Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 396: Taskmaster

Chapter 396: Taskmaster

Just like the whispers, the Taskmasters that abounded within the Archives served as another source of uncertainty.

The information he’d gotten from Ana only described them as tougher versions of Enforcers created for the sole purpose of taking care of the Relics within the Archives.

Their combat power was unknown, same with their weaponry and temperament.

With no other choice, Alex thought it best to think of the worst-case scenario when it came to them, comparing them to Elizabeth from Krobridge.

Considering what he knew about the dead Homunculi, it quickly became clear that his attempts to remain hidden would only end in getting caught off guard.

He doubted they wouldn’t have a means to immediately sniff out intruders if it came down to it.

Though he didn’t wish to be paranoid, Alex soon realized that instead of waiting to be caught, it would be best to take a preemptive strike.

With that in mind, he moved from his position, just in time as well, as the darkness behind him seemed to stir at that moment.

He moved with as much grace as he could muster, unwilling to make too much noise that could potentially alarm whoever was walking through the hall.

Grabbing a tonfa, Alex took an offensive position, trusting his weathered instincts to get him through his current predicament.

As the footsteps came closer, Alex couldn’t help but notice that it sounded somewhat off, almost uneven.

It felt like the owner of the footsteps was finding it difficult to walk normally which caused Alex to frown subconsciously.

Was this normal for Taskmasters or was something wrong?

Of course, he didn’t ponder on this for too long as he remained in place, prepared to deal a single blow to ensure the clash wouldn’t last long.

Just as it seemed like the footsteps were just around the corner, Alex moved without hesitation.

As he faced the Taskmaster, he was immediately taken aback, albeit for a moment, by their peculiar appearance.

They seemed more metal than man, almost like an amalgamation of man and machine, quickly making clear why they were capable of remaining in the Archives, seemingly unaffected by the burgeoning whispers.

The Taskmaster, who looked like they’d already fought based on their tattered clothing and damaged visor, had already drawn their weapon, a double-edged sword, as well, swinging with intent to kill.

Alex immediately adjusted his stance, putting faith in the Entropy seared into his armor.

And his faith was not let down.

The Taskmaster ended up digging into the corners of his armor, ensuring that the result was mostly a flesh wound though the force was enough to impact the bones underneath.

Meanwhile, Alex swung back with the Taskmaster quickly evading, almost like his act was child’s play.

Thankfully, Entropy was not to be underestimated.

Alex felt like he’d struck a wall as the tonfa connected with the Taskmaster’s jaw, causing them to take a step back.

Taking out the other tonfa, Alex capitalized on the strike to deliver three more with the Taskmaster blocking only to get struck in a different direction.

Unfortunately, even as they received damage, Alex also received damage as his hands trembled from the pain of striking something akin to a wall over and over again.

He worried that the fight might draw attention to the hall or that the Taskmaster might somehow manage to adapt to Entropy or perhaps that he’d exhaust himself before the fight would be over.

All these worries intensified as the whispers grew clearer.

’Pick me, I will end him, pick me.’

’Let me at him, let me at him.’

’Burn, Burn, Burn!’

Alex trembled as he took a step back, instinctively reaching for his head.

At that moment, the Taskmaster took a step forward and swung their sword.

Alex barely had the time to react, using both tonfas to block the attack resulting in him getting thrown back by the force of the strike.

His back ached and his wrists throbbed as he tried to get back up, unwilling to give in just like that.

The Taskmaster brandished his doubled-edged sword before sauntering over.

Alex rolled aside as he struck down but continued to do so as he watched the Taskmaster continue his attack without pause.

It wasn’t until he grew too close to a pool of darkness that he was forced to throw his legs out though the attack was completely useless against the Taskmaster.

However, it did buy him enough time to get back to his feet before swinging both tonfas and striking at what he presumed would be his opponent’s weak points.

8 out of ten rang out with a metallic clang, adding further stress to Alex’s wrist but he didn’t mind as that meant he struck home for 2.

The Taskmaster stumbled back and Alex didn’t dare to hesitate as he took advantage of the lapse, rushing forward and delivering further damage to the two points he’d singled out, namely, the left cheek and the right leg.

It felt more like flesh than metal, which meant that both hadn’t been reinforced with whatever sorcery the Great Families used to merge man and machine.

With the Taskmaster buckling under the pressure, he soon fell over, his mask completely broken, revealing the left side of his face which showed signs of getting pummeled.

Heavy breaths escaped Alex’s lips as he struggled to stay calm.

If it took this much to take down one Taskmaster, how much for two?... And the feeling that it was perhaps because they couldn’t follow Entropy that he was able to gain the upper hand in their exchange.

Taking a deep breath, he turned to continue his search only to pause, feeling as though he’d forgotten something.

Movement from behind told him that that was indeed the case.

He quickly glanced back to find the Taskmaster getting back up but it looked unnatural.

He somehow managed to rise back to his feet without using his hands as a pivot and even his erect posture looked off.

Then Alex caught sight of the pooling darkness behind causing him to freeze.

In his desire to take care of his opponent, he’d neglected avoiding the darkness persisting within the hall.

His heart tightened as he realized that the Taskmaster had been possessed in his unconscious state.

Wasn’t that too fast!?

Brandishing his tonfas, Alex immediately rushed forward, clear on the fact that he had to put down the Taskmaster again.

Alas, his attempt at an attack was quickly repelled as the Taskmaster swung his double-edged sword with reckless abandon, utilizing what looked to be a combat technique, leaving Alex no choice but to back away.

A deep sense of dread welled up within.

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