Author’s Note: I changed the amount of skill books Hide found in the courtyard. I added one more Lesser Draconic Boost and one more basic fireball skill.

Confrontation with the Manticore

Unbeknownst to my actions, the Manticore continued to rampage above me. While I could not see anything, I could hear the constant destruction that took place. The sound of concrete crumbling, walls breaking, the occasional roar… at this point, I could only imagine what the current state of the Main building was like.

After a moment of thought, I retracted my eyes from the ceiling, and looked around my surroundings for the first time.

As expected, everything that entered my vision was nothing but pitch black darkness. If I really concentrated, and maxed out my vision with [Sensory Remapping], then I could see some light that seeped out in the direction of the Old School Building, but in the end, it was still a considerable distance away.

Aside from what I couldn’t see, the thing that truly made my heart shudder and my mind taut, was the constant trembling of this tunnel-like pathway. The vibrations that constantly shook my surroundings gave off a somewhat foreboding feeling, and placed an aspect of danger deep within my mind.

After all, even with all my enhancements and levels taken into consideration, I could not survive a cave-in.

I moved a few meters forward in the direction of the old school building. The idea was that if the pathway did collapse, I could instantly escape using [Shadow Sprint]. Due to my constant reliance on the skill, I managed to level it up to beginner level 8. With each successive level up, [Shadow Sprint]’s short range teleportation increased by 1 meter, while its long range teleportation increased by 10 meters. Right now, without a destination shadow, I could teleport up to a distance of 17 meters. With a destination shadow, I could teleport as far as 200 meters.

After I was positive I was within 200 meters from the old school building, I finally stopped. Only about a few minutes had passed, so the Manticore’s rampage was still at its height. As I waited in the darkness, in order to increase my chances of survival, I immediately fished out the new skill books I had acquired.

Since my current task was to draw out the Manticore’s rampage, I could do nothing but stay in here and wait with the egg nearby. As a result, I had an ample amount of time to myself. While it might not be the perfect time to be reading, I was fairly confident in my safety. After all, with [Shadow Sprint], escaping from a cave-in was pretty easy.

After rummaging around my backpack for a while, I pulled out a flashlight. Back when we entered the pathway, I didn’t really need it, mostly because the tunnel was fairly straight forward and contained only one path.

I sat down and amidst all the chaos, I quietly began reading.

After 30 minutes of slightly hurried reading, I managed to learn [Ferocity] and [Lesser Draconic Boost].

[Ferocity] was a somewhat common skill that allowed one to boost attack damage and attack speed at the expense of their stamina. The boost was somewhat minimal, so I was a bit disappointed upon learning the skill.

In comparison, [Lesser Draconic Boost] was leaps ahead of [Ferocity]. As expected, something with [Draconic] tacked on to its name was on a totally different level when compared with ordinary skills.

[Lesser Draconic Boost] was a body enhancement skill that temporarily increases a person’s stats and gave them “the body constitution of a dragon”. While it was already useful the first time I learned it, it was only after I used all three [Lesser Draconic Boost] skill books, did it become a real force to be reckoned with.

With a 100% synchronicity rating, the results of the three identical skill books was something quite formidable…

Lesser Draconic Boost ++

Skill Type: Rare

Skill Rank: Beginner

Skill Level: 1

Skill Experience: 0%

Effects

A body enhancement skill that gives one the constitution of a dragon.

Activation will temporarily enhance reaction time, vision, and sensitivity to temperature.

Activation will temporarily augment all stats with the exception of luck, leadership, and consumable stats. Strength, vitality, and all defensive stats will increase by a factor of 6. Speed will increase by a factor of 4. All other stats will increase by a factor of 2.

Use consumes stamina. Consumption dependent on duration of activation. No cooldown. Consumption decreases as skill level increases. Augmentation increases as skill level increases.

The current [Lesser Draconic Boost] was almost four times better than what it was at the start. At first, the skill only enhanced strength, vitality, and all defensive stats by a factor of 2. Speed was also only increased by 50%, and the other stats weren't even enhanced. In comparison, the current [Lesser Draconic Boost ++], was like a dragon among men.

I don’t really know how good an intermediate draconic boost is, or whether one exists in the first place, but right now, I was fairly confident that my new skill wouldn’t lose out… probably.

