"Do you truly believe that with such a feeble intellect, you can triumph over me?" The voice of the Nightcrawler seemed to echo from every direction, laced with derision and mockery. "Shadows are omnipresent; the more light there is, the more shadows multiply—your futile attempts to shatter the darkness only furnish me with greater weapons!"
"Let's see you try!" Kaires roared, raising his hands high as he shouted, "One hundred million volts discharge!" A spectacular surge of electricity erupted in the air, illuminating the sky with dazzling lightning. Everything around them was enveloped in a blinding flash, as if even space trembled. The figure of the Nightcrawler vanished amidst this brilliance.
Breathing heavily, Kaires yelled, "Run..." He understood that this was merely a temporary reprieve; the enemy would not allow him to escape so easily. As the radiance began to fade and darkness reclaimed its dominion, the Nightcrawler's sinister laughter echoed once more.
"You naïve little wretch, do you truly believe you can elude my grasp with such trivial antics?" he taunted, swiftly retreating into the shadows, silently disappearing into the gloom.
In this forest, countless shadows wove the Nightcrawler's stage, concealing his myriad hiding places. Kaires limped through the trees, his injured left leg slowing him down. His heart raced, eyes sharp with vigilance, and he inwardly prayed, "I must have created some distance... I wonder if he is pursuing me?"
However, before his thoughts could settle, a massive black arm suddenly shot up from the ground, seizing Kaires's body with the ferocity of a beast.
"Hahaha, I've caught you, you elusive little mouse!" The Nightcrawler's voice brimmed with triumph, his laughter resonating in the darkness like a proclamation of victory.
Kaires steadied himself, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he whispered, "You've been deceived." A surge of electricity erupted from his body once more, accompanied by the chilling command, "One hundred million volts discharge!" Countless bolts of lightning instantly radiated outward.
The current surged towards the Nightcrawler's shadowy grip, the ferocious force striking like a cheetah, leaving the Nightcrawler with no time to react as a piercing scream shattered the serene forest.
"Ah—!" With a cry of agony, the Nightcrawler was repelled, plunging back into the earth, his shadows vanishing once again.
Kaires remained on high alert, pondering: has that fiend retreated? Why hasn't he launched another attack?
Meanwhile, in the infirmary of the shelter, a weak voice emerged, "Get… get up, medic..."
The medic, groggy and barely awake, heard the voice grow more urgent, "Hurry, get up, medic!"
He suddenly jolted his eyes wide open, exclaiming, "Who is it!?"
Nightcrawler emerged into the light, his voice trembling and faint. "It's... it's me, help... help me... I'm injured!"
The medic hastily donned his glasses and switched on the desk lamp, scrutinizing the injury with growing alarm. He was horrified to discover that Nightcrawler's right arm, from his fingers to his shoulder, had sustained severe burns. The charred skin appeared ghastly, and he tentatively inquired, "My goodness, Nightcrawler, how could your right arm be so badly burned... do you still have any sensation?"
Nightcrawler gritted his teeth, his tone betraying both helplessness and agony. "I... I was too careless; I can't feel anything in my right arm anymore!"
The medic furrowed his brow, his expression growing increasingly grave. "I will do my best to treat you, but the prognosis is not promising. I fear you may lose your right arm... Please lie down; I will begin treatment immediately!"
While examining Nightcrawler's injuries, the medic asked, "Were you injured while on a mission? Was it the 'removal' mission? It seems... Kaires is no easy adversary!"
Nightcrawler clenched his jaw, anger flickering in his eyes. "That little mouse... feigned capture, then struck back with a lightning bolt! That jolt... released an immense current; my arm was instantly rendered like this!"
As the medic worked diligently to treat the wounds, he pondered aloud, "It appears... Kaires is gradually adapting to his 'Revelator' abilities; in the future, he may become a formidable opponent."
Nightcrawler fell silent for a moment before murmuring, "...that guy is indeed no ordinary foe..." Before he could finish, overwhelming fatigue and pain overtook him, and he slipped into unconsciousness.
