Chapter 10: The Irregulars(Part 5)
"So, where exactly are we going?" Inquired Raven, as he follows Aster through the forest.
"It's been six days since we began training you as a Brawler, and tomorrow, we'll finally be making our move. You've progressed at an incredible rate, so it's time to put it to the test...I spotted a dangerous Monster nearby a couple of days ago, and you'll be fighting it today. If you can defeat it, then you should be ready to fight the Knights and Inquisitors if and when such a scenario arises," Aster informed him.
"I see...what kind of Monster is it?"
"A Scythe Mantis, a High Level Threat...it's categorized as both an Insect-Type and a Humanoid-Type Monster, it tends to possess a lot of speed, it has a strong exoskeleton for defense and bladed arms for offense, and it can also fly, so it should make for a good opponent," Replied Aster, as a cave came into sight.
"Okay, that's good...I would've felt kinda bad about attacking a creature unprovoked, but bugs don't count. I have no problem killing Insect-Type Monsters, most of the others I feel conflicted about," Responded Raven sheepishly.
Besides Threat Levels, Monsters are also categorized by six different types; Mammal-Type, Reptile-Type, Bird-Type, Insect-Type, Aquatic-Type, and Humanoid-Type. Some Monsters fall under multiple types, and one Monster species, Slimes, don't fall under any type, they're just sort of their own thing.
"Ah, you're just like Celia, then. I certainly don't think it's a bad thing, but you should be careful not to be too soft...that's a mistake that could easily end up being fatal. Alright, we're here...it should be inside this cave, though I suppose it could've gone out to hunt or someth-...," Began Aster.
"No, it's in there, or at least, something is...I can smell it, and it's noticed us too, I can sense its intent to attack," Raven cut him off as he stared at the cave entrance warily, fully transforming.
"I see...okay, then, I'll step back and leave you to it. I'll intervene if it looks like you're struggling, so have at it," Aster assured him with a pat on the shoulder, as Raven nodded and stepped forward with his guard up, his instincts telling him that there was a serious threat before him.
He then unleashed a wave of flames from his jaws towards the entrance of the cave, a green blur rapidly zipping out of the cave before the flames could reach the entrance, as Raven swiftly shifted his gaze up, narrowing his eyes at the Monster.
It was fairly tall and slender, its body covered in a gleaming green exoskeleton that was segmented around the creature's joints, and it had curved, razor sharp blades for forearms. Its wings fluttered rapidly as it hovered above Raven, who spread out his own wings and took off into the air, firing out intense, piercing beams from his eyes.