A lovely white cottage with polished stone walls and a slated roof stood among a row of dispersed homes. It exuded a sense of warmth and comfort, despite not boasting the grandeur of the city's buildings. The cottage's charm was enhanced by a delightful little garden that bordered the walkway, guiding visitors to the inviting front porch. Lush green grass enveloped the entire compound, lending a vibrant touch to the neighbourhood.
Edowado ascended the porch stairs and rapped on the door three times, patiently awaiting a response. Shortly after, the sound of footsteps resonated from behind the door, followed by the unlocking of multiple locks. The door creaked open, revealing a pretty face peering through the gap.
A pair of bright green eyes peeked from behind the slightly ajar door.
"Edowado! You're finally back. What took you so long today?!" the young girl exclaimed.
The door swung open, revealing a youthful figure adorned in a simple yet cute dress. With fair skin and mid-length chestnut brown hair fashioned into a charming pigtail that cascaded down her neck, she was none other than Akisor, affectionately known as Aki. As Edowado's younger sister and the youngest member of the Crestell family, she possessed a mischievous spirit.
"Hey sis, I'm finally back," Edowado replied, lightly scratching Aki's head. She was a tad shorter than him, but her playful demeanour was evident.
"Oi! No touching my head. You're filthy and all dirty. Gross!" Aki playfully swatted his hand away, holding both of her hands up as if to dismiss him.
"I oughta kick you in the leg for being so mean, you twerp! I work hard, that's why I'm a mess."
"Yeah, yeah, keep using that as an excuse and we'll see how that turns out"
"Ugh, you're an annoying little monkey"
"You're an annoying short gorilla with black hair, blegh!"
Aki stuck out her tongue mockingly before darting into the house to avoid being caught in her brother's grasp. Edowado chuckled lightly, following her inside and closing the door behind him. He stepped onto the familiar wooden hallway that led further into his home.
Removing the boots he had worn during his adventure, Edowado placed them in a small rack next to the door. The hallway was bathed in a soft glow emanating from specially engineered energy lanterns. These lanterns, powered by the energy extracted from monster shards, illuminated the polished wooden floor, doors, and even the staircase attached to the wall opposite the entrance. The staircase led to the bedrooms on the upper floor.
Barefoot, Edowado made his way to the end of the hallway, relishing the smooth, sturdy sensation of the polished wood beneath his feet, a welcome contrast to the uneven terrain of the forest.
He took off the bag he had carried throughout the day and carefully placed it on the wooden desk adjacent to the living room door. Emptying his pockets, he added his now inactive dagger and tattered jacket to the ensemble. Left only in his black top and pants, he entered the bathroom to freshen up.
Meanwhile, Aki, aware that Edowado had abandoned the chase, peeked her head out from the door connecting the hallway to the kitchen. Her eyes fell upon the bulging bag resting on the table.
"Hey Edowado, what's in your bag that makes it look like that?" she called out across the hall. The sound of water spraying indicated that Edowado was in the shower. He didn't emerge from the bathroom but instead shouted back in response.
"It's a special monster egg I found while adventuring today. I brought it so maybe you and Elaine could use it for today's meal if you want. Is that okay?"
"Is it okay?! It's amazing! Just look at how big it is! If Elaine and Dad were here, their heads would explode!"
"I can already imagine the many things I could make with this. With Mom and Elaine's help, I could create scrambled egg sandwiches, rice and fried egg, a classic omelette with greens, or maybe..."
Aki's eyes grew wide with excitement, as if stars were forming and twinkling brighter with each recipe idea that crossed her mind. She cradled the enormous egg in her arms, having retrieved it from Edowado's bag. The bag must have breathed a sigh of relief.
Aki had a multitude of interests and engaged in various activities, but her true passion lay in cooking. To say she liked it would be an understatement; she loved the activity and continuously sought to acquire knowledge and hone her culinary skills when not occupied with her other hobbies.
"Hey, can I take the egg and start preparing a dish right away before Elaine's back?"
"Haha, you can start right away if you want. It's yours now but that reminds me, where is Elaine?"
