Zeek's gaze captured Hitirus' departure, watching as the moonlight shined on his broad shoulders. Once he was far enough, all seventeen Ferals emerged from Zeek.
"Test that one," Zeek ordered. "They want to claim King Khantretakhim's throne, so we will see if he is fit to thrive. Test his vision and cunning, while guiding him to Vurkuey."
"But I, along with my sisters, will test his speed. To be King you need to be every Variant, most importantly, Feral," one of the females said.
A faint growl emerged from Zeek's raspy throat. "Mmm... test him, but don't injure him. I want to tell the Oppressive Seer about Hitirus."
Nobody denied the agreement. All seventeen females turned in Hitirus' direction and sprinted after him. Wind whizzed past their ears, kicking their hair everywhere.
They ran as a group, leaving none behind as they jumped into the starry night sky. Celestial bodies lit up their smooth, yellow skin with vibrant cyans, purples, and greens.
Hitirus continued to march steadily towards the town, keeping his head low so nobody could spot him as easily. He forced himself to stay calm, not letting the voices in his head force him to make any sudden screams.
Up ahead, several camping Zegi slept in their tents. They rested their heads on the soft grass and hugged themselves for warmth.
"... Outside of their respective Legions..? Hold on..." Hitirus paused to look over their bodies and tents. "No symbols, significant colors, or marks. Do Legions exist here?"
A sharp feeling cut deep into the back of his head, forcing him to turn around. Where the road split in two, a shadow loomed along the grass. Watching him.
It kept to itself, not wanting to disturb the slumbering army. Not even the night sky could light up its frame, it simply absorbed the light.
Something caused Hitirus to approach it, keeping a relaxed stare as he carefully gained on the entity. Neither of them budged from their actions, keeping the encounter smooth.
"The army grows restless, you're their cause. But you're also physically powerless," the shadow said.
Before Hitirus could decipher its meaning, several furious screams lured his attention away from the entity. All Zegi woke up, agitated to strike down their issue.
"Let me fight them!" a Zegus whispered into Hitirus' head. "I'll handle them all, easily. Don't let the Threshers come, though."
Instead of heeding the voice, Hitirus focused on the incoming group. He thought about what the figure told him, 'you're physically powerless.'
He reached out his hands, telling them to halt. "Take a step more, and you die. I am Hitirus, Light's Bane, Hero of Furmire, Conqueror's Conqueror, and the Servant Eater. Titles I earned, not made up."
All the aggressors glanced at one another, looking for any signs of lies. But like the rest of them, they were all drowsy and unable to think right.
They listened to what the creature had to say. Especially after waking them up. This army hasn't slept in four days, making them less disciplined.
"Do not rush a fabled war fighter, brutes. I have seen warfare up close, even killed my own men for the sake of our Legion. You may not recognize me, but surely you recognize Lady Niro and the Light Legion," Hitirus continued.
"I conquered the Conqueror Legion, leaving their leaders leveled. Then I rose to capture their glory and influenced Niro's Trilogy, promptly fighting to defend sweet Yarno after pledging my loyalty."
An older female stepped forward, pointing at Hitirus. "How do we know you are a 'Servant Eater,' then?"
Hitirus turned to look at her. "Can't you see?" His body morphed into a Mountain Yonie, Scaler Feral, Brittle Ice Thawed hybrid. "Servants have no shape - I have no shape."
The female whispered to the others, ushering them to return to their tents. She knew better than to challenge somebody's word.
Leaving Hitirus the only one left awake, so he turned and marched to the left road. He felt the gentle breezes touch his soft Yonie skin.
Shivers ran down his spine as he marched along. However, he was still highly alerted of his surroundings. At least, he thought he was.
Two Ferals floated overhead, dancing in the moonlight. Both chased each other down, like predator and prey. Casting faint shadows on the world beneath them.
After getting a good tackle, the females turned to look at Hitirus. Anticipating to see his sharp blue eyes glaring up at them. But there was nothing.
Hitirus didn't notice the shadows, neither did he hear their quiet voices. Like previously, he was trotting along the path. Hoping to reach the town by sunrise.
One female turned to her sister, who she held in her arms. "He isn't capable of mastering a Feral's ways if he isn't aware of what's happening around him."
"Well, he won't challenge Nestres, let alone King Khantretakhim," the other sister replied.
They kept their eyes on Hitirus as he glanced over his shoulder in case there was anybody lurking. Both sisters smiled when they saw the third sister arrive.
Unlike the previous two, this sister was there to test Hitirus' reaction time. She roared, catching Hitirus' attention.
He turned towards her, ready to fight off the Feral. Except the sister was already barreling towards him. Grass swiftly whizzed and brushed against each other.
It sounded like a wave making landfall.
Before Hitirus could respond, she drove a fist straight into Hitirus' chest. Staggering him, before running away and letting the fourth sister join in.
Like the third, this one darted across the open field to damage him. Hitirus looked up at her, raising his arms to block the incoming attack.
Only to receive a knee to the face. It broke Hitirus' nose, blood oozed out of it. A serious dent replace what it once was.
She retreated, letting the third sister do her final turn. Her eyes examined the perfect opening, then she acted on it.
Hitirus swung to counter her, she dodged and drove an elbow against Hitirus' ribs. He stumbled back, unsure of what was happening.
"Let's retreat, he doesn't need more," the fourth sister suggested.