After learning my new skills, I waited for another 30 minutes. In total, about 1 hour passed since I entered the pathway, and the Manticore was still rampaging. The Main building was probably the most sturdy of the three school buildings. It was reinforced with earthquake proof steel, and had a fairly solid foundation. Breaking through that sort of foundation was increasingly difficult, and what’s more, separating this pathway from the main building was a layer of compact soil, and dirt. Even after an hour, it was still able to whether the natural disaster known as the Manticore.

As the Manticore’s violent rampage continued, I thought about my current situation.

If I destroyed the egg, what would happen?

Would the Manticore grieve, and willingly leave? Would it go mad and enter into an even larger frenzy? How far was it willing to go for this egg?

I was indeed curious, and in addition, I never once tried dissecting an egg before. The experience itself might prove somewhat beneficial. But just as these thoughts and temptations filled my head, I immediately waved them away. Such train of thought was too risky. There was no need to further agitate the beast, especially not when it was so close to my doorsteps.

In the end, I pondered whether I should keep the egg or abandon it.

On one hand, I was fairly confident I could escape with the egg using [Shadow Sprint]. What’s more, since I was alone, my chances would be even higher. The only problem was that if I took the egg, then the Manticore would indefinetely chase after me.

… The egg was an undeniable treasure, but its very presence attracted risk and danger…

The third option would be to either kill the Manticore, or injure it to the extent where it couldn’t chase after me. But that just brings up another question; in my current state, was there any way for me to fight the Manticore?

I thought silently for a moment, before I took out my backpack. In order to properly assess my chances of survival during combat, I first needed to verify the items I had on me, and whether any of them would be helpful.

My pack was mostly full, and had a mix of “system” items as well as regular stuff I had found in the building. There were a few skill books within, mainly two basic fireball skill books, and Kido’s [Cursed] [Explosion] skill book. In addition, I had an assortment of knives and daggers, a change of clothes, three water bottles, a roll of duct tape, some rope, and a few pill bottles and medicine I had found in the Bomb shelter.

As expected though, there was no food.

Near the bottom, as I shined the flashlight over the pack, something small and round glinted with red radiance. I pulled it out, and stared solemnly at the fist sized marble.

[Lesser Draconic Flare].

Without a doubt, if I wanted to actually injure the monster, then this item was essential. Its size was a bit cumbersome, but I knew that this red marble wasn’t something simple. But despite the confidence I had with the item, I was still left feeling a bit dubious.

With [Equip], the item would display twice its original power. This feat alone was pretty substantial, but I had no point of reference for the object. I did not have a basis for its original power. How strong the resulting blast was unknown to me. Its strength, and whether it had the capabilities of injuring the Manticore was still a loft bet to make.

I drooped my head down, my brow furrowing as I began to think.

“Indeed, it was a risky gamble. How strong were the Manticore’s defenses? Is the Draconic Flare enough to break through those defenses? In the end… should I take the risk?”

Just as I was thinking, an irresistible oppressive sense of danger suddenly exploded out from within my mind. It was as if a torrential typhoon had suddenly emerged during a clear, and sunny day. Previously, I had experienced a similar sensation back within the dungeon, but this time’s experience was completely different than any I’ve ever felt before.

I immediately grabbed the egg, and crammed it into the nook of my arm pit. At the same time, I hastily grabbed for my half opened backpack as well as my new sword, which laid sprawled on the ground next to me. Without hesitation, I used [Shadow Sprint], and directly appeared within the edges of the Old school Building’s broken refuge.

Due to my haste, the moment I landed, the contents within my pack, spilled forth. The medicine bottles rolled haphazardly, the water spilled, and the rope lay tangled under my feet. Normally, I would place some importance into this, but right now, my attention was all currently directed at the pathway.

In the next instant, a series of quakes shook the ground, before a tremendous, earth shattering eruption surged forth. The pathway crumbled and caved-in after a series of rocks, concrete, and soil blocked its entrance. Not even a second passed, before that wall of debris was destroyed by a towering figure.

With an almost palpable fiery energy swirling around it, the Manticore stepped out from the remains of the tunnel, and stalked forward, it’s feline eyes swiveling left and right before they ultimately landed on me.

The instant I met its glare, I was met by a surge of oppressive energy. My heart rate rapidly increased, as sweat soaked my shirt and moistened my brow. My breath turned ragged, and I could not help but take a step back.

