Samael's footsteps left trails of echoes as he traversed the lush forest. The golden hue of the morning sun looming over the horizon

"Let's take a short break here," Ajax announced.

Samael sat down on a tree log, delving through his bag. He took out dried pieces of meat that he had bought beforehand.

"Here," Samael said, handing a few to Ajax. His eyes fixated on his mentor's visor. Curiousity danced in his pupils.

Ajax took the dried meat with a brief nod. His hand inched closer to his steel visor— opening a small compartment near his mouth.

Are you serious right now? Samael's face contorted in exasperation.

Ajax shot a glance at him.

"What?" he asked as he took small bites from the dried meat.

"Nothing," Samael dismissed as he shifted his focus to eating.

After their small feast, they marched onward once more.

Time would pass by in a breeze, and they would occasionally take their breaks, wherein Ajax would take the chance to teach him all sorts of things.

"This flower is referred to as Divina," Ajax stated, a flower nestling in his palm. Its snow-white petals emanating a faint silver glow.

"This is quite a rare flower, but it's highly sought out by watchers. This is lesson 4: Don't judge a book by its cover," Ajax said.

Samael's brows furrowed. "Why so?" he asked.

"It's dubbed the bane of the night. Once crushed, it can be used as a liquid coating that is highly corrosive against undead creatures," Ajax explained.

To think that such a small thing has that much value... Samael closely examined the flower; his eyes narrowed down.

"Remember, this flower releases a soft silver glow and has a red stem; it grows in areas rich in sunlight," Ajax reminded.

"Will keep it in mind," Samael replied as he tucked the flower in his dragon hoard remnant.

Ajax would patiently explain everything. Further broadening Samael's knowledge about the different kinds of flowers and herbs found in the wild.

Eventually, the warmth of the morning sun is overshadowed by the eerie chill of the night.

It took some convincing, but Samael managed to get Ajax's approval to alternate night watch.

As the morning light passed through the thick shade of the trees, Samael and Ajax would move forward once more, not wasting a single second.

Their routine would stay fixed: taking short breaks, giving lectures, and resting for the night.

Just like that, days would breeze by, hinting at their arrival at their destination.

It has been six days since we left Erudicio. We should arrive at Irvel village soon if we continue at this pace. Samael deduced.

However, a lone question lingered in his mind. Where are the monsters?

He expected they would encounter at least one or two wandering astray, but no, there was only the distant chirping of the birds.

"Ajax, I can't help but notice that we've never even once encountered an abomination on our journey," Samael pointed out.

Ajax brushed aside the leaves as he strode forward. "It's to be expected. I have been purposely choosing the safest routes to preserve our strength. We do not know if these disappearances are related to an abomination, so it is best to avoid skirmishes," he explained.

"You chose the safe routes? How did you do that?" Samael asked, curiousity burning in his eyes.

Knowing such information can be of great help to him in the future. Especially if he's to face his first ascension.

"Patience, knowing which routes to tackle is not a simple task. It's a culmination of your experience and knowledge regarding not only your terrain but your scouting and tracking skills as well," Ajax warned.

Samael had no choice but to drop it for now. Ajax has never been greedy with knowledge; he's answered every question he asks. So if his mentor said no, then it only means he's not ready yet.

"Don't worry, it'll come naturally," Ajax assured Samael.

"No, it's okay; I understand," Samael replied.

"Good—" Ajax seized all movements; his visor perked up as he shifted his gaze towards the towering bushes ahead.

"Samael, it seems the question pestering you is now answered," Ajax said.

Ajax delicately grasped the handle of the blade strapped behind him, slowly unsheathing it. Its steel surface glistens under the rays of the sun.

"We have company," he said.

Samael swiftly withdrew the Crimson Raven, his senses on full alert. How come I didn't sense anything? He wondered.

Samael's gaze flew back and forth; his eyes narrowed down.

The wind rustled under the whispers of wind, while the trees swayed under its guidance. The distant humming of the birds now shrouded in unfaltering silence.

In the corner of his eyes, a silhouette darted towards him.

