One step closer
Thick vines shot up from the ground, writhing and twisting like living serpents of their own. They coiled around the green snake's massive body with a speed that rivaled the beast's reflexes, latching onto its decayed, boil-ridden scales.
The snake hissed and thrashed, its immense strength causing some of the vines to snap, but more surged upward, anchoring it to the ground.
It was obvious that the vines weren't going to hold for long but it was still more than enough for what Kaden was planning.
The vultures took advantage of the momentary restraint, diving in with ruthless precision. Their talons tore into the snake's exposed flesh, questionable pus-like liquid spraying from every wound.
The mutated bird which seemed to be the leader struck at the snake's eyes, forcing it to rear back with a pained screech. In retaliation, the snake went for one of the birds and snapped its massive jaws shut with a sickening crunch.
The unfortunate vulture let out a garbled cry before its injured body fell to the ground, limp and broken.
Kaden used this chance to try out one of the most commonly used skills by almost everyone who chose the mana route, mana bolt. This would be weaker than the thorn whip he had used so far but given the distance and this particular situation, it was perfect.
Before the snake could attack the wounded bird again, he channeled his mana, feeling the familiar hum build in his core.
With a swift motion, Kaden thrust his hand forward, and a glowing blue bolt of condensed energy shot from his palm. The mana bolt streaked through the air, striking the wounded bird squarely in the side of its head.
[Ding! You have killed a Red horn Vulture]
[Ding! You have leveled up]
[Level 15 > Level 16]
[Ding! You have gained +1 Mental Strength, +1 Dexterity, +1 Physical Strength, and 5 free attribute points]
Kaden grinned. One down. Ten more to go. He was doubtful if the kill steal would give him enough to go to the next level but it looked like the damn vulture was a lot stronger than he was so the kill directly bumped him up.
Kaden allowed himself a brief grin, the rush of leveling up momentarily pushing aside the exhaustion gnawing at his body.
He didn't have time to savor the moment. The green snake's furious hiss pulled him back to reality.
It was still restrained by the vines, but its strength was evident in every thrash of its massive body. The vultures clawed and pecked at the snake's exposed flesh, their cries mingling with the beast's guttural roars.
With one vulture down, the snake looked like it was about to win this and there was no way Kaden would let that happen.
"No, you don't," he growled, summoning another mana bolt. The hum of energy resonated in his chest, weaker this time, but still potent enough to make a difference. He aimed carefully, targeting the snake's exposed flesh the vultures had already torn away its decaying scales.
With a sharp motion, he released the bolt. The glowing projectile streaked through the air and struck the snake dead center. The beast roared, its massive coils jerking violently as it writhed in pain.
Kaden wasn't done. He summoned another one and aimed for another open spot. The snake burst out of the vines trapping it in a fit of rage but before it could turn its focus onto him, the vultures went crazy on the beast.
Kaden as well did not let up and once again cast [Sanguine Roots]. This was perfect. The protective barrier was also helping him. One can send the attacks out but there was no way for the attacks or the stronger beasts to come in.
He had heard of some people taking advantage of this situation in his last life but never had he thought he would actually get a chance to do so. He continued slamming the snake with one mana bolt after another without missing a beat.
The snake was completely enraged. However, there was nothing it could do. Of course, Kaden wasn't partial to the green snake.
Soon one of the vultures received a bite and looked as if it was about to kick the bucket. Kaden immediately made sure to switch teams and take care of the vulture.
[Ding! You have killed a Red horn Vulture]
[Ding! You have leveled up]
[Level 16 > Level 17]
[Ding! You have gained +1 Mental Strength, +1 Dexterity, +1 Physical Strength, and 5 free attribute points]
"Yes!!!!" He shouted and switched to attacking the snake once again. Now that two vultures were down, the beast had a fraction of a second to spare to turn its head and lock its gaze onto Kaden, fury burning in the depths of its eyes.
Kaden returned it's even stare with a mana bolt right in its eye.
The mana bolt struck the snake's eye with a crackling burst of energy, eliciting a piercing, guttural screech that echoed through the clearing. The remaining vultures took advantage of the snake's distracted state, diving in again to claw and peck at its exposed flesh, slowly eating the beast while it was still alive.
Kaden quickly cast [Sanguine Roots] once again, followed it up by [Mana Bolt] after [Mana Bolt].
"One step closer," he whispered to himself. "Just a few more steps, and I'll make it."