I saw large plumes of smoke rising from the Northern part of the village. Some billowed in pitch black, while others took on a dark grey hue, accompanying the horrified screams of villagesfolk that echoed throughout.
The source of the commotion became clear: the onslaught was emanating from that very direction. With each passing moment, the explosions grew more intense, shaking the ground and sending tremors through my body.
"RUN!!!"
The urgency in the voices propelled the villagesfolk into a state of sheer panic. Men, women, and children of all sizes dashed frantically past us; their faces etched with terror. Some had bloodied faces and torn clothing, bearing the wounds of a merciless chaos. Groups of people banded together, struggling to carry the injured, their desperate attempts to escape marked by the strain in their eyes.
In the midst of the chaotic exodus, one figure stood out—a man wielding a rusty sword strapped to his back. He supported an injured woman, urging the others to keep moving forward. It was clear he was leading the fleeing group, guiding them towards safety. But something seemed amiss. As the crowd hurried past, I realized what had caught my attention.
"Where are they?" I muttered under my breath, my eyes scanning the crowd.
Amongst the artisans, farmers, and normal villagesfolk, I noticed a conspicuous absence. Hunters—skilled warriors who had dedicated their lives to protecting the village—were nowhere to be seen. It struck me as strange, as if they had vanished into thin air. Only that one man with the sword seemed to represent their dwindling presence, and even he appeared battered and worn.
"You there! Hurry, you must evacuate. The village is unsafe!" The man with the sword called out to us.
"What's going on?"
He passed the injured woman into the care of another and rushed toward us. His face bore the weariness of battle, yet his eyes held a flicker of determination.
"We don't know how or why but large bands of monsters have broken out of the forests and into and are attacking the village," he explained breathlessly.
"Monsters?!" I blurted out, taken aback by the surreal revelation. It was inconceivable—monsters breaching the safety of the village. The monsters within the safe zones were always passive ones that normally kept their distance, avoiding human settlements and the other monsters deeper within the forests were mostly repelled and dealt with by hunters and the Scouting Team.
"How did monsters breach the safe zones without alerting the hunters or the guild?" my father inquired, his voice laced with concern.
"How did monsters find their way through the safe zones without alerting the hunters or the guild office?"
Dad asked, though surprised, he kept a level head like he always did and asked multiple questions to try and assess the situation thus far. The hunter seeing the serious contemplative look on his face nodded in response and relayed as much information as he could.
"The monsters aren't the only problem that's going on?"
"There's another?!"
"You aint noticed all that smoke?! The monsters just appeared, those blasted things didn't cause all that smoke but they sure are causing damage now."
"Wait, so what caused all that smoke?"
This time mom also spoke, taken aback by the news the hunter was relaying.
"There have been explosions across the Northern part of village, buildings reduced to rubble, and that strange black shit... it appeared out of nowhere, crashing into the heart of our village."
"Strange what??!"
This time it was Akisor who spoke up. She was also listening closely to what the hunter was saying but her eyes seemed to shine with deep interest at what she had just heard unlike Elaine who looked at the man with a deeply worried look.
The hunter's gaze shifted, his eyes scanning the horizon where chaos reigned. "The entire quadrant has become a desolate warzone. Now's not the time for questions. I must get as many people to safety as possible, while the other hunters do their best to fend off the monsters until Adolfo and the scouting team return"
As the hunter's words resonated in the air, a cacophony of shouts and screams drifted towards us. The sound of clashing metal and sparks flying intermingled, painting a vivid picture of a battlefield consumed by the flames of conflict.
"I understand your concern but what about the black thing that fell from—!"
"Ma'am!!"
A boy in a thin white overcoat with unmistakable orange hair ran up to mom panting heavily with sweat dripping off his head. He placed his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath. It was Richard, and by the looks of things, he must have run quite a distance.
"Richard! I'm glad to see you're safe, how's the situation?"
"The research centre and many other buildings have been blown up ma'am! I was lucky to not have been inside when the explosions were set off!"
"What?! How the heck did that happen?!"
