Chapter 147 - Aftermath
"Oh, you are awake."
While I was pondering to myself, suddenly I felt someone's presence entering the room. It was a woman with a good posture.
'An instructor.'
Her uniform was changed to casual, and the nameplate was gone, but it was evident that she was a skilled individual from the way she carried herself alone.
Her hands were callused, and she had sharp-squinting eyes.
TOK!
"….."
I just looked at her as she came closer to me with her heels hitting the ground.
"I assume you have some questions in your head." She said with a smile. But her eyes were different. Even though she had a smile, I could see the questions lingering in there.
'She is quite good at hiding it.'
She was experienced at hiding her thoughts showing on her face, but that didn't mean they could escape from my trait [Perceptive Insight].
"You're in the healing room. You were in quite a predicament back there in Dungeon B-3, but thanks to a young healer, you're on the road to recovery."
Hearing her words, I nodded my head. I knew this was the healing room used for the general conveniences, and it wasn't the first time I was here.
However, one thing immediately got my attention.
'Young healer?'
It was that word. Even though the academy had mostly lessons related to combat, that didn't mean there weren't any healers.
However, they needed to be nurtured first for them to be useful enough. And the wounds I got weren't something that could be cured by an average healer.
My brows furrowed as I tried to recall the events leading up to my current state. "What happened?"
While asking, I remembered a shiny light that enveloped me when I was on the brink of that. I was desperately trying to cling to life, and that light had helped me for sure.
The instructor's smile persisted, this time being a genuine one. "You were saved by a miracle."
As if to press on her words, she stopped for a second as she pointed out the bed near mine.
"The healer, Sylvie, performed an extraordinary feat of healing that goes beyond ordinary skills. It's not something you see every day, but you're here, alive and well, thanks to her."
The moment she said that she waved her hand, and the mana immediately moved around, forcing the curtain to slide to the side.
As she did that, she revealed the figure lying on the bed adjacent to mine.
A girl that I was quite familiar with lay there with eyes closed, a gentle rise and fall of her chest indicating peaceful slumber.
Her blonde hair cascaded around her like a halo, framing a face that could only be described as a work of art.
'Sylvie.'
Delicate features, smooth skin, and a certain innocence that emanated from her aura made her undeniably captivating.
'Huh? Captivating?'
However, I soon realized something. My thoughts instantly wandered around to a place that wouldn't normally be the case.
I couldn't help but be drawn to the scene. The air around her held a serene energy, creating a sense of tranquility in the room.
'Don't tell me?'
It was as if she carried an ethereal beauty that not only healed physical wounds but also touched the depths of one's soul.
The instructor spoke with a tone of admiration, "This is Sylvie, the healer who saved you. Her skills are exceptional, surpassing what we typically see even among academy healers."
The words spoken by the instructor and the scene I had just witnessed made it very clear about what had happened.
'She had awakened her authority.'
[First Lord's Authority.]
It was her trait, something that only one person in the world could have. The thing that would make her the Saintess in the future and one of the holders of the [Venerate] position.
However, even then, the authority was still lying dormant underneath for the time being, and it was supposed to keep doing so. But now, it awakened.
An event that would happen when the first year of the academy ended.
'This will make the things troublesome.'
After all, the awakening of authority wasn't something that could be overlooked, and certain individuals were bound to feel it, too.
"You were fortunate," the instructor continued, her gaze shifting between Sylvie and me. "Not everyone gets the chance to be saved by such a remarkable talent. Consider yourself lucky, Astron."
'Lucky indeed.'
I thought as I contemplated the serendipity that had brought me to this room and the healer who had worked wonders to pull me back from the brink.
After all, I wasn't expecting Sylvie to come, but even then, my situation was so severe that, if not for Sylvie, I am not sure I could have come out unscathed.
In the worst-case scenario, I would have died, and in the best-case scenario, I would have lost at least my arm.
Even though healing is a thing, and potions as well, there are certain limits to that, and the demonic energy inside me would have kept eating me alive.
'This is a debt.'
Looking at the girl who was sleeping soundly without knowing the trial she would need to face from now on, I thought.
'And, I never forget my debts.'
If she was the reason I was saved, that also meant I was the reason she was awakened. Of course, this doesn't make me responsible for the future that she will need to face, but I am still indebted to her, and I will make sure to pay it back.
"It is kind of a fate, isn't it?" the instructor remarked, her voice carrying a thoughtful tone. Her gaze lingered on Sylvie, who was still peacefully asleep.
I turned my attention back to the instructor, waiting for an explanation.
"When I had heard about the possibility of demon contractors attacking the dungeon, I immediately rushed to bring a healer with me," she admitted, a slight smile playing on her lips. "And, when I entered there, I saw she was free sitting on the corner without any patient to heal."
The instructor said as she slowly approached the girl. "But, just a moment ago, when I asked the overseer why Sylvie was not healing any participants, the answer I got was very interesting."
"..."
"Dealing with patients, especially the more severe cases, seemed to take a toll on her for some reason from her past, and the overseer said it wasn't the first time something like this was happening to Sylvie. And, at that time when I entered, she was apparently taking a break because her trauma was triggered."
Hearing those words, I nodded my head. From the start, I knew what Sylvie had been struggling with, as she was one of the most important characters in the game.
Her background story was also given in detail, as she had a trauma because of a certain event she had witnessed.
'To think it led to such results.'
"So, in a way, you could say it was a twist of fate that led her to you," the instructor continued. "But, even the fate alone wouldn't be enough."
The instructor turned her attention to me with her eyes turning serious.
"I had seen a fair amount of people as a Hunter who couldn't overcome their past. But, this girl did when she was in the most uncomfortable position she could be."
The instructor's gaze bore into mine, her eyes searching for understanding. "Astron, why do you think Sylvie was able to overcome her fears when she was faced with a situation that triggered her trauma?"
"….."
I didn't answer as I didn't have one in the first place. Even in the game, the way Sylvie awakened wasn't shown explicitly.
She would have awakened her trait when she had returned to her hometown after the year of the academy ended, and as the player, we wouldn't see it.
But, if I needed to guess, the answer would be the scene triggering something inside her.
"The main reason she was able to overcome her trauma in that critical moment was you. It was your presence on the field."
Hearing those words, I raised an eyebrow in surprise. It was a genuine surprise coming from my heart since I couldn't understand.
I didn't interact with Sylvie too much, aside from some circumstances. Of course, I kind of encouraged her to get better at controlling her fear, but that was all. Aside from that, my interactions with her were limited.
"Me? But I only met her recently. How could I have such an impact?"
The instructor explained, "Sylvie is not only bound by a sense of duty and her unique abilities but also by genuine emotions. Do you think, if you were not the person on the battlefield dying at that time and were someone other, she could do it?"
When she asked it, I thought about it for a second.
'Certainly.'
If it was something that could be triggered by any other student, Sylvie would have awakened her trait a lot quicker in the game as well.
"You see it, don't you? She's fond of you, Astron. I am not sure about your relationship with her or what kind of past you have, but your presence became a catalyst for her to confront and overcome her trauma. Sometimes, it takes a specific person or a significant event to unlock such potential within ourselves. Sylvie found that in you."
I pondered the instructor's words, trying to grasp the depth of their meaning. But one thing didn't make much sense to me.
'Why is she talking about all those things all of a sudden?'
"So, what are you getting at with all of this? Are you suggesting there's some sort of connection between us that goes beyond the surface?"
The instructor looked at me with a deadpan expression for a second, as if I was some sort of idiot.
'What is this woman doing, now?'
The instructor's deadpan expression persisted for a moment before she sighed almost in exasperation. "Are you seriously not getting it, or are you just pretending not to?"
