Verte sat alone in the library, her small form almost lost behind the towering stack of books beside her. She was engrossed in one of the thin volumes, flipping through the pages with a look of mild irritation.
You'd think some of these books would be older, she thought, her eyes scanning the page before her. But they're all in English and filled with nursery rhymes. With a sigh, she set the book down and reached for another in the pile.
She cracked it open, eyes narrowing. Pig Latin? Why have a whole book on this? She frowned, closing it quickly and picking up yet another. Flipping through a few pages, she stopped, her expression incredulous. Another Pig Latin book?!
A familiar voice suddenly echoed through her mind, smooth yet tinged with the faintest trace of amusement. Verte.
Kinrui? she replied, surprised but glad to hear from him. Are you okay?
Kinrui, across town, was seated at a restaurant table laden with empty plates. A line of people stretched from his table all the way out of the building, each holding a dish for him to try. Plate after plate arrived, and yet, despite the constant stream of food, he showed no sign of slowing down or getting full. He cut a piece of steak, placing it into his mouth.
They're feeding me a lot of food, he replied, calm as ever.
Good thing Salami works like a tapeworm, he added with a smirk. I don't have to actually eat any of it. True to his words, as the food entered his mouth, the moss inside quickly consumed it, dissolving it into nothing before he even swallowed.
Meanwhile, the townsfolk stared at him in silence, a ripple of confusion spreading through the crowd. One person leaned over to their neighbor, whispering, "Why isn't he fattening?"
Back in the library, Verte's thoughts came through clearly to Kinrui. Good. Don't eat anything. Their library is full of children's books and Pig Latin stuff.
Pig Latin, you say... Kinrui replied, curiosity piqued.
Verte's eyes gleamed as she shared her observation. Yeah. And I learned something interesting. All of the villagers' names are in Pig Latin—they all end with 'ay'.
Kinrui's voice echoed in Verte's mind, calm and steady. Figures. I thought the name thing was too weird of a coincidence. Do you know what they translate to?
No clue yet, Verte replied, scanning the stack of books with renewed determination. But give me some time.
Alright, Kinrui responded thoughtfully. So, what's Yamori up to?
He's at the motel resting, Verte informed him, her eyes shifting between the seemingly endless volumes of nursery rhymes and children's riddles.
Meanwhile, outside a nearby window, Ifurcatabay watched Kinrui intently. Her eyes narrowed, suspicion darkening her gaze. Without a word, she turned and hurried away toward the chief's building. She stepped inside and rushed straight to Acrodontayay's room, not bothering to knock before entering.
Acrodontayay's sharp voice greeted her as she crossed the threshold. "What do you want, peon?"
Ifurcatabay hesitated for a second, catching her breath. "The minus isn't fattening!"
The chief's expression turned stormy. "It's already been six hours, how?!"
"We don't know," Ifurcatabay replied, frustration evident in her tone. "And we're getting angry."
Acrodontayay fixed her with a piercing look. "At who?"
"Him! He's up to something," Ifurcatabay insisted, her voice low and tense.
Acrodontayay sighed, considering her words. "You think so, huh? Do you have eyes on the others?"
Ifurcatabay nodded, reciting her report. "The male plus is resting at my hotel, the female plus is at the library, and the two premiums left the village, heading back into the outlands."
"Don't let them go too far," Acrodontayay ordered coldly, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Capture the old man, and make sure the others know it. Go on, find them."
An hour later, Hiyoku and Toruri were racing toward the jungle, its thick canopy visible in the distance. Hiyoku's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"There's a jungle in sight!" Toruri shouted, his pace quickening beside Hiyoku.
"I'll get Verte to teleport to me in no time!" Hiyoku replied, his mind already reaching out to make the connection.
But just as they neared the jungle's edge, two men leaped from the shadows of the trees, spears poised and blocking their path.
"Stop," one of them commanded firmly. "Are you trying to enter the forest?"
Toruri scowled, his stance defensive. "Tch, where did you two come from?"
The other spear-wielder stepped forward, his expression '
"We were sent to inform you that you're needed back at the village. Something major has happened."
Hiyoku exchanged a tense glance with Toruri. "What happened?" he demanded.
"You will be informed once you return to the village," the second man said, his tone final and unyielding.
