Darkness that could effortlessly devour light, an appearance that would struck terror upon the heart’s of its enemies. A knight worthy of being my first creation, a warrior that looked badass enough to make my palms sweaty. Standing tall in front of me, the skull head smiled with its sharp teeth, as if glad of being born. Even though it possessed quite an intimidating appearance at first glance, unfortunately its size was anticlimactic. Only five inches taller than me, it looked like a kid’s halloween costume.

“Open.”

With a short and simple command, the Abyssal knight responded to its master. Its back, which was separated into numerous panels that were connected by a series of small robotic arms, opened outwards. Considering that the exosuit was a one piece construction, this feature was necessary. As if stretching its wings, the panels were separated into two groups. Opening just enough to fit my short stature, it showed the outside world it’s deepest secrets.

“The A.I. is taking care of everything.”

Previously, the system didn’t possess any voice commanding feature. The artificial intelligence was given only given simple inputs and somehow it automatically made a program on its own. I wanted to feel happy about this but instead I became worried about the future. An A.I. that could take over the world sounds plausible now.

Without further ado, I walked towards its back and was fascinated by the result of the fusion. Inside its body was a system that was futuristic enough to be featured in a sci-fi movie. A single system connected the goggles, exoskeleton, and the quantum computer while being supervised by an artificial intelligence. Despite that, the piloting would still be my task and the Codex would just act as a support.

“In we go.”

Enthusiastically, I entered the suit while feeling a bit nervous. The very first thing that I noticed was the cool temperature inside the suit. The internal atmosphere was controlled by a mini air conditioner so the heat wouldn’t bother me now. Instead of showing a plain image, the goggles now featured a head-up display that made it possible for the A.I. to support and communicate with me by manipulating pixels into figures and texts. Previously attached directly to my skin, the whole exoskeleton was now embedded into the suit. Nevertheless, the neural translation device was still connected to my head. As the system sensed that I was already inside, it automatically closed its back.

“Next is the preliminary testing.”

Requesting permission to access main system of the facility.

A message suddenly popped out from the HUD without any warnings. Thinking a few steps ahead, the Codex requested permission to access the main system of the warehouse. Probably through the connection of the goggles with the surveillance room, it wanted to get a hold of more information.

“Permission granted.”

The Codex was finding its on ways to help me it seemed. Since the first inputs were about helping me with everything, it was just doing its designated job. Even if the A.I.’s thought pattern was currently unpredictable, going with its decisions would be the best choice for now.

Received information from Scanning Camera 8XDE.

An optimal testing ground is found in sector D-8.

Estimated time of arrival is 10 minutes using the full capabilities of the suit.

An interactive map will be displayed with the shortest route highlighted.

The dot in the middle designates our current position.

“This is too convenient.”

That was my honest opinion after seeing the capabilities of an A.I. that learned everything through the world wide web. In addition, the exoskeleton felt suspiciously different than before. Whenever I tried to move my limbs, the skeleton anticipates the desired action and would automatically move them for me. This modification wasn’t my doing at all and would only make sense if the A.I. did it.

“Alright! Let’s kick some monster butts!”

With that being said, I picked up the plasma rifle from the charging port and strapped it on my back. It would replace the tranquilizer gun that had a number of bullets that could be counted in one hand. Since the objectives included a durability test, the shield would also be left behind. Moreover, it would impede the maximum movement potential of the suit as suggested by the Codex. Lastly, the newly repaired hammer would be put into use once again.

Suspicious movement detected inside the room.

Entity currently positioned behind shelf 5-C near the main entrance.

Out of nowhere, the Codex warned me of someone infiltrating the main work area. Even though it was currently midnight, someone dared to make a visit while I am currently at work. After finishing their meals, all of them proceeded to sleep inside my room. Of course I dismissed that idea but Lily insisted in doing so. Being at the stage of growth that required a lot of sleep, Lily hadn't woken up even once during the middle of the night. Most probably, one of the guests wishes to watch me work.

“Who could it be?”