Compared to earlier, the current Manticore was definitely under the effects of some skill, or abnormal condition. Its muscles were bulging with visible veins running through them, while its eyes were colored a shade of scarlet red. Subconsciously, without even realizing, I used [Identify].

Green Scale Manticore - Level 87

HP: 32,000/ 32,000

Information regarding the Manticore itself came rushing forward, causing my eyes to widen with a mixture of fear and shock. Even with what little information it gave me, the Manticore’s level was already shocking, while its HP was more than double the Dungeon Boss’s.

As the Manticore continued to stalk forward, an additional window panel appeared in front of me as information regarding its skill came to light.

Intermediate Draconic Boost

While I was inwardly surprised at seeing another Dragon related skill, before I could fully comprehend what I was facing, the Manticore suddenly opened its maw, and let loose an ear splitting roar.

In the knick of time, the moment I had seen its jaw so much as loosen, I had immediately completely cancelled out my sense of hearing. This was a lucky move on my part, otherwise my eardrums would have probably ruptured just now. But, despite that little success, I still felt the tyrannical roar in its entirety with every other part of my body.

The air vibrated with chaotic intensity, causing my own body to uncontrollably tremble, while blasting all signs of perspiration clear from my face. The loose pebbles on the ground all danced in a violent tune. I did not notice, but my feet had slid backwards due to the pressure from the roar alone.

Aside from the fear and sense of danger the Manticore’s roar gave me, it also affected the egg within my arms. The Manticore Egg violently wriggled, as if reacting to its mother’s call. I tried to resist its chaotic spree, but due to the roar, my body had momentarily froze. I could do nothing but watch helplessly as the egg fell, and rolled backwards a few meters behind me.

Seeing the egg fall out of my grasps, the mother Manticore let loose an almost human like smirk, as its stride forward intensified. Each step it took caused craters to form underneath its feet. As it drew closer, the wave of oppression it radiated out gradually increased.

My body was practically stuck. Even as my mind raged forth with frantic haste, my physical body remained frozen in instinctual fear. It was only after it had closed the gap between us down to 2 meters, did my body finally respond to my will.

As it lunged forward, I frantically activated all my defensive skills. [Searing Armor] caused my skin to flush in a fleshy pink shade of red, while [Lesser Draconic Boost ++] made my muscles swell, and my veins throb. I had used both skills simultaneously, and in addition, I also frantically jumped backwards using all of my enhanced strength as I desperately raised my new sword in front of me.

Even with all that, even with Fynch absorbing most of the impact, even when Lesser Draconic Boost and Searing Armor buffed up my defenses to an almost unprecedented level, even after I had desperately tried to mitigate its rush by jumping backwards, the subsequent force was enough to shatter what little of the gila armor I had remaining.

My body was sent sailing through the air, forming a sideways v, before I hit the wall with a resounding boom. A crater had formed behind me while dust completely filled the space ahead.

“Uuuu…” A low groan escaped my battered throat.

Blood leaked out from my body like a squashed tomato. My vision was blurry, and my ears throbbed with heated intensity. In my half conscious-state, I wasn’t too positive, but I think about 2/3rds of my hp had been instantly slashed off.

From beyond the dust that covered my surroundings like a fog of mist, I could see the Manticore stalking forward. While its attention was half focused on its egg, the other half was painfully glaring in my direction.

The pain in my body was intense, but at the same time, it allowed me to break free from the Manticore’s oppression. I glared back at the direction of the Manticore, a resolute light hidden beneath my eyes.

From the moment I had escaped from the Pathway, I had counted down the seconds, and now, the skill cool down had finally finished.

With a feeling of burning defiance in my heart, I painstakingly craned my neck to look up at the approaching beast. From beyond the layer of unsettled dust and debris, I could faintly see its approaching silhouette.

If it was before, The Manticore’s approach would have sent another wave of tyrannical oppression surging forth, but now, I could not help but sardonically smile.

It was time for my counter attack.

***

Perspective Change

The Manticore’s low growl resonated throughout the room.

It’s eyes constantly swiveled between the egg, and the spot where it had blasted Hide towards. Despite the surging animosity within its heart, it did not brashly move to attack.