Edowado emerged from the bathhouse, a towel draped around his neck and another covering his lower body, leaving his upper torso exposed. His damp hair clung to his head, with water droplets cascading down his average physique.
"Elaine accompanied dad for his usual health check-up routine. They should be back soon since they've been gone for a while."
"So, you've been all alone at home? Look who's miss mature now haha."
"Well, of course. I'm not a little girl anymore. I can do things that you, sis, mama, and papa can do, maybe even better, especially with my 'Adaptif Masery' skill," Aki proudly replied, a smug expression on her face as she placed her hand on her chest, though she completely botched her own skill's name.
Surprisingly, at her young age, she had unlocked a skill—a feat not unheard of but impressive nonetheless albeit she couldn't pronounce it properly. 'Adaptive Mastery' was a basic skill that could be levelled up which enabled a person to quickly learn and hone their abilities in various activities.
"Sure thing, Miss mature. I just hope you don't drop the egg"
"Huh—? Woah!"
Aki quickly readjusted her grip on the egg, which had almost slipped from her grasp unnoticed. She held the base of the egg with both arms before looking up, a sheepish smile on her face.
"Hehe, you see? I've got it handled, easy-peasy!"
She scurried back into the kitchen, leaving Edowado behind in the hallway. He turned and ascended the staircase leading to the upper floor of the house.
A few minutes passed, and Edowado returned downstairs, having changed into his usual home attire—a black short-sleeved round neck and pants. His dishevelled hair was now neatly groomed, and his face was free of dirt. The hallway was filled with an aromatic scent that permeated the air, captivating his senses.
(She must've already started working on her dish. Man, her new skill is really useful)
He thought to himself as he stood at the edge of the staircase. The alluring scent continued to distract his thoughts.
(Man, even Akisor has a skill unlocked! When the heck am I going to unlock a special skill to use?!) he mused, holding the top of his head in exasperation. Just then, a sharp rasp came from the door at the start of the hallway, interrupting his self-deprecating thoughts.
"Can you please get that Edowado?! I don't wanna leave the stew unchecked"
"Alright, it's no problem just don't get burned cooking again" Edowado replied, making his way to the door
"I won't…not this time…I hope!"
Edowado peered through the peephole, which was positioned too high for someone as short as Akisor to use. Looking through the peephole, he saw a middle-aged man in a brown waistcoat with jet black hair and hazel brown eyes, similar to his own.
The man had a stethoscope around his neck, indicating his profession, and by his side stood a younger-looking woman in a cute blue and white dirndl dress, carrying a brown briefcase.
She had fair skin, long black hair that cascaded down her back, and beautiful jade green eyes. Despite her age, she exuded a youthful charm. Edowado recognized them immediately—his father and sister, Ryoko and Elaine Crestell.
Ryoko Crestell, Edowado's father, was a middle-aged man who appeared younger than his actual age.
He possessed extensive knowledge of both homeopathic and orthodox medications, using his special healing abilities to treat serious injuries and ailments. Known for his kindness and compassion, he often provided his medical services to the villagesfolk and hunters without expecting anything in return.
Elaine Crestell, Edowado's older sister, had also followed in their father's footsteps and developed an interest in medicine. She accompanied Ryoko on his visits to the villagesfolk, using her healing abilities to assist him. Elaine had a compassionate heart and couldn't bear to see others in pain or distress and do nothing.
"Hey dad, sis, welcome back!"
"Heya kiddo, glad to see you're back in one piece"
"Hey, Dad, Sis, welcome back!" Edowado greeted them with a warm smile as he unlocked the door, allowing them to enter.
Elaine followed closely behind, removing her shoes and walking into the hallway barefoot. She turned to look down at Edowado, trying to conceal a cheeky smile behind her petite hands.
"Edowado, you sure took your time in the forests today, hi-hi," she teased playfully.
"Hey, what's so funny about that?!"
