My (Monster?) Hero Life

Chapter 76: Return of the King

The deck was slick with blood and rain beneath Kace's feet. Although the heroes outnumbered them, Raven, Sophia and himself were building up piles of bodies.

The crew was glad to be on this side of the battle. They witnessed as Captain Raven created a pair of ice hands that either tossed the enemy overboard of flattened them like flies.

Sophia danced amongst the heroes, giving them swift ends. She would drive her hand through their chest and rip their hearts out. If their armour were too strong for it, well then she would settle for tearing their throats out.

Kace had lost himself in the slaughter. He was too busy with getting used to fighting with his shape-shifting weapon. It always morphed between sabre, spear, halberd and a large hammer.

Kace was ecstatic with it. The spell was like having a weapon at hand for every scenario. 'I wonder what will happen when I upgrade it?' He pondered. 

The galleon rocked violently yet again as more cannonballs began to rip through the lower decks now that the enchantments were broken. As Kace stumbled, Sophia appeared beside him, preventing a random hero from splitting Kace in two.

The deck was covered in blood, guts and body parts as the number of the enemies dwindled. The 'Freedom' managed to gain distance from the ship that was providing the reinforcements.

As it sliced through the waves, the crew worked together to clear the mess. Every one of them was a seasoned veteran, but that did not prevent a few of them from doubling over and emptying their stomach contents.

Captain Raven was red with fury. His brows were creased, giving him a very unpleasant look. His heart was silently weeping at the sight of the damage that had accumulated to his pride and joy.

"What the fuck do we do now?!" Sophia roared at him, believing that the heroes were here to hunt down the pirates.

"We can only head back to the Island. The ship won't last out here when they strike again. We have to try and lure them onto land and take one of their ships." Raven replied while withholding his anger. 

He was just as angry and confused about the situation as everyone else was. They had been careful not to draw any heat for at least half a year. "There must be a reason..." As he thought this, his eyes wandered to Kace's bloodsoaked figure.

'So that's it, huh? I could always exchange him if shit goes south.' Raven's eyes glinted with malice. He was determined to cut his losses as much as possible.

The trio of ships swiftly followed after them. At the head of the main ship stood Erik. His eyes were looking dead ahead as he analysed the outcome of the skirmish.

'They have decent skills; most of them are used to fighting on the water. However, their numbers are a bit low. Guess they had some problems before we got here.' Erik's face was utterly emotionless; there was no sign of what he was thinking written on it.

"When do we attack?" Tyler asked him with a voice full of anticipation. 

"Soon, it would be far better if we can force them to land. Otherwise, we might lose our spoils." Erik replied with a gruff sounding voice.

'Even though we have ships not a single person here is an expert in naval warfare. I'd rather not risk finding out if there are any nasty tricks they could pull.' Erik's mind was going through the motions. Running simulations of what may happen when they met in battle again.

'Land battle is definitely the best option.' He thought as he nodded his head. He was pleased with his assessment. 

"Let's head to the cabins. We can discuss the plans there." Erik announced to the trio standing behind him. 

Meanwhile aboard the 'Freedom'...

"We're losing them, Captain!" A member of the crew called out.

"Fuck!" Captain Raven swore. 'It's never a good sign when they fall back that much. Leaves no chance to slip past. It's like a giant net trying to drive you to where they want you to go!'

Raven wracked his brains for the best possible outcome. Best case scenario he could probably trade Kace, Grugda and Sophia for his crew and his safety. Having no other options, for now, he continued to steer the ship towards the Island.

Suddenly they could all hear a loud cracking noise could be heard coming from the Island. Rocks began to break away and fall from one of the mountains peaks. Slowly large waves started to emerge coming from the direction of the Island.

"Is that an earthquake!?" Sophia yelled as Kace and herself ran to the Captains side seeking answers.

"No. It's worse. The King has awoken!" Raven's face turned deathly pale with his reply.

A colossus of a body detached itself from the mountainside. Standing at fifty-foot in height, it had six legs and four bulky arms. It's lower half looked like it could have belonged to an insect. At the same time, the upper part looked to be man-shaped.

Its shoulders were broad as the rocky grey skin came into view. Various cracks and deformities in its muscles were exposed for all to see.

Resting atop a long giraffe-like neck was a face fit for an older man. It's ancient eyes glared out across the sea as a tentacled beard that was tipped with baby hands wriggled across its chest.

Place swallowed a hard lump of saliva as an unprecedented fear coursed through his body. If he had been paying attention, he would have been glad to discover he was not the only one feeling this way.

The members of both the 'Freedom' and the heroes forces had almost gone into shock at the abrupt appearance. Yul himself could see the looks of desperation upon their faces despite the distance that separated them. 

"A deals a deal!" He bellowed out to the ocean as he raised his hands in triumph. His eyes landed on Sophia, causing him to flash a predatory grin.