Back in the chief's building, Yamori hung silently above Acrodontayay, his arms bound and mouth gagged. The sight made Toruri's eyes narrow as he murmured, "Yamori..."
Acrodontayay looked up at them with an air of feigned pity. "He was harassing the women of the village," he explained nonchalantly. "So, I'll keep him here for six days—along with your other friend."
"What?!" Hiyoku snapped, fists clenched. "The old man would never do that!"
Acrodontayay met Hiyoku's eyes with a look of icy confidence. "Why would the chief lie? It's not my fault your friends are horrible people."
Hiyoku's hands ignited in flames, but Kinrui placed a firm hand on his shoulder, muttering, "Don't. That's what he wants."
The chief's sneer grew. "Oh, so now you think I'm a liar?" he accused, an edge to his voice. "After all I've done—feeding you, giving you free lodging—and this is how you repay me, trusting your... trash friends over me?"
"We're not saying that—" Verte began, only to be cut off.
"Then don't talk back to me!" Acrodontayay barked. "You're staying another six days, and no more leaving the village."
Hiyoku's fists cooled, the fire fading from his hands.
"Now," Acrodontayay continued, "where is that other friend of yours?"
"October?" Toruri responded cautiously. "He's just at the motel."
The chief's eyes lingered on them, calculating. "Very well. Goodbye."
The group exited, seething in silence. A few minutes after they left, a cloaked figure slipped into the chief's room.
Acrodontayay leaned forward, speaking in a hushed tone. "They're onto us. Relay this to everyone; we need to move the plan to tomorrow."
The figure nodded and quickly left.
Back at the motel, the group gathered, processing the situation. Hiyoku threw his arms up, pacing. "I don't see why I couldn't just blow the place up!"
"Because if they're actually just innocent people, that would not look good for us," Toruri reasoned.
Verte shook her head, her tone doubtful. "It's pretty clear they're not innocent. They're keeping us here intentionally."
Hiyoku grinned darkly. "So why not torch the whole village? They're probably trying to sacrifice us anyway."
Kinrui crossed his arms, thoughtful. "Judging from the strange things happening to Salami, there's definitely something in the food. They were probably trying to fatten me up for whatever ritual they have planned."
Hiyoku's eyes flashed. "So, who exactly are they planning to sacrifice us to?"
Toruri leaned back, tapping his chin. "Isn't it obvious? The dark lord. The same one we've heard about."
Hiyoku glanced at Verte, half-expecting confirmation. "Do fairies... eat humans?"
Verte's face twisted with uncertainty. "Not that I know of. But... maybe his mana could be darkened from consuming sacrifices."
Toruri crossed his arms. "Or it could be less about humans and more about blood quality, based on what they called us: premiums, pluses, and minuses."
"Exactly," Hiyoku said. "Two premiums, two pluses, and a minus—Kinrui's the minus."
Kinrui nodded grimly. "Which means minuses are probably the ones they consume."
Hiyoku thought aloud. "So... what are pluses for?"
Toruri shrugged. "No idea. But Gnari was listed as a premium, so she's special to them, maybe for ritual purposes."
"So," Hiyoku concluded, eyes narrowing, "we're in a village of potential cannibals. They're keeping us here to fatten us up and measure us. I'm ready to go back and burn everything!"
"Hold on, Hiyoku," Verte interrupted, her voice firm. "If we're right, we can't act until they do. We need them to make the first move."
"Waiting another week?" Hiyoku shot back. "Not happening."
Verte's expression was resolute. "They know we're onto them now. They'll act sooner. Let's stay at the motel and stay on guard."
The group agreed, tension simmering between them as they sat, bracing for whatever the village would throw their way.
As night descended, the shadows thickened outside the chief's building. Inside, Acrodontayay remained seated, his gaze steady, as though he were savoring the darkness creeping in.
Acrodontayay muttered to himself, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "All the others got the message, right? Tonight's going to be an interesting night."
Rising from his seat, he pushed his throne aside with a rough scrape, revealing a hidden door behind it. Without hesitation, he stepped through, leaving the cozy confines of his chamber and entering the wild depths of the jungle. The untamed path stretched before him, littered with twisted roots and scattered leaves. A gust of wind stirred the treetops, their leaves rustling a sinister lullaby overhead.
