Chereads / Once upon the Void / Chapter 10 - CHapter 10 | Primal Hunt

Chapter 10 - CHapter 10 | Primal Hunt

In the heart of the battlefield, the sounds of war filled the air with explosions and gunfire. Amidst the chaos, two determined space fighters emerged, their engines roaring as they cut through the sky. The pilots, adrenaline surging, maneuvered with unparalleled skill. As enemy forces closed in, these fighters became beacons of hope in the darkness of war.

A crackling radio transmission broke the tension. Rhox's determined voice commanded, "Rendezvous at High Altitude!"

Vincent's urgent reply came through, "What do we do after that?!"

Rhox responded, "We'll await further orders from the admiral while we stay above the clouds!"

With fierce resolve, Rhox took control of her ship. The engines roared, propelling the vessel upward. As the ACE soared higher, the air thinned and the clouds loomed. Rhox pressed on, her eyes fixed on the sky. The ACE pierced through the dense clouds, leaving the world below behind. Rhox's heart raced as Vincent followed closely.

High above the planet, Rhox and Vincent navigated the skies, scanning for danger. The clouds formed a protective barrier. Rhox reached for the radio, her heart pounding. This was a critical moment to communicate with Admiral Vonn Redd.

"Admiral, Rhox speaking. We're clear for orders!" she stated.

Admiral Vonn Redd replied with concern, "What happened? Why'd you get cut off earlier?"

Rhox explained, "We got ambushed by a Corvi Pilot headhunter... Vincent's ship went down."

A chilling silence fell upon Admiral Vonn Redd. His usually determined gaze now flickered with uncertainty as the weight of the information sank in.

Rhox wondered why the Admiral was not speaking up and said, "Hey, you still there, old man?"

Her words were abruptly cut off as the crackling radio erupted with the thunderous voice of Admiral Vonn Redd. "What in the fucking hell!?"

Before things could escalate further, Vincent quickly radioed in to assure the Admiral, "Admiral, I'm alive and healthy! Unfortunately, my ship ASHLEY was destroyed..."

Admiral Vonn Redd responded, "No matter, boy. We'll get a replica of your ship after all of this is over. I'm just glad you're alive."

Vincent, his voice filled with relief and gratitude, replied, "Thank you very much, Admiral!"

After being reassured by Vincent's survival, Admiral Vonn Redd, still curious, asked, "How the hell did you even survive the crash? And how did you get a spare space fighter?"

Vincent explained, "I launched my escape pod before ASHLEY crashed and landed far away from hostile territory." He added, "Fortunately, Gunn noticed me and offered me his space fighter!"

Admiral Vonn Redd, now even more shocked, exclaimed, "What the hell!?" Rhox's laughter could be heard in the background, adding to the incredulity of the situation.

Admiral Vonn Redd pressed further, asking Vincent, "Then where is Gunn right now!?"

Rhox, still amused, chimed in, "Don't you get it, old man? The mad lad's running rampant on foot!" Her laughter echoed once again, highlighting the absurdity of the scenario.

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting an ominous shadow over the land, the once vibrant skies transform into a tapestry of darkness. The encroaching night swallows the remnants of daylight, creating an eerie, foreboding atmosphere. Yet, amidst this cloak of night, a fiery inferno rages on, its flames defiantly illuminating the chaos and devastation that surrounds it. The inferno's flickering light dances across the landscape, highlighting the scars of war etched into the earth. The air crackles with the electric energy of conflict, as enemies seethe with unbridled fury, their eyes ablaze with a burning desire for vengeance.

As the battle rages on, the atmosphere becomes a symphony of fury, resonating with the cacophony of thunderous explosions, and the piercing cries of a thousand combatants. The sky above mirrors the tumult below, as flashes of light and bursts of fire punctuate the darkness. The air itself seems to vibrate with the intensity of the conflict, as if it were a living entity caught in the throes of a violent storm. Each gust carries with it the weight of desperation, the palpable tension of a war that has consumed the hearts and minds of those involved.

The deafening roar of engines fills the sky, drowning out all other sounds, as the flyers streak through the air like avenging angels, their engines howling in defiance. The relentless, almost primal sounds of their engines seem to tear through the fabric of night, asserting their presence with unyielding force. The very fabric of reality seems to tremble under the weight of their speed, their presence a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dare to challenge the chaos of battle. The night sky, once a serene canvas, now serves as a backdrop for this high-stakes aerial ballet, where every move could mean life or death.

