Beyond the borders of High Grove Forest lay the Barleydane Farmhouse, which merely consisted of the family home, the barn, and the windmill, along with their so-called gold mine—the source of their livestock. The hay field is maintained regularly, providing a suitable haven for vegetables and fruits to grow. In addition, for the animals to harvest and supply, thus establishing a well-endeavored trade that benefited the household and the neighboring villages.
However, no more, for the farmhouse now became a desolate place, polluted by the skunk of society. Even the plants that nourished the farm and gave life to the land started to wither and die away as a result of the coming foretold.
Who would have thought their days wouldn't get any darker than they already were?
As Shina hid beyond the forest hedges, scouting the scenery that seized the Barleydane home, she noticed a number of unwanted visitors pillaging the field and the house, depriving them of what was good and profitable, like the dogs they are.
Bandits are an occasional problem in Land’s Beyond. They often work under certain gangs that run the under part of the republic cities. The black market, unorthodox in nature. Or simply hired by a third party to either steal, pillage, or at worse kill. A method a lot of nobles often attempt to use nowadays. The Ravagers are among the most popular. Another are the Brigades of Raadi al-Syed of the Golden city.
As Shina surveyed from her vantage point, she noticed Mr. Barleydane, the father, lying dead at the front of the house, covered in a pool of blood.
Shina clenched her teeth and punched her fist on the ground.
“Dammit! If only I was—”
Suddenly, Shina stopped talking as she turned behind, armed with her bow and directed at the upcoming footsteps.
“It's me! It's me!” Yuni, who crawled slowly from the forest, called out quietly.
“For fuck's sake, Yuni....” Shina sighed out of annoyance. “Maybe next time announce yourself before you crawl behind someone's back.”
“Oh, what a genius plan!” Yuni said enthusiastically. “Right when we are surrounded by God knows the number of bandits who can easily outrun us both!”
Shina gave a dismissive look back at her cousin's sarcastic comment.
“Why are you here? I am not going back! I told you—”
“I know....” Yuni sighed. “I know how stubborn you are when your mind is set on something. That's why I am here, to keep your mind sane from acting rashly and ending up dead.”
“I don't need your help!” Shina looked back and directed her gaze at the farm. “I can do it on my own.”
“Like hell you can!” Yuni replied angrily. “Just like Sev! You are prone to these things and always end up getting yourself hurt!”
“Are you done? What else do you want to roast me with?”
Yuni took a heavy sigh as she explained;
“But unlike Sev, who is a blown-out narcissist, you have some sense of justice. Better but that doesn't excuse you from acting alone.”
To those words, Shina slightly calmed down. She knew Yuni was saying all this for her own good. Her words and advice were always beneficial to her moral standards and battle skills. But she still can't help but feel repulsive back at her.
“Please don't compare me with Sev... that's even worse than being called useless.”
“That aside....” Yuni leaned closer and grabbed her cousin's arm. “I am here to help...”
“Yuni....” Shina gave a tearful look.
“But we are only saving the kids.... if they are still alive.” Yuni observed the farm, joining Shina’s scouts.
“They are....” Shina answered assuredly. “I saw them through the barn windows. On the second floor, hiding.”
“That's good, I guess.” Yuni gave a troubling sigh. “I take it Mr. Barleydane is already dead?”
“Yeah....” Shina said sorrowfully. “Don't know about Ms. Barleydane. I can't see her anywhere....”
“It's safe to assume that she is dead inside the house...” Yuni said with an emotionless tone.
“Can you be less hurtful? Maybe?”
“Come on, Shina...” Yuni answered furiously. “These Ravagers don't show any mercy. Especially for the innocent. And when they get their hands on the kids. It's the same result.”
“Then what are we waiting for?! Let's go.” Shina was about to move out only to be stopped by Yuni.
“Hold on! We can't just go there!”
“Why not?!”
“There are too many of them scouring the area.”
The Farmhouse was divided into three major districts. The widest and longest of all was the hay field, mostly determined by the season. Since it's the spring season, it's supposed to be dominated by sorghum-Sudan grass, characterized by extensive root structures and tall enough for someone to crouch between them undetected. But since the Hollowing effect took place, the crop is now gone and withered, removing the element of surprise. And it would take them a top minute to run through the field and reach the farmhouse, which is quite a lot. In addition, there is a risk of being exposed. Running through the field was a suicidal plan.
“With those crops decayed, we can't sneak through to the den without being detected. Not at least if rush through.”
“Why not just sneak around the farm?” Shina asked.
“Safer, but it would take a lot of time to reach the kids. By the time we reach, they would already have scouted the barn.” Yuni rubbed her chin as she contemplated. “Besides, we don't know how many there are. There are like ten already here. Four on the Hayfield, supported by two archers. And the rest are scavenging the house.”
The Farmhouse, a hall house that is naturally expensive to get, is the focal point of the farm. Next to the windmill on its right and the Barn to its left, a little distance away from it. To reach the Barn, they at least have to get closer to the house, which is perhaps their best option since it can provide a sense of cover to hide and assassinate, Yuni’s favorite method to finish her opponents.
“I have an idea...” Yuni sparked.
“What is it? Do you have an idea how to attract them?” Shina asked excitedly.
“Yeah... here in the forest.”
“Smart if only they would be willing to come all the way here!” Shina said sarcastically.
“We have more than you think...” Yuni packed herself as she was about to move out.
“Huh?! Where are you going?”
“Just scout and keep your eyes on the target. I will be back.”
“Alright.” Shina said worriedly.
“Don't worry, Shina.” Yuni patted Shina’s back. “We will save them.”
“Yeah.” Shina nodded. “I know we will; we are the best team.”
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The Werewolf sprinted to my position, arming his hammer for a slam attack.
I quickly rolled to safety, just barely avoiding his ferocious speed, only to be followed by another slam that successfully knocked me down but not enough to hit me.