"Oh, nothing. I'm just hoping you didn't fall down another hole today, ha-ha-ha"
"It's not funny! I didn't fall down any holes today…just a small edge of the forest" Edowado retorted, his annoyance and slight embarrassment evident. He reached out to lunge at Elaine, but she easily held him back, placing her delicate hands on his head and pushing him away.
Ryoko looked on at his two kids in exasperation at their bickering but later chuckled to himself. He turned and sniffed the room, now taking notice of the aromatic fragrance that was wafting about.
"Come to think of it…sniff sniff your little sister is at it again with her new skill."
Edowado and Elaine stopped their sibling bickering and also took notice of the aroma. Well, Edowado had already smelt it before letting them in.
"Oh? She must be really excited about cooking today if she began without me." Elaine commented, a hint of curiosity in his tone.
"Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. I was able to find a large akokↄ egg today when exploring the forest so I decided to carry it back home to give to you and Aki thinking you could use it for today's meal"
"Woah, really? Let me go help her out with the cooking before she burns herself again. Maybe you aren't that bad, little brother," she teased once more, unable to resist a final playful jab.
"Hey!"
She walked off into the living room door leaving Ryoko and Edowado behind in the hallway. Edowado took his gaze off his sister's fleeting back but suddenly felt a burning sensation on his back as if something sharp was piercing into the inner depths of his soul.
Edowado paused and turned his attention to his father, a mixture of anticipation and nervousness building up within him.
"Um…dad? Anything wrong?"
Ryoko cast a penetrating gaze at his son, a suspicious glimmer concealed behind the murky grey lenses of his glasses. Edowado's heart skipped a beat as he turned around slowly, feeling the weight of his father's stare bearing down on him.
"An akokↄ egg, you say?" Ryoko's voice carried a mix of surprise and concern. "An akokↄ's nest is normally found in the deeper parts of the forest. Considering your rank... I don't think you're supposed to venture that deep or face such a high-tier monster."
(He's onto me! I'm in trouble...)
Edowado's mind raced, desperately searching for the right words to explain himself. "Hold on, Dad! You've misunderstood. I simply got lost while searching for Mako fruits for Miss Amina and stumbled upon the nest. It was a complete accident. I understand the importance of not biting off more than I can chew and venturing too deep into the forest..."
He struggled to convey the truth to Ryoko, who continued to scrutinize him suspiciously through his glasses, now obscuring his eyes behind a blinding white light.
Edowado's voice grew more earnest as he hurriedly moved toward the table, where his bag rested. Digging inside, he retrieved a neatly tied pouch and a rolled-up parchment, its wax seal broken. Rushing back to his father, he presented the items, the weight of his emotions palpable.
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"Look, Dad! I even surpassed my personal record today and earned more than ever before," Edowado exclaimed, his words laced with a mix of excitement and determination. "Here, it's 195 veris. I know it's not much, but I'll keep improving and earning more to... to help out."
Edowado's shoulders slumped, his voice carrying a touch of frustration and vulnerability. "It's not about proving anything. I just... I want to contribute, to make a difference. You, Mom, and Elaine, you all do so much for others. I want to find my own way of helping, even if it's something small."
Ryoko's stern expression softened, replaced by a blend of understanding and pride. He sighed and placed a comforting hand on Edowado's shoulder.
"Son, I admire your spirit and your desire to help. But you don't have to bear the weight of your mother and me on your shoulders. We can take care of ourselves and everything else. All we ask is for you to stay safe out there."
Ryoko gently nudged the pouch of veris back toward Edowado, indicating that he wouldn't accept it. He continued to smile; his gaze fixed on his son.
"Sure, but this is what I want to do. I go hunting because it's a way for me to contribute too, just like everyone else in the family," Edowado asserted, his fists clenched as he spoke. Though his words stumbled, he persevered.
"You and Mom are always helping the villagesfolk, sometimes even without charging anything. Elaine uses her healing abilities to assist, and even Akisor lends a hand in Mom's workshop. I just... I just want to do something, anything, that even someone without extraordinary skills or a high chip rank can do to help. That's why I became a hunter, and I will continue to be one. I want to help."