"Our systems weren't able to decrypt any of the files that were locked behind the high-level encryption, but we did receive yet another set of encrypted data which was easily decrypted though I wish it hadn't been"
"The decrypted data set was rather a detonator of sorts which was linked to the codes to set off a chain of explosives which starts directly from the guild office. It needed a manual switch which was deactivated at first but then out of nowhere just activated"
"So, someone or more likely some people had planted explosives around and set an encrypted detonator but why would they send their encrypted data to us and the guild and then blow it all up?"
"I don't think they purposefully chose to blow up the centre going over as much intel as I could it seemed the explosives were randomly set all over. Also, it was only the first unbreakable data set that was directly addressed to us the second one undoubtedly seemed to have rather mapped out its path and hijacked it to latch itself onto it"
"So, it was locating the pathway of the first file to only pin itself to it when found?...Like a tracker or something"
"Yes ma'am. Aside that the only other thing I could dig up last minute was the kind of explosives used and the fact that the detonator wasn't only linked to explosives but rockets of some sort"
That must've been what had struck our home's roof causing the roof to cave in like that.
"That explains what took out our roof and the smoke around the surrounding area but what were they targeting?"
"The majority were aimed at what I presumed was an empty space above Akimota but, something was actually there"
"The black demon!"
The hunter spoke up this time seemingly understanding this part of the conversation between mom and Richard. Everyone else except dad kind of looked confused at whatever it was they were blabbering about before.
"Demon?! No, it isn't a demon. It's an aircraft, and it's carrying a lot of people, high energy emitting people. My device's scanners detected large amounts of energy from the ship and then detected even larger amounts of energy surrounding the Northern part of village."
"The monsters!"
"The monsters!" I blurted out, finally comprehending Richard's briefing. Monsters possessed energy shards within their bodies that emitted energy. Like moths drawn to a flame, they were attracted to objects releasing similar or stronger energy. Therefore, the ship carrying high-energy individuals would undoubtedly be a magnet for these creatures. It was basic adventuring knowledge I had learned from Rio. But to have lured monsters all the way to our village... I couldn't help but wonder who or what was aboard that ship.
"You're right. The monsters are wreaking havoc!" Richard affirmed; his tone filled with urgency. "They are slashing, killing, and destroying everything in their path. I was fortunate enough to escape, but there are many others who are injured and trapped there. The hunters are doing their best to fend them off, but they're outnumbered and ill-equipped. They won't last much longer, especially if whatever is inside that ship comes out."
"Alright, thank you for telling us this much Richard; you've helped us a lot"
"No problem ma'am but what are we gonna do now?"
"Ryoko, we've gotta go—"
"Sir Lio, we need to rest. Some of us are too injured to continue running," interrupted a man who had received the injured woman from Lio.
He approached our group, exhaustion and worry etched on his face. Dressed in dirt-stained blue overalls over a torn and bloodied white shirt, he appeared to be an ordinary carpenter. Yet, judging by his clothes and the claw marks, he must have encountered the monsters but managed to escape.
"I understand the need to rest," Lio responded, acknowledging the man's concerns, "but we can't afford the risk of stopping. What if the monsters break free from the fighters back at the Northern side?"
"I comprehend the dilemma, sir," the man reasoned, his voice filled with genuine concern, "but if we don't pause to rest or find a way to heal the injured, more of them might collapse, making our journey even more challenging."
"Argh, you're right," Lio reluctantly admitted. "It's gonna be a huge burden on us while we're aiming to reach the village's border. Fortunately for us, we have Dr. Crestell with us. He will do his best to heal everyone."
"But we've run out of bandages and healing equipment to assist her. It's impossible for her to heal all of us alone," someone expressed concern.
"I won't need either of those and more importantly, I won't be staying to heal all of you" dad announced, surprising us.
"Wait, what?" we exclaimed, bewildered by his statement.
"She will," Dad continued, pointing towards Elaine. Dad turned to face Elaine, Akisor, and me. He knelt down, readjusting his glasses. It was the stance he took when about to assign a great responsibility.
Dad turned to face Elaine, Akisor and me. He went down on one knee and readjusted his glasses. That's the stance he always took when he was about to place some sort of great responsibility on our hands.
