Parallel Vol. 4 [LEGACY EDITION]

Chapter 20.2: The Marilith

Whoosh!

Kashi's figure blurred as he instantaneously covered the distance between himself and the marilith. Similar to [Charge], Kashi slid across the ground in one deft motion, the arrows in his hand emitting dark aura as he shot them at the raging beast. The difference between his movement and [Charge] lay in how he achieved the same effect without using the skill, but through exploding mana beneath the soles of his feet. This was a feat ninety-five percent of the summoned would not be able to accomplish. However, the true elite knew that personal manipulation of mana was the most efficient method of combat.

The marilith quickly took advantage of the fact Kashi's punch had sent it sprawling close to the edges of the forest. It quickly curled up the tree behind it, barely dodging the arrows that smashed into the tree's bark. Luckily, these were all Lv. 180 trees. While a significant portion of the tree's trunk was blasted off, enough remained intact for it to remain standing.

The marilith instantly counterattacked. Its rapid climb up the tree trunk built up enough momentum for the quick jump that followed. The enraged demon's angry eyes lit up in delight as it shot toward the charging daeben. Its momentum, coupled with Kashi's charge guaranteed it would definitely smash into the daeben. Excitement boiled in its blood as it imagined the daeben's panicked expression before it destroyed him.

Kashi raised his head to meet the marilith's glare. Contrary to the demon's expectation, a mocking grin greeted it.

The tale-tell whirs of mechanical gears rang through the clearing as a single arrowhead with a metal wire attached to its end stabbed into the marilith's forehead. The marilith's eyes widened in confusion, but no one bothered to answer its question. It looked over the daeben to meet Shadow's steely gaze.

The assassin's left arm was raised in front of him, sleeves drawn back to reveal a black gauntlet. The arrowheads had shot out of this gauntlet, evident by the rope in Shadow's hand. Shadow grunted as he dropped low to balance his center of gravity. He turned in place and pulled the rope with all the force he could muster. Assassin's lacked strength so this would have normally been a futile struggle. Unfortunately for the marilith, it was airborne, flying in Kashi's direction, who was in front of Shadow. If a line were to be drawn from the marilith to Kashi, then to Shadow it would be revealed to be a straight line.

As such, Shadow did not have to exert too much strength to pull the marilith a few feet further than it intended as there was no significant change in direction.

The marilith let out a shrill cry as it was sent sailing over the daeben. In desperation, it swung its swords at the daeben, hoping that the increased velocity from pull would catch the daeben off-guard.

Unfortunately, the marilith was fighting Kashi. Such an opportunity would not so easily present itself. Seemingly telepathically, Kashi stuck close to the ground, much like Shadow earlier. The marilith's swords could only harmlessly slash at the air until Kashi's momentum took him past their range.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Kashi instantly equipped Ferulic's Practice Bow, whirled around and fired three successive arrows at the marilith's exposed midriff. The first arrow smashed its exposed underbelly where the human half met the snake half. This strike launched its midriff upwards and greatly reduced its forward momentum.

The second arrow crashed into the same spot, forcing the monster to fold inwards as its 'waist' was launched a meter into the sky. This also had the bonus effect of completely killing off its forward momentum.

The final arrow carried the most force. Enhanced by [Drill], the arrow burrowed deep into the marilith's waist. Kashi grinned as the marilith was sent flying into the sky, spinning haphazardly as it did.