Edowado's words resonated with honesty and sincerity. The reason he embarked on this path, bought his faulty cyber dagger, and ventured into the forest was to aid his family in his own way. While the Crestell family was not impoverished, they often struggled financially because Ryoko and Azune willingly offered their services for free to those unable to afford them in the village, which comprised the majority of the population.
Ryoko knelt on one knee, his hands grasping Edowado's shoulders as he pulled him into an embrace. Edowado's clenched fists gradually relaxed as he leaned into his father's comforting presence, fighting back tears with all his might, though a solitary droplet escaped, rolling down his cheek.
(I won't stop trying to help. I'll continue hunting and find a way to assist, just like you. So don't stop helping people, but accept my help, and let me help you.)
"Alright, I won't stop helping people, and I won't turn down your help anymore" Ryoko replied, as if hearing Edowado's unspoken thoughts. Edowado's eyes widened slightly, his smile returning. His father had always known how to say the right thing at the right time.
They remained in each other's embrace for a few more seconds, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air until...
"Now, I hope you're not crying like a little girl into my shirt," Ryoko said playfully, flicking his finger lightly on the back of Edowado's head. Edowado quickly sniffled, wiping away any evidence of tears on his face with Ryoko's shirt before stepping back, a hint of annoyance in his expression.
"You old man! You just ruined the whole moment," Edowado retorted, a playful tone replacing his previous vulnerability.
"Hehehe, I'm glad to see you're not crying on me like a little kid. Let's get the table set up before your mom arrives."
"Yeah, alright... Wait, did you hear that sound?"
Edowado, no longer in his father's embrace, tilted his head, his attention captured by an unusual noise in close proximity. He glanced at Ryoko, who had also turned his head slightly, acknowledging the peculiar sound.
"Looks like your mom has arrived?"
"Huh? The strange sound is mom?"
"I can hear her voice from the garage"
Ryoko Crestell was of a higher rank than Edowado so even though both had physical abilities superior to that of a normal human, Ryoko's physical abilities far surpassed that of Edowado's which was why keen senses allowed him to hear far better than Edowado.
"Let's go welcome her back"
They made their way out of the house and onto the veneered porch, down the little stairs and then the lawn. They move round to the side of the house where a little shed was joined to the house's side with something out of place parked right in front of the shed's door.
An awe-inspiring sight greeted their eyes—a sleek and futuristic motorcycle stood proudly in front of the shed. Its jet-black frame gleamed under the sunlight, accentuated by deep blue neon linings running along its edges. The vibrant blue lights created an ethereal glow, giving the bike an otherworldly aura. The intricate design elements and fluid lines showcased the craftsmanship that went into its creation.
A person in a white lab coat and a pitch-black helmet with a tinted visor stood beside the motorcycle, a truly peculiar combination for riding.
"Mom?!"
The person, a woman, took off the helmet to reveal her braided chestnut brown hair falling down all the way to her shoulders. She had a fair complexion and pretty jade eyes. It was Azune Crestell, the wife of Ryoko Crestell and mother of Edowado, Akisor, and Elaine.
"Hey Edo. I'm back and I—"
"You bought a bike?"
Ryoko asked his wife, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead, though the temperature outside was quite cool and the breeze made it slightly chilly.
"Correction my dearest husband, I brought, not bought. A rather peculiar hunter came by some time ago and left his bike with me to repair. He said he'd come for it later and would pay a fair price if I could keep it safe till then and so that is why this baby is here."
Ryoko shook his head but then smiled at the woman standing before Edowado and him.
"I can't say I'm surprised. You were always one to try out anything new you could get your hands on"
"Mama, you're back! And you brought me a cool motorcycle?!"
"Hey Aki! Don't get distracted like that when you're so close to the stove!"
Akisor popped her head out of the window at the side of the house, happy to see Azune back but clearly even more captivated by the motorcycle parked at the front of the house.
"I'm sorry sweetheart but the motorcycle is for a client of mine that stopped by."
Azune quickly cleared up the misconception before she'd have to deal with explaining why Aki couldn't have the motorcycle she just saw.
