"Oi Jaron, wake up."

Jaron felt his shoulder being shook as his senses returned to him. He was laying on solid ground, but his clothes were drenched. So whoever was shaking him had pulled him out the pond. Fighting off the drowsiness he managed to open his eyes but his sight blurred. In the fog he made out the worried faces of Aaron and Dalila.

"Good. You’re up."

He heard Aaron's polite but slightly annoyed voice.

" Are you alright?"

Followed by Dalila sweet but timid voice.

"Fine." Jaron said.

As his vision cleared he moved to sit up, but a sharp pain shot up from his stomach.

"Mr. Jaron!"

"Hey!"

He collapsed back onto the ground. He was about to barf. A tenderness had settled in his stomach making him sensitive. He circled mana in order to strengthen his inner, but as the mana passed his stomach a foreign mana crashed into his. Jaron's body clenched. Nausea spread as he failed to keep his mana in check.

How vicious.

The man didn't simply punch him, but sent in his own mana into his body. Allowing the sickening mana to mess with his warrior construct. What secrets was the man hiding to feel the need to go so far? He said something about a rat? A woman? Jaron wanted to abandon the mission and go investigate but, he look at the kids,

" Mr. Jaron, can you hear us? Do you need anything?"

"If you are in too much pain to speak, blink twice."

They appeared fine. He smiled. He didn't want them to meet with the ruthless man and risk their safety.

" Ah, don't make a face like you made peace with your death."

" No, Mr. Jaron. Don't die."

Jaron frowned. What were these two going on about? It didn't matter they needed to leave soon. First, he had to deal with the foreign mana. Activating a basic Art, he formed a blue aura. His mana sinked into the sickening mana dissolving it away. The pain faded and he was able to sit up.

" Mr. Jaron?" Dalila tried to support him.

" Not needed." Jaron pushed her hands away.

"Are you sure?" Aaron eyed him suspiciously. "You said that earlier, before you collapsed."

"No, It was before I stabilized my body." Jaron stood up to show them he was completely fine.

Dalila still had a worried look, but Aaron nodded to show his understanding.

" Jaron, What happened? It wasn't the cave in or the creature that knocked you out, right?" Aaron edged closer to him.

Tilting his head down he met his eyes. He could read the eagerness in his eyes. Eagerness for what? For Information? For A fight?

Jaron brushed Aaron to the side.

He didn't know why, but he felt like he shouldn't tell him anything. Otherwise Aaron might dashed right after the ruthless man no matter the risk. Which was the last thing he wanted.

" Doesn't matter." Jaron walked toward the pond. They were on the opposite side where he had entered earlier.

"Doesn't matter?" Aaron halted in his place.

" Yes. We are pulling back."

Aaron flinched.

"Why? We haven't taken care of the creature yet."

" The mission has gone beyond what it originally was. The cave system became too unstable." Jaron frowned. The pond had gotten bigger while he was unconscious.

" But that is why we need to finish it now. If we leave we won't be able to return."

" Doesn't matter. It is not our main concern." He turned away from the pond and stared down the boy. He made it clear there was no room for an argument.

Aaron opened his mouth to speak but hesitated. He didn't look happy, but Jaron didn't care. The well-being of the group came first.

"Before we leave, can you tell me why you're unconscious?"

" When we return to the village, I will."

Aaron glared at Jaron, but didn't say anymore and flipped on his hood.

Jaron nodded.

Good.

He didn't know why Aaron didn't like him, but at least he was listening to him.

"Hey Aaron? Mr. Jaron? Are you done talking?" Dalila intervened.

"Yes?" Jaron glanced over to her.

" What do you need, Dalila?" Aaron went back to his pleasant voice.

" Well, I didn't want to bother you when you were talking. But," She twisted her robe, "the creature had shown up behind us."

"Hiss."

A creature cried out as a large boulder flew through the air.