The Manticore was fairly confident. It knew fully well the difference in power between it and Hide. When compared to it, Hide was nothing more than an ant looking up at an elephant. Still though, even though it was somewhat of a tyrant within the space around the school and the neighboring residential areas, by nature, it was a cautious creature. After all, in the world where it had come from, when compared with the truly strong, the Manticore was nothing but low level fodder.

This knowledge was painfully implanted within its heart, so even now, facing Hide whose strength wasn’t even comparable to its own, it still assumed an air of caution.

As the dust around the room began to settle, the Manticore’s eyes narrowed as it glared piercingly at the spot where Hide was at. What surprised the Manticore though, was that the mangled body it had assumed was lying half dead by the wall was nowhere to be seen. In its place was a wet bloodstain, and empty air.

While the Manticore’s level of intelligence wasn’t particularly high, in its previous world, it had undergone countless battles. It knew full well the dangers of an unseen enemy.

The Manticore’s feline like eyes widened, as it immediately swiveled its head in a panic. In less than a second, it found something that hadn’t been there before.

Hide kneeled down next to a somewhat out of shape spear. His body was soaked in red, while his chest heaved up and down. It was evident that just maintaining his consciousness was taking a toll on him, but unlike the current state of his body, Hide’s eyes blazed with hidden killing intent.

The spear next to him was the same spear he had crafted for Saya, the transfer student who had died during the dungeon boss battle. After the battle, the spear had been left alone, mostly because in Hide’s eyes, the weapon itself was subpar, created without going through the proper procedures. In addition, along with the battle axe, pole arm, several daggers, and two swords that Hide had, he simply did not have enough arms to carry an additional weapon.

Without hesitation, Hide immediately picked up the spear, and cocked it backwards, his arm bulging as veins throbbed in a chaotic rhythm. In the span of a breathe, several skills were activated. [Lesser Draconic Boost ++], [Searing Armor], and the [Pierce] effect of [Dissect], all of these skills were activated almost simultaneously.

Hide’s body swelled with power, letting out a series of popping sounds, while faint trails of white steam emitted from his pink flushed skin.

The Manticore, who had seen this sudden change, immediately let out a roar, before it ran at full speed, barrelling towards him.

Seeing the monster’s approach, rather than shrinking back in fear, Hide revealed a fearless smile.

In one swift motion, he propelled the spear forward, throwing it out like a javelin. The air whistled as the spear tip, like a well aimed arrow, homed in on its target.

To the Manticore’s surprise, the target of the spear wasn’t him, but rather, the egg! The Manticore’s eyes flashed with intense anger. At this moment, it truly wanted to rip Hide apart and eat him live, but the spear was simply too fast and too dangerous. It desperately came to a halt, turned around, and leapt backwards. Its body was a blur of fur and muscle. It knew that at this point, due to the difference in speed, it could only desperately run in order to act as a living meat shield for its precious egg.

In the split second all of this transpired, Hide’s light smile grew wider. Hide’s body was ragged. His clothing was torn, and ripped apart, while his body was covered in blood and injuries. His newly fixed wrist, was now throbbing in extreme pain. It had broken once again, due to that throw he had just performed.

Hide acted oblivious to all this though, as he gritted his teeth, and immediately activated [Shadow Sprint]. Upon reaching beginner level 8, [Shadow Sprint]’s cooldown had decreased from 8 seconds to 5 seconds. From the moment he had teleported to this new location, to when he threw the spear, and up to now, the amount of time that had passed was exactly 5 seconds!

Like a disembodied shadow, Hide’s figure vanished, before it instantly reappeared right next to the Manticore’s hind leg.

Hide knew that if he did not directly kill or substantially injure this creature, then given the current state of his body, even if he were to escape right now, it would only be a matter of time before he was hunted down and killed.

With a hoarse roar, with the Soul Bound Sword in his non broken hand, Hide swung forward. His attack was aimed precisely at the back of the Monster’s hind leg, directly where its achilles heel was located.

This attack was a comparably dangerous move, especially for Hide. Unlike the other monsters Hide had fought up until now, the Manticore had a tremendously overbearing scorpion tail. Due to the proximity of this tail, an attack directly aimed at its hind leg would normally be impossible to pull off. Luckily, the monster’s attention was all drawn towards protecting its offspring. Even though it knew Hide was this close, it could care less. In front of an ant, its baby was far more important.

