What should I do? I-I have caused trouble to someone again. I can't move, I can't talk, and I can't even think straight. It's just like back then.
Then memories of the past started popping up inside my head. It was the memory I had back in Eashten during the Goliath Incident.
Back then when my father died... I couldn't do anything. I wasn't able to help him... All I did was watch him get killed by the Giant Calamity right before my eyes while hugging my sister. Cowering in fear with eyes in despair.
I have to do something!
I am conscious however, I can't move. Maybe I am scared? Maybe I'm having a panic attack due to remembering my past trauma? Or maybe I was wallowing the guilt because I was the one who killed those people. Those knights... Because I... I brought that monster here.
"It's all my fault."
I stared blankly at my handful of blood. With eyes pleading for help.
"I killed them."
I continued to mumble to myself.
"I can't do this anymore."
"Hey! Don't just sit there mumbling!"
A woman's voice reached my ears.
"Snap out of it and help me idiot!"
She added.
When I look towards her direction I saw her clashing with the mutated ant. She was severely wounded, covered in blood, and barely standing.
Arcs of light flashes as she strikes to the enemy with multiple slashes. Was it a skill? I'm not sure but, I knew one thing...that this girls is fighting to protect me.
I have to move.
I have to fight!
I can't just let her do this alone!
This time I will take full responsibility for my action!
I'm the one who made this mess!
Now it's time to finish this!
I then stood up and left the bag I'm carrying on the side. I grabbed the short sword on the right hand and the dagger on the left. I also left the shield along with the baggage because it's defense is going to be useless against the formidable foe.
I dashed my way into the battle field with one swoop and manage to cut off one of the ant's Antennae. I stood up infront of the girl heroically even though I was covered in all blood. I was still acting cool.
"Stand aside and let me handle the rest."
I said with a deep and cool voice.
The girl look up at me with eyes gleaming with admiration.
"Ugk!" she snapped out of it. "Shut your trap! Don't give me that crap!"
She shouted at me wearing a face that's as red as a tomato.
She regained her stance as I cover her from the possible ant's attack.
"The ant was badly hurt. Possibly because it's vulnerable spot is it's head."
Looking on to it, the ant seems to be struggling even though it looked like the damage it took was merely a scratch.
"it's a good sign that the mutated ant isn't showing off signs of regeneration. It'll be hard if it does."
"Yeah..."
I agree to what the girl had said.
"Say, white haired lad. What's your name?"
The girl asked quizzically.
What is this all of the sudden? Well, maybe it's hard to call someone boy or white haired lad in the battle field right?
"It's Fenri. Fenri Hounds, how about you?"
I decided to give her my name but in exchange she'd give me hers.
"It's Yamada Shizuoka. My surname is Yamada and my name is Shizuoka, I was one of the few tribes with an unknown origin. It was part of our culture to name children in this format so, our surname is written first before our name."
"Wow, that's an unique naming sense it's cute and suits you."
Puff!
The girls face reddened again and it was as if she's releasing off steam on top of her head.
"I don't have any scrolls anymore. I tried using lighting and fire magic to that thing earlier but it didn't work because of how hard it's exoskeleton are. It's a real pain."
"So, you couldn't damage it using Magic huh... That's really troublesome... We should think of another way to defeat it!"
"There's no time to think! Look's like the monster is going to strike soon. Get ready."
We prepared our stance and was ready for battle at any given moment.
The monster, I, and Shizuoka exchanged gaze with each other as we fell in silence. The dungeon was cold and dark so it's really hard to fight here since the only light source we use is from the crystals and ores.
The Monster's Bright red pupils and my Bright red eyes glowed into the dark place as we gazed to each other.
I really need to be careful since Shizuoka is badly wounded. This is a though one.
The air in the dungeon thrummed with a tension that was almost tangible, a metallic tang filling my nostrils. The mutated ant, a grotesque parody of nature, stood before us, its dark, metallic exoskeleton glinting in the flickering torchlight.
A single antennae, jagged and broken, drooped from its head, a testament to our earlier attack. Despite its wound, the creature was a whirlwind of fury, its razor-sharp claws flashing like daggers as it whirled and lunged, its wings beating furiously as it circled, a predator stalking its prey.
"It's becoming too strong,"
Shizuoka whispered, her voice ragged, her grip tightening on the katana at her side. Her own injuries were evident, her once-bright clothes are now stained crimson.
"Yeah, it's releasing even more of it's ominous aura."
I knew she was barely holding on. The ant, however, seemed to be growing in power, its movements becoming more fluid, its attacks more precise.
My heart pounded in my chest, a frantic drumbeat against my ribs. My right hand, gripping the short sword, was numb with pain, a reminder of the creature's earlier attack.
My left hand, clutching the dagger, was slick with sweat, a mixture of fear and exertion. We were both on the edge, the precipice of defeat looming large.
