Chapter 36: Battle Fury

"Unfortunately for you. I'm more of an expert in taking down hunters rather than monsters."

While still on mid-air, Ajax pulls the string of his bow to its maximum stretch limit.

"Attribute Skill: "

King Crow's eyes widened in surprise.

'This brat has more than one attribute skill!?'

He then assumes a parrying stance with his battleaxe.

Attribute (unique) skills vary from one person to another. It is the defining power of one hunter who has already reached the expert threshold of their profession. Thus, it is safe to say that Blood, Prism, and Abyss ranked hunters are the only ones who have awakened or discovered their attribute skill. It is also common knowledge that duelist type hunters are the only ones gifted with such attributes, since mages and the like are already bestowed with nature's blessing: Mana.

Normally, a single hunter could only muster at least one attribute skill. However, those who have already attained beyond the expertise of their profession; Mastery, could awaken another attribute skill that is most perfect for them. As for Ajax's condition, one could say that he had already reached mastery of his profession which allows him to wield at least two attribute skills in his arsenal.

Ajax released the arrow which then travelled at light speed, piercing King Crow's armor, scraping through his side.

"Grrr! How did that fragile arrow pierced me!?"

"Hahah!"

Ajax jumps down and draws his two swords while falling towards King Crow.

"You're already as soft as a cotton now! After all, you've been taking a lot of hits from me ever since we've fought!"

is one of Ajax's attribute skills that increases his weapon efficiency and damage overtime over a certain target. The key component for this attribute skill to take effect is for him to stack a lot of hits on the said target. Which is why if his prey still survives his relentless assaults, his attribute skill will activate and finish the job. Thus, he was dubbed:

"{Hunter of Hunters}, Ajax! Remember that name well in the afterlife!!"

With a weave of his swords, King Crow was slashed on his chest with a cross cut pattern. His blood splattered on the ground as his chest armor fell off.

Ajax who was now behind him turns around as he rests the edge of his bloodied sword on top of his shoulder whilst smirking.

"You get it now old man? Ya see, I am the worst opponent a frontliner like you could ever face. You can now give up hope of defeating me."

"....."

King Crow is still firmly standing whilst critically injured. Not receiving a response from him after a while, Ajax lets out a grunt.

"Haaaah, when will that Hywel come for me anyway. He's the prey I wanted to best the most. Oh, what if I let you live and tell him–"

King Crow can be seen slowly turning around which alerts Ajax and stops him from talking further. His eyes are all white as of the moment and his mouth dripping with blood. After a few seconds he grits his teeth and opens his mouth.

"Hnngg…for a long time, I have forgotten that I could still bleed. Thanks for reminding me that I'm not a demon, but a human."

"Hah? What are you on to now?" 

Ajax assumes a dashing stance. King Crow then raises his battleaxe and points it towards his opponent.

"You, on the other hand. Yeah…you choose to use such power to hunt humans rather than monsters, and for what– entertainment. Hah…haha, you are the demon."

"I don't know what you're getting at here, becoming philosophical and all. But okay, I would gladly accept that title. I will, after all, become the nightmare of the strong!"

As he is about to charge, Ajax notices that King Crow's aura starts to emanate a suspicious red energy.

"Which is why…this will be ironic."

"....."

"Attribute skill: "

After announcing his attribute skill, King Crow was then permeated with a malicious crimson aura that if someone sees it, they will be filled with unknown malice towards the owner of the skill. As a result, Ajax felt the need to finish him above all else as his pupils turned red after getting affected by King Crow's aura. He has drawn his two swords and assumes a cross stance.

Meanwhile, King Crow merely stands without doing anything. It's as if no one can predict what he's thinking right now, or rather, he himself is now a living being controlled by pure instincts alone and not his outright consciousness. As soon as Ajax bolted towards him, the Crimson Demon grips his axe tightly as he pulls it back for a powerful attack. Smoke can be seen coming out of his nose and mouth.

"Hraaaaaaaaaah!!!!"

"GRRRRROOOOOOOOOHHH!!"

Both the Hunter Killer and Crimson Demon know one thing. This next clash will be their final exchange as both of them are keen on finishing one another at this point.

"You…underestimate me!!!"