As I've said that, I casually turned at the direction where the intruder was positioned and stood straight, unmoving. Immediately the goggles, that was integrated into suit, automatically zoomed in. The part of the room where the intruder was positioned was dark enough to cover its figure. Nevertheless, the Codex changed the mode into night vision without even consulting me.

“It's the princess.”

Through the assistance of the goggles, her face became clear enough for me to easily identify her. Adventurous and stubborn, my first impression of Catherine, the self proclaimed princess. Probably still suspicious of me, she organized her own reconnaissance mission and bravely spied on the person who tortured them.

“If she insists on tailing us, let us show her something good.”

Opening roll up door in 5 seconds.

Automatic closing will be suspended for 2 minutes.

Since she wanted to know more about me, I intend to let her see what she desired. Without needing any verbal commands, the Codex understood my idea through the neural translation device. The cargo roll up door, which was used for transporting steel containers inside and outside the warehouse, was remotely controlled to open and close at a given interval. It was conveniently located inside the storage area, opposite the main entrance where Catherine was at.

“It’s time to depart.”

I turned my back at the sneaky princess and slowly walked towards the storage area. Right in front of her was a scenario, purposely made to invite her along. Luckily, it looked like she took the bait. For every five steps that I took Catherine would stealthily move through the part of the room, that was dimly lit, in order to follow me. She would keep a considerable distance from me in order to not get seen. Nonetheless, she was already spotted the moment she walked inside.

“If she goes out of the door, close it immediately.”

Understood.

I reminded the Codex even though I was convinced that it would do the same thing without my orders. Despite the fact that it could do things on its own, I should always make my authority clear. Especially since the Project Codex was only on its trial phase, the possibility of bugs in its system was high.

The moment I stepped inside the storage room, the roll up door steadily raised its iron curtains. There’s nothing extraordinary about it except for the robot controlled hoist that automatically raises the door.

Gradually, the evening forest showed its bizarre form. Showered by the moonlight was a scenery untouched by man. Fireflies the size of bees danced around the bushes and trees. As if wanting to show the way, they would carelessly hover towards me and eventually fly back into the forest. Some trees had glowing orbs that were hanging on their branches, as if bearing fruits that exhibits bioluminescence. Aside from those things, everything was shrouded in darkness.

“Mark her location in the map if she fails to catch up.”

Affirmative.

It’s already the start of the test, the moment I walked out of the door. And for the princess who wanted to follow me, effort is necessary if she truly desired to see me in action.

“Here we go!”

With first the step I took, an unimaginable amount of energy was transferred from my leg onto the ground. Easily, my armored body was propelled by several meters with just a single kick on the sandy soil, creating a fairly large cloud of dust behind me.

“This is too awesome!”

Elated by the outstanding performance of my personal exosuit, I shouted in pure joy. Immediately, I was immersed with the refined movement of the exoskeleton. Not wanting to end with just that, I continued with the first step by repeatedly chaining the same movement over and over again.

Left…..right………...Left…………..right.

With both my legs alternating the same action repeatedly, the sandy soil beneath my feet was eventually replaced by the rocky soil of the forest.Conveniently enough, the Codex changed the mode into night vision as soon as I entered the forest zone.

Highlighting recommended stepping areas on the ground for maximum surface contact.

Using the HUD of the goggles, the Codex continued to give its full support by marking areas of the ground, that gives stable foothold, in real time. A clever use of augmented reality in order to maximize efficiency. With the help of the goggles, the areas were clear as if they were under daylight, allowing me to increase my speed even further.

Maximum calculated speed is 67.6 kph.

Current speed is 41.1 kph.

Connecting with the highlighted areas didn’t even require much effort in my part. By just imagining the movement that I wanted to perform, the Codex would answer back by adjusting the exoskeleton in order to make that movement possible. Achieving speed that was almost as fast as the world record, I could hear the cool evening wind clashing against my armor covered body.

Incoming obstacles highlighted.

