Chapter 49
The heat in the jungle was suffocating, an oppressive combination of humidity and high temperature that sapped Danny's strength in a way he wasn't used to. Usually, his ghost form rendered him immune to such discomforts, but this jungle was different, alive with a strange, unnatural energy that seemed to sap at his defenses. Sweat trickled down his temple as he crouched atop a massive tree, his breathing slow and controlled.
Despite his instincts urging him to rush forward and deal with the hunters, Danny forced himself to wait. His family could handle themselves for a while longer; he needed to focus. The hunters were skilled, and Skulker's casual deflection of his sniper rounds confirmed that the leader was far more powerful than the others. Charging recklessly wouldn't just be foolish—it would be suicidal.
Lying low, Danny allowed his glowing eyes to sweep the jungle floor below. The hunters had landed and were dispersing, fanning out into smaller groups as they began their hunt. Skulker remained atop his floating platform, surveying the jungle with an air of supreme confidence. Danny gritted his teeth, torn between wanting to knock that smug look off Skulker's face and knowing it would only play into their hands.
Danny's first thought was to rush him but that would be too careless as the hunters would see him coming and drag him down.
Or there could be something protecting the enemy, which would give chance for the hunters to dog pile him.
Regardless it was not a choice since Skulker looked like a strong foe and to test his thoughts, Danny manipulated his sniper that was one kilometre from him and shot Skulker.
Bang bang
Two bullets filled with energy shot through the air with immense speed breaking the sound barrier easily but the target just looked at them with a smile and extended his hand as they exploded on contact leaving not even scratch.
A voice crackled over the ghostly intercom attached to Skulker's platform, loud enough for Danny to hear even from his perch.
"All hunters below Rank C, retreat unless you wish to forfeit your lives."
Danny cursed under his breath. Skulker had just weeded out the weaker hunters, effectively robbing Danny of some of the cannon fodder he could have used to test his traps and gain information. It was a calculated move, and it left him with fewer opportunities to exploit the hunters' weaknesses.