"Yum! It smells like you're cooking something delicious in there. Need any help?"
"It's alright mama, Elaine's helping me out with that", Aki responded confidently.
"Oh, but you could come help dad and Edo set up the table. We don't want them breaking any more glassware like last time" Elaine suggested, a playful tone in her voice.
Elaine also popped her head out of the window shooting glances at Edowado and Ryoko who turned their heads and whistled to the wind, trying to avoid her intimidating eye contact.
"We don't know what you're talking about, right, kiddo?" Ryoko chimed in, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes.
"R-right, Dad!" Edowado also chimed in, playing along with the charade.
"Alright then my two knights in shining armour, might we go set the table like the princess says?"
Azune smiled at the playful banter, then turned her attention back to Edowado and Ryoko. She walked up to them, placing her hand on Edowado's shoulder and the other behind Ryoko's back, pulling him closer.
The three of them made their way back into the house, chatting happily amongst themselves, ready to set up the table for their meal as the sun began to slowly descend from the sky.
The round dinner table, was neatly arranged with an array of cutlery placed in front of every seat. Napkins and glassware filled with water completed the elegant setup.
Ryoko, Azune, and Edowado sat around the dining table, leaving two seats unoccupied. Engaged in idle chatter, they eagerly awaited the completion of the meal preparations.
"All right, everyone, we're done, and the food is ready to be served," Elaine announced, stepping out of the kitchen into the dining room. She carried a large tray stacked with five piping hot bowls of dinner, the tantalizing aroma filling the room.
"And the side dish is also done! All by myself, hi-hi," Akisor added with pride, following closely behind Elaine, her own little tray in her arms, with a large bowl placed on it.
Azune stood and helped serve the table, carefully placing each bowl from Elaine's tray in front of every seat around the table. The large bowl from Akisor's tray was placed at the centre, completing the feast.
"Wow you two! You sure outdid yourselves today. The food looks and smells great", Azune complimented the two girls, admiration in her voice.
"Indeed, you girls did awesome though I wish you'd let me help out a little" responded Ryoko carefully studying the dishes before him."
"Really, I'm amazed, but where did you get so many eggs to prepare this kind of meal? Was it you, Ryoko?"
"I wish, but it was our little hunter over there who brought the egg from his daring escapade in the forest" Ryoko responded, propping his elbows onto the table and resting his head on his knuckles, winking at Edowado.
Akisor chimed in, eager to share her own praise for Edowado's adventure. "Yeah, Mom, it was Edowado who got this massive chicken egg from a terrifying bird monster for us to use."
"Terrifying bird monster?!"
"Don't listen to her. She's just exaggerating. I simply stumbled upon a stranded egg while in the forest," Edowado explained, scratching his head sheepishly.
"A massive egg huh? But I'm not aware of any monster around the safe zones that can lay large eggs unless…don't tell me you went into the deep parts of the forest?!"
Azune looked at Edowado, who awkwardly tried to avoid eye contact with her, for an answer. However, before he could respond, a brusque cough from Ryoko interrupted their conversation.
He, too, avoided making eye contact with Azune, and beads of sweat rolled down the side of his head, mirroring Edowado and Elaine's discomfort.
"Um…why isn't anyone saying how Edowado got lost in the deep—"
Wham!
"YOAW!!"
Edowado swiftly kicked the side of Akisor's leg, silencing her before she could divulge any further. She yelped in pain but was quickly cut off by Ryoko, who had already lifted his fork, ready to start eating.
"ALRIGHT LET'S DIG IN!"
Elaine, attempting to stifle her giggles, wiped her mouth with a napkin, while Azune sat perplexed, trying to make sense of the situation.
"The food is delicious, you guys."
"Thank you very much, Dad. Amina's been teaching me some new cooking techniques at the cafe", Elaine replied.
"Well, she's been teaching you wonderfully"
"Hey, I also took part in making dinner; I even started making it!" Akisor proudly added.
"Of course, sweetheart. I'm glad you were able to quickly make good use of your new skill" Ryoko quickly complimented her as well.