The route that the Codex have chosen was a straight path towards the target location. As expected, obstacles made by the nature itself were randomly scattered all over the place. Large rocks, tall bushes, dead tree trunks, isolated ponds and even holes on the ground. All of them were marked by the Codex, enabling me to effortlessly take the best course of actions.

“One…..two……...three…...jump….skip…..jump.”

Sounding like a dancer following practicing a routine, I performed consecutive movements that were impossible for my old configuration. Skip high, jump far and even use tree trunks as foothold in order to propel myself much farther. A combo of such movements allowed me to easily cut my way through the series of natural obstacles.

Arriving at destination within five minutes.

Knowing that I was halfway there, I lowered my speed and casually took a peek at the interactive map display. After maintaining such a fast speed, Catherine was inevitably left behind and was consequently marked by the Codex. Another dot beside the dot in the middle that represents me.

“Huh?”

I was dumbfounded with what I saw. The second dot was only a few meters behind me. Catherine, who looked like a bratty sheltered princess, was surprisingly keeping up with me. While using only her body’s prowess, she could almost attain the same speed as me, especially through such a hard terrain.

“This princess isn’t a pushover.”

She survived through this dangerous forest and even made her way at the centermost area where the warehouse was located. Moreover, she possessed enough leadership skills in order to bring a whole group with her. Catherine wasn’t someone to be taken lightly, even though I’ve captured her quite easily. But still, it was shocking to see her match the speed of the physically enhanced me.

Not wanting to lose against her, I exponentially increased my speed by decreasing the interval between each executions. Run, jump, skip and dash. All movements were greatly increased in terms of rapidity. Intending to push the capabilities of the exosuit to its limit, I forcibly harnessed all the brain power I could get in spite of the splitting headache that still remained.

Maximum calculated speed is 67.6 kph.

Current speed is 61.4 kph.

Arriving at destination within one minute.

Steadily, the second dot fell behind the middle one which made me smile contently. Taking pride in my own creations was natural for an inventor like me. Even though my opponent was a princess that looked fragile at first glance, I was happy with result nonetheless.

“There it is.”

Before I knew it, the set destination inside sector D-8 was already within my range of vision. The goggles did a full zoom through the gaps of the gigantic trees, showing me an initial glimpse of the designated testing ground.

A large area full of freshly made stumps which made it look like someone had the leisure to cut those gigantic trees. As I neared the place, I was further convinced that something big did happen here.

“Corpses of humanoid pigs.”

A foul stench assailed my nostrils immediately after I stepped inside the clearing. Probably dead by at least a full day, some of the corpses still retained their original form.The majority were either bisected in half or had their heads separated from their body. If reattached once again, I could easily imagine a picture of a burly and muscular bodied creature with a head similar to swine.

“Even though they wore metal armor, to be sliced so cleanly…..”

Undoubtedly they were civilized creatures, seeing that they were donning armor of all kinds. Full plate armor, chain mails, breastplates and even ceremonial robes. The goggles identified all the things scattered throughout the area with ease and could even provide brief explanations for each and everyone of them.

“They seemed to have desperately fought a losing battle.”

Alongside the armors were weapons of different kinds. They were genuinely forged and not artificially printed like mine. The first weapon the Codex identified was the two handed sword, that was almost the same height as mine. Second were the extra long spears with metal heads and shafts made with wood. Next were bows made with some kind of horn, near them were quivers partially full with arrows. And lastly, a staff with a crystal embedded inside one of its ends.

“I can probably reuse some of them.”

Having an edged weapon or even something with large range like the spear, could considerably widen my fighting capabilities. Instead of only relying on pure impact, I could possibly use techniques that require less energy during execution. But then, I was still unsure if they were at least usable after experiencing such a heated battle.

“And there’s that.”

The thing that stood out the most was something that looked like a cart. Bisected horizontally with something incredibly sharp, the top half was clearly missing. Luckily, there were no bodies of working animals like horses, found inside the area despite the fact that the yoke was separated from the cart.

Target positioned at 325 degrees northwest.

Approximated distance: 23 meters.