"Elaine, Aki, Ed, I need the three of you to stay with the villagers and help them escape to the village border. Stick together and assist Elaine in treating as many injured individuals as possible. Elaine, I know it's unexpected, but I need you to represent me here and aid these people. Can you do that?" Dad's words carried both authority and a sense of trust.
"Yes, of course, Dad! You taught me how to effectively use my skills," Elaine eagerly replied, her voice brimming with determination.
"I'm always ready to help dad! I'm just as good as sis!"
"I don't have any healing skills (or any for that matter) but I'll…I'll…" I trailed off, my voice filled with uncertainty. I didn't feel useful in this situation. I glanced down at my hands, clenching my fists slightly. Dad met my gaze and smiled, raising his arm to pat me gently on the head.
"Protect your sisters Edowado; they'll need you and I know you can do it" Dad encouraged; his words infused with unwavering trust.
I clenched my fists tighter, nodding with newfound resolve. Though I lacked healing or fighting abilities, I realized that even with my limited skills, I could use the most basic of abilities to protect my sisters.
"Oh? So, the oldest girl also has a healing skill?" Sir Lio interjected, expressing surprise.
"Indeed, she does," Dad confirmed, pride evident in his voice. "She's just as skilled, if not more skilled than I am. She'll stay and take my place while my wife and I rush to the Northern side to assist the other hunters and evacuate as many people as we can before Adolfo and the other experienced fighters return."
"That's perfect," Lio agreed, his tone filled with determination. "We'll split the people into groups and gather the injured in one location. This way, it'll be easier for Elaine to reach them. Some of the groups with less severe injuries will move ahead towards the border, while the more able-bodied will stay to support the injured. Let's go, everyone."
Lio and the other man re-joined the moving crowd, issuing orders and directing the injured individuals to a designated area. The villagesfolk divided themselves into groups of ten, with the least injured forming a protective ring around the injured victims.
"Alright! Let's go help the others, Aki," Elaine said, her voice filled with determination.
"Yes, ma'am!" Aki responded, following Elaine's lead.
Elaine and Akisor hurried to the spot where the injured lay. Elaine activated her chip's function, calling forth her healing special ability. Akisor took charge, organizing the injured individuals and prioritizing treatment for the more severe cases. The duo worked seamlessly together, their efforts making a tangible difference.
"Richard?" Elaine called out, seeking his assistance.
"I'll also be entrusting the care of my kids to you. Please look after them while I'm gone," Elaine requested, her tone conveying both concern and trust.
"Y-y-yes, ma'am! I won't let them out of my sight!"
Richard responded, his face turning slightly pink as he saluted with resolve. There was a hint of internal struggle within him, but his commitment to the task at hand remained unwavering. Richard's behaviour around my mom was something I could never fully understand.
"Azune, it would be best if we had some equipment to defend ourselves against any hostile encounters. Do you still have some of your old adventure gear stored in the shed?" Dad inquired.
"Yes, I do have some old weapons hidden in the shed. But if we can make it to the research centre, we might be able to get our hands on some of the cyber weapons I've been repairing. They should be buried beneath the rubble," Mom explained, revealing a surprising aspect of her past.
"Woah mom, you used to be a hunter?!" I exclaimed, taken aback by this newfound knowledge.
Mom chuckled, a twinkle in her eye. "Yes, your dad and I were both, well, not technically hunters but adventurers, son. Your grandfather always encouraged me to continue exploring. I used to accompany your father and grandfather on their quests, but I stopped when I was carrying you. That was also when your grandad took you to get your stigmata. He spoke highly of it, even though it was just something so regular."
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
"Wow! Grandad must've been cool, but what's even more impressive is that Dad used to be a fighter!" I marvelled, beginning to grasp the extent of my parents' experiences.
"Hey now, I'm not too old. I could still be a hunter if I wanted to!" Dad retorted, turning to me with a mock frown, puffing out his cheeks in an exaggerated manner. His playfulness made me smile.
