As he hid behind the giant tree, Gray's body was tense, his muscles bulging slightly under the strain. Every fiber of his being was ready for action, yet his mind kept him rooted in place.
His heart felt as cold and unyielding as the blood-streaked blade in his hand. The surrounding chaos—the roars of beasts and cries of men—only deepened the chill within him.
What was strange, though, was that such a large-scale battle hadn't attracted any attention. Even after minutes of this brutal skirmish, no reinforcements arrived to aid the desperate soldiers.
Gray could not help but, for the first time or maybe the n'th time, he decided to be a little selfish and continued to watch the battle.
The scene from tens of meters ahead was perfectly displayed in blue pupils that resembled the giant, almost endless ocean from Earth. But this resemblance seemed to be only punctuary, as Gray couldn't match the all-encompassing nature of the great Ocean who were willing to help anyone and everyone.
How would he feel? One day, he encountered a strong opponent that he couldn't defeat. At death's door, he was begging for help, but not a single soul came forward to help him.
While the brave soldiers were fighting the gigantic Phantom Tigers, Gray was also having a mental battle.
One after the other, every single soldier died. Their bodies were brutally dismembered by the almost razor-sharp teeth of the Phantom Tiger.
Some of them still had their eyes open, gazing into the distance with hope in their eyes. None of them might have thought that today would be the last day that they got to experience the sunshine or the wind caressing their faces.
'What is happening to my thoughts?' Gray suddenly thought with narrowed eyes. Since when did he become this sentimental?
When did he become a Saint, caring about the well-being of the people?
Was he even worthy? When he did not have the ability to protect his own little life?
"I am not a Saint, but only a warrior," Gray's eyes suddenly flashed with clarity. He was starting to forget his own goals and aspirations when he witnessed the cruelty of the world.
And the feelings that Gray was experiencing weren't something unique or rare. Every day, a person's morals and their goals would be put to the test.
It was only those who could brutally crush the doubts that they had the hope to succeed.
Suddenly, a voice broke the silence around him.
"You are quite ruthless, aren't you," Gray didn't flinch, but his grip on his sword tightened.
Without turning, he knew who it was. Rose Blue Heaven stood nearby, her delicate figure cloaked in a strange, commanding presence
She stepped closer, her every movement as graceful as it was dangerous. "Your strength has increased," she said, her tone casual but her eyes sharp
Although only slightly, Gray's complexion had definitely become better. His cheeks, which were slightly sunken earlier, looked slightly fuller and healthier. Others might not be able to notice such a change, but how could it escape the eyes of a Great Rank 6 Magus like Rose?
Rose Blue Heaven suddenly licked her lips in a strange, seductive manner while eyeing Gray.
Gray did not look back and neither did he reply. His eyes were on the Phantom Tiger figure.
"You're ignoring me now?" Rose asked, her lips curling into a slight smirk. "What a rare sight. Usually, men are scrambling for my attention."
Still Gray said nothing but he had the urge to roll his eyes at her clothes words. The Tiger was only emitting low growls while sniffing the air as if searching for something. From time to time, it would chew on broken body parts. It appeared very picky with the things that it ate, only eating a selective few while ignoring the rest.
Seeing how she was ignored was once more, she was starting to get annoyed. Rose followed Gray's gaze, and her eyes also landed on the tiger ahead, who at this time was directly looking at the tree which Gray was hiding behind.
Rose was silent for a moment, then suddenly said with glittering eyes, "The tiger seems to have noticed your presence. Do you want my help?"
Gray's breathing became slightly heavy as he heard the chanting tone of voice. He immediately wanted to nod his head in agreement, but deep down, he had a feeling if he agreed today, he might regret his decision for as long as he lived.
Besides, he still hadn't forgotten how just some time ago, she had tried to dominate him, almost killing him in the process.
Roar!
Suddenly, the tiger roared and charged towards the tree which Gray was hiding behind.
Contrary to its large body, the Tiger was insanely fast, appearing almost instantly in front of the tree which Gray stood behind.
Although Gray had been mentally prepared, he wasn't expecting the beast to move so suddenly.
Booom!
The impact of the beast's charge shook the ground and sent Gray flying through the air.
Twisting mid-flight, Gray managed to stabilize himself and land on his feet. He staggered slightly but remained standing.
"Such strength!" He slowly murmured. The Tiger was really strong, far stronger than he had earlier anticipated. Gray felt as if time had been reversed and he was once again facing the Earthly Knight.
The same unstoppable force that threatened to crush his body into powder.
'But there was a slight difference...!' Gray's eyes seemed to flash with fighting spirit. He took a deep breath and readied himself for one grueling battle.
When facing the Earthly Knight, he was almost incapable of resisting, but facing this tiger, he felt hopeful.
Immediately after a simple analysis of his current situation, Gray's heart calmed down, and his grip on the sword tightened.
Rose watched the unfolding battle from a safe distance, her eyes glinting with amusement.
"Are you sure you don't need my help?" she called out, her tone almost playful.
Gray ignored her, focusing entirely on the tiger.
He recalled the information he had gathered about Phantom Tigers. A fully grown specimen was said to be as strong as a Sky Knight. Some, with particularly strong bloodlines, could even ascend to legendary Knight Realm.
Gray's eyes darkened. He was fortunate that this one hadn't reached such heights. But even so, it was a formidable opponent.
The tiger snarled, its muscles rippling as it prepared to charge once more.
This time, Gray was ready.
As the beast lunged, he sidestepped at the last second, slashing at its side with his blade.
The sword connected, leaving a deep gash in the tiger's flank.
Roar!
The beast howled in pain, blood spraying from the wound.
Gray used the momentary distraction to reposition himself. His breathing was heavy, his heart pounding in his chest, but his grip on the sword remained firm.
"Impressive," Rose murmured, watching the fight with growing interest.
Gray spared her a single glance before returning his focus to the tiger.
This was his fight, and he intended to see it through.
As the tiger prepared to attack again, Gray steadied his stance.