The Unbound’s Hideout
The room reverberated with cheers after the thunderous dap between Omfry and Dreados. The air was alive with laughter and conversations as the Unbound celebrated their camaraderie. Valerius and Eryndor remained sprawled on the floor, groaning in pain, their wide eyes taking in the surreal scene. This was no place for mortals like them—a gathering of titans in a league far beyond comprehension.
Dreados released Omfry’s massive hand, his sharp gaze cutting through the noise like a blade. His voice, smooth yet commanding, rose above the din, instantly silencing the room.
“Today,” he began, his tone heavy with authority, “I stumbled upon treasures of immeasurable worth. Rare and priceless ones at that. I discovered an Elvhein who can decipher the ancient script.”
The silence that followed was almost deafening. Every eye in the room turned toward him, expressions ranging from disbelief to intrigue.
Omfry’s booming laughter broke through the tension. “Dreados,” he said with a grin, “since when did you start telling jokes?”
The room erupted into laughter, a few voices chiming in mockingly.
“Who knew Dreados had a sense of humor?” remarked a humanoid slime woman, her translucent body shimmering as she chuckled.
Dreados remained motionless, his gaze fixed on Omfry, his expression unyielding. The laughter began to wane as the weight of his silence pressed down on the room. Omfry’s grin faded, and his fiery eyes narrowed.
“You’re serious?” Omfry asked, his tone low and cautious.
Dreados nodded, his voice steady and sharp. “Without a shred of doubt. There was a girl in the Elvhein castle who claimed to read the ancient runes. I saw no reason to believe her until I sought confirmation from one who cannot be deceived. She spoke the truth.”
His words were laced with recollection. In his mind, he saw the scene clearly: his rotund, disguised form as an Elvhein noble, standing before Hesta in the castle hall. He had asked her with feigned curiosity, “Is she lying?”
Hesta had replied without hesitation, “She’s telling the truth.”
Dreados returned to the present, his words carrying the weight of that memory.
The room erupted into chaos as the Unbound began speaking over one another.
“What?!”
“An Elvhein who can read the script?”
“Do you know what this means?!”
“Quiet!” Dreados thundered, his voice shaking the walls. Silence descended once more, the room hanging on his every word.
Turning to Omfry, Dreados continued. “The girl is with Anuel. However, I have her brothers here. Since they are family, it’s likely they share the same knowledge.”
On the ground, Valerius and Eryndor exchanged uneasy glances, straining to listen despite the pain wracking their bodies.
Omfry’s fiery gaze met Dreados’s, his lips curling into a contemplative smile. “If this is true,” he rumbled, “then we hold the key to unlocking the ancient ruins. Their secrets will belong to us alone.”
Dreados inclined his head. “Precisely. But this knowledge must not escape these walls. If word spreads, others will come for them, and we cannot afford that risk.”
---
Silvie’s Curiosity
As the room quieted, Silvie approached Valerius, her suit retracting in a series of fluid motions until only the underlying layer remained. She knelt beside him, her expression curious but cautious.
“You’re an Earther, right?” she asked softly, her eyes studying him. “These people… they’re bad, no doubt about it. But from what I’ve seen, they care about their own. So… where did you spawn?”
Valerius winced, adjusting his position. “Spawn?” he repeated, confusion etched on his face.
“Yes,” Silvie said with a faint smile. “It’s what I’m calling it. I’ve heard others spawned in different places. So… where did you appear?”
“I don’t know,” Valerius replied after a pause. “It was a barren land. There were a lot of trees farther away.”
Silvie’s eyes lit up with recognition. “Maybe we spawned in the same place. I remember trees too. I don’t know how you ended up in Ignir, so far from where we spawned, but you’re lucky. After we scattered, a lot of us were captured by the Unbound…”
She turned, pointing toward Beily, whose four-armed frame loomed in the background. “See him? He’s the one who kidnapped me. He wanted more of us, but other Unbound groups got in his way. It turned into a bloodbath. I thought I was going to die.”
Sitting back, she folded her arms on her knees, her voice softening. “These people here… they’re monsters. Their power is beyond anything I’ve ever seen.” She gestured toward Omfry. “See him? That red-skinned guy? He destroyed an entire kingdom by himself just three days ago. If he ever came to Earth, nothing could stop him. Well… maybe a nuke. Even he can’t handle that.”
Valerius’s jaw dropped. “An entire kingdom?”
Silvie nodded grimly. “Completely obliterated. And those two?” She pointed at Beily and Sumshus, who was seated nearby. “They destroyed the elf city together. Be careful, Valerius. We humans need to stick together.”
---
Eryndor’s Resolve
As she spoke, Eryndor snapped his leg back into place with a loud, sickening crack. Valerius and Silvie jumped, their eyes wide with shock.