I felt Shizuoka stiffen beside me, her body tense with anticipation. The ant, with a snarl that echoed through the dungeon, lunged. Its claws, like a storm of blades, struck out, aiming for both of us.
I pushed Shizuoka back, my left arm flying out to shield her, feeling the searing pain as the creature's claws raked across my flesh.
Shizuoka, her eyes flashing with a fierce determination, swung her katana, the blade whistling through the air. It met the creature's attack with a resounding clang, the impact echoing off the stone walls.
The creature recoiled, its momentum momentarily broken, its claws catching on the katana's edge. It shrieked in frustration, a sound that sent shivers down my spine.
Shizuoka released another flashing arc in mid air aiming at the ant.
I took advantage of the distraction, lunging forward with the short sword. The blade found its mark, but the creature's exoskeleton was so hard it didn't even left a scratch.
The ant deflected it, its movements becoming more and fore faster than usual with it's agility increased. It lashed out, its claws swiping at me, its wings beating wildly as it tried to regain its balance. Then it broke the short sword.
"Wha-!?"
I couldn't use my adaptability skill as of the moment because the Monster's physical attack is so powerful. That's why, no matter how I look at it the ant's blows and attack are too strong. I have either choices avoid or being wounded by the hit.
Shizuoka, her eyes burning with a fierce light, saw her chance. With a swift movement, she raised her katana, the blade glinting in the torchlight. She released the full potential of her skill to a maximum output.
"Out of the way!"
Her blade descended, a large flashing arc of light was sent cutting through the air, a testament to her skill and her unwavering determination. It met its mark, sinking deep into the creature's chest, a scream of pain echoing through the dungeon.
I felt a searing pain in my side, a sharp, burning sensation as the creature's claws tore through my flesh. I looked down, my vision blurring with pain, and saw the creature's claws embedded in my side.
I felt a wave of dizziness wash over me, my limbs growing heavy, my vision darkening.
But I didn't let go of the sword. I wouldn't let go. I held onto the sword, my grip tightening, my eyes fixed on the creature as it crumpled to the ground, its movements slowing, its life draining away.
The creature's roars turned into a series of whimpers, its movements growing slower, its eyes losing their intensity.
The monster was still standing.
I fell to my knees, my body trembling with exhaustion, my vision fading, the taste of blood filling my mouth.
"It's not over yet"
I said.
"We can't stay here for too long, I might collapse any moment."
Shizuoka whispered, her voice strained.
She clutched her sword, her hand trembling.
That attack was the last she was now burn out. Coughing up blood as she clutches her sword she's not showing our enemy any weakness. Even though she is badly injured she's still standing to fight.
It had been a long battle, the fight dragging on for what felt like an eternity. The enemy, a creature twisted and monstrous, surged forward, its roars echoing off the cold stone walls.
I knew her fear, the fear that gripped my own heart. This was a fight we couldn't win, not with the strength we had left. I gritted my teeth, the metallic taste of blood filling my mouth. My own wounds screamed in protest with every movement.
"We have to get out of here." I murmured, my voice hoarse. "But, if we escape now, this deadly creature will roam around the dungeon freely and might kill more innocent lives."
"That's true. But, how? How can we defeat it with our current state?" Her eyes were wide with desperation.
I glanced at the flickering torches, the only light in this abyss.
"We'll use them, distract it to get close to it's vital points."
The creature was closer now, its claws tearing at the air. I could feel the heat of its rage, feel the tremors of its power. We were both on the edge, a precipice from which there was no return.
"The ant is such a formidable foe how do you plan on doing that?" the girl said, her voice cracking. She stumbled, her legs giving way. "We're done, aren't we?"
"No, just trust me." I said, my voice firm despite the fear that threatened to consume me. "We can still win this battle."
She looked at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and hope. "You're crazy," she whispered.
I held her gaze, my heart hammering against my ribs. "Maybe," I admitted, "but at least I'm crazy with a purpose."
I reached for my dagger, the cold steel a reassuring weight in my hand. It wasn't much, but it was all I had left. I wouldn't let it be enough. I wouldn't let her die.
"We have to make a stand," I said, pushing her behind me. She didn't argue, she just nodded, her eyes filled with a silent plea.
The monster was upon us, its claws extended, a whirlwind of fury. I stood my ground, the small dagger a beacon in the darkness. The girl's eyes widened as the monster lunged. A scream caught in her throat.
"Stay back!" I roared, my voice cracking with the effort.
I raised my dagger, the cold steel gleaming in the dim light. It was a dance of desperation, a final stand against the encroaching darkness. The monster's claws grazed my arm, tearing through the fabric of my tunic, and I cried out, the pain a white-hot flare in my veins. But I didn't falter. I pressed on, the image of the girl's terrified face fueling my resolve. I would not let her die. Not while I could still stand.
