I found myself nervously pacing in front of a small hut trying to figure out what to say when she came. My steps were quick and hurried only interrupted by my occasional nervous yawn. A strange tick I had found myself doing back in middle school. Perhaps I yawn when nervous as an effort to make myself look calm and collected? Ah that doesn't matter... How long does it take for a hunt to finish anyways, shouldn't she back by now? Maybe something came up, wait take a deep breath and calm down.

I forced my restless thoughts into submission as best I could while taking slow deep breaths. I honestly wasn't sure why I was so nervous in the first place. Maybe it was due to my last interaction with her. I felt my face heat up in embarrassment at the thought.

"Au-"

Interrupting my train of thought a pair of cold hands found their place on my neck. A shiver went down my spine as an embarrassingly high-pitched yelp escaped my throat. I whirled around, belligerent at the sudden contact.

"Y-you" I sputtered glaring at a clearly amused Artemis.

"Yes?" she asked with a clearly self satisfied grin.

I shook my head as my heart hammering in my chest slowed. I took a few more deep breaths to calm myself. I can't give her the satisfaction after all.

"I needed to talk to you about something, could we go somewhere with less onlookers?" I said while gesturing to a few clearly curious lamias watching our conversation unfold. She simply nodded in response, and we set out on a walk just outside the tribe's makeshift yet surprisingly sturdy walls. She seemed content to wait as I tried to find the right words to say. After some time passed, I started the conversation.

"So... On the hunt I met someone. She was some sort of demon with a single horn, and she wore something like a ninja would? She also had an ominous looking mask. And she gave me a warning."

Artemis narrowed her eyes in response before speaking.

"This demon you speak of, we've had experiences with her before... None of them very good either, but continue."

"She said something about a floor's filter coming. And that the Phos Cave Systems would not be safe. I honestly don't know what either meant but I get the idea that it might be something dangerous. Could you explain it to me?" Her face warped into a confused expression, and she gave a small nod.

"That doesn't sound good. She may not be trustworthy yet what she says very well could ring true. I'll admit I really do not know much about this place or what exactly that means, as this home is far from where we came. Unfortunately, I can't explain the information she's given. However, I do know that Lady Cecilia would be able to."

I wonder if she really doesn't know anything. I nodded before responding hesitantly.

"I know I made a deal with her, but why doesn't she tell you more about this place? Wouldn't knowing more about where you are be helpful? Especially for somewhere as dangerous as this."

Artemis once again narrowed her eyes in response yet said nothing for a moment as an ominous silence settled over her. Before she simply shook her head, breaking the moment before responding.

"Our people trust Lady Cecilia; she may know more but her job is to lead our people. If she deigns the information risky to the survival of us or dangerous to her leadership, I shall support her. Loyalty is an important tradition amongst our people, and I have no intentions of breaking it. Even if I knew something I would not be the one to tell you. That position is for Lady Cecilia alone."

I gave a small nod not wanting to agitate her further. Artemis let out a long, tired sigh before speaking once more.

"Speaking of Lady Cecilia, she requested an audience with you tonight to fulfill her end of the deal you made. Perhaps you can ask her these questions then as well as give her the information you told me. For the rest of today though I recommend you take it easy and try not to get caught up in anything else. Maybe spend it with your little friend." she concluded with a gentle grin on her face as she casually swept aside my concerns.

"I swear you people are trying to make things difficult for me. But I got it, and thank you Artemis, even if you are a bit harsh at times you've helped me more than I could have ever asked for." I gave a small bow and made my exit with my head a flurry of thoughts.

I could've sworn I felt her gaze burning into my back as I left. Shaking off the feeling I continued to walk, just going where ever my feet took me.

What do I even do with myself... Hmmm, maybe I should just get some more sleep. Honestly that doesn't sound like too bad of an idea, let's do that. I think I've earned some rest let's just take a break-

"OIIIIIII!! KIERAAAAN! WHY ARE YOU IGNORING ME!" A pouting Ran entered my vision as I glanced down.

"Ah, sorry about that. I was a bit lost in thought." I said rubbing the back of my neck as I apologized. She calmed down slightly but still turned with a huff.

"Just pay attention next time! and don't ignore me, okay?"

"Alright I get it, I'm sorry for being rude. Do you want to me to play with you or something to make up for it?" I bartered trying to not harm my tiny benefactor's feelings.

Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

"I-I suppose that'll do." she spoke with a slight lilt as if overexcited. I gave a small grin at the cute little lamia. She instantly spun around and took off with explosive speed and I instantly set to chasing her at a full tilt.

A few hours later I sat in an unfamiliar hut watching and mostly tuning out a lecture directed at the little lamia in front of me. I wonder how often this happens. Probably fairly regularly judging by the little rascal’s unrepentant expression and her bored tail waggles.

“You know very well not to interfere with your mother’s business during her meetings. And the excuse of “A really cool stick that I had to show her.” Does not qualify for important enough to waste the time of everyone involved.”

Ran rolled her eyes in response before shooting me a glance as if begging for help. Seeing the gesture, the red headed lamia instantly resumed the lecture.

“And you Mr. Kieran. I know you just proved your place as an independent party but that does not qualify you to encourage bad habits in the young lady. I expect better from both of you in the future.”