Eventually, Acrodontayay found himself at the entrance of a crumbling dungeon. The door hung wide open, inviting him into its ominous shadows, and the walls were thick with moss, the ruins seemingly consumed by the forest's creeping grasp. He slipped inside, stepping over debris and past skeletal remains that littered the floor. The air was thick and damp, and the walls were strangled by vines that twisted downward, reclaiming the ancient structure.
He descended a spiral staircase that plunged into a dark, seemingly endless abyss. As he reached the bottom, an orange glow flared briefly against a nearby wall, illuminating an open doorway. The light flickered out as quickly as it had appeared, casting the room beyond into shadow once more. Acrodontayay stepped forward, entering a cavernous chamber veiled in gloom. Vines hung like tendrils from the ceiling, and a pool of still water surrounded a single large rock.
Upon that rock sat a figure—a man with an otherworldly aura. His hair was a wild tangle of black with streaks of deep purple, his skin almost ghostly white. He sat shirtless, his torso adorned with intricate black markings, their patterns twisting over his chest and down his back. Behind him, a pair of large black wings shimmered with a peculiar, vibrant darkness. As Acrodontayay approached, the figure opened his eyes, revealing pupils that glowed a sinister red in the shape of diamonds against the inky black of his irises.
"Dark Lord Tariki," Acrodontayay announced, bowing slightly. "Your feast has been moved up to tonight."
Tariki rose, stretching his wings behind him as he met Acrodontayay's gaze. "Thank you. I thank you very much. Is it already night?"
"Yes," Acrodontayay confirmed, his voice low.
Tariki's lips twisted into a faint smile. "Well, it should be too long." But just as he spoke, a sharp pang shot through him. Clutching his stomach, he collapsed to his knees, his face contorting in agony. "I need it…" His voice broke into a rasping whisper.
Suddenly, a dense column of darkness erupted from his back, spiraling upward like a deadly beacon. His voice grew louder, more desperate. "I need it!"
Without another word, Acrodontayay turned and sprinted from the room. Night had fallen, draping the jungle in absolute black. Behind him, Tariki convulsed, his body twisting as he retched up a dense blob of glistening black mist that splashed into the water surrounding the rock.
"Please…" Tariki's voice was a pleading echo in the cavernous chamber.
Meanwhile, back at a quiet motel, the night wore on peacefully, or so it seemed. In their respective rooms, everyone lay asleep, lost in the gentle rhythm of slumber. But in one room, Toruri stirred, his senses alerting him to the faint sound of doors creaking somewhere nearby.
Did someone... leave their room? he wondered, frowning as he listened closer. A soft click, then footsteps. They grew louder, drawing closer to his door. Tension gripped him as he sat up, his senses reaching out instinctively.
This chi isn't Verte's... actually…
Toruri closed his eyes, extending his awareness beyond the door. He caught the faint outline of a figure standing just outside. Small, childlike. His brow furrowed in confusion as recognition flickered.
Eiidaetay?
The door creaked open, and through the narrow gap, the face of Eiidaetay appeared, peeking in with a strangely intense gaze. Toruri's face softened into a gentle smile.
"Ah…" he began softly, but the words died on his lips.
In an instant, Eiidaetay's form shifted, warping and transforming. The small figure twisted into something unrecognizable—a lizard-like creature that stood on two legs. Its face was that of a reptile, yet its limbs were eerily human, with hands and feet shaped like his own. Its eyes, however, held an unnatural gleam, and as it stared into Toruri's, his blood ran cold. Panic washed over him as he felt something ripple beneath his own skin, his face paling as scales started spreading across his cheeks. A thin sheen of sweat formed, a single droplet trailing down his face as his eyes transformed, turning reptilian.
The creature, once Eiidaetay, let out a low, satisfied murmur. "Ah… ah… you're one of us. Acrodontayay outdid himself with the planning of this one. We're getting closer and closer to being just like humans."
What the frick? That kid's a lizard... Is this what Gnari meant by lizard people? Toruri's thoughts raced, but he fought to keep his expression neutral.
The creature nodded approvingly, almost fondly. "You did a good job. Now come on, we have to prepare the sacrifices. We caught one really good meal for ourselves too!"
