Emperor of Soul Pets

Chapter 34: Two Heads...

"Oof. Huff... Huff... That kid is something else," Akeme breathed hard as he rested against a rock. The vice-captain cast a wary glance at the child fighting against an Ax-Beak.

Ax Beaks were warrior ranked terrestrial, bird-type monsters. They resembled ostriches with large, powerful, ax-like beaks capable of crushing boulders. Their primary weapons were their beaks and powerful legs capable of immense speeds.

Akeme's group ran across a group of these territorial beasts on their way to inspect one of the suggested campsites, leading to a long, drawn out battle. Initially, Akeme was worried about Rao Wu, but the child soon proved his doubters wrong.

"Lu Lin, Ground Whip!" Rao Wu shouted as he charged at an incoming Ax Beak.

Lu Lin, who stood a few meters behind Rao Wu, swung the vines growing out of her arms toward Rao Wu. Seeing the thick vines about to strike Rao Wu's legs, The onlookers grimaced, wondering if she messed up.

Hup! Just before impact, Rao Wu suddenly jumped, and the vines zipped harmlessly below his legs.

Thwack! "Kwaa!" Due to Rao Wu blocking its sight, the Ax Beak failed to react before the vines struck its exposed knees. Letting out a pained cry, the Ax Beak stumbled, but fortunately, did not fall.

Rao Wu, on his way down, remained in its path. However, the child did not panic. Before the Ax Beak struck him, a vine wrapped around his waist and then yanked him upwards. The Ax Beak, having lost its target, zipped past, but then focused on the vulnerable Lu Lin.

Lu Lin's measured gaze did not falter as the vines quickly retracted.

"Not fast enough." Nearby, Denuchi frowned as he calculated the speed at which Lu Lin retracted her vines. At this rate, the Ax Beak would return before she could mount a defense. The smart thing to do was retreat to buy time, but Lu Lin seemed to have no intention of doing so.

Lu Lin's reason for standing her ground became clear the next second.

"I'm your opponent!" screamed Rao Wu as the vine flung him onto the Ax Beak's back. His knee crashed into the Ax Beak's back, and the force sent them both tumbling to the ground.

Rao Wu recovered first, quickly springing to his feet as the bird slid past him. Sching! Rao Wu drew his favored bone dagger and then pounced onto the disoriented Ax Beak. Before it could recover, the young man viciously drove his dagger into its exposed throat.

"Kwa—gurgle!" The Ax Beak jumped, throwing Rao Wu off as it trembled in pain. As Rao Wu fell on the ground, the Ax Beak turned to trample him with its last breath. Fortunately, Lu Lin yanked Rao Wu out of harm's way, causing the Ax Beak to futilely strike the ground.

The Ax Beak subsequently collapsed, having expended the last of its energy and then slowly bled out.

Rao Wu's gaze softened as he watched the twitching Ax Beak. He picked up his fallen dagger and then softly made his way to the monster. After ensuring the monster was not faking its weakness, he knelt down and cradled its massive head. "Sorry about this. It was either you or me. You can rest now." Rao Wu then completed the cut, slicing off the beast's neck.

As the Ax Beak's head fell to the ground, a bloody Rao Wu stood up and then looked at Denuchi. "How was that? Did I pass?"

Denuchi smiled and then nodded, "You did good, kid. You've clearly got experience."

"Where'd you learn to fight like that?" A curious Akeme asked. "There aren't many people who fight alongside their soul pets like that."

Rao Wu shrugged. "I don't know. It just felt like the right thing to do. Aren't you guys the same? You fight with your soul pets too."