Dad looked back at me with a grouchy look on his face, puffing out his cheeks unlike for someone his age as he trudged to the shed. I ran up to join him and helped hoist the shed door open. Mom rushed in and came out holding onto two scabbards, tossing one to dad.
"Their normal steel blades, not as sharp as cyber ones but they should last longer"
"We'll just have to make do. It's been quite a while since I swung a sword. Ok let's get going—?!"
"W-w-wait, Dad!" I stammered; my voice filled with urgency.
"Edowado?" Dad questioned, looking at me with concern.
I extended my right arm, offering him my cyber dagger, which was still deactivated. I hoped it could be of some use to him in the upcoming battles. But instead of accepting it, he hoisted the scabbard onto his shoulders and smirked, placing his hand on top of mine and gently pushing my arm back.
"Thanks for the offer, kiddo, but you'll need that to protect your sisters and the other villagesfolk. Your old man here can do just fine with pure metal," Dad said, his smirk showcasing his confidence.
Normal weapons worked just fine in fights against monsters and cutting but cyber weapons were indisputably sharper and more enhanced as they made combat easier with their only downsides being their need of a constant power source to be turned on and that it was a toll on your body's energy as well when in use.
With that, he turned his back and sprinted down the path, Mom by his side. They waved one last time before disappearing into the distance, their speed and agility making me realize the strength and skill they possessed. I contemplated their unknown ranks but concluded that they must have been at least stronger than a rank 3, given their impressive abilities.
Returning to Elaine, Akisor, and Richard, I found them diligently attending to the injured. Richard had joined their efforts, scanning the villagesfolk to monitor their vitals and pulses. As I surveyed the area, everything else appeared as normal as it could be in such dire circumstances.
The villagesfolk had been divided into six groups, with the largest group consisting of the injured individuals. Lio had taken charge, organizing the physically capable men and able-bodied women into a defensive formation around the injured. This was to protect them in case any monsters appeared while the other groups supported one another, awaiting the signal to proceed to the village's borders.
Lio had made a wise decision, ensuring that the defenceless civilians had support and protection within smaller, easily manageable groups. It prevented them from becoming easy prey for monsters and minimized the chances of chaos during their journey to the border.
"Hey kid, come join us. You look like a hunter yourself," Lio called out, motioning for me to join him in the defensive line.
"Me?"
"Who else would I be calling? You're the only one carrying an actual weapon aside from me here so we'll need your help too."
I hurriedly made my way over to Lio and the other villagesfolk, tightly gripping the hilt of my dagger. Glancing back, I caught another glimpse of Elaine and Aki, working diligently to heal the injured.
"Come on, people! Ma'am move over here so Orange Hair can look inside your body."
"W-wait, what?!" the confused lady responded.
"N-No, no, it's not like that! I'm just going to scan your vitals. Aki?" Richard stammered, attempting to clarify the situation, his face now bright red.
"Don't worry, you'll be healed soon. Chip function, special ability..." Elaine reassured the injured person, beads of sweat forming on her forehead as she continued to utilize her healing special ability.
Witnessing their efforts, I realized the mental toll it took to continuously activate and utilize special abilities. Elaine was pushing herself to the limit, growing mentally exhausted in the process. She would need to take a break and recover her mental energy.
Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly snapped my head back, a sense of unease washing over me. Something felt off. I scanned the area, twisting left and right, searching for any signs of danger. But everything appeared as it was before. The people were grouped, preparations were being made, and the injured were being healed. Everything seemed normal and quiet, or perhaps my rank wasn't high enough to sense or hear anything unusual.
"You okay, kid? You've tensed up," Lio remarked, noticing my unease.
"Oh, sorry. I just had a bad feeling, but everything seems quiet and normal now. I'm probably just overreacting," I replied, trying to dismiss my apprehensions.
"Hey, if there's one thing I've learned from my time in the forests, it's to trust your gut more often than not. You'll be surprised how many times it's saved my ass," Lio advised, offering a reassuring nod before returning his attention to the remaining villagesfolk.
As time passed, more groups departed, leaving only two groups behind—the defensive line and the group of injured individuals. Many of the previously incapacitated individuals were now back on their feet, supporting others in need, allowing Elaine to tend to their injuries. The power of special abilities was truly remarkable.
