The Black Warrior Angulifer
* * *
Thematos and I had crashed in together, sowing chaos—that part went great. But glancing over, the real Python was bowing her head, sniffling with teary eyes. Even if things worked out, the backlash was gonna be brutal.
"Krahahaha! Who dares face this Python?!"
Meanwhile, Thematos was putting in surprisingly solid work. Maybe it was his innate cunning, but the moment he submitted to the Tightening Ring, he flipped to full cooperation. Might as well roll with reality now that it's come to this. Better to snag an extra loaf than take the beating. His brutal pragmatism only made him scarier.
"Come at me! Marvel at the might of Lady Python!"
The fake Python—Thematos—swung a massive stalactite like a club. Ares's warriors screamed as they toppled in droves. Sure, he'd been treated like chump change and fodder by the First Scribe, but by modern standards, he was a monster. No way Ares's elite could handle him easily. In game terms, he was a raid boss.
"No! I am the true Python!"
Then the real Python joined in. She summoned her signature vines, lashing Ares's warriors wildly. More than fighting, it felt like she was desperate to prove herself. But humans only knew Python as a giant snake. No one would've guessed her human form was this little girl.
"Hmm..."
I scanned the mayhem while zeroing in on the enemy leader—the black-skinned warrior. He radiated sheer power. His body brimmed with strength and vitality.
—He looks as strong as Thematos?
—No, maybe stronger.
The Secret Book rated this black warrior highly.
—Peleus, as planned, you're the only one who can take him. Thematos and Python are swamped holding off dozens of Ares's warriors. They're top-tier, but the numbers are no joke—and every one of them is a real fighter.
The black warrior was just standing back, holding position. I was perfect for drawing him out.
"Why're you spacing out?!"
That's when a musclebound brute charged me. One of Ares's warriors, eyeing me as the easy mark since Thematos and Python were so ferocious.
"Huaaaap!"
He barreled in like a mountain, going for a wrestling takedown—probably aiming to capture me alive. He looked bearishly dumb, but up close, he was shockingly agile. Back then, I'd have been done for. But not now.
Half a year training under the Cursed Hero—the once greatest hero in the world—had changed everything.
"Hup!"
I met his charge head-on, grabbing him and pouring on the power. His eyes bulged.
"You dare match my strength?!"
His exploding muscles screamed confidence in raw power. But he'd picked the wrong guy. I had Heracles's Jewel. And after half a year honing it, I could draw out more of its force. Not even half its potential yet, but enough to make me a monster.
"Feels like arm-wrestling a kid. Put some real effort in?"
My taunt left him visibly rattled. I was playing it cool, immovable as a mountain, while veins popped on his forehead and sweat poured off him.
"Eeeek! What sorcery is this?!"
"Bitching about magic? Your muscles outsize your balls, pal. Haaap!"
I hoisted the warrior with everything I had and hurled him aside. He slammed into the cave wall like he'd been hit by a chariot, crashing spectacularly. He staggered up but wobbled like a drunk before collapsing sideways.
I pointed at him, mocking loudly.
"You Ares grunts are a disgrace to your lord!"
"What'd you say?!"
"Hell, even Aphrodite's warriors could haul more firewood than you lot!"
Insulting their honor like that? They forgot the fight, glaring at me with murder in their eyes. But I didn't flinch. Arms spread wide, I bellowed,
"You all look about equal anyway. You there! Step up! How long you gonna stand there like a blushing bride?!"
I pointed straight at the black warrior. He responded instantly.
"Fine! You've got guts, so I'll handle you myself!"
"An honor. Warrior of the dark skin—what's your name?"
"Angulifer Namimensis!"
Angulifer cracked his neck with a gruesome pop as he approached.
"Impressive. That guy on the ground? One of our strongest. Tossing him like a child... color me shocked. Show me that power—on me this time!"
He went for a straight power clash. Confident in my own strength, I stood firm.
His roar was like an enraged bear.
"Uwaaaaa!"
His massive force hit, shoving me back hard. We gripped hands, wrestling to crush the other—mine sliding steadily rearward.
"Ughhh!"
The power surging through my arms was insane. Hold much longer, and they'd snap. Even with Heracles's Jewel? Unbelievable.
But he looked shocked too.
"You! You really are Python! Can't even crush you with Ares's gift!"
Angulifer must've gotten special favor from Ares. No wonder the Jewel wasn't enough. Even at partial power, his strength was unnatural.
"Kuh."
