Chapter 50

Nightfall

Ah, a clear blue sky. Personally, I’m more into gloomy weather. There’s just something about watching rain and snow fall that puts me at ease. But despite my bias for cloudy weather, I also enjoy sunny days. The gentle wind, and the warm sun rays has a nice calming effect to them, at least most of the time. Despite the weather being perfect, I was everything but relax. My head was ringing and my body felt like it’s been trample over by an angry mob.

What happen? I could’ve swore I was on my way to retrieve Ragnarok. So why am I lying on the ground as if I’m on vacation?

As I was trying to piece everything together, something large came into my view, blocking out the sun. I couldn’t make heads or tail of what it was, all I know was that it was coming towards me fast, real fast.

“Sis move!!” I follow the voice advise and rolled out the way, barely dodging whatever was coming at me. I didn’t realize until it stopped rolling, that the thing that almost crush me was a wagon.

What the, why was there a wagon in the sky?!

“!!!” A sound that could make all men blood turn cold rang in my ear. The emotional side of me wanted me to close my eyes, and get as far away from the unpleasant sound as possible. But the rational side of me knew such a feat was impossible. For that sound belong to a starved-beast, a beast that would never let its prey get away from them the moment it sights fell upon them, and from how close the roar sounded, it definitely had me in its sight. Which means the only thing I can do was to make whatever that’s attacking me into my prey.

I look behind me to see an enormous beast with brown fur and large antlers standing in the middle of road. The moment I laid my eyes on the behemoth, I was able to recalled how I ended up in this situation.

After being hire as a body guard to a merchant, Aaron and I left Athens to escort our client to the Monster Den. The first couple hours of our trip was rather pleasant, that is until a boulder came flying towards us. Thanks to the merchant quick reflexes, we manage to avoid being crush, although I was thrown off the wagon. Which brings me to my current situation.

“Give me a break, can I seriously not go a day without something trying to maul me to death?” I let out a sigh while picking myself up.  Oh well, it’ll soon realize attacking me was a bad decision.

I reach for my sword, just as the behemoth launches itself at me. Despite its size, it’s surprisingly fast, I actually don’t think I can move out of the way in time. Well then if I can’t dodge, then I’ll just go right through him.

I run straight towards the charging behemoth like a mad man. Of course I had no intention of colliding with it, since I know full well I’ll lose a head on battle. Instead of attacking I slid underneath it, just before it could run me over.

Well I’ll be damn, looks like being small actually has its advantages! Not only was I able to escape, but it seems like it lost track of me. I could feel a sinister smile form upon my face as I watch the behemoth scan the area for me.

Not only did you make the foolish decision of attacking me, but you’re even leaving your back wide open to me. At this point you’re practically begging me to kill you!

I take my sword out of its sheathe and lift it above my head. If I want to kill this guy, then I’m going need to push this body to its limit. I pour all my magic into my muscles and swung my sword at the behemoth with all my strength. Just as my blade was about cleave it in two, the beast twists its body around and whip its elongated arm at me.

Shit, I knew using magic would give my position away, but for him to react so quickly is absurd.

I grit my teeth and watch as his arm approach me. If I fully commit to my attack, I might be able to kill it before it can hit me. Of course if my attack fails to kill it, then I’m good as dead.

“Tch, damnit!” I twist my hips in midst my attack so I could intercept the behemoth’s arm. The beast arm was sent flying away from me, the moment it came into contact with my blade. It was infuriating giving up on the opening he gave me, but I refuse to leave my life to chance.

“!!!” The behemoth lets out a wail. At first I thought it was upset that it didn’t killed me, but upon closer inspection, I notice an arrow was stuck in its right eye. Good, looks like Aaron was able to punish him for me.

“!!!” Letting out another wail, the behemoth covers its damage eye and violently flail his left arm at me like I was the one who took its right eye.

The behemoth is attacks were easy to parry, but thanks to the injury Aaron gave him, he became far more aggressive. Every time I repel his arm, he’ll immediately follow up with another attack, giving me no time to counterattack. As much as that sound like a problem, I actually don’t mind. Since the beast is so focus on me, Aaron was free shoot him without worry, although you think after being impaled with ten arrows, it would go after the archer. I guess being unable to kill a woman that it can easily crush with its fingers was pissing it off more than the arrows that was piercing its body.