Before I recovered back, I threw one small throwing dagger at him. Hardly causing any harm against his thick skin.
He quickly turned his attention back and ran on his four legs like the wolf he was with his sharp teeth ever gleaming with a mixture of red and black blood.
In return, I rushed towards him. Two handing my longsword.
The werewolf made a giant leap and then proceeded to land with another hammer slam.
(Dammit! Where is he going to land?!)
As I mumbled, I ran faster and then rolled to the last minute away from his slam attack. Where he created a large dust cloud, concealing his presence.
After recovering back, the dust seemed to fade off. With the werewolf disappearing as well. Used the dust cloud as a maneuver to run around the deserted camp's shops. To plan a surprise attack.
I can hear his running footsteps around. Then pausing for a moment in hope ticking me and losing him. I looked around carefully then proceeded to act lost for a moment, giving the werewolf a chance to strike.
I turned my back towards his current position. The beast seems to run again, falling down my trap.
(Here he comes!)
With the dragon crystal support, notifying me of the incoming threat. I evaded his lunge attack just in the Neak of the moment. Followed with a slash attack right to his chest as it curved while he was jumping.
As I recovered from my evasion, we both took a distance from each other. A moment of hiatus as we regained our memento.
Noticing the blood trail, he left behind from the injury. It looked exactly like the black ooze that distinguished the hollowed ones from any.
Was he a hollow one? That can't be. Otherwise, his mind would be in control. Or perhaps in the early stages of his transformation. Whatever the case, I was still dealing with a hollowed one either way.
A major downside I had was my sword. It was a steel sword, and it's well-known in legends. “Steels for humans, and silver for monsters.” is quite literally useless against the werewolf in this case. The same can be said for my daggers.
In such a case, I was mere seconds from being eaten alive. Therefore, I had to find other means to damage him. Which fire was the answer.
I unsheathed my dagger and kept the long in defensive position, for another deceptive maneuver. But first, I had to strike at him with meaningless attacks. All in the hope he won't foresee my next strategy.
The problem remains, how lucky I have to be to evade his attacks. They were unbribable fast for even a normal werewolf. A hollowed one is shrouded in mystery.
The beast turned his back again. Following aimlessly hammer strikes me. I tried my best to avoid all of his attacks while damaging him at the same time. A fruitful effort since every hit felt like slapping him.
The beast unleashed a fearsome howl that radiated his surroundings enough to push me away.
I fell on my back as he followed with another leap attack. I quickly used my left leg to roll away my body from his attack. Successfully I managed to, but in return launched me again further this time. Taking quite a hit from the slam area of effect attack.
As I quickly picked up my paste again, I used to opportunity to break a bottle I had and cover the oil with my dagger. Then returning back to the same game of swinging and evading.
We continued on this brawl for a few seconds. Just then when I dodge his attack. I strike the dagger right towards his neck.
Expecting him to take quite the hit, the werewolf didn't fledge. It didn’t even flinch at him a bit.
(He is hollowed in the end!)
The Beast gave a sadistic smile as he pushed me away with his gigantic arm. But just at the right moment, I threw a vile straight at the man-beast. Igniting with a shower of flames all around his body the Werewolf started to release screams of pain and agony.
Earlier ago. I stabbed him with the dagger which was coveted with explosive oil. And the vile was basically a firework bang. Made from simple metal, Sulfur, and oxidizer (primarily potassium percolate) I managed to extract from the old mines suited near Gutmar's high walls, where I used to work.
“AHHHHHH!! MUWAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAH!” After some seconds of burn. The beast switched and started to laugh maliciously as if he was enjoying this little brawl. “Not bad little meat!”
I quickly recovered my stance back but failed at the last minute as the flaming werewolf hastily ran towards me and picked me up by the collar.
“You are pretty good! For a kid!” he said boastfully. They threw me off with full force straight to one of the shattered houses. Breaking the wall down completely to pieces with me inside the house, growling in pain.
The injury wasn’t a major, given this new body of mine had great resistance to multiple fatal wounds. This one was no indifference. Only needed to recover back quickly before he finished me off completely
As I looked around. I noticed how I dropped my blade back there when the werewolf grappled me. Resenting me to unequipped with gears. Except for the short sword I had yet in the sheath. That was until I laid my eyes on a fire stove in the house.
“.....!”
“Your meat should be satisfying boy! Surviving such a hit would take more than-” The beast paused as he looked at me. Confused by me laying on my arms back to him. He chuckled, knowing well I was planning another trap attack.
He approached closer, and just then I quickly got back and unleashed a thrust attack toward his chest with the short sword. Only for him to block it off by holding my arm still.
“You really think this would work? After your tiny flames failed to?” He said cheekily with his teeth flickering, making all the glottal sounds of a ravenous wolf.
“You talk too much...” I answered indecently.
“HUH! AH!”
Just then, the beast started to grunt in pain. Making harrowing voices as I stabbed his heart with a silver bar, used for collecting the heat in the stove.
The werewolf looked in horror and distress of the wound, struggling to resist the pain as it spilled out black ooze all over my hands as he fell on his knees.
I took this chance to grab the nearby chains and tie him down by his collar. Rendering the beast down, he threw him off to the other side of the room, crashing down in vexation. With only a silver bar in my hand.
I took this moment to get out of the house and recover back. Until I was stopped when I heard a loud shriek coming from the shattered house. Much louder than earlier ago. It sounded completely nonhuman, rather more bestial and brute.
(Don’t tell me....)
Just then, the one man broke out of the house, breaking down the walls as the house started to crumble down in runes. With a cloud of dust forearming around. As the clouds dissipated, he slowly emerged from the ambiguous fog.
He transformed into a werewolf, a hollowed one.
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“What the hell are we doing? We got what we needed, let's just leave!” One of the bandits said annoyingly.