Once again, the Codex relayed another set of information through the HUD of the goggles. It notified me of the position of a target that would serve as the first trial of the exposition. Fortunately, a dynamic compass popped up inside the interactive map after the report, which made the search a lot easier. Immediately, the night vision mode was switched into thermal vision mode by the Codex itself which allowed me to see the figure of the target.

“There it is.”

At the direction where the Codex pointed out, there was something that stood tall on top of a tree branch, unmoving. Radiating a color between yellow and orange, it was large enough to fully occupy the gigantic branch of the tree. It's form was oddly reminiscent of a certain type of insect.

“Then I'll be the one who will make the first move.”

After noticing that it wasn't moving and was steady as a rock, I had no choice but to initiate the fight. But before that, I briefly glanced at the interactive map once again in order to check where Catherine was.

The second dot was several meters from the testing ground. A distance that was more or less safe from any stray attacks that might erupt from the upcoming battle.

“Let's begin the test.”

After making sure that everything was ready, I eagerly retrieved the rifle behind my back and carefully assumed a sniping position while standing. I possessed enough proficiency to aim a rifle properly, since I've used the tranquilizer gun for quite a long time, so I didn't need any sort of assistance from the Codex. Instinctively, I wielded the firearm at the direction of the target. Almost weightless because of my artificial strength, holding the rifle for a long period of time wasn't tiring to the muscles.

Projecting optimal bullet pathway.

Switching to automatic mode is recommended.

Whenever the rifle was charged, it would automatically switch to the default manual mode. With the press of a button, which was located at the left side of the receiver, the setting was easily changed into the desired mode. As I peeked through the red dot sight, the HUD projected a series of three dimensional lines with different origins but intersected at the same point.

“It feels like I'm inside a tutorial.”

Even at this point, the Codex didn't slack off with its support. The series of lines were supposed to help me aim more accurately by following the recommended pathway which ultimately led to the target.

Since this is a test for the exosuit, I guess I'll go along with it.

With that being said, I unhesitatingly pulled the trigger of the rifle. The gun spewed beams of plasma towards the pathway that I've chosen. Particularly bright under the night sky, the lines of light created a mesmerizing view. Beautiful as it was deadly, it bombarded the body that was nestled on top of the tree branch.

SCREEEEEEECH!

Warning! Incoming attacks will connect within 5.7 seconds.

Highlighting areas with the highest probability of receiving the attack.

A defeating noise, that resembled the sound of metal rubbing against another metal, reverberated from the point where the streams of plasma hit. Luckily, the inside of the exosuit was soundproofed and instead utilized the microphone of the goggles for auditory functions. If the decibels would reach a certain point where it could cause harm to my ears, the system would automatically lower down the volume for protection.

Almost at the same time as that painful sound, the Codex issued a warning that something was coming our way. Furthermore it highlighted certain parts of the ground in red, signifying that danger would be met if I prolong my stay in those locations. Five red circles clustered, with the center circle directly beneath my feet. I hadn't got the time to think as to what kind of attack it was, so I immediately jumped back without hesitation.

BOOOM!

Five crescent shaped projectiles, that looked like they were made of light, created a single explosion after reaching their target almost at the same time. It created a dust cloud that could momentarily obscure normal vision but for the thermal vision it wasn't anything concerning.

Target already mobile.

Projecting dynamic bullet pathways for the moving target.

The insect like creature began to move from its original position. Specifically, it was flying with its concealed wings now fully expanded. It flapped vigorously which produced a quiet buzzing sound. It's large body separated from the branch and began to fly towards me.

Without the codex, I think I would've perished there.

Certainly, it was the truth but dwelling on that while in the middle of battle was a bad idea. The Codex, still not done with its predictions, projected a series of lines once again but instead of intersecting at a single point, they traced a predicted pathway where the creature might move into.

“Alright! Let's do this!”

Not wanting to waste time any further, I squeezed the trigger of the rifle at the direction of the very first line. Since the lines were tightly packed with each other, I continued in the squeezing of the trigger and waved the barrel of the rifle along the given pattern.