I furrowed my brows in confusion. "Getting what?"
"…..Sigh…"
A long sigh escaped her mouth as the instructor looked at me, mumbling, 'This will get troublesome.'
FUSH!
Just as the instructor was about to say something more, suddenly, a movement occurred from the sides.
"Hmm….."
Chapter 148 - Aftermath (2)
"Hmm….."
As the girl lying on the bed squirmed with a humming sound, both Astron and the instructor immediately turned their attention to the girl.
"..."
Both of them closed their mouth as they watched the girl. Sylvie stirred, her eyelids fluttering as she regained consciousness.
The instructor decided to postpone whatever she had on her mind, giving Astron a pointed look before turning her attention to the awakening healer.
"Ah, you're awake," she said with a gentle smile, her previous deadpan expression replaced by a more amiable demeanor. "How are you feeling, Sylvie?"
Sylvie blinked a few times, disoriented, and then seemed to remember where she was. "I... I don't know. What happened?"
Even though she had said those words, she seemed to have sensed the changes that had occurred both in her body and in her mind.
The instructor glanced at Astron briefly before answering, "You performed a miraculous healing on Astron. It seems your talents go beyond what I initially thought."
Sylvie's gaze shifted to Astron hearing those words, and there was a mix of emotions in her eyes—relief, surprise, and something else that was hard to pinpoint.
Even then, she kept looking at him intently as if he had done something bad.
And, with a hint of concern, she finally mustered the courage to ask, "Are you okay, Astron?"
Those words sounded simple and dumb at first glance, but for Sylvie, it was different. She had just witnessed the same boy before her almost losing his life.
She witnessed the severity of his wounds; she directly felt them.
So when she asked the question in such a manner, it was rather in the form of reaffirmation for yourself.
"...Yes….." Astron managed to get the word out of his mouth and nodded his head. "Thanks to your efforts." And he added.
But, the expression on his face was no strange to Sylvie. The same solemnity that he had was there, but he simply avoided her eyes.
And she could see the emotions underneath. Now that she had awakened her trait, she could see things in a lot more detail.
'He is concerned?'
She asked herself. The palette of colors was now showing a concern, but she couldn't understand it.
'And, he is angry.'
Of course, there was a hint of anger splattered in his heart, probably due to what happened inside the dungeon.
The hatred was also there, comparably a lot stronger than before.
But, even then, there was no fear or any remorse in his heart, as if he didn't regard his life.
'Why?'
She wanted to ask.
'Why don't you value your life more?'
But she couldn't since the instructor stepped in.
"How do you feel, Sylvie? Do you sense anything different in your body?"
The instructor observed the silent exchange between Sylvie and Astron, and then, with a gentle smile, she turned her attention back to the healer.
Sylvie took a moment to assess herself. Her hand instinctively went to her chest as if checking for something unfamiliar. There was a subtle shift in her expression, a realization dawning in her eyes.
"I... I don't know. It's strange," Sylvie confessed, her voice carrying a mix of wonder and uncertainty. "I felt this... warmth when I was healing Astron. It's like my power was different, stronger."
The instructor nodded knowingly. "Awakening your trait can bring about changes. It seems your potential runs deeper than you might have thought. The situation probably triggered the condition of your trait."
With her words, the instructor slowly rose from her seat.
"Now that I have confirmed about your safety, I shall take my leave." the instructor announced, her gaze shifting between Sylvie and Astron. "It's crucial that the higher-ups are informed about this development."
She moved towards the door, her movements graceful and purposeful. "Continue to monitor any changes in your condition, Sylvie. Astron, if you experience anything unusual, don't hesitate to seek help from the academy's medical facilities."
With those parting words, the instructor exited the room, leaving the two all alone, though a subtle smile was on her lips.
TOK!
As the door was closed, the room fell silent.
Both of them didn't talk as they just stayed in silence. Of course, the awkwardness was only for Sylvie since Astron seemed to be pondering about something.
But, even in that awkwardness, Sylvie couldn't forget what she had seen just an hour ago in the dungeon.
That scene was engraved in her mind.
'Why?'
Sylvie couldn't bear the silence any longer. The question burned in her mind, and the feelings she was trying to suppress leaked out and pushed her to break the quiet tension.
"Astron, why were you in such a state?" she finally asked, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and anger. "What happened in dungeon B-3? Why were you so badly injured?"
Because she was reminded of that time, she felt angry at this guy before him.
Her eyes searched his face, trying to find answers and perhaps a glimpse into the thoughts that seemed to weigh heavily on him.
'Just why?'
The healing had been a success, but the aftermath left Sylvie with more questions than before.
This person's past, his feelings, his hatred and anger, the people targeting him in the dungeon…. countless things that were not normal.
"Don't you know?" The answer came not long after—an answer just like him.
'Again, a question as an answer.'
This habit of his always made her irritated because it felt like he avoided answering about himself.
'It is okay to talk about other people's past, but it is not okay to talk about yours….Tch!'
She remembered when he simply intruded on her personal space at that time, saying mean things.
But when she asked or when any people asked, he always avoided it.
"If I knew, would I ask?" she retorted, adopting Astron's style. A stoic expression remained on his face, seemingly unaffected by the role reversal. "You might," he replied casually, prompting Sylvie to question his evasion tactics.
"But, if I asked while knowing what happened, doesn't that mean I want to hear it from your mouth?" Sylvie countered. Astron's response was a simple yet frustrating "That's right."
"Then, shouldn't you answer?" Sylvie pressed further, refusing to let him sidestep the conversation. Astron's question of "Why?" echoed in the room, leaving Sylvie exasperated.
"Why? What do you mean by why?" she exclaimed, her frustration boiling over. The tension between them reached its peak, the unspoken weight of the recent events hanging heavily in the air.
"Why does it matter?" Astron replied with an air of nonchalance, his gaze fixed on the door. The approaching footsteps hinted at the arrival of others, and his trait [Perceptive Insight] allowed him to discern the possible identities. "Two girls," he thought.
Sylvie's frustration deepened. "Why does it matter? Because... because maybe I can help you!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with a mix of concern and anger. But before she could express more, Astron turned his face to her.
"Help, huh…..This is so like you." Astron's voice held a hint of both sadness and bitterness. His purple eyes, for a brief moment, revealed a myriad of emotions, a fleeting glimpse into the complex tapestry of his thoughts and feelings. "But, Sylvie, you know what?" But before Sylvie could delve deeper, he shifted his gaze downward, focusing on his own hands.
"Some people are bound to walk their paths alone," Astron muttered, his voice carrying a weight that seemed to echo with the gravity of his words. "Because they lost their chance to walk with someone."
His expression remained unreadable, a mask that concealed the intricacies of his inner world, but even then, Sylvie could see the guilt taking over him.
'Who is that someone?'
CRACK!
But, before she could ponder about it any longer, the door swung wide open, revealing Sylvie's friends who had rushed in.
"Sylvie, are you okay?" Jasmine immediately jumped to Sylvie, coming to her side. Concern was etched on her face. "I just heard that you collapsed in the dungeon. Did something happen?"
With the appearance of her friend, Sylvie was overwhelmed for a second.
Don't worry, Jasmine. Everything is okay now," Sylvie assured her, attempting to project a sense of calmness. "They had a bit of an incident in the dungeon, and I went to save someone, but I'm fine now."
Hearing this, Jasmine backed away for a second, squinting Sylvie from back with her eyes.
"It seems you are really fine." She hummed herself and nodded her head as she looked at the Sylvie from head to toe.
Jasmine's eyes widened with curiosity. "Wait, you went to save other students? What happened? Are they okay?"
Sylvie hesitated for a moment whether she wanted to explain what she had seen there or not, but then she decided not to.
