Cole wasn’t impressed with the soaring colossal bat at the distance but with the torn remnants beneath.
The bat seemed oblivious to Cole and Sofia's presence for an eternity. The archer assessed the situation, trying to discern if another threat was lurking nearby. After a few moments, Cole made his move.
He aimed his bow toward the bat and unleashed a [Charged Shot]. This skill made his arrows significantly more powerful than usual, enough to gauge an enemy's strength. That thought dominated his mind as he released the arrow.
The projectile hurtled forward, striking the bat on its right wing. A pained shriek echoed from the creature as it veered toward Cole. Another arrow met the bat mid-flight, causing it to lose balance and descend gradually to the ground.
Cole didn't hesitate. One final arrow, aimed squarely at the head, ensured the creature remained motionless on the ground.
[You’re in a party with Sofia.]
[You have slain Vampire Bat - lvl 5]
The archer inhaled deeply, sensing no movement around them. Cautiously, Cole approached the creature's body. It lay serenely amongst the other bats, but the same could not be said for the rest. Their remains were brutally torn as though devoured by a ravenous and malicious entity that seemed to relish in and mock its prey simultaneously. Large portions of the beasts were gone, with none left untouched.
Examining further, Cole noted the wounds on the monster. They were surprisingly small. It doesn't seem like they fought amongst themselves, Cole thought, drawing nearer. These claw marks are too fine, almost like a human made them. What are these monsters?
“Can we get moving?” Sofia asked, holding a hand in front of her nostrils.
"Best that we do. We're nearing the source of the scent; I can feel the trail intensifying," Cole replied, rising to his feet and dusting off his pants. As he did, he heard the distinct flap of wings again, echoing from the direction the scent was leading him.
"Multiple incoming. Get ready. What can you assist with?" Cole inquired, nocking an arrow and aiming toward the horizon.
"I can heal and negate some effects directly, but I'm unsure of their specifics," she responded, her voice quivering slightly with anxiety. "I have a few other basic abilities, but combat's not my forte... Why did I leave the shotgun with Leigh?" She said, dripping with frustration.
"Focus!" Cole interjected, casting a glance over his shoulder at her. "Stay behind me and wield that staff if they come too close. If a beast bites me, use your cleanse ability immediately. Understood?"
“Yes!” She braced herself, taking on a defensive stance.
“Good.”
From the distance, as Cole spoke, he noticed the bats emerging. Three approached swiftly: a larger one led the formation, with two smaller ones trailing closely.
Cole swiftly let loose three arrows quickly, targeting the largest bat. Despite its agonized scream, the creature persisted in its advance. Focusing, Cole initiated a [Charged Shot] and let it fly. The bat attempted to dodge, but the projectile struck its right wing, causing the beast to drop. Unable to fly, it began crawling toward them. However, Cole's immediate concern shifted to the other two threats, now dangerously close.
Aiming swiftly, he discharged another [Charged Shot] at one of the beasts, which veered off course, an arrow lodged in its shoulder. The third, unstoppable, swooped in, its menacing claws aimed directly at Cole.
The older man quickly dove to avoid the beast's attack, but Sofia wasn't as fortunate. She was struck hard and sent sprawling, the creature eagerly attempting to rake its claws across her face. Cole drew his daggers from his belt, slashing them towards the beast. Both blades found their mark on its back.
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He twisted the blades deep into the creature and tore through skin and muscle. The monster dropped to the ground while shrieking and convulsed violently before Cole's boot met its face, silencing it.
"Get up and help—" Cole's command was cut short. The breath left him, replaced by an unfamiliar sensation coursing through his mind.
The creature had latched onto him, drawing blood from his neck, and the sensation was eerily pleasurable. Shock reflected in his eyes as he looked to Sofia, who was rising, seemingly paralyzed by indecision.
Cole wanted to tell her to hold back.
He didn't want her to disrupt the surreal experience he was undergoing.
A brilliant yellow glow emanated from her staff, and instantly, he was snapped out of his trance. Realizing he still clutched his daggers, he whirled around, catching the creature off guard.
The blades plunged into the monster's skull, and it crumpled lifelessly to the ground.
The third bat was drawing near, crawling with saliva oozing from its grotesque maw.
Before Cole could retrieve his bow and arrow, Sofia was already striking the creature with her staff, wielding it with the primal ferocity of a caveman with a club.
She ceased her assault only when the creature lay motionless. None of all the creatures Cole had encountered repulsed him more than these malevolent bats. He spat at the remains of the one that had bitten him, then approached Sofia.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes," she replied softly, her eyes meeting his. Her face was a mix of sweat, blood, and grime. "Of course I am."
"Good."
[You have gained a level]
[You have gained a level]
[You have slain Vampire Bat - lvl 5]
[You have slain Vampire Bat - lvl 5]
[You have slain Vampire Bat - lvl 6]
- Mission Updates -
Kill 15 enemies (12/15). Reward EXP and Uncommon Treasure Chest.
"From now on, stay quiet. Only speak when necessary. We need to ensure there aren't more of these fiends around," Cole instructed, to which she nodded in agreement. "If you don't already have the [Stealth] skill, now's the time to get it. We'll need it."
"Do you believe there are more of them?"
"What did I just tell you?"
"Answer me."
"I suspect these woods are infested with them, and they're all heading to the same destination as us."
"Perfect," Sofia retorted, gathering her belongings and continuing onward.
Cole paused, taking a moment to catch his breath. This day promised to be hellish, and he would not die thirsty.
The archer retrieved the beer he'd taken from the woman earlier from his portable inventory. To his surprise, it was still cold. He took a swig, the familiar taste rejuvenating his spirit. For a moment, with eyes closed, he was transported back to the comforts of home, to his couch, and the little pleasure he'd have before going to bed each night. However, the pungent stench of death quickly pulled him back to the grim reality of the forest.
He sighed and passed the can to Sofia.
She took a deep drink while he surveyed their surroundings. No bats appeared nearby, but the child's scent was unmistakably closer. As night approached, Cole needed to confirm they were on the right path and that it was safe.
Tapping into his [Eagle's Eyes] skill, he scoured around. He spotted several bats hanging upside down among the trees, asleep. Further off, a vast rock formation stretched for what seemed like miles. On its surface, Cole discerned entrances to what appeared to be caves.
A shiver ran through Cole’s body as he got a glimpse of a deformed creature entering one of the caves.