His eyes jolted wide. He planted his foot on the ground, twisting his body sideways. However, the razor-sharp claws of his attacker were only inches away from his face.

SWISH!

Samael's reflection shone on the steel surface of Ajax's blade as it cleaved the claws of the beast with unfathomable speed.

Blood sprayed on Samael's face, staining his milky white cheeks crimson.

"Don't let your guard down," Ajax said, his monotonous voice snapping Samael out of his stupor.

Samael gritted his teeth, his breathing disheveled. It almost got me! His grip tightened.

From the towering bushes, multiple figures marched out, their scarlet eyes carving a hole in Samael and Ajax.

They stood on two legs, about the size of a regular human. Their skins were painted crimson, with moss latching tight on their bodies. They had long, crooked claws and spiky protrusions.

[https://i.ibb.co/r0FLt1k/monster-four-legged-covered-in-moss-red-eyes-leathery-body-sharp-claws-bloody-average-size-g.png]

What is that? Samael thought, his gaze fixated on the abominations looming closer to them.

"Eight," Ajax said, luring Samael's attention to the man.

Samael's brows furrowed. "Wha—"

"There are eight of them. This is Lesson 5: Observe." He cut off Samael.

Yes... I must think... Samael took deep breaths, composing himself.

Samael sharpened his senses, focusing his attention around him. There were eight of these abominations, all approaching in unison. They're surrounded by towering trees and tall bushes. They're severely outnumbered, with no possible escape routes.

Can I even fight these abominations? I barely saw the attack earlier; if it weren't for Ajax, then I'd...

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

Cold sweat drenched his back, his heart galloped like a stallion— when a faint voice whispered in his ears.

"Then, can Samael promise me that if you ever feel like all hope is lost, can you vow that this necklace will serve as your guiding light?"

His eyes flew wide open, his hand unknowingly clinging tight to his necklace.

Samael could still vividly hear Lilith's promise as though it were only yesterday.

He has fought hard, steadfastly braving all forms of danger just to make it here. He made a vow to protect all those he holds dear...

"...And to never lose hope," he uttered, a raging flame glimmering in his pupils, casting away the shadow of his doubts.

Ajax gave a silent nod of approval. A watcher's first battle is always the most memorable. It dictates how you'll face the challenges ahead.

If you were to buckle, only death awaits you, but if you fought to your very last, then honor and glory will greet you.

Ajax always keeps his expectations low. He's seen many a times where young aspiring watchers perish under the claws of abominations. Their hopes and dreams shattered and torn before their eyes.

But for the first time in his long career did he truly felt that the watchers still has a chance to end this nightmare.

"Let's make this quick," Ajax said.

"Roger that," Samael replied.

The abomination growled, a bloodcurdling roar escaping its lips.

ROAAAAARRRR!!!

Samael lowered his stance, his axe: crimson raven, slung on his shoulders. Deep red miasma gushing out of its butt spike.

The abominations briefly halted their advance, a smudge of wariness taking root in their hearts.

Passive [feeder] has taken effect. Enemies will gradually feel fear over time.

The abominations shook their heads, a thunderous roar emanating from their maws. Thrusting forward, they raced towards Samael.

Samael braced himself; his eyes narrowed down.

"Bind" Ajax's voice echoed.

From the shadows, dark tendrils jutted out, clutching tight on the monster's limbs, causing a short stampede.

Samael's brows rose to an arch. Is this Ajax's element? He shook his head. Now is not the time for such thoughts.

Launching himself with a forceful kick, he darted forward, onyx black steam gushing out of his soles.

The abomination fixed its gaze on Samael, its elongated arms forming a makeshift shield.

The crimson raven descended with a reckoning boom. Cleaving through the forearms of the monster, its blood soiling the ground.

A thunderous screech escaped the maw of the creature as it flailed in agony.

Samael dialed his arm back, lashing forward with another slash. His blade drew an arch, severing the abomination in half.

Amidst the rain of blood, one of the abominations broke through the shackles cast by Ajax, hastily lunging towards Samael.

