My (Monster?) Hero Life

Chapter 88: The Lost Legend

Even Sarah could not believe what her eyes were showing her. According to her sister, it was little more than a lost memory from a time long ago. The heroes had scoured everywhere they could think of throughout the ages in search of it.

"Phillip!" Tyler hissed in his ear. "We have to set aside our differences for now. No matter what we have to claim this. Fuck everything else. There will be enough merits from this discovery to greatly boost all three of us within the Guild."

Sarah was surprised that the usually greedy and hot-headed Tyler had included her in the splitting of the rewards. By all rights, she had no claim to them. This was Erik's and his disciple's expedition meaning that all of the glory should belong to them and nobody would question it. She was just tagging along due to her curiosity surrounding Phillip's supposed immortality.

"I accept your offer!" She quickly jumped at the opportunity that Tyler had presented to her on a silver platter.

Since the rest of the group could be counted as witnesses to the verbal offer and acceptance of it, there would be no backing out of it later. Phillip was not surprised at how quickly she had jumped at the chance. He would have done the same if he were in her shoes. He was only surprised at how shrewdly Tyler had roped her into giving her all to make sure they obtained it.

The only issue that they still had to resolve was the group before them. After that, they could basically claim any reward they could wish for from the Guild. 'They haven't activated it. So either they don't know what they've found or don't have the means to do so.' Phillip thought as he analysed the situation.

This was good news for them. It meant that they could not deploy it to escape at the last moment. His eyes met the amber stare of Kace as they stared each other down. Neither side seemed to want to be the first to make a move.

Kace kept his gaze locked on his long term would-be hunter. From the corner of his eye, he watched as the heroes forces began to spread out to surround them. In response, the regular members of their group were pushed to the rear of their formation. Hoping to keep the casualty rate to a minimum. 

With Kace, Grugda, Sophia, Raven and Mr Penny serving as the frontline of defence it would force the heroes to go toe to toe with the stronger members of their group before getting the chance to thin the herd. Mr Thomas took command of the rear lines. He was no fool and knew that they would not last long against such opponents. 'Better to live to fight another day.' He thought to himself as he dislodged the pack from his shoulders.

From within it, Mr Thomas began to pull out several pistols and grenades similar to the ones that Gyn the Goblin had been so fond of when he was still amongst the living. If Kace had witnessed it, he would have likened it to a very famous fictional nanny back on earth.

The crew took one of the weapons each from Mr Thomas while thanking him in the process. Who knew, they could end up being the difference between life and death for them. Kace noticed a grimace appearing on Phillip's face as he witnessed what was going on behind of him.

He had slightly traumatic memories of a crazy goblin who burst into laughter every time he lobbed one of those devices. However, the good news for him was that at least he knew what to expect.

"If you see any of those getting thrown you had better back your ass up fast." He announced loud enough for everyone to hear. Aside from himself and Sarah, he doubted whether the others had ever seen them before. Although they all came from the Earth and knew what a grenade was, he was concerned that they would believe that their enhanced bodies and magic would protect them.

He was happy to see that everyone seemed to be taking his warning his heart. He was especially surprised to see that even Tyler had taken it to heart. The tension in the air was almost palpable as the standoff continued. Nerves were being frayed by just standing there, waiting to react to the slightest movement.

"Sophia, can you get this damn thing working? We could really use it right about now!" Kace hissed quietly to the vampiress by his side.

"You've got to be kidding me! I didn't even know this damn thing was down here! I thought it was just an armoury!" She replied as anger laced her voice. Her mother had kept too many secrets from her. If she had known about it, she would have never allowed the group to lead the heroes to it.

Tyler took a couple of steps forward, making sure that his body language was non-threatening. Kace's group tensed up even further. Expecting that it was a ruse to launch the first strike. Contrary to their expectations though Tyler decided to try and barter with them.

"How about we make a deal?" He shouted across the distance, watching to see which of them would step forward in the role of leader. Even if negotiations failed well at least, he would know who his first target should be to deal the most damage from the outset.

"What kind of deal?" Raven asked as he stepped forward as though it was the most natural thing he could do.

Tyler's eyes narrowed on the captain before glancing at each member in turn. Waiting to see if anyone would refute him speaking for them as a whole. When nobody else said anything, he turned his eyes back towards Raven.

"We can all get what we want. I'll guarantee safe passage for every one of you out of here." The crew behind Kace gasped in astonishment as a sliver of hope entered their hearts. "In exchange, we want complete control over the Otherworld Gate behind you..."