I felt a new wave of exhaustion wash over me, my limbs screaming in protest. The monster roared, and I braced myself for the final blow. My vision blurred, the sounds of the battle fading into a muffled roar.
I closed my eyes, a prayer forming on my lips. I prayed for a miracle, for a glimpse of the old magic, the magic I dreamed of restoring.
But there was no miracle. Only the cold, harsh reality of the dungeon. I was going to die here, and I would die alone. I could feel the monster's power swirling around me, threatening to consume me.
But then, a flicker of movement caught my eye. Shizuoka was standing, her eyes wide with terror. She had her hand on her Katana.
"Run!" she screamed, her voice filled with a desperate hope. "Get out of there!"
I wanted to save her and fight to the fullest. I knew that her survival was more important than mine. So I closed my eyes, and I let go. And as the darkness consumed me, I saw a glimmer of light, a tiny flame dancing in the wind.
And I knew, with a heart filled with grief, that this was the end of my dream, the end of my journey. But it wasn't the end for Shizuoka. She had a future, a chance to make a difference.
The monster's roar echoed through the cavern, a symphony of fury and despair. Its claws ripped at the air, each strike a blur of death aimed at the girl. She flinched, a whimper escaping her lips, her eyes wide with fear. I knew I had to act, and act fast.
I was already on the brink of collapse, my body screaming in protest with every movement. But there was no room for self-pity, no time for weakness. I was a shield, a wall between her and the monster's savage fury.
My heart pounded against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat in the silence of the dungeon. I felt the heat of the monster's rage as it lunged, its claws aimed for the girl's head. There was no time to think, only instinct.
I stepped forward, my weakened body protesting in every fiber of my being. I braced myself, pushing my weight into the monster's assault, and felt a searing pain rip through my shoulder as the monster's claws grazed my flesh. But I didn't falter. I held my ground, my resolve solidified by the sheer will to protect her.
"GRAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH"
I shouted with my voice cracking.
I felt a surge of adrenaline, a primal force coursing through my veins. It was like a jolt of lightning, a spark igniting the embers of my dying strength.
The monster roared in pain as I deflected its attack, its momentum throwing it off balance. This was my chance. I used my adaptability skill to reinforce my body to make it immune to it's attack. I wasn't able to use this earlier since the ant's blow was really hard and powerful.
I saw the flicker of fear in the girl's eyes, and it fueled me. I wouldn't let her die. Not while I still had breath.
With a final surge of adrenaline, I lunged forward, my dagger glinting in the dim light. I saw the monster's eyes widen with surprise, its claws falling away from the girl. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat a drum of defiance, each breath a prayer whispered in the face of death. My dagger found its mark, sinking deep into the monster's skull, its steel meeting bone with a sickening crunch.
I felt the monster's power drain, its roars turning into a choked whimper before silence descended, the only sound the heavy rasp of my own ragged breathing. Now the mutated ant is dead. We have defeated the monster using every that we had at our disposal. Using every bit of my strength the ant died with my dagger sticking on it's head.
"We won!"
I broke free.
Shizuoka still couldn't process the what's happening. She had this fear mixed with quizzical look in her face.
And then, I suddenly fell into my knees. The world faded around me, a swirling vortex of black and white. I felt myself falling, falling into the abyss, my body a shattered shell, my strength depleted. But before the darkness could engulf me, I saw a glimmer of light, a tiny flame dancing in the wind.
It was Shizuoka, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and awe. She was safe.
"Hey! Fenri!"
She tapped into me as I was losing my consciousness and was about to collapse due to exhaustion.
I had done what I had to do. Yet, she was crying over me.
"You can't die yet idiot!"
"He..h.."
I cracked a smile.
And in that moment, as the darkness claimed me, I knew that even in the heart of the dungeon, there was still a glimmer of hope.
There was still a spark.
Then I lost my consciousness.
***
"Get a hold of yourself!"
I shouted, I started panicking because Fenri is unconscious.
I can't let him die here! Not in a place like this. I still haven't been able to thank him for saving me. I need to stop the bleeding fast!
I ripped of the clothing on my sleeve tied it up together and wrapped the wounds on Fenri's body. I was wearing a clothing called Kimono so I have extra sleeve to rip off.
Blurg!
I started coughing blood again... It's because of the wound in my abdomen. I...I can't collapse yet! Not until...Then I fall to the ground. I have lost all my strength to even sit.
"Not now! Please!"I was about to fall in despair feeling hopeless without any thought of surviving. We were still in the lower floor the fourth floor to be exact.... Then at that moment. A glimmer lf hope had sprung.
I saw the Hero's team headed to the path we're the both of us are laying. I saw Akihiko Masada leading a search party to find us... With blood dripping all over the place, dead bodies on sight, and wounded survivors laying the team immediately rushed towards us and started treating our wounds...
"We're....saved...Fen....ri...."
that's when I finally lost consciousness.