strong vitality caused them to close soon after.

7156 and Silver watched as Runefeld swung his axes with immense force, and Genji dodged them with ease before leaving more cuts on the arm. It was a nerve-racking experience, as a single hit could be the downfall of Genji, while Runefeld's health barely moved.

"We need to leave. Since Enigma is buying us some time, we need to take advantage of it."

"No."

"Don't be stubborn. Don't you see the fight? He stands no chance of winning. If we stay around, we will just be a burden."

"Will we?"

"What do you mean? Why are you so insistent on staying when you can't wait to leave before?"

7156 reached out his hand and pointed at something. Silver followed the finger and rested his eyes on Genji.

"What do you want me to see? That he's able to dodge everything? That still doesn't change the outcome! No matter how he dodges, his stamina won't keep up with that monster's."

"His sword."

Hearing this, Silver's eyes wandered to Genji's weapon, but he didn't notice anything special.

"What's wrong with his sword? It's barely leaving any wounds on the guy, so what do you want me to notice? That it's green? I admit that it's a cool color..."

At this moment, Silver realized what was different about the sword. It was green! The same color as its usual state. Except he knows it was greyish after Genji applied that potion to it. So where did the murky color go? Silver thought back to the fight and realized with each cut, the greyish tint started to fade. It was barely noticeable at first, but there's a stark difference now.

"Could it be?"

"Yes."

Genji dodged another strike and left another wound on Runefeld. Feeling that it was time, he jumped back and made some distance.

"Avast! What be troublin' ye? Be it that ye're finally givin' up, now that ye've realized ye can't harm me?"

"More like you can't hit me and just took a beating. Are you sure you're not a masochist? Because I've never seen someone accept pain so willingly," Genji retorted.

Runefeld's grip on his axes tightened as he reigned in his anger.

"Fine then, me hearty. Let's see how ye'll be dodgin' once I've sent yer mates to Davy Jones' locker!"

Runefeld charged at Genji with no intention of stopping. Genji stepped aside and let him pass.

"Will you though?"

Genji asked him as he ran past him.

"Aye, watch me-"

A sense of weakness suddenly hit him like a train, rendering Runefeld's arms limp as his axes slipped out of his grasp. His quads gave out, causing him to lose his footing and fall flat on his face. He tried to get up, but his trembling arms couldn't muster any strength.

"Avast, what devilry have ye wrought?"

Genji walked over and impaled his chest.

"Nothing much. Just a potion that stimulates your body to over-exert yourself."

"Lies. I felt no such thing!"

"And that's why it's a failed product. A failure as a medicine, that is. It caused you to stress your muscles without gaining any strength."

Genji pulled out the blade and swung at the neck.

"I be displeased-"

*Plop*

The head was separated from the body as an unconvinced expression cemented itself on the face.

[You have slain Pirate Captain Runefeld]

[Your maximum energy has increased by 9]

[You have gained 2378 ever coins]

[You have obtained Runefeld's Brutality]

 

[Runefeld's Brutality]

Rating: Epic (This is before equipment obsoletion)

Damage: 28

Durability: 156/180

Prerequisites: 18 str

Effects:

1. Cleave (active): Deal 200% damage with each axe
2. Hook (Active): Disarm an opponent with the hook of the axe. Must be in contact with the hook to use this effect.
3. Valor (passive): +2 con

Description; A pair of sturdy axes wielded by Runefeld before his death.

 

Genji picked up the severed head, hoping it would demoralize the other pirates and make the upcoming battle easier.

"Let's go."

He walked to a window and jumped down. 7156 took a rope and tied it around Silver's waist and slowly lowered him down. Then he dropped down and used his double jump ability to slow down his fall. After he landed, they went to the meeting place they agreed to meet up after everyone had finished their job.

"You're late," Logan called out to them when they arrived.

"We ran into some trouble," Genji replied, "7156 and Silver will have to sit this one out."

Logan face-palmed.

"How did they get so injured?"

"Fought some strong pirates."

"I thought this was an assassination mission?"

"It was until they discovered us."

Genji didn't try to shift the blame as he partially felt responsible for the mistakes. It was his idea to do this mission so he would cover for their mistakes.

"So what do you have there?"

Logan motioned to the sack in his hands.

"Oh, this? Have a look."

Genji tossed the bag to him. Logan opened the bag and furrowed his brows.

"Why do you have a severed head?"

"It belonged to an important figure. Might be able to demoralize them when you start fighting. By the way, I'll sit this one out as well. Someone needs to stay behind to protect River Stream, and I doubt 7156 and Silver can fight in their state."

"Ok, take care."

Logan led the other three people and approached the castle. Genji waited until they were out of sight before turning to the three who were with him. He walked over to Silver and crouched down.

"Lay down and let me look at your wounds."

"You know medicine?"

"A little."

"What do you not know?"

"Well, I did invest a good portion of my income from the last world into this skill."

"Why? Most people would have focused on combat."

"And I'm not like most. I already have plenty of combat strength, so I might as well ensure I don't die from wounds afterward."

Genji stood up and reached into his storage.

"Seems like energy-induced necrosis. What a nasty wound."

"Am I done for?"

"Under normal circumstances, you need to remove the energy first before your body can heal."

"But I don't know how to manipulate energy."

"Lucky for you, I have a solution." Genji smiled widely.

"So what are you waiting for?"

"A price."

"Excuse me?"

Genji pulled his hand out of his storage and showed Silver a potion.

"This will give you enough vitality to fight off the foreign energy. How much are you willing to pay for it?"

Silver looked at him bewildered for a few seconds.

"I guess that makes sense. If it can solve my issue, it should cost a decent penny. Fine, name your price."

"That's what I'm stuck on. You see, I want something right away instead of after settlement. Who knows if you can survive until then? If I give this to you on credit, I would make a huge loss if you die anyway."

"Haha. You really have confidence in us."

"That's a matter of fact. If you've experienced as much as I have, you would understand my point."

"Very well."

Silver reached into his storage and brought out a necklace with a star inside a circle. Genji took it and handed over the potion.

[You have obtained Silver Redemption]

 

[Silver Redemption]

Rating: Rare

Durability: 30/30

Requirements: None

Effects:

1. Precise (passive): Improves aim when shooting projectiles
2. Empower (Active): Destroy this equipment and gain +2 points on a stat of your choice. (+1 if the stat is in the 2nd step).

 

It was a decent piece of equipment. Nothing too spectacular, but it's better than nothing. Genji equipped the necklace and turned to 7156. He reached into his storage again and brought out another potion before tossing it over.

"I don't have money."

"Consider it a sample. I'm sure you will be happy with its effects, so I look forward to your business."

"You made this?"

"What else did you think I spent last world's income on?"

7156 opened the cork and chugged the bitter potion. A few seconds later, 7156 felt his fatigue fade away. He clenched his fist and assessed his state. He was 80-90% recovered.

"No fair. Why did you give 7156 one for free while you charged me?" Silver complained.

"Because I'm confident that he will survive. And if he doesn't, consider it a small price to pay for my misjudgment."

Silver shrugged and sat back down to rest.

"Oh, and River Stream?"

"Yes?"

The bystander was confused when Genji addressed him.

"If you ever need some potions with some interesting effects, I don't mind helping you. For a price, of course."

"I'll consider it."

Genji sat down and ignored the pleasantries. He didn't have any expectations when he said that. At best, it was throwing out bait and seeing if it would catch a big fish. He said his piece and the seed had been planted. Now he just needs to improve his ability and wait for the idea to bloom.