It was a beautiful night. The moon was brightly and steadily illuminating the peaceful night sky, the clouds were gently drifting in the tropical breeze. And yet, here on earth the situation and scenery before my eyes contrasted greatly with that peaceful scene above my head.
"It looks like this has been the last one." I said with a weary sigh.
"It certainly looks like you're done. I didn't think these things would be so hard to kill." Commented a voice in reply, with a tone of disgust and suspicion "But don't you think this was, well... maybe a little too much?"
"Too much, you say? These fuckers have been a pain in the ass for a while now, rather, they should be thanking me for finishing them off." I spat with annoyance.
"I understand that, but was it necessary to bring them almost to the brink of extinction?"
"These things are like a mosquito at bedtime, it doesn't matter if you kill or crush thousands of dozens, they won't stop being here just because I kill a few. It's better that I did this."
"Hah... All right, whatever you say, Alex." The voice replied with a tone of exasperation.
That voice belonged to a boy of about 23 years old, he had paper-white skin and dark brown hair, his eyes were a curious and uncommon opaque green. He wore an elegant suit that had a black coat with a symbol of a certain organization engraved on the left shoulder and was complemented by indigo jeans. His look always seemed to be bored with life.
That guy kept looking at what was under my feet as he approached, he seemed intent on doing something.
"All right, get down from there I have to take samples." He ordered.
"Yes, yes whatever," I replied as I made a small jump to the ground. "Nevertheless, it's amazing that these things give such good materials for the organization, I mean, they're kind of like farmers, or was it crop guardians? Well, never mind, what I'm trying to say is that I didn't expect them to be so useful.
That 'thing' we were talking about had a name. They were called 'Aluxes' and currently I had just killed a good amount of them, about 100 or so, enough to make a small mountain of wreckage.
"Well, it's a fact that the Aluxes, have a good amount of materials to use, though mostly it's not like they're relatively useful either beyond a few amulets and whatnot. But, still, you never know when those amulets might save your life", The boy commented.
As I understood it, the Aluxes were a sub-species of goblins of the beneficent type from Mesoamerican culture and legends, more specifically from Mexico. They were supposed to be something like protectors of the corn crops for the Mayans. They had the ability to make rain as well.
And you may be wondering, 'If they are beneficial entities why did you kill them'.
Well, I have a simple answer to this, according to what the boy there said, who by the way, is called Hugo, the alux or aluxes themselves are not inherently evil entities, however, this depends a lot on the situations that arise because according to what he told me approximately every 7 years these little guys become evil, so they had to be locked in a type of housing called 'Kahtal Alux' which was something like a birdhouse, but for goblins. Otherwise they would wreak unpleasant havoc within the crops and tribes. However, even if this was done there were some exceptions within this species and some would get strong enough to break those locks, which in effect caused a lot of chaos and damage.
In this case, that was the situation that presented itself and brought us to this moment, Hugo was informed about a massive outbreak of malevolent Aluxes and ordered to come and execute them, but as he is more of the intellectual type, he was lazy to come, so he called me to do the dirty work for him. In short he took advantage of me.
Despite all, I did not refuse. At the end of the day, I also had my own reasons for doing this "mission". So I simply accepted without complaint. If I was going to be used, I guess I could do the same.
"So... Do you think this will finally make me official as a member of the organization?" I asked.
"If I'm being honest... Hmmm, I'm not sure... I mean, you still have yet to finish your final training stage, right? Also, regardless of whether or not you've done the training, the materials that the Alux release have to be evaluated to know how good their conditions are. And so far... Well, I can say it's disappointing." He said.
"Disappointing? What do you mean?"
"Well, to sum it all up, these materials are in horrible condition. You didn't hold back at all and much of the loot was indeed destroyed and pulverized, I mean, just look at this." Hugo took the bag that was attached to a belt, rummaged inside pulling something out and shortly after, holding out his hands he showed me two pieces of stone, one in his left hand and one in his right hand "Now look at them and analyze them, do you see anything strange?"
While holding them outstretched, Hugo asked me this, at the same time, I turned my gaze in their direction.
Right there, two luxurious stones of a soft amber color glittered beautifully.
"They're two stones, yours aren't they? What about them?" I questioned in confusion.
