[Year 22]

[Foreline Village, Demon Forests edge]

The roar unleashed was comparable to a cataclysmic event, an unstoppable force of nature. Dust erupted, rocks flew, and in its core was a monster who destroyed everything with its roar, sparing no one.

There was nothing that could have been done to stop it, it was akin to watching an erupting volcano in the vicinity of your home. Its roar at its height was deafening despite the distance and its lowest rumble one could feel.

Unfortunately, some houses that were close enough were knocked down and were destroyed in the process, the sight gave a gloomy sight for the villagers.

Arkum managed to brace for the attack a sliver of power coating him in the middle of the fight. Arkum thought of his friend if he even managed to get out unharmed but he has to worry for himself now. Despite being prepared for it, he was still not spared. He knelt and felt the blood running down his nose and soon spat out blood.

The spectators watched in horror when the dust settled and saw Arkum with his knee on the ground with blood dripping from his nose and mouth. Despite the damage Arkum received he was far from relenting.

With a spear in his hand, which he used as a crutch he held on for a moment, his ears were ringing he was waiting for it to slowly settle down, and his mind was numb from being nearby of the monster.

Fortunately, his friend reappeared close to his side, lending a hand to help him up. When the ringing stopped and his mind eased he took a look at his friend and noticed the change.

“What is that?”

“It's Aura.”

“What? But I have aura as well—”

“It's not like the skill you and some hunters have. This one is specialised. It represents me.”

“... I see.”

Arkum saw how Shavik was less damaged from the roar of that monster, envy crept up within him, if he had that ability then he could probably stand up and fight for more.

“The monster has recovered.”

Arkum looked back at the monster, Two bright slit eyes stared at the two hunters. It growled before its neck started to ominously glow.

“Ha… it's going for a breath of flame again.” Shavik quipped

“Hey,” Shavik turned to face Arkum. “Teach me that.”

“It's best if you feel it, you'll learn fast that way.”

“What?” Arkum glanced at the monster, its neck was glowing eerily. “How?”

“What do you stand for? Who are you?”

“...?”

“You don't know the answer to that?” Shavik scoffed. “I know that I am Shavik, a proud Hunter of the Foreline village! Arkum, what about you?”

“I… I am Arkum, a proud Hunter of the Village as well…!”

“Stop doubting yourself, my friend.”

Shavik placed a hand behind Arkum. He remembered how Relle helped to jump-start his circulation of mana and decided to recreate it by feeling.

“Do not doubt yourself and believe who you are.”

Arkum flinched when mana was sent to his body, he roughly knew what this feeling was, it was the same feeling that covered his body and spear.

Arkum felt time slow down, the same thing when he first received a blessing from Hadro himself. He was drowned in self-reflection, what am I, who am I and what do I stand for?

The questions sounded so simple, yet they reflected what he wanted to do in this world, it was not so simple as answering ‘I am Arkum, I am a proud Hunter of the village and I stand to protect it’, no.

It was deeper than that. Arkum's eyes locked on the monster that was charging its attack. It would soon fire and they would be embraced in a fire that would turn them to ashes.

At this moment, Arkum looked at the eyes of the monster. Arkum could see why it was so dead set on trying to kill them. It was looking for prey and they interrupted, now it is trying to kill them because they are a threat.

Arkum felt alive, the moment of self-reflection ended and he raised his spear, despite the pain he kept feeling he pushed forward.

He briefly glanced at the villagers hiding from far away and he saw his wife, she was wrinkly and decrepit, and she lived far longer than normal.

Arkum knew that if he didn't end it here the monster would wipe everyone out. The light in his wife’s eyes is dimming every second, he wants to spend a few more moments with her. Knowing she does not have that much left in the world unlike him where his skin does not age.

As time soon moved normally, Arkum had his spear thrust forward every single being of him was poured towards that attack. The Valovasoar unleashed its flames unto Arkum’s direction a lot of energy invested in it.

The clump of fire was now in the clear shape of a sphere, however, its speed was so swift that none was able to discern its proper shape, it was like a miniature glowing sun by the intense radiance it gave. The moment it clashed with Arkum’s spear, it was cleanly split in half, exploding at the moment of impact.

The fire spread out, both went sidewards. One towards the forest and the other at the plains. The fire ravaged the trees of the forest like a sea of flames scorching the otherwise peaceful plains of its vegetation leaving nothing but tar and ashes.