A torrent of plasma continuously spewed out of the rifle. Rapidly, the number displayed on the status panel decreased. After carefully following the instructions of the Codex, almost every shot connected.

SCREEEEEEEEEEEECH!

Warning! Incoming attacks will connect within 4.5 seconds.

Performing evasive maneuvers is recommended.

Probability of evading is 2.66%.

Highlighting possible safe areas.

Finally, the creature had enough of the plasma bursts and proceeded to counterattack fiercely. Scarlet colored circles riddled every single area within the clearing. The safe areas the Codex mentioned were located outside the deforested battlefield and was too far to reach within the given time. As much as I hated it, the probability it gave was most likely accurate.

“I just need to trust the armor!”

I was left with one choice, to defend myself from the attacks using the might of the armor alone. Instantaneously, I returned the rifle to my back and assumed a blocking stance by crossing both my arms in front of my face.

BOOOOOOOOOOM!!

“Uaaaaaah!”

Impact was met almost instantly, along with the defeating sound of a much bigger explosion compared to the one before. There was no resistance at all. My body, that stood against that colossal force, was thrown around like a ragdoll. A dizzying video feed from the goggles, that automatically switched to the default mode, was the only thing that I could see. While inside the obscuring clouds of dust, I was like a ball that bounced for quite some time. Nevertheless, the armor miraculously kept me alive even though my headache was worsened.

Asking permission for override mode.

Asking permission for override mode.

Asking permission for override mode.

Asking permission for override mode.

My vision became blurry after repeatedly crashing onto the ground but still I was conscious. Not only did the armor withstood the attack it also absorbed the impact of being thrown all over the place. The durability test was passed with flying colors even though I was reduced into this state. As soon as I regained a clear view, the Codex intentionally flooded the whole HUD with a message that was quite confusing.

“Override mode?”

Probability of winning the battle in override mode is 100%.

The Codex sounded like it was boasting, considering the state that we were in. Battered and beaten, the exosuit that held me was currently lying on the ground. Thankfully, I didn’t receive any injuries from the attack but still I was distraught by the clear difference in power. Despite that, the A.I. didn’t lose hope. I didn’t have any valid reason to refuse since the Codex had magnificently done its job. It was just me who was weak.

“Permission granted.”

Permission acquired.

Entering override mode.

The codex will take full control of the exosuit.

Just sit back and enjoy the show.

I voiced out my decision to the Codex and it surprisingly replied arrogantly, as if it was slowly forming its own personality. Instead of having an A.I. with me, it felt like a real human being supported my back. There was nothing I could do right now but to entrust the battle to the Codex.

“.......”

As if some mysterious force was controlling my limbs, slowly my body got up on its own. Right after the dust clouds have cleared up, I was already standing on my feet. Riddled with numerous holes that were at least one feet deep, the battlefield was further devastated. The cart, corpses, weapons and even the scattered tree stumps, everything was obliterated. The devastation it caused clearly showed how powerful it was. Despite that, a much more unsettling event was happening before my very eyes.

“Take this!”

While brandishing a sword clad in flames, the princess bravely attacked the insect creature that clearly looked like a gigantic praying mantis. While wielding a pair of oversized scythes that was clearly disproportionate to its whole body, it was surprisingly stationary, as if it was resting. After being peppered by hundreds of shots of plasma, it’s jet black carapace was filled with countless holes. Despite being disheartened just awhile ago, it seemed that the earlier exchange resulted in a draw. And the princess, seeing that as an opportunity to attack, courageously threw herself at the mantis in order to save me.

SCREECH!

Noticing that it’s belly was carelessly unguarded, the princess performed a slashing attack using the unnatural looking weapon. Flames that wouldn’t die even if she waved it rapidly, the sword dealt large amounts of damage as the flames migrated from the sword and into the slashed area on its belly. Slowly it began to eat through its flesh, causing the mantis to shriek in pain. But still, it wasn't enough to kill it. Eventually seeing Catherine as a threat, the mantis assumed an attacking position by raising one of its scythes high up in the air.