Jaron grabbed Dalila and Aaron, pulling them behind him just as a rock crashed where Dalila had stood. He took out his pistol as his eyes zoomed to the direction of the source of the rock. There stood a large creature. With gleaming beady eyes and a foaming mouth. Its dark brown fur and a long tail stood up as a warning. On its face it had a pink round nose and whiskers. Its claws, as Dalila guessed earlier, were six on each of its four feet. Something shoned arounds it neck. The fierce creature stormed into the light, revealing a Large Mole?

"Huh, that’s the monster. An oversized rodent.” Bewildered, he lowered his gun. A mole was not dangerous enough to warrant staying and risked the ruthless man returning. Ignoring the mole he searched for an away around it but the creature's large frame blocked the tunnels. Before he could examine the other side, the mole hissed charging toward them. With the pond behind him and the speed of the mole,, Jaron had no choice but stand his ground.

" Aaron and Dalila, get ready to fight." He raised his gun.

" About that."

Jaron flinched.

" I hurt my ankle earlier. So I won't be able to fight." Aaron gave an apologetic smile.

" Me too. I'm a Wizard. We don't learn any fighting spells. So I can't help." Dalila sounded too happy about the fact as she raised her tome.

Jaron pinched his forehead. He didn't have time for this.

" Don't worry Jaron. We can be your emotional support and cheer you on. You can do it! Go Jaron go!”

Aaron punched the air as he cheered.

" Aaron is right. Go Jaron go!" Dalila copied Aaron's movement.

Jaron stiffened at the action of these kids. He truly didn't understand them. As he stood there confused, a swishing noise came toward his direction.

Dalila called out to him.

“Don’t just stand there. It looks cute but don’t underestimate its strength. Hurry up and move.”

Springing into action he rolled out in time to be a hair's breadth from the crashing boulder. Too close for comfort he moved farther back.

The mole thrashed and stomped it's feet. Hissing it swiped a rock into the air.

Jaron dodge out of the way while pulling out his dual pistol as the rock once crashed heavily against the ground. Locking his eyes on the creature Jaron gaged a safe distance between them.

The mole beady eyes followed Jaron movement as he carefully side stepped around it. Reaching a certain distance the mole hissed a warning not to get closer. He halted, waiting for the mole to engage.

The mole paw flinched and Jaron dashed forward. Rocks once again rain down Taking aim, Jaron shot the rocks coming into his direction. Running through the dust of the falling rocks he came to the side of the mole. His bullets hit point blank the monster’s heavy dark fur.

From the pain the mole roared back with a blind rage it charged forward to him.

Not expecting the quick reaction Jaron cursed as he backed up. To slow down the charge he shot at the mole paws. But he moved too far as the bullets did nothing against its sturdy skin.

Abandoning the idea, his blue aura flashed as he activated an Arts. Mana burst into his legs as he jumped several paces back.

The mole locked onto him, keeping it charged.

He shifted to jump farther left, but Aaron shouted on his right,

"Jaron, the pond." He warned.

But he put too much force into his jump. Instead of the sensation of solid ground his foot broke though the surface of water.

A cold wetness rushed over him as his head dipped underwater. Wasting no time he stood up. No longer a shallow pond, the water level rose to his waist.

The mole, having lost its intended target, changed it’s direction. On it’s path stood Dalila. She squeaked and raised her tome in front of her face.

No, he would not let the mole touch her. Flicking his thumb he rotated the runes on his gun and took aim. Firing he hit the ground in front of the mole. The dirt floor exploded sending up a dust cloud blocking the mole view of Dalila. The mole reared back growling. Having lost sight of her the mole sniffed the air. And before the beast could relocate her, he fired in its face. The mole screeched and refocused toward his direction.

" That's right, good boy. Come here." He drew the beast to himself and away from the kids. He wouldn’t make the mistake of going too far from it again.

The mole sprinted closer. He had no time to leave the pond so waddling through the murky water he moved away from the shore. Chasing after him, without pausing the mole jumped into the pool.