"It was not many, just one student."
"Hmm….Do you know him?"
"It was Astron."
"Huh? Astron?"
"Yes."
"I see….Then, what happened to him?"
"He's... well, he was here a moment ago." Sylvie turned her gaze toward the bed, only to find it empty.
Confusion flickered across her face.
"Where did he go?" Jasmine asked, her eyes scanning the room.
Sylvie shook her head. "I don't know. He was just here."
Jasmine furrowed her brow, a sense of concern clouding her features. "He was here? What happened to him? And why did you go to save him in the first place?"
Sylvie hesitated again, grappling with the decision of how much to reveal. "There was an incident in the dungeon. I found him injured, severely injured. I couldn't just leave him there, so I tried to heal him."
Jasmine's eyes widened in surprise. "He was injured? How bad was it?"
Sylvie nodded solemnly. "Really bad. His arm was severed, and he had multiple injuries. I thought he was going to die."
"Severed arm? That sounds horrific. But you healed him?"
Sylvie nodded again. "It was... strange. I felt a different power in me like I could do more than I thought. And I did heal him. It was like a miracle."
At that exact second, another girl who had been there looked at Sylvie with a mix of awe and confusion. "A miracle? What do you mean?" Danielle said, with her eyes wide open.
Sylvie struggled to find the right words. "I don't know how to explain it. Something just clicked, and I could heal him in ways I never thought possible. But then, he left without saying much."
Hearing those words, the girl's expression behind Sylvie's body turned vicious for a second, and Sylvie didn't miss it this time.
'Huh?'
Different from before, she could now see it clearly. Something inside Danielle was obscuring her vision, masking the vicious feelings underneath.
'What is this?'
It was something that she hadn't noticed before, but now that she noticed, she couldn't shake the unease growing in her heart.
'Why is she?'
For the first time in her life, Sylvie realized her trait was never undeceivable, and that would be the start of one of the biggest deviations in the game.
Chapter 149 - Aftermath (3)
Inside a room, two people could be seen looking at each other. One was an old man with a bulky body, his presence commanding the room.
"Is that all?" The man's deep voice resonated in the room.
The other one was the instructor, who had been watching what had happened in the dungeon at that time.
"Yes, that is all, chairman. The healer, Sylvie, demonstrated an unexpected surge in her abilities, successfully treating a severely injured student named Astron. The circumstances surrounding Astron's injuries are unclear, and he left the room shortly after being healed. Sylvie seems to have experienced an awakening of her trait during the healing process."
The academy's chairman, known for his wisdom and experience, listened intently as the instructor recounted the events in the healing room.
The chairman stroked his beard, his eyes reflecting contemplation. "Astron... It is that kid again."
The chairman was well aware of the name Astron Natusalune. After all, that kid was one of the reasons for his headaches in the recent past.
"Do you know him, chairman?"
The instructor asked, looking at the chairman with a curious expression. It was not normal for him to show interest in lower-ranking students, especially the last-ranked ones.
"Partially." The chairman's reply came in a slightly mysterious manner, but it also contained the tone of not wanting to explain any longer.
Understanding that the chairman didn't want to be asked anymore about this, the instructor decided to focus on the main topic.
"So, what do you suggest us to do?" She asked, looking at the chairman.
"I am not sure if the others have also sensed the change." The chairman mumbled, stroking his beard. His eyes shone slightly for a second, as if the mana around was converging to him.
"But, we need to be prepared. The era is changing." The chairman's gaze turned distant as if contemplating unseen threads of destiny. "And this is the first step of the change. The stars have already started their movement."
The instructor looked at the chairman but didn't say anything. Even though those words seemed like they came out of the mouth of a madman, she knew the chairman far had surpassed what was considered normal for humans.
After all, he was one of the holders of the [Venerate] seat and the sole reason why this academy was able to operate without the intervention of external powers.
"Even if they hadn't already sensed it, they will realize the changes soon enough. The girl needs to awaken her fate." With those words sinking, the room suddenly filled with an immense amount of mana.
TOK!
But, with a small hit of the chairman's baton, the mana gathered was dispersed.
"The authority of the First Lord...Many will covet it."
"Authority of the First Lord?" At this point, the instructor couldn't help but ask. What did the words 'First Lord' mean?
"Heh…." A small laugh slipped from the chairman's mouth as he heard this question. "Now, I understand." Turning back, he faced the instructor, looking at her with a small smile.
"There are things you shouldn't peek at." His words seemed arrogant, but the instructor knew what they meant.
"I understand." She nodded and bowed her head. "But what should we do about this situation?"
"What should we do…." The chairman looked at the documents on his desk. There was a special document which contained a picture of a yellow-haired girl.
"He is the catalyst of the girl's awakening. Therefore, he is the possible key for her path."
The instructor nodded, absorbing his words. "What do you suggest we do, chairman?"
"Their proximity is paramount," the chairman stated. "Arrange for Astron to stick with Sylvie. The currents of fate have already brought them together. We must ensure that they navigate this shifting landscape side by side. Their destinies are aligned, and the academy's future hinges on their journey."
The chairman rose from his seat, a sense of urgency in his demeanor. "Prepare for the convergence. The other [Venerates] may have their own pawns in play. Our moves must be calculated and decisive. The era of change has begun, and we shall navigate its currents to ensure the academy's survival."
With those final words, the room fell silent once more as the instructor prepared herself to leave.
"Understood, Father."
And, with that one last word, she disappeared.
*******
In the dimly lit room, draped in shadows, a man sat upon a throne made of ancient, ominous bricks.
His eyes, dark and inhumane, conveyed a sense of boredom, yet within them flickered a subtle but potent essence of darkness.
-CRACKLE!
The torches crackled, making the room look like an ancient space.
As the air in the room thickened with an ominous aura, a figure emerged from the shadows behind the throne. Veiled in mysterious darkness, their face obscured, they approached the seated man with an air of reverence.
"It has appeared," the veiled figure murmured, their voice carrying a weight of foreboding. From his hands, a bunch of tendrils moved, revealing a small sphere made from glass.
"The prophecy we've been awaiting has begun to unfold."
The man on the throne shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing with interest.
"Sooner than what we have seen." The man's words echoed in the room as his eyes were fixated on the sphere. "This shouldn't have happened."
His eyes were pitch black and looked distant, as if he could see the things behind the walls of the castle where he had been residing.
The veiled figure nodded. "The threads of destiny are unraveling faster than foreseen. The Saintess's awakening had much more time, and we have been prepared accordingly. But this will change everything."
As the veiled figure spoke, they waved their hands, creating a bunch of silhouettes. One was holding a bow; the other was holding a sword. One had a hammer and shield; one was spewing fire from the staff she was holding.
Behind them was a small figure kneeling on the ground in the motion of praying.
"..." The man on the throne didn't reply, but he stood up. His eyes, peering through the skies, suddenly were narrowed.
Turning into the small silhouettes, his eyes were locked onto the black silhouette at the front, holding the spear.
"Something is different."
He mumbled.
"Something which shouldn't be here is here."
As if he was able to sense the future, the figure had goosebumps appearing all around his body.
TICK!
With his long claws, he touched the sphere. Following that, the mana smoothly moved to the sphere, converging into it.
As the mana flowed to the sphere from the top of the man's head, horns appeared as well, and his skin became paler and paler.
From a human, the figure revealed his true form, with its wings spurting from his back.
SWIRL!
Within the sphere held by the veiled figure, the scene unfolded once more.
Six distinct figures emerged, each wielding a weapon symbolic of their roles. One held a sword, another a bow, a third a staff, and the fourth carried both a shield and hammer. The fifth figure was in a prayer stance, and at the forefront stood the one with the spear.
