Theoron
I wouldn't run this time.
With that thought in mind, I returned to my training. Whatever happens tomorrow, I will make it work.
"