With the mole right behind him, Jaron pushed a switch on his gun. Aiming at the water with his bullets he shot the surface. In an instant the water froze into a solid platform. Digging his nails into the ice, he with sheer force pulled himself onto the platform. He balanced on the unsteady ice and pushed another switch on his gun. Firing at the water where the mole swam, the whole pond glowed as electricity conducted through it.

The mole hissed as the high voltage hit it's body. Fleeing out of the water to escape the danger, it made its way out and collapsed onto the ground. Panting, the mole made an attempt to move but to no avail.

Jaron lowered his gun, relaxing his shoulder. He made his way back to dry land.

He did it. The fighting was over, they could finally get out of the cave.

Reaching the shore he went over to put the mole out of its misery. He pointed his gun towards his head.

"Mr. Jaron, don't kill it. Aaron, stop him."

Jaron lowered his gun, but kept his eye on the beast.

" Dalila, why not?"

Before she could answer, the mole pounced. Jaron re-aimed and pushed down on the trigger. A blur flashed in front of his eye as hands shoved his arm upwards before his gun went off.

A loud bang echoed off the walls.

His eyes widened. In between him and the creature was Aaron. He had pushed Jaron’s gun with one hand and with his sword in his other hand he had stopped the desperate mole. Letting go of his arm, the boy swing-kicked the mole away. Runes faded from his legs and arms as he lowered his sword.

“What are you doing?” He yelled at Aaron.

He didn't respond back to Jaron, but spoke to the beast.

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“There, there now. It's all right now. Just hold still.”

Lowering his hood he walked up toward the hissing creature and raised his sword.

" Dalila, are you sure you are right?" Aaron asked

"Yes, without a doubt."

With no hesitation he slammed down his sword toward the creature's neck.

Closing his eyes, Jaron expected blood to start spraying everywhere. But instead a clinking sound hit the floor. Jaron opened his eyes. A metal collar laid next to Aaron's boots.

Looking toward Aaron, time seemed to slow down as the mole once again pounced.

Jaron tried to shout “watch out” but it was too late. Images of Aaron being crushed by the beast's strength flashed before his eyes. He waited for the scream but instead Aaron laughed as the brown mole licked him like a puppy dog.

“Alright, alright, easy there.” Aaron laughing pushed the mole away.

Jaron froze in place. What happened? Why did the beast stop being aggressive? One second a mindless beast to a harmless rodent. His brain couldn’t make head or tails of the situation.

As if sensing his confusion, a dusty Dalila jogged up to him.

“It was because of the collar." she pointed." When I saw it I realized it had to be controlled. This creature here is the Large Brown Mole. A powerful digger but one of the most gentle of creatures. It does not have the capability of going berserk. It's why I ask Aaron to stop you before you kill it, since it didn't deserve to die. But," Dalila shifted her gaze to Aaron "I didn't expect you to jump in to do so. That was amazing.”

" Well there was no time, so I, " Aaron scratching his hair looked away. " It was nothing special."

Nothing special? Jaron looked down at his throbbing hand. How much strength was in his shoved? Plus, he looked over to Aaron. He was lifting up his foot to rest it. He did it with a sprained ankle. For a warrior, a proper stance was needed to maximize their Arts.

"You?"

Jaron narrowed his eyes at Aaron.

Aaron flinched and turned around to pet the mole.

"Um, Mr. Jaron, did you need something?" Dalila tilted her head to him.

Jaron shook his head.

"Nothing."

Jaron walked up to the mole and petted it.

" Now what?"

"We," Aaron burst into more giggles as the mole happily licked him. "That right, big fellow we will be returning you home."

Both Jaron and Dalila could not help but smile at the gleeful Aaron.

'Splashed.'

A warmed liquid drenched Aaron. Aaron froze in his spot as his eyes widened. The mole body slumped down to the ground. The scent reached Jaron nosed before his sight recognized the bright red blood covering the boy.

" Much better. Do you know how annoying it was listening to you'll's laughter?" The man with the sickening aura emerged from the shadows picking his ear.

"You." Jaron clenched his pistol.

" What? No need to get upset over a stupid rat." The man flicked his earwax off his pinky.