"It is still the same….." The veiled figure mumbled.
The man on the throne observed the familiar vision, his eyes narrowing as the image played out.
It was a depiction they had witnessed years ago—the prophecy of the Saintess and the guardians facing the horde.
"Wait….."
Yet, as the scene progressed, an unforeseen change disrupted the anticipated vision. A mysterious smoke enveloped the sphere, shrouding the figures in uncertainty. Behind the valiant six, a new silhouette emerged. This figure seemed to be different from the other six, as it didn't operate in the same way as them.
"What?"
The man's eyes widened in recognition, a mixture of curiosity and unease spreading across his features. The unexpected addition to the prophecy had stirred something within him as if something inside him was awakening.
It was a subtle sensation, something he hadn't felt for a long time.
'My intuition is warning me.'
As a being that was on the highest rank, that was something he hadn't felt for a lot long time.
"Something has altered the course of fate," he muttered, his voice carrying a cold murderous tone.
But, it was very hard to maintain the sphere's mana consumption. It was large.
TAP!
Blood was already dipping from the horned thing's nose. After all, playing with fate and time had its own restraints, even for a higher being.
"…."
In the sphere, an unexpected phenomenon unfolded.
The moon and sun converged, casting an eerie darkness upon the world. Within this obsidian tapestry, the newfound silhouette radiated a luminosity, seemingly kindled by the celestial bodies' intertwined dance.
The horned overseer sensed the symbolism inherent in this cosmic convergence. "Kin of the moon... One of them is still there," he whispered, the words carrying the weight of ages.
The veiled figure behind him spoke with a surprised tone, "Kin of the moon?"
The horned man's eyes gleamed with a cold intensity, the cosmic machinations within them calculating. "They should no longer be in this world. I ensured their existence was erased—their threads severed from the fabric of destiny."
The revelation puzzled the overseer, a flicker of uncertainty marring his typically stoic demeanor. The existence of the lunar kin…..
"An anomaly," he mused, his voice a low murmur.
It was a threat to his own plans….
"The deal is yet to be fulfilled…." He said as he walked back to his throne. "Find the child of the moon."
Those words were the last words echoing inside the castle, but somewhere in the world, a being with its claws piercing a human received the order.
"Kekekekekeke...It has been a while…."
Under the dark night, the figure laughed eerily.
"Was it seven years ago…..That girl was sure tasty…."
Chapter 150 - First Step
"Everything is ready now."
Sitting on my bed, I looked at the things lying on the ground.
'My daggers are supplied back.'
Since the daggers given by the academy were broken, I didn't have a weapon to use. But that was immediately covered after I applied for another one.
The Academy certainly didn't lack money, let alone weapons such as the common daggers I used.
But that wasn't all.
'The ones they gave me are a higher grade.'
They probably did it to satisfy me, considering I almost lost my life because of the lack of the daggers' durability.
Other than that, they also gave me a bunch of potions and Valer to shut me up. After all, what was the best thing for any power holder to use?
I didn't refuse either since, at the end of the day, I was not planning to make this accident official.
'The government can't be trusted.'
Countless demon contractors have infiltrated the ranks of the human kingdom already, and if I didn't shut my mouth, it wouldn't be long before I was silenced in any case.
"Hufff..."
Looking at the scenery from my window, I readied myself.
The night had draped the academy in a blanket of darkness, and the only illumination in my room came from the soft glow of the moon. It was late, and the world outside my window was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the night breeze.
With the daggers securely fastened in their sheaths, I rose from my bed, the cool floor meeting the soles of my boots. The air outside held a certain stillness, a perfect cloak for my nocturnal pursuits.
Tonight, I had a different kind of hunt in mind – one that would test my skills in the silent dance of shadows and one that would possibly determine the future path I would take.
'Let's test my skills.'
I had been training after coming to this academy, but I knew even from the start I was behind when it came to pure strength.
But pure strength was never meant to be my specialty.
Putting the [Unknown's Armor], I got from the Blackthorns' vault, I got ready for the following night.
CREAK!
The door creaked softly as I opened it, mindful not to disturb the dormitory's tranquility. My movements were deliberate, my steps silent, honed by the trait [Shadowborne].
HOWL!
The night welcomed me as I stepped into its embrace; the academy grounds now transformed into a realm where darkness and secrecy reigned.
My destination was evident: the place where the threads of my mana were directing me.
The moonlight painted a silvery path ahead, guiding me toward my targets.
I moved with purpose, a solitary figure navigating the shadows, blending into the night like an extension of it.
The location was evident. The threads forwarded me to one of the academy's facilities that were on the main campus. Having already memorized all of the academy's land and the map, I could already envision in which place they were gathered.
Of course, I had already expected them to gather in such a place.
After all, they were the rats of demons, the bastards that moved silently underneath the academy and worked for the enemy.
'They should be meeting at the backside of the research facilities.'
Even though Arcadia Hunter Academy was an academy that focused mainly on the students for combat, they also had a place for those noncombatants, and one of them was magic engineers.
SWOOSH!
Making my way rapidly in the area, I moved in the shadows. I wanted to make sure I had an alumni when this happened, and that was the reason why I had [Unknown's Armor] on me.
I was away from the eyes of the wards, mana-supplied formations, and the mana-detecting radars thanks to [Unknown's Armor]'s unique specialty.
And that also meant when I left my room, nobody noticed me, which would result in them assuming I had never left my room in the first place.
"Ah…..That was a good night….."
"Right….It had been a while since I had fun this much."
While I was moving alone, I heard some students talking to themselves. Two girls and two boys were walking together.
"Should we go somewhere quiet?"
It seemed they were celebrating the end of the exams, and most of the academy was like that. After all, the stress of the exams was common in the first place, and when it came to young people of the opposite gender hanging out together, what came next wasn't that hard to predict.
'Not my business.'
However, now was not the time to observe things. Pushing everything back into my head, I continued to move.
CHATTER! LAUGHTER!
Since the magic engineering facilities were at the backside of the academy behind the café and the gathering spots, the laughter of the students could still reach my ears.
But, at this point, I reached the entrance of the magic engineering district, marked by subtle wards and enchantments designed to regulate access.
The [Unknown's Armor] rendered me virtually invisible to the magical sensors and wards that safeguarded this area, though that wouldn't be the case for the higher-ranking ones.
Everything had its limitations, and even [Unknown's Armor] wasn't absolute. If it was, it wouldn't be rotting in the vault for this long.
'Two mana-reading devices.'
As I approached, I noticed the telltale signs of security devices meant to deter unpermitted entries, checking the information related to one's academy watch inside the database.
Mana-supplied formations shimmered in the air, their intricate patterns designed to detect and respond to the slightest disturbance in the magical currents.
These were layered, intelligent barriers that required finesse to bypass.
'I guess that is how they are hiding themselves from the eyes of the academy.'
There was a special position, Volunteer Research Intern, VRI. It was a position that you could get even as a combat-related student if you were interested in how the equipment works, etc.
And, that way, you would be able to have access to this place.
'The insider is really thorough.'
Considering they were still able to pull such a stunt even when all eyes were on the academy, it made sense that they had at least prepared themselves this much.
'But, that won't be enough to stop me.'
With a calculating gaze, I surveyed the security measures in place, looking for a certain location.
My innate trait, [Perceptive Insight], granted me an acute awareness of the mana threads woven into the wards. Each enchantment revealed its purpose and vulnerabilities to my discerning eyes.
'It is here.'
In the game, there was a certain location where the small point was only covered by a low-rank security device. It was an error from the developers, as it wasn't intended to be made, but the players exploited that fact.
Spotting the same pattern in the defenses, I immediately dived in.
SWOOSH! CIZZT!