Slowly, Toruri swung his legs over the side of the bed, standing up and nodding in reluctant agreement. He followed Eiidaetay out of the room and into the dim hallway, the quiet suffocating. But where he'd expected only darkness and solitude, he was instead greeted by the grotesque sight of more lizard-like creatures. They slithered along the walls, crawled across the ceiling, and crept soundlessly across the floor. Moving like ants, they seeped into each room, slipping inside the quarters of Hiyoku, Verte, and Kinrui, one by one.
Toruri jolted at the sudden voice resounding in his mind.
Toruri! Are you awake?! Verte's voice was urgent, almost frantic.
Yes, yes, yes!!! he replied quickly, steadying himself. I'm fine, but I know exactly what's happening right now.
Lizard people, Verte's voice trembled slightly, they're in my room! And they're all over me!!!
Kinrui's thoughts then joined theirs. So you two are also awake!
Toruri tried to keep his tone calm, even as the dread crept in. I know what's happening, but I have what I planned, and I think I have everything accounted for, for this plan to work—
An explosion ripped through the building, cutting off his thought. A deafening blast shook the walls, and Toruri was thrown back, landing hard on the floor amidst the scorching heat. Flames shot up around him, licking at the walls and leaving trails of blackened ash. Groaning, he pushed himself to his feet, taking in the destruction. Scattered across the floor were the charred remains of the lizard people, their bodies twisted and broken.
Through the blazing inferno, he spotted Hiyoku standing tall, his hand gripping a lizard person by the neck as he burned it to ash. His fierce gaze shifted to Toruri.
"You don't look like one of them," Hiyoku called out, narrowing his eyes. "That you, Toruri?"
Toruri's mind reeled. I didn't account for Hiyoku in my plan.
"Yeah, I guess I should let my wings sprout," he replied.
With a flex of his back, Toruri's wings unfurled, a span of power and poise. He gave a small nod, concentrating as his scales faded, his skin shifting back to its original form. "And now, I should go back to normal."
Hiyoku strode toward him, his expression fierce. "I had a feeling these people weren't actually human. LET'S BURN THIS VILLAGE DOWN!"
Through the flames, Verte approached, her magic forming a protective barrier around her, shielding her from the searing heat.
"Good call, Hiyoku," she said with a steely glint in her eye.
Hiyoku clenched his fists, flames igniting and flickering along his knuckles. "I'm not gonna be the one blown up today—they are!"
Just then, Kinrui emerged from the flames, his body shielded by a thick layer of moss that smoked but protected him from the worst of the heat.
"Warn me next time before you erupt," he grumbled, brushing off cinders.
But a sudden, forceful gust swept through the area, dousing the flames instantly. A cold chill settled over them as the firelight vanished, plunging them into shadows.
"What?!" Hiyoku hissed, his fists still smoldering.
As the smoke cleared, they saw what surrounded them—hundreds of lizard people encircling them on all sides, some brandishing crude spears, others armed with bows and arrows, their eyes gleaming with predatory malice.
Verte took in the scene grimly. "Just our luck."
The figure at the forefront stepped forward, his piercing gaze fixed on them. It was Acrodontayay, his expression dark and unreadable.
"You all are smarter and tougher than I thought you would be," he said, his voice a mocking echo in the quiet.
Hiyoku's eyes narrowed, nose wrinkling slightly. "That gust of wind reeks of breath."
Acrodontayay smirked. "I blew it away—that's why."
Kinrui's lips curled in disdain. "Like a candle."
"So, you're powerful, huh?" Hiyoku sneered, his fists blazing back to life. "That's an even better reason to burn you alive!"
Acrodontayay held up a placating hand, his tone disinterested. "I don't want to fight you."
"Well, you're not sacrificing us," Hiyoku shot back, his flames flaring higher.
Acrodontayay's eyes gleamed. "So, you caught onto that too."
Toruri's voice was sharp, his expression cold. "Maybe if you were better at acting humane, we might have fallen for it."
Acrodontayay took a step closer, his gaze still fixed on them with that mocking intensity. "Come peacefully, and I might think about releasing you all."
Verte's face remained impassive, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Why should we? Your men almost got leveled by a simple burst of fire."