The time span for this opening was incomparably small. In less than a fraction of a split second, due to the creature’s forward momentum, the Manticore would leave Hide’s attack range. In addition, there was a great possibility that the Manticore would control its scorpion tail to swipe at Hide as it passed by.

This opening was too dangerous and too short, but for Hide, whose mind was stretched to its limits, and whose body was overexerted beyond those same limits, this opening was just enough for him.

With the monster’s leg extended, and with its body currently in mid air, Hide’s sword swept forward like a dull grey meteorite.

At that moment, it was almost as if time stood still for Hide. His beady gaze was looked onto the back of its hind leg, at the spot where an almost indiscernible bump that indicated where its achilles tendon was located. Although the spot wasn’t covered by dense fur, a layer of comparably thick green scales covered it.

With his current abilities, penetrating through those scales was most likely impossible. The only option left for him was in between the scales. A micrometer of space that was currently moving at an impossible fast speed. This space represented Hide’s own life and death. If he succeeded, then his chances of survival would increase. If he failed, then his death was almost guaranteed.

As Hide’s eyes continued to scrutinize, he had unknowingly entered a sort of profound state.

The person himself did not realize, but right now, Hide was actually using [Sensory Remapping]. His vision was rapidly turning monochrome. He had entered a world of black and white. At the same time, sound, smell, taste, touch, pain, all of these sensations and more rapidly vanished, while at the same time, his perception of time amplified beyond human limitations.

It was during desperate situations like this, where he would subconsciously activate one or more of his skills. Back when he had learned [Echolocation], the situation was somewhat similar. Now, it was his perception of time that was being heavily altered.

Everything was moving in slow motion. If Hide had any perception of his physical body, then he would notice that he currently felt like he was moving through a pool of molasses. A time frame of less than a fraction of a split second was now incomparably slow.

His eyes were currently like beady dots, constantly glaring at the Manticore’s achilles tendon. In this seemingly infinite time span, what Hide was looking for was a gap. A gap in between its scales, a gap where Hide could fit the edge of his blade in. A gap that would give him a chance for survival.

After what felt like an incomparably long time, all of a sudden, Hide’s senses flooded back into him like a tidal wave. Color rapidly returned to his eyes, while at the same time, an extreme, and sudden throb resonated in the back of his mind.

Hide who was vaguely aware of all this, completely ignored the changes within his mind. In that monochrome state, he had found the gap, and his body was already in full motion.

[Lesser Draconic Bost++], [Ferocity], and [Dissect] were all currently activated. His body pulsated like a throbbing heartbeat, while at the same time, a faint blade light reflected off of Fynch’s dull grey surface.

The sword edge sliced in between the dark grey scales of the Manticore’s hind leg, and cleanly cut through like a hot knife on butter. Added with the Manticore’s own forward momentum, the blade was further pushed in before it came to a stop after colliding with bone.

A surge of pain welled up within the Manticore’s mind, but it could only begrudgingly swallow it down, as its feline eyes locked onto the still approaching spear.

As it kept sailing through the air, Hide completed his swing. Although he could not penetrate through the bone, he did manage to successfully severe its tendon. Hide quickly retracted his blade with a squelching sound, just as he jumped backwards.

The scorpion tail that was swung in Hide’s direction, fruitlessly hit empty air. At the same time, the Manticore had continued forward, crashing in front of its precious egg. The impact from its landing caused the egg to helplessly roll a few meters away from it. At the same time, the spear bounced harmlessly off of its body. It flew through the air for a few seconds before it landed helplessly next to the egg.

Upon its landing, the Manticore let loose a fierce, pain-filled howl. Its [Intermediate Draconic Boost] had deactivated, and its bulging muscles returned to normal.

Its newly opened wound let out a waterfall of blood. The creature’s almond shaped eyes were currently shaped in a malevolent fashion. It tried desperately, but anything below its right ankle was completely immovable.

It swiveled its head back to stare at its new wound, before it turned around and glared at the culprit. There, approximately 15 meters away from it, Hide stood. His back was arched downward, his broken wrist was trembling, while his facial expression was scrunched up into an ugly frown.

The pain that currently encompassed his whole body was the only thing keeping him conscious. While it was helpful, Hide wanted so much to shut off this incredible feeling of pain. Unfortunately, for some odd reason, Hide could not properly use his [Sensory Remapping] right now.

