NOVEL WEB Chapter 552: Confrontation
****(POV)
I can hear the sound of a mad gallop. Shall I kill the intruder? Not for them, just because I'm very bored.
I patiently wait. It seems some mounted knight is on its way here. Chances are it's someone that has heard of my presence here. The plan is probably to get fame by killing a champion. That's always what people desire from me.
CLIP CLOP CLIP CLOP!
But, somehow, the gallop sound doesn't diminish one bit. At this rate, whoever is incoming will shatter the door entirely as they step in. Oh, this will be fun.
CRASH!
That's when it appears. There is a horse in front. It is white, with black tattoos, is relatively tall yet slender. Finally, It gives a pure yet powerful impression. It's a magical race for sure. Once I have defeated the owner, I'll claim this animal for sure.
But that's when I notice the absence of any rider. Not only that, but it seems to be walking with a sense of purpose. It slowly trots inside as it examines the nearby bookshelves. That's when I notice the blood-red horn.
This thing is a unicorn, isn't it?! They are known as mythical creatures, and their bodies are worth a fortune! It is my lucky day!
"What do we have here? This seems interesting. I'm in a good mood today, little unicorn. If you submit to me, I will disregard your offense of disturbing me. Otherwise, I don't mind slowly dissecting you for parts."
I'm expecting it to shiver from my words, but it just turns a blazed look my way. It seems unfazed by my threat, underestimating me. It then opens its mouth, releasing a crystal-clear voice as it snorts.
"You? Kill me? How delusional are you? How about you go hide somewhere and stop being an eyesore before I kill you?"
"Delusional? How about this?"
I grin as I slowly make countless mana blades appear around me while crossing my arms. I make sure that every one of them looks extremely deadly. The air around the tip of each is crackling with destructive energy.
"Please, as if a puny human could frighten me!"
That is when the unicorn starts glowing red as it prepares for a fight. I will teach it a lesson and—that's when comes a shout.
"Wait! Don't fight inside the library! You'd ruin all the books! It seems you both are here for a reason, so..."
The previously asleep jester does have a point. I gesture at my opponent as I head outside.
Before long, we are glaring at each other on the main plaza. The place is vast, with ample room to fight. On the side, there are various soldiers shouting encouragement.
They want this creature killed. After all, it has trampled over their defenses. I can hear many hushed whispers. Apparently, this creature is famous for how much it loves to invade libraries. Such ridiculous behavior!
This horse made one mistake. It attacked while I am here. That's when it all starts, without any warning whatsoever. It charges at me extremely fast! So damn fast! I barely get out of the way.
I can see in its eyes that it is looking down on me. Eh, it's normal for a horse to be faster than a human. Let's see how it handles this.
The many mana blades are hovering around me suddenly accelerate as they target the unicorn. It almost impales its body many times, but it barely manages to evade each time.
"Is that all you got?!"
It neighs in provocation. So what if it can dodge a few of my attacks? This is where it gets fun. I step on one of my swords as it rises in the air. I am looking down on the creature, quite literally akin to a god.
I increase the quantity of the swords as I rain death upon it. That's when I finally manage to draw some blood.
"HAHAHA, how do you like that?!"
I can't help but grin, seeing the creature's pointless struggle. What should I even use its horn for afterward? It is usually amazing for its medicinal properties, but perhaps this one would be better suited for a weapon?
That's when it utters something.
"I understand now. So that's how you create these toys out of mana, is it? Creative for sure, but too basic!"
What?! How is it acting so confidently?! Just to be safe, I increase the distance between us again. That's when blood-red energy starts crackling under its hooves. It glances at me evilly too!
That's when it charges again. That's when it steps on the air?! Before I can react, it's already in front of me! What the Hell?! I side-step it at the very last moment?! Or I initially think I did...
TEAR!
SPURT!
I can feel pain course through my body. My left arm …is gone?! That's when I see it. The unicorn opens its mouth to reveal a row of sharp teeth. How?! It seems to be an effect of that blood-red energy.
That is so wrong! No! This isn't the time for that. I clutch my shoulder to stop the blood from flowing out as I run. The library getting destroyed isn't my problem. I'm out!!
"What happened to your cockiness? Why are you so scared suddenly?"
This thing is chasing me and taunting me, but I will not die here! I activate a lifesaving measure. It's a technique that will temporarily boost my speed in a straight line. It's useless in a fight but perfect for fleeing.
Tchh, this is the worst. It seems I have underestimated this world, but it's fine. I will have my revenge.
When I'm far enough, I get out a healing treasure. It is a natural liquid that contains the essence of heaven and earth. I have stumbled upon it in the past. I got lucky back then as the others fighting for it were all quite weak.
I can still remember their pitiful struggles and how they kept repeating it was theirs as I drove a sword through their bodies. I chug it all, and I can feel warmth fill my entire being and reaching the stump.
But that's when I can see a red crackling of energy, and the feeling entirely disappears. How?! This isn't good. It seems this unicorn somehow can curse its target!
Now what? I'm not even sure how to proceed. For once, I feel lost. I should probably turn toward the lunar goddess. Should I make a quick stop by the sect?
I wonder how these guys are even doing. Knowing them, they are probably wasting their time…