“You’re a beast,” Valerius muttered.
Eryndor turned, grabbing Valerius’s leg firmly.
“What are you doing?” Valerius asked, his voice tinged with alarm.
Eryndor’s reply was calm, almost indifferent. “Be a man.”
“No! Stop—” Valerius’s protest was cut short as Eryndor forcefully snapped his leg into place.
“Aaahh!” Valerius screamed, clutching his leg as his breathing came in sharp gasps.
The room turned to stare at the commotion, murmurs rippling through the gathered Unbound.
---
The Blood Pact
Dreados turned back to Omfry, his tone cold and calculated. “We cannot afford loose ends. If this knowledge leaks, the world will come for them. We must act with absolute certainty.”
Omfry crossed his massive arms, his fiery eyes narrowing. “What do you suggest? Words alone won’t bind this room.”
“A blood pact,” Dreados said without hesitation. His sharp gaze pierced through the room, silencing murmurs. “To ensure loyalty and silence, we need Jeriana.”
Omfry frowned slightly. “She’s on a mission.”
Dreados’s lips curved into a faint smirk, one laced with menace. “Then summon her. No more delays. This is too important.”
Omfry nodded, his towering figure exuding authority as he called for one of the Unbound nearby. “Ensure Jeriana returns immediately.”
Dreados turned to a creature standing nearby. His green skin glistened under the dim light, with tentacles draped across his shoulders and webbed digits flexing on his hands. The fins on his arms flared slightly as he stood at attention.
“Alcoos,” Dreados said, his voice commanding. “Take the Elf Queen and her daughter to a proper room. They are royalty. Treat them accordingly.”
Alcoos stepped forward, his slim yet imposing 11-foot frame towering over the unconscious elves. He grabbed them by their arms, dragging their limp bodies across the floor with ease.
“Alcoos,” Dreados snapped, his tone sharp. “Respect, I said.”
Without a word, Alcoos adjusted his grip, lifting both Elves onto his shoulders effortlessly. He walked toward a hidden door, pressing a section of the wall that slid open seamlessly. The door closed behind him, leaving no trace it had ever been there.
Omfry turned to the remaining Elvhein siblings. “Someone, put the Elvheins in a cell.”
Two humanoid slime beings stepped forward, their gelatinous forms rippling as they reached for Valerius and Eryndor.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
“Stop,” Dreados ordered, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. His gaze met Omfry’s, his tone measured but firm. “It’s better to have them join us. Hostility will only breed defiance.”
Omfry raised an eyebrow, studying Dreados for a moment before nodding. “Fine. But if they cause trouble, it’s on you.”
Dreados turned to the slime beings and gestured for them to stand down. “Let them be.”
Silvie, who had been observing quietly, knelt closer to the siblings, her curiosity getting the better of her. “You guys are Elvheins?” she asked, her tone incredulous. “How? You look more human than the Elves do. I mean, your brother being huge makes sense now, but you…” She gestured toward Valerius, a teasing grin forming on her lips. “Why are you so small?”
Valerius frowned, his gaze drifting downward to meet hers. “Who are you calling small?” he retorted, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips as he gently bumped her head with his chin. “I’m 6’5”, you know.”
Silvie scowled, rubbing her head. “Okay, big guy. No need to get sensitive.”
Eryndor chuckled softly, breaking the tension.
---
Scene Shift: Anuel’s Team Approaching the Forest
The small boat surged down the steep stream, propelled by Lisa’s magic. Wooden straps formed from the sides of the boat, securing everyone as they hurtled over rapids. Anuel stood at the helm, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings.
“Brace yourselves,” she ordered as the boat approached the calm edge of the forest.
The towering trees loomed ahead, their immense trunks disappearing into a dense canopy that blocked out the sunlight. Runes carved into the bark glowed faintly, pulsing in rhythm with the hum of the forest.
Lisa waved her hand, shrinking the boat into a palm-sized object and pocketing it. “Ready.”
Festron glanced at the ice wall ahead, grinning. “Looks like a challenge. I’ve got this.”
Before anyone could stop him, he punched the wall with immense force. The sound of shattering ice and wood echoed through the forest as a massive hole appeared, large enough for them to pass through.
“Subtle,” Anuel muttered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Let’s go.”
---
The Shifting Forest
Anuel’s expression darkened as they ventured deeper into the forest. “This place is alive,” she warned. “Stay close. It doesn’t like visitors.”
The air grew thicker with every step, and the ground seemed to pulse beneath their feet. Vines shifted unnaturally, creating new paths while blocking others. Ziraiah clung to Lisa, her steps hesitant.
After a while, they stumbled upon a group of Earthers. The humans were haggard and dehydrated, their eyes wide with fear as they backed away from Anuel’s group.
