Tap... Tap...
My footsteps echoed in the empty street as I walked forward cautiously, my eyes scanning the dark alleyways for any signs of movement.
'Just a few more blocks...'
Looking at the screen of a phone that a Demon I had possessed had, I checked the map to ensure I was heading in the right direction.
After exiting the air train station, I quickly disappeared into the shadows, avoiding places that were lit up and could be crowded in the very early morning.
Although my skill 'Demon's Veil' was working and I looked like a normal human, I still decided to take extra precautions.
It is better to avoid being seen around these parts, especially since in a few hours a massive commotion would occur because of my actions.
"I will have to be quick and efficient..."
Squeezing my head deeper into the hood of my gray jacket to hide my features, I kept my pace steady, making sure to maintain a low profile while moving through the dimly lit streets.
It was after 20 minutes of walking that I finally reached my destination.
"It looks... inconspicuous."
Muttering to myself, I approached the massive iron wall that stretched around the city as far as my eyes could see.
On the other side of the wall, I knew lay a forest full of monster creatures that could rip apart a human in seconds. It was also a place where I knew the Ashen Armor was located.
Apart from monsters, it was also prohibited to enter the forest without proper authorization and clearance.
And that is why I am here...
Just further north from here, there is a hidden tunnel that allows it to bypass the wall undetected.
'It should be around here...'
Stopping in my tracks in front of a pile of rubble, I knelt down and began to carefully move the debris aside, revealing an opening that was concealed beneath.
With a slight smile spreading across my face, I quickly took off my bag and carefully crawled through the narrow opening, making my way into the darkness of the tunnel.
It took me a minute or two to reach the other side of the wall.
Emerging from the tunnel, I found myself on the outskirts of the forest, surrounded by towering trees and the ominous sounds of wildlife.
Zip...
Unzipping my bag, I slowly took out a sheathed sword and hung it on my belt, ensuring that it was easily accessible.
I found this weapon in my apartment, placed in one of the drawers of the desk.
It was a sword this Demon received from his superior before he crossed over into the human world. The weapon, however, was nothing extraordinary or special, just a simple longsword with a worn hilt and a slightly chipped blade.
At least it was usable.
The forest enveloped me in an eerie embrace as I began to move. Towering trees loomed overhead, their thick canopies blocking out most of the feeble sunlight that attempted to pierce through. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, and the sounds of unseen creatures echoed through the dense foliage.
"I have to stay alert..."
My senses heightened, attuned to every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs. Each step I took was deliberate, cautious not to alert any lurking danger to my presence. Shadows danced among the trees, playing tricks on my eyes as I navigated the labyrinth of vegetation.
Leaves, varying in shades of green, rustled softly in the whispering breeze, and the forest floor was a carpet of moss, ferns, and wildflowers. Strange, otherworldly flora adorned the surroundings - twisting vines, luminescent fungi emitting an ethereal glow, and flowers with petals that shimmered like precious gemstones.
As I delved deeper, the forest seemed to come alive, the air humming with an energy that set my nerves on edge. My hand instinctively drifted towards the hilt of the sword, ready for any threat that might emerge.
Rustle...
Suddenly, a sharp rustling sound disrupted the tranquility. My senses went on high alert as I scanned the underbrush, muscles tensing for action. The forest fell silent, every sound amplified in the sudden pause that followed.
Tap... Tap...
With cautious steps, I approached the source of the disturbance. The foliage parted, revealing a cluster of bushes quivering as if something were concealed within. My grip tightened on the sword, ready to defend against whatever emerged.
Swish...
A flicker of movement - a shadow darted between the leaves. Adrenaline surged through me as I prepared for a confrontation.
Grrr...
Before I could even see what was lurking within the bushes, a low growl reverberated through the air, forcing me to take a dozen steps backward.
"..."
Slowly, the bushes parted to reveal a pair of glowing amber eyes, fixed upon me with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine.
The creature didn't lurch in shadows for too long as it stepped forward, revealing its form in the dim light of the forest.
The towering figure emerged from the foliage, a colossal wolf standing at a daunting seven feet tall. Its fur was a blend of midnight black and shades of deep charcoal, accentuated by streaks of silver that shimmered like moonlight woven into its thick, untamed mane.
The wolf's muscular frame was imposing, every sinew beneath its fur rippling with power. Its piercing, glowing amber eyes held an otherworldly intelligence, gleaming with an ancient wisdom that seemed to transcend mere animal instinct.
Massive paws, each the size of a dinner plate, pressed into the forest floor, leaving imprints in the soft earth. Its claws, sharp as daggers, protruded from those formidable appendages, gleaming under the faint illumination that filtered through the canopy.
The wolf's snout, elongated and adorned with scars that spoke of countless battles, twitched as it caught my scent. Its breath formed ghostly plumes in the chilled air, the aura of authority and primal strength emanating from the beast palpable even from a distance.
It was a G rank monster, Midnight Wolf.