Chapter 30: Escape

Chapter 30: Escape

Only 30 seconds had passed since Alex had first checked his inventory, and by now Raymond's smile had long turned into a frown.

He didn't know what that light was that momentarily appeared in Alex's hand, but the sheer energy it was giving off felt much more dense than the E rank beast core he had absorbed.

'What is this little brat up to...'

On the other side, Alex felt this newfound power surge through him and felt as if he was unstoppable. But he quickly suppressed that feeling as he knew in the grand scheme of things his pitiful amount of power meant nothing.

Even before Raymond, he still wasn't strong enough to deal any long lasting damage to him.

'But I may stand a good chance at escaping.'

Just moments after he had these thoughts, he witnessed Raymond reaching his hand out into the air, and knew that he was about to summon that same white glowing sword he saw him use to easily penetrate the lion's skin.

"Looks like you aren't in the mood to play around anymore." Alex said to Raymond with a sly smile as he suddenly dashed to the side, dodging Raymond's sudden attack.

Immediately, Alex decided to take a big gamble and put his new talent to work. The various information he had learned when he absorbed that mysterious flame came to mind as he instinctively knew how he could use his [Flame].

Seemingly out of nowhere, a flaming wall of fire arose between Raymond and Alex, separating the two and keeping Raymond on the opposite side of the cave entrance, giving Alex a perfect opportunity to escape.

"Joanne, quickly store the lion's body and follow me. NOW!" Raymond shouted at the top of his lungs as his jaw metaphorically touched the floor when he witnessed Alex wielding an element.

'How??? He can use an element while still only being F rank! This kid has the future potential to reach B rank... I have to stop him or else I'm dead meat.'

Raymond's thoughts raced as he and Joanne quickly took chase after Alex, who's speed had reached the minimum of what most E- rank adventurers are capable of.

'Nearly there, come on, come on!'

Alex ran until he lost track of time.

By now, exhaustion was catching up to him, but he pushed through the pain his legs were transmitting to him.

He knew that Raymond and Joanne were still hot on his tail.

'Why are these two fuckers so determined to kill me!? Can't they just leave me alone?'

Nobody was around to answer his questions, by this point the sun had already set and the moon hung high in the sky.

Distant howls and hoots could be heard across the forest and Alex even occasionally heard sounds of battle coming from behind him.

He was certain this was Raymond and Joanne fighting some random beast that blocked their path.

Luckily, his senses had heightened from his increase in rank so he was able to avoid any conflicts with any beasts. But it seemed his pursuers were too tunnel visioned on finding him that they didn't even bother avoiding any beasts.

Eventually after what seemed like countless hours of running, and his legs screaming at him in pain by this point, the light of Valentis city once again graced his eyes.

'Thank fuck! Just a few more miles and I'll be back to safety.'

However before he could celebrate any longer, he heard rushed steps coming from behind.

"I finally found you, Alex." Chills were sent down Alex's spine as he heard Raymond speak with more malicious intent than he had ever felt before.