Deep beneath the surface, where darkness reigns and secrets lie dormant, an untapped world of potential awaits discovery. In these shadowy depths, a solitary figure stands poised, ready to seize the opportunities that beckon from the unseen depths below.

The darkness blankets the world, casting a shroud of mystery and intrigue over the landscape. The moon, a mere sliver in the vast expanse of the sky, offers little solace or guidance to those who seek its light. The wind howls through the trees, its whispers carrying an eerie, almost otherworldly quality, as it rustles through the dense foliage.

Within the depths of the forest, cloaked in an impenetrable shroud of darkness, a creature of immense size prowls with an eerie grace. Despite its colossal form, it moves with a silent, almost supernatural precision. This formidable beast, the very embodiment of raw power, roams the forest near the towering walls of the kingdom of Lavina, its presence a constant reminder of the dangers that lurk in the shadows.

Clutching two gleaming blades tightly within his grasp, Gunn, a formidable figure encased in his sturdy exoskeleton, knows that his best chance for success lies in the realm beneath his feet...the ground. His mandibles emit a subtle clicking sound, a telltale sign of his amusement, as he stealthily traverses the dense woods. Each step he takes is calculated, his senses heightened to their peak, drawing him closer to what appears to be a formidable gate embedded within the towering wall.

As Gunn casts his gaze upon the scene before him, he beholds a sight that stirs a sense of opportunity deep within him. The gate, imposing and seemingly impenetrable, represents both a challenge and a chance. His eyes, glinting with determination, take in every detail, assessing the best approach. The towering walls of Lavina stand as a testament to the kingdom's strength and resilience, but to Gunn, they are merely another obstacle to overcome.

With a silent resolve, Gunn continues his approach, the darkness enveloping him like a cloak. The forest, with its dense canopy and shadowy underbrush, provides the perfect cover for his movements. He is a predator in his element, his every sense attuned to the task at hand. The subtle sounds of the forest, the rustle of leaves, and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures, all blend into a symphony that guides him forward.

In this moment, Gunn is more than just a warrior; he is a force of nature, driven by a relentless determination to achieve his goal. The darkness, far from being a hindrance, is his ally, concealing his movements and adding to the aura of fear that surrounds him. As he nears the gate, his grip on his blades tightens, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

Twenty soldiers stood in a formidable formation, their figures cloaked in an imposing aura of mechanized armor. Each warrior appeared heavily armed, their weapons gleaming ominously in the dim light. Their sheer size, magnified by the encasing exoskeletons, lent an air of invincibility to their presence.

Gunn assessed the situation, recognizing that the sole impediment preventing the flyers from causing damage to the kingdom was the deployed shield dome. From this observation, he concluded that he must break through the walls via the gate and locate the mechanism operating the shield dome. However, to achieve this, he first needed to eliminate the soldiers guarding the entrance to the wall. He devised what he believed to be a brilliant plan.

Partially masked by the sounds of distant explosions, a scream echoed through the woods.

"Help!!"

In the eerie darkness of the night, a Heavy soldier, burdened by the weight of his armor, was suddenly jolted from his reverie. His heart pounded in his chest as the blood-curdling scream pierced the air, sending shivers down his spine. With a trembling hand, he tightened his grip on his weapon and cautiously began to make his way toward the sinister origin of the chilling cry. "Is... is anyone there!?" bellowed the Heavy soldier, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and desperation.

His heart pounded as he ventured deeper into the darkness, the beam of his light casting an eerie glow on the gnarled branches that seemed to reach out like twisted fingers. The shadows danced and writhed in the darkness, creating an unsettling atmosphere that heightened his sense of dread. Each step felt heavier than the last, and the oppressive silence that enveloped him was occasionally broken by the distant sounds of battle, adding to his growing unease.

As he moved forward, the flickering light in his hand cast fleeting glimpses of the forest around him, revealing only hints of movement and dark shapes. His senses were on high alert, and every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig made him flinch. The soldier's heart raced, and his breaths came in short, shallow gasps as he navigated the treacherous terrain. The scream had drawn him into the depths of the forest, and now, surrounded by darkness and uncertainty, he pressed on, driven by a mix of duty and fear.