The world around me darkens as the behemoth raise its foot over my head. I dive from underneath it before it could crush me. Cracks spread along the road as its foot sank into the ground.

 I swiftly approach the behemoth who leg was now stuck in the pavement. Watching it desperately try to free itself as I move in for the kill was extremely satisfying to watch. I’m sure now it knows that throughout this entire fight, it was the prey all along.

The behemoth continued to flail his arm at me, although this time it looks like it was out of desperation, rather than hatred.

I easily continue to parry his attacks while approaching him, preparing to deal the final blow.

 “!!!” The ground beneath my feet begin to glow red. It looked like the world itself was responding to the beast cry of fear. In the next moment I was engulfed in an explosion. I quickly covered my face to protect myself from the rocks that was pelting my body.

I tightly grit my teeth as my body was to cut into piece by the debris. At least that’s what it felt like. Once the blinding light died down, I open my eyes to see a tranquil blue sky.

“Well this looks familiar.” My body even feels like it’s been trample by a mob again. The only difference with this scenery is that I’m now in a huge hole.

“Sis!! Are you ok?!” The panic in Aaron’s voice echo all the way down here.

“I’m fine, somehow.” I take a quick look at my body to see if there was anything missing.

When that explosion went off, it felt like I was being rip into pieces, and yet all my body parts are right where they belong, although I can’t say the same thing about my clothes. My stockings had multiple holes in them now, and the arms of my jacket were shredded.

I guess I should thank Deborah the next time I meet her. this outfit did a good job of protecting me from the debris, although I have no idea how I survive the actual explosion, there’s no way these clothes are tough enough to protect me from an explosion. But more than that, what’s really bugging me is where did that oversize beast go?

Suddenly, the sky darkens as a giant head looms over me. I was expecting the behemoth jump down here and try to finish me off, but all it did was just stare at me. The wild-starve look the beast’s had in it eye was gone. And somehow, that made it look more menacing than before.

“Well are you coming down here, or do I have to climb up there to kill you?” I pointed my blade up at the beast who was still giving me a cold glare. After a few awkward seconds of us staring each other down, the behemoth turns around and walks away.

“Huh? Its leaving?” Normally, I’m not surprise by a monster running away from me, but ever since I found myself in this body. Everyone sees me as an easy prey, even when I make clear that I’m stronger than them. I guess this one is smarter than the others, or perhaps it changes its target…

“Aaron?” I listen intently to my surroundings, waiting for a response, but all I got was silence.

No way, did he trapped me down here just go after Aaron? But if that’s the case then I should be hearing some sign of struggle.

“Aaron!!!” I shouted at the top of my lungs. My heart started to beat rapidly as I once again wait for a response.

“Sis!!!” Hearing Aaron cry my name, I ran towards the nearest wall, and jump as high as I could. I quickly grab onto a loose rock that was sticking out of the wall. The rock began to slip out of the wall the moment I grab on to it. I quickly plunge my sword into the wall before the rock gave out on me and fell to the bottom.

“Ok, just one more jump.” I take a deep breath and plant both of my feet on the wall. Gathering all the strength, I jump towards the ledge, just barely making it.

“Sis!!”

“I’m comin… eh?” Aaron’s face appeared in front of me the moment I got my head over the ledge both of ours head collided into each other, and in the next moment I found myself falling back down the crater with a headache.

“I got you!” Aaron reaches out and grabs my arm. “Wow, you’re really light sis.”

“Shut up and pull me up!” With a grunt Aaron lifted me until I could reach the ledge. After that I was easily able to climb out of the crater.

“Jeez, you’re really are hard headed aren’t?” I tired the ease the pounding pain in my head, by rubbing my forehead.

“I could say the same to you? “Aaron said as he rubs the red bruise on rub his forehead. I’m quite sure I have the exact same mark on my head too.

“So where did that monster go?” I scan around us just make sure we were safe.

“It ran away after you fell in that hole.”

