Alden stared at the Defiled Beast, his gaze growing solemn.
With the setting sun, its appearance seemed especially ominous.
It stood on four powerful legs, wrapped in silver fur and stared back at him hungrily, its eerie, tenebrous eyes locked onto his figure. A large shadow formed underneath its slender yet muscular frame, making it appear much vaster and mightier than it was.
Coupled with the gleaming, razor-sharp teeth that had doubtless drank the blood of numerous humans and Defiled alike, the abomination looked like the product of a nightmare.
And it wasn't wrong to think so…
For everything after the Great Collision, was indeed, one whole dreadful ordeal.
Shaking his head, Alden studied the Defiled wolf, increasing his grip on the dagger.
He only had to watch out for its claws and fangs. Everything else could be ignored to a certain extent.
Ensuring Ignia was safe with the metal disk, Alden dashed towards the abomination, his eyes craving a good fight. Adrenaline coursed through his veins, threatening to undo his focus. However, the young man kept a lid on his emotions, knowing it would be detrimental if he surrendered to the exhilarating thrill.
The wolf growled and responded in kind, kicking against the ground with its hind feet to propel itself forward. Alden's mind slipped into a battle-ready state, his senses suddenly much more heightened from the combat high.
Just as he neared the abomination, the Defiled lunged at him, its razor-sharp maw seeking to skewer him whole. Staying calm, Alden stepped aside, bringing his dagger up to meet the powerful jaw.
Sparks flew between them, and he involuntarily took a step back.
Even if it was just a mere Beast, there was a noticeable difference in strength between a Defiled and a human.
He knew that once the Defilement infected a creature, forever altering its very being in a profane and perverse manner, the new abomination would receive a boost to its physical attributes. Perhaps only those Champions who could augment themselves physically had a chance to hold on and not be pushed back, but Alden wasn't one of them.
He transferred the wolf's momentum towards his legs and sensing the sudden opening; he channelled mana to his free fist and punched the creature in the gut.
The abomination roared in pain, its bloodshot eyes gaining a darker hue.
Alden grinned, a satisfied yet mocking grin gracing his face.
'...Not yet.'
He would not use his decay just yet.
He wanted to toy with the Beast a little.
Shifting slightly, he thrust the dagger towards the wolf's eye.
As if sensing his intent, the wolf instinctively raised its claw to block the attack.
Grinning wildly, the world around Alden slowed. With [Haste] activated, it felt like he was as light as a feather.
And he made the most of that, for just then, the young man sent a devastating feint…
And stabbed the Defiled in the shoulder!
Alden twisted the knife deeper.
The wolf's cries were like music to his ears. His grin stretched, grateful for the opportunity to let off some steam.
As time passed, the creature's growls became louder and more urgent. Unfortunately for the poor wolf, its cries were suppressed by the metal disk.
Soon, the flame of life tethering the Defiled to the world of the living flickered, on the verge of being extinguished. It lay pathetically on the ground, large stab wounds marring each one of its limbs.
The abomination whimpered weakly, a hint of fear breaking through its blood lust.
Alden gazed down at it from above, his expression solemn. It was as if he was about to hand out his judgment on the poor beast.
As the harbinger of death…
Nothing less would do.
The young man took a deep breath and struck.
Just as his dagger was about to pierce the abomination's hide, Alden suddenly registered the presence of two more Defiled lunging at him from the shadows. The anticipation in his gaze burgeoned like a rising tide.
He had originally wanted to try out the skill on the first wolf.
But this…
This would work.
Alden grinned.
His dignified air shattered.
Following his command, four inky-black tentacles manifested from his back. They were shadowy and indistinct. In the next moment, however, they solidified and a cold air seemed to seep into the surroundings.
The very forest seemed to darken as well. The tentacles shot towards his foes, two for each wolf.
Within an instant, the Defiled found their front legs bound, and then suddenly without warning, their paws were no more. The abominations careened toward the ground face-first, their pained growls muffled and dying in their throats.
Alden whistled internally at the utility of his new skill.
'Neat.'
Then he chuckled, watching the comical sight of the harrowing Defiled eating a mouthful of dirt.
At the same time, he stabbed the first wolf and manipulated the [Dark Tentacles] to dispose of the other two.
Alden's temple throbbed under the strain, but he ignored it.
It was better to finish off the abominations as soon as possible.
The Defiled he had stabbed growled indignantly, but it could do nothing apart from futilely resist.
Fetid black blood spilt onto the verdant grass as slowly it bled out.
Shortly after, it died.
Alden took a moment to survey his handiwork and grinned, wiping the sweat on his forehead with his sleeve.
Ignia glided down from her spot and landed on his shoulder.
She stared intensely at the dead wolf.
Turning to face her, Alden swore her amber eyes were sparkling.
He chuckled.
"Don't worry, we'll be having your favourite for dinner."
The little phoenix cried, a torrent of joy assaulting Alden through their bond.
He smiled, very glad that he had Ignia with him. He didn't know what he would have done without a companion like her.
'...Probably go mad.'
Alden winced and shook his head.
Then, he retrieved the metal disk from his bracelet.
He quickly got to work skinning the dead Beast, ensuring his surroundings remained concealed.
His expression contorted at the sensation, repulsed even though he had done it numerous times as a porter.
Shaking his head again, Alden focused.
Before he knew it, the task was finished. He stripped the wolf of its hide, fat, meat, and other important parts.
All that remained was a pile of bones.
'...How pitiful.'
Alden couldn't help but pity the abomination slightly.
Unfortunately for the corrupted wolf, it had sought to end his life and paid the corresponding price.
Clicking his tongue, Alden shifted his neck, gazing at the canopy. By his estimation, there was only an hour until the sun fully set.
He had at least an hour more of travelling until he set up camp.
'Ugh.'
Releasing a dejected sigh, Alden forced his tired body to move.
The draconic maw and waterfall were waiting.