A subtle glow was coating Arkum and his spear. Shavik gave a savage grin at what he was witnessing. Arkum had always been strong all he needed was the realisation. This strength he always harboured is now reached, his highest potential that even if Shavik tried his best reaching would never bore fruit.

The Valovasoar huffed and steam streamed out of its nose, it stood on both legs its unbelievable recovery speed showing by its already healed legs.

Arkum moved, his movements nothing but a blur, leaving cracks on the ground where he left and setting the wind to the side creating a loud sound reminiscent of a thunderclap that threw Shavik off his feet. Arkum reached the monster in a blink of an eye, his hand ready to swipe his spear, the monster reacted early, turning its body and whipping Arkum off the ground with its tail.

Arkum’s spear blocked the attack from the monster sending him sliding backwards, the Monster did not relent as it attacked with a swift breath of flame which Arkum did not have the time to block, he dodged but it left him scorched smelling the subtly seared flesh.

It burned his bear cape, his most prized trophy, but it did not matter, the monster tried to repeat the attack but he did not let it hit, the end of his spear struck its lower jaw sending the monster to look upwards and the breath of flame firing upwards instead.

Arkum swiped his spear upon the monster, its edge dragging across its tough scales, although now there was a difference, it left a gash a small gash that was a sign of defiance against the monster’s might.

The monster did not like the development, it tried moving forward to bite Arkum and could tell that its maw was filled with heat. Arkum dashed backwards and whilst the monster was moving forward and him backwards he took the time to lightly thrust his spear.

Leaving a gash upon the monster’s maw itself but to Arkum’s surprise it released an abrupt breath of flame towards his direction it wasn't powerful but it did give him some burns that he did not like,

Pain surged within his body but it did not stop him, Arkum cocked back his spear again power surging within him and released a powerful strike, the Valovasoar didn't have time to change its posture quickly enough.

With an unbelievable sight of defiance, Arkum struck the monster making it sway its head sidewards, a small object falling that followed after. Everyone watched as the monster looked back and one of its sharp teeth was gone from its maw. Arkum watched standing breathing heavily, However, Shavik knew that Arkum was on his last leg standing.

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The monster swiped its tail, Arkum blocked with his spear but it snapped the spear in half and Arkum was sent flying away, Shavik out of his daze moved to intercept and catch Arkum who didn't have any more strength to move.

Cold sweat ran down Shavik’s forehead, the friend that he thought infallible was now in his hands defenceless after fighting a monster. Their most powerful hunter was down and that could only mean one thing, their imminent demise.

Soon, a towering shadow covered Shavik and his friend, he started to grit his teeth, feeling the scorching breath of the monster that he knew he couldn't win against, and his head slowly lifted to meet the monster.

It watched them, like a defenseless prey against a cruel predator. Shavik felt fear, though not for his life. Will the villagers, his people be able to run fast enough? Could he buy enough time for them to escape? Would everything they fought for end here?

The monster just stood there, looming but not doing anything. Its body was already battered with multiple injuries, scales covered with dust and blood. Its maw was bleeding but still menacing and its eyes stared coldly.

Then, the monster acted with no warning, roaring at the two hunters, its roar undeniably filled with frustration, Shavik’s fear was palpable, cold sweat running down his back with him clutching his friend tightly. He waited for the inevitable doom, yet it didn't come. He watched as the monster ran back to the forest.

His fear, anxiousness and dread that kept plaguing him suddenly vanished as if it was never there, it then dawned on him. Shavik was being swallowed by the emotions of the monster because it had a stronger aura than him that affected his mind. However, it still left him confused, why did the monster retreat?

He watched as the Valovasoar walked to the forest, it did not partake in its prey at all. What was its intention? Shavik’s thoughts were pulled away once he heard coughs coming from Arkum which he held on the ground.

“A-Arkum!”

His face was plastered with worry, However, Arkum’s face was smiling with bloody teeth, he had accomplished what he wanted and that was enough. His eyes landed on the sharp tooth on the ground.

Shavik followed Arkum’s eyes and understood why he was smiling, he viewed knocking the monster’s teeth off as an achievement. Shavik grinned he was glad it was over and the monster was not coming back.

Shavik may have looked tough but when the outrageous roar was released from the Valovasoar his internal organs ruptured. He was nearby, he couldn't have left unscathed.

“Shavik.”

“Yes?”

“Let's head back… I wanted to eat some roasted meat and thank our god.”

“Haha! Let's do that!”

