[Part 1 - Captured by Raiders]

My heart is pounding so hard that I can feel it thudding in my chest. I quicken my pace, frantically scanning my surroundings for any signs of safety.

Analyse.

My heart pounds as I internally call upon the analyse skill to reveal the attributes, skills, and levels of the creatures surrounding me in this ethereal amethyst forest.

A sense of dread washes over me as I realise that any single one of these floating stats could belong to the footsteps I hear following me.

I take a moment to turn a full three-sixty, scanning the area for any sign of danger, but all I see are the twisting, glowing trees and the pulsing purple mist that seems to permeate every inch of this strange place.

But still, I run. My mind races, desperately searching for an escape route.

Maybe I can hide in the bushes up ahead?

Or climb a tree to get a better vantage point?

The options are few, and my choices feel limited, but I push on, my feet pounding against the soft earth as I try to outrun whatever is following me.

I decide to jump inside a large hollow log, hoping it will provide some cover and protection. As I curl up inside, trying to control my breathing and quiet my pounding heart, I can hear the sound of footsteps approaching.

The crunch of leaves underfoot, the heavy breathing of my pursuer—it's all too close for comfort. I close my eyes, willing myself to be invisible, to be silent, and to escape whatever fate awaits me in this mysterious and dangerous forest. But as the footsteps draw nearer, I know that my time is running out. I can only hope that whatever or whoever is chasing me will pass by without noticing my hiding place.

Suddenly, the footsteps halt, and I hold my breath, my body tense and ready to flee at the first sign of danger.

But it's dead silent. Was it just my imagination? Did I imagine those footsteps following me? Is everything okay? Am I safe? Or is something worse about to happen?

With bated breath, I strain my ears, listening for any hint of movement outside the log. But there is nothing except silence. It's as if the entire world has stopped, holding its breath alongside me.

After what feels like an eternity, my curiosity gets the better of me, and I slowly peek my head out of the log to look around. There is no one there.

I sigh in relief, stepping out of the log and stretching my muscles after being cramped up for so long.

Though, I can't shake the feeling of unease that still lingers in the air. The forest seems darker now; the shadows are longer and more menacing. I quickly scan my surroundings, searching for any sign of danger. But all I see are the swaying branches and the rustling leaves, with a gentle breeze whispering through the trees.

I begin to walk towards the source of the footsteps, or what I can only assume. Why? I don't know myself, I guess something is just urging me to, but really only God knows.

"Why am I doing this to myself..."

I mutter under my breath, the question echoing through the stillness of the forest like a haunting refrain.

I curse my own recklessness, berating myself for allowing curiosity to triumph over self-preservation. But still, I press on, propelled by an inexplicable urge to uncover the truth lurking amidst the shadows.

Though I have to admit, the strange creatures here are pretty interesting, to say the least, based on their appearance: like that two-headed bird-looking creature that's made of stone; or that flying, purple snake.

As I walk, the scenery around me feels more captivating than it already was, though I'm still wary of the dangers that could be lurking—

"It would be wise for you to stop where you are."

A commanding female voice stops me dead in my tracks, and I feel a sharp edge graze against the back of my head.

My mind races as I try to process what's happening.

"Wha—"

"Remain silent." She orders me. "Unless you want a blade perforated into your skull."

They seem to be speaking a foreign language, one I'm unfamiliar with despite my uncanny knowledge of many languages.

Instinctively, I place my hands behind the back of my head and kneel down on the grassy ground. Normally, you'd do that, right?

"What's happening?" I manage to choke out, my voice barely above a whisper. But that was a big mistake, as the blade slowly cuts deeper into my flesh until blood slowly oozes out.

The sensation is unlike anything I've ever experienced before. As the blade slices through the delicate flesh of my scalp, a searing pain shoots through my skull like a white-hot flame, sending waves of agony rippling through my entire body.

Each millimetre of movement sends fresh torrents of pain coursing through my nerves, blurring the edges of my vision with a haze of red-hot anguish.

It's as if there's something in that blade amplifying the pain.

Blood wells up from the wound, trickling down my neck in a warm, sticky cascade that leaves a metallic tang lingering on my tongue. The metallic scent fills my nostrils, mingling with the earthy aroma of the forest floor and turning my stomach with its sickly sweetness.

I grit my teeth against the pain, digging my nails into the soft earth beneath me as I fight to maintain consciousness in the face of overwhelming agony.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the pressure against the back of my head eases, and I dare to steal a glance behind me.

A tall woman, probably at least 5'4", catches my eye. Her raven hair cascades down to her thighs, framing her face with an air of elegance and mystery. But it's her irises that give me pause.

