The Noble Squad by Udochukwu Mbanaso

Chapter 7

Luke P. O. T. S
My name is Luke, I am a ranger living in the kingdom of larion. I lived alone for as long I could remember. I learnt archery from my surroundings as well as the school I was enrolled in. I like to spend my time roaming into the forest to calm my mind and i meet new creatures. I learnt some skills not just from school but the forest as well. I have a hunting bow, a quiver of arrows and a sword. I have been searching for a mystical beast for 3 months tracking it through the forest within the confides of my own time though hunting is a hobby. As I crouch behind a clump of trees, I see a flash of light.

The creature I have been searching for all this while has appeared. The creature I have been searching for is a manticore. It has the head of a man the body of a lion.

The head looked more of a lion than a man. The head was with horns. The manticore main was bright red, the body golden fur. It has a scorpion tail which is posonous and filled with venom. It also has giant bat wings enough for lifting its own body weight.

A young lad stumbles upon the manticore field of vision, the reason he is there is unknown to me. He is well built with short blonde hair. The beast strike his arm with its tail stoping him dead in its tracks. it pounces on him tearing his arm off then starts devouring him. He screamed his last breathe.

The manticore teared off the flesh from the bones like it's eating a cooked chicken. Blood was goshing everywhere. I watched it all, the massacre. The manticore crunched on the bones as if it was a hidden treat for its stomach.

However, witnessing this is supposed to send shiver down the spine but no I maintained my own confidence, it even grew more.

I just stood position far away from it watching, after it had finished his meal. it seemed like it was still looking in case there is another meal nearby.

I rubbed myself with the scent of leaves so that I won't be recognised plus my outfit blends with the environment.

A few moments later,

The manticore is sleeping its wings are rapped around his upper body but there are some parts that are still open. its tail curled round in front of him. The face is buried into its wings. It also has claws on its hands and legs I forgot to mention that since it does have the body of a lion. It is a terrifying beast with great speed and power.

It is a few feet away and looks sleepy. I would not like to wake it up from its slumber. at least I am a distance away from it. I know due to vicious behaviour I am not sure if distance matters. I aim my bow at it and draw one arrow.

I need to be careful and precise about this something of its big size is able to devour me but I know I can be able to hold my own against it.

I don't even know what I will do with it if it goes out successfully I did not think that far ahead. I don't think I would want to eat it. It maybe a magical creature but I doubt it gives power. I will also wonder on how and if I might escape from this beast.

This is the thing about hunting there is thrill, reward and possibly adventure. The thrill from when you are face to face with an animal, adventure from going to the beast den or in this napping spot, the reward is not always certain especially with dangerous creatures.

The part of the forest it is sleeping in has thick heavy shrubs tall trees few sunlight. It will be difficult to find anything here it is how it hides itself and it's possible to charge at an enemy without them noticing.

Well I have taken measures for this after all I did spend three months searching.

I fire more than one arrow and let them fly hoping it will hit at the spots I want them to. The manticores eyes pop open with fierce look opening it mouth revealing it's sharp set of teeth as it lets out a mighty roar leaping at me.

Fortunately for me my arrows connected with parts of his body, his wings, side turso and palm. I was still at my hiding place observing. it came out of its nesting place.

With that I take my leave I hear destruction behind me the next I was knocked into a tree by what felt sharp I got back to my feet I saw the manticore upclose but was caught in something I saw its eyes furrowed heated growl.

It was about to strike me with its poisonous tail I quickly placed a rock on it's tail then he swung his arm. I dodge it and ran as fast as I could using the trees as platform to avoid his spikes which it is able to shoot from its tail. There is no doubt that it already broke free from the trap.

It continues its chase after me throwing spines, using it's claws and horns to harm me. I would avoid, block them and lead it to my traps. Though they do not stop it but it sure slows it down. I did not think for once to stop moving cause it is still sitting is spines at me.

I was on a smooth path no trees in my front but there is a boulder at my back. The manticore came in at my front it lunged back it's paws in front started charging it shot out more spines I counterattack by shooting my arrows I draw out my sword the best came charging at me. I charge at it too. It is time to play chicken.

I charge at it my sword met it's horns I side step it went past me and crashed into that rock. I watched it I could see its head is stuck

This is my chance I have to options run or kill it. I run away from the manticore and hide behind a tree. The beast walk towards me growling. I have animal skin to hide my scent.

I pick up a pebble wrap it around with animal skin and chuck it at the manticore direction, it turns towards it as it saw it and lowers its head. it starts smelling it and playing with it.

It is like a toy it really likes it

This is my chance to escape so I crawl past it and into the trees again.

Wow, I can't believe that I faced the manticore and I am still alive I stayed for this long but it did not come free I sustained damage bruises but I will llive. The manticore was a worthy opponent but I came prepared and even though I didn't defeat it I surely survived it which is a big deal. This thing can devour people in few seconds.

I exhale then resume breathing normally I brushed myself off of dirt.

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Hi, so I am making some changes to my book. I hope you give it another try.