However, my unease persisted, and then it finally hit me. The area had fallen into an eerie silence. The screams and clashes of metal had abruptly ceased. I felt the wind picking up, its gentle whir now transformed into an unsettling buzz. Something was about to happen.
"LOOK OUT! SOMETHING'S COMING! JUMP OUT OF THE WAY!" a voice shouted in alarm.
"Wha—AAAAA!!!"
Before I could react, a dark object descended from the sky, accompanied by brilliant purple and black sparks akin to lightning bolts. It crashed directly into one of the larger men within the defensive line, causing chaos and panic. I managed to leap out of harm's way just in time, but I couldn't catch a clear glimpse of what had fallen.
------------------------------------------------------------------
I instinctively leap out of the way after hearing Lio's familiar voice shouting the alarm. I readjust myself on the ground and stand up, wiping the dust from my eyes.
I'm greeted by the sight of Lio engaged in a fierce battle with an unknown stranger. Their clash echoes through the air, accompanied by the resounding clash of metal and an electrifying buzz that sends shivers down my spine.
The stranger is clad in a blue and white uniform that resembles military attire, with hardened parts acting as protective armour. Their face is concealed behind a darkened helmet adorned with glowing lights, making it impossible to read their expressions or determine their gender. Lio is blocking the stranger's attacks, wielding two jet black rods with bulky tips that emit a dark purple glow and sparks.
It was Lio and he was struggling to fend off the attacks of an unknown stranger clad from head to toe in a blue and white uniform, which seemed more like a military style outfit than anything with its hardened parts acting as protection. The person's face is hidden behind a darkened helmet with glowing lights making it impossible to read the person's facial expressions or determine their gender. Lio had blocked the stranger's weapon, two mid-length jet black rods with bulky tips that emitted a dark purple glow and had sparks flying out of them.
My eyes widen as I realize that the stranger's weapons are the source of the ominous purple and black bolts that had filled the air earlier. The sheer power emanating from those two jet black rods, with their bulky tips and crackling sparks, sends a chill down my spine. I survey the spot where I had previously stood, only to be met with a grisly sight—a massive figure lying motionless on the ground, bearing scorch marks on his skin and emitting wisps of smoke. Those rods are dangerous and electrocute whatever they touch. I've gotta be careful.
"Sir Lio, don't let him touch you with those sticks!" My voice rings out with urgency, trying to penetrate the chaos of the battle. Lio manages to parry one heavy swing from the merciless mercenary. He leaps backward, striving to create distance between himself and the relentless assailant.
"Thanks kid, I've also taken notice but—!" Lio's response is abruptly cut off.
"EDOWADO, BEHIND YOU!!!"
I hear the shouts of my sisters and Richard, but not before I hear a familiar screeching sound. I quickly duck low and leap to the side, propelling myself out of the way.
A searing pain shoots through the back of my head, and I instinctively reach up, my fingers coming into contact with a corrosive substance—a wicked acid that has singed my hair and left its mark.
With grim determination, I rise to my feet, my gaze fixed upon the unexpected intruder in our midst—an all-too-familiar forest menace, a killer ant
"Shit! KID—Ark!!"
"Lio!! Crap!"
The air crackles with electrifying energy as the masked mercenary seizes the opportunity, ruthlessly striking Lio's vulnerable back with both rods.
The impact is brutal, the blow unrelenting, but Lio stands his ground, but the pain etched on his face tells a tale of impending exhaustion.
"Grr.., fucking bastard!"
This formidable foe is no ordinary adversary; their rank probably surpasses Lio's, leaving him at a perilous disadvantage. The odds are stacked against us both, but perhaps together, and with the aid of the determined villagers, we may yet turn the tide.
"Hey kid! We've got your back. Just wait for the perfect moment to strike!"
Unfamiliar voices rally behind me, their words injecting a renewed sense of purpose into my being. They are the defenders of the human wall, stepping forward to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with me.
"Edowado! Circle around us, bide your time, and strike when the opportunity presents itself!"