While this aroused a sense of unease within Hide’s heart, he could not do anything but push it off to the side. There were more important things to worry about.

The Manticore began making its way towards him. It did not rush out like last time. Rather, it could not move like last time. The new injury that Hide had created had greatly impeded its movements. Right now, it was constantly tripping over itself, struggling to even move one meter forward.

Yet still, its eyes were filled with a fierce killing intent. Its proud body continued to move forward, as if stalking its prey.

Hide who saw all this remained silent. In his heart, he was slowly counting down, while on the outside, he was looking at the distance between the Manticore and the egg.

When the cooldown period finally ended, Hide’s once battered body immediately moved into action.

Once again, he used [Shadow Sprint], and once again, he immediately appeared next to the spear.

The Manticore saw Hide abruptly disappear, and was instantly filled with a sense of unease. Its head immediately swiveled, and just as it had expected, it had found Hide, right next to its precious egg.

Hide’s legs gave out, as he forcibly kneeled onto the ground. His every muscle was screaming with pain, but he could do nothing about it. Right now, Hide’s stamina was lowering at an incomparably fast rate, but still, due to the recent boost in his vitality and stamina, with his large reserves, he could still afford to be a little flashy.

The pain in his body was simply due to overexertion. After all, Hide still hadn’t recovered properly from the earlier Dungeon Boss fight.

Hide saw the frantically approaching Manticore, and tried to ignore the pain he currently felt. The Manticore propelled itself forward with its front legs, and immediately barrelled in on Hide’s location.

In response, Hide hastily grabbed hold of the spear and the egg. He immediately jumped backwards, just as the Manticore swatted at him with its clawed paw.

The wind pressure created from that single swipe was enough to slice through Hide’s exposed skin, and sent him flying further backwards.

Hide deftly landed on the ground and faltered for a split second before he quickly got a hold of himself, and once again jumped backwards, further distancing himself away from the Manticore.

The Manticore tried to fruitlessly follow, but it immediately fell due to its newly injured leg. It tried to gain a proper footing, but fell numerous times. For a creature who has always relied on four of its legs, suddenly only having three functional limbs, while the other had become dead weight, was too shocking of a change to get used to.

Filled with utter frustration and rage, the Manticore could only limp towards Hide.

Meanwhile, Hide monopolized on this opportunity, and began to prepare.

He grabbed hold of the spear, and fished out two items from his pockets; the roll of duct tape, and the [Lesser Draconic Flare]. Previously, Hide had deemed these two items to be the most useful, and had immediately grabbed hold of it during his initial entry into the Old School refuge.

Without hesitation, Hide frantically began securing the Draconic Flare onto the spear. He strategically positioned the fist sized ball right under the spear shaft.

As he was doing this, his hands were involuntarily shaking. Sweat streaked down from his brow, while his face was scrunched up into a worried expression. With one hand broken, he was having an incomparably hard time with doing such a simple task. In the end, he could not help but curse lowly underneath his breath, as the Manticore slowly began closing the distance.

After what felt like an eternity, Hide finally secured the bead, and without a moment’s pause, he immediately activated it. A slight undulation of red was emitted, which leaked freely through the gaps within the tape.

The distance between the Manticore and Hide was now less than 10 meters.

Following up with the activation of the sphere, Hide immediately activated all of his known skills. [Lesser Draconic boost], [Ferocity], the [Pierce] function of [Dissect], even [Searing Armor], which was seemingly useless in this situation was all activated.

Hide’s skin once again flushed pink, his skin emitting a slight mist of steam, while popping sounds were constantly being emitted from his joints. His veins throbbed and his muscles swelled. With all the boosts firmly into effect, Hide immediately played his hand.

Without hesitation, he effortlessly threw the egg up into the air.

This abrupt action, caused the Manticore’s eyes to widen in both shock and fear. Its eyes locked onto the egg’s subsequent rise and descent, fully drawing its attention away from Hide.

Just as the Manticore was about to move forward in an attempt to catch its egg, the spear in Hide’s arm was released.

Like a shooting star, it traveled through the air in a streak of bright red. Without pause, the spear pierced directly into one of the Manticore’s bulging eyes.