His mind raced with thoughts of what might lie ahead, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. The shadows seemed to close in around him, and the forest, once familiar, now felt alien and threatening. As he continued, the weight of his armor and the intensity of his fear bore down on him, making each step a struggle.

The soldier's determination wavered, but he pushed forward, knowing that he had to find the source of the scream and ensure the safety of his comrades. The oppressive darkness and the unknown threats that lurked within it tested his resolve, but he steeled himself, ready to face whatever awaited him in the depths of the forest.

"Help!! I'm injured!" The desperate plea echoed from deep within the brush, a trembling voice filled with terror. It was a cry for salvation.

"Alright! I'm coming! Where are you?" replied the Heavy soldier as he dashed through the underbrush, his armor clanking with each hurried step.

"I'm right behind you..."

The soldier's heart pounded in his chest as a chilling breeze whispered through the desolate forest. His senses were heightened, every nerve on edge, as he strained to hear the faintest of sounds. A shiver crawled up his spine, causing him to freeze in his tracks. A sinister silence enveloped the air, broken only by the distant echoes of his breath. And then, as if summoned from the depths of darkness itself, a series of ominous clicks pierced the stillness, echoing through the night.

With a sudden, bone-chilling urgency, he whipped his body around, his heart racing in his chest. The air grew heavy with an ominous silence as he desperately raised his rifle, his trembling hands struggling to find their target. But alas, time slipped through his fingers like sand in an hourglass, and the malevolent presence lurking behind him struck with merciless swiftness.

Gunn's insatiable hunger drove him to feast upon the unfortunate soul's head, his mandibles crushing bone and flesh with a sickening crunch. The gruesome sound echoed through the forest, a macabre symphony of death.

"One down," Gunn stated, his voice filled with a dark satisfaction as he savored his grisly victory.

The forest around them seemed to hold its breath, the eerie silence punctuated only by the distant sounds of battle. The Heavy soldier's lifeless body slumped to the ground, his armor now nothing more than a hollow shell. Gunn stood over his fallen prey, his eyes gleaming with a predatory gleam. He relished the moment, his senses alive with the thrill of the hunt.

AAfter ruthlessly slaying the Heavy soldier, Gunn's heart pounded with a sinister thrill. The lifeless body lay before him, a grotesque testament to his dark power. But he wasn't finished yet. Oh no, far from it. With a twisted smile curling upon his mandibles, Gunn devised a wicked plan. He would mimic the fallen soldier's voice, a haunting echo that would pierce the night and send shivers down the spines of those foolish enough to listen. It was a macabre symphony of deception, a siren's call that would lure the unsuspecting Heavy soldiers back into his clutches.

"Arghhh!! Enemy Hostile over here!" Gunn bellowed, his voice a chilling imitation of the fallen soldier's.

The scream was so loud and convincing that the entire platoon was soon seen by Gunn, entering the forest in a rush.

"That was Elerick," one of the Heavy soldiers whispered, his voice barely audible amidst the eerie silence that enveloped the dense forest. The moon, shrouded by ominous clouds, cast a pale, ghostly glow upon the gnarled branches that reached out like skeletal fingers, as if beckoning the soldiers deeper into the heart of darkness.

The Heavy Soldier Captain replied, "Be careful, watch your surroundings...and watch the shadows."

As the whole platoon moved toward the origin of the sound, a voice was heard once again, more desperate this time.

"I'm stuck beneath this mound!!"

The platoon quickly headed to the origin of the voice and saw a mound. From that mound, a mechanized armored hand was sticking out, a beacon of false hope.

"There he is! Elerick, are you all right!?" one of the Heavy soldiers shouted with relief.

With trepidation, the Heavy soldier cautiously advanced towards the mysterious mound. The moonlight cast eerie shadows, heightening the sense of foreboding that hung heavy in the air. As he extended his hand towards the mound, a shiver ran down his spine, for he sensed an unseen malevolence lurking in the darkness. But as his fingers grasped Elerick's hand within the mound, a wave of horror washed over him. The soldier recoiled in terror, his heart pounding in his chest, as he realized that what he had unearthed was not a complete body. It was an arm, severed from its torso, a gruesome testament to the unspeakable horrors that lay hidden in this accursed place.

