BXBX NOVEL Chapter 85 His Greed Meter Reached 90%
"I'm more disappointed than ever before." Nathan said as he clenched his fists tightly.
Although the forest was tranquil, Nathan didn't feel that way.
He shouted at the other hunters as they surrounded him and Meriel. They were all armed with their own weapons and appeared ready to attack if necessary.
"Look, I get that you want the prize, but there's no need to go that far. We are entitled to this reward. I don't need to explain the unwritten rule of the Hunter's world to you, right?Just let me collect our reward, and then we'll leave without any trouble," one of them said.
"This is our reward, we earned it fair and square." one of the men declared firmly while the other nodded in agreement.
They consisted of five men and two women, ranging in age from seventeen to twenty-five. The oldest one, who appeared to be the leader of the group and spoke the most, wore light leather clothing and had a bow slung over his back.
Meriel gently touched the cloth on Nathan's arm and softly whispered, "Mr. Nathan, I'm familiar with the rules of humans, and they're like this too: In certain situations, the one who lands the final blow is entitled to the reward, unless they choose to share it with someone else."
The man frowned at her words. "I think it would have been fine if you just allowed us to claim what we won."
"Yes... Well, as much as I hate losing..." Nathan replied quietly as he stared at the man. "It doesn't matter to me what the rules are. I've worked hard to beat that monster. I don't care what your reasons are, I'll do anything to fight for it."
"Come on, kid," the man said kindly. "You're still young, there are plenty of opportunities out there for you. Don't waste your life here. No need to cry, we're trying to help you. You should be thankful for our hospitality."
Nathan looked around him and saw that everyone's eyes were fixed on him. They were waiting for him to give an answer.
The Greed Meter rose up to 80%.
"Why don't we have another round of fighting? You seven versus me, alone." Nathan ground his teeth and held up his two swords.
The man grinned. "Sounds like fun!"
"Mr. Nathan, I'm concerned..." Meriel spoke hesitantly to him.
"I warned you, kid, but you seem to prefer the hard way," the man said. "Your life is worth more than whatever you are fighting for."
"I won't back down. I'm warning you of something similar." Nathan stood his ground and said.
He took a deep breath and closed his eyes once again. The Greed Meter rose up to 90%.
[Energy Blast: Force Used. Project 40% of greed energy as a blast of energy can cause cutting, impaling, and concussive damage. Depending on what the attack is composed of, it can possess various additional effects.
Apply 400% of magic damage. Unlock at a 90% Greed Meter.]
Nathan gritted his teeth. "You are the one who got the last hit." He paused before continuing with determination in his voice, "I'm not going to beg or plead with you to let me collect this reward."
Nathan held his swords firmly, and they began to glow brightly from the blades. Everyone's attention immediately focused on them.
"But...!" Nathan continued without letting anyone interrupt him. "If you want this reward so badly, then come and get it!" Nathan lifted both of his weapons high into the air.
Everyone gasped in horror as their gazes locked onto Nathan's two glowing swords.
"Everyone, take cover!" the man shouted.
His sword shone brilliantly with light, sending a powerful arc toward the seven hunters. They all raised their arms to defend themselves while one woman tried to dodge. A shield of energy was hastily erected, yet it was too late - the attack struck one of them in the chest, sending him flying.
The man yelled out in pain, holding his chest where Nathan's Energy Blast had hit him.
"Mr Nathan!" Meriel gasped in surprise when she saw what he had done.
Nathan didn't aim his attacks directed at them; instead, he only struck the tip of his energy blast. But their attempts to dodge it were enough to seriously injure one of them.
"What are you doing?!" The leader shouted angrily as the other four rushed toward Nathan and Meriel. Their anger and frustration were clear on their faces as they approached Nathan.
Nathan held up both swords again and called out loudly, "Negotiation is not something I enjoy."
The group stared back blankly in silence.
"Then we'll fight." Nathan declared.
"Meriel, I apologize. I'll handle this. You don't need to get involved, if you'd rather not. Allow me to take the chance." he said with a sigh, looking at her apologetically.
Meriel averted her gaze and shook her head, "I apologize, Mr. Nathan," she spoke softly, "I'm not familiar with human behavior, so I'm unsure what they're thinking right now. However, I will stay with you till the end. Please, don't worry about me."
The five hunters then quickly drew their weapons and formed an array formation.
"You really want it that badly?" Nathan asked, his swords glinting in the sun as he looked down at them.
His Greed Meter reached 55%.
"Damn it," Nathan grumbled. "The greed meter went down to 50%, but now it's going up again to 55%."
"Party Leader!" A woman sitting next to a man who had collapsed shouted, "Jims is dying - he needs help!"
Their party leader nodded. "Okay, okay, we can discuss things later! Go save Jims first - he was injured by the kid." The leader pointed at Nathan.
Meriel whispered to Nathan, "Do I need to help that person, Mr. Nathan? I can slow the damage to his body."
"You have freedom, Meriel. I won't hinder you." He replied.
Meriel sprinted towards the person who was blocked by her comrades with swords.
"Let her," the party leader gestured, and Meriel was allowed to proceed. She dropped to the ground beside the man, who was suffering from a severe stomach wound. Meriel mumbled, and her Grimoire immediately appeared, hovering next to her.
Meriel gently placed her hand on the man's abdomen and began healing him while also chanting a spell. Her incantation grew louder as sizzling electricity in a red color poured out of her fingers into the man's body. His wounds started to heal, though it wasn't fast enough for the man's condition.
"Blood magic..." the party leader murmured quietly, observing Meriel's actions. "You know some weird spells... But whatever works."
Nathan was still standing in the same spot, his swords gleaming in the sun. He then advanced towards Meriel, with a large, dark wolf trailing behind him.