Shavik couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation, but he wouldn't push it away, anything to relieve the stress that the entire village had felt would be welcome.

Once it was confirmed that the monster had left, everyone went back to their respective houses, and everyone who could lend a hand helped rebuild those that were destroyed in the fight.

After that, they threw a feast, as long as they could relieve everyone of their worries and raise spirits for the next day, they didn't believe this was their last battle.

The council, a smith, warrior, hunter, healer, farmer and artisan. Gathered together to discuss what should be done to better the village’s defences.

“If it was us, we couldn't have survived. Luckily Arkum came in our times of need.”

“Indeed, but everything cannot be left to Arkum as we saw.”

“Yes, should we build walls?”

“That is a must, but remember that some of us forage in that forest.”

“Can we not take it to our existing farms?”

“We are still trying.”

“Our priority should be those walls.”

Once it was decided, the core members of the Council started planning, they went ahead and had the Village walls be built for future safety reasons. Among the celebratory atmosphere, Arkum sat next to his wife, staring at the bonfire.

“My time is near, Arkum. Our child, Kamir has found his own Family. I have no regrets aside from leaving you.”

Arkum placed his hand above his wife.

“Samir… I'm afraid.”

“Everyone is, I'm just saying that you should be brave.”

The contrast between Samir and Arkum’s hands tells how far the two have come. Arkum is rough and callused yet still, it looks healthy comparable to someone in their twenties while Samir is wrinkled, old and frail.

“Arkum…”

“Yes?”

“Don't be afraid to find another woman, don't let my passing get through you.”

“T-that's easier said than done.”

Samir smiled gently, “I know, promise me that you'll cry but you'll move on, okay?”

“I will…”

Arkum’s eyes were already teary, Samir noticing this wiped the tears as they fell.

“This reminded me of our first meeting.”

“...?” Arkum looked incredulous.

“You cried in front of my father just to take my hand in union.”

“D-don't remind me…!” Arkum felt embarrassed.

Samir laughed and laid her head on Arkum’s shoulder.

“Arkum…”

“...?”

“Do you know what I found about you that I love?”

“What… is it?”

“You were always brave… 30 years ago if I remember correctly. When the village didn't have any food you took up arms first and went to the forest to hunt.”

“...”

“When one of the hunters lagged behind you always stayed behind to protect them. When one of us is sick, you would always go to the forest to find herbs that our elders told us about, no matter how futile the situation.”

“Hearing this is… embarrassing.”

“Is it? Truly, you were always meant for greatness. The moment our patron God came your brightness couldn't be hidden. Did you know how I felt when I saw you fly from the sky just to land on that monster?”

“The Valovasoar?”

“Yes, I thought was… my saviour, my saviour! Look how he gracefully descended—”

“S-Samir!”

Samir laughed, she couldn't help but tease her husband. Her eyes glanced at Arkum’s hands, despite them being rough and calloused, they had not one bit changed, it was the same as years ago.

It was already a miracle that she had lived for over half a century. When most of her ancestors were lucky to get past 30. Then she felt something, she looked at her husband.

“Can we go to sleep? I'm tired.”

Arkum became solemn, his rueful smile appeared as if expecting it. Nonetheless, he followed what his wife wanted, they both stood up and they headed to their humble, expanded mud house.

“Oh, we used to sleep with grass… Now we sleep in this luxury.”

Arkum laid down the wooden mattress with yak fur sheets, he also laid down two small pillows. Arkum wanted to help Samir lay down but she did it herself.

“Come on.” she tapped the empty side waiting for Arkum.

Arkum just wordlessly followed lying down next to Samir. Once they both lay down, Samir grabbed Arkum’s hand and placed it over herself for a hug.

Arkum leaned close and with the comfort of her husband being close, Samir soon closed her eyes.

The next day, Arkum woefully opened his eyes and his sight was greeted with the back of the head of his wife. He turned her over pleading that what he expected shouldn't happen.

But Arkum knew better than doubt reality, his wife had her eyes closed like she was just taking a rest. Arkum felt his chest tighten and his eyes blurred, he placed a hand over Samir's hand, his head over her shoulder.

Quiet sniffles and sobs escaped Arkum's mouth that day and it was early in the morning.

Hadro didn't miss such a sight, he came back after Arkum was defeated. Defending him and the others after Valovasoar took them both down.

Without him, after Arkum propelled his spear and sent the Valovasoar’s tooth away, he had to stand in front of them. The monster was more than a Deity, it had Aura in its purest form.

