Chapter 334: Elite units (II)
Seizing the opening, Vlad swung his halberd toward the creature’s chest with all his might. The blade met resistance as it sliced into the rugged, durable muscles, but the Guardian Tier demonic flames engulfed the wound, searing flesh and igniting internal organs. A sharp light flashed as the weapon cleaved through, and a guttural scream of agony tore from the creature’s throat.
Without wasting a moment, Vlad surged forward, pushing his speed to its limits. He raced through the forest, trees whipping past as he attempted to distance himself from the pursuing elite units.
Ten agonizing seconds passed before a stream of golden energy flowed into him—the Origin Force granted by the Plane Will for defeating such a formidable foe. The immense influx of power underscored the elite unit’s strength, but Vlad felt no relief. It had taken far too long for the creature to die, showcasing a vitality that bordered on the outrageous.
The sounds of destruction behind him intensified. Despite his best efforts, the other elite units were nearly upon him. The forest echoed with the thunderous footfalls of four more creatures. Their synchronization was eerie and unnerving. They burst through the trees, surrounding him on all sides. Their eyes glowed with a sinister light, and their bodies were poised with lethal intent.
Vlad’s muscles tensed as the location of the elite units appeared in his mind, thanks to the A.I. Chip, and he understood that just running wouldn’t work.
The first elite unit lunged from his right, its claw-like hand swiping toward his head with deadly precision. Vlad ducked just in time, feeling the rush of air as the claws sliced through the space he’d occupied moments before. Simultaneously, another attacked from behind, thrusting its blade toward his spine. Spinning on his heel, Vlad parried the strike with his halberd, sparks flying upon impact.
A third creature leaped from above, aiming to crush him under its massive weight. Vlad slammed his palm into the ground, unleashing a burst of fire in all directions. The resulting blast threw the attacker off balance, causing it to crash beside him rather than on top of him.
The fourth elite unit seized the opportunity to strike from the front, its sword reaching out to impale him. Vlad crossed his halberd and free arm to block, the force of the blow sending a jarring vibration through his bones.
"These things don’t let up," he muttered through gritted teeth.