“Dumbass We still have to find these kids and kill them before they alert the guards!” The Other Bandit said. “Remember what the boss said! No witness left alive!”
“Yeah, yeah!” The first Bandit said carelessly.
“And don't go far off! The boss doesn't want us to-”
“Hey look! A dead deer!” the reckless Bandit said. “Free food!”
“You Moron! Come bac-”
Just before he could catch up with his friend. The Bandit suddenly was sliced through his neck by none other than Yuni from behind. She quickly covered his mouth to avoid alarming the others. She grabs his body aside to nearby bushes.
“Yo! Look how fresh this one is! And readily made which is weird but i like it.” The distracted bandit looked behind only to find his friend was nowhere to be found. “Andri?”
Those were his last words before being struck down.
Yuni grabbed their corpses back to the dims of the forest.
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“Hey! Andri was just ki-”
The archer, before he could alarm the other one, was quickly silenced to death by an arrow to his head, coming from the weathered bushes.
“Hey... did you say something? Huh wait!”
As the second archer took note of the imminent threat, was about to call his boss only to be killed yet again by another arrow to the back of his head.
“Two more left!” Shina said as she crouched through the dead Leafs, disguised as them. “I guess Yuni dealt with the other ones....”
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“Hey!”
“What?!”
“The archers are gone!” One of the last two bandit's scout said frantically. “So as Andri and the other!”
“Oh shit! You think that thing is back?!”
“Fuck this! I am running away!” The Frantic Bandit began to run towards the house out of fear.
“Hey wait! AH!” The Bandit fell on the ground as he struggled to resist the pain.
He noticed how his foot was now caught in a bear trap. No less than his own, the same one used to catch that dog.
“What the fuck- Hey! Come back and-”
The man was silenced by a dagger thrust into the ground in front of his face. Followed by a stomp to his head by someone’s foot.
“Scream and i will cut your tongue!” Yuni emerged from the shadows and spoke callously.
“What- what you want from me?!”
“Where is the rest of your men? There were more!”
“Only the boss and one more in the barn! Looking for the kids!”
Yuni stomped harder as she asked;
“And what thing your pal is afraid of?!”
“THE MONTER!” The Bandit said fearfully, his eyes began to drip. “That Thing came and tore our friends to pieces! It ate him like a monster! Hell, I don't know what that was! I don't know if it's a guy, a demon, an undead!”
“Undead!?” Yuni spoke in dread. “Did it spell black ooze?!”
“YES, AND IT DIDN'T HAVE ANY FACE!” The Bandit's face grew more dire. “HE HAD THOSE ARMS COMING OUT OF HIS FACE! LIKE TENTACLS AND SOME SHIT!”
“When was that?!” Yuni asked furiously.
“An hour ago!”
“And raiding a nearby house and stealing wear was a better idea than warning the guards of the monster?!” Yuni said sharply as she kicked the bandit's face. She quickly then ran towards the house direction.
“WAIT! DON'T LEAVE ME! HEY!”
“Dammit, I knew it!” Yuni cursed as she noticed Shina's presence was nowhere to be found. “Hold on Shina! I am coming!”
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“Alright... here we are...” Shina spoke quietly as she approached the barn entrance. Disregarding her sister’s orders over the kid's safety. “Why is it so quiet...”
As Shina approached the front entrance, she noticed how clear it was. The entire gate was sliding all the way, and the environment stirred an eerie feeling of dread and lifelessness. She expected at least to find a couple bandits here, looming and pillaging.
But not even a sound nor step can be heard. The air hung heavy with dust, suffocating and pregnant with a silence that echoed through the empty halls. The only sound was the distant howling of the wind outside, a haunting symphony that seemed to carry the whispers of what transpired here.
As Shina stepped cautiously through the doorway, the floor above the second floor groaned in protest, protesting the intrusion into its desolate domain. Sunlight struggled to penetrate the grime-coated windows, casting feeble beams that illuminated particles of dust floating through the stagnant air. There was only the suspicious opening at the barn roof, where sunlight truly gleamed. She hoped that such effect would be cast by otherwise someone’s presence, be it the kids or the Bandits. Anything better than this pure silence.
She scoured the environment only to notice how empty it was. The barn, once a haven of life for all kinds of animals to store and care for, now stood as a decrepit shell of its former self. Cobwebs clung desperately to the corners of the peeling wallpaper, like ghostly fingers reaching out from the shadows. The floorboards, warped and splintered, threatened to betray the character's every step with ominous creaks. What's left only by the stacks of hay stock that appeared to be left in a hurry.
Shina Knew that the family had suffered a financial loss with this season. But did it actually reach so far to affect the animals as well?
Shina’s footsteps echoed with an unsettling resonance, a solitary drumbeat amplifying the emptiness that surrounded her. The atmosphere seemed to thicken with each passing moment, as if unseen eyes were watching from the shadows, and unseen hands brushed against her skin.
“Since when it got so foggy!” Shina complained as she scrubbed her eyes, trying to avoid the sudden rise of mist that clouded her vision. Or more fit to say, the barn.
As Shina moved deeper into the belly of the forsaken domain, a chill swept through the air, causing their skin to prickle with unease. The barn, now looming ominously ahead, cast long, skeletal shadows that seemed to stretch and contort with malevolent intent.
“What's taking her time so long?!” Shina said with an irritating tone as she looked back to the entrance, hoping to see her cousin.
But just then, she noticed, at the very back corner of the barn, hidden between the clutter of liberated stocks of hay. A presence was noted.
It was none other than the children, the young sister, and her older brother.
She quickly rushed and called them out quietly.
“Hey...” She whispered. “Hey you two! It's me!”
“.......”
The relativities didn't speak, especially the sister who was cowering beneath her brother's protective embrace while covering her eyes and her mouth.
The brother though, took note of her presence and was certainly shocked to see Shina in one piece. But chose to remain silent.