Acrodontayay chuckled softly. "My men aren't the problem. I am." He paused, his eyes glinting with something almost sinister. "None of you have fought a god, right?"
Hiyoku rolled his eyes, a scoff escaping his lips. "Oh boy, another dude with a serious god complex."
But Verte's expression shifted, her gaze sharpening as she studied Acrodontayay's aura. "Wait, Hiyoku," she warned, a flicker of unease in her voice. "He may not be exaggerating. The way I sense his mana, it's—"
"Powerful," Acrodontayay interrupted with a dark smile. "Almost god-like, just missing that hint of... divine mana."
Hiyoku's sneer returned, defiant. "What are you implying?"
Kinrui glanced at Verte, concern dawning in his eyes. "Verte, are you trying to say that he's—"
Acrodontayay's voice boomed, cutting through the murmurs. "My name is Acrodonta. I am the riser of Ares, god of war."
Hiyoku's eyes lit up with a dangerous excitement. "Strong… OPPONENT!!!" The flames around his fists roared higher, the intensity of his power blazing in response.
Acrodontayay's gaze lingered on him, as though sizing him up. "And by the look of that aura, you're—"
Toruri stepped forward, his voice unyielding. "So, you're gonna fight all of us at once?"
Acrodontayay's gaze grew cold, his voice an ominous whisper. "No. I only fight my prey."
Hiyoku's eyes sparked at Acrodontayay's words, anger flashing through his gaze. "And we're not your prey?!"
Acrodontayay's lips curled into a chilling smile. "Not you. The elf and the old man… they're the ones. The elf's blood is rich, almost decadent, and that old man's aged blood, well, it's like fine wine."
Hiyoku's jaw tensed. "What?! Am I not good enough for you?!"
Kinrui scoffed in disbelief. "You can't be serious—"
Acrodontayay interrupted, his tone as casual as if he were discussing a meal. "Oh, no. You're too good, you and that hybrid. Your blood would be a feast for a god. Unfortunately, I'm not fully divine. You two, though… you're for the dark lord."
Hiyoku's interest flickered as he leaned forward. "The dark lord's stronger?"
Acrodontayay gave a slow, ominous nod. "Yes."
With that, the flames that had danced around Hiyoku's fists snuffed out in an instant.
Acrodontayay's eyes narrowed on Verte. "As for that cat girl… For a mere Maoyou, she has the richest blood I've encountered. And as for that human…" He paused, gesturing lazily toward Kinrui.
Kinrui's eyebrows lifted. "Me?"
Acrodontayay tilted his head. "No, the weaker one."
He pointed at Kinrui, whose expression soured. "Hey…"
Acrodontayay continued, unbothered. "He'll have the privilege of being hunted by my entire legion."
Kinrui's eyes hardened. "Sounds fun, but I won't be the one hunted."
Acrodontayay smirked. "You're vastly outnumbered."
Kinrui's response was dry, his voice steady. "And a can of bug spray is outnumbered by a horde of fruit flies, but the flies can't harm it. Meanwhile, the spray kills without bias."
Acrodontayay chuckled, amused. "Sounds like a date. Hybrid and fire mage, go and free your cat friend. But leave the old man. He's mine to hunt. I'll let you roam the jungle to find your demise with the dark lord."
The crowd of lizard people parted, creating a path. Hiyoku grinned and shot off down the path without a moment's hesitation.
"Wait for me!" Toruri called, sprinting after him.
As he passed, Acrodontayay called, "Behind my chair, there's a hidden door. Look there."
Toruri slowed briefly, turning back one last time. "October, activate!"
Buried by the explosion, October suddenly burst from the earth, shaking off debris. Acrodontayay raised an eyebrow in intrigue, his eyes fixated on the newcomer. "And what are you?"
October stood up straight, mechanical and resolute. "October bot."
Acrodontayay's interest deepened, his voice edged with curiosity. "A robot. I've never fought one of those before."
Verte smiled, nodding as October moved to her side. "So, you're staying with me, October?"
October answered, "Affirmative."
Acrodontayay scoffed, his expression shifting from amusement to mild irritation. "What a chore," he muttered, his gaze fixed on October with a mixture of disdain and intrigue. "Someone who isn't even edible…"
He shrugged, his voice settling into a dark, resigned tone. "But whatever. May the hunt begin."