“If the monster left, then why were you screaming my name?”

“Because I was scared.” Aaron grabbed his chest as if he was in pain.

“It felt like my heart stopped when I saw you get engulf in that explosion. And when I heard you yelled my name, my body froze in fear, the only thing I could do was simply yell back at you.” Aaron’s body shiver at whatever horrible thought that was running through his head.

I place my hand on top of his head to calm him down. Aaron cock his head confuse at my poor attempt to comfort him. To be honest I’m just as confuse as him. I have no idea why he’s so worry about me all of a sudden, he seen me make it out of worst situation than this before.

“Did you really think that pitifully beast could beat me? I mean, you do remember who I am right?” I force a smile on my face, which seem to confuse Aaron even more.

“Yea I remember, but from what I read in the history books, you got quite the losing streak.”

This kid, I’m trying to cheer him up and he repays me by insulting me.

“I’ll have you know all those losses came from a cheap weapon. As long Excalibur as isn’t around me then I’m pretty much invincible.”

“Maybe in your previous life, but you right now your human, which means everything and anyone can kill you.”

“When you’re as good as me, you don’t need immortality to be invincible.”

“If you’re so strong then why do you need Ragnarok?” The shivering in Aaron’s body stop. Whatever he was afraid of is gone. Now he’s just looking at me like I’m full of crap.

“Simple, you can never have too much power.” Aaron lets out a sigh and shakes his head at me.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

“Of course the ‘God of Corruption’ wants more power.”

“They don’t call me that for nothing. So, you feeling better now?”

“Beside the headache you gave me, yea, I’m fine.” Aaron picks himself up and gives me a small smile. Which was enough to tell me he’s ready to move.

“So where did the merchant go? Did the behemoth kill him?”

“No, he ran towards the wagon the moment the behemoth went after you.”

“Sounds like he trying run away. We should hurry up and catch him before he leaves us.”

So the behemoth didn’t go after the merchant either. Then that means that explosion wasn’t meant to kill me or separated us, it was just to cover its retreat. Normally I wouldn’t care about a beast running away from me, but that cold glare it gave before it left, it didn’t look he was running away out of fear, but more like a tactical retreat.

“Damn it! Just when I got my hands on a gold mine, a fucking monster just had to show up and ruin everything. I knew I should’ve ask that bastard for more guards.” The merchant continues to quietly curse himself as he tries to put a wheel back on the wagon. I move closer to him curious about this ‘gold mine’ he was transporting. Unfortunately, the horse near the man began freak out the moment it notices me.

As I watch it stand on stand on two leg neighing at me, I suddenly remember that most creatures are afraid of me.

“What! What is it?!” The merchant jump to his feet, his eyes darted around wildly until they fell upon me and Aaron.

“You two are still alive? Wait, if that’s the case then that beast is- “

“Not dead.” I said cutting the merchant off. “He escape before we could finish it off.”

“That’s still amazing. I honestly didn’t think you two could handle that thing.”

“If that’s what thought, then why did you hire us? Doesn’t really make sense to hire someone you don’t think can protect you.”

“That’s because no one else wanted to take this job. Everyone is too busy trying down hunt that mysterious beast that can kill knights. So you two were my only choice, and from the looks of it, the best choice.”

I guess that makes sense, although if I was him I would never hire kids to protect me. I rather travel alone than have somebody that’ll slow me down. Especially, if I’m transporting expensive items. Despite how suspicious this guy is, I’m happy he hired us, since walking city to city is no longer an options these days.

“Since we’re on this subject, how long will it take to get to the Monster Den?”

“Hmm, we’re still two days away, more or less.”

“Two days?!” I took a step back from him as if he lost his mind.

“What’s the matter?”

“That’s quite a long ride, especially if you add monsters to the mix.”

“Not really, I know places that takes month to reach, plus seeing that you two was able to chase a behemoth away, I doubt there’s any monster in this area that can give you trouble.”

This guy. I’m not sure if he’s an idiot or he just have that much faith in us. Yea, I’m confident I can deal with any beast in this area, but this body isn’t really built for fighting, I doubt I can fight for two days without any rest.

