The Demon King's Paladin

Chapter 115. Solo Hunt

We took off and made our way north. Skitz and Edmon were surprisingly swift on their feet, I was making my way through the swamp with quick steps, and they kept up just fine. In fact, it felt like they could go even faster. Regardless, it wasn't long before we ran into those Killer Squirrels. it was only a group of 3 of them and they were munching on what looked like brown furred rabbits.

" Milord, are you certain you want no help from us?"

Skitz spoke to me for the first time. His voice was bassy and deep.

" It'll be fine, we fought some of them before remember?"

" Yes, with everyone helping, Milord."

Skitz seemed to be worried. I decided to try to give him some relief.

" Relax Skitz, if something happens to me, I can heal myself and we can work on the hunting as a group. Just put some trust in me Skitz. Same to you Edmon."

" Y-Yes, Lord Drake!"

I still wonder why they're acting like this. I mean, didn't I just kill a gator in one strike? Maybe they think I'm more of a mage than a swordsman... Well, I guess they'd be right for now. Best to think about that later. Right now, the goal is to fight and finish this learning period for Angel's Swordsmanship.

" I'm going now, please do help if you feel the need."

I turned to face the squirrels who were continuing to eat their prey. I began to walk slowly towards them. By the time I had stepped on a dead twig and alerted them to my presence, I had Scarlet in my hand and was prepared to fight them. And to be fair, they were ready to kill me. With their claws and teeth aiming at different parts of my body, they launched themselves at me like a pack of rabid dogs. I felt Angel's Swordsmanship start to influence me, only this time, it felt like I had a bit more input. It was like I was allowed to pick where to go, then the blade attacked in the most efficient way without any wasted movement.

" GYAH!"

With one flick of my wrist, the blade danced in the air and landed itself in the arm of the first squirrel who tried to attack me.

" HYAAAAHHH!"

The 2nd squirrel was kind enough to alert me to his presence as he attacked me form behind his bleeding pack mate. I aimed for his neck, but the skill demanded I dodge the attack first. My body twisted and spun almost like I was dancing. Using the momentum from the spin, the sword sticks straight out from my hand and with my hand gripping the handle with great strength and a tense arm, I come to a vicious stop from the momentum of the spin... And the blade of Scarlet had passed through the neck of the squirrel before I had even realized it. The realization of what happened was accompanied by a sickening thump as the head of the squirrel landed on the ground, blood began to pool from its neck.

" 1 down."

 I stated the obvious, as I prepared to see what the remaining 2 would try. What I found was somewhat disturbing. The squirrel who I hadn't hurt yet, was eating the dismembered hand of the injured squirrel. And the other squirrel began to take a step back and seemed to be putting pressure on the wound. These creatures get more human-like and uncanny at the same time.

" Milord! Quickly, kill the uninjured one! He's dangerous!"

I heard Edmon yell from behind me. As I registered what he said, I saw the results of that squirrel eating his friend's hand. I thought I was seeing things, but the squirrel had grown twice its size and his muscles have grown bigger than the biggest powerlifter I could imagine from my old world.

" What the hell?"

" Its a last resort! They increase their abilities by consuming their brethren's flesh!"