SCREEEEEECH!

Before finishing its attempted retaliation at the princess, it was interrupted by a short burst of plasma gunfire which was accurately aimed at its head, causing it to issue yet another cry of pain. Greyish smoke erupted from the point of impact but still it was alive and kicking.

“What is that girl thinking?”

Wearing only her tattered clothes while wielding a sword that she randomly picked up, Catherine was impulsive as I’ve imagined her to be. She put herself in danger in order to help me, a noble action for someone who was supposedly a member of the royalty, but idiotic from my perspective. If I wasn’t here, she would’ve died with only a single swipe of that scythe. As for me I could take a lot of beating while wearing the exosuit.

“It’s coming way.”

After sustaining damage from me yet again, the mantis turned to my direction and began to expand its wings. Gusts of wind formed behind it as it rapidly flapped its semi transparent wings. With only a few seconds it created enough force in order to lift its gigantic body. Only a few inches from the ground, it hovered stably. And without any warnings, it flew like a bullet towards me.

“This is bad!”

Currently, I didn’t have the control over my body. After entering this so called ‘override mode’ the Codex had completely taken over. As to what might happen next, I was clueless. Especially since the Codex was still unfinished, I was particularly nervous.

“Eh?”

I unconsciously blurted out a dumbfounded sound after seeing the move it made.

I was running, running away from the enemy. Abandoning the princess without even a shred of guilt, the Codex chose to retreat. Running as fast as I could, I barely matched the speed of the incoming mantis. And without taking much time, I neared the edge of clearing.

Mindlessly, I ran without any concern of what was in front of me. A gigantic tree with an exceptionally wide trunk was coming my way, but still my speed didn’t decrease. The Codex, after flawlessly supporting me through battle, should’ve considered this tree as a danger. Maybe it was bugged like I anticipated it to be. But it seemed that it had something in mind after all.

“Tree inbound!”

Before colliding with it, I jumped high enough in order to plant one of my soles on the surface of the tree. The other sole followed right after and as soon as enough grip was attained, I continued to run upwards. Planned within a short period of time, the Codex achieved something that ninja’s in movies could do.

BAAAAAAAAM!

Not expecting me to perform such a feat, the mantis speedily collided with the massive trunk. Followed by the thundering sound, bits and pieces of wood scattered throughout the vicinity. Probably stunned from the forceful impact, it was unmoving once again. A perfect opportunity for me to attack.

“Attack!”

As if I was watching a POV action movie in real time, the only thing that I could do was cheer.

After receiving such a massive impact from the collision, the tree was shaken vigorously which left me no choice but to separate with it. Looking as if it was still within calculation, my body did something that was quite similar to a wall flip. In the midst of such fast movements that were executed consecutively, the video feed was dizzying and exhilarating at the same time. And while in the middle of the flip, my arm casually grabbed the handle of the hammer that was attached on my back.

The flip was gracefully performed, followed by my descent on to the ground. But instead of just falling normally, the Codex had something different in mind. I adopted a sideward swinging position while in mid air and as soon as the body of the mantis was within range, the artificial muscles of the exoskeleton contracted to their limits and instantaneously released a mighty blow.

SCREE-!

BOOOM!

It’s attempt to cry in pain was interrupted by the head of the hammer which forcefully connected to its body. As if it was a golf ball that was hit by a club, the whole mantis flew sideward without any resistance at all. It covered several meters of distance before flopping onto the ground lifelessly.

“Is it over?”

The enemy is still alive.

It certainly looked like the mantis was finally killed, but immediately the Codex denied my assumptions.

Not wanting to let it recover, I dashed towards the area where the mantis was lying down defenselessly. Since no one knows what it would do next, killing it as early as possible was the best move.

“This is what I was talking about!”

And as I’ve predicted, it did something sneaky while playing dead. One of its scythes emitted a bright light and almost at the same time, a crescent shaped projectile flew towards a different direction. Not mine but the princess’ direction, it headed in a fast speed.

