The forest had become a shadowy realm, the moon a mere sliver in the sky, its silver light struggling to pierce the dense canopy. I, stood amidst the trees, my patience waning.
"This is growing tiresome," I muttered to myself. The thrill of the hunt was diminishing with each passing moment, and the night's embrace only added to the complexity of the task at hand.
I had dispatched two of the demon bandits, but ten still lurked within the forest's embrace, their laughter now tinged with unease as they sought their missing brethren. "Taking them out one by one is effective, but time-consuming," I thought. "Perhaps it's time for a more… direct approach."
With careful precision, I began to set traps throughout the forest. I conjured snares of shadow that blended seamlessly with the night, pits hidden beneath layers of leaves, and tripwires that would trigger cascades of entangling vines.
All the while, I kept a watchful eye on the demons, their movements becoming more frantic as they grouped together, seeking safety in numbers.
As fate would have it, a trio of demons, bolder and more foolish than the rest, stumbled into one of my larger traps. A pit, deep and lined with spikes conjured from the very essence of darkness.
Their fall was accompanied by a chorus of surprised shouts and the satisfying sound of my trap ensnaring its prey.
"Now," I whispered, a smile playing on my lips, "it's time to finish this mission."
I stepped out from my hiding place, my black flames ready at my command. But the demons were quicker than I anticipated. They had been wary, expecting an attack, and they descended upon me like a storm of fury and fangs.
The first demon, a hulking brute with skin like molten lava, swung a massive fist towards me. I ducked, feeling the rush of air as the blow missed by inches.
"You'll have to be faster than that," I taunted, my voice steady despite the adrenaline surging through me.
The second, a serpent-like creature with scales that glinted in the moonlight, lashed out with a whip-like tail. I leapt back, summoning a barrier of black fire to deflect the strike. "Is that all you've got?" I challenged, my confidence unshaken.
The third, a towering figure with wings that blotted out the stars, swooped down from above. I rolled aside, the ground where I had stood moments before now scorched by the demon's fiery breath. "You're going to have to try harder!" I shouted, my flames growing in intensity.
The battle raged on, the forest echoing with the sounds of combat. Each demon was formidable, their strength and ferocity evident in every move they made. But I was an A-rank mage, my power honed through countless battles.
The brute came at me again, but this time I was ready. I sidestepped and let loose a torrent of black fire, engulfing him in a conflagration that left nothing but ashes. One down.
The serpent-demon hissed in rage, its eyes burning with malice. It struck out with its tail once more, but I caught it in a grasp of dark flames, the magic searing through scales and flesh. With a scream that echoed through the night, it retreated, defeated. Two down.
The winged demon was the last to face me, its pride wounded by the fall of its comrades. It came at me with a barrage of fire and claw, but I stood my ground. "You think you can best me?" I roared, my own flames meeting its in a spectacular display of power.
The clash was titanic, the forest alight with our battle. But in the end, it was my fire that prevailed. The demon fell, its wings charred, its strength fading. Three down.
I stood amidst the chaos, my breathing heavy, my clothes singed but my spirit unbroken. Seven demons remained, but the tide had turned. Seven demon was still left, that it's definitly starting to be annoying.
The night was still young, and the mission was far from over. But I, was ready for whatever came next.
The forest's silence was a stark contrast to the earlier chaos of battle. I, had grown weary of the monotonous task of setting traps. The thrill of the hunt had been replaced by a mundane routine, and my stomach's growl reminded me that even a mage needs to eat.
I decided to take a break from the traps and turned my attention to hunting. The forest was home to many creatures, but I sought something substantial. It wasn't long before I spotted a majestic stag, its antlers a crown against the foliage.
" I'm sorry stag but I have to eat." I said before starting to move.
I moved with practiced stealth, blending into the shadows as I tracked the animal. The stag was cautious, its ears twitching at every sound, but I was patient.
When the moment was right, I struck. My black fire magic was going to help and with a small black flamme aimed at the stag, it touched it. The stag fell, and I gave a silent thanks for its sacrifice before preparing my meal. The meat was tender, the flavor rich and satisfying, a welcome respite from the rations I usually consumed.
" Time to do a nap." I said with my belly full.
I found a secluded spot to rest. The soft moss and the gentle rustle of leaves were a lullaby, lulling me into a light slumber. But peace was not to be mine for long.
The remaining demons, emboldened by their numbers, launched a frontal assault. I awoke to the sound of their battle cries, the air thick with the scent of malice. I sprang to my feet, ready to unleash my magic, but one demon—a sorcerer with eyes like voids—cast a spell that dampened my powers.
" Prepare to die now." said of the demon.
My magic flickered and died, leaving me to rely on my physical prowess. The demons were upon me, their strength formidable, their strikes relentless. I dodged and weaved, my training in hand-to-hand combat serving me well.
I landed punch after punch, each blow a testament to my skill, but the demons were many, and I was one.
A heavy fist connected with my jaw, a clawed hand raked across my arm, and for a moment, I faltered. "Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to accept this mission," I thought, the taste of blood in my mouth.
But then, out of nowhere, a blazing arrow of red flames struck the sorcerer demon, reigniting my magic. I seized the opportunity, my black flames returning with a vengeance.
I extended my hands, and the fire roared to life, engulfing the remaining demons in a conflagration that left nothing but ash and scorched earth.
"It was a grea…" My words were cut short as a figure tackled me to the ground, a knife pressed against my throat. A power unlike any I had felt before paralyzed me, rooting me to the spot.
"You are going to die too," the voice hissed, filled with a promise of death.