The Herb King

Chapter 23: Collapse

Solas was a veteran Level 3 Esper with years of experience in warfare. Although he wasn’t proficient in the planning department, his strong battle abilities balanced this weakness.

With quick and large strides, Solas pounced towards Anton like an enraged bull. The death of his comrades further intensified his wrath. After gaining momentum, he suddenly leaped and held his battle axe with both hands as he smashed it in Anton’s direction.

The sheer power of his strike caused the air to puncture and produce a violent tearing sound!

Anton Lassiter narrowed his eyes upon seeing this attack. He would be cut into half if forcefully block Solas’ battle axe.

After a split second of hesitation, Anton immediately rolled to the side to avoid the strike.

Bang!

A small crater was formed right where Anton stood earlier.

.....

Seeing this, Anton gasped a deep breath of cold air. He couldn’t help but feel slightly nervous while facing this fellow.

Solas’ strength was beyond his imagination!

Anton thought that the man might be slow because of his size and the weight of his weapon. However, reality proved him wrong! Solas was much faster than he had anticipated!

“A Level 3 Esper? I thought Gavin was the sole high-rank Esper in his Flame Tiger Army. Who would have thought that the bastard actually hid someone of your caliber in his army. Even so, this doesn’t change things. Even if the two of you fight me together, I would still win!” Solas said with a fierce glint in his eyes. Though he was a bit surprised to see a hidden expert in General Gavin’s army, he was confident that he could still triumph over them!

A drop of sweat trickled down Anton’s forehead.

Solas’ words were full of arrogance, but he couldn’t bring himself to retort. Just that one strike from Solas already informed him about the great difference in their power.

Despite his uncertainty, Anton didn’t reveal even an ounce of fear. He glared back at Solas and spat out coldly. “Bandit, you’re destined to die under my sword today!”

Roar!

Solas bellowed in rage after hearing Anton’s words. He raised his battle axe and struck with full power! The air trembled and the ground beneath his feet sunk under the abrupt release of his power!

Anton quickly dodged to the side, barely evading the destructive attack. He then brandished his sword and countered with a stab to the front.

To his surprise, Solas didn’t even bother to block his sword. The giant bandit took the stab without even breaking a sweat and used his sharp elbow to strike Anton’s face!

Pa!

Anton felt his world spinning after that unexpected attack. He nearly dropped his sword as he wobbled from left to right.

Solas smiled evilly after seeing this. He then tightly grabbed his battle axe and swung it towards the wobbling Anton.

Swoosh!

A figure suddenly pulled the dizzy Anton from death’s door!

Hm?!

Solas frowned when he realized that his prey was taken away in front of him. He then took a clearer look at the man who saved Anton. It was a handsome young man who looked to be in his twenties. He had a faded and sleek long black hair. His sword-like eyebrows were knitted into a frown as he glared at Solas.

Leric felt his anger slowly subsiding as a mysterious power calmed his heart. Even so, he could not forgive this fellow who had almost killed his father!

“Initially, I planned to keep a low profile to avoid unnecessary attention, but it seems like I have to change my plans.” Leric muttered in a cold voice devoid of emotions.

For some reason, Solas felt a wave of alarm when he looked at the young man’s calm gaze.

Leric raised his right arm and opened his palm towards the direction of Solas as he muttered. “I’ll test out my skills on you...”

The surrounding temperature suddenly spiked as dozens of flaming arrows as long as spears materialized in front of Leric!

You have learned the skill [Flame Arrow]

Leric ignored the notification and fired the burning arrows toward the shocked Solas.

Fu! Fu! Fu!

Solas could feel the power behind the Flame Arrows. Only now did he discover the color of the flame aimed his way.

“Golden flames! Level 4 Esper!” He cried out in shock that he almost lost his grip on his weapon.

Solas was only a Level 3 Esper and he could still not control the world essence in his Hegel to wield the power of nature! Only Level 4 Espers were capable of doing that!

(Hegel is an Esper’s organ found at the center of the eyebrows. It is used to store world essence.)

Solas hastily reinforced his body using the world essence stored in his Hegel! He also raised his battle axe to shield his body from the rain of burning arrows!

‘Shit! Why is there a Level 4 Esper here?! His proficiency in wielding the power of flame is also advanced and even the leader might not be his opponent!’ Solas was on tenterhooks after the sudden display of Leric’s power. He didn’t even notice that the energy behind the Flame Arrows was nowhere near the power of a true Level 4 Esper. However, Solas was too anxious to notice this.

While the giant bandit was still occupied with the Flame Arrows, Leric changed position and summoned a huge bow that was twice his height!

Leric did a pulling gesture and a huge burning arrow suddenly appeared, nocked on the giant bow!

He then released the arrow and fired it straight at Solas!

You have learned the skill [Augmented Flame Arrow]

Swoosh!

The spear-sized flaming arrows had already struck Solas and damaged a portion of his body, burning his trousers and even damaging his leg guards! Just as he was about to celebrate surviving the Flame Arrows, he suddenly felt an unprecedented sense of danger. When he moved his gaze, his eyes widened in horror.

“Fuc-”

The gigantic Flame Arrow struck his body, puncturing a huge gaping hole in his chest!

Solas dropped his battle axe as strength slowly left his body. He could see a fountain of blood gushing out from his chest. He smiled bitterly as he stared at the figure of the young man who was looking at him with an indifferent look.

Thud.

Solas, a Level 3 Esper of the Northern Viper Group collapsed, swimming in his own blood.