A certain spark was then formed on the tip of every weapon Ajax wields. It's as if his arsenal is answering his call to come out victorious in this battle, and so, as he throws his swords like a boomerang, it follows a path that will certainly hit King Crow. The arrows he wields flies out of his quiver and also does the same. And finally, calling back his now newly repaired spear in his hands, Ajax pounces around King Crow whilst spinning his spear.

As an instinctive response, the Crimson Demon swings his axe, powerful enough to send all the flying weapons away, causing an impactful shockwave to be formed. Ajax, on the other hand, stabs the ground with his spear and uses it as a gripping pole. As the shockwave slowly weakens, Ajax bolts once again, appearing behind King Crow and does a piercing slash.

CLANG! BAM!

Feeling like he just hit a solid ore which burns when hit, he then realized that the aura he emanates does not only taunt the onlookers, but also acts as a spiked barrier. But this did not faze Ajax, instead he found the challenge more and more entertaining. After all, he is a battle maniac who grows day by day, battle after battle.

"AMAZING! You are definitely one of the toughest hunters I have hunted to this day!"

The Crimson Demon turns around with his axe raised. Despite seeing this, Ajax's mind isn't letting him to back off, instead it's telling him to strike. After all, the effect of the crimson aura is still in effect. As the axe was about to land, all of Ajax's weapon struck King Crow's hand. Thanks to , the impact was enough to pierce through the aura and knock the axe from the Crimson Demon's hands.

"You are indeed a man worthy to become one of the strongest in your profession. If it's another duelist, I bet my all that his ass will be handed. But as I said, unfortunately for you, I am your worst enemy!"

As the tip of his spear glows, Ajax does a powerful piercing strike towards King Crow's chest. The crimson aura fought back, however, with King Crow slowly losing strength and Ajax's , the blade went through and pierced him but not thoroughly.

"....."

"Heh, it still hasn't gone through still? Your hide is tougher than your armor, old man. Hm!?"

King Crow grabs Ajax's weapon. He then pulls his arms back and unleashes a powerful punch towards him which sends Ajax flying, although he was quick enough to use both of his arms as a shield.

"Argh! That hurts!"

Both of his arms are busted and could not operate as efficiently as before.

'How is he still conscious after all that!?'

A bird then lands on his shoulders and places its beak close to his ears and lets out a familiar voice of a man.

"Ajax. Fall back, now."

"Master Celaeno!? Hold on, I'm gonna wrap things–"

"ARE YOU GOING TO DISOBEY US? Forget about MY order, but this is against the will of the Institute! Hunters are converging at your position right now. Fall back, at once! I want you here in a minute!"

The bird then flies away hurriedly.

"Tch!"

Ajax calls forth his weapons and glances at the still standing King Crow. Despite all the damages he got, he refuses to lie down in defeat. Which Ajax respects, but somehow, irritates him.

"If you're knocked out then lie down in defeat! Tch, I can't really call this one a win if that's the case."

"Is that…King Crow!?"

A member of GEO Investigation Team shouted as soon as he saw the towering figure of the [Crow's Nest]'s guild leader. He is currently being escorted by some members of a Rain ranked guild called [Vivianne]. Upon hearing that voice, Ajax vanished in thin air as he swiftly rushed out of the area.

– – –

[Atlas Research Institute] Hideout/Guild Quarters

Inside the mysterious hideout of the illegal organization, Marthel can be seen walking towards the quarter's conference room escorted by two white hooded individuals. While on their way, they have encountered another pillar who is wearing a high ranking azure robe. She has long cerulean hair, wearing what looks like a beach hat and the most noticeable thing about her is that she looks as young as Alice in her prime.

"Oh, Master Marthel. I expected you to be already in the room, waiting for us."

Marthel chuckles in response.

"Heh, looks like my work is getting the better of me. As someone who was always the first to attend, I am ashamed to admit that I may have given up the throne to somebody else."

The young lady then slightly bows to him and lets Marthel walk in front of them as a sign of respect, by which he accepts. As they walk, Marthel asks a question–

"I bet you've been busy lately. It's been a long time since I saw you walk around the organization after all."

The young lady smiles.

"Yes. Managing a proxy guild is somewhat tiring, but at the same time, rewarding."

The woman is a spy working for the Research Institute. Donning the robe of a guild leader, acting as an innocent individual managing a little guild.

"Hm. Rewarding you say. Don't stray from the mission now, suppress those paltry emotions and carry out the will of the Institute. I know you won't disappoint– Vivianne."