The Great Crestmaster

Aldrich felt his foe's power in that one exchange and narrowed his eyes, the demi-human was indeed strong, he was truly a level three creature.

Aldrich needed to finish it off as soon as possible, the others had the upper hand now but as time passes more bandits would regain their composure.

The demi-human attacked in a barrage it didn't slow down even when it's attacks were deflected one after another, in fact his attacks got even faster.

Aldrich used the Waves stance to negate the distance disadvantage between the sword and the spear but it wasn't exactly working out as he was forced into a defensive position.

The demi-human was an experienced warrior and his attacks were varied and he even used his wings to surprise Aldrich and block his sight.

But Aldrich was no amateur, he charged forward instead of retreating and used the attack to his advantage, to flip over the extended wing and in the air he cut off that wing.

The demi-human was stunned never in his wildest dreams did he expect the human to use his own strategy against him.

Because he attempted a low thrust when he extended his wing he was unable to react in time.

"Agaaag!"

He released a pained cry as he retreated but Aldrich was not about to lose the advantage so easily.

Actually one of his main worries was the demi-human's ability to fly, that was why instead of targeting his human arm which was used to wield the spear he chose the wing.

If the demi-human lost his arm he might just fly off, then he could regroup with the remaining two Ravenfolk which meant that the quest would become ten times harder.

"Human! I will allow you and your filthy followers to go if you—"

Aldrich used his Light step skill and to the demi-human it must have looked like he suddenly appeared beside it while it was talking.

He had no intention to negotiate at all, so why waste time talking?

His sword was met by the metallic pole of the spear, it seems that he managed to react instinctively, however when he was still in shock Aldrich threw a throwing knife in his wide open beak.

"Ugah!"

Blood gushed out as the demi-human's tongue and insides were cut, the damage increased as he instinctively closed his mouth. Aldrich aimed at the knee and kicked causing the demi-human to lose balance.

Right then he slashed with his sword exerting all of his might, the sword tore through the demi-human in a diagonal gash from the shoulder to the thigh, bone shards flew out of the wound and the creature fell down.

His eyes were the picture of disbelief, he couldn't have imagined falling to a human who was not a Crestmaster and in such a short time too. He should have flew away the first chance he got.

Aldrich looked at his sword in irritation, the sword was completely ruined, it was jagged and had lost its edge. Which was to be expected, this was a regular sword and he used it for a while already.

It was not a wondrous item, it simply couldn't withstand that heavy usage, especially in that last attack. He used his full power and the body of the demi-human was not soft like a human's, the bones he broke through sheer might ruined the sword.

And the bastard was not dead yet, Aldrich picked up the spear and used it to behead the demi-human for good. It was better suited for him until he got his hand on a better sword.

It was also pressing since he rushed to be as fast as possible.

Of course if he could take the black sword from the nightmare realm then he could have made short work of that demi-human.

"Ugh! Let… me… go!!"

Aldrich turned around to join the fight as he intended but it seems like he was a step too late.

Emma was captured and strangled by the bandit leader with the skull necklace.

"You bastards! Clear up a way for me or I swear I'll kill this bitch right here!" He demanded.

Everyone froze in place, most of the bandits were already dealt with with only three others remaining alive but they were all pretty much out of the fight.

They had weapons but they were shitting themselves while crying. It was a disgusting sight that Aldrich didn't bear to look at for too long.

"Let her go scum!" Hellen yelled.

"If I see any funny shit then the first thing I'll do is I will strangle her to death! Now out of the way!" The bandit threatened.

"God damn it!" Cole cursed as he moved out of the way.

Emma could not fight back, she was locked in a stranglehold and was even starting to foam at the mouth. Frank pushed Nathan and Hellen out of the way.

Aldrich was already at the back so he didn't have to move away and he was currently racking his brain on what to do. He had never expected this situation to occur.

Even after everything he did, it wasn't like everything was going to work according to plan, sometimes plans get derailed or straight up fail.

If he attacked he would put Emma's life in danger but if he didn't do anything there was no guarantee that the bandit would keep his word, no—he was more likely not to.

Suddenly he noticed Frank giving him a look, Aldrich hesitated but then nodded.

The bandit's escape was not fast nor easy since he practically had to drag Emma as he moved, when he suddenly stumbled.

A throwing knife suddenly struck him in the back of the arm that was chocking Emma, and then he suddenly noticed the light of the sun reflecting off of a saber that was slowly approaching him.

The saber skewered the bandit through the chest completely missing Emma whom he had intended to use as a meat shield.

The bandit fell down but before Frank could finish him off he was stopped by Aldrich.

"Stop it we need him to go to the nest." Aldrich reminded Frank.

"Fine."