Chapter 230: Hunt Your Hunters
Ira and Kara traveled through a land covered in permanent fog. No matter how many times he tried to produce wind to blow it away, it remained. The only possible solution he could see was absorbing it but there was no telling if that would truly solve it. His senses worked well enough, so he didnt think it would be necessary to do so.
Do you know where youre going, Ira? Kara asked while eyeing the wall of fog warily.
Just a general direction so, no, not really. Ira seemed completely unperturbed, walking forward with a steady pace.
A general direction to where?
A God.
Kara nearly lost control and grabbed Ira by the neck until she remembered how strong he was. She sighed and gathered her patience before continuing her inquiry.
What type of God, Ira?
A wise one, I think. I never thought I would have a need for a clairvoyant until I didnt have one at my side. Ira seemed a bit surprised that consuming knowledge and memories could only get him so far.
Sure, he could see and experience things he had no knowledge of but it would be better to know when your enemies were coming at all times.
Is there a need? I can detect where large-scale battles will occur with ease. Kara seemed full of pride as she said it.
And just how many large-scale battles have we fought since the time we met?
To his question, Kara had no answer. Well, she knew the answer but she didnt want to say as it as it would be no different than saying she was useless. As she thought deeper, it appeared that Ira didnt need her much anyway so why was it that he kept her around?
Ira
Yup?
You can handle most of the Gods without my help and-
Youre right about that.
Kara breathed in deeply to remain calm before continuing. And I dont have much knowledge that would help in killing all of them...So why is that you make me accompany you?
Huh? Oh, so you dont die. Youre my wifes great-grandmother and all so I cant just let you die.
You think I am that weak? Kara asked, apparently insulted.
The way he described it made it seem like she was an elderly lady he was looking after and not a Valkyrie Goddess who reached the Zenith of Swordsmanship.
No, I dont, Ira said, feeling that the atmosphere was becoming weird. You can probably handle one or even two at once on your own with little to no problem. The thing is...
Continue.
I can kill way more Gods before you finish fighting just one or two, Ira stated the truth.
That doesnt mean-
Hold on.
Dont just order me around-
I said hold on. Ira waved his hand at Kara who noticed his alertness and summoned her weapons.
A voice could be heard within the depths of the fog. The two approached simultaneously, sealing off two possible directions of escape.
Ive danced this damn dance a dozen times, acting frivolously, forgetting, this is my foul fate. An old mans voice filled the air.
I wont be able to win if thats your true strength, no?
A few traces of black flames were sucked back into Iras body. He smiled at the old man and shook his head.
No, you wont. He raised his fiery palm and pointed it toward the old man. So, could you die quickly?
Kara, seeing he had everything under control put her weapons away.
Yes! On one condition! The old man extended his hand and pointed it toward Ira.
Whats that?
You fight me fairly, the martial way! At least until this body wears down!
I really dont have time, Ira refused. I have more Gods to kill, you see.
Only for a few moments! My form is even degrading! The old monk continued.
...Fine. Ira thought it was the least he could do for the insane God before he consumed his divinity.
Ira teleported behind the old man and threw a punch but the latter twisted his body 180 degrees and used his one hand to catch Iras punch. He let it go, slapping Iras hand away before thrusting his palm at Iras chest, hitting him with a thunderous force.
Ira ignored it, grabbing the old mans hand so he couldnt slip away sent a low kick into the old monks stomach.
Hahaha! Yes! More! The old monk shouted wildly as they exchanged blows.
Even with only one arm the old monk was formidable, easily countering Iras strikes while performing several of his own in the same breath. His battle prowess and martial centered divinity made Ira want it even more.
Iras greedy smile grew wider on his face with each passing second.
Things went just as the old man predicted, he slowed down and was hit by Iras powerful fists and eventually collapsed. His divine power had all but dissipated and without time to recover he would be in a dangerous state.
Its over, Ira spoke, his clothing and appearance was disheveled but his regeneration fixed all of his injuries.
Indeed it is. I lack the vitality of my younger age. The old monk said something that made Kara narrow her eyes as she approached.
If anything, being older made the Gods stronger rather than the opposite, but she held her tongue.
Ira didnt mince words any longer and drove his black claw into the old mans chest before pulling out a cloudy orb and gulping it down like a sweet.
The old man let out a short grunt before his eyes darkened. His body was swallowed completely by a growing black hole that disappeared soon after consuming him.
Did you get what you wanted? Kara asked.
Ira closed his eyes, digesting the newly acquired divinity, before opening them once more.
All that and more, Ira said with a satisfied grin before his expression slowly sharpened. Hostile presences arent too far away from us.
You can feel them? Kara asked as she scanned the clear sky.
Yeah Something like that. Ira felt an immense amount of hostility as he looked toward the horizon. Theyre tracking you in order to find me. It was something Kyridian suggested to that...Xandes guy after they killed your friend.
It makes sense, there are many Gods with abilities that can track others. It was only a matter of time before Xandes made use of them. Do you know how long we have until their arrival?
The direction keeps changing so theyre either splitting off to set a trap or they dont know exactly where we are.
Im guessing its the latter. You shouldve just killed him immediately but I think we should still have some time left.
Good, that means we can be the ones to set a trap for them. Ira placed his hand on Karas shoulder and the two of them vanished, leaving the sight of an obvious battle behind.