By his side, Dalila held her mouth like she was about to barf.

" What a sickening Aura. You are an Eldritch. " Her eyes widened.

An Eldritch? Jaron had never heard of the term.

"Well well. What a smart little cookie we have here." The man reached his hand out to grab her.

Jaron fired his gun at the man's arm and pulled Dalila out of his reach. He pulled her behind him and motioned to Aaron.

" Get behind me. Aaron? Aaron, are you listening?"

Aaron stood still staring at his blood-covered hands.

" How boring. It's no fun to fight with mage weaklings." He yawned and pulled out a strange box. "I might as well finish the experiment." He gathered his sickly mana into his palm.

Jaron looked at the box. He couldn't focus on it as if his brain rejected it’s existence. He didn't know what it was but he knew it was bad. They needed to escape before the man finished opening the box. However, he glanced over to Aaron. The boy, still in shock, had not moved an inch. Jaron clicked his tongue. He dashed over to Aaron and shook his shoulder.

" Snap out of it. "

Aaron stared at the dead mole.

" It died right there in front of me. And I, I didn't save it."

" Calm down, It’s already too late for the mole. We need to leave."

"Right it’s too late even for you ." The ruthless man smiled. " Come to me, Cursed Wolves."

The box the man held flashed opened. Runes rushed out warping the air. Out of the distortion dark gray smoky wolves wearing silver collars appeared.

" Impossible," Dalila's eyes shook. “The box cast an ether spelled all on it’s own."

" What?"

Jaron stared at the runes. She was right. There was no mana from the runes or even the wolves jumping out of them.

" Impressive, little lady." The man nodded his approval. " As a reward, I will warn you. I can't control ether so I can't control these wolves. So good luck surviving."

The wolves sniffed the air and shrieked. They all turned and pounced toward Jaron .

Jaron grabbing Aaron shirt dodged to the side.

" Jaron, Don't let them bite you. Their bite is cursed." Dalila called out as she shifted back away from the wolves.

The wolves landed and in an organized movement all leaped in their direction. Jaron moved in front of Aaron to shield him from the wolves. The wolves snarled and their fang snapped at him, but a hand pulled him backward.

Crunched.

Aaron screamed as a wolf bit into his arm. As the wolf’s smoke wrapped around his arm he kicked it in it’s stomach. The wolf released his arm as its feet landed and pounced toward his neck. Rune lines covered Aaron as he kicked it. The wolf flew backwards crashing into the other wolves. The wolves burst into smoke leaving a puddle of dark gray liquid. Panting , he crouched down holding his arm. Blood streamed from the bite mark.

" blasted it." Jaron ran forward, but the ruthless man intersected him.

" Where are you going?" He made a fist.

A punch slammed into Jaron’s gut, sending him rolling across the ground. Pained spread throughout his body as he gasped for air. He circled his mana to stabilize his body.

" Oh, like I thought. You have a nice aura." The man, no, the eldritch crouched into his face. Jaron glared at him. "A solid glare as well."

The eldritch stood up. His sickly aura exploded as he activated his Art.

" It is a shame that," the eldritch slammed his foot onto Jaron's holster. He screamed as his broken gun stabbed into him. " You use pathetic mages’ magic."

Grabbing Jaron’s hair he pulled him up. " I guess I have no choice but to give you a lesson in how great pure mana is." The eldritch's mouth formed a wicked grin.

Pain spread from his hair as the man dragged Jaron across the floor. Jaron reached up and grabbed the man’s fingers trying to break free of his grip. The eldritch's grip held strong as Jaron had no choice but to be pulled along.

Dalila stepped in front of them and a flash of fire encased the man.

" Let go of Mr. Jaron." Dalila glared at the man with her spell book open and her legs shaking.

" It seems the Little Lady wants to fight." the eldritch tilted his head, cracking his neck.

He dropped Jaron and rushed her. Towering over her, he grabbed her robe and pulled her off her feet.

She grabbed the man’s arm struggling to break free.

“Let go of me.”

