"I will never forgive you!" Volker made a firm voice before leaping at Gendewa and thrusting his sword into the furry creature's left chest.
Fresh blood immediately gushed out, and red eyes glared angrily. A loud roar overtook the Terena forest. Volker managed to injure the creature with his sword. Only for a second did Gendewa's howling stop. Gendewa ran towards Volker to retaliate. Its claws came out longer and sharper, ready to tear Volker's body.
Volker grinned sharply. Gendewa's movements could be read by the man. Volker bowed slightly, his grip on his sword tightened, his gaze piercing cold. They weren't far apart, so Volker could prepare for the next attack.
As the creature got closer, Volker's blood boiled. With just two steps away, Volker jumped onto Gendewa's body. His sword swung down to slit the creature's throat.
Blood came out more and more from Gendewa's neck, but it wasn't enough to make Gendewa fall. Volker didn't give Gendewa time to counterattack because his sword had already pierced Gendewa's back and penetrated his stomach.
The mighty howl sounded terrible. Gendewa fell with a short breath. His eyes glared with anger and almost rose even though his life lived in his throat. Volker didn't give Gendewa time. His sword again pierced the right chest and tore it to the left. Gendewa's voice was heavy before he crumbled into ashes.
Volker sheathed his sword before leaving the forest. He had to quickly go to the human settlement and see how they were doing.
"Lord Volker!" Volker's arrival made the soldiers look down. Cries filled the place. The humans continued to cry, seeing their family members lying stiff and full of blood.
"Your hand is injured. What happened?" one of the soldiers asked.
"Gendewa," he replied, providing information.
"You fought with Gendewa?" The soldier's eyes widened in surprise.
"Right. It was Gendewa who attacked them too." Volker's eyes fell on the victims and their families. "I killed him, but I can't be sure if Gendewa doesn't appear again in another form. So for everyone's safety, don't go out at night."
A terror is being created to wreak havoc. Whoever did it, of course, had an evil plan. Before he was captured, the humans were in danger. The last time something like this happened was decades ago. After the perpetrator was found, he was tried by lashing and exiled in the dungeon.
And now, Gendewa is re-created. They are, of course, a Meiga. No one knows which clan, but only a Meiga can create Gendewa. And they made the Gendewa in the Terena Forest, perhaps to pit humans against Rodenis. Volker's fist tightened. An investigation must be carried out immediately, he thought.
Terena Forest has always been a paradise for hunting. From there, humans get food. But unfortunately, it's not just for food. Humans hunt to get animal skins and ivory to sell. They are a form of greed that makes the Rodenists sometimes angry.
"Help them bury the bodies. And I warn you, don't leave the village when night falls or you will be exposed to dangers that you have never imagined before."
"Lord Volker!" A middle-aged man approached Volker. The man already had gray hair on his head, his beard grew to cover his chin, and his body was a bit bulky. He is the head of the village. "Gendewa, is there any chance that he will come to our village?" he asked.
"I can't be sure. But I have to investigate. Make sure your citizens don't leave before nightfall."
"Yes, I understand." The village head nodded solemnly.
Volker saw the bodies being taken to be buried. There were only five warriors there to help. Because they happened to be the ones on patrol duty in the Terena Forest.
The following day, the incident became a hot topic throughout the city. In the markets and other public places, there is talk of the attack in the Terena Forest. Volker, enjoying his drink, listened to everything the know-it-alls were saying, even the accusations against the Rodenists.
"Are you sure it wasn't Rodenis who did it?" A fat man said in a loud voice. "We know, even though we don't have any real problems with them, they don't like us."
"I think you are wrong." Another man answered. "Because it was precisely Rodenis who saved those people."
"Of course it's just to cover up their crimes. You shouldn't trust them."
Volker slammed down his glass violently after hearing the accusations leveled at Rodenis. His sharp gaze stabbed at the fat man who had just issued an indictment. Several people at a different table also turned to Volker. No one dared to speak after that.
Volker stood up from his seat before approaching the fat man. "You better shut up before I rip it myself with my hands." Volker's deep, sharp voice silenced the man's mouth. "We are still investigating who did it and until all is revealed, you have no right to issue your dirty accusations to us."
"Why should you be offended if you don't do it?" The fat man is not to be outdone. "We know that you and your cohorts don't like us. You…." Volker gripped the man's neck until his heavy body was lifted. The man's breathing was heavy. His eyes were bulging red while his hands were trying to free Volker's hands from his neck.
"If you want to die now, I will easily give it to you," Volker said. "I will give no mercy to a stupid human like you."
The atmosphere there was silent and tense. Several people who witnessed that stood up from their seats. Maybe they'd get on board if Volker wanted to throw a tantrum. But another man approached, apologizing for what his friend said. "Lord Volker, we beg your pardon. We will not repeat that again." Followed by the rest of their friends, Volker finally yanked the fat man into a chair. Immediately the man coughed violently. Take long breaths.
Volker didn't say anything but just walked away from that place. Leaving the chaos behind them. His determination is getting stronger to quickly find Goldana Aerta's whereabouts and unite them. All this for the sake of Rodenis. With that much power, Volker believed that no one would dare to go against Rodenis in the future. Those humans have always been shameless about the evil thoughts they have.
***