"These stones that I am showing you I obtained them in a previous mission, I have them as a sample, they were carefully extracted from some ancient Aluxes, however, look at yours" he continued, while he returned the stones to the bag and rummaged again in the bag taking out another pair.
As he pulled out that pair of stones and showed them to me, my expression twisted a bit.
"Those stones are..."
"...Destroyed? Yes, and let me tell you, these are some of the best I could find, the rest were literally turned to dust."
"You have got to be kidding me don't you? But, can't you restore them or something with your super cutting edge machines and high-tech?"
"We're an intelligence organization against wraiths, Alex," said Hugo with a serious tone... "Not gods..."
"Then it can't be fixed" I commented disappointed.
"I'm not saying that... Hah..., let's see, yes it can be fixed, the problem is that it's a waste of time and resources that would greatly affect your final score as a hunter, so it's still a bad option, at the very least, it's worse than just handing it over as it is. Lux stone dust also has its functionality, and while it's certainly by general standards worth a lot less than a perfectly good lux stone, it's still good for creating special type ammo; certain types of wraiths are very weak to the energy these ammo emit, so it's not a total waste."
"Oh? Now, that's interesting... all right, so what are you waiting for to pick it up? I'll help you."
With those words filled with some excitement, I rushed to help Hugo pick up all the remains of the Aluxes he had liquidated.
***
A little over 40 minutes had passed when Hugo and I had finally finished collecting all the materials left behind by the Alux. To be honest, it was a challenge to collect the dust from 100 bodies, but it was still worth it. According to Hugo, this amount of dust could work to create a good amount of special type ammunition, it was approximately over 10 kilos, the process could have taken longer, but Hugo made use of some pretty impressive collection tools to speed up the process.
"Whew, that was more tiring than just killing them, hell, without your tools we'd probably be hours picking this up," I said as if relieved that we were done.
"Maybe it wouldn't have been so tedious if you hadn't killed so many Aluxes, you know?"
"I think we've already argued about that, it's best not to take up the discussion again, right?"
"You're right, it's totally unnecessary and I apologize for it" Hugo replied apologetically, though he seemed to have his own thoughts on the matter.
"Come on man, it's no big deal either."
With those words, I patted Hugo on the shoulder a couple of times and smiled.
"Haaa... Whatever." sighed Hugo, this time more intensely than before.
"Wow dude, it's like your fourth sigh tonight, are you okay? Are we going to a hospital or something?
"What The F... no, I'm fine, don't worry, it's just that dealing with you is so..."
¡Riiiing!
Before Hugo could continue, he was interrupted by the clear and recognizable sound of a cell phone ringing, and after this brief sound a nostalgic melody began to be heard, it may sound redundant, but it was evident that he was being called on his cell phone.
"... Tch, what a time to interrupt." Hugo complained, as he started looking for the cell phone in his clothes.
The cell phone was still ringing, and after a few brief seconds of searching, Hugo finally located his phone in one of the pockets of his black coat.
"Hello?" he said, answering the phone and bringing it up to his ear.
I tried to tune my ear to listen. I couldn't.
"Yes sir, the mission has ended with relative success, although there were some problems with the collection of materials... No, it's nothing serious, but perhaps a bit disappointing, although not a total loss....
I didn't know what Hugo was talking about, but I could still get a little idea from the words he used and his tone of voice, plus the words "boss and mission" gave me a clue as to who he was talking to.
(So it's that annoying old man again, huh?) I thought to myself, as I watched Hugo chatter over the phone speaker.
After this, Hugo briefly turned his gaze towards me and then back to the phone, shortly after that he looked in my direction again and spoke.
"Alex, by any chance do you have your phone with you?"
"My phone? Yes, I think I have it in my pants pocket, why do you ask?" Answering with these words and without returning any comment, Hugo returned to the phone and continued talking to the old man.
"Yes, he says he has it in his pants pocket... What? Really? Oh... I'm not sure he's going to take this news well. Are you sure he's ready for it? Yes...? very well, I understand."
With those words, Hugo pulled the phone away from his ear, hung it up and finally put it back in his pocket.
"Who was that?" I wondered
"It was the boss, he says he has something very important to talk to you about, he should call you in a couple of minutes, plus he said we should hurry back with what we collected."
