Now at 221 health, his hope of winning is slipping through his fingers. The scarecrow is too powerful; he sees no way of winning.

Dragged by the ankle, he chops the straw rope again. With a swift strike, he sends out a flash of controlled air, slicing the scarecrows already broken arm off. The scarecrow enraged by this, sends out a multitude of ropes, all aiming to kill. Dodging the oncoming barrage, each rope creates a hole in the dirt, where Kenta was just standing.

Running, he charges forth at the scarecrow, stabbing it once more, through the clothing and into its, straw-filled chest.

*Rahh*

It screams, sending a dreadful aura to anyone who listens. He drops to a knee, under the pressure of the overwhelming aura, he uses all his might to move his sword, slicing at the only thing he can reach, its legs.

Slicing them, the scarecrow stops screaming and falls to the ground, now missing both its legs and one of its arms. After a moment of lying there immobile, four ropes spring out of its back and into the ground, raising it up and holding it like a spider. Seeing this, the monster just keeps on getting worse and worse.

Is there no end this?

Figuring its best to take the initiative, he runs underneath chopping down each leg, only for it to grow back.

Is there any way to kill this thing?

Still underneath, Kenta, stomps on the ground as hard as he can, causing the earth to shake. The scarecrow stumbles around, losing balance. Jumping up, he slices the remaining arm off, leaving it as only a head and a torso.

Falling back to the ground, he gains some distance. Charging back to the spider-like scarecrow, he jumps up once more, and goes to slice its head off.

*Shunk*

Blocked by numerous ropes, it’s impossible to reach its head.

*Psh*

In a lightning quick movement one of the, ropes goes flying through his left thigh. Breaking the bone, it forms a hole right to the other side.

“Ahh, you fuck!” He says unable to stand.

Wrapping the ropes around his body, it brings him closer, face to face now. It wants to kill.

Fuck it!

*Crunch*

As a last resort, Kenta bites the scarecrows straw neck and rips a chunk out, quickly eating it. The scarecrow is in a lot of pain, dropping him.

*Ding*

---

Skill gained.

Decoy: You may create an illusion of yourself to confuse others. The illusion is not physical therefore cannot attack, defend or interact with any objects. It can do basic movements such as walking or sitting. (Lasts for 10 seconds)

Mental Battle: You may creep into a targets mind and interact with it as you like. If you fight your target, you will not take real damage. If you kill your target, you will cause them to wake up. Can affect spirits. Can still be harmed on the outside.

Minor Ropes: You may now shoot ropes out of your hand to assist you. Useful for trapping, climbing, whipping etc. (Limit: 1 rope, 15 meters)

---

“Alright lets give this a shot.” He says.

Taking the opportunity, he activates mental battle and dives into the mind of the scarecrow. Inside everything is white, there is nothing around. Seconds later another figure appears, it’s the old lady.

“It’s you!” He says, “Why are you doing this to me?”

…

“Ach’et Ulmtasara io’ki.” She says.

“I don’t understand, If I did anything to you, I’m sorry.” He says apologetically.

…

“Taka’e ulno io’kai.” She says before speaking again, “Unaware of your surroundings.”

“What? What do you mean?” he inquires.

“Without thought you destroy.” She states, “Rest was broken. She awoke.”

“Destroy? Awoke? Who awoke?” he asks.

Thinking it through, he can only think of one thing. The ancient tree.

“Yes. You realise now, your mistake.” She says, “For over 1000 years, I have remained. One day I was disturbed.”

“I’m sorry, I was careless, but why did you kill the others?” he questions.

“The merely got in the way.” She states while laughing.

This bitch!

“Can’t you bring them back? They did nothing wrong.” He asks

“Hahaha. Bringing them back would be a difficult task.” She explains, “And I can’t really be bothered.”

“Fine, how about we make a deal.” He suggests.

“Deal? What is there you could possibly have to offer?” She asks slightly confused, “You have nothing.”

“I don’t but you do.” He says, “In exchange for bringing my friends back, I won’t go over and destroy your tree.”

“Bwahahaha! Destroy my tree? My vessel?” She says, “You wouldn’t have a chance.”

“Well, you haven’t been able to kill me yet.” He retorts.