My (Monster?) Hero Life

Chapter 202: Best Laid Plans

It was too late for Kace to react to the surgically timed strike. 'Fuck! He used himself as bait!' The thought had never even crossed his mind that Phillip would use himself like this. It was his own fault for not taking note of Sarah's absence from the battlefield. This was obviously a carefully planned assassination!

Kace could feel the sweat forming on his brow as he was forced to watch the blade drive closer towards his throat. His reflexes were not on a level to allow him to react to such a sudden attack that had already encroached on his personal space by so much. The figure of Sarah suddenly lunged backwards, withdrawing from her assault. A concerned expression spread across her face as her eyes darted towards Kace's feet with concern.

If she had continued with the attack, she would have been sliced in two by a shadowy scythe that had emerged from below Kace without either of them realising. It was even closer to connecting with her body than her dagger was to slitting Kace's throat. Sarah was not one to selflessly sacrifice herself to ensure the kill. She was a survivor first and foremost.

The purple lightning surrounding her sparked in the air as she retreated to Phillip's side. A disgusted expression was evident upon his face as the figure of Shadow completed his emergence to stand beside his Lord. Shadow flashed a disappointed look towards Sarah. 'Her natural instincts are incredible. It should be near impossible to detect an attack like that.'

"My apologies, my Lord. She launched her attack before I had the chance to exterminate her." Shadow said with an apologetic expression. 

Kace finally understood what had happened. Shadow had most likely discovered her hiding spot while she remained unaware of his presence. However, she had proceeded with her assassination attempt before Shadow could do anything to her. Which was why he knew her trajectory and was able to intervene. Shadow had to move as fast, or slightly faster than Sarah when he was submerged in the Shadow World for him to have succeeded in his endeavour.

Kace smiled gratefully at his goblin companion. Aware that without his intervention, there was a good chance that he would have received a lethal blow. This time was all that it took for Sophia and Dao to reach their side. At the same time, the silence effect on Phillip had disappeared. Granting him access to his magic yet again. 

The two groups stared at each other in silence. It was four against three with the odds in Kace's group's favour. However, the heroes showed no sign of being concerned with the odds. They only appeared to be disappointed that their attempt on Kace's life had failed while he had been apparently isolated. 

Phillip cast an appraising glance over the group before him, judging what they were up against. 'Hm, that goblin is an assassin expert. The woman and bald man are most likely escaped vampires. So they should be quite balanced. As for the Chimera' Phillip's mind went quiet as he began to fully take stock of Kace's new look, equipment and the abilities that he had shown so far. 

'He's no longer specialising in stealth and guerrilla tactics. It seems he fits the bill of a Vanguard assault type. He's grown more troublesome. However, Sarah is a speed assault type. Daniel is a defensive type. While my spells make me similar to artillery on the battlefield. Technically speaking, we should have the advantage.' A wide grin broke out across Phillip's face.

Kace sneered as he witnessed his opponent looking pleased with himself. He had never forgotten that this man was capable of reviving himself. While his entire group had to be wary of losing their lives at any moment, Phillip could disregard any concern for his life. 'I'll have to find a way to properly neutralise this guy when we get home. Otherwise, he'll probably plague me for the rest of my days.'

"We can only divide and conquer if we want to win. Dao, Shadow. Can you two deal with the woman? Her speed will make it difficult for just one person to lock her down." Kace mumbled barely loud enough for those around him to hear. The pair nodded in agreement with his assessment. 

"Sophia, do you think you can draw the guy with the shield spell away?" Kace asked with a slight concern. So far, he had not seen much from this hero, but he should be quite capable for him to be trusted with guarding their commander.

"I should be able to manage something." Sophia smiled as she eyed the steady gaze directed at her from Daniel.

"Ok then, we move in 3 2 1" Kace counted down, their bodies became tense as they prepared to separate their enemies.

When the count should have reached zero, the four of them burst forward. Kace held back a bit to give Sophia the chance to deal with Daniel so that he could take on Phillip without being disturbed. Shadow sunk into the ground as he ran alongside Dao. Headed directly for Sarah. 

Phillip smiled when he saw what they intended to do. It was a good plan if they would let them execute it! His eyes met Sarah's, and a cold expression passed between them. Phillip nodded at her, and her smile widened. Purple lightning sparked across her body yet again as she disappeared from her position.

Dao lifted his arms to protect against the attack he believed would come their way. He could follow her movements at his level but was surprised to see her steer off in another direction. He panicked as he watched her head straight for Sophia! He turned to chase after her but soon found several Earth Bullets being launched at himself from Daniel's shield.

Shadow appeared with a mad grin in front of Sophia, determined to reap the life that had previously escaped him. However, after he began to emerge, Sophia's direction changed yet again. None of the three had ever been her target! Instead, she was aiming directly towards Kace!