“I’m not worry about monsters or are how long it’ll take to reach our destination, what concerns me is how will we be able to get any rest. I mean it kind hard to get any sleep when, you live in a hostile environment.”

“You guys don’t know about safe houses?”

“What’s a safe house?”

“I guess you don’t.” The merchant said with a sign. “I’ll fill you guys in on the details once we get back on the road. I really don’t feel safe out here in the open.”

“Is there something on bothering you? You were pretty quiet back there.” I turn to Aaron who was in his own little world.”

“I’m fine. I’m just wondering what we’re transporting. From the sound of it, it seems to be something extremely valuable. Maybe it really is gold.”

“I doubt it. If he was carrying gold, then he would’ve hire better bodyguards”

“But you heard what he said. We were the only adventurers available.”

“I know what he said, but if he’s transporting something as valuable as gold, he would never leave town until he got someone trustworthy that can protect him. You know what I think, I think he just don’t want any real bodyguards.”

“Why wouldn’t he want a real bodyguard?”

I move closer to Aaron so the merchant wouldn’t be able hear what I had to say.

“This is just a hunch, but I think this is an illegal operation. It explains why he hire innocent looking kids like us without hesitation. Kids are much easier to control then a skeptical adult.”

“If that’s the case, then what do you think is in those bags?” Aaron shot a quick glance at the wagon which was filled with huge brown bags.

“No idea, but I’m going to assume it’s some kind of narcotics. I’m sure a town that lives alongside monsters find anything that gets their mind off ghastly howls far more valuable then gold.”

“If that’s true then we need to stop him.”

“Let him be.” I grab Aaron’s arm before he could do something stupid.

“Why? He’s ruining other people lives just so he can get rich.”

“So? It’s not affecting us.”

“…” Aaron bite his lips, probably to keep himself from lashing back at me. Looking at that pathetic face he was making was annoying.

“There’s a quote I’ve been meaning to tell you Aaron. ‘Selfless-actions leads to self-destruction.’”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means you should care more about yourself than trying make other people miserable life better.”

“That’s really selfish sis.”

“And what’s wrong with being selfish?! Don’t forget your act of ‘heroism’ almost got you killed, and me nearly becoming an orc’s bride!” Realizing I was practically shouting, I take deep breath to calm myself down.

“Look Aaron.” I said in the calmest voice I could muster. “You only have one life, don’t waste it on anyone else ok?”

“Hey! What are you guys doing? Hurry up and get on, before more monsters show up!”

“We’re coming!” Aaron shouted back at the merchant. I once again grab his arm before he could go anywhere.

“This Monster Den is probably going be far dangerous more than our other little adventures. So before we go anywhere I want you to engrave this deep into your brain. If we end up in a life and death situation, don’t bother helping me, worry only about yourself, because I’m going to be doing the exact same thing.”

I didn’t bother waiting for a response. After finish what I had to say, I headed to the wagon.

“You guys done with your lovers’ quarrel?”

“Just shut up and get moving.”

“Yes Ma’am!” With a crack from his whip, the wagon began moving again. Leaving behind the aftermath of our duel with the behemoth.

Silence quickly fell upon us now that we were back on the road. With nothing to do, I retreated into my head trying to find a way to keep myself from not dying of boredom. Thankfully I didn’t have to think that hard. Aaron’s curiosity broke the silence before it could fully settle down on us.

“So what’s a safe house?”

“It’s a house, that’ll keep us safe.” The merchant said dryly to Aaron.

“Let me rephrase his question. How will this ‘safe house’ keep us safe?” The merchant let’s out a dry cough as if he was preparing himself for a long speech.

“As you guys know this world isn’t really kind to us humans…”

…All we did was ask him a question. Why is he turning a simple answer to a history lesson? Oh well, since we’re going to be on the road for two days I guess I’ll let him talk, just to kill time.

“Since we’re one of the weaker races out there we’re force to hide behind walls, unable to interact with the rest of the world. Well that use to be the case, but two hundred years ago….

