Seeing Nyssa return to the Guild after parting with her, Ethan realized that the unsettling churn in his stomach had come back.
The hunger he had long tried to ignore was resurfacing, gnawing at him slowly. He sighed heavily, and a throbbing in his forehead began an indication that this hunger was more than just a simple craving.
Ethan leaned against the cold, rough wall of the Guild, trying to control himself.
"This hunger... it's back. And it's stronger this time," he muttered quietly, his hand gripping his empty stomach. "My head feels heavy, a little dizzy... like something is pressing from within."
Valdraxx, the dark entity residing within Ethan, immediately responded, his voice echoing in Ethan's mind.
"That power demands its due, Ethan. You knew this would happen sooner or later. You haven't eaten anything substantial since yesterday." Valdraxx's voice was raspy but firm, reminding Ethan that the "Devourer Power" he wielded required much more energy than ordinary food could provide.
Ethan exhaled deeply, acknowledging the truth in Valdraxx's words. "You're right. Since I gained this power, regular food hasn't satisfied me anymore. In fact, the desire to consume something filled with energy... has only grown stronger." Ethan's voice was cold, though there was a hint of unease beneath it.
Ever since he had accepted the Devourer Power, he had felt stronger, but also more bound by the force. The energy he needed no longer came from normal food, but from something alive, something filled with Mana or Hyak that he could absorb to quell his growing, insatiable hunger.
Valdraxx chuckled softly, his voice like a cold wind. "You've finally accepted that reality. There's no going back. You must keep feeding this power, or it will consume you instead. But don't worry, we have a solution."
"What do you mean?" Ethan asked, though he knew where this conversation was heading.
"Let's head into the forest, Ethan. We'll find a creature that can satisfy your hunger. Open the book you got from that zoologist you might find notes about powerful creatures that can provide enough energy for you." Valdraxx explained, his tone cold but confident.
He knew that Ethan needed more than just weak creatures, and the forest surrounding the city was full of mysteries and dangers that might offer a worthy meal.
Ethan grabbed the large bag slung over his shoulder and opened the thick journal he had taken from the zoologist he had once killed.
The book was filled with rough sketches and detailed notes about creatures around Arkhana, some marked with symbols indicating their strength and threat level.
His eyes fell on several pages describing forest creatures capable of storing substantial amounts of Mana and Hyak, making them perfect candidates for "dinner."
Flipping through the pages quickly, Ethan squinted as he scanned the various sketches of strange creatures inhabiting the forest.
Suddenly, his finger stopped on an illustration that caught his attention.
The sketch depicted a thick-furred creature with large horns emitting a faint blue glow. Beneath the sketch was a name that was unfamiliar yet intriguing Nersin, Beast of the Blue Veil.
Ethan read the description carefully. "Nersin is a nocturnal creature that only appears at night," he murmured softly, recalling basic lessons about magical animals from the book.
"This creature has strong Mana, enough to sustain a mage for days."
In the sketch, Nersin appeared large, resembling a blend of a giant deer with muscular build and a horse. Its body was covered in thick fur that protected it from magical attacks, while its glowing horns were tools it used to absorb energy from the magical plants growing deep within the forest.
These plants were rich in Mana, and Nersin was one of the top predators that consumed them, making it feared by adventurers and mages alike.
"Nersin," Ethan pronounced the name carefully. "This creature might be enough to satisfy my hunger, at least for a while."
Valdraxx chuckled with satisfaction. "A good choice. Nersin has strong Mana. By consuming its horns, you'll feel your power increase, and that hunger will be satisfied, at least for a good while. And... you'll better understand how the Devourer Power works."
Ethan closed the book firmly, his eyes sharp as he gazed toward the forest growing dark in the distance. "Alright, let's go. If this creature can feed my hunger, I need to hunt it down before things get worse."
"A smart move, Ethan," Valdraxx's voice agreed.
"Set a trap, lure it out, and when it appears... we'll absorb its energy. But remember, Nersin is no ordinary creature. It can sense danger from afar. You'll need to be clever in hiding your presence."
Ethan nodded, knowing that hunting a creature as powerful as Nersin wouldn't be easy. With quick steps, he ventured into the forest, his eyes scanning for signs of Moonshade Flowers and fanged rabbits.
These glowing plants grew in Mana-rich areas, usually near streams or places with high humidity.
As he moved deeper into the forest, Ethan could feel the energy from the trees and the ground around him.
The atmosphere began to feel more magical, and Ethan knew he was getting closer to places rich in Mana.
Finally, near a small stream, he saw them a cluster of light blue flowers, their petals glowing faintly under the rising moonlight.
"Moonshade Flowers," Ethan muttered, a faint smile forming on his lips. "These should help lure Nersin."
He carefully picked a few flowers, ensuring their petals remained intact.
Valdraxx watched silently, seemingly satisfied with the progress. After pocketing a few flowers, Ethan continued his search, now looking for the fanged rabbit mentioned in the book.
"Be careful, Ethan," Valdraxx whispered again, his voice flowing gently in Ethan's mind.
"This forest may hide more dangers than it appears. But that's what makes it more thrilling, isn't it?"
Ethan didn't respond, focusing on his steady steps as he moved deeper into the forest.
There, among the shadows of the trees and the descending night mist, he would hunt the creature that could give him what he needed not just to satisfy his hunger but also to maintain control over the dark power that was slowly taking hold of him.
As night approached, the forest came alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures. Ethan listened closely, trying to catch the sound he was looking for the quick movement of a small creature in the bushes.
His ears picked up a faint rustling, and he immediately crouched behind the trees. Ahead, among the leaves, he spotted it a fanged rabbit, its glowing red eyes darting as it hopped swiftly through the undergrowth.
With careful movements, Ethan reached for his dagger. He knew he needed this rabbit alive to lure Nersin.
With a swift, practiced motion, he threw the dagger not to kill but to pin it into the ground just ahead of the rabbit. The creature froze in shock, and Ethan quickly leaped forward, catching it with precision.
The rabbit squirmed in his hands, its fangs bared threateningly. But Ethan carefully restrained it, tying its legs with a leather strap from his belt.
"Good," Valdraxx spoke again, pleased with their progress. "Now we have the right ingredients. Moonshade Flowers and a fanged rabbit. Let's set the trap for Nersin."
Ethan carried the rabbit and the flowers to a clearing in the forest, a strategic spot surrounded by trees where he could hide.
He tied the fanged rabbit to a small stake in the ground and arranged the glowing Moonshade Flowers around it. The light from the flowers softly illuminated the rabbit's fur, creating an enticing scene.
"Now, we wait," Ethan whispered, his eyes focused sharply on the darkness of the forest surrounding him.
Time passed slowly. The night deepened, and the forest grew silent. Only the sound of the wind and the rustling leaves kept Ethan company as he waited.
But he could feel the energy around him starting to shift. The air grew heavier, and the once tranquil forest suddenly felt tense.