Tropos Agem Village

That afternoon, the atmosphere in Tropos Agem village was lively with fishermen busy at the market and fishmongers offering their goods. The kingdom’s soldiers, including Nazzares and Captain Nansa, stood guard with an unmistakable calm amidst the bustle. However, behind the peace, a far darker threat loomed: rakshas that had been abducting villagers under the cover of night.

"This village looks peaceful, as if there's no problem, Captain," said Nazzares, sitting with Captain Nansa while enjoying the grilled fish the village was known for.

"Yes, but wait until tonight and be prepared," Captain Nansa replied, his eyes sweeping across the village. "The soldiers are investigating the places where kidnappings have frequently occurred."

"Understood, Captain."

"By the way, how old are you?" Captain Nansa asked, suddenly curious.

"12 years old," Nazzares answered without hesitation.

"Mm... still very young," Captain Nansa murmured, looking as if deep in thought.

They continued to monitor their surroundings, even though there seemed to be nothing suspicious. The silence of the afternoon gave an impression of tranquility, but the looming, unpredictable threat of the night kept them vigilant.

Night Approaches...

That night, the atmosphere in Tropos Agem village turned ominous. The soldiers prepared at their designated positions, hiding in quiet spots, waiting with a mix of hope and anxiety. Captain Nansa, disguised as an ordinary villager, walked slowly along a path reported to be the site where many had disappeared. He hoped to serve as bait, drawing the dangerous raksha's attention.

There were only three Fatalis in the village—Captain Nansa, Master Vitjendra, and Nazzares—along with ten regular soldiers assisting the mission. The tasks were divided based on their individual abilities. Captain Nansa was at the front lines, while Master Vitjendra and Nazzares kept their distance, observing from the rooftops of deserted houses.

The regular soldiers on watch felt the tension of the night weigh heavily on them. In the stillness, they whispered to each other.

"Hey, why is the night air so oppressive?" asked one soldier.

"I don't know... let's just trust the Fatalis to handle everything," replied his companion, feeling an unspoken fear.

As the night grew darker, the villagers, accustomed to the threat of the raksha, dared not leave their homes. Every door and window was tightly shut, creating a sense of isolation that deepened the atmosphere.

At Captain Nansa’s location, his footsteps were quiet as he walked along the path usually taken by the victims. His heart raced, but he remained calm, hoping the raksha would soon appear.

"Come on, hurry up," he whispered to himself, hoping the dangerous creature would show up and play its part.

Suddenly, a thick fog descended quickly, enveloping the road ahead. A foul, rancid smell wafted through the air, making him more alert. He stopped for a moment, looking around, trying to catch any suspicious movement or sound.

"What’s this?" he muttered, the feeling of caution overwhelming him.

On the rooftop, Nazzares felt a shift in the air around him. The oppressive atmosphere, the spreading foul smell, and the sudden sense of unease. His Fatalis instincts began to kick in, and he knew something was approaching.

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"I need to wait for the signal from Master Vitjendra," Nazzares thought, carefully awaiting the next instruction.

Master Vitjendra remained silent, fully focused, observing the situation with a stillness that only heightened the tension of the night. Everyone was waiting, ready to execute the plan perfectly.

Back to Nansa's position..

The fog thickened, engulfing the path like a solid wall, and within the darkness emerged a terrifying creature. Though its body was childlike, it was covered in wounds, with long hair that draped over its face down to its knees. Its hands were armed with sharp claws, and the most horrifying feature was the empty eye socket located on its chest.

Captain Nansa, who was in disguise, stopped momentarily upon seeing the figure. "What is that creature?" he muttered in shock, but without further hesitation, he immediately attacked using his mystic technique.

"Corrosion Resistant: Metal Bullet," Nansa whispered, forming a mudra with his hands. He pointed his fingers like a gun at the raksha, and a barrage of metal bullets shot out at high speed.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

The creature let out a hoarse scream, its face contorted in a terrifying expression. It swiftly dodged the attack, then retaliated with a counterstrike.