It could see Hadro and even affect him with its Aura. But since Hadro was a god bypassing the Aura of the monster was manageable. Hadro wanted to kill the threat, however his budget only allowed him much.

Zoe did everything to protect the village and it used his SE since Zoe can't accumulate her own. Thankfully, the monster recognized that Hadro was a threat and left the village.

Hadro couldn't help but watch as Arkum lifted Samir and took her outside. The neighbours had expected that Samir didn't have for long but now they couldn't help but feel remorseful.

“She lived happily, Arkum.”

Kavo, who was on site, said to Arkum. Kavo had some people bring a seed from the warehouses.

“She did, where's Kamir? He needs to say goodbye to his mother.”

Kamir, Arkum’s only son. When opportunities arose a decade ago he took it. He became Kavo's assistant who would help organise herbs and lists of diseases with Kasha and Mari.

“I-I’ll find him—”

“No need, I'm here.” a stout tall man came into view, sweat lingered on his face, evidence of his rush towards Arkum.

“Dad…” he looked at Samir with great sorrow.

“Say your goodbye Kamir, she will rest soon forever.”

Kamir looked at his father before nodding, walking to Samir and holding her hand, he raised it to his face and bowed his head before letting out his cries.

“I am proud to be your son.” Kamir let out before letting go of his mother's hand.

Kavo and another assistant waited their time before calling out.

“Arkum, the burial ritual is done.”

“Right.”

Arkum followed Kavo to the edge of the village and the edge of the forest. A bed of wood was stacked together, and Arkum settled Samir’s body down above it.

Word has already travelled, Samir’s friends were few, not because she didn't socialise but because most friends she had had already passed.

People who knew Samir mourned, saying their farewells and imparting a gift, a small gift that they believe will assist the deceased in passing successfully.

Some were carved wood, some were necklaces made out of bones. Nonetheless, it adorned Samir with gifts.

Once the sun was high, Arkum did the honour and grabbed the seed given to him by Kavo and placed it inside her clothes.

He took her body to a hole and placed her down carefully in a foetal position, which he soon used a shovel to bury her afterwards.

Arkum’s friends sent their condolences. The orcs found the humans of the Village custom of burying their dead along with a seed of a tree fascinating at first, though it soon replaced their original burying ritual.

Hadro watched the ritual procession before going to his realm, Samir was the first follower to die with the realm up so Hadro was naturally curious.

Once he stepped into the library he went to the desk where the cashier was seemingly at.

There a soul was standing, baffled by the enormous library that surrounded her. Hadro with a gentle smile approached her, the soul saw him and curiosity gleamed in her eyes.

“Hello, Samir.”

“U-uh… I'm supposed to be dead…”

“You already are.”

I swirled my hand and the air swirled creating a circular mirror that displayed Samir’s funeral.

“Arkum… Kamir…” Samir placed both hands on her mouth.

“Your whole family has seen you off.”

Samir was silent for a moment, she contemplated for a bit before asking a question.

“What happens now?”

“I'm glad you asked.”

I raised both hands. Both present an option.

“One you can stay in the library as long as you like and then reincarnate. The other you reincarnate now, your soul will become another being, it may be a frog or a deer but on the other hand you will forget everything that happened here and start anew.”

“...”

Samir looked around, endless books spanned her view. She was curious but ultimately shook her head.

“Is this the afterlife?”

“There is no Afterlife, dear. You will slowly decay here if not slowly wither out of existence.”

The Abyss and Reality are a two-way connection, now that Samir’s body has perished there is no longer anything making a record of Samir’s existence in the Abyss. After the death of her mortal body made of flesh, her soul should've gone straight to the Abyss instead of my Realm. She would've become prey to the others in the abyss.

“I see… then I will choose to reincarnate.”

“Good… farewell Samir.”

Samir’s soul swirled and became motes of light instead, shedding parts of her, her memories, her personality, her individuality was removed, and all that remained was pure essence.

[Successfully reintegrate a soul in the Reincarnation cycle.]

[Molted Soul Energy redirected to Hadro]

[200SE]

“Goodbye Samir…”

On the edge of the village, a cocoon hatched into a butterfly.

─0─0─0─0─0─0─

Name: Arkum

Species: Human

God patron: Hadro

Titles: [The Spear of the Village]

~0~0~0~

Might: 140

Mobility: 132

Cunning: 117

Recovery: 112

Endurance: 102

Spirit: 109

Luck: 98