Black irises? Isn't that impossible? I always thought that black pupils were just an intense shade of brown, or maybe I'm missing something here?

I believe my mind's playing tricks on me. Yet, as I lock eyes with her, there's no mistaking it. Her pupils are an abyss of utter blackness, devoid of any discernible colour or light.

It's a chilling sight, sending a shiver down my spine as I realise that there's something profoundly unsettling about those obsidian orbs staring back at me.

The moment I look into her eyes, I pass out.

⁂

Waking up tied against a tree, I try screaming out. But no one's going to hear me, so why even bother?

No one but these bastards who tied me up.

Seriously, who are these people, and what do they want with me?

My newly analytical mind kicks into overdrive, searching for any clue that might shed light on the situation.

Using my analyse skill once more, I focus on the figures surrounding me, hoping to glean any information that might help me understand their intentions. Their levels range from sixty-two to eighty-seven, far surpassing my own, and the multitude of skills they possess is daunting. I'm outmatched and outnumbered, with little hope of escape in my current predicament.

Am I going to be killed again? Who even are these people?

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Panic arises, and my thoughts stand shrouded by the typical fight, flight, or freeze technique. And of course, my brain chooses to flee even though I'm already tied up to a tree.

I try to wriggle free from the ropes binding me to the tree, but they're tied too tightly, cutting into my wrists and ankles with each futile attempt. Panic rises within me like a tidal wave, threatening to overwhelm my senses as I struggle against my restraints.

"Stop squirming. You're only making things worse for yourself."

I grit my teeth, frustration boiling within me as I continue to fight against my captivity. Every instinct screams at me to break free, to escape this nightmare, but the ropes hold me fast, their bonds unyielding.

"Who are you people? What do you want with me?" I demand, my voice trembling with a mixture of fear and anger.

"Stop squirming. You're only making things worse for yourself."

I grit my teeth, frustration boiling within me as I continue to fight against my captivity. Every instinct screams at me to break free, to escape this nightmare, but the ropes hold me fast, their bonds unyielding.

"Who are you people? What do you want with me?" I demand, my voice trembling with a mixture of fear and anger.

The figures surrounding me exchange glances, their expressions unreadable behind their ominous-looking masks and cloaks.

"You know... And you would do well to cooperate if you value your life."

Her words send a chill down my spine, and I swallow hard, my throat dry with apprehension.

"Please, just tell me what you want from me. I'll do anything, just... let me go."

The woman's cold, black eyes bore into mine, her gaze unwavering as she assesses me with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

After a few minutes of no conversation.

"What do you want from me?" I repeat, my voice trembling slightly despite my efforts to sound composed.

"Answers."

"Answers?" I repeat.

"Don't play dumb. You're from the Vantablack Vanguard, aren't you. Your presence gives it away."

My heart races as the woman's words sink in. The Vantablack Vanguard? I've never heard of such a group. What could they possibly want with me? And why do they seem so convinced that I'm a part of it?

"I don't know what you're talking about," I insist, my voice firm despite the tremor of fear that runs through me. "I've never heard of the Vantablack Vanguard."

The woman's expression remains impassive, her black eyes boring into mine with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. "Lies! You wear their dark aura like a cloak, but you cannot hide from us."

I swallow hard, my mind racing as I try to come up with an explanation for their accusations. How could I possibly be linked to a group I've never even heard of? It doesn't make any sense.

"Look, I don't know what you think you know about me, but I assure you, I'm not who you think I am." I plead, desperation creeping into my voice.

"... Let's see if you're telling the truth then..." She mutters darkly, her voice laced with suspicion.

I brace myself for what comes next, my heart pounding in my chest as she forcefully tears open the back of my shirt, revealing the bare skin underneath.

The cool forest air brushes against my exposed flesh, sending a shiver down my spine as I wait for her next move. Every nerve in my body is on high alert, and my senses are hyper-aware of the danger that surrounds me.

But as the seconds tick by, nothing happens. The woman's hands release their grip on my shirt, and she takes a step back, her expression inscrutable.

"There's nothing... No emblem, no insignia. Nothing to suggest you're one of them."

Relief floods through me, mingling with the lingering fear and confusion that still clouds my mind.

I give the woman with a commanding presence a look she interprets as wanting answers, I assume, as she gives me a scrutinising look before speaking.

"We're raiders." she replies simply, her tone matter-of-fact. "We explore Dungeons, Ancient Ruins, Dwarven Mines, and other places, scavenging for treasures and relics that we can sell for a hefty price."