“The Demon King died.” Aaron finish his sentence

“Correct. The death of the Demon King boosted humanity morale to the point none of us was satisfied hiding behind walls. And so adventurers were created. Adventurers has three main jobs. Assist knights protect civilians, and explore places no one would dare to wander. Obviously each one of these tasks are dangerous, since not only our cities spread far apart from each other, but also because monsters are extremely aggressive to humans. I’m sure you guys notice how hostile those creatures can be.

“Yea, I notice.” In the corner of my eye I spot a shadow running alongside of us. I couldn’t make out what it was since it quickly fled into the forest the moment I notice it. All I know is that at the speed it was moving it definitely wasn’t human, and it definitely wasn’t friendly. I guess I’ll tell the others we’re being followed l after he finish speaking.

“To deal with monsters’ relentless assault, adventurers set up safe houses.  As the name suggest, it’s a small sanctuary for us humans, a home away from home. if we make it there we’ll be safe for the night.”

I had quite few questions about these safe houses, like how exactly do they ward off monsters, but from the looks of all the shadows that’s popping up around us, it looks like I only have time for one more question before things start to get noisy again.

“How close are we to one of these safe houses?” Aaron grabs an arrow out of his quiver and place it in his bow. Looks he finally notice we were being followed.

“If we keep moving at this speed, we should reach the closet one just before nightfall.”

Nightfall huh? Well at least we won’t be bored on this long ride.

.

.

.

“I’m bored.” I mumble to myself. I rest my head against the side of the wagon and stare at the sky.

The sun was starting to set, which means we should be near the safe house, at least that’s what the merchant said to us an hour ago.

“There’s one on the left!”

“I got it!” Aaron shouted aiming his bow at the direction the merchant shouted.

Even though I didn’t care about the monster they spotted, I found myself looking in the direction they shouted.

To the left of me was a ghostly pale creature jumping between trees at a speed that easily allow it to keep up with two horses running at full speed.

Ghouls. Not much is known about these humanoid beasts since they hide in dark places that most people are smart enough to avoid. The fact that we’re being chase by one now means nighttime is quickly approaching us.

“Hurry up and shoot it!”

“Shut up and let him focus!” I snap at the merchant. Shouting probably isn’t the best way to calm down a freighted man, but right now Aaron needs to concentration.

 Sweat ran down his face as he aims at the pale creature. His hand grew noticeable shakier when he pulled the string on his bow back. I’m not an archer, but even I know if he doesn’t calm down he’ll miss.

“You don’t have to worry, even if you miss I’ll take care of him.” Aaron clench his teeth at my words, somehow it seems I made him more nervous than before.

Letting go the bowstring, his arrow flies true to its target and impale the ghoul in the neck. Nailing it to the tree it was about to jump off of.

“Nice shot, but don’t get cocky. Ghouls are known for hunting in groups, which means…”

“There’s three more to our right!” I quickly look right to see three ghouls was jumping towards our wagon.

Looks like I was right. The first ghoul was a distraction so the others could sneak up on us. I’ll have to hand it to them, they may be weaker than most monster, but they know how work as a team.

Aaron quickly turns to the direction that was given to him and pulls three arrows out of his quiver.

[Command: Scatter Shot]

Upon release, all three arrows fly into different directions, easily going through all three ghoul heads.

He’s gotten use to fighting. The way he uses enhance magic to quickly grab an arrow to decrease the delay between his shots, combine with command magic to increase accuracy and power of his arrows, shows he has become a master mana manipulator and a damn good archer. But as impress as I am with his performance, I don’t like the way he’s fighting.

Ever since we got back on the road Aaron has shot down every beast that attack us before I had a chance to do anything. He’s acting like we’re all going to die if monster so much as touches our wagon. And because of that mentality, he’s sweating and wheezing like he just ran a marathon. If this keeps up, he’s either going to run out of mana, or arrows, or both.

“There’s two more to the left!”

“I got-”

“I’ll take care of it.” I pick myself up and pull my sword out its sheathe.

“What? But you don’t have any range attacks, how are you going to take them out?”

“Simple, by letting them get on the wagon.”

