Chapter 1374: Worthiness of the Strong
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
“What did you say?” Negan said, frustrated. “Smell of blood? Do you think you are a dog?”
What is this person babbling about? He doesn’t seem sane in any way. His tone has a hint of provocation and ridicule. No typical person would ever say such things to a stranger that they are meeting for the first time.
If it was any other day, he would have had the interest to entertain her, but at that moment, their escape from Sedimentation Bay was of utmost priority, and the best way to deal with a fool was to silence her.
Negan increased the strength in his grip and conveyed his thoughts to his older brother.
The latter did not loosen up. “I think… you are mistaken. We are at the docks, killing fishes and drying them isn’t a rare occurrence.”
“The difference between the smell of human blood and the smell of fish is like comparing heaven to earth.” The girl remained nonchalant. “If it was just a single smell, you could have explained it away with a wound, but the smell of blood on your bodies is a mixture and difficult to miss. Some of them are old, probably separated by several months, while some are relatively new, afflicted maybe two to three days ago—they are currently emanating out from beneath your clothes without end.”
Beneath our clothes?
Negan was startled.
To majority of knights, a portable and st.u.r.dy armor was definitely the most precious a.s.set they could have. If meticulously taken care off, the armor could last for a few generations, and that was what the Murrays took pride in. They had given up on their land in Everwinter, but they had never abandoned their armors and weapons.
The two had donned large coats and robes to hide their armor, which was nothing strange during winter. It was only when they killed others for pleasure would they remove the coats and robes—Besides gaining more mobility and flexibility, the action of removing their outer clothes removed any worries of staining their clothes. As for the armor, they only had to wipe clean the metallic surface to restore its bright and clean state, at the same time maintaining the armor with grease.
But this was information no one knew, how did she come to know about it?
Could it be… that she had really relied on her nose to detect the blood?
Unease immediately surged in Negan’s heart.
Right at this moment, the force that held down his hand suddenly loosened.
All he saw was a blur as Talos appeared in front of the girl with a charge. His elder brother did not even draw his weapon out. To a trained veteran, fists and joints were sufficient to doom an enemy.
Talos movements could be considered as fast as lightning, only taking a blink to move and unleash his hand. Negan felt that even he would have difficulty reacting against his brother.
In terms of techniques and capabilities, his elder brother was definitely Everwinter’s top knight.
Whether or not the other party was an idiot, a lunatic, or an ordinary person with an extraordinary sense of smell, she was already a dead person.
However, the sound of her neck breaking did not sound. Instead, Negan heard two crisp, cracking sounds.
The lady lifted her elbow and deflected the metallic hand which was aimed for her neck, then intercepted Talos’ left jab with a single palm—
Negan’s eyes almost popped out of his eye sockets!
How is that possible?
Ignoring fighting techniques, just based on the disparity of strength between a male and a female was enough to determine everything. But, it was his first time witnessing his elder brother being intercepted by someone with a single hand!
In that instant, the two exchanged multiple moves, yet Talos was unable to land any fatal strikes on her. After separating, he finally tore off his robes and drew a dagger.
“Brother, together!”
The low growl had a hint of anxiousness.
Negan immediately realized that his elder brother had used the judgment as a Knight and realized that the other party was not someone who could be taken down alone.
“Who are you exactly?” he clenched his teeth and drew out a knife and stooped beside Talos.
“Who I am isn’t important. More importantly, the two of you aren’t ordinary refugees—So the two of you have to have to explain the reason for lying.” The lady spread out her hands, as though indicating she was fine empty-handed. “If you surrender now, maybe you’ll suffer less. But murder is a serious crime. According to Graycastle law, once it is confirmed that the blood on your hands comes from innocent people, you will be condemned to death regardless of whatever reasons you give.”
Has she gone… crazy!?
She looked as though she was advising them, but her words and actions were obviously forcing them to a corner—who in the right mind will ever mention death as the outcome so sincerely at the onset? Anyone who was informed that they were bound to die would definitely not sit idle to be captured. In other words, she was obviously forcing them to take action!
Saying anything more was pointless!
When Talos moved forward and stabbed out with his dagger, Negan followed right on his heels. He came from the side, reducing the girl’s ability to dodge and also preventing her from turning and running away.