I could see the mana-supplying generator, which would create high-voltage electricity and nullify the possible trespasser.
THUD!
And not long after, I fell to the ground, jumping over the electrified fences. After landing, I once again blended in the shadows, using my trait, and then started moving again.
However, not long after, I met with the first group. A bunch of researchers were talking to each other while drinking their coffee in the open field.
"Have you seen the recent advancements in the kinetic amplification field? The results are astonishing…"
"Yeah, I heard they managed to triple the efficiency without compromising stability. It's groundbreaking!"
The risky part was that I needed to get past this open field to reach my destination, but without stopping, I moved under the shadows created by the huge lighting above my head.
"Maybe we can somehow get an internship in Blackthorn's."
"Nah….We are in the wrong academy for that."
"....."
"Anyway, did you check the resonance destabilization matrix? We might need to recalibrate it for the upcoming experiment."
"I did, I did…."
Their voices faded into the distance as I swiftly moved past, my footsteps silent and movements synchronized with the rhythm of their conversation.
The open field became a transient stage where the researchers unknowingly played their parts, and I, the unseen spectator, continued my silent journey.
The threads of my mana guided me unerringly, weaving through the labyrinthine pathways until I reached the designated location.
'Here, huh?'
It led me to a weathered and neglected research building at the rear of the Magic Engineering District.
This forgotten structure stood in stark contrast to the state-of-the-art facilities surrounding it, appearing as though time had chosen to ignore its existence.
The exterior bore the scars of neglect, with crumbling walls and faded symbols of mana warding barely visible.
'I can see why they decided to use this place as a hideout and a meeting place.'
Others had clearly deemed this place unworthy, and the academy had seemingly cast it aside. Yet, the subtle tinge of mana in the air told a different story.
FLINCH! THUMP!
Goosebumps appeared all around my body as the familiar sensation of my heart speeding followed.
'Demonic Energy.'
A faint demonic energy was covering the whole space as if it was working like a ward to spot anyone approaching. It was so faint that, even with my high sensitivity to demonic energy, I hardly could feel it.
'They are playing it safe.'
It was evident that they would be prepared in case the patrol or any other researcher came to this place, and this was their countermeasure.
'And that countermeasure will bite you back now.'
I thought as I ignored the demonic mana waves. After all, the armor was doing its job for such a low-level one.
SWOOSH!
With a swift step, I entered the small building using shadows as a stealth, and there I could finally see my targets.
'Get ready to meet your end.'
Chapter 151 - First Step (2)
"Why did you call us here?"
Inside the dimly lit building with the clear signs of being empty, three students gathered, their faces filled with different emotions.
The one leaning on the wall was a tall boy playing with the dagger in his hand. The other two were the newcomer girls who had just entered the room. One of them had a clear, annoyed expression, and the other had a smirk.
"You know, we need to lay low for a while, right?"
The girl, with an annoyed expression, said, looking at the boy.
"Of course I do. Do you think I would call you here without any reason, Pieck?" The boy answered as he stood up. "The target is not dead."
Pieck's annoyance turned into surprise, her eyes widening as she processed the boy's words. "What do you mean he's not dead? We executed the plan perfectly! There's no way he could have survived."
The boy, still playing with the dagger, nodded his head. "I know we have done everything right."
That was a correct statement. Before executing the act, they had searched the target's background and his possible skills. Then, they prepared the tools they needed to use according to it. Everything was perfect, as their target was within the range of their capabilities.
However, one factor was different.
"Apparently, we underestimated him. He managed to live somehow. You remember the light that shone on the skies in the dungeon, right? I think something happened at that time."
As those words sank in, the trio fell silent. The girls were trying to absorb this information and the possible results of it.
The second girl, Annie, who had been smirking, chimed in, "Seems like our dear Astron is more resilient than we thought. Perhaps there's more to him than meets the eye." She was clearly in a good mood as the expression she made wasn't that normal for any other average student.
"SHUT UP!" However, the Pieck wasn't in the same mood. "This is not the time to joke around, Annie!" Pieck's panic started to show, and her voice quivered as she spoke, "If he's alive, he'll expose everything! We can't let that happen!"
The boy walked closer to Pieck, his expression serious. "That's why I called you here. We need to regroup and come up with a new plan. We can't afford any mistakes this time."
His gaze alternated between Pieck and Annie. "You know what will happen to us if we fail, right?"
As the weight of the situation sank in, everyone fell silent.
This wasn't something they were ready for. After all, what could have possibly happened when they were trying to kill the weakest of the academy? Surely, nothing, right?
But now, that lack of preparedness came to bite them all.
Amidst the tense silence, Annie's smirk faded, and Pieck's panic lingered. Even the craziest ones did know the fate that was awaiting them the moment their connection to demon followers was leaked.
The boy took charge of the conversation, pacing as he spoke, "We need to reassess the situation. Astron's survival changes everything. We can't underestimate him again."
Annie leaned against a wall, crossing her arms. "So, what's the plan now? We can't just go after him without knowing what he's capable of."
Pieck, regaining some composure, added, "And we need to be more discreet this time. We can't afford any attention. The last thing we want is the academy getting involved."
The boy nodded in agreement, but at the same time, he released a bitter sigh…. "I also agree that we shouldn't involve the academy, but it is too late for that now. At this point, they should be aware of the fact that some of the students entering that dungeon were demon contractors."
As Reiner said that, he showed his smartwatch. There, the trio could see a message coming from the academy investigation team, calling Reiner.
"We may even need to abandon the mission and run away. With all these eyes, it will be a lot harder for us to complete the mission in any case."
Pieck's eyes widened with worry, and she blurted out, "But where do we go, Reiner? The organization won't just let us live. We're in this too deep. The only way out is to complete the mission as fast as possible and then leave the academy during the break period. It's our only chance."
Annie, who had been silent for a moment, finally spoke up, her tone serious, "Pieck's right. We can't outrun the organization, but if we finish this mission, we might have some leverage. We need to focus on Astron. Find out what he knows and exploit it. We can't afford to fail again."
Reiner nodded in reluctant agreement. "Fine, we stick to the original plan, but we need to be cautious. We can't afford any more mistakes. We also need to find out more about what happened in that dungeon. Whatever caused that light might be the key to understanding that bastard's resilience."
Pieck, frustration, and worry etched on her face, couldn't hold back her resentment. "That Astron, he's just an orphan bastard who got lucky. He won't be able to stand against us ne-"
SPURT!
However, at that moment, something unexpected occurred. The sound of wind and the sound of liquid splashing around echoed in the closed building.
Pieck couldn't even complete her sentence, as something had pierced her forehead, blood splashing through from there.
-SPLASH!
But that wasn't all; a series of other projectiles punctured her body one by one.
THUD!
And, in a matter of a second, Pieck fell to the ground without being able to utter any other words.
"Huh?"
The first one to give a reaction was Reiner, as he finally noticed the pool of blood that was forming underneath the Pieck.
"We are under attack!"
He shouted, assessing the angle from which the projectiles were coming. From the shadows, the unseen assailant continued to rain the projectiles.
WOOSH! WOOSH!
Reiner immediately activated his demonic powers, a dark aura enveloping him as he sought cover, his eyes scanning for the source of the attack.
"Bullets?"
Looking at the small things that fell short at the end of his shield, he mumbled. Bullets were something that wasn't widely used, as guns didn't hold much strength against strong people.
"Hehehehehe…..Who is this, I wonder?"
Annie, while laughing, took swift action, finding cover while drawing her menacing scythe.
The metallic gleam in her eyes conveyed her readiness for battle as her normal crazed smile returned.
"WHO ARE YOU!"
Reiner shouted, trying to get a reaction from the assailant. He had already taken a cover, and Annie was the same.