Lisa stepped forward, raising a hand. “Search.”
A magical field expanded around her, revealing hidden fruits in the trees. With a wave of her hand, the fruits hurtled toward her, landing in a pile. The Earthers hesitated before rushing forward, desperate to grab what they could.
One man clung to Lisa’s foot, his gaunt face twisted in desperation. “Thank… you…”
Lisa panicked and kicked him instinctively, sending him flying several meters. His skull cracked against a rock, blood pooling beneath him.
Anuel’s expression darkened as she glared at Lisa. “He’s dead.”
Lisa froze, her hands trembling. “I… I didn’t mean to…”
Ziraiah stared, her stomach churning. She killed him just like that.
Anuel sighed. “Let’s move. We’ll find more Earthers.”
---
Festron’s Discovery
Meanwhile, Festron wandered off, drawn to a mysterious cave. Ignoring Anuel’s warnings, he descended into the dark cavern. Phosphorescent moss glowed faintly, casting eerie shadows on the walls.
Deep within, he found a pulsating crystal embedded in the ground, etched with glowing runes. He crouched, running his fingers over its surface.
“Ooh, shiny,” he muttered, grinning. He pulled the crystal free.
The ground rumbled beneath him, and the cavern collapsed. Festron tumbled into a deeper chamber, landing with a thud. Dusting himself off, he looked up—and froze.
Two massive red eyes stared at him from the shadows. More eyes appeared around him, glowing faintly as growls reverberated through the chamber.
“Uh… shit,” Festron muttered.
---
The Beasts Awaken
Anuel froze as a distant explosion echoed through the forest. Her sharp ears caught the faint roar of a beast awakening.
“Festron…” she growled, her voice filled with dread.
The ground trembled violently as monstrous roars erupted. Trees shattered as massive shapes moved through the forest. Anuel’s jaw tightened. “Those beasts… they should’ve been hibernating for eight months.”
Lisa turned to Ziraiah, her face pale. “Stay close. Don’t wander.”
Suddenly, Festron burst through the ground, crashing into a crater. Behind him, a colossal beast emerged—four horns, obsidian-like armor, glowing red eyes, and spines that radiated heat.
“Oops,” Festron muttered, groaning as he sat up.
Anuel’s eyes blazed with fury. “You reckless idiot! Do you have any idea what you’ve done?!”
---
The Battle Begins
Before Festron could respond, the beast lunged forward. Anuel dashed in with blinding speed, intercepting it mid-charge. Her punch collided with its armored skull, the impact echoing like a thunderclap. Shockwaves rippled through the forest, toppling nearby trees and sending debris flying.
The beast barely flinched, shaking off the attack with a low, guttural growl. Anuel frowned, her fists tightening. “These things are tougher than I thought.”
She grabbed two of its horns, lifting it clean off the ground. With a roar, she slammed the creature into the earth, creating a massive crater. The ground cracked under the force, sending Ziraiah tumbling backward. Lisa conjured a barrier around herself, bracing against the violent winds and debris.
Festron dug his hands into the ground to steady himself, his teeth gritted against the tremors. He stood, blood dripping from his face, and cracked his knuckles. “Looks like I’ll have to clean up your mess, Anuel.”
Anuel shot him a glare. “Stay out of my way.”
Festron smirked, slamming his fists together with a metallic clang. “As if. I’ve gotten stronger, too.”
The two advanced side by side, their strides slow and deliberate. The ground cracked beneath their feet as they braced themselves. Then, with a deafening roar, they charged into the horde of beasts.
The force of their clash sent shockwaves through the forest, uprooting trees and scattering debris. Ziraiah was flung into the air, desperately grabbing at branches to stop herself from being blown away. Lisa conjured another barrier, but the sheer force of the winds sent her colliding with multiple trees before she came to a stop.
---
Ziraiah’s Trial
As Anuel and Festron battled the monstrous horde, a snake-like beast slithered toward Ziraiah. Its emerald scales shimmered in the dim light as it coiled around the tree branch she clung to. Its red eyes gleamed with hunger.
Lisa noticed the beast too late. “Let go!”
Paralyzed by fear, Ziraiah couldn’t move. The serpent lunged, its fangs inches from her face. At the last moment, she released the branch, catching the creature’s jaws mid-air. They tumbled to the ground in a chaotic blur of motion.
The beast hissed, wrapping its massive body around her and squeezing with relentless force. Ziraiah’s muscles strained against the crushing pressure. Her vision blurred as she fought to stay conscious.
“You’re stronger than this!” Lisa shouted, firing stone projectiles at the serpent. The attacks barely phased it.