“But if we let them on they’ll…”

“They’ll do what?” I step closer to Aaron who tried back away from me, but ends up bumping the edge of the wagon. “You’re seriously not suggesting these things can beat me are you?”

“No I’m not. I just…”

“Good, sit down and let me handle this.” Aaron silently stare the two ghouls down. His right hand that was prepare to fire another arrow shook violently. I have no idea what’s causing him to act like this, all I know is it’ll be bad if I continue to let him fight in this condition.

“Look, I need you for my future battles. So sit down and rest, don’t burn yourself out fighting these weakling.”

“Ok.” The moment Aaron lower his bow the two ghouls jumps onto the wagon. I took a step forward to show that I would be their opponent, the two happily accepted the challenge by showing off their rotten deformed teeth. I’m not sure why their smiling, that supernatural speed they use to catch up with us is pretty much useless in this cramped ride, plus I have sword which means I have the range advantage. The only thing these guys got going for them is that this is a 2 vs 1 fight, but that number advantage they got is about to quickly disappear.

I jump towards the ghouls. The horse momentum increases my speed and sent me flying straight at them. Thanks to the speed I gain from the wagon, I was easily able decapitate one of the ghouls before they could react.

I rotate my body hoping it’ll somehow stop me from flying off the wagon. In midst of my gymnastics performance, I crash into the merchants bags.

“Eek!! A high pitch noise pierces my ear. I’m not sure where that sound came from, and I really don’t care, because at the moment I have two problems. One, because of that stupid stunt I pulled, I’m now sitting upside on a bunch of bags, and two, I now have to fight a ghoul in this awkward position.

Staying true to its hunter nature, the ghoul takes advantage of the situation I’m in and jumps at me using the momentum of the wagon to increase its speed.

“Stealing my trick huh? Let’s see how that works out for you.” I point my blade at the ghoul, since he was now at the mercy of the wind, there was nothing he could do to avoid my sword.

Thanks to how fast he was moving towards me; my sword easily goes through his stomach. The ghoul let’s out a piercing cry and tries to free himself by shaking his body around. The fact that I fail to kill him with that attack was pretty bad, but because of the position I was in, I ended up in a situation far worse than a monster trying to kill me. Because I was upside down, I had a full and unneeded view of his junk.

“Ugh.” Watching it sway in front of me combine with the awful stench nearly cause me to punk. Does these bastard even take baths? That’s a stupid question of course they fucking don’t. That layer of dirt on his skin is enough proof. Anyway I wish he hurry up and free himself, because I feel like I’m about to lose the last remnant of my sanity the longer I look at his snake.

“Get your dick out of my face!” I kick the ghoul in the face, forcefully pushing him out of my sword. With my blade free, I roll off the bags and plant both of feet into his chest, pushing him off the wagon. Despite easily defeating the two ghouls, it didn’t feel like a victory to me. Probably of because one of them burn the imagine of a rotten ‘snake’ into my mind.

“Another man’s junk almost touched me.” I cover my mouth to prevent myself gagging.

“Sis…”

“Yea, I know. Another one manage to get on.” I throw my left hand into my blind spot and grab the ghoul’s hand before he could attack me.

These guys really are hunters. He didn’t hesitate to attack me when he saw an opening. Normally that’s a good thing, but that simple nature of theirs make it easy to set up traps to counter them. Acting like I’m not paying attention is all it takes to get these idiots to run at me like I’m an easy prey. And thus the foolish prey that thought it was a hunter, falls to the real hunter’s trap.

[Enhance: Rend]

I spun my body around and cut the ghoul perfectly in half. Grabbing its arm, I use the force I gain from spinning, combine with the wagon’s momentum to throw the upper torso of the ghoul’s body off the wagon. At the speed we’re moving at, if cutting him in half didn’t kill him, then that fall sure as hell will.

“Three down, and a whole lot more to go.” I look up at the trees to see there was at least thirty more ghouls tailing us.

I whistle in amazement at the number of ghouls.

We must be near a ghoul’s den. That’s only explanation I can come up with for why they’re so many ghouls chasing us. It’s either that or they really want a ride. If that’s the case, then they’re more than welcome to join us, but there’s a steep price to pay once they get on.