SILENCE!
However, no answer came as a reaction, as only an eerie silence was left in the building.
'How did he trespass our radar?'
They had already put a safety measure at the entrance, a device that was one of the biggest reasons why the government wasn't able to capture the demon followers.
'No, it is not the time to think about it.'
Reiner thought, looking at the pool of blood formed underneath Pieck's body.
'We shouldn't drag this.'
The bullets were also stopped, as only the darkness remained inside the room.
'No lights?'
The lights were gone.
'They are shot.'
The lightbulbs were all shattered as Reiner looked at the ceiling. There were no lights, but his superior senses as the demonic human was spread all around the place.
He could hear everything sense everything clearly. However, there was still no information about the assailant.
'Fuck!'
Understanding that time was not on their side, Reiner immediately stood up, moving to Pieck's body.
SHINE!
And at that second, he saw something shining on top of the ceiling. There on the wall, Reiner immediately sensed the mana channeling.
'No!'
He sensed, but it was too late.
SWOOSH!
As the channeling of mana was finished, another projectile flew, this time containing a lot more energy.
It was an arrow with a blue-lighted mana covering. The energy it contained was so much that even Reiner felt threatened.
BOOM!
Following that, the arrow exploded near Reiner, and the force of the blast sent him reeling.
THUD!
He lost his balance for a second, his demonic armor absorbing some of the impact but leaving him momentarily disoriented. As he hit the wall, he was momentarily shaken up.
"Kekekeke! There you are."
However, he wasn't alone.
Annie, seizing the opportunity, immediately dashed toward the direction from which the arrow had come. Her scythe gleamed menacingly as she prepared to strike down the unseen assailant.
SWOOSH!
Her scythe sliced through the air, aiming at an invisible target. Yet, as the weapon swung through the space, it met no resistance.
"What the hell?" Annie exclaimed, her eyes scanning the darkness. There was no one there, no trace of the attacker who had just launched the explosive arrow.
SWOOSH!
And, as if the attacker had predicted what Annie would do, at that exact second when she was in the air, another arrow flew through.
STAB!
And stabbed her in her shoulder. This time, it didn't contain as much energy as the previous one; thus, it was even harder for her to sense the arrow.
"Grr…."
Annie gritted her teeth, but that clear smirk was still on her mouth.
THUD!
With a smooth landing, she reached the ground.
Reiner, still recovering from the blast, managed to regain his footing. He activated his demonic powers, forming a protective barrier around himself.
"Annie, what happened?" he called out, his eyes darting around the room.
"I...I don't know," Annie replied, a hint of frustration in her voice. She was puzzled by the sudden disappearance of their unseen foe.
SWOOSH! SPURT!
However, in the silence that followed, they heard another sound of something splashing.
"Huh…."
As they turned their attention to the sound, they saw Pieck's body on the ground, with another arrow stabbed...
On the right beside her heart…..
"No…"
And the arrow was shining.
BOOM!
Coupled with another explosion occurring….
Chapter 152 - First Step (3)
BOOM!
The explosion that followed was more intense than the previous one, sending shockwaves through the room.
'NO!'
Reiner wanted to shout, but he couldn't even open his mouth.
TING!
His body was shaking as if something different had entered his body, disturbing his strength.
He shielded himself with his demonic barrier, absorbing some of the impact, but the force of the blast still rocked him.
THUD!
Annie was also caught in the radius of the explosion and struggled to maintain her balance.
The feeling of nausea rose from deep inside their stomachs as if something was breaking the order in their bodies.
"Burghk!"
The remnants of a shiny mana left an ethereal glow in the air, creating an eerie atmosphere.
'Holy Attribute?'
It was a holy attribute, the biggest enemy of the demonic humans.
"Haaaaaah...."
Reiner took a deep breath to calm himself down, risking showing his position.
"Grrr….."
Annie was also grinding her teeth, as she didn't have the defenses that Reiner had to protect herself.
"You bastard…"
The smirk on her face was far long gone, replaced with an angry expression.
However, on Reiner's mind, something far more concerning was there.
'Pieck.'
One of their members caught up with the explosion. The demonic humans had the power to regenerate themselves most of the time, but the holy attribute countered that.
As the dust settled, a voice echoed through the room, mocking and distant. "How does it feel?"
It was a voice filled with sneer. The sheer tone of coldness and hatred was enough to send shivers down Reiner's spine.
「Demonic Materialization. Blades of Hell. 」
Without wasting any second, he immediately used his skill to attack the location where the sound came from.
SWOOSH!
The blades of demonic energy flew; it was such a huge amount of raw energy that it almost even destroyed the walls of the research room, which was supposed to be able to resist any factor that could possibly occur in an experiment.
SLASH! SLASH!
However, even then, nothing was revealed there. Only pieces of a mana-engineering device.
'What?'
TOK!
At that moment, Reiner's senses picked up something hitting the floor. Just beneath them, something hit there.
'Capsule?'
It was an arrow with a capsule attached to it.
PISS!
Following that, a gas started spreading from the capsule, filling their vision.
"Haaaah….."
As the gas enveloped the room, Reiner and Annie found themselves struggling to breathe. The demonic mana in their bodies started getting harder to control with each second.
The thing that once intensified their bodies was now biting them back.
"What is this…..Haaah..."
"I-I…..can't breathe….."
The darkness, now compounded by the disorienting effects of the gas, intensified their sense of vulnerability.
Reiner's demonic materialization dispersed the gas immediately around him, but the assailant's tactics became clear. The gas had been a diversion, a tool to sow fear and confusion. Reiner, with his heightened senses, understood the implications.
"Annie, stay close!" Reiner barked, trying to maintain a semblance of control.
However, even in the darkness, they couldn't see each other. The gas, coupled with the pitch-black environment, made their perception unreliable.
As if shadows were playing tricks on them, they were seeing figures moving in the gas.
"How does it feel? The thing that once supplied you with power is now holding you back."
Those words echoed in their heads.
"YOU BAS-"
He wanted to refute; he wanted to swear.
SWOOSH!
However, he couldn't. Suddenly, an arrow with a faint mana glow streaked through the air. It was aimed at him, who instinctively activated his demonic barrier.
CLANK!
The arrow collided with the barrier, creating sparks. Despite the successful defense, the attack added to the psychological pressure.
"Reiner! Where did it come from?" Annie's voice echoed in the dark.
"I don't know. Keep your guard up!" Reiner responded, his own uncertainty masked by the authoritative tone.
The fact that Pieck had just exploded just before their eyes was enough to show that the assailant had enough firepower to overpower them if they were caught off-guard.
SWOOSH!
However, they didn't have any time at all. With those words, arrows filled with mana started raining upon them one by one.
The sheer strength contained in those arrows wasn't something much, as their demonic skin was enough to defend them from the strength they were ready to defend.
STAB! STAB! CLANK!
With their amplified body abilities close to high-ranking students of the academy, they were able to defend themselves even with their senses getting disturbed.
But, that wasn't the case for the arrows that were filled with the shiny color of blue.
BOOM! BOOM!
Mixed between the other arrows, those charged with the blue-colored mana exploded whenever they hit them.
And whenever those arrows hit, they always left wounds on their body.
To add salt to the wound, the assailant didn't seem to have any sort of difficulties while hitting them.
The arrows always found their mark, as if he knew their location from the start.
'Fuck! Where is he?'
SWOOSH! BOOM!
With another arrow exploding just on his shoulder, Reiner felt the pain of displacement. His bones broke as the heat spread through his body.
"FUCK!"
The explosive arrow had taken its toll, leaving Reiner seething in pain. The relentless assault, coupled with the gas-induced confusion and the lingering fear from Pieck's demise, pushed him beyond his limits.
