Chapter 13: Iron Beast

Chapter 13: Iron Beast

Ember believed his father wouldn’t let any harm come to Rain; that after learning about an iron-rank beast lying in ambush, he would hasten to slay it before his sister even got wind of it.

Now imagine his surprise when, instead of charging there, Cliff asked Lady Evelyn to let the children have a brush with the beast first. An iron-rank beast could be anywhere between Level 25 and Level 99. To unclassed ascendants like his sister and the others, it mattered little even if its level was on the lower side of things. For them, even defeating copper-rank beasts below Level 25 was already a feat. In contrast, even a low-rank iron beast tended to have tougher defences, their physical prowess far greater than that of a classed ascendant.

“That’s cold,” said Lord Jamie. “Have some mercy on your child, Sir Cliff.”

Clearly, he wasn’t asking out of goodwill, as unlike the woman, who was rather straightforward, her brother was more like a two-faced monkey, despite his handsome face. Monkey, because he didn’t seem to be venomous like a snake, but more like a fun-seeking and frothy animal.

Although, now he should be worried about his father, and what he had to say:

“I would rather have her experience some tribulation under my guard than have her meet with a disaster on her very first real expedition.”

Of course, what else could he have expected from a slave driver? Despite being a loving father, the man was a slave driver through and through. Ember prayed for his sister’s soul. Hopefully, she wouldn’t be traumatised for life.

“That works as well,” Lady Evelyn agreed. “I hope it gives some good prospects to my niece and nephew as well.”

They are but children. My lady, please have some mercy, Ember cried inwardly, but he could do nothing to change their minds.

Without words, Cliff pulled him onto his back and dashed at the speed of the wind, the other two figures following behind. Their feet never seemed to touch the ground as they moved. At least they were fully invested in their safety.

The trees blurred in his view. Ember had to squint to make out anything, until finally they stopped behind a higher vantage point on a hill. Laying him down, Cliff raised his right arm as his blade appeared from his system inventory. He eyed the path downwards, already seeming to see the figures of his sister and the others, or at least their approximate position.

“Its around Level 60,” Lady Evelyn said, eyeing the same direction. “Save for its tough exterior, there’s nothing magical of note.”

Ember too squinted to see, though he could not make out anything beyond the obscurity of the trees and the long hedges. Level 60 was no problem at all. His father was standing at the very peak of Iron, at Level 99, with his racial tier already pushing towards Tier 9. Outside his class skills, he had a good number of general skills which complemented him well. His movement and presence alone were evidence of that. He didn’t even bother bringing out his knightly armour to deal with a lone Level 60 iron hyena.

“Allow me to deal with it,” Cliff asked her. The woman nodded, and only then did he turn towards Ember. “Em, you remain with them. It’ll only take a moment.”

Ember exchanged glances between the two and nodded. Except for Lord Jamie, both his father and Lady Evelyn were exuding an outrageous amount of power. Even remaining close to them was stifling.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

Cliff still waited a good minute until a blood-chilling roar rang out from down the path. Then came the shouts and cries of the others, followed by the crackling of trees being overturned.

“That’s my cue,” Cliff said, and took a step forward. He walked down the path. One step, two steps, three steps, and then his figure disappeared into the blur and vanished into the obscurity.

More cries echoed out. Thankfully, most of them seemed to be coming from the beasts. Lady Evelyn took him down the hill as even those shrill cries started to dwindle. Halfway along the path, all the cries fell silent as the wilderness returned to its relative stillness.

Looks like Dad already finished the task, Ember thought, a little dejected that he had missed the opportunity to see him in action.

“It seems Sir Cliff doesn’t waste time at all,” said Lady Evelyn.