Azune smiled brightly at everyone seated around the table, amplifying the relaxed and comforting atmosphere. Akisor pumped her little chest out more, smirking smugly to herself as she slightly nudged Edowado with her foot underneath the table, which he unsuccessfully tried to ignore.
The dinner proceeded smoothly, with the sounds of idle chatter and laughter filling the room. The family discussed trivial yet entertaining issues and shared stories of their day's activities, savouring the delicacies before them and cherishing the presence of their loved ones.
As time passed, the laughter and chattering gradually came to a halt, unexpectedly. Ryoko was the first to fall silent, his head cocked slightly to one side.
"Hm?"
Azune noticed Ryoko's sudden change and turned to question him. However, she, too, paused midway, her head tilted as if straining to hear something.
She, now a bit curious or to be more accurate, concerned, turned to further question Ryoko but she paused mid movement now also strangely cocking her head slightly pointing her ear upwards as if also listening in for something that wasn't there.
A low rumbling, jittery sound caught the attention of everyone at the table. Elaine, being the oldest among the three children, quickly signalled Edowado and Akisor.
"Did you hear that?"
Ryoko and Azune exchanged apprehensive looks as they mumbled the same question. Another low jittery sound emerged, slightly louder than before. The children scanned the surroundings, searching for the source of the peculiar noise. Edowado pointed at the table.
"Um, Dad? Are you shaking the table with your leg or something?" Edowado inquired, trying to pinpoint the cause of the table's unusual sound
A slightly louder rumbling sound followed, catching the attention of everyone at the table. Edowado glanced down, realizing that the water in his glass cup trembled ever so slightly whenever the sound repeated.
Simultaneously, Ryoko and Azune, with their superior hearing abilities, detected another sound, almost imperceptible to ordinary human ears. It resembled the faint squeal of a distant creature or perhaps a multitude of them. Meanwhile, the remaining three family members were left bewildered, unable to comprehend what their parents were listening to.
"Something's not right. I can hear strange sounds, but they seem too far away for me to accurately assess," Ryoko finally spoke up after his unusual silence and movements.
"Mama? Papa? Why is the table shaking, and the stuff on the wall?" Akisor asked, pointing at the trembling table and the family-framed pictures hanging on the walls.
"Maybe we should go—"
Azune began to suggest they leave, but before she could finish her sentence...
BOOM!
An incredulously loud explosion rocked the house, shaking it to its foundation.
BOOM!
Another explosion followed, even more powerful than the first, causing paintings to topple off the walls and furniture to fly backward.
Another incredulously explosive sound erupted from outside which once again shook the entire house causing paintings to topple off the walls and seats to fly back.
The cutlery and glassware on the table shook violently, crashing to the ground along with the plates. Particles of dust and wood chippings descended upon the table. Ryoko's gaze shot upward, and without hesitation, he leaped out of his seat.
"GET DOWN!!"
"AAAAAAHHH!!"
BOOM!
A third explosive blast, even more thunderous than the previous two, resounded from outside. The force of it sent chunks of wood and broken tiles cascading from the ceiling, crashing down upon the area where the family had been seated.
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"GET DOWN!!"
Dad's voice booms through the chaos, commanding us to get down. The urgency in his tone sends shivers down my spine, and without a second thought, I launch myself out of the chair, tackling Aki to the ground.
"AAAAAAHHH!!"
Her screams fill the air, but I drown them out, shielding her from the impending danger.
As we hit the floor, debris rains down around us, the room becoming a whirlwind of chaos. Dust clouds my vision, but I still remain above Aki with shielding her from anything that might hit her. I can feel the impact of objects crashing, the floor trembling beneath us.
Just before I had lunged for Akisor, I had noticed dad had jumped to cover mom. I knew they were both safe, but I had forgotten one other important person—Elaine. I turn back to where I was a second ago, checking to make sure she is alright. But what I see freezes me in place.
For just a second, amidst the dust and rubble that used to be the table we happily sat around to eat and talk, I freeze, motionless, my eyes falling on the crimson red splattered on some of the wooden debris that had fallen.
