Ikazuchi paused for only a moment when asked the question. He had made his decision from the start, but he didn’t know how to approach the topic. From a personal safety perspective, it was far safer to let others serve as bait to resolve the issue. If he was someone else with different values then that would be the best choice. But he wasn’t such a person, Ikazuchi was raised in the way that he respected life. His mother and father were kind, and would never condone such a decision. After putting it off until now, he was thankful that his partner had a neutral opinion. Without a conflict of interest on the matter Ikazuchi could confidently answer Akushitsuna. “There isn’t any reason to drag others into it when we can handle the issue on our own. I think we should take care of Cain’s creation, he gave us the option so he can just make another if he wants another.”
By the time he clearly expressed his thoughts the horde in question was visible in the distance. Had they intended to lead them away, it would have been best to find some unfortunate party nearby and bait the horde in that direction. That wasn’t their intention though, so all the two would be able to do is avoid the horde and make their way towards the graveyard where the abomination resides. “Let’s do this.” The words of his companion let Ikazuchi know that he was also prepared. The time for doubts, worries, and hesitation had come and gone from the moment the horde became visible. All Ikazuchi could do was take a deep breath and try to calm himself, it was finally time to take the first step on his path as a warrior.
The two could only stealthily avoid the horde in order to handle the issue. Ikazuchi had thoughts of taking care of the horde itself, but it was neither in the job description nor realistic at this point in time. ‘Oh well, it isn’t my problem anyways.’ A large part of his desire came only from wanting to test his skills, and the confidence he has in them. Truthfully, it could even be called overconfidence but Ikazuchi wasn’t able to understand that about himself. With adrenaline pumping all throughout him, he didn’t have the right state of mind to actually face a horde of foes. It was for the best that he had a reason to direct his focus elsewhere. The long years of training that he went through with his father were a blessing at times like this, preventing Ikazuchi from giving into impulse. Even his breathing was steadily controlled leaving no apparent sign of his internal restlessness.
On the way he had been observing his companion, trying to gauge his skills as much as possible. For the inexperienced Ikazuchi, there wasn’t much that he could glean from his partner’s appearance. He could only assume that the man was a mage based on the lack of equipment, but he hadn’t thought to inquire about the man’s skillset. It wasn’t apparent to himself, but his confidence and lack of experience had caused a lapse in his judgement. A more experienced individual wouldn’t have made the mistake of going on a dangerous quest with someone that could potentially be dead weight, the same is true for a cautious individual. It was only now when they were nearly at their target that it dawned on him. It would be rude and rushed to bluntly ask at this point, and so he could only take the lead. His role in combat would always be such, rushing in and occupying the enemy at a close range was the simplest warrior tactic. With a clear game plan, Ikazuchi quietly spoke to his companion. “We’re nearly there. I will try to make an opening, so do what you can with that.” Ikazuchi would wait a moment for confirmation from Akushitsuna before moving into the graveyard.
What Ikazuchi hadn’t expected was how truly grotesque the appearance of the creature was. He understood what the undead were, but the term abomination was truly appropriate in this case. “What even is that?” This question quietly slipped out in a barely audible voice unconsciously as he observed from a distance. The monster standing two or more feet taller than himself looked like something straight out of nightmares. Stitched together rotting flesh made up a majority of its bulky frame, but white bones could be seen in some areas that lacked. The head looked vaguely human, but extremely disfigured without any clear features due to the drooping flesh which didn’t match the muscular appearance that the rest of the body had. On the left arm was a large bone protrusion somewhere between a blade and a bracer. Worst of all, the stomach area had organs bulging out as if it had more than it could ever fit inside. With the dried blood and maggots decorating the body, the inexperienced Ikazuchi felt all of his previous excitement become disgust. Truthfully, he had even lost his desire to fight such a thing. ‘It’s too late to regret it now…’ With that thought, he could only steel his resolve.
Seeing that it went beyond his expectations, Ikazuchi moved to a spot outside of the creature’s line of sight and spoke to Akushitsuna. “Okay, it’s not quite what I expected. I will try to flank it. That should be enough of an opening for you, right?” After getting a reply and confirmation from his companion, Ikazuchi would gradually make his way around to the back side of the abomination and gradually approach. It was a slow process as it kept roaming, occasionally even mindlessly attacking, but he eventually got within the range where he could rapidly approach. After a quick look to confirm his partner’s location nearby, he could only step in. Sharpening his focus like a sword Ikazuchi discarded all of his unnecessary thoughts, like second nature his right hand reached towards his right shoulder and his left hand reached towards his left waist. His approach was finally noticed by the creature, but he had the drop on it. With its size, it was impossible for it to turn in time to reach him.
With a low stance Ikazuchi paused his forward momentum on his leading right foot, planting himself firmly to produce the best attack he could. This moment would be his best chance to strike, and he couldn’t waste it. His core tightened as he pushed the air from his lungs, the only thing still in motion were his hands with each tightened around each sword. Rather, they were already half drawn at the moment his foot became planted. His targets were as clear as his mind in that moment, and so he could only strike true. The sword in his left hand followed a clear arc by both ankles of the creature cleanly slicing the thick tendons. His right arm slid partially down his left in that moment as it traced a path horizontally in the other direction aimed higher at the back of its knees. The cut at the back of the knees was deep, but striking the solid bones left his right hand slightly numb.
Due to the adrenaline at that moment, he could clearly see the abomination half way through its turn to the left in an attempt to take hold of him. ‘Too slow!’ It was already off balance from turning, but his attacks pushed it towards collapse. He had intentions for this to happen from the beginning, so he was moving immediately after success. Ikazuchi quickly pushed off of his left foot from his position to move diagonally by the creature. As he passed, he swiped at the creature with his left sword to try to keep its attention if possible. There couldn’t be much force behind the attack, but he tried to be true to his role and make an opening for his comrade. After taking several more steps out of its range, Ikazuchi quickly turned and faced towards the creature to see what Akushitsuna would do with this opening.
WC - [1,750/1,000]