“It's okay.... everything is going to be okay...” Shina spoke softly, trying to reach the relative's wounded hearts. “The Bandits are gone, they won't hurt you, not under my-”
Suddenly, the brother gestured Shina to stay quiet.
Shina was shocked. She quickly looked behind her only to see that there was nobody around, not a soul present yet.
The fact Yuni had arrived yet, made her heart skip a beat. She feared the worst.
Stolen novel; please report.
She looked back at the brother who apparently was uttering something, without making a sound.
She took a second to translate his words, but she asked;
“He is still here?” she said quietly.
The brother's facial expression grew stronger and angrier. As if he was trying his very best to explain his message quietly.
“It.....?” Shina asked with a confused face. “A thing?”
The brother nodded, but suddenly his face grew cold as he hugged his sister stronger than before while looking away from Shina.
Shina, picking up her senses, looked back as a loud screech echoed and deafened the onlookers as a thing jumped onto her.
[https://yourimageshare.com/ib/v1MueTzPrI.webp]
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The werewolf has finally transformed into his true form. Grown double his size, with his skin growing fur-like features, much thicker than before as of now, he barely harbors any human features.
His claws grew taller and sharper than before. A thick wool tail sprouted from his lower back, tall enough to reach his feet. The only looks that remained were his half-human face and the remains of his tattered clothes, now even more wrapped than before.
Few characteristics revealed the hollowing effect taking its toll on his body. At different ends, vines, and tentacles breaded from within his skin like soil. Casing around his limbs and neck, as if it was protecting possible sensitive areas. His eyes no longer showed the Wolven eyes, rather it was empty as the void. Completely blackholed. Black slime spilled now more than earlier, over the wounds I managed to inflict on him.
Finally, at different ends of his body, the beast spawned multiple human eyes as they struggled to direct their gaze, twirling and twitching uncontrollably in a possessive way.
At that moment, a sudden rush of flashbacks rushed through my mind like a floodgate opened. Drowning all kinds of horrible memories of that eventful day, and the harrowing chaos that brought forth.
Naturally, one would be fearful as many times I have been ever since I learned the truth. but no more...
For the first time, I witnessed strength, possessed it, controlled it, felt it, drowned in it. And bound to an oath.
To kill every Eldrich horror as much as I can. Without exclusion, without mercy, without remorse, without pity.
My blood filled with rage as I watched the Hollowed one approach closer. Every step filled my hollow soul with fire, every groan the beast moaned, I clutched my blades firmer like a raging demon, harvesting for blood lust. It was like a two-made beast thrown into a bit to feast on each other. Keen only on killing the other.
“COME!” I screamed in fury. “LET ME CARVE YOUR SOUL!”
The werewolf roared in rage as he performed a lunge attack with his right claw towards me.
I managed to roll away to safety, intending to do a follow-up attack from his side. However, only to be caught by a follow-up from the wolf lunge attack while crouching as he evaded my attack.
“AH!” I grunted in pain as the werewolf attack carved a claw slash against my abdomen. But didn’t stop me from doing a late pirouette and throwing the silver bar, pierceing him right towards his left lumber region.
It seems he has taken quite a hit from the attack. Not enough though to stagger him down.
(Dame these eyes! Providing him with extra vision!)
The beast noticed the thrust attack. He charged with an uppercut scratch, completely missing it as I evaded it. But just then he followed with a powerful charge using his body right to my face. Knocking me out of balance.
Taking this advantage, the werewolf pierced me around the right lumber region from behind. The hit was strong enough to stagger me as he preceded to carry me with his both arms.
Mere moments before he could throw me off, I pulled a firebomb from my pocket and threw it at the beast’s face. Meanwhile, casting me off to one of the camp's shops. Thoroughly shattering the stand.
The beast howled in what seemed a momentary victory and pain as I tried to recover back from the heavy injuries. To hasten the process, I pulled a healing potion and drank it all until nothing remained of the vile.
The best approach to fight this creature is to be as close as possible. In a position where the other eyes cannot predict my next move given the space they can see are only limited to distant ones. This was evident when i used the firebomb and the creature couldn't predict it.
But close combat with such a creature is an already suicidal plan.
(Dammit! At this rate I will beaten to death!)
Looking around, my eyes stumbled upon a great sword, an unsheathed bastard sword. Must belong to the shop I just wrecked.
I am not an expert at wielding heavy blades, nor will this rusted blade serve me for now.
(It's either this or I will fight with an empty hand)
Without delay, I got back on my feet. Disregarding the wounds I sustained, I held the great sword two handing it and taking my stance.
The werewolf took notice of my recovery as he growled in hunger and animosity. Preparing his animistic stance for another round.
The werewolf charged towards my position. Instead of attacking, I took a more defensive position. I held the blade by the grip at one hand and another by the edge of it in a block-like position.
The moment the werewolf was about to slash me through. I blocked it with the blade fuller while bending his hand in another direction by pushing myself against him, kicking him off balance.
Followed by another slice from his right side. I blocked It again and this time, managed to completely lose the werewolf's balance by veering his right arm to my left side.
Before I regained my stance again, I hit his head with the great sword pummel. Then followed with a quick slice attack, by pushing the blade and rotating it to the opposite side.
But as I expected, the wolf saw this incoming attack and held the blade off. However, I planned this ahead as I pulled pocket sand and quickly threw it at the beast. Blinding the remaining eyes from vision alongside for some reason, the werewolf as well.
I finished with a swift spin slice by rotating the blade aside, carving a deep oblique wound where I injured the beast, then rolled back to safety as soon as the blade was free from his body.
The werewolf knelt down in pain, the roared in woe and fury.
As I stepped further away from him. The bruise I suffered earlier suddenly contracted. Tripping me down on my knees in pain.
The werewolf saw this moment and followed a thrust attack towards me, I managed to evade a few until he landed a strike to my helmet. Breaking it to pieces and knocking me on the floor and the sword off completely.