A sudden flashback of the just recent event surfaced in the back of my mind. I hadn't consciously moved myself to jump out of the way to save both myself and Aki.
When Dad shouted to drop to the ground, I had lagged, for just a second, delaying my movement. It was Elaine who noticed and shoved me, hard, towards Aki, propelling both of us to the ground away from where the falling fragments had dropped. Doing so had delayed her reaction time and prevented her from leaping away in time.
It would've hit, no, it should've hit both of us but she saved us. Once again, my help wasn't really needed, but can I even call it helping?
I stare at what used to be the chair I had just sat on, now completely broken by the pieces of wood and tiles that had fallen on it and covered in a sparkling red liquid.
"Elaine! Are you alright?!" I shout, my voice filled with concern and a hint of guilt
The lantern that was above our heads providing the most light had fallen to the ground and was crushed under the fallen fragments. Majority of the other lanterns in the room had also fallen with only just a few remaining.
I couldn't see Elaine clearly through the now accumulated dust that had filled the room due to the broken pieces of wood. I could only slightly make out her body laying limp with her back on the floor.
"Elaine!"
Mom called out to her. She and dad were now crouching close by also noticing that Elaine wasn't near Akisor and me.
"Elaine! Are you alright!?"
Still on all fours, I turned to get a better view of Elaine, still keeping Akisor behind me on the ground.
Dad moves toward her, ready to tend to her injuries, but she waves him off. Her voice, strained but resilient, echoes through the chaos.
"Arhn,…I-I'm alright! I just got scratched that's all"
Liar. She was lying. She said she was fine but through the dust and haze I could slightly make out her face, wincing in pain. She was trying her best to conceal her pain.
Elaine pressed her left hand hard on her right shoulder, using her bloodied arm for support. She bit down on her lower lip, fighting to suppress her anguish. Her pretending did not deceive anyone.
"You're not alright, Elaine," Dad insists, concern etched on his face. "You've been cut deeply. Let me help."
"No dad, it's alright. Arhn… I-I can heal myself just fine please check on the others"
Her delayed reaction had caused her to get hit directly on the shoulder. The fair skin of her arms and palms were now tainted a deep red as she continued to press down on her wound.
Dad hesitated, torn between wanting to help her and recognizing her capability. Reluctantly, he crawled back to check on Mom, Akisor, and me.
I was fine nonetheless so I urged him to move on to mom and Aki while I focused on Elaine. Now seated upright against a wall, she pressed her arm harder against her bleeding shoulder.
She pulled back her long hair, which had become slightly dishevelled due to her rigorous actions, covering her eyes. Elaine took a deep breath, inhaling and then exhaling, slowly shutting her eyelids. She began reciting an all too familiar string of words.
To those unfamiliar with such acts, the words might have seemed strange, almost alien. But for those who understood the ways of the hunters and the miracle of the activated chip, these words held a profound meaning. They were the call to one's special ability, a beacon of hope and resilience.
"Chip function. Special ability…"
As the words left her lips, a soft glow materialized in front of Elaine. Her hair stirred as if caressed by an unseen breeze, imbued with an ethereal aura.
She was about to use her special ability. Elaine's eyes were still closed as she recited the code, like an enchanting spell being cast to activate her special ability. Each word resonated with power.
"Angelica Tactus..."
From beneath her, a mesmerizing geometric pattern sprang to life, radiant symbols of pure white light etching the ground.
The room bathed in a celestial glow as countless orbs of light materialized, swirling and twirling around Elaine in a graceful dance. Her hand, still firmly pressed against her wound, trembled with anticipation. She took a final breath, savouring the quiet before the storm, and uttered the last word of her chant.
"Heal!"
The orbs, like miniature stars, shifted their course, converging toward her red stained palm which was firmly pressed down on her injury.
A surge of energy pulsed through the air, as if the very fabric of reality bent to her will. The orbs coalesced, merging into a luminous mesh that enveloped her injured shoulder in a dazzling display of light.