"Alright! Sir Lio, hold on just a little bit longer!" I respond, determination blazing in my eyes. I nod in acknowledgment as Lio's partner signals me to act swiftly. With focused intensity, I embark on a swift orbit around the makeshift defensive circle formed by the brave villagesfolk. The killer ant's attention is momentarily diverted, drawn towards the courageous souls relentlessly bombarding it with whatever makeshift weapons they can find.
I continue my agile rotation, waiting patiently for that crucial instant. The killer ant screeches in anger, attempting to fend off the onslaught, unleashing another spray of acid to deter its assailants. But the defenders remain undeterred.
Amidst the chaos, a burly figure emerges from the throng, scorch marks etched into his dark skin and his clothes in tatters. With a thunderous roar, he launches himself at the ant, propelling his weight against its body with all his might. The creature teeters precariously, one side of its legs lifting off the ground.
The killer ant screeches as if ticked off and stubbornly holds its body still this time spraying some of its acid out of its mouth to ward off the villagesfolk but the others do a good job of distracting it by continuously flinging items at it. One bulky dark-skinned guy with scorch marks and burnt clothes appears on the side of the ant where the others are still trying to raise its legs. He lets out a deep roar before making a mad dash for the ant. He leaps and throws his body weight against the ant's, forcefully causing one side its body's legs to lift off the ground and wobble unsteadily on its other side legs: The opening I'm waiting for.
Now is the moment.
"Everyone, stand back!"
"You heard the boy! Clear a path!"
In one seamless motion, I twist my body, executing a sharp turn towards the unsteady killer ant. My cyber dagger, my trusted weapon, is firmly gripped in my hand, ready to unleash its true power. I press the button on the hilt, and a dazzling beam of brilliant blue and white light envelops the black rod, transforming it into a formidable blade. Determination fuels my every step as I dash forward, my focus unwavering.
But just as I am about to strike, a figure in a blue overall suddenly blocks my path, an enigmatic smirk gracing their face. Without hesitation, they drop to one knee, creating a makeshift platform with their arms, just below their bent leg. One arm extends, pointing skyward.
I understand their intention, their silent command. Gritting my teeth, I surge forward with all the speed my rank 1 abilities can muster, closing the distance between us rapidly.
As I reach the spot where the blue-clad male kneels, I place one foot into his cupped hands. With astonishing strength, he thrust me upward into the air. My focus locks onto the killer ant, which is on the brink of regaining its balance. With my arm raised high, clutching the dagger, I channel every ounce of determination into a devastating downward swing. The blade hurtles toward the creature's head, propelled by the force of my conviction.
But my strike is not the sole purpose of this orchestrated manoeuvre. My left-hand clenches into a fist, drawing back, my gaze fixated on the true target—the merciless mercenary, relentlessly pummelling Lio with their rod. I pour every ounce of strength into my clenched fist, a battle cry rising from deep within me.
"RAAA!!"
"ACK—!!"
The impact is resounding, a direct hit that reverberates through the air. The mercenary's helmet shudders under the sheer force, the sound of bone crunching mingling with the crackling of electricity.
Their head whips to the side, followed by their entire body, forced to relinquish their grip on one of their menacing rods. I bite down hard on my lip, suppressing the pain surging through my hand as I crash onto the ground. The helmet isn't the only thing that succumbs to the onslaught—I'm certain I've broken all the bones in my hand. A surge of frustration courses through me, but there's no time to dwell on it.
I swiftly rise to my feet, a surge of adrenaline propelling me forward. I dash toward Lio, my heart pounding in my chest, desperate to ensure his safety. The villagers rally behind us, their collective spirit a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.
The big guy, who was initially shocked by the black rods, picks up the dropped rod and marches toward the downed mercenary, who writhes in pain.
Curiosity surges within me, urging me to follow closely, determined to catch a glimpse of our mysterious attacker. The mercenary lies on the ground, holding their head before pressing a few buttons on the cracked helmet. A puff of steam escapes, accompanied by a clicking sound, as the mercenary removes the helmet, revealing his face.