His scream of horror pierced the night, alerting the rest of the platoon to the gruesome discovery. The realization that they had walked into a trap spread like wildfire among the soldiers, their fear palpable. The forest, once a haven of silence, was now a theater of dread and death, orchestrated by Gunn's cruel ingenuity.

The Heavy Soldier Captain barked orders, trying to regain control over the panicked troops, "Stay sharp, everyone! Form a perimeter and prepare for an ambush!"

Gunn, lurking in the shadows, watched with predatory glee as the soldiers scrambled to follow their captain's orders. The thrill of the hunt coursed through his veins as he prepared to strike again, knowing that the element of surprise was now his greatest weapon. The night was far from over, and the hunt had only just begun.

Perched high above the dense canopy of trees, Gunn fixated his gaze on the unsuspecting Heavy Soldier Captain below. With lightning speed, he unsheathed his deadly dual blades, their glinting edges gleaming with a deadly hunger. In one fluid motion, Gunn descended upon his prey, his blades slicing through the Captain's mechanized armor with effortless precision. The Captain, caught completely off guard, could do nothing but succumb to the merciless onslaught. Gunn's blades tore through the once formidable defense as if it were mere paper, leaving the Captain powerless and defeated.

"Valkaryann!!" shouted one of the Heavy Soldiers, causing the others to turn their attention towards Gunn.

Without wasting a single moment, the Heavy Soldiers unleashed a relentless barrage of bullets from their fully automatic machine guns. Their fingers danced on the triggers with deadly precision, and the air crackled with the deafening roar of gunfire. Gunn found himself caught in the crossfire, the leaden projectiles whizzing past him like vengeful spirits intent on their mark.

Gunn's laughter echoed through the air, a wild and untamed sound that sent shivers down the spines of his enemies. With lightning reflexes, he deflected each bullet that hurtled towards him, his blades spinning in a mesmerizing dance of steel. The metallic clash filled the battlefield, a symphony of danger and defiance. Gunn's eyes blazed with fierce determination, his every movement a testament to his skill and mastery. The bullets, mere playthings in his hands, were no match for his unwavering resolve.

With a swift and agile leap, Gunn catapulted himself into the air, soaring like a phantom through the darkness. His movements were fluid and precise, as if he were born to defy gravity. The shadows embraced him, becoming his allies in this thrilling escapade. With each passing moment, he became one with the night, disappearing into the abyss, leaving behind only a sense of awe and wonder.

"Stick together! Stick together!" shouted one of the Heavy Soldiers as they hastily retreated towards the walls, their voices tinged with a mix of fear and desperation. The call to regroup was a desperate attempt to maintain some semblance of order amidst the chaos that Gunn had unleashed.

As the soldiers scrambled to regroup, the echoes of their retreating footsteps and the fading gunfire created an eerie symphony in the night.

Gunn observed the situation and quickly deduced that engaging the Heavy infantry in an open field would be risky, especially with the possibility of reinforcements. Thus, he formulated a plan to counter the threat.

As the soldiers made their way towards the wall, scanning for any signs of vulnerability, a loud boom echoed through the air. It sounded as if something massive had fallen. Continuing on their path, they encountered a series of collapsed trees, strewn across the region, creating an imposing barricade that blocked their advance.

"S-Shit! The path's blocked, man!" exclaimed one of the Heavy soldiers, his voice tinged with frustration and fear.

"Calm yourself down. Do you really think a single Valkaryann can defeat eighteen Heavy infantry?" replied another Heavy soldier, attempting to reassure his comrade with a tone of forced confidence.

As the moon cast an eerie glow upon the desolate battlefield, the platoon's laughter echoed through the night. It was a feeble attempt to stave off the encroaching darkness that surrounded them. Unbeknownst to them, their laughter only served to summon the lurking horrors that lay in wait, hungry for the taste of mortal fear.

In the eerie stillness of the night, a shiver ran down their spines as they became acutely aware of the ominous clicking sounds that echoed through the darkness. Each click reverberated through the air, sending chills down their spines and causing their hearts to race with a nameless dread. The sound seemed to emanate from all directions, as if the very shadows themselves were whispering in their ears.

