The beast lets out a weakened roar, but Kael doesn't let up. He leaps onto its back, fists clenched, and delivers blow after blow, his fists crashing into the creature's thick hide with a force that sends shockwaves through the water. Each strike reverberates through the beast, and it begins to slow, its movements growing sluggish.
Kael's breaths come in ragged gasps, but his eyes burn with the fury of a man who will not be defeated. He grabs the beast's horn one final time, raising its head to meet his gaze. "This ends now."
With a primal roar, Kael thrusts his hand into the beast's chest, his fingers digging into the soft flesh between its armored scales. The creature convulses, its glowing eyes flickering as Kael punch its heart. He feels the pulse of its life force in his grip, and with one final, savage twist, he rips the heart free.
The beast goes limp instantly, its massive body collapsing into the sand with a final, defeated groan. Blood clouds the water, darkening the village below, but Kael stands tall above the fallen creature, chest heaving with exertion.
For a moment, there's nothing but silence. The villagers, his family, the hunters—everyone is frozen in shock, watching as the lifeless beast sinks further into the seabed.
Kael stares down at the creature, his hands still shaking from the adrenaline coursing through his veins. A slow, satisfied smile spreads across his face as he looks at his handiwork. "It finally died," he mutters under his breath, still catching his breath.
A cheer erupts from below. The village, once silent in terror, now roars with joy and disbelief. Kael turns, his eyes finding his family. Mira is sobbing, Eamon looks at him proudly, and Korin cheers loudly.
Kael's body relaxes, the tension finally leaving him. He smiles, knowing that they are safe. The fight is over, and he's won.
After that fateful day, the village never knew peace again. The Darkbound, shadowy and insidious creatures, continued to emerge from the depths, their presence a constant threat to the village. Each day brought a new battle, and every night was filled with the distant sounds of combat as the hunters defended their home.
Kael, having slain the massive sea beast, became their unrelenting champion. Every time a huge creature surfaced to threaten the village, it was Kael who rose to meet it. His reputation grew among the people, not just as a skilled warrior, but as something more—a legend. A man whose power seemed limitless, whose strength could match even the most terrifying creatures of the abyss.
Each battle took its toll, but Kael's determination never wavered. He fought tirelessly, driven by the promise he made to his family and the village. For five long years, he faced down every beast, every nightmare that emerged from the dark waters, killing them all with ruthless efficiency.
The villagers, once fearful and trembling, began to regain hope, taking solace in the fact that Kael was there to protect them. Yet, despite their confidence in him, a shadow of unease still lingered. The Darkbound remained, always lurking at the edge of the village, watching and waiting. But something strange happened—after Kael had defeated enough of the massive beasts, they simply stopped attacking.
One evening, Kael stands at the edge of the village, staring out into the vast, dark waters. His body is leaner and more scarred than it was five years ago, but he is stronger than ever. His sharp eyes scan the horizon, waiting for the familiar ripple in the water that usually heralds the arrival of a new threat. But tonight, there is nothing. No massive creature, no roar shaking the ocean, no threat to respond to.
Mira approaches him from behind, her soft footsteps muffled by the sand. She stops beside him, her gaze following his into the distance. "It's quiet," she says softly, her voice a mix of relief and uncertainty.
Kael nods, not tearing his eyes from the horizon. "Too quiet."
"It's been weeks since the last attack, son" Mira continues, glancing up at him. "The beasts… they've stopped coming."
"It's been weeks since the last attack," Mira continues, glancing up at him. "The beasts… they've stopped coming."
Kael's brow furrowing slightly. "Yeah. They're not stupid. They must've figured out that coming here is a death sentence."
Kael stands still, staring out at the dark ocean, his mind still on high alert. Despite the calm surface of the water, he can't shake the instinct to be ready for anything. His body is always on edge, even after weeks of peace. Mira, now fifty and showing the signs of her years—graying hair, lines around her eyes—stands beside him. Her presence is a comforting one, though she's aged considerably.
He turns his head slightly and looks at her softly. "Mom, what are you doing out here? You should go back inside. It's getting late."
Mira smiles gently, her face softening in the fading light. "I could ask the same of you," she replies, her voice warm with affection. "You've been out here every day, watching the water."
hair. "I'm just making sure nothing sneaks up on us. I can't let my guard down, not yet."
She looks at him for a long moment, the quiet strength of a mother who has seen her son grow into a protector. "Kael," she says, stepping closer and placing a hand on his arm, "it's been five years. The village is safe now, thanks to you. You've killed every beast that's dared to come near us."
Mira's hand squeezes his arm gently. "You've done more than enough, Kael. The village has hope again. And you—" she pauses, looking at him with motherly concern—"you need rest. You can't carry this burden forever."
She chuckles softly. "Everyone appreciate you, son, but we're stronger now. You've made us stronger. You don't have to do it alone anymore." She looks up at him with that same loving gaze he's known his whole life. "Please, come inside. If no monsters are coming, you deserve a night of peace."
Kael hesitates, glancing one last time at the dark horizon, before finally exhaling. The tension in his shoulders loosens just a little. He nods, albeit reluctantly. "Alright. I'll come in. But I'm keeping watch tomorrow."
Mira smiles, her relief evident. "Tomorrow," she agrees softly, turning back toward the village. "But today, you rest."