Not wasting a second. The beast then jumped on me with his hands holding my wrists and his body against mine. I tried to fight him back with my legs. Kicking him around his crouch and abdomen, hoping he would get hurt anywhere.
It was no use. The werewolf preceded to bite right to my neck. I quickly evaded it only for my shoulder region to take the hit instead.
“AHHHHHH! FUCK!” I shouted in agony and acerbity as the beast continued to shake and stinge violently, in hopes of ripping the tip of my trapezius muscle with an ocean of red blood spilling out of me.
“AHHHHHHHHH! “I shouted one more. This time with content and frenzy as I opened my eyes. Now replaced with red crimson color of a demon. Granting me strength and resistance ten times power than before.
With enough strength, I broke free from his hands and then gapped his head as I punched the index finger against his hollowed eye socket with the remaining holding his skull. I pressed as hard as I could to crush down his head completely right greater power.
The eyes were indeed there, only they were now completely covered with black color. Alas, didn’t matter as I squished his eyes to absolute nothingness but liquid.
The beast now roaring in pain, continued to bite against my shoulder. Al be it, much weaker progressively.
The werewolf, now occupied with holding my arms, pierced his claws between my arms and attempted to release them away by ripping them apart. An effortless attempt.
After seconds of peer pressure passed, I finally managed to crack his neck completely to his right, evident by the bone fracture sound.
The werewolf finally released his grip from my arm and shoulder. Reattracted back as he violently started to shake and moan in torment. Twitching around like a fish removed from the water.
(It's now or never!)
Ignoring the pain, I got back on my feet again. Pulled the crossbow and fired my last two fire bolts both at his right leg.
The beast growled in agony again. Taking this chance to wield the great sword again and cover it with tree resin. Igniting it using the last fire round I had.
“Let's finish this......” I said quietly as my eyes gloated in red again. Culling my stance and charged ahead.
The werewolf managed to stand up on his feet. Albeit it, is very wobbly and unbalanced.
The arrow I fired earlier was purposed to destabilize his right knee. And his left leg due to the heavy pressure I inflicted upon his cerebellum. With the neck fracture. He had zero chance of survival.
All left was to finish him.
The werewolf saw me coming. He quickly tried to strike me with a right slash.
I evade it effortlessly given how sloppy and uncoordinated his move was. Followed by light swings attacking him.
He retraced back for a moment. Then preceded aimlessly to strike another klutzy attack. Only for me to parry it and then preformed Sword dance art. Spinning forward a moderate distance with a side rotating around the blade grip hit twice. Cutting off his left arm as a result.
The werewolf, now wakened and defeated fell on his knees. Cowering in fear as he struggled to stand properly.
He raised his head only to look at the true demon before him. Now releasing the grievous mistake, he made......Fighting a true demon
“Tha......than......yo....”
I gave him one last cold emotionless look. Marking who is the hunter and the hunted. Then finally, finishing him off with Swift blast art. Leaping forward while crouching and slicing the werewolf to two parts, Torso and lower limp.
Ending the battle for good.
I started to breathe heavily as I dropped the sword then fell on my back while looking at the morning skies as the clouds covered the beaming sun.
“Fuck.......................” I mumbled as I rested my eyes for a bit.
How far have I gone? How far have I crossed the line between what's ideal and not? How far have I lost it completely?
(...I must be really crazy just thinking that...)
From a once simple lonely writer to a now, a demon slayer who is a demon himself. Once hesitant to leave a sword, now can't live without it. Once desperate for a death wish, now running away from it.
How long have I gazed into the abyss to become like this? and how much left to completely lose my sanity?
(I wonder.... if I stay on such a path.... would it do good for me?)
I have stained so many monsters in the last two months of all kinds. Each fight determined not to live the next day. But firm on hunting down the next monster over and over again, until I breath no longer.
My new way of life...
(It's painful.... but I am still alive.... right mom?)
” An advisory was slain”
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The Savage jumped on Shina, screaming and howling as it echoed the once silent barn to become a house of consternation.
As the beast lunged at Shina, she tried to evade it as she cast herself aside but only to succumb to his arms as he attempted to grab her.
As Shina fell on one of the broken stacks of hay, she locked herself with the beast in a position where she tried to push his arms away. But the Savage was for some reason much more robust than her. Even for an undead person to possess such strength, this was a very unusual finding. However, Shina paid little attention to the details as she struggled to push the Savage away who was already horrified by such unholy presence.
Shina’s breath caught in her throat as she felt the Hollowed presence drawing closer, an unsettling chill running down her spine. The air seemed to thicken with an otherworldly malevolence as if the very fabric of reality was warping around the approaching monstrosity. Her heart raced, its beats echoing in her ears like a desperate plea for escape.
Shina’s senses heightened, every rustle of the tattered cloak that draped the Hollowed one, every unearthly moan that emanated from its twisted maw, felt like a perverse symphony of impending doom. The glow in its eyes that nested inside his mouth flickered with an eldritch intensity, casting an eerie light on the scene as if the abyss itself had set its sights upon her. But even in such dire and grim moments, she fought against it.
She eventually pushed the beast away only for a second as it was about to lean closer again. This time, she held him by his chin as she grabbed from her quiver an arrow to strike the beast, at least attempt to.
But the beast did not concern himself as he began to scratch Shina’s face and hit her, eventually using its Eldrich appendages to strike.
It attempted to hit her head, however. The beast missed as Shina tilted her head aside. Instead, piercing her shoulder.
Shina’s body tensed, a primal fear gripping her, the kind that transcended the boundaries of mortal terror. Time seemed to slow, her surroundings blurring into a nightmarish tableau of shadowy figures and eldritch symbols. The stench of decay and the unnatural fog engulfed her, intensifying the feeling of isolation and desperation.