"It's near..." murmured one of the Heavy soldiers, his voice barely audible over the sinister clicking that enveloped them.

The air grew heavy with an eerie silence as the clicking sounds that had haunted them relentlessly ceased. The darkness seemed to thicken, suffocating their senses, as if the very shadows held their breath in anticipation. A shiver crawled up their spines as they stood frozen amid an unknown terror. The absence of sound was more unsettling than the cacophony that had plagued their every step.

"Where has it gone?" murmured the Heavy soldier, his voice barely audible in the oppressive silence.

In the eerie stillness that followed, the very ground beneath their feet quivered with ominous anticipation. Suddenly, as if summoned by some unholy force, the earth itself split open with a bone-chilling crack. From the gaping chasm emerged Gunn, a figure of pure malevolence and dread. With horrifying swiftness, Gunn's monstrous form lunged forward, his gnarled fingers closing around the unsuspecting Heavy soldier. The unfortunate soul let out a bloodcurdling scream as he was mercilessly dragged down into the bowels of the earth, swallowed whole by the unforgiving abyss.

"H-Help me!" the Heavy soldier shouted desperately as he was being dragged into the earth.

With a heart as cold as steel, another Heavy soldier, fueled by ruthless determination, disregarded the knowledge that their comrade lay trapped within the depths of the hole. Ignoring the pleas of their conscience, they callously hurled an incendiary grenade into the abyss, unleashing a fiery inferno with the sole purpose of engulfing Gunn in its merciless flames.

"Die, beast!" the Heavy soldier exclaimed, his voice echoing with grim resolve.

Undeterred, Gunn had stealthily departed from the safety of the burrow, his heart pounding with adrenaline. With the element of surprise on his side, he swiftly closed in on one of the formidable Heavy soldiers, who was vulnerably exposed in the open. In one swift, calculated motion, Gunn unsheathed his weapon and unleashed a devastating strike, cleaving the soldier in half with a single, merciless stroke. The air crackled with the intensity of the moment as Gunn's audacious act reverberated through the battlefield.

"There he is!" shouted a Heavy soldier, his voice tinged with alarm as he fired his weapon towards Gunn.

Gunn, with a sinister glint in his eyes, cunningly seized the half-mutilated body of the Heavy soldier he had ambushed. With a twisted smile, he positioned the hideous remains as a grotesque shield, a macabre barrier between himself and the relentless onslaught of bullets. With a sinister grace, he lunged forward, his elongated mandibles gleaming in the moonlight.

The Heavy soldier, oblivious to the impending horror, continued to unleash a barrage of bullets. In one swift motion, Gunn tore into the soldier's face, leaving a trail of crimson in his wake. The air was thick with the stench of fear and the echoes of a battle that had taken a chilling turn. And in the blink of an eye, he vanished into the ethereal abyss, leaving behind only a chilling void. Like a phantom in the night, he slipped away, his presence swallowed by the darkness. No trace, no sound, just an eerie emptiness that sent shivers down their spines.

"The Valkaryann's over here! Help!" shouted a voice deep within the darkness.

The rest of the platoon responded, heading in the direction of the call, only to be ambushed from behind. Gunn was imitating the voices of those he killed, which confused the entire platoon, leading to their confusion and, eventually, their demise.

Gunn was successful in the elimination of the whole Heavy infantry platoon and proceeded to the location of the gate. To his joy, there was none left guarding the gate, and there was no reinforcement visible.

With fierce determination burning in his eyes, Gunn exploded into motion. His powerful legs propelled him forward, muscles flexing with every stride. Like a force of nature, he barreled towards the gate, his massive frame driving him with unstoppable momentum. With a resounding crash, Gunn collided with the gate, his sheer power shattering the metal as if it were mere paper. The sound of twisted metal filled the air, a testament to the raw strength pulsating through his veins. Nothing could stand in his way, not when he unleashed his full might upon the obstacle before him.

In a split second, a deafening alarm blared throughout the compound, jolting Gunn from his thoughts. The blaring siren signaled one thing and one thing only - an intruder had breached the gates.

"What a way to welcome someone, now where's that switch?" Gunn stated nonchalantly, his voice a low growl of determination.