It swung its claws wide, but a steel shield intercepted its trajectory.

Ajax tilted his shield, throwing the beast off balance. Swiftly, he countered with a lightning-fast slash, his sword stained crimson.

Samael gave a nod of appreciation to Ajax before shifting his focus back to battle.

His gaze darted back and forth, landing on one of the creatures breaking free from its bind.

Samael bolted forward, his speed enhanced by the void coating.

The beast tore the shadow binds as it raced towards Samael. Its figure is breezing through the wind.

Samael narrowed his gaze, his eyes pacing back and forth as he struggled to catch up with the abomination.

This is too fast! He clenched his jaw, his eyes straining under the pressure.

The beast sprinted in a zigzag pattern, nimbly closing the distance. It threw a wide swing, its claws whizzing through the air.

Samael braked with his soles as he whipped the Crimson Raven up, clashing with the razor-sharp claws of the abomination.

A grating screech thundered in the air as the monster left deep gashes on the surface of Crimson Raven, propelling Samael a few steps back.

Samael grunted, his hand trembling under the shock of his clash with the beast.

He locked his eyes forward, his gaze fixed on the crackling abomination.

They're starting to break free of Ajax's bind! We have to hurry! Samael lowered his stance, his figure darting forward.

The creature propelled itself as well, meeting him head-on.

A storm of slashes rained down on Samael, forcing him to dodge and take a few steps back. He cannot risk damaging Crimson Raven any further, decreasing the choices he has.

Sweat trickled down his forehead, his breathing ragged.

I can't take all of them! There are too many, I—

"Do not fret; you're not alone." A monochromatic voice whispered in his ears.

Samael shot a sidelong glance at Ajax. He got too used to fighting his battles alone, but not anymore.

Samael's breathing calmed down. He gave a nod to Ajax.

Why am I losing? He wondered. His eyes deep and calculating.

He's faster than me, physically stronger, and has a longer reach. Samael observed.

Where does speed come from? He shot a glance down. Yes... The legs...

Samael lowered his stance once more. His axe slung on his shoulders. Thrusting hard into the ground, he propelled himself forward.

The abomination crackled, launching itself to meet Samael again. Its claws descend with ferocious speed.

Samael tightened his grip. No... Not yet...

The claws of the monster inched closer to his face. Merely a breath's distance away.

NOW! A wave of void matter gushed out of his legs, doubling the amount of void coating shrouding his soles.

His figure zoomed forward, the razor-sharp claws of the abomination leaving a shallow cut on his cheeks.

The creature's eyes widened, its mouth agape.

Samael slipped in, taking away the speed and leverage of the abomination.

It withdrew its arms in a panic, its foot stomping hard as it tried to regain its distance.

"Not so fast!" Samael roared.

He hauled his axe forward, its steel edge drilling into the flesh of the abomination.

The creature released a cry of agony as it flailed in an attempt to escape Samael's blade.

Too shallow! Samael tightened his grip, swiftly twisting the axe upward.

The abomination retaliated with a hurried swipe.

Samael lashed his arm ahead, the claws of the monster colliding with the steel plate protecting his forearm, shredding it to bits.

Onyx-dark steam bellowed out of Samael's fist, a surge of strength enveloping his hands.

"ARGHHH!!!" With a deafening roar, he dragged his arm towards the heavens, tearing the abomination in half. Its blood and guts raining down from above.

The beast fell with a sickening thud, its body limp and lifeless.

Samael fell to his knees, his vision hazy. No... I can't give out now; the battle isn't over yet...

Turning his Void coating up a notch took too much out of him. His ethos is nearly depleted.

A hand patted his shoulders, assuring him all would be okay.

"Good job; you've done enough. Let me handle the rest," Ajax said, tossing a red and blue vial to Samael.

"Heal up and recover your strength," Ajax instructed.

Samael nodded, a wave of pent-up fatigue brushing through him. Somehow, Ajax's words made him feel reassured. All he can do now is trust him.

Ajax speared a glance forward. The abominations have been freed from his binding. But it does not change anything.