I had witnessed Elaine's special ability, "Angelica Tactus," several times before, but each time it left me awestruck. It was a gift she used selflessly to aid those in need, a testament to her compassion and unwavering resolve.
Special abilities were another incredible aspect of those with activated chips. They held a touch of enchantment, a spark of something extraordinary. While we knew deep down that magic wasn't real, special abilities had that same air of mystery and wonder that made you believe in the impossible.
Within the realm of special abilities, there existed a wide array of powers. Some were designed for combat, empowering individuals to unleash devastating attacks. Others focused on fortification, strengthening defences to withstand any onslaught. And then there were those like Elaine's Angelica Tactus, a special ability brimming with the gift of healing.
As the radiant mesh dissipated, Elaine withdrew her hand, her eyes fluttering open. A serene smile graced her lips as she examined her once-injured shoulder, now restored to its original state. Not a trace of blood remained, and the pain had faded into oblivion.
"Whew, good as new," she murmured, her voice filled with relief.
Her injury was gone. Her skin was back to the same fair colour it originally was and it was as though nothing had ever happened or even touched her. Not even the bloodied arm or the red stained debris would even remotely make you believe it was hers.
"Ok everyone is alright" mom declared; her voice seemingly now calm.
But our respite was short-lived as the deafening sounds of chaos erupted once again. Thunderous booms reverberated through the house, shaking the very foundation beneath our feet. The ground trembled beneath us, threatening to cast us into the depths of this calamity.
I toppled over, taken by surprise by the intense shaking. I quickly got back up onto my knees to scope what was happening. Elaine and mom were hunched at the front of the room close to the door exiting into the hallway and dad was by me and Akisor grasping our shoulders nudging us to move forward.
"Come on, you two! We need to get out before the roof collapses. Hurry!"
In a hasty scramble, we fled through the door, emerging into a dimly lit hallway adorned with shattered lanterns and shards of glass. The world outside seemed like a distant memory, engulfed in the tumultuous turmoil that raged around us.
"Watch out for the lantern shards. Put on your shoes while your dad and I check the door," Mom instructed, her voice filled with urgency as she raced ahead to the main entrance.
Elaine and Akisor swiftly made their way to the racks, hurriedly equipping themselves for the impending escape. Meanwhile, I hesitated, my gaze fixated on a table at the far end of the hallway. Something caught my attention, a glimmer amidst the chaos.
"The door is fine. Kids, hurry out! Come on!" Dad's voice echoed through the corridor, urging us forward.
I heard dad's voice call out to us from the door. "Edowado, what are you doing hurry up!" I heard Aki's voice call out to me.
"I'm coming, I'm just grabbing something", I responded, my hand darting toward the table. I picked up my cyber dagger off the table and turned back when—
"Huh?"
A light, almost weightless, settled upon my head. Dust cascaded through the air, descending upon me in a hazy mist.
"Achoo!...dust?"
A sneeze erupted from my lips, scattering the particles around me. But before I could fully comprehend the situation, a crash reverberated from behind.
(Uh oh!)
Wood splintered and debris cascaded as the ceiling above the bathroom collapsed, sending a shower of destruction in its wake. Instinctively, I understood the imminent danger. The structure was crumbling, threatening to consume everything in its path.
"Edowado!"
The desperate cries of my family members propelled my body into overdrive, my heart pounding with adrenaline albeit not as much as when I was being chased in the forest.
Without hesitation, I sprinted toward the front door, my focus unwavering. Ignoring the crumbling ceiling above, I extended both arms, one toward the rack to snatch my boots, the other reaching for the door where my family waited. Mom's grip tightened around my right arm, her strength guiding me forward.
She yanked me through the doorway and onto the porch, mere seconds before the ceiling collapsed, engulfing the hallway in a devastating cascade of destruction. The sound of crashing debris filled the air, mingling with our racing hearts.
Safe outside, a mixture of relief and dread washed over me. I had narrowly escaped the clutches of certain peril, but maybe, just maybe I'd have preferred to remain inside as the sight outside that greeted us was one of desolation and despair.