Chapter 83: Hit & Run!
"Alright, Vance," Ayra grumbled, wincing as Lia sealed a particularly nasty gash on her arm.
"What’s this brilliant new plan of yours? More ’spirited discussions’ that end with us getting used as oversized pinballs?
Daniel, who had been quietly observing the distant, silver-backed sentinels on the plateau above, turned with a grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
"Not exactly, Ayra. Think of it more as... aggressive bartering. Or perhaps, non-consensual shearing. We need an edge against those walking, blue-furred mountains. And I think the edge lies in their speed."
He explained his theory. The Apes were incredibly fast, their [Sentinel’s Leap] and coordinated movements making them a nightmare in a direct confrontation, especially for a team trying to protect a healer. But if he could match, or even surpass, their speed, the fight would become much more manageable. His S-Grade [Twilight Phantom Step] was already incredibly fast, but it was a burst skill, good for quick repositioning or escapes, not sustained high-speed combat against multiple agile foes. He needed something more.
"Their fur," Daniel continued, his gaze drifting back towards the plateau. "Nyx noticed that the silver-white fur on their backs seems to pulse with a unique energy, probably linked to their agility. My Tier 2 [Soul Assimilation] can extract ’Genetic Essence’ from samples. If I can get a few tufts of that fur, I might be able to assimilate their speed trait, or even manifest a new skill related to it."
Lia paused her healing, her calm grey eyes thoughtful. "A fascinating theory, Daniel. If your talent can indeed extract and integrate specific traits, it would explain your rapid adaptation to various threats. But acquiring those samples... that will be exceedingly dangerous. They won’t just stand there and let you pluck their prized silver manes."
"Exactly," Daniel said, his grin widening. "Which is where Ayra’s talent for... attracting attention... comes in."
Ayra, who had been listening with a mixture of skepticism and grudging interest, sat up straighter. "Bait? You want me to be ape-bait? Again? Vance, do you have some kind of weird fetish for seeing me get pummeled by oversized primates?"
"Think of it as a tactical distraction, Ayra," Daniel corrected smoothly. "You create a ruckus, draw a few of them away from the main pack. Lia keeps you alive with her A-Grade healing. While they’re focused on your glorious, axe-swinging rampage, I use my stealth," he mentally patted his A-Grade [Voidwalk] skill, "to get in close, snag a few ’souvenirs,’ and get out. Minimal risk, maximum reward."
"Minimal risk for you, maybe!" Ayra retorted, but there was a predatory gleam in her eyes. The thought of another brawl, even a controlled one, was undeniably appealing. "Fine. But if I end up with a concussion shaped like a giant blue fist, I’m blaming you".