The spear, which had been imbued with [Dissect]’s [Pierce] effect, sank deep into the eye socket, only stopping after it hit the base of its skull. The light that was being constantly emitted from the flare instantly vanished as it entered deep into the center of the eyeball.

As the Manticore’s expressions began to shift from worry into agony, a muffled explosion took place. The once pierced eye, instantly splattered and exploded outwards. Meanwhile, the Manticore’s head rocked backwards, before it slumped down to the floor in bitter agony.

It let out a series of pain-filled howls, just as Hide lightly caught the descending Manticore egg.

Hide was currently heavily panting. The simple action of throwing the spear had opened up many of his injuries, and his current condition was now worse than ever. Hide did not know this, but the usage of [Lesser Draconic Boost ++] was putting an immense strain on his physical body. In addition, the hand he had used to throw the spear, was the same hand he had broke. Now, he could not even feel pain or any other sensation from that hand.

The severely injured youth consoled himself in the fact that the Manticore was faring much worse than him. Although Hide had half expected the explosion to kill the beast in one hit, surprisingly, it had only shaved off 75% of its hp.

While Hide was somewhat disappointed, normally speaking, completely shaving off 75% of a level 87 Boss rank monster’s HP in one hit was an almost impossible feat.

While it wasn’t dead, Hide figured that if he was luck, then blindness, and maybe even permanent brain damage had occurred. While the desire to finish off the Manticore was present, Hide knew that just the creature’s pain filled thrashing alone was enough to end his quivering life.

Hide assessed his options and wondered whether he should escape while it was injured or finish the job. In the end, he immediately grabbed hold of the egg, and decided to escape. Pushing his luck any further would lead to adverse consequences.

The manticore who saw Hide carelessly climb up to the first floor, could only weakly raise its head, before it let out a pain filled groan. It fell back down, and continued its agony filled howls. Resentment, and indescribable fear was etched deep within its heart.

****

Hide successfully escaped the School building, but the injuries he had received from the battle were by no means light. His vision was blurry, his ears were hot, his muscles ached, his mind throbbed, his chest hurt, and he was hovering on the edge of consciousness. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Hide’s current condition was one of the worst he’s ever found himself in.

And as if to make things even worse, he did not have any health potions left. In actuality, the various assortment of medications he had scavenged from the school, coupled with his [Equip] skill, had some varying degrees of HP regeneration. The only problem was that amidst all the confusion, the medicine, and along with the rest of his backpack had been left down in the basement.

With the Manticore still there, he did not even consider going back and retrieving it. In fact, losing his backpack had been a severe blow to Hide. Along with the medicine, the unused skill books had been practically abandoned.

In the battle alone, not only did he lose the [Lesser Draconic Flare], but also two basic fireball skill books, and the [Cursed] explosion skillbook.

While this vague sense of regret lingered deep within his heart, Hide’s mind was in no condition to worry about these minor details.

Hide half jogged away from the school grounds. He did not move towards the group’s direction, but rather, he headed to the east of the residential district. He knew full well that in his current condition, he could not travel far, and he did not know how fast the Manticore would recover.

Staying away from the others for the time being was a form of protection. At the very least, he did not want to be the one responsible for leading a rampaging monster to where the others were.

After a few minutes of desperate running, Hide’s stamina finally reached its end. Due to the strain and injuries of his body, he could not persevere for long.

Hide practically threw himself into the window of an abandoned house. The window pane shattered before he fell down onto the floor of a simple looking living room.

He attempted to raise his head up in order to inspect the room, but he found that his vision was still blurry. He tried to use [Echolocation] and [Sensory Remapping] in order to see if there was anybody or any monster within the house, but again, it did not work.

A part of him was worried, but a greater part of him was constantly screaming for him to rest. Hide’s body was already burning up with a severe fever. His mind was hazy and he couldn’t think properly, but he still forced his body to stand, and move forward.

With great difficulty, he tried searching for a safe location within the abandoned house. Something like a nearby bedroom, or a walk in closet. He could only take three steps forward, before his body gave out, and he slumped down onto the hardwood floor of a hallway.

Very quickly, the cold tendrils of sleep enticed him. As his eyelids heavily closed shut, Hide drifted off into a dreamless state of unconsciousness.

****

Author's Note: Thank you for your continued support, and thanks to those who donated. I really do appreciate it guys, and the only way I can express my gratitude it through releasing more chapters.