No, stop. Jaron’s heart raced. He couldn’t let her get hurt like Aaron. He moved to stand but nausea washed over him. The eldritch had once again inserted his mana into him. The ill mana dominated over his mana , sapping all his strength. He withered on the ground as he watched helplessly as the eldritch pulled his free hand back into a fist.

“Eck.” Dalila shielded her face with her arms.

The eldritch smiled as a sword slammed onto his arm. Blood gushed from his arm. He dropped Dalila and cursed as he staggered backwards.

" You monster. "Aaron gripping his sword dashed toward the man. Runes ran over his body as his speed increased.

" Finally bearing your fangs." The eldritch snicker. " I like your eyes. You have a good rage going. Let's see what you got."

The eldritch activated his Arts allowing his aura to cover him like armor. He met head to head with Aaron. Aaron swung his sword, but the eldritch slipped under his guard. Punching him, Aaron skidded backwards. White runes faded from where the punch hit Aaron. He readjusted his grip, he pulled and leveled his sword by his ear and charged the eldritch.

Jaron clicked his tongue. This wasn't good. Aaron's face was filled with rage. He was still in shock from the death of the mole. No. There was more to it than the death of a single creature. He shouldn't be laying on the ground. There was no way Aaron could win against the eldritch. He needed to stop Aaron, before he became rash. Pushing through the pain Jaron swayed up.

"Aaron, Come to me.” he gasped as he fought the nausea.

Aaron looked back to him. He lowered his sword and swing-kicked the eldritch. Disengaging, he backed up to Jaron.

“Take care of Dalila.” Jaron pulled out his spare gun. “ His fight is with me."

"Jaron stay out of it." Aaron snapped at him.

" What?" he's eyes twitched. “Back off. Now."

Aaron glared, not standing down. Jaron started to really hate Aaron's defiance.

" Aaron, Mr Jaron." Dalila butted in with a worried voice.

The eldritch clapped.

" I'm enjoying the show and all. But I think you have more problems."

Jaron turned his head. The wolves stalked around them.

Grabbing Aaron he dragged him closer to Dalila. He aimed his gun but too many wolves surrounded them. He shouldn't have ignored them when he was focusing on the eldritch. They snarled their fangs forcing him to shuffle Aaron and Dalila back.

The wolves screeched then leaped.

Jaron shut his eyes, bracing himself.

Dalila screamed.

" Stopped" A woman's voice rang out.

Jaron opened his eyes. All the wolves back away, fading into the shadows. In front of Aaron stood A pale young woman wearing an old fashioned lace dress.

" What pretty purple eyes do you have?" The woman reached out to touch his face as Aaron stiffened.

" Don't touch him, you Vampire." Dalila opened her book to cast a spell.

The woman pulled back her hand, but kept staring into Aaron's eyes.

" Uros, You muscle brain. Didn’t you realize who this is?"

The eldritch scratched his cheek.

" Sorry Elena, I didn't notice his eyes. I got caught up in the moment."

The woman sent a piercing stare toward him.

" You Idiot. He is off limits. Don't think you will get away without punishment." She turned back to Aaron. "My humblest apologies, Aaron." She curtsied. "We mean you no harm."

"How do you know my name?" Aaron's eyes widened.

" Uros." She stood up and opened a lace umbrella. " We are leaving."

"Sure, but let me finish my fun." The eldritch's aura exploded.

Jaron froze. The pressure became far stronger than before. If it was hopeless before, now there was no chance.

" Now."

" But."

" Cateline had called us. Are you going to make her wait longer?" She peered from under her umbrella.

" Alright, I got it." The man ceased his aura. "Consider yourself lucky, today."

The woman stared at Dalila.

" You, how long will you keep playing pretend. No matter, pass the message to your commander. Stay out of our way."

The woman and the eldritch returned into the darkness.

Jaron let go of his breath. They survived. But, he squeezed his gun. How many times did the kids were put in danger under his watch? Since the beginning the mission has been a mess. He let them be caught up in a cave-in, almost crushed by a mole, and if the woman didn't show up they would have been killed. He made too many mistakes. He didn't run away from home to be this pathetic.