"WHERE ARE YOU, YOU COWARD?" Reiner's roar echoed through the room. His frustration transformed into a berserk determination. He couldn't take it anymore. The unseen assailant, mocking them from the shadows, needed to be silenced.
「Demonic Materialization. Blades of Hell. 」
Reiner unleashed his demonic energy without restraint. Blades of raw, chaotic energy erupted from him in every direction. The once dimly lit room now became a chaotic storm of demonic energy.
SWOOSH! CLANK! SWOOSH!
The blades collided with the walls, the floor, and the ceiling. Reiner, blinded by rage, attacked without precision, creating a tempest of destruction in a desperate attempt to unveil the hidden adversary.
The assailant, having enjoyed the psychological advantage, now must have found themselves on the defensive.
That was what Reiner assumed since the arrows ceased momentarily as they evaded Reiner's wild onslaught.
As he continued to fire his demonic blades, supplying all his energy, "What's happening?" Annie shouted, her voice almost drowned out by the chaos.
"I'm done playing games!" Reiner bellowed, the blades of demonic energy continuing to ravage the room.
Annie, caught in the maelstrom, activated her own defensive skills. The scythe in her hands glowed with sinister energy as she tried to keep herself protected amidst the chaotic onslaught.
"Hey! Slow down!"
However, for Annie, she didn't have many defensive skills, as she focused on offense. With her body already worn down from the constant attacks of arrows, now the blades of Reiner attacked her, and she couldn't defend herself completely.
SPURT!
Blood spilled from the wounds created by Reiner's blades.
"YOU FUCKER! YOU ARE GOING TO KILL ME!"
Annie's desperate protest barely reached Reiner's ears. His sanity had slipped away amid the chaos he himself had unleashed. The blades of demonic energy continued to lash out indiscriminately, leaving Annie in a perilous situation.
"Hey! Reiner! Enough!" Annie cried out; her voice strained as she tried to shield herself from the onslaught.
But Reiner had long lost control. His hysterical laughter joined the cacophony of destruction, a manifestation of his crumbling composure.
"HAHAHA! I SHOULD LIVE! I SHOULD BE THE ONE! YOU JUST BEAR WITH IT!" Reiner's laughter echoed, a disturbing sound in the midst of chaos.
Hearing this, Annie's eyes widened in disbelief and fear as she witnessed the expression on Reiner's face.
The guy who was always calm now had a smile on his face, but the shaking of his body was giving away the fear he had.
Annie's disbelief turned into a surge of anger that burned hotter than the demonic glow surrounding them.
"You bastard!" she spat, her frustration and rage channeled into her words.
Even though the trio hadn't been allies for a long time, they had completed a bunch of requests from the organizations, and they always looked after their backs while ignoring the annoying things each of them had.
But now, this guy was cutting her off like that.
'I will kill you fucker.'
The already different brain of hers was filled with an annoyance that wasn't even natural from the start.
As if something had been affecting her mind, she forgot the assailant for a second and attacked the boy.
SWOOSH!
With a fierce determination, Annie, fueled by anger, dashed towards Reiner. Her scythe gleamed with an intensified sinister energy as she prepared to strike him down.
"YOU THINK YOU CAN JUST GO CRAZY AND I'LL SIT BACK?" Annie roared, her voice cutting through the chaos. She swung her scythe, aiming for Reiner's now manic form. The air whistled with the force of her strike.
CLANG!
Reiner, lost in his own madness, barely managed to raise a defensive barrier. Annie's strike collided with the demonic shield, creating sparks that illuminated the dark room.
"Hahahaah….What are you doing?" Reiner said with his arms shaking for a second, but then again, anger soared in his heart. "Do you want to die as well?"
'As well? Who else is here?'
Reiner couldn't help but think. But Annie didn't give him any more time.
As the clash echoed in the room, both Annie and Reiner seemed to be consumed by the same madness that had gripped their actions.
The demonic blades and the sinister scythe clashed relentlessly, each strike resonating with the echoes of anger and madness.
SWOOSH! CLASH! SWOOSH!
The sound of their blades meeting filled the room, drowning out any rational thoughts. Annie, now caught in the whirlwind of her own anger, attacked with a frenzied determination. Her strikes were relentless, driven by the betrayal she felt from the person she had considered an ally.
"YOU THINK THIS IS FUN?" Annie shouted, her voice a mixture of rage and desperation. The crimson glow of her scythe intensified, casting eerie shadows on the chaotic scene.
「Seal of Death」
She used her skill, and the same eye appeared behind Reiner's head, followed by his insides spilling out.
「Demonic Materialization. Blades of Hell. 」
"You fucker."
Reiner, still laughing sporadically, responded with demonic counterattacks.
His blades moved with a chaotic rhythm, no longer following a strategic plan but responding to the sheer turmoil within him.
SPURT! THUD!
Despite their demonic resilience, the wounds began to accumulate on both of them. The berserk state they found themselves in made them more susceptible to each other's attacks.
THUD!
And finally, both of them fell to their knees as they couldn't stand anymore, thanks to their accumulated wounds.
"Kurgh…."
Blood spilled from their mouths as clarity returned to their head slowly.
"Huh?"
Reiner looked at his hands, feeling something was amiss.
'What was I doing?'
He asked himself, but before he could say anything more, he sensed someone's presence.
CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!
Followed by the sounds of clapping.
"It really worked…."
Chapter 153 - First Step [Interlude] (4)
Reiner looked at his hands, feeling something was amiss.
'What was I doing?'
Something was different.
It was as if, something had possessed him. The anger he just felt, the fear, all those emotions. They were so extreme that, it wasn't normal.
But before he could even think of anything, a sound echoed inside the room of the research.
CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!
It was the sound of clapping.
'What?'
Then he realized. There was one other being with them inside this place.
The sole reason why he was in this state.
'I forgot?'
He realized; he had forgotten the existence of the assailant in the room.
At that moment, it felt unnatural.
"It really worked…."
As the clapping continued, a figure emerged from the shadows.
The attacker revealed himself, wearing a dark, creepy mask that concealed his face.
His hood draped over his head and obscured any glimpse of his hair. The attire, pitch black like the abyss, merged seamlessly with the shadows surrounding him.
The aura exuding from the mysterious figure was suffused with darkness, but underneath that layer, a faint silver-colored mana emanated. It was a strange and ominous combination, creating an unsettling presence.
But the moment Reiner saw the attire, he realized it was the attacker immediately. The moving shadows and the arrows coated with mana matched the figure perfectly.
TAP! TAP!
As if to instill more fear into its enemies, the once-silent figure slowly moved while making sounds.
As the clapping ceased, a low, eerie whisper emanated from behind the mask, cutting through the dim silence.
"Congratulations. You've made it easier for me," the figure mocked, his voice carrying a tone of sinister satisfaction. "Fighting amongst yourselves like rabid beasts. Truly, you've proven yourselves worthy of following a bunch of dogs."
Reiner's eyes narrowed in a mixture of anger and desperation as he glared at the masked figure.
'It was this fucker.'
The sinister presence of their assailant fueled the fiery rage within him.
'I will kill him.'
"Grr…."
Gritting his teeth, Reiner harnessed the last remnants of his demonic energy, unleashing a primal roar as he charged at the hooded menace like a wounded beast.
"RAAA!"
The anger he felt coupled with the fear of death now turned him into nothing but a lump of disgusting flesh not resembling a human.
SWOOSH!
His movements were fueled by a reckless determination, driven by the fury of a cornered predator.
But, the moment his blade met with the supposed attacker, the only thing he cut was the empty air.
'Huh?'
"You don't learn, don't you?"