The very air seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy. Shina’s gaze fixated on the creature's unhinged jaw, dripping with an otherworldly ichor, as a paralyzing realization set in – she stood on the precipice of a fate worse than death.
But somehow, amidst this dark fog, nearly all of her vision was sealed. She sought that dim light that cast the shadows away.
It spilled the name, Ilium.
She didn't understand it, nor would she remember this vision or the name ever again. However, this light was enough for her to see her path again. To save these children.
She made an oath to herself, that she would use her bow and strike her enemies for the good of the world.
She always believed there was goodness in this world. Somehow, this dark, unfair and unjust world used to be better ages ago. Thus, she promised that even for one person in this world, if she can spark hope, to cast away the shadows of doubt. She would at least try.
She lost her parents and had none to rely on. Except when it was her uncle who took her in. And in return, she received the best gift she could have asked for; a sister and a friend. Yuni, who kindled that flame in her heart. Giving life its brilliance and beauty.
Regardless of her cold demeanor. Yuni had always a good heart.
Shina was inspired by her and hoped one day she could return the treatment somehow.
The children who lost their parents are no different from her position. Thus, it would take more than a bruise to end her goal.
“GOD YOU ARE FUCKING UGLY!” Shina Screamed in agony.
In that harrowing moment, a mixture of terror and determination flashed across Shina’s eyes. The eldritch horror loomed over her, a grotesque silhouette against the dawn, and the imminent threat became an indescribable weight on her shoulders. Yet, in the face of the abyss, she clutched the arrow and struck the beast’s eye in its cavity.
The Beast howled in pain as it retreated. And just in the nick of time, a string of hope struck the children and Shina.
“GET OFF MY SISTER YOU BEAST!” Yuni furious shouts can be heard as she lunged at the beast using a pitchfork to stab and push the beast to the back.
“YUNI GET BACK!” Shina groaned in pain as she fell on her back.
Yuni, stubborn as her sister didn't listen and bitterly faced the Savage as it managed to break free from the pitchfork by forcefully breaking it into two halves.
Yuni retreated as she witnessed the Savage howling in fury.
She gasped in horror as she studied the beast. Her heart raced like never before, and her hands, alongside her sword trembled in fear. The air was thick with the scent of uncertainty as she clutched the hilt of her sword, feeling the cool metal against her trembling fingers. Her heart raced like a frantic drum, the rhythm of fear echoing in her chest.
As she took a tentative step forward, her eyes widened with trepidation, reflecting the uncertain path that lay ahead. The weight of her weapon seemed to increase with each passing moment, a constant reminder of the impending danger. A familiar sense she felt the first time she held her sword.
Yet, amidst the quivering fear that threatened to consume her, a spark of courage ignited within. The same feeling she felt when Shina’s life was threatened many years ago when she was about to be killed by a basilisk.
She is keen on saving her family as much sacrifice is needed. Going so far to throw herself in danger for her sake.
She drew a deep breath, her shoulders squared, and determination flickered in her gaze. With her trembling hands she clutched the sword tighter. She spoke coldly as she took her pose;
“Steel for men, Silver for monster. Fire for the unholy. And eternal sleep for the dead!”
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The beast lunged toward Yuni, who managed to evade it barely.
As she recovered, she noticed she was injured by a slashing attack from the beast on her arm.
The savage speed was unmatched, no question. Its appendages provided it as armament for combat, further enhancing its prowess on the battlefield. Given the beast's quickness, its dependence on speed was a significant factor. While Yuni was agile in the same field, it wouldn't be enough to take it down. A cut and slash certainly wouldn't kill it. It needed someone to rival its speed – a tank.
"If only Garen were here..." Yuni muttered.
The beast howled as it rushed towards Yuni, attacking her continuously. At one moment, using its arms to pummel her down, followed by the appendages attempting to puncture her.
She successfully evaded being hit and, at the same time, cut the following appendages with her sword as a means to parry them.
At one end, the Hollowed attempted to grab her by leaping onto her.
Yuni rolled away, followed with her Signature move; Swift Slash. Where she twirled her like a dancer while spinning both her blades like a wheel continuously and nimbly.
The Savage was severely injured. Yuni’s Finishes her move with a double thrust using her blades. However, as the hollowed ones always are, the savage adapted. The savage retreated for a moment and swung its appendix toward Yuni's right hand.
Yuni tried to pull away, only to find she was easily overwhelmed by its rigidity.
As the beast attempted to pull her, it also lunged itself to strike her down.
Yuni charged herself using her back towards the beast instead of her front, rounding her as an orb while also carving a slice towards the savage appendages using the dagger, releasing her from the beast's grip as she tumbled down while bleeding from her back.
The beast also retracted in weakness as it screamed in pain.
Yuni, still in pain, recovered back to her feet to grab her sword, only to be stunned by the hollowed one's quick recovery.
Its appendages grew once more like vines sprouted mid-spring, unharmed and unpretentious of its wounds.
Yuni groaned in pain as she slowly succumbed to her own wound on her shoulder.
As she tried to reach her sword, the beast ran on its four limbs like an animal and attempted to catch them before she could grab her blade.
But in the nick of time, she was saved by Shina as she fired a series of arrows inflamed with pine resin at the savage.
The battle howled in agony as it wiggled and twirled around like a puppy in pain while engulfed in fire.
Yuni stared back at her cousin to find her face filled with vengeance and anger. She didn't utter a smile, nor did she grit her teeth. She simply gave a cold frown at the beast that dared to harm her family.
Yuni then quickly grabbed her sword and rushed to finish the beast with quick, multiple clean cuts through the agonizing monster, slicing it into mere pieces and rubble of its former self.
The beast was finally slain.
At the barn entrance, Shina tumbled on the ground in pain.
“SHINA!” Yuni rushed towards her cousin.
