(Fifteen Minutes Ago)

The war between Nuzuki and Tatsumi had raged for a mere fraction of time, yet the battlefield was already a tapestry of chaos. The remaining creature hunters were valiantly defending against the relentless onslaught, their efforts bolstered by the extraordinary courage and strength of Chou Yu.

Though ranked lower than her peers, Chou Yu was a force to be reckoned with. Since the war's inception, she had rushed into the fray, her bare hands and feet proving more than capable of vanquishing countless creatures. Her indomitable spirit and unwavering determination were a beacon of hope amidst the carnage.

Caitrin, a fellow creature hunter, was engaged in her own fierce struggle. Her blade danced with deadly precision, her movements fluid and graceful as she dodged and parried the creatures' attacks. Yet, even her exceptional skills were beginning to falter under the relentless pressure.

Gasping for breath, Caitrin paused momentarily to catch her bearings. "These creatures never end," she muttered to herself, her voice filled with a mixture of exhaustion and despair. "How much longer can we keep this up?"

Just as Caitrin was beginning to doubt her ability to continue, Chou Yu arrived, her presence a welcome relief. With a powerful kick, she dispatched the creature that had been menacing Caitrin.

"Are you alright? Do you need any help?" Chou Yu inquired, her voice filled with concern.

Caitrin nodded, her breath still ragged. "I'm fine. I just need a moment to rest."

As they exchanged words, neither Caitrin nor Chou Yu were aware of the impending danger. A colossal dragon, its scales shimmering in the sunlight, was circling above them, its gaze fixed on the two women. With a menacing roar, it began its descent, its intent to devour them crystal clear.

But just as the dragon was about to strike, a swift arrow pierced its eye, causing it to plummet from the sky. The arrow had been fired by Yonabi Tsukiko, who had arrived just in time to save Caitrin and Chou Yu.

"That was a close call," Yonabi muttered to herself as she retrieved her bow. "I've finally managed to hit one."

With a newfound sense of determination, Yonabi turned to leave, her mission to aid others still incomplete.

Caitrin and Chou Yu were safe, at least for the moment. However, their respite was short-lived. A new threat emerged from the shadows: a horde of Hebrans, one of the most dangerous creatures they had ever faced. Their eyes, filled with hunger and malice, were fixed on the two women, and they were closing in rapidly.

"You stay back," Chou Yu instructed Caitrin, her voice calm despite the impending danger. "I'll try to hold off the ones in front."

The Hebran horde, a menacing sea of crimson eyes, surged forward, their hunger palpable. Amidst the chaos, Caitrin noticed a particularly imposing figure lurking at the rear. At first glance, it appeared to be no different from its brethren, but as it drew closer, its true nature became apparent.

This was no ordinary Hebran. Towering over its companions, it possessed larger, more menacing teeth and a horn that seemed to pierce the very air. Its roars were guttural and terrifying, a chilling reminder of its formidable power.

Fear etched itself on Caitrin's face as she turned to Chou Yu. "What is that thing? And why is it so big?"

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Chou Yu's expression was equally grave. "I don't know, but we should proceed with caution."

The Hebrans, their eyes fixated on Caitrin and Chou Yu, pressed forward relentlessly. The odds were stacked against them, outnumbered ten to two. Yet, they had no choice but to fight.

Chou Yu launched herself into the fray, her kicks and punches a whirlwind of fury. Caitrin, though less experienced, fought with a desperation born of survival. She dodged and parried the creatures' attacks, her blade a blur of motion.

The Hebrans were enraged by Chou Yu's audacity. Rather than attacking her directly, they parted, creating a path for the colossal Hebran to advance. Its every step shook the ground, and its roar was a deafening cacophony.

Chou Yu faced the behemoth, her stance unwavering. Caitrin, recognizing the grave danger, joined the fight, her blade a shield against the creature's onslaught. Together, they fought to distract the Hebrans, hoping to thin their numbers.

However, the Hebrans were relentless. Their ranks swelled, forming a suffocating encirclement around Caitrin and Chou Yu. Caitrin's attempts to evade their attacks were futile, and Chou Yu was struggling to break free from the monstrous Hebran's grasp.

Despair began to creep into Caitrin's heart. She thought of Tatsumi, fighting his own battle against overwhelming odds. Yet, she could not find the strength to emulate his unwavering resolve.

As a Hebran struck her from behind, Caitrin collapsed to the ground, pain radiating through her body. She tried to rise, but her strength was waning. The creatures closed in, their eyes filled with a predatory gleam.

Fear gripped Caitrin's heart as she looked up at the approaching horde. She was trapped, helpless, and the end seemed inevitable. Yet, a flicker of defiance remained within her, a refusal to surrender to despair.

Caitrin's gaze fell upon the necklace she wore, a cherished memento from her mother. As she touched it, a flood of memories washed over her, each one a poignant reminder of her mother's love and wisdom.

"Caitrin, do you have fun while we play together?" her mother's voice echoed in her mind.

"Yes, mama!" she had replied, her young heart filled with joy.

"That is wonderful to hear! But there is something I must tell you. Can you listen to me for a moment?"

"What is it, mom?"

"Even though we're playing games with you right now, you know there will be a day when we will be far away from each other, right?"

"But mom, why do I have to leave you?"

"Of course, you don't need to. But what you have to remember is that, one day your heart will hurt, just as your knee hurts when you fall. It is not going to be a pain like you fell on your knee, but it will still hurt. So when that day comes, I want you to turn that pain into something good and use it to your advantage. Use it and be happy even when you are sad. Because if you prepare your heart like this, then even your worst fears will be weak against you and you will get stronger! So don't ever forget that. Okay?"

Caitrin held the necklace tightly, her emotions swirling within her. "Until today, I always wondered if I should fight or not," she thought to herself. "Should I chase something? Should I go over and achieve something? I always thought about if I could do them. And back then, I thought I could do it without a fight. I acted according to what I believed and lived my life on with those rules."

"But I was wrong," she realized. "After all this time, I understood that I had to do something. That I should move. That I should talk. That I can't get anything by standing where I was."

Tatsumi's example had shown her the path. He had worked tirelessly, fought for his dreams, and never hesitated to take action.

"That's why I have finally understood," Caitrin said to herself. "That I have no choice but to fight!"

As she stood up, her demeanor underwent a dramatic transformation. Her eyes, once filled with fear, now blazed with a fierce determination. She gripped her sword tightly, her stance resolute.

The Hebrans, sensing her newfound resolve, hesitated. But Caitrin wasted no time. With a swift motion, she lunged forward, her blade a blur of motion. The creatures fell before her, their attacks repelled with ease.

Where the fearful Caitrin had once stood, a warrior had emerged. She fought with a precision and ferocity that seemed beyond her capabilities. The Hebrans were no match for her, falling one by one.

When the battle was over, Caitrin stood alone, her sword resting at her side. She looked around at the fallen creatures, her mind a blank. She had fought with a ferocity that was not her own, a power that seemed to have surged from within her.

"I don't remember anything," she muttered, her gaze fixed on the necklace. "Does that have to do with anything my mom said?"

Just then, Caitrin noticed Chou Yu struggling to rise. A wave of relief washed over her. "Aah, I'm sorry! Here!" she exclaimed, rushing to Chou Yu's side.

Now, they could rest, their duty fulfilled.