“Watch out!”

I shouted frantically at the princess even though I was aware that it wouldn’t reach her. Considering that the Codex’s main input was to only protect me, it wouldn’t recklessly use my body in order to help others. Right now, the only thing that I could do was to warn her.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Input received.

Miraculously, it heard my prayers. Selflessly, it threw my body towards the trajectory of the attack. Luckily, the direction of the princess wasn’t that far from my position. My legs flexed to their limits and extended almost instantaneously, consequently launching me forward at breakneck speed. Knowing that impact was imminent, I braced myself for another series of ragdoll routine. I’ve already felt it so I was braver than before and I know the Codex wouldn’t let me down.

“Uoooh!”

Just like before, I was easily lifted off of my feet. But instead of bouncing around randomly, I was carried by the force of the attack and flew towards the place where Catherine was at. While flying at a parabola, the time I spent in the air was quite long and I could clearly see the stars in the evening sky. Eventually, I found myself landing just below the scantily dressed Catherine, unintentionally seeing something that I shouldn’t see.

“It’s escaping you perverted idiot!”

Angrily, she stomped on my face repeatedly while saying that line. Instead of resolving the issue, she was making it worse. With every stomp of her foot, her tattered skirt would dangerously flutter. Repeatedly showing a view that would forever be burned in my mind.

“This is bad for my heart.”

Using that line as a cue, the Codex promptly brought my body up and performed the same feat yet again. Flex and stretch, followed by another flex and another stretch. The maximum potential of the pair of strengthened legs were utilized by performing consecutive long jumps towards the direction of the fleeing mantis.

Fortunately, it didn’t show much vigor compared to before as it slowly ascended through the treetops, using its slightly shriveled pair of wings. It allowed me to catch up, even after being thrown away.

SCREECH!

Seeing that I was nearing its position, it frantically speeded up the frequency of the flapping of its wings. But still, it wasn’t enough. Compared to the speed of my jumps, the rate at which it was gaining elevation was clearly much slower. Nevertheless, when I reached the area where it ascended, the mantis was already too high to reach.

“It’s impossible to reach that hi-........err......nevermind.”

As soon as I blurted out my opinion, the Codex readily denied it by doing yet another feat that was impossible for me to replicate. First, the Codex brought my body in between two trunks that were parallel to each other. I was quite confused at first, but as soon as my body performed a jump towards one of the tree trunks and proceeded to kick onto it in order to propel myself towards the other one, I was convinced that I have seen this move once in a video game.

For every kick I did against one of the tree trunk, I climbed by about two meters. Gradually, I neared the level where the mantis was at.

“Almost there!”

The moment when I caught up to it, the mantis was almost on top of the tree line. For the last bit of trunk that I could use as a stepping platform, I flexed my legs to its limit and launched myself towards the cowardly insect. Using the trusty hammer, which didn’t leave my hand even after being thrown around, I assumed an overhead swinging posture while flying in midair.

Ten meters, the distance between me and the mantis, shrinked in a blink of an eye. With all the strength the Codex and the exoskeleton could muster, the hammer was swung down with an unimaginable amount of force. Achieving enough speed for its head to blur momentarily, the weapon instantaneously connected to the body of the mantis.

BOOOOOOOOM!

Due to the sheer weight it received at a single point, its body distorted into a V shape. Flicked downward like a lifeless doll, its massive body caused an ear-splitting reverberation after making contact with the solid ground. Embedded deep into the forest soil, it didn’t show signs of life. Nonetheless, the Codex wasn’t done with its attack.

Once again, I assumed an overhead swinging position but now gravity was on my side. Intending to use the momentum of the descent and the maximum strength of both my arms, the sure-kill final blow was about to be delivered.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

Squished like a bug and transformed into a pile of mashed insect meat. Cloudy white liquid splattered all over my armor as soon as the hammerhead landed on the helpless body of the mantis. But still, it didn’t end there. From the point of impact, large cracks on the ground surfaced and continued to run along a random pattern.