The medic gazed at him as he succumbed to unconsciousness, shaking his head in resignation. "Hmm? He's been quite severely shocked. Nightcrawler's inaugural mission has ended in failure, and with such grave injuries... Perhaps it is only right that an overconfident individual learns a lesson!"
As dawn began to break...
Josier and Elaine stood anxiously at the entrance of the shelter, awaiting Kaires' return. Amphitrite approached from a distance, speaking in a calm tone. "You need not wait any longer; Kaires set off early last night."
Josier and Elaine exchanged glances, nodding slightly as they replied softly, "Alright... we understand. We will take our leave now. Thank you for your care."
Just as Josier turned to depart, Amphitrite discreetly grabbed her arm and whispered in her ear, "I have placed medical supplies in your bag... Kaires is injured, and you must find him."
Josier felt a tightness in her chest and nodded in understanding. She then waved goodbye to Amphitrite alongside Elaine before turning to leave the shelter.
Amphitrite watched the two figures recede into the distance, a hint of worry crossing her face as she sighed softly, "In this perilous world... may the gods keep you safe."
Inside the conference tent of the shelter, Shakiri wore a serious expression, speaking sternly to Achilles and Narcissus. "You two incorrigible fools, do you not realize that allowing any 'Revelator' to roam free could one day turn them into our formidable enemies? Have you forgotten the lessons of the past?"
Achilles slowly lowered his head, countering, "I have not forgotten the events of the past, but I do not believe we should resort to the indiscriminate slaughter of any potential candidates; they may yet have the opportunity to grow."
Narcissus echoed, "I too believe we might consider a more benevolent approach towards the 'Revelators'; in time, they could become our allies or partners."
Shakiri, upon hearing this, roared, "Have you truly forgotten the lessons of that incident? Enough of this discussion... Kaires should have already been 'removed.'"
Achilles and Narcissus bowed their heads in silence, refraining from further comment.
At that moment, the medic entered the conference tent, his expression grave as he reported, "Shakiri, Nightcrawler's mission has failed..."
Achilles and Narcissus exchanged astonished glances, their expressions one of disbelief.
Shakiri exclaimed, "What... Nightcrawler has actually faltered? This is impossible! He is a B-Class 'Revelator'!"
The medic replied with a cold smirk, "There is nothing to be surprised about; his arrogance has long warranted a lesson!"
Shakiri clenched his fists in anger. "Damn it, that little mouse has begun to grow... I hope he does not turn into our enemy in the future!"
The scene shifted once more...
Josier and Elaine were searching for Kaires in the forest, and Josier's voice trembled with urgency. "Amphitrite mentioned that Kaires is injured; what on earth has happened?"
Elaine replied anxiously, "Could it be... that this shelter is carrying out 'removal' missions just like ours?"
Josier nodded, resolutely stating, "It's quite possible... We must locate Kaires as quickly as we can!"
At that moment, Kaires was perched high in a tree, groggily awakening, muttering in astonishment to himself, "Is it morning already? I was on guard for too long and dozed off without realizing... How painful! Though the wound isn't too deep and the bleeding has stopped, I cannot remain like this; I must quickly tend to my injury!" Peering down from the tree, he was delighted to spot, "Oh? Is that Josier and Elaine? It seems Achilles was right; Shakiri truly adheres to the rules of this world..."
"Hey... Josier, Elaine!" Kaires called out loudly before leaping from the tree.
Elaine exclaimed in surprise, "You were up in a tree!?"
Josier smiled with relief, "He's quite clever to have evaded the aberrants... I was previously worried he might be devoured, but it seems my concerns were unwarranted."
The two hastened towards Kaires, with Josier examining his injuries closely, anxiously asking, "Kaires, are you alright? Is your injury severe?"
Kaires shook his head, striving to muster a faint smile. "It's nothing, just a minor injury. Could you help me find something to clean the wound?"
Elaine immediately replied, "I have the medical supplies Amphitrite provided! He informed us that you were hurt..." With that, she swiftly produced the medications from her bag and began to tend to Kaires' injury.
Kaires expressed his surprise, saying, "I didn't expect Amphitrite to know I was injured; it seems there are indeed many good people in that shelter."
