I stared at her face - large, expressive brown eyes, a cute oval shape, and her small nose, flaring slightly as she caught her breath from the battle.
I stopped myself from flirting with her right then and there. It was hard. Very hard.
I wanted to make some remark, something; anything but I took a deep breath and ignored her.
Forcing myself to look away, I turned my gaze toward the top of the mountain. Tyrants were gathered there, slamming their fists against the pillar. I had no doubt the Level 10 was among them.
I didn't had much time before my temporary boost to Strength wore off. I needed to finish this.
Bending my legs, I pushed as much power into them as possible and rushed past her.
I shot up the mountain like a cannonball, the ground beneath me cracking with each step. The Tyrants turned at the sound, their growls filling the air, but before they could react, I was already among them.
The first one, a Level 8 barely had time to raise its arms before my fist crushed its skull like a melon.
Another, Level 9 lunged at me from the side, claws swiping for my throat, but I caught its arm, yanked it forward, and drove my fist straight into its throat ending its life.
More came, their roars shaking the air.
I grabbed the dead Level 9 Tyrant by the leg, its massive frame still warm, and swung it like a club. The corpse slammed into the nearest two, sending them flying like ragdolls.
Another charged, but I twisted my grip and hurled the body straight into it, watching as both went tumbling down the slope in a mess of broken bones.
And I moved toward the pillar crushing heads, snapping necks and breaking bodies.
Finally, I reached the peak. The last obstacle stood in front of the pillar—a massive Level 10 Tyrant, its body thicker, its eyes glowing with something more than just rage. It let out a deafening roar and charged, shaking the ground with every step.
I grinned.
The moment it swung, I ducked low, dodging beneath its strike and ramming my fist into its gut. The impact sent it stumbling back, but I didn't give it a chance to recover. I surged forward, drove my fist into its ribs, and heard the crack of bones breaking.
It howled in pain, but I cut it off with my third and final move.
Grabbing it by the neck, I lifted it off the ground and slammed it straight into the pillar.
The stone trembled from the impact, cracks spreading along its surface. Lightning flickered across the pillar, surging into the Tyrant's body.
It let out a piercing scream of pain. I grabbed its head and snapped it backward. Its body went limp, head lolling to the side.
I exhaled, rolling my shoulders as I let go.
'Damn, I really like smashing things.'
I looked up at the glowing blue core trapped in the cage.
Bending my legs, I shot upward, using the pillar as a launch point. In one swift motion, I reached the top, grabbed the cage, and jumped back down.
I landed smoothly, cracked open the cage, and pulled out the core. Rolling it in my hands, I glanced down.
Everyone was staring—wide-eyed, mouths slightly open. Even the Abominations had stopped in their tracks, their gazes locked onto me.
I smiled, then shifted my eyes to North.
I kept my eyes on her, meeting her gaze squarely.
She hadn't moved an inch since I rushed past her. The only thing she had done was turn to watch me fight. Her hands still gripping her weapon.
I brought my breathing under control as I walked toward her, step by step.
A few guys moved toward her as well, their eyes darting between me and her, while the others were busy fighting Abominations. They must have seen me heading in her direction.
I stopped just in front of her and spoke.
"Hi, my name is Billion Ironhart. I got a call from Vice Commander June asking me to help you out." I glanced around. "But seeing that there are already so many people here to help, I think I'm not needed."
Flipping the core in my palm, I added.
"But it was nice meeting you."
I met her gaze and waited.
'Now what will you do, North? Get angry at me for taking your reward, or blame yourself for being weak?'
She took her time, then exhaled heavily and smiled.
"Thank you for coming, Billion. And I apologize that you had to go out of your way to get here. I'll talk to our commander once the training is over."
I blinked a few times.
'Now that is unexpected. And her smile is so beautiful. And her voice is so sweet. Damn.'
I smiled and winked.
"It's alright. At least I got the reward from this checkpoint."
She chuckled.
"Well, I'm glad I was able to help."
I nodded, glancing around, my mind racing for something to say next.
'Come on, Billion. Think. Think.'
My gaze drifted to her leg, and I stepped closer.
"Oh, your leg looks hurt. Do you need a first aid kit?"
"Uh... I... yeah, I lost my bag," she stammered, avoiding my eyes.
Before I could respond, one of the guys stepped closer.
"Excuse me, Miss North. You can't let him take the reward."
'Now why did this idiot butt in?'
I narrowed my eyes at him and asked.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, why are you the only one taking the reward? We were also fighting the Abominations."
I tilted my head.
"And?"
Someone else chimed in.
"And you should share it with all of us. Especially North—she was here before anyone else."
I smiled, tilting my head.
"Ohh, is that so? Funny, because I don't remember seeing any of you fighting the high-level Abominations near the pillar.
And I definitely don't remember anyone else picking up the core. Just because you killed a few stragglers you think you own the place?"
I shook my head, sighing dramatically.
"There's only one way you're getting this core, by defeating me. So, who's up first? Or do you all want to come at me together?"
I casually spun the core in my hand, making sure they all saw it.
Silence.
They exchanged glances, but not a single one stepped forward.
Of course they didn't.
They had just watched me smash through Tyrants like they were made of paper. Any thoughts of fighting me probably got crushed right along with those Abominations.
I waited a few seconds. Then a few more. Still nothing.
I scoffed.
"At least have the guts to back up what you say. Otherwise, maybe keep your mouths shut."
Then I turned to North.
"So… first aid?"
She was staring at me, wide-eyed.
'Ohh, did I impress her?'
But just as quickly, her expression returned to normal.
"Sure, but where's your bag?" she asked.
I pointed down toward the base of the mountain.
"There."
She turned to look, then glanced from her injured leg to the far-off spot at the base.
I knew exactly what she was thinking.
She turned to the others, her expression serious.
"Thank you for your help, but I'd appreciate it if you ignored such calls in the future," she said firmly. "I can take care of myself."
With that, she turned to me.
"Alright, let's go down."
She took a step forward, trying to walk on her own. I stayed beside her, matching her pace.
She moved around, limping as she gathered arrows from the dead and the ones scattered on the ground.
It was a slow process, but I stayed with her, watching as she picked them up one by one. I didn't offer to help, and she didn't ask—but whenever an Abomination got too close, I took care of it.
Once she was done, I took her bow and quiver, slinging them over my back. With that settled, we finally decided to head down the mountain.
She managed a few steps before her injured leg wobbled, and she stumbled. I reached out, but she caught herself, her face scrunching in pain.
We kept going, but the slope was steep, and she stumbled again. This time, I was ready.
I sighed.
"Yeah, this isn't going to work."
Before she could protest, I stepped in and scooped her up into a princess carry.
She squeaked, her arms flailing before she grabbed onto my shoulders for support. "Wh-what are you doing!?"
I blinked down at her.
"I'm just doing what Vice Commander June asked me to do—help you."
Her face looked surprised, and she smacked my shoulder.
"This is not what she meant!"
I laughed at that.