His fair skin and youthful appearance, highlighted by bright blond hair and piercing grey eyes, mark him as an outsider to these parts of the empire. His distinct features set him apart. He looks at us with a scornful and spiteful expression, emanating an aura of defiance.
"Mercenary, who are you, and why did you attack us?" I inquire, hoping to elicit an answer from the stranger.
"Tsk! I am a proud soldier, and I refuse to speak to you scumbags. You think you've beaten me, but Lieutenant Hendrixson will ensure you're all captured and dealt with," he retorts with contempt.
Unfazed, the large man respond, "From where I'm standing, you should be more careful with your words, pal. Remember this?" He holds the mercenary's black rod closer, a warning not to underestimate us.
"From where I'm standing I'd say you should be more careful with your words pal. Remember this?", the tanned villager held the mercenary's err soldier's black rod closer to him, a warning to tread lightly.
With a defiant glare, the soldier dismisses our actions. "It doesn't matter what you do to me. The other soldiers are already cutting down your defenders back at your centre, and soon they'll come for you. We'll show you crooks to never mess with the AI Empire—AAAH!!!!"
A dazzling display of purple and black electricity illuminates the air as the man presses the black rod against the soldier's chest. The surge of energy knocks him out cold, causing no lasting physical harm.
Turning to Lio, I ask, "Did you catch that?"
"Y-yeah, I heard him loud and clear"
Lio approaches the unconscious soldier with a weary and exhausted expression. The soldier's assault took a toll on him, leaving him far from his prime.
"Dammit, this guy must have been at least a rank 3, and he's claiming there are more?" Lio mutters in frustration. "Shittiest stroke of luck. But you did good, kid. You saved my ass and the lives of everyone here. This belongs to you."
Extending his arm, Lio offers me a dagger emanating a bright blue and white glow—the cyber weapon I wield. The memory of successfully slaying the killer ant resurfaces, and I glance at the spot where it once stood, now reduced to a pile of black ash, with a single shard remaining. Perhaps I am useful to the people here.
Redirecting his attention to the scattered villagesfolk, Lio swiftly commands, urging them to organize and prepare for our next move.
"Okay, everyone! We've spent enough time here. Let's hurry and make our way to the border, where we'll meet up with the others."
"Yes sir!"
"Edowado!"
Elaine, followed closely by Aki, approaches me. Sweat covers her face, and despite her drained appearance, she exudes an unwavering determination.
"Elaine, you need to rest," I implore. "You're mentally drained from all the healing you've done."
She shakes her head, her voice resolute. "No, I'm fine. We can't sit back and wait. We need to help Mom and Dad. Some of our friends, like Amina, the girls, Ezra, and his grandad, weren't with the crowd. They must still be in the Northern part of village."
I raise an eyebrow in disbelief. "Are you crazy? We heard what Mom and Dad said. We're supposed to join the other villagefolk and head for the border."
Elaine's expression fills with concern and worry, fuelling my own unease. Her eyes reflect a firm resolve that can't be swayed.
"I know what they said, but something feels terribly wrong," she insists. "After hearing what that soldier said, I fear for Mom, Dad, and our friends. They might be in danger."
"But if we go, it's like entering a war zone," I argue.
"Edo, I can't just sit back and run knowing our family and friends might be in trouble," Elaine pleads, her voice tinged with desperation. "I'm going to The Northern sector of village to help in any way I can."
"It's a war out there, Elaine. Monsters and high-ranked soldiers against basic hunters. Going there could put you in grave danger," I protest.
Tears glisten in her eyes as she locks her gaze with mine. "I'm sorry, Edo, but I can't abandon them. My gut tells me they need our help. I'm going, but you can stay with the villagefolk if you want."
"No, Elaine, wait!" I call out, torn between the duty to protect our community and the fierce loyalty I feel for my sister.
She turns on her heels and starts running toward The Northern sector of village, the rising smoke guiding her path. The villagefolk, already preparing to depart for the border, fade into the background.
"Are you just gonna let big sis go back alone like that?! You can't just leave family alone like that, Edo. I'm not gonna let big sis go away alone like that!"
"No Aki wait!"
Aki swiftly darts beside me, a streak of determination in her eyes as she makes a beeline for Elaine, who stands ahead at a considerable distance. Why can't I move?