As Elaine diligently bandaged the wound, Josier surveyed their surroundings, voicing his concerns. "There seem to be more aberrants here than we anticipated; we must exercise caution."
Kaires wore a determined expression. "We must not only be wary of the aberrants but also other 'Revelators.' I recently encountered Nightcrawler's attack..."
Josier inquired in astonishment, "Nightcrawler? Are you saying he failed?"
Kaires nodded, his brow furrowed. "Yes, he engaged me directly. My survival this time was more a matter of luck than skill. This confirms what you mentioned yesterday about the 'removal'; this shelter is indeed executing it..."
Elaine finished wrapping the last bandage and said to Kaires, "All done with the wound, but for our safety, we cannot linger here."
As they walked, Josier added, "We need to return to the shelter. The journey is a bit long, and it may take us over a day, so let's quicken our pace!"
The three of them hastened their movements through the forest. Along the way, Kaires curiously asked, "Josier, with so many shelters, don't they each have a code or designation?"
Josier nodded in response. "Yes, they typically use numbers to represent them. The specific number is based on their registration. However, some shelters may miss their registration; in such cases, if they are reported or discovered by the authorities, they will be 'removed' by the officials. Therefore, most shelters proactively register with the authorities."
Kaires pondered for a moment before asking, "What about your shelter?"
"Our shelter is 'Shelter 35,'" Josier replied.
"35... It seems there are indeed quite a few shelters, each a small faction. And what of the authorities...?"
Elaine interjected, "The authorities are primarily a defense organization, quite extensive in scale. It's best not to provoke them unless necessary. Their designation is '0'!"
Kaires asked with curiosity, "What about Achilles and his group? What is their designation?"
Josier shook his head, indicating he could not answer. "I don't know; they haven't specified, nor do they carry any numerical insignia..."
Kaires fell into deep thought, contemplating the complexities of this world. He understood that with the competition among shelters and the existence of the authorities, this struggle was not merely against the aberrants but entangled in deeper power dynamics and human trials.
Uncertain of how long they had been walking, the sky gradually darkened, casting an uneasy atmosphere.
"Drip... drip... drip..." Elaine looked up at the sky and noticed dark clouds rapidly gathering. "It seems it's going to rain..."
Josier quickly proposed, "We should find somewhere to take shelter from the rain!"
Kaires nodded in agreement. "Yes, let's pick up the pace."
Elaine scanned the area and suddenly pointed ahead. "Look, there's a dilapidated cabin! Let's go inside to wait out the rain!"
The three hurried towards the cabin. As Elaine pushed open the door, her expression soured, unable to hide her displeasure. "It stinks in here..."
Kaires reassured her, "Yes, while the environment is poor, at least we can temporarily escape the rain. You two rest here; I'll gather some wood to start a fire."
Elaine and Josier nodded. Despite the dismal surroundings, finding refuge from the impending downpour was a welcome relief.
The rain intensified, as if the forest were engaging in a fierce battle with the earth.
Kaires gazed up at the overcast sky, contemplating, *It seems this rain won't cease anytime soon.* He turned to his companions and said, "You two should rest and get some sleep. I'll keep watch..." However, before he could finish, he noticed that Josier and Elaine had already quietly fallen asleep in the corner.
Kaires chuckled resignedly and stepped outside the cabin, reaching out to catch the raindrops, savoring a taste. Despite the dangers of this world, the rain was surprisingly sweet!
At that moment, a faint sound reached his ears: "Rustle... rustle..." Kaires' heart tightened as he swiftly looked around, searching for the source of the sound, wondering, *What could that be? It feels like something is approaching...*
Trusting his keen instincts, Kaires stepped back into the cabin, carefully investigating the origin of the noise. When he looked up, he was taken aback to see a massive python coiled around a beam inside the cabin. *It's enormous...* A hint of unease flickered through his mind.
At that moment, Elaine slowly awakened, rubbing her eyes and complaining softly, "It's so noisy, Kaires..."
Kaires immediately raised a finger to signal her to be quiet, then bent down and whispered to her, "Shh... keep it down."