Ziraiah’s mind raced. I can’t die here. I won’t die here. Summoning every ounce of her newfound strength, she tightened her grip on the serpent’s head. The harder it squeezed, the more she pushed back.
Blood began seeping from the beast’s eyes as Ziraiah screamed, her determination overpowering her fear. With one final surge of strength, she crushed its skull. The serpent’s lifeless body went limp, and Ziraiah collapsed to her knees, trembling.
Lisa rushed to her side, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “It’s over,” she said softly.
Ziraiah hugged Lisa’s legs, tears streaming down her face. “I was so scared…”
Lisa knelt, wrapping an arm around her. “You did it. You’re stronger than you think.”
---
The Beast King Emerges
Back in the battlefield, Anuel and Festron fought relentlessly. Festron was flung into a group of Earthers, his body shattering bones and sending them flying. He landed in a deep crater, groaning as he struggled to stand.
Anuel, facing the largest beast yet, charged forward with a roar. The ground beneath her shattered as she leaped into the air, slamming into the creature’s chest. The impact created a massive shockwave, leveling a portion of the forest.
The beast, a towering monster with spiked armor and molten veins glowing beneath its hide, roared in defiance. It swiped at Anuel with claws large enough to fell trees. She dodged with lightning-fast reflexes, countering with a series of rapid punches that left dents in its armor.
Lisa joined the fight, hurling fiery stone projectiles at the smaller beasts to protect the remaining Earthers. Her magic provided cover, giving Anuel and Festron room to focus on the larger threats.
“Festron!” Anuel yelled, her voice strained. “Get the survivors out of here!”
Festron grinned, blood dripping from a cut on his cheek. “I’ll do it my way.”
---
The Skybound Escape
Festron stood amidst the chaos, scanning the terrified and injured Earthers. His eyes darted toward Lisa, who was fending off smaller beasts with her stone projectiles, flames flickering from her hands.
“Lisa!” he called out, his voice cutting through the din. “Can you shield the Earthers?”
Lisa glanced at him, her brow furrowed. “How many?”
“Enough to get them out of here!” Festron yelled, punching a beast that lunged at him, sending it crashing into the trees.
Lisa raised her hand, her magic surging as a faint glow surrounded her. A translucent dome began to form around the gathered Earthers, its surface rippling with energy. “I can only manage 400 at once,” she said, her voice strained.
Festron grinned. “That’ll do.”
Before Lisa could ask what he was planning, Festron bolted toward the barrier. His speed was astonishing, his movements a blur. He slapped the barriers one by one, each impact sending an Earther hurtling into the sky at sonic speeds. The translucent domes soared in perfect arcs, traveling several kilometers before splashing down into the sea near the shore.
The Earthers screamed as they flew, the protective barriers cushioning their descent. Some collided with the water in loud splashes, while others were gently deposited near the shoreline.
Lisa stared, her mouth agape. “You’re insane,” she muttered.
Festron returned, dusting his hands off. “And efficient,” he added with a cocky grin.
---
The Beast King Charges
When Festron arrived back at the battlefield, the scene was one of utter carnage. Blood painted the ground in thick rivulets, mingling with the shattered remains of trees and rocks. The forest around them was unrecognizable, reduced to a wasteland of craters and splintered wood. Dead creatures littered the area, their grotesque forms twisted and broken.
Anuel stood amidst the chaos, her chest heaving, her body smeared with blood—both hers and the beasts’. Her sharp eyes were locked on the lone remaining foe: the Beast King.
It towered over them, a monstrous entity of pure muscle and ferocity. Its obsidian-like armor gleamed in the dim light, and its molten veins pulsed with a fiery glow. Despite its massive size, it moved with a speed that defied logic, its claws raking through the air faster than the eye could follow.
Festron cracked his knuckles as he stepped beside Anuel. “We should’ve brought weapons.”
Anuel shot him a glare, her voice dripping with irritation. “We weren’t supposed to fight. But you just had to mess things up.”
The Beast King lunged, its claws slashing toward them. Anuel dodged to the left while Festron ducked low, their movements synchronized despite their banter. They counterattacked in unison, Festron landing a heavy punch to the creature’s side while Anuel aimed for its head. The impacts reverberated through the battlefield, but the Beast King barely staggered.
“It’s fast for its size,” Anuel muttered, her voice tight with frustration. “And stronger than both of us.”
The Beast King roared, its molten veins flaring brighter. It swiped at Festron, its claws piercing through his defenses. Blood splattered as its talons impaled him through the stomach, lifting him off the ground.
“Festron!” Lisa screamed, her voice cracking with panic.
Festron coughed up blood, his body limp as he hung from the Beast King’s claws. “Guess I’m… taking a break,” he muttered, forcing a weak grin.
---
To Be Continued...