The hooded figure's voice echoed, the sentence hanging in the air like a venomous promise.
SWOOSH! SLASH!
Before Reiner could comprehend the meaning behind those words, the attacker swiftly moved. His already tired and worn-out body was reaching its limits, but it came nowhere close to the mental strain on his mind that accumulated in just ten minutes.
The silver-coated daggers in hooded hands blurred in the air, leaving behind streaks of deadly brilliance.
"Gah!" Reiner grunted as pain flared through his body. The daggers imbued with a strange silver mana, cut through his demonic skin with an efficiency that defied the chaotic nature of the ongoing battle.
At that moment, Reiner felt the true fear once more.
'No….I can't die….I can't die….'
The door of the death was opened, and someone was seemly peeking through that door.
"YOU BASTARD!"
Reiner shouted, trying to fend his fear off.
RAAAAAR!
Reiner's desperate roar echoed through the dimly lit room as he summoned the last reserves of his demonic energy. The crimson aura around him flared, creating an eerie spectacle that clashed with the silver brilliance of the attacker's daggers.
"You really are no different, a beast," the hooded figure remarked, his voice a chilling whisper that hung in the air.
And then, with an uncanny swiftness, the shadowy figure vanished. It was as if he had melded seamlessly with the darkness, leaving no trace behind.
Reiner, caught in the grip of fear, struggled to comprehend the sudden disappearance of his adversary.
"Where are you, you bastard?" Reiner shouted, his voice a mix of rage and desperation. He frantically scanned the surroundings, his heightened senses strained to their limits.
The room seemed to close in on him, the shadows becoming suffocating. Reiner could hear the rustling of the air, the subtle sounds of movement, but he couldn't pinpoint the location of the assailant.
With each second passed, it felt like thirty seconds. His mind was already worn out from all the things that happened, and the pain from the wounds added salt to it.
"Show yourself!" Reiner demanded, his breaths heavy and labored.
RUSTLE!
'Here.'
And as he suddenly heard a sound on his back, he attacked like a madman.
"RAAA!"
SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!
He swung his demonic blades in a wild frenzy, attacking the empty air. His movements were driven not by strategy but by a desperate attempt to strike anything that might be lurking in the shadows.
But his attack met with nothing, as the attacker remained elusive; his presence was felt but never seen. Reiner, now covered in a cold sweat, turned in all directions, his senses on edge.
"What's the matter, Reiner?" The hooded figure's voice taunted him from the unseen. "Can't handle the unknown?"
As the disembodied voice continued its mockery, Reiner felt a paralyzing fear take hold.
The figure's taunting continued, each word dripping with malevolence. "You, who fancy yourself a predator, are nothing more than prey in the dark. How does it feel, Reiner? The fear, the helplessness?"
Reiner's movements became erratic, his once-confident demeanor replaced by a sense of dread.
The room seemed to warp and twist around him, shadows dancing with malice. He swung his blades aimlessly, attempting to ward off the unseen threat.
"You thought you became something after getting the power you sought this much, but here you are, lost and afraid," the hooded figure's voice whispered, encircling Reiner like a vengeful specter.
FLINCH!
Hearing this, Reiner flinched as the memories of the past came.
The memories of when his father was beating his mother.
The memories of when he was powerless…. The memories of when he was getting targeted by the kids who were awakened.
'How does he know?'
The sounds of rustling and unseen movements intensified, playing on Reiner's frayed nerves.
"Haah…..Haaah…..How do you know?"
His breaths came in ragged gasps as the oppressive darkness closed in. He staggered, his once-mighty frame now reduced to a trembling shell.
"People like you, seeking power to escape the past, are always the same," the hooded figure's voice echoed, a haunting reminder of Reiner's deepest fears. The room seemed to tighten around him as if the shadows themselves were constricting his very essence.
"How do you know?" Reiner choked out, his voice a desperate plea. His vision was blurry, as the wounds that were accumulated were now taking their toll.
SWOOSH! STAB!
And, at that exact second, before him, the figure materialized from the shadows, his silver-maned daggers gleaming with an otherworldly light. Without a word, the figure swiftly closed the distance, and in an instant, the cold steel pierced Reiner's heart.
"ARGH!" Reiner cried out, the pain searing through him. "BURGHK! Then, blood started flowing from his mouth as he felt his demonic heart not functioning.
As he felt his consciousness sweeping away, he heard the last words of the attacker.
"We are probably the same….You had just chosen the wrong master to follow."
With those last words, he felt his consciousness fading, as the last thing he had seen was the cold, shiny blades.
***********
In the real world, without any dreams whatsoever, there are consequences of actions. Everything has a price.
If you seek strength, you need to pay a price.
That will be either in the form of time to spend on training or in the time of money to spend or resources…..
But, then, where do the demon followers stand?
Do they train for the powers they get from demons?
Do they spend mana on treasures to increase their strength?
No, they do not. Any person without money or talent can become a demon follower. That is the reason why those who were abandoned by the world chose the path of the demons.
The world is not a fair place.
Some don't have the money to spend on all those resources…Some don't have time….And some don't have the talent.
Therefore, rather than accepting reality as it is, by the nature of humans, they look for other options.
Options that make them stronger.
Demons just exploit that fact and make use of the sought-after strength.
They give the demon followers the strength they desire.
But, just as I said, everything does have a price.
What do demons get from giving such humans demonic energy?
Or, what negative effects does it have on humans?
Just like in any social structure that belongs to sentient beings, there is also a hierarchy in the structure of demonic followers.
And for those that are rather on the lower rank of the scale, the resources they were given are also on the lower side. Their demonic energy is rather raw and unrefined, which makes it very hard to control.
Essentially, since humans were born to use mana, the existence of demonic energy inside them is unnatural. And because of that, the body repulses the external being. But the more you are subjected to such energy, essentially, to adapt that common fact, the more your body changes.
Those adaptations make you closer to a demon, and that is also one of the biggest reasons why once one uses the demonic energy for a long time, they would no longer be able to return to their human body.
The changes happening in them are too big for their own good.
In any case, the demonic energy is raw. The lower-rank demonic energy makes the people subjected to it more prone to emotional fluctuations, making their rationality more berserk.
That was where a thought ticked in me.
While I was fighting with these two in the dungeon, I realized their demonic energy and its quality was a lot lower than when I fought with Fred.
Considering Fred was not that of a high-ranking demonic human, that meant these two were on the bottom rank.
Therefore, I decided to test something.
'Berserking Vial.'
There was a potion in the game that made monsters berserk. It was a common-grade potion, and it was very commonly used by the players since, essentially, by making monsters berserk, you could make them fight with each other and then last hit at the end to get exp.
Then I thought, if they are lower-rank demonic humans, can't I do the same thing for them?
Then, I referred to the ingredients of the Berserking Vial but only altered some of its contents to make it more efficient against demon followers.
Then, I put the substance into the arrows, covering the tips with the poison.
It was just an experiment. Even if it didn't work, it wouldn't matter that much, but if it worked, that would give me direction in the future in this aspect.
And here we were.
Standing in front of those who once tried to kill me but then lowered themselves enough to not discern the enemy and ally.
Just like the lowly demons they followed, the dogs shared the same disgusting aspect.
'Like the owner, like the dogs.'
The anger in my heart as I looked at the disgusting demon followers didn't cease. The feeling of hatred was still there.
'It is not enough.'
I thought to myself.
This was nowhere near enough.
'This is the start.'
But, even then, it wasn't meaningless. I had confirmed my abilities.
'I should just clean up and leave.'
Looking at the dead bodies lying on the ground, that was what I thought. Though before leaving, I didn't forget to take their watches.
After all, I still needed to take care of the instigator.
Just like that, the real first step for my revenge was complete.