In that split second, Yuni heart was rushed like never before. For Yuni, family came first and anything else before that is simply a second. An optional and unnecessary distraction. When you introduce yourself to humanity for the first time, so are prone to fall into their traps. Down a path, you will never find peace. They invite you to a place where light may never shine. At least, if you choose to invest with them. Shina’s family is a living testament of that mistake.
Yuni believes friendship bonds break easily while the family is the hardest to divide. After all, they are the first people you will ever meet, and the ones you will always come back to when you feel lost. Even if this bond is at risk of being ripped. Out of every bond, this one is the hardest to cut.
To Yuni, Shina is more than a cousin, she is her only best friend, her sister, her classmate, and her adventure pal. Her family.
She held her up as she tried to talk to her.
“Shina! Shina talk to me!” Yuni spoke dreadfully. “SHNA! WAKE UP! WAKE UP! DONT DO YOU DARE DIE ONE ME”
“Poooo-” Shina coughed, as she attempted to scare her.
“Fuck off! You scared the fuck out of me Shina!” Yuni shouted back angrily.
“You know I like pranks right......?” Shina smiles.
“Unfortunately, you do....” Yuni gave a joyful smile and chuckled. “Don't do that ever again!”
“Come on.... it will take more than that to kill me!” Shina spoke with difficulty as she breathed heavily.
“Next time, I might not be around,” Yuni spoke more gravely.
“No way... I know you are always behind me” Shina gave a smirk.
(And I don't know if I will ever be ready to leave you behind....)
“Don't worry.... we will get you out of here....” Yuni took a deep breath as she called out to the kids for help. Preparing for their immediate departure.
----------------------------------------
“Ouch! That hurts Yuni!” Shina said furiously.
“If you stop moving for one second. We would have finished this five minutes ago!” Yuni said back as she attempted to stich the wound on her shoulder.
“I can't help if it hurts a lot!” Shina clutched her teeth. “Did you have to add the alcohol?!”
“Yes, it's called sterilization! You ought to know that...”
“How the hell you know so much about sutur- OUCH!”
“Last year, we took a free class program on surgical wound closure alongside Garen, you, and Katsuragi.”
“Seriously?!” Shina gave a confused and shocked look. “I don't remember that!”
“Where Sev left us to make out with that blond Adeventure, Cassey?” Yuni spoke sarcastically.
“Ohhhh.......” Shina gave a disgusting face. “How could I have forgotten that bitch!”
“And because you were asleep during the class....” Yuni said with a disappointed glare.
“Ohhh.... that explains even more....” Shina said dumbfounded.
“I can tell in the academy; you aren't going to pay attention a lot.”
Shina and Yuni looked back at each other, chuckling and smiling. Knowing well that their experience in the academy will be an eventful, painful, and yet, joyful experience.
After the Hollowed incident. Shina and Yuni, alongside the children, managed to escape and reach their home in Temir village. In addition, it alarmed the interior police of the Raven Kingdome of the recent outbreak.
After which, Yuni's father, Argon Vanrand took to a nearby healer to address the wounds, only to be counted as superficial, and further healing such wounds using radiance would cost more than the usual expnse. Especially after Argon wasted it on cleansing the girls and the children of any dark magic that could threaten them in the future. Argon then left to sort the new orphans out and find a better future for them.
The interior police interrogated Yuni and Shina regarding the incident and were sent to investigate The Barleydane household. For now, they are waiting for news from the front.
“Hey... ahh...” Shina uttered.
“Hmm?”
“I am sorry....”
“For what?” Yuni asked confusedly as she continued to work on the wound. But she knew too well what Shina meant.
“About....” Shina gave a sour look and confessed. “About going alone into the barn and fighting that creature alone... i should have waited for you.”
“Don't sweat it....” Yuni answered with a sad expression. “You did what anyone would have done in that moment. If it weren't for you, these kids might not have survived....”
“I could have died there if it weren't you...” Shina said regretfully.
“But you didn't.” Yuni chuckled. “And I think that's what is important now. Don't overlook the past and live the present.”
“Yuni....” Shina said sorrowfully.
“You are alive, and everyone got out of this okay.... well not everyone.” Yuni sighed. “But it's something better than nothing, you know?”
“I guess......” Shina smiled barely as she gave Yuni space to cover the wound. “But I did learn a thing or two from this...”
“That would be...?” Yuni asked playfully.
“We are screwed if the republic doesn't do shit about the Hollowed threat...” Shina said coldly.
Yuni paused, in terror and defeat as she listened to her cousin.
“And how terrifying son of bitch they are.” Shina said with tremor.
“Shina....” Yuni looked back at her cousin as she spoke with a horrid look as she grabbed her arm.
She has never seen Shina with such terrifying looks. She is always optimistic, enthusiastic, and a little hot-headed but always looks ahead with a positive smile, and energy.
But now, she was afraid. She was like a child, scared of the beast that hid beneath her bed. But every reason she had was justified enough for her to be afraid.
The Hollowed beast wasn't the only thing that left her wounded. It was what followed after.
“Yuni.... when that thing pierced my shoulder. For a split second....” Shina trembled as she uttered those words. “I saw things.... so many things.... at first, I couldn't make out of it.... But eventually, i saw some kind... an underground tunnel, surrounded with humans' flesh and other things as they wiggled. It made my skin crawl. All while i heard screams, that sounded nothing human or demonic.”
Yuni didn't speak and simply held Shina’s hand as she continued to speak.
“At the end of the tunnel, i saw an eye, a single eye, it didn't look human, or maybe it did? I don't know?!” Shina began to panic. “It didn't say anything, it simply looked back at me... I was... I was...”
“Miss Shina, Miss Yuni.” Suddenly, the front door of their house was opened as an officer of the interior police emerged. Evident in their outfit. Alongside their father, walking beside him.
