Chapter 39: Skara Guild

Chapter 39: Skara Guild

Author note: The novel will have changes from here on out, specifically the writing style. Don't worry, the story will start to get better here. Congratulations for coming this far! Hope you enjoy this chapter!

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Dante's dagger clashed with the surging blue energy. Visible cracks appeared on the weapon, yet it persevered, passing through the energy. His opponent's eyes widened, unable to react swiftly enough. The dagger struck home, sending a spray of blood into the air.

Dex swiftly retreated, clutching his wounded neck. He retaliated with a forceful punch, launching another azure projectile at his foe. However, the masked holder before him vanished like a shadow. Sh*t! He's fast!

The figure Dex sought to eliminate and claim the treasure suddenly appeared behind him. Without a moment's hesitation, Dante launched a punch aimed squarely at the back of Dex's head.

In a panic, Dex conjured a hasty barrier of pulsating blue energy. It shattered almost instantly upon forming, unable to withstand the tremendous force of Dante's level 27-enhanced blow.

The resounding crack reverberated loudly, a satisfying confirmation of Dante's power breaking through. The receiver of his strike was sent hurtling for dozens of meters before finally landing. Only the whites of his eyes were visible. Had Dante not held back at the last instant, brain matter would have painted the air.

His final thoughts: Argh! The treasure, and I'm still a virgin!

Dante shut his eyes and released a slow breath, willing the tumultuous emotions to dissipate. The intrusive voice in his head faded into silence. He shook his head, dismissing his inner turmoil as the natural conflict of taking a life for the first time.

As moments passed, the metallic smell of blood grew stronger, mingling with the grim memory of the battle in his mind.

Dante's gaze fell one last time upon his work: Dex, Sam, Mailey, Gijah, and Lance, their once vibrant forms now lifeless. After a few heartbeats, Dante's stomach churned. He retched, the acrid taste of bile intensifying the turmoil in his gut, until he had emptied the contents of his stomach. It took a while, but he eventually regained his footing and wiped his mouth.

First time, and it's a massacre. He mused, shaking his head. But they had it coming, greedy bastards.

He took a moment to rest, then made his way towards a different tunnel, avoiding the one laden with traps. It held no further significance.

Dante summoned his status screen as he walked. To his disappointment, his experience points remained unchanged. He made a mental note that killing other holders wouldn't enhance his strength.

A sudden growl emanated from his stomach. Recognizing the signal, Dante retrieved a portion of cooked meat from his inventory.

This is not good, I need more food with higher protein. He reflected after devouring the morsel in a couple of bites. Still unsatisfied, he reached for another, but it too fell short.

Dante assessed the contents of his inventory, tallying both cooked and uncooked meat. He realized it would only sustain him for a day or two, even if he attempted to ration it. However, these meager rations would equate to a week or two of sustenance for an average person.

"I'm just following my instinct. You know the nature of my Skill, right?" The panther gestured towards the girl. "It's Trina's fault for attacking out of nowhere."

Trina, still agitated, scratched her cheek, giving the transformed holder a glare before shifting her attention to the masked figure.

"Hey, you. Who are you?" Trina inquired, her embarrassment now replaced by irritation.

"Eka?" Before Dante could respond, Samantha interjected, her gaze fixed on her now silent medal. She then assessed Dante from head to toe before shifting her attention to the tunnel he had emerged from.

"Yes," Dante replied, his mind conflicted between getting back at them for their attempted attack and letting it slide. He then glanced down at his blood-smeared body, realizing why the girl had reacted the way she did.

"What happened to you? It looks like you've been through a lot," Samantha remarked, though she had a hunch that he wasn't one for lengthy conversations, given their prior encounter. So, she wasn't surprised when Dante offered only a single word before turning away.

"Nothing."

"Wait! Where are you going?" This time, Trina inquired, but all she received in response were the echoing footsteps of Dante.

She was about to trail after him when a hand restrained her.

"Panthy?!" Trina snapped, vexed at the panther blocking her way.

"He's dangerous. I can smell different types of blood on him, at least one or two, and don't call me Panthy!" Panthy retorted, shifting back to his half-human form. He slipped his hands into his pockets and took out his glasses.

Trina eyed him skeptically. "You're not just being pessimistic, are you? He's alone. We can handle him if he tries anything funny." She then glanced at the other man in their group. He had curly hair, brown skin, and stood above average in height.

"I don't need your opinion, Curly," she retorted before turning towards Samantha.

I haven't even said anything, and my name's not Curly, Curly thought, scratching his head.

"Trina, listen to him. He has a better sense of danger than all of us," Samantha advised, prompting the feisty girl to pout.

"We should follow him. This is the correct tunnel, right?" She directed her question to the panther, and Panthy's nose twitched.

"Yup," Panthy confirmed, striding in the direction Dante had taken. "I can smell it."

"I just want to gather information from him," Trina muttered, quickening her pace.