Heavy Metal

Chapter 179 - 177 – Sneak Attack.

Rusty stopped mid-step when his visor caught a faint ripple of mana in the air. The silence felt unnatural. Normally, his steps would echo faintly against the wet stone, yet now the sound was muffled by something. It seemed to be a spell similar to Gleam's or perhaps some kind of skill, although it felt different."Seven."

Aburdon's dark glow flickered in his left eyesocket.

"Four wolves, three lambs. The outcome is obvious. There is no reason to get ourselves involved. It is better to take another route or wait for them to pass. Let us be on our way before they spot us."

The demon lord, as always, had no desire to concern himself with the business of others. Alexander, however, said the exact opposite.

"We can't just go back!"

"Oh? And what would you like us to do, hero? Should we swoop in and save the day? Better yet, why don't we walk right up to them and ask nicely? I am sure that will work."

Aburdon mocked Alexander's idea, and Rusty found himself somewhat agreeing. He was not eager to put himself at risk for strangers. Yet in his metallic eyes, the situation also looked like an opportunity. Normally, he avoided dealing with adventurers, since they carried danger and baggage in equal measure. But if they were fighting among themselves, there was a chance he could profit from the conflict.hat seemed polite, almost like idle conversation. His bushy beard shifted while his lips curled into a chilling smile.

"Never show off what you can't protect."

Rika froze for a heartbeat as the realization struck her then, panicking set in and her arrow flew. She aimed not to kill but to wound. Before her shot could reach Beros, a second arrow streaked in and shattered it mid-flight. The arrow shaft had come from the archer of the D-rank party and she seemed quite annoyed.

"These brats have guts. But that's about it… Let's just finish them and leave already."

"You are always so impatient, Sable."

The person who fired the shot was named Sable. Her mouth curled into a frown and it was clear that she did not want to be here.

"Sable is right, we do not have time to waste on these newcomers. Our target is that armored man, the new D-rank, he should be here somewhere."

The fourth member of the group spoke with irritation. He wore a hood and held a dagger. Suddenly, his head jerked behind him as he stared at an empty space between the rocks.

"You are just seeing things, Nirell. There is no one there."

"Someone could be there. Now get this over with."

The rogue-like man looked annoyed. He continued to scan the cavern as if he expected intruders to appear at any moment. Something in the darkness unsettled him. He sensed eyes on them but could not pinpoint the source.

"So they were after me all along?"

"Perhaps it would be wise to actually engage with them…"

Aburdon surprisingly, changed his mind after new information came to light. The group truly appeared to be hunting him. He had refused to join their party and perhaps they viewed that as a challenge. They had no idea he was present. He held the element of surprise and at last he had proper enemies to test the limits of his newly evolved body.

There was still a problem and he was sitting right on top of it. Normally no one would connect him to Edmund the adventurer, but because Gleam was there with him his identity could be exposed if anyone managed to escape. He also had no real desire to harm the three younger ones even though they would immediately understand it was him if Gleam happened to be discovered.

"Gleam… You'll have to act from the shadows, do not let yourself be seen and support me from cover."

"( •̀ ᴗ •́ )و"

Gleam offered no refusal and skittered down with Rusty clinging to her back so she could bring him closer to the battlefield. Their small sizes made it easier for them to approach unnoticed although time was running out and a decision had to be made. If Rusty did not act soon the F-rank adventurers would die for sure, and while they lived they could still distract the D-ranks.

"I should use those guys!"

Now that he stood on solid ground he opened his system window and pulled out several bits of armor. They were all simple pieces forged from twilight iron but in his hands they would create havoc inside enemy lines.

"It's always best to make a distraction."

If Rusty possessed lips, he would be whistling. Despite the danger waiting nearby, he felt no fear. Something else stirred in his metallic chest, a hint of curiosity. He was facing four D-rank adventurers. They should have been at his level, yet instead of fear, he could only feel excitement. A good moment to test his skills and new body.

When all of his preparation were don,e he nodded toward Gleam who concealed herself behind a cluster of boulders. It was time to begin. He drew a bow from his inventory and placed a single arrow made of twilight steel on the string. The point grew darker under the effect of his darkness element and he waited for the ideal moment to strike.

The three younger adventurers finally submitted and they gave away their precious item. This was the moment Rusty had been waiting for. Every gaze was fixed on the treasure. All of the D-rank adventurers watched it intently, and Rusty decided to eliminate the one who looked the most dangerous.

"See, I knew we would come to an understanding."

Beros bared his teeth as he released the youth he had been holding up with one hand. The three other adventurers burst into laughter, their eyes locked on the glittering prize now resting in their leader's palm. Greed twisted their faces, but before they could revel in their ill-gotten treasure, a dark arrow sliced through the air. Its sound was completely smothered by a silencing spell.

"Huh?"

A chill ran down Nirell's spine as he spun around just in time to spot the strange arrow headed straight for him. He twisted his body in a nearly impossible motion to dodge, but the projectile still struck his shoulder. Once it lodged in his flesh, a black smoke poured out, spreading across his body. His breath faltered and weakness overcame him in mere moments.

"We are being attacked!"

Sable shouted and raised her bow toward the direction of the strike. She saw someone emerging from behind a rock and instantly shot. Her arrow sped just as fast as the enemy's, colliding with the attacker's head. Yet instead of falling, the figure continued to run forward.

"What is that, living armor? There should not be any of those in this dungeon!"

The D-rank adventurers turned and saw two metallic creatures charging. One was missing its head but still advanced with shield and sword in hand. There was no battle cry, only the grinding clank of metal. Beros cursed under his breath as he realized what was happening, and his moment of distraction would prove disastrous.

Oliver was still on the ground, his hand near his discarded spear. He saw his chance and took it. Grasping the weapon, he thrust forward at the open palm that held the rainbow crystal. He could not wound the man who had been choking him moments before, but he struck hard enough to knock the crystal free.

"You little brat!"

The man roared as he watched the crystal fly from his hand and land in the cat girl's grasp as she lunged for it.

"Rika, run!"

Oliver shouted, leaping back to his feet. Rika did not hesitate. The moment her fingers closed around the pouch, she bolted toward one of the narrow tunnels. Tally chased after her, dragging Oliver along by his sleeve even as he tried to stay and fight.

The D-rank adventurers tried to pursue, but they were forced back by an unseen enemy. More arrows rained down from a distance, each one spreading black smoke on impact. The haze divided the chamber, allowing the younger adventurers to escape while trapping the veterans inside.

"What is this cursed mist? Nirell, answer me, are you in there?"

Sable shouted again, desperate to find her ally. She could feel the danger from the darkness, how it devoured light and sapped the strength of anyone who entered. Then she saw a figure stumble out. It was Nirell, but he collapsed forward with a blade buried in his back. Sickly veins spread across his face, as if poison had already taken hold...