"Let's end this," he muttered, a wave of killing intent swept the lush forest. Casting an invisible weight on the shoulders of the abominations.

Fear took root in their hearts, and their steps faltered.

Dark tendrils jutted out of Ajax's shadow, latching behind his back and swirling in a slow, rhythmic pattern.

[https://i.ibb.co/ypRWJD4/Untitled7-20230831134619.png]

His figure slowly sank, merging with the shadows. Leaving behind a trail of dark smoke.

That dark smoke gushed forward, blending with the darkness nestling in the forest.

The abominations growled in hostility, yet not a single one charged ahead.

"You're not coming? Then I'll come to you," Ajax's voice echoed in the air.

The abominations pranced around in a panic, fear drilling deeper into their hearts.

One of the abominations glanced down, noticing a clump of dark smoke under its soles.

A smudge of confusion lingered in the creature's eyes— A steel blade drew an arc, severing the head of the abomination.

The abominations kin cast a glance at their companion when his body plummeted to the ground, stirring the dust.

Amidst the swirling shadows, Ajax's figure came to view, taking shape within the thinning smoke. His weapon dripping blood.

The abomination bellowed in anger, charging head-on, claws ready to mutilate Ajax.

One of the frenzied beasts threw a wide swipe, its claws tearing through Ajax's body. It crackled in joy, a wide grin plastered on its face. Dark tendrils flew out of the shadows, impaling its body and lifting its corpse high in the air before getting torn to shreds.

The other abominations stared in horror as Ajax's "corpse" morphed into shadows, leaving behind a trail of dark smoke, elongated tendrils jutting out.

The dark smoke darted towards the beasts, remaining unfazed even under the unrelenting barrage of attacks the abominations sent.

Their claws would simply pass through the smoke, striking nothing but air. Their stomps would merely stir the dust.

The cluster of dark smoke would swiftly take Ajax's form as he sent ruthless counterattacks.

His blade weaved in the air, ripping apart, limb by limb, one of the beasts before morphing into shadows yet again.

The creatures howled in rage, their claws swiping in a frenzy, panic seizing hold of their hearts.

However, their attacks proved ineffective. Each time their claws struck Ajax, his body would simply explode into a carnage of darkness and shadows. Leaving the abominations at a loss as their deaths piled up.

Ajax's blade hummed in the air, slowly devouring the monsters until only one remained.

The beast trembled in fear, cowering in the corner as it laid eyes on its kin, or at least what was left of them.

It screeched, jolting away as it ran through the tall bushes, weaving through the towering trees, yearning for escape.

But there was no escape.

Its vision swirled, and the headless body of an abomination lay before its eyes, light escaping its gaze.

Ajax emerged from the smoke, his steel armor drenched in blood. He sheathed his blade as he made his way to Samael.

Samael sat there, his eyes wide. What occurred was simply too unrealistic. Ajax slaughtered the enemy he was having so much trouble with. Is this what power truly looks like?

"Can you move?" Ajax asked.

Samael shifted his gaze to his mentor. "Yes..."

"Good, let's move; we can't stay here any longer. The blood will attract other monsters," he stated.

Samael rose to his feet, wiping off the blood marring his cheeks.

"Irvel village is near; we should make it before the sun sets at the horizon," Ajax said as he approached the corpses on the ground.

Samael's brows furrowed. "What are you doing?" he asked.

Ajax came down to his knees, a knife nestling in his palm. "I'm taking their Dunamis," Ajax replied.

"Duna—what?" Samael asked in confusion.

Ajax plunged his knife through the crimson skin of the abominations, dragging it and creating a wide opening. Without warning, he delved through the layers of flesh, blood, and organs, retrieving a small gray sphere.

"This is a dunamis. It's what stores our ethos and allows us to manipulate our elements. Absorbing it can make us stronger," Ajax explained.

Samael silently watched as Ajax proceeded to tear holes in the beasts and take their Dunamis, tucking them in one of his pouches.

"Let's go," Ajax said.

Samael nodded briefly as he trailed close behind Ajax.

Their next stop? Irvel village.