Legendary Soul Art

Number One turned abruptly only to see a gigantic White Vulture staring him down. Its pointy beak was the size of his torso but that wasn't the scary part. It was the Blue Soul Crystal that shone brightly on the vulture's forehead.

Screeeee!!

The White Vulture didn't wait with its attack as it launched forward while extending its neck to stab Number One but he was quick enough to dodge. He folded his wings and let the gravity pull him towards the ground. He secretly hoped that Rose would become the next target but he quickly got disappointed.

Rose didn't even try to run away and simply stared back with dominance. The White Vulture only hesitated for a moment before deciding to follow after the weaker prey. The Soul Beasts of its level were not stupid and could easily recognize a strong opponent.

"I already expected to face the leader but isn't that overdoing?" Number One rolled his eyes as the Heaven Rank Soul Beast chased after him. Any Soul Beast above Earth Rank was extremely rare in the Outer World and Rose had to bring one to challenge him again.

The large Blue Soul Crystal would definitely be useful to him but Number One already knew how troublesome it would be to kill it. His beam of light operated on generating immense heat that burned the enemies but Heaven Rank Soul Beasts and above were usually immune to heat. Unless he fired his gun right next to the vulture's head, he wouldn't be able to break through its defenses.

'I am being chased by a Heaven Rank beast so tell everyone to hide. I am coming down,' Number One informed as the White Vulture used the sun as a cover to dive after him. He immediately activated his Soul Vision to locate the target and fired to slow it down.

That happened to be the most anticlimactic shot as the White Vulture didn't even try to evade. Its beak glowed with blue light and it passed right through with no fucks given.

'Do you need our help?' Nami questioned cheerfully and Number One paused in wonder.

Number One was fine risking his own life since he could always regenerate but his women couldn't. One snap on them and their life would be over. That alone convinced him to pull them away from the fight but he was too late to announce his decision.

'Nevermind, Luna said you have no say in that and we are coming to help you,' Nami commented helplessly which complicated things. Number One had no real experience in battling in a group as he always did everything on his own.

'We can't fight it directly,' Number One replied as he spotted the two beauties readying themselves to fly. 'Stay where you are. I will bring it to you and then we will attack altogether.'

It was a quick plan Number One thought on the spot but the actual execution was a completely different challenge. He dove straight down between the red pillars and swiftly maneuvered deeper into the stone grove. The tight space was supposed to give him an advantage but he underestimated his opponent.

The whole area was his own playground and the White Vulture was like a fish in the water. It gently folded its massive wings to pass the tight corners and followed right after Number One while constantly gaining momentum. He kept turning and used the pillars as cover but his acceleration couldn't compare.

Swoosh!

The White Vulture suddenly extended its neck to bite ahead and its sharp beak went right between Number One's legs. He finally tensed up while shooting blades behind him and rushed to the girls as fast as he could.

'This thing is aiming for my crotch!' Number One called out on the way with the beast on his tail. 'Be careful of its beak. One snap and you are over.'

'We are already waiting in positions,' Nami informed hurriedly just before Number One spotted their pillars in the distance. He was forced to slalom between the pillars to force the vulture to brake and finally exploded its wings as soon as he crossed the surface.

"Now!" Number One cried out as he rolled on the top of the pillar and the girls pierced ahead with their Soul Swords. The White Vulture momentarily snapped its beak at Luna's sword but Nami's attack sliced right through its right wing.

SCREEE!

The White Vulture screamed from pain as it tumbled in the air before regaining its balance and landing on distant pillars. Its claws bit into the ground to slow its momentum before it glared sharply with its blue eyes. It was clearly pissed off and wanted nothing else than killing them.

"Well done!" Number One praised as he joined Nami's side and grabbed her waist urgently. "I need a weapon. Exchange the Wind Burst's feather with the Soul Sword."

The Wind Burst was a nice Soul Art with area damage but it was useless while going against Soul Beasts. It could be used against humans to catch them off guard or disturb their balance but he needed something strong enough to penetrate the White Vulture's defenses.

"Right now? It's going to take more than a moment to clear the feather," Nami replied anxiously as the White Vulture launched a land attack while jumping from pillar to pillar. "Just leave it to—"

"I will cover you!" Luna cut Nami off as she volunteered immediately and prepared another Soul Sword to fight the beast. She had no fear in her voice and it was filled with excitement instead.

"Trust me," Number One assured and pulled Nami to kiss her deeply. His hand lit up in an instant and his skin burned as if someone was pouring hot oil on his skin.

Number One completely ignored the pain and simply watched Luna with a side eye in case they needed to step in. She was thankfully not going all in like a maniac and focused on distracting the vulture with her Shadow Step Art in full motion. Each time the White Vulture tried to stab her with its beak, she dodged to the side and aimed her sword at its head.

The speed was so quick that Number One could barely follow it even with his Soul Vision active. He expected it would actually be easier to win on land but Luna struggled to land a single strike.

'Should I lure it by letting it bite me?' Number One wondered legitimately but Nami only stepped on his foot to get rid of that idea.

'You can't keep risking your life to get an easy hit on the beasts. What if it strikes your head?' Nami was upset and finally pulled away from the kiss. "It's done. Let's help Luna."

Pa!

Number One was about to test the new Soul Sword but then they heard a loud slap.