A few minutes of sheepish nodding and genuine apologies later I was out and free unlike my little friend. I washed up and prepared for my meeting with Cecilia as the free time I had planned to use to rest was blown away by playing and getting scolded together with Ran.

A nervous yawn escaped from me as I approached the one proper building in the village. An astute guard nodded at me and stepped aside at my approach, allowing me entry. Stepping into the small house I entered into the drearily lit room and found my eyes instantly attracted to Cecilia. Her green hair seemed luxurious in the lighting and her eyes almost like yellow flames. They narrowed upon my entry, and she gestured to me to sit down. As I sat, she began to speak.

“So, I’ve heard that your hunt went well. Though not without an eventful end.” She spoke calmly and confidently.

Alright let’s match that energy then. I swallowed and began to talk.

“It was certainly an eventful night. On the bright side I completed the hunt without dying or permanently injuring myself. And conveniently I may have gotten some information that interests you. But before that let’s fulfill our promise. Tell me more about Gehenna.” An amused grin spread across her face at the demand.

“My, my, you're quite the audacious one, aren’t you? But yes, we did have an agreement. I suppose I'll start with the basics. Gehenna is a realm that draws from many others. How it does so, and precise mechanics of its existence are still a mystery to me I’ll admit. Regardless of how or why, it drags whatever souls are unfortunate enough to get caught in its grasp into itself. Whether the souls are alive and inhabiting a body or dead and simply floating around matters not to whatever controls this realm. Those that are dragged in are forced to go through a series of tests or challenges.”

“Tests? What kind of test are you talking about?”

“A test to prove your worth. This level is all about survival and climbing to the top. A way to prove yourself amongst others, to be a predator. Or at least someone with the strength of one.”

Level? What is this a massive game or something? Alright, let’s find out.

“By level you mean different areas, correct? Do you have to pass the test in one level to go on to the next or something?”

“Hmmm, that’s not entirely wrong. These challenges or tests are indeed how you proceed through these levels. Yet we know not of what the upper levels hold nor what sort of tests they expect us to pass. This place we’re currently in is the lowest “level”. To pass this test, you simply need to reach the top of Peak Eron. Yet to do so is no easy feat. The climb and harsh climate are quite brutal, to say nothing of the wildlife. Yet the biggest issue is neither of those, no, the biggest threat are other demons.”

She spoke with a scowl at the thought.

“This is kind of a stupid question but why exactly is that a problem? Couldn’t you just not fight?” A small laugh escaped from her lips as a dark mirthful expression lit her face.

“Unfortunately, most don’t see it that way. You see, none of us know what we expect to face on the other side. The next level is entirely a mystery to us. And if it so happens to be a competition between us. Then why would we let them pass through to continue as a threat? The less enemies to fight the better. I’ll admit I know not of the current state of the mountain nor the outside world. I do know not to expect any cooperation or kindness from them.”

“Wait then why did you save me? Instead of getting rid of a potential threat you helped me.”

“I think your, ahem, showcase of yourself at the start certainly helped. More importantly my daughter took a liking to you, and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen her this happy.”

Thank you, oh great Ran, for saving me from your terrifying mother. I nodded in response before continuing my impromptu inquisition.

“Are you and your people’s strength not enough to ascend the peak? I’ve seen what a single one of you can do.” I shuttered slightly at the thought of the massive beast that was casually crushed by their tail.

“I’m unsure if we as a people can do it together. I’m confident a few individuals would likely make it, yet we need their strength to stay here to protect our people. It’s not something everyone would agree upon, yet it is the best I can do for us all at the moment. The risks involved simply far outweighs the potential rewards. You on the other hand, have no such obligations.”

I quickly found myself lost in thought at that. She cares more for her people than achieving some great aspirations. I can admire that, but I don’t know how I feel about her lying to her own people. I suppose it’s not my place to judge. What do I even want to do? I’m definitely not a match for even a single lamia. Why would I try to ascend? Realistically I probably won’t even make it there in the first place. Maybe I should train here more… ugh, I don’t want to keep training…

“Now” she said with a clap of her hands snapping me out of my thoughts.

“I believe you have something to tell me.” Her eyes took on an icy chill as she seemingly stared through my soul.

“I- Yes. When I was hunting my prey, a mysterious demon intervened near the end of the hunt and warned me. She said that the Phos Cave Systems won’t be safe from the great filter this time. And that The Great Filter was coming.”

Her expression hardened as her whole body stiffened.

“No… that can’t be… We need to prepare immediately then.”

“Prepare, what for?”

She simply ignored my question pointing to the door.

“Leave. Prepare to protect yourself.”

“I-“

“I said LEAVE.”

I reluctantly did so, quietly exiting the house with an ominous pit in my stomach. I clenched my fist as my head became a cacophony of noise.

What’s about to happen? I probably need a weapon. Do I tell someone? What do I do? Is the great filter related to the test? Why didn’t Artemis react to it, was she not told? A filter, as in to filter out the unworthy maybe? What would something like that even be?

As I stepped outside a loud war horn echoed throughout the massive cavern sending me stumbling from the pressure of the noise. Instantly my attention was brought to the source. There on the north side of the jungle near the collection of smaller caverns stood an army. A collage of different demons made up the hoard. At this distance I couldn’t get a good look at them all, especially with the thick jungle in the way. But what I did see was anything but a good sign.

Fuck