"Tch, that old man again?" I muttered to myself, "Really, so soon we have to get back? And here I was hoping we could make camp here, you know?" I said, showing my obvious distaste for the idea of turning back.
"Camping? With you? I think that's one of the worst combinations I could ask for, don't take this the wrong way, you're just too hard for me to deal with, I just want to go away and sleep in peace, besides, camping here wouldn't allow me to rest properly, you know?"
"Really, do you need a beauty sleep or something?"
"Yes, Alex, I do need a restful sleep, maybe you don't because the times you use your brain can be counted on the fingers of one hand, but in my case it's very different... No offense. "
"All right, I guess?"
"Just start moving, the boss said it was urgent, let's go to the car. " said Hugo, with evident uneasiness.
"Alright, I understand, but why are you so tense?"
"It's important, just move." he ordered with obvious annoyance, as he started walking fast, overtaking me in the process.
With Hugo leading the way, I couldn't help but wonder what made him upset to that level, I was interested in asking him, but every minute we spent talking it would take us longer to get to the car.
However, my curiosity was greater than my serenity.
"Alright, Hugo, stop," I yelled "this is too much, what's wrong with you, why are you acting so upset all of a sudden?"
"Tch, you'll find out in a moment, The boss told me not to tell you anything until he called you".
"I don't want to hear whatever that old man who puts on airs and graces has to say, I want to hear it from you, right now."
"Damn it! This is why you're so~~~"
¡Riiiing!
Again that recognizable sound echoed in the surroundings, however, this time the nostalgic melody was gone. But I knew perfectly well that it was my phone ringing.
With some annoyance, I reached into my pants pocket, grabbed the phone and answered it, shouting.
"WHAT!"
And as if it was the world playing a sick joke on me, a familiar voice spoke on the other end of the phone.
[Young Alexis, from your recent shout I see you are not in a good mood.]
-Damn, it had to be you, do you have some special ability to interrupt important moments?
[I don't know if I have such an Ability young Alexis, however, you could say that I have something like a gift of luck, subject to coincidences, Fufu...] said the voice through the cell phone speaker, with obvious sarcasm, [Changing the subject, I have to assume that Young Hugo already informed you that he would call you soon, didn't he?]
"Yes, and in fact he was just about to tell me, do you have a problem with that?" I shouted in such a way that Hugo could hear it. Which seemed to have had an effect because Hugo stopped a couple of meters in front of me.
[Oh boy, I seem to remember mentioning to him that I would be the one to break the news to you, I guess I wasn't hard enough on him].
"Hey, I don't know what the hell you're telling the boss, but don't get me in trouble with him dammit!" shouted Hugo from a distance, but I decided to ignore him.
"And Well what's this nonsense about, Hugo has started to be upset after talking to you, did he say something to you?" I questioned the voice, with a sour tone.
[Indeed Young Alexis, I have news of vital importance for you, although seeing the attitude you are in now, I am hesitating whether it is appropriate to tell you or not].
"Damn it, don't be fucking with me you old fuck! Spit it out already! What's it all about!" I angrily blurted out.
[Oh boy, how scary... All right I'll tell you, but just this once, Fufufu...] He said again, in his usual condescending tone. [It turns out, Young Alexis, that a spectral abnormality signal has been detected near a village a couple of kilometers from your current location, a little before our organization's camp.]
"So, why should that matter to me?"
[Well, Young Alexis, I'm telling you this because of protocol, it's important that both you and Hugo, avoid that place at all costs].
"Keep us away? Why?"
[That's classified information, Young Alexis, only for members of the organization, even so, I'll make an exception just for you, Fufufufufu, I won't give too many details, but there is a certain 'creature', and it's classified as an international level threat. Therefore, it is recommended to initiates like you and low ranking ones like Hugo, to avoid that place at all costs and especially to surround it, for security reasons]. Reported the voice over the phone.
"A Creature? And what's more, of International Threat Rank! What kind of creature is it!" I asked, and my eyes sparkled with excitement.
[Oh, I see your tone of voice has changed, I notice you a bit 'excited', Fufufu... I'm sorry Young Alexis, but as I mentioned to you earlier, that's classified information I can't give you a more detailed answer without you being a high-ranking member of the organization].