Aaron walked over to them and slumped onto the ground.

" Aaron, are you okay?" Dalila ran over to Aaron pulling out her first aid kit.

" I'm sorry. I lost myself." He lowered his head.

" Here give me your Arm." Dalila grabbed a cloth to wrap out her bag. "Jaron you sit too."

" No, I'm fine."

" Jaron, When a wizard offers to treat you, you don't reject them." Dalila grabbed his jacket pulling him down to sit. "Good, now take off your shirt."

" Wait, what?"

Dalila ignored him, cleaning Aaron's arm.

" The bleeding stopped. I just need to wrap it now."

" Thanks." Aaron slouched even farther down.

Jaron examined Aaron's bite mark as she wrapped it with a white cloth.

" Dalila earlier, what did you mean by their bite being cursed?"

" Jaron? Why haven't you taken your shirt off?" Dalila stared at him like a strict mother.

" Okay, Okay I'm doing it."

Jaron unbuttoned his shirt. The cave's air was cold on his bare skin, but when he looked to where the man crushed his gun, there gushing out of his abdomen were wounds with metal scraps sticking out of them. Dalila was right. It needed to be clean.

Dalila finished with Aaron turned and inspected his wound. She reached into her bag and pulled out her pincher.

" The Wolves are a vicious Faileas." She spoke as she worked. "Their bite are filled with natural ether that curses the wounds. Making it impossible for the wound to be healed with mana. As well as slowing down the natural healing process."

Jaron felt a sharp pain as Dalila with precision started pulling the metal out of Jaron's wounds.

" Aaron is lucky to only have gotten a light wound on his arm. If it was more serious he could bleed to death."

Aaron raised up his arm above his head and looked over at Jaron's wound.

" I'm sorry." He muttered.

" What for?" Jaron looked over to him.

" For being careless." He lowered his head again.

" Don't beat yourself over with it." Dalila finished pulling out the metal and started tying the cloth's wraps around his torso.

" It couldn't be helped. They were way stronger than us. It would be the same even if you were on your guard. And Done." Dalila dusted her hands together for a well done job.

" No it wouldn't have." Aaron said under his breath.

Jaron turned his head to Aaron and flinched. He expected Aaron to be gloomy, but instead his eyes were still lit with rage. Rage for what. The mole’s death. The enemy. Himself. Jaron moved his hand over Aaron's forehead and flicked it.

" Ouch. what was that for?" Aaron rubbed his forehead.

" Calm down. Next time I say stand down, stand down."

"What?" Aaron tilted his head in confusion.

That should have calmed him down. Jaron stood up buttoning his shirt. He looked at Dalila who was packing her first aid kit and was standing up. She was another mystery. She said she was failing school, but from creatures to medicines to ether she was quite knowledgeable.

" Another thing, you call the man an Eldritch?" He asked her.

" Yes, He and the Faileas woman."

" Eldritch? What exactly does it mean?"

" I know what it is." Aaron butted in. His voice was leveled after calming down. "Anyone with a high amount of magic are afraid of even the word."

" What why?" Jaron pulled out a cloth to clean his one remaining gun.

" Eldritch are those whose magic had corrupted into a vail form." Aaron's face filled with disgust.

"Dreadful thing" Dalila nodded in agreement and continued the explanation. " People become Eldritch when their passion goes beyond the point of normal. Anger into an uncontrollable wrath. Attraction into Lust. Want into Greed. Sadness into despair. To satisfy their desire they let their magic become sickening. Corrupting them until all is left is that one passion. Even I have never felt despair so much as to crave the Eldritch power."

Dalila shriveled.

Jaron never heard of an Eldritch before but the way Aaron and Dalila described it even he was getting goosebumps.

"Then let's hope we never have to meet them again." With his gun clean he slid it back into his overcoat.

"Agreed." Dalila nodded.

" No." Aaron shook his head. "Next time I'm going to get my answers. "