My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. Raiders? The term conjures up images of bandits and criminals in my mind, but these people seem more organised and disciplined than your average group of outlaws.

"Who are you? Your name and origin."

"Uhm—

"Speak." She declares calmly.

"... My name is Sora... Sora Mugenshi."

The woman looks interested for a second before instantly becoming guarded again. She crosses her arms and studies me with a calculating gaze.

"Sora Mugenshi..." she echoes, as if testing the name on her tongue.

"And your origin?" Her voice carries a hint of scepticism, as if she's trying to uncover any hidden secrets or ulterior motives. I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before answering her question.

I shouldn't tell her I come from another world, that'll probably be the worst idea. She wouldn't even believe it either.

What should I say...?

"I-I don't know..."

"What?"

"I-I just woke up beside a massive tree with no knowledge of how I got there." I stammer. It isn't really a lie, so that counts... Right?

The woman's eyebrows furrow in confusion, clearly not expecting my response.

"You don't know how you got there?"

I nod, hoping she'll buy my half-truth.

"It's all a bit of a blur, to be honest. I just remember waking up there and feeling completely lost." The woman studies me for a moment, her piercing gaze making me feel like she can see right through me.

"U-uhm... Is there anywhere safe you can take me? Away from this forest would be nice."

The woman's expression softens slightly as she considers my request.

"I will ask two of my members to escort you to a village. It is not far from here, and you will be safe there. I can guarantee that."

"R-really?!"

I exclaim, relief flooding through me at the thought of finally being out of the dense, unfamiliar forest. The woman nods.

"Yes, really. We may not know much about you, but we do know that you are in need of help. And we are here to offer it."

I feel a wave of gratitude wash over me as I thank her profusely. The woman simply nods, her eyes full of understanding.

After giving orders, she directs two of her raiders to accompany me to the village. Quickly, I turn my head towards them and suddenly remember the sword-shaped wound at the back of my head that had been inflicted by the blade she owns.

Despite the pain and vulnerability it causes me, I try to push the memory aside and focus on the present situation.

The intimidating woman notices this and offers to heal me. I fail to hesitate as I give her permission.

"You better compensate me for this..."

"wait wha—"

It's too late. A shimmering green glow envelops me as I feel the pain and wounds fade away and heal.

I thank the commanding woman before setting off with the two raiders she anointed. We begin to traverse through the dense forest, and I can't help but feel a sense of unease lingering in the air. The encounter with the raiders has left me shaken, and despite their assurances of safety, I can't shake the feeling that danger still lurks in the shadows.

"So, Sora, tell us a bit about yourself."

One of my escorts, a petite, black-haired, mischievous-looking child? No, scratch that, adolescent, maybe, spoke up. She earlier seemed like she were ready to hack and dissect me alive but now appears... intrigued?

"Well, there's not much to tell, really. I woke up in this strange forest with no memory of how I got there or who I am. It's been... disorienting, to say the least."

The adolescent, whose name I learn is Houseki Kuroi, but prefers to go by Rin Everhart, nods sympathetically, her expression softening with understanding.

"That sounds rough. Must be scary waking up in a place like this with no recollection of how you got here."

"It is."

I lie again, knowing full well how I got here.

Despite my fear and uncertainty, I can't help but marvel at the beauty of the forest and the creatures that inhabit it. Colourful songbirds flit through the branches, their melodic chirps filling the air.

"Hey, Sora, check this out!"

Rin's voice snaps me out of my reverie, and I turn to see her holding up a delicate flower, its petals shimmering with purple hues. "Isn't it beautiful?"

I nod, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

"Yeah, it really is."

As we walk, Rin points out various plants and animals, sharing her knowledge of the forest and its inhabitants. Despite my initial trepidation, I find myself feeling more at ease in her presence.

As we walk, Rin points out various plants and animals, sharing her knowledge of the forest and its inhabitants. Despite my initial trepidation, I find myself feeling more at ease in her presence.

"Now, now, let's not get ahead of ourselves." The other escort, a male with a scar on his eye, speaks up.

"Sorry, Valnar."

Rin replies, acknowledging the male escort's caution with a nod. His name, Valnar, is a fitting moniker for someone with a scar that looks like it was inflicted by a dragon's claw.

As we walk, my mind wanders, reflecting on the events that have led me to this moment. The encounter with the raiders shook me to the core, yet here I am, traversing through this mystical forest alongside them.

It's surreal, to say the least.

The gentle rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds provide a comforting backdrop to my thoughts.

It's as if nature itself is whispering words of reassurance, urging me to embrace the present moment and let go of my worries, if only for a little while.