These Units wore unique Uniforms, both male and female, of the military traditionally black overcoats, pants, and white boots with a blue forager and decoration/badges adorned on the uniform depending on the achievements of individual soldiers. Some soldiers can be seen wearing blue berets. The epaulets on the uniform display the rank of the soldier in question. This one was a warrant officer rank.
“Dude! Knock the fucking door!” Shina said angrily.
“Shina! Quiet!” Yuni whispered.
“We don't have much time but I came here to confirm a few things in order.” The officer spoke coldly.
The two girls straightened their posture. Except for Shina who remained wayward.
“Go ahead,Officer...” Yuni spoke respectfully.
“We investigated the premise as you told us to and found rather, questionable evidence....”
“What questionable?! It's clear as the sky!” Shina rebelled.
“Miss Shina, Miss Yuni...” The Officer took a heavy sigh. “Are you sure what you witnessed on the farm?”
“What are you talking about?!” Shina asked with a confused face. “Of course we are! Why do you think these wounds are self-inflicted?! The bodies are sure evident enough!”
“That's the thing, Miss Shina. There were no bodies to be found. Including the monster you described.”
“WHAT?! Shina asked shockingly. Alongside Yuni who somehow predicted this outcome.
“There were no bodies to be found, nor the bandits, nor the Barleydane’s, and certainly no Hollowed Monster.”
“What the fuck......” Shina spoke dreadfully and in defeat.
“What about the corpse in the wood?” Yuni asked. Still maintained her cool.
“Including the one you mentioned, we didn't find anything...”
“They adapt......” Yuni muttered to herself.
“They got have left something!” Shina spoke madly. “Trail blood! Anything!”
“There was nothing Miss Shina. We made a full thorough investigation of the place. No trail of blood, only a husk of what was the lively Barleydane’s household.”
“No way......” Shina shuddered in fear. “It can't be....”
“What you saw must have been some kind of illusion magic that made you see things that weren't there. And possibly-”
“Oh, fuck off!” Shina fired back.
“Shina! Stop!" Yuni tried to restrain her.
“What?! Perhaps we were under some kind of magic illusion that made us kill the family? Is that what you are saying?! Go fuck yourself! We saw the monster! And it tried to kill us! Our wounds are enough evidence of that! Black fucking ooze!”
“Shina that's enough!” Argon spoke, finally snapping as he grabbed Shina’s arm.
“Uncle!? What don't tell me-”
“Shina please” Yuni held her hand and begged Shina to stop. “Listen to Dad. There is nothing we can do now...”
“I won't take the blame for something I didn't do!”
“He is not Shina...” Argon spoke coldly as he released her.
The two relatives looked back in confusion.
“As I was saying......” The Officer spoke indigently. “It might be some kind of Illusion magic that made you think what you fought is a Hollowed one. Where it could have been something else.”
“Don't they usually drop some kind of Hint?” Yuni asked. “Illusion magic is environmental magic that leaves some kind of remnants of the illusion. Like curtains of a show or a play.”
“You are correct Miss Yuni. We believe that's the case, but we have yet to find this evidence. But the fact the bodies simply weren't there is rather enough evidence of such illusion magic.”
“Officer...” Mr Argon butted in. “I find that hard to believe. Those who master Illusion magic are pretty rare to find nowadays. And on top of that the evidence provided by my girls and the children, its not hard to believe there is something fishy about this...”
“I understand the concern Mr Argon. But we can't be certain. The odds of finding illusions are rare, but we can't take that risk.”
“So are the Hollowed one Officer...” Argon spoke angrily. “We don't want to repeat the same mistake the High Walls did....”
“We do not know what happened there Mr Argon!” Officer said with a disapproving look. “Anything could have happened, like that Viking rebellion.”
Argon gave a dismissive look as looked back at the Officer.
“We will look further into this incident. For now, stay out of trouble. And I am hoping for your children don't cause any trouble...”
The Officer eventually left the house and went on his way
Shina and Yuni looked at each other in grief over this unexpected defeat.
Argon was there, standing and staring back at the wall. Recollecting his thoughts and rage.
What made it worse wasn't that they failed to prove how strong and dangerous the Hollowed ones are becoming. It was the realization the Monster didn't die, even after setting the creature in blaze. The creature survived regardless and alongside taking the corpses until its wings to join their Hollowing crusade.
The situation went from bad to worse.
“Father...” Yuni said remorsefully.
“It's my fault uncle,” Shina confessed.
“What? Shina you aren't taking this alone!”
“I am... I risked both of us....”
Suddenly, the two were embraced by Argon hug as he teared, saying;
“That's alright you two......”
“Uncle?!”
“Da-dad?! Are you okay?!”
“I am just...... i am just happy you two made out alive....” Argon said cheerfully as he continued to clinch them both.
“Come on Uncle.... we are tougher than that...” Shina chuckled as she hugged back.
Yuni smiled and did as well. Only, a sight of her bothersome look can be noted. Knowing well there is more to this hug than simply reunion.
“I believe you both....” Argon released them as he sighed and spoke vexingly.
“You do?!” Shina looked with a shocked expression.
“Yes.... in fact, I knew too well. And out of my foolishness, I send you both out there to hunt.”
“Come on uncle... nobody expected that.” Shina padded on his back.
“I did....” Argon got back on their feet as she spoke irritably. “I was just hoping that it would be all a rumor deep inside. Should have known better.”
Shina and Yuni were confused and utterly lost of speech against their caretaker's words.
“I will tell you everything once I come back.”
“Where are you heading?” Shina asked.
“The newly orphans. I need to set them up with someone I know. Who will take care of them well....”
“Right... take care uncle...”
“You two girls...” Argon nodded and left the house.
“You okay Yuni?” Shina asked out of concern.
“No....”
“Me neither....”
“What will it take to beat these Hollowed ones....”
“Everything.....” Yuni said coldly as she looked through the window. “Or perhaps, we already lost and we don't know...”