(Damn that old bastard) I swore to myself.
Taking a breath to calm myself, I replied.
"Alright, I understand.... But, Wait, by 'creature' you mean.... 'that creature'" I asked in a more serious tone of voice.
[Excuse me, Young Alexis, but as I clarified before, I can't give you any answer since it is highly classified information, I just suggest you to avoid everywhere that place, and if you are thinking about going behind our backs, I advise you better not to do it, you could ruin the subjugation mission and end up dead, as well as... 'them'].
Hearing those words, the sound of a "Crack" echoed in the surroundings.
"Take it back..." I muttered in a cold tone of voice.
I had not been mistaken, I heard it perfectly.
"Hmm, excuse me Young Alexis, what did you say? I don't think I heard you right."
"TAKE IT BACK NOW, YOU DAMNED SON OF A BITCH!"
[Hmm? And why should I, isn't it true that 'they' were stupid enough to die in such a ridiculous way?] said the voice, with a sardonic tone of voice, as if mocking.
Hearing this my anger increased, the sound of breaking glass reverberated in the surroundings, with much more force.
The Wind blew, it was a cold breeze, just enough to give you chills and yet....
"Hehe..." I laughed dryly. "You listen to me now, you fucking old shit with airs and graces. I swear on my name that, if you ever say anything stupid again, I will definitely finish you, and I don't give a shit if I can never get into the organization or if I have to move Heaven, sea and earth to find you. I will truly destroy you, every last piece. you will be reduced to less than ash and dust! I SWEAR!"
[Kukukuku, I'm shaking with fear, what would the superiors think if they heard this barbarism. You are lucky to be the spoiled child and new recruit of the organization, otherwise you would have been thrown to the street to your fate a long time ago, your words are as scary as the screams of a cornered rat who wants to appear threatening, I wish you good luck in your attempts, Fufufufufu].
"Oh, I assure you, you shriveled up pot-bellied piece of shit, I assure you that I will soon give you more than one reason to truly tremble." declaring those words, I clenched my hand much tighter and finished crushing the phone in it, then dropped it on the dry ground.
Blood drained from my hand, and the glass debris in it was stained red. The anger I felt was undeniable. I would definitely make that old fucker pay.
I started walking in Hugo's direction, he seemed to want to say something to me as I passed him, but, noticing my mood, it was as if his previous anger and attitude had vanished. He kept quiet and simply let me keep walking while he lined up with me from behind.
"I guess that... conversation? Didn't go very well, did it?"
...
"Huh, are you okay, you understood the orders didn't you?"
"Oh... Of course I understood the orders" I replied pausing briefly. "I understood them very well..."
That fucking old man had told me not to go, but to be honest, I hated him beyond limits, there was a fine line he should never have crossed, but he still did. Now any word that came out of his mouth smelled like feces and garbage. I knew where I was headed and what I would do.
"Let's go wraith hunting" I said, heading towards the car which was not far away now.
"Yes of course, to hunt wraiths... Wait, what, are you SERIOUS!!!" shouted Hugo, his face had lost its color, turning whiter than it already was.
Answering absolutely nothing else, I kept walking. But little did I know that this would only be the beginning of a new Adventure.
Still, a sense of anguish and ill omen invaded my heart.
The myriad of evils that would arise and the things I would suffer would mark me in the future. The road I was headed for was a direct ticket to hell, and no, there was no way back, but, still, deep in the back of my mind, I knew I had to do it; I had to avenge them who gave me life and those who cared for me afterwards and sacrificed for me.
It was time to hunt.
***
The night was rising, the moon was still beautifully illuminating the sky, but underneath that beautiful world, there was a totally different one, a Dantesque and horrifying scene.
The screams of pain and fear of people could be heard, the sound of bones being broken and limbs being torn apart flooded the area.
The cry of a baby bounced around the place, but no one attended to it, no, rather, everyone decided to ignore it, worrying about their own life before that of a being that had barely arrived in this world. The selfishness of humanity shone again.
At some point, the crying stopped abruptly, and what followed was only a slimy sound of something being totally crushed.
The screaming and crying stopped, silence ensued, and, once again, peace reigned.