Thud!

Nansa blocked the attack with his hand, which was covered in metal from his mystic technique. They locked eyes, and the raksha glared at him with a sinister grin.

"Ugh, you disgusting creature," Nansa said coldly, while continuing to fend off the increasingly brutal attacks from the raksha.

On the roof, Master Vitjendra observed the battle closely. Seeing an opportunity, he signaled with his glowing sword, signaling Nazzares to join the fray.

Nazzares quickly rushed toward the battlefield, feeling the tension rising. Upon arrival, they found Captain Nansa still locked in a fierce battle with the raksha. However, as soon as the raksha noticed their arrival, it swiftly retreated into the forest.

"Hey, don't run!" Captain Nansa shouted, frustrated as the creature escaped.

"Chase it!" ordered Master Vitjendra sternly.

Without wasting any time, Nazzares and Captain Nansa sprinted after the raksha, which had already disappeared into the dark, eerie forest.

The creature moved with incredible speed, as fast as the wind rushing through the dark woods. But speed was not an issue for a seasoned admiral like Master Vitjendra. Agilely, he dashed forward and swung his sword to strike at the raksha.

Whooosh...

Slash...

Nazzares, watching the scene unfold, was in awe. "Master, that was so fast," he said, impressed by how swift and skilled Master Vitjendra was in dealing with the enemy.

However, Master Vitjendra wasn't about to let the raksha escape. He quickly thrust his sword, infused with his mystic technique, into both the creature's legs and arms, immobilizing it.

Crack... Crack... Crack...

"Arrghhh!" The raksha screamed in agony, its body paralyzed by the powerful sword thrusts.

Captain Nansa watched the suffering raksha with deep consideration. "Should we kill it?" he asked, feeling sympathy for the creature's pain.

Master Vitjendra shook his head. "No, we must ensure whether the kidnapped villagers are still alive. We don't know if this creature just placed them here or if it has taken them to the Ashura realm," he replied firmly, focusing on their priorities.

Nazzares observed the raksha lying on the ground. "This one looks more normal compared to the ones I usually face in the village," he remarked, slightly intrigued by the creature's appearance.

But the fog began to close in again, thickening the air and adding to the sense of dread. Captain Nansa sensed something was off. "What is this feeling?" he asked, sensing the rising tension.

Master Vitjendra, ever vigilant, warned, "Stay alert!"

Nazzares, prepared for anything, nodded. "Understood."

Suddenly, the sound of heavy footsteps rumbled from the distance, growing louder and closer at an alarming rate.

"Get ready, it's close," Master Vitjendra said in a calm, commanding voice.

With the rumbling sound growing louder, the massive creature emerged, charging toward the trio with terrifying strength. But before the attack reached them, Captain Nansa raised his hand and quickly chanted a spell.

"Corrosion Resistant: Metal Shield!"

Boom! A giant metal shield formed in front of them, protecting Captain Nansa, Nazzares, and Master Vitjendra from the massive impact of the raksha's powerful blow. The collision between the raksha's enormous kanabo and the metal shield caused the surrounding forest to crumble, the ground shaking violently, and trees crashing down.

However, the attack didn’t stop there. Another raksha emerged from behind the fog, quickly taking the small raksha previously impaled by Master Vitjendra’s sword. With lightning speed, the raksha fled, carrying the captive.

Whooshhh...!

The raksha dashed away at an incredible speed, leaving a trail of thick fog behind it. Captain Vitjendra immediately shouted, "Chase them! Let me deal with this creature!"

"Understood!" Nazzares and Captain Nansa responded in unison.

In a flash, Nazzares and Captain Nansa pursued the raksha carrying the captive, sprinting through the forest, leaping over large trees, moving so quickly it seemed like nothing could stop them.

Whoosh... Whoosh... Whoosh...

To be continued...