But the other party showed no intention of escaping.
Aside from that, she did not even attempt screaming for help, but engaged them in combat.
It was only after experiencing her abilities did Negan realize how terrifying she was.
All her attacks were filled with vigorous strength which he had to withstand with all his strength. Even her seemingly light and easy attacks required Negan to hold onto his dagger handle firmly, otherwise the impacts could have easily disarmed him.
It was simply unimaginable how the other person’s build could conceal so much strength.
“Stop holding back, she isn’t a threat to us!”
Talos’ growl jolted Negan back to his senses. That’s right, they were equipped with armor, but she was unarmed. There was no need to fight according to conventions. Even if they suffered a punch or two, it was nothing. A battle of attrition was only beneficial to them!
He threw his dagger at the girl, then nimbly extended his arms out as he pounced straight towards her—
This was undoubtedly a suicidal move in a normal battle situation. But the girl was relying on her fists and legs, what could she do?
In what followed, Negan felt an acute pain erupt from his face.
He felt as though his nose had sunken into his skull as his vision instantly blurred with the taste of rust filling up his entire throat.
What the h.e.l.l, this hurts…
But you’re finished!
He clenched his teeth and endured the pain as he exhausted all the energy in his body to fold his arms. The distance was perfect for daggers or short swords. Being restricted in such a hug was undoubtedly the end! And if she wanted to dodge his hug, she had to break her defensive stance and bound to reveal flaws! Negan believed that his brother would definitely grasp the opportunity!
Sure enough, due to her excessive movements to avoid him, the lady’s entire body stooped down and became helpless in stopping Talos’s intrusion.
Talos took a step forward and raised his sword. A gray light slashed in an inclined angle towards the girl’s head, but the latter raised her head upwards like a snake’s tongue.
Even before having the time to exhale, the girl that had stooped down did not scream in pain as antic.i.p.ated, or fall face first to the ground. Instead, she borrowed the momentum of her actions and kicked twice, sending him and Talos flying!
But what Negan felt was not a kick, but a battering ram slamming into him! A loud bang occurred as he slammed right into the four-wheeled carriage behind him. His armor was unable to offset the impact from both sides, causing the power to transmit into his body and forced him to cough blood.
Upon falling to the ground, the girl stood up firmly once again, the hood removed from her head and revealing her smooth hair… and a pair of furry ears, but the wounds he had expected were absent.
Negan’s heart fell to rock bottom.
The strike that he thought landed was a misconception from touching the rim of her hood. The only thing his brother slashed open was the girl’s hood!
And those unusual ears…
“Ahem… you ugly… monster!” Talos had a hand on his chest as he stood up slowly. “I have a G.o.d’s Stone of Retaliation, but how are you… unaffected!”
“That’s because I haven’t used my abilities.” The girl touched her hood wistfully. “As for you calling me ugly, it’s just your poor appreciation for beauty. No one in Neverwinter will agree with you, I have even received praises from the chief before.”
“Really—a load of rubbis.h.!.+” Negan coughed blood out and spoke, “My brother is a Knight conferred by the Queen of Everwinter, even the Knights from King’s City Knightage can’t beat him! Do you think you can defeat my brother if not for you relying on your demonic power? Stop dreaming!”
“Is that so? Maybe you haven’t realized it yet… the changes in your body.” The girl closed her eyes. “May I ask, is the blood on your body from opponents with strength comparable to yours?”
“What… is your point?”
“It’s not? Although the two of you are fierce in your techniques, you lack the drive and the determination in surviving a life and death battle.” She spoke slowly, “I have seen so many like you. Upon gaining some success, you become unwilling to move forward and only dare to turn back to bully and humiliate the weak to preserve your own position. With the pa.s.sage of time, this mentality will have soaked deep into your bones and become muscle memory—No matter how many of such victories you have, they will never make you stronger.”
“Compared to the opponents I have faced, there are Transcendents wielding power that leads you to despair and Ancient Witches extremely proficient in their respective skills. That is the difference. Maybe the two of you used to have your unique strengths, but now…” She paused, “You’re no longer worthy to be amongst the strong.”