"Edowado, where are your sisters?!" Richard's voice is tinged with concern as he rushes up to me. His eyes dart back and forth, searching the crowd of villagefolk for any sign of my sisters. They won't be found there. I can't find the words to respond, my lips sealed shut.
Instead, I raise my trembling hand and point towards the thick plumes of smoke. Richard stares at me, confusion etched across his face, until the realization finally dawns on him. His eyes widen, reflecting the anxiety and terror that now fills mine.
Richard runs up to me with a look of concern on his face. He keeps turning back and forth looking between the crowd of villagefolk still remaining for my sisters. He won't find them there. I don't say anything, I can't say anything. I just lift my shaky hand and point towards the smoke. Richard stares at my face and then at my stretched hand, confusion, written all over his face until it finally dawns on him. He opens his eyes widely and stares into my eyes now filled with anxiety and terror.
"You let them both go straight to The Northern sector of village?! Why would you do such a thing!?"
"I... I..."
"No, no, no! I promised to look after you guys. Your mom's gonna kill me! I have to find them before... damn it!"
Why can't I find my voice? I faced down the killer ant without fear, and I didn't hesitate to confront the soldier. So why am I paralyzed now? Why do I feel so scared?
Ah, I remember. In those moments, I had Lio and the other villagefolk watching my back, providing a shield against the encroaching terror. But back in the forest, when I confronted the monsters... Oh yes, I nearly forgot—I wasn't alone then either.
When I saw those monsters, I fled. It was someone else who delivered the decisive blows to the killer ants, while I merely landed the final strike. I wasn't brave or strong; I was merely fortunate. Fortunate to have someone by my side. Yet here there are people I know. So why does fear still grip me?
"Hey kid! Are you just gonna stand there looking like an idiot?"
"Lio?"
"You know, I may not be a high-ranking hunter, but I damn well know that if my family were still trapped in there, fighting for their lives, I'd rush back to help them without a second thought. Call it a gut feeling—an instinct I'd follow blindly."
"Another gut feeling? Aren't you scared of dying or losing someone or something"
"Ha! That's exactly what I used to ask my old man when I first ventured into the forests. The moment you grasp a weapon and venture into those woods, you must accept the very real possibility of entering but never emerging."
A shadow flickers across Lio's face, a memory he'd rather forget.
"Death and loss are inevitable experiences we're all gonna face sooner or later. If you allow that fear to hold you back, there's no purpose in continuing to live. Don't let it paralyze you. Instead, spend your time doing what you love, with the people you love. That's how you'll find strength."
"Wow, but what does all that mean?"
"Damned if I know. That old-timer always rambled when he was drunk. Look, I can't dictate your thoughts, but whether you choose to go into the war zone or join the others and me—it's your call."
And just like that, his serious expression dissipates, replaced by a goofy grin that oddly resonates with me.
"I think I understand, Lio."
"Great, because I kinda lost myself there for a minute."
Lio scratches his nose with a smug satisfaction, and I lift my gaze to the rising smoke. Closing my eyes, I catch the faint echoes of screams and shouts drifting from the chaotic mess. The battle still rages, growing fiercer. Inhaling deeply, I twirl the cyber dagger in my hand, reversing my grip so the blade points downward.
(So, your gut told you all that, sis?)
"I'm gonna go help my family!"
I clench my fists tightly, fixing my gaze on the smoke ahead. I am resolute, committed to the path I have chosen. Lio glances back at me, nodding with unwavering confidence before turning away to give his final orders to the waiting villagefolk.
"Good luck, kid."
"Thanks for the pep talk, Lio."
"Alright, everyone, the border isn't far. If we run, we can catch up with the others and rendezvous at the border. Let's move!"
Lio and the rest of the villagesfolk march on forward towards the border leaving me alone still standing on the cobblestoned path.
(If I don't go I might not end up seeing them again both friends and family)
"I'm coming to help!"
I bolt down the cobblestoned path, sprinting at full speed, determined to catch up with my sisters and reunite with my family. Together, we can help as many people as we can together.