Time for tactical retreat—the only way out. Perfect timing to bail anyway.
"Trying to run?!"
Damn—he was sharp. A battle-hardened vet; he read my eyes in an instant.
"No chance! I'll pulverize you! Kraaaap!"
Suddenly, red glow erupted from Angulifer's eyes. He shoved me back in one brutal surge.
"Ughh!"
I resisted with a yell, but it was futile. I slid toward the cave wall.
—Peleus! He's drawing deeper on Ares's power!
No need for the Secret Book's warning. Those blood-red beams from his eyes? Pure Ares.
"Ughh!"
I hit the wall with a short scream. He wrenched my hands free, then clamped one on my throat, pinning me.
"G-gah... gah!"
This'd choke me out. I thrashed, but the strength gap was too vast. Ridiculous power. Even the Jewel overwhelmed.
—Peleus! Snap out of it! You'll die!
He probably wouldn't kill me—just knock out and capture. But dodging death or capture? Same difference.
"Grk... ugh!"
Foam bubbled from my mouth. Vision spun, thoughts fogging. Blackout incoming—I pulled my ace: explode the Jewel's power all at once.
It'd saved me against Atalante, though the Jewel'd go dormant after. No choice now.
Flash.
Green light burst from the Jewel at my will, unleashing everything.
"Kuh!"
Grinding my teeth, I seized his throttling hand and ripped it free. He hadn't expected the sudden surge—his eyes went wide.
But I wasn't done. Left hand locked his wrist; right fist smashed down, snapping his arm like dry wood.
Crack!
That inhumanly thick limb broke clean.
"Huh?"
Angulifer stared at it, more baffled than pained. First time in his life, probably.
I headbutted, shattering his nose.
"Kraaak!"
His noble schnoz twisted grotesquely, blood gushing. Seizing the moment, I yanked the lantern from his belt.
"Ah! You bastard!"
He grimaced in agony, stunned. I burst out laughing in triumph.
"Krahahahaha!"
Half the battle won. Beating this monster outright? Tough. Snatching the lantern? Doable—and nailed it.
Mission wasn't capturing Angulifer; it was the lantern. Without it, Ares's warriors couldn't advance deeper. Game over.
Mission success—I spun and bolted without hesitation.
"Coward! Turning tail mid-fight like a man?!"
Part of me wanted to pummel him flat. But couldn't, so whatever.
Jewel-boosted strength was temporary; combat gap remained. He was a seasoned pro—not for newbies like me.
"Time to rethink 'turning tail'! It's not cowardice—it's wisdom!"
"Fancy words! Stand and fight! Aren't you Python of the mountain?!"
He ditched his crew, chasing hot.
Seemed unbeatable, but if he stuck like glue, I had a plan. Always prep for every contingency in battle.
"Stop!"
The monstrous black warrior roared behind me, like he'd rip off my limbs. Who'd halt for that?
"You would?"
Our chase lit up the cave. I dodged traps effortlessly—half a year in here meant I knew them cold.
Angulifer mirrored my path perfectly, avoiding every one. Figured he'd just follow my trail sans lantern.
But that? He'd already fallen into the real trap.
Not a pitfall, but misconception. He assumed I'd never trigger my own traps.
Wrong. At the right spot, I dove straight in.
This zone fired endless destruction beams. Not god-killers, but plenty troublesome.
Pressure plates on the floor—step, and beams blast. Don't step? Fine, but trapped, no rescue, can't budge. Nasty either way.
Click.
Entering, I heard the mechanism whir. Nailed it.
Few humans could survive this—gods made it for gods. Terrifying, really.
Gulp.
Trepidation dried my throat despite the plan. But I had to lure him in—mouth kept moving.
"Come on! I won't run or dodge! Let's settle this!"
I halted; Angulifer lit up.
"Good! Your legs won't save you now! Time for a beating!"
He charged boldly, vowing no escape.
Click!
Mechanism again—he'd triggered it too.
"What the—?!"
Instinct screamed trap; he tensed, shocked. He'd thought my path was safe.
"You! Why enter a trap?! Suicide pact?!"
To him, maybe mutual destruction. Not my plan.
"As if."
I shook my head, bidding farewell.
"See ya."
Before he replied, I stepped off lightly.
Instantly, beams erupted, flashing the cave in dizzying starlight bursts.
Full barrage? Dicey survival odds.
But I had an out.
—Secret Book!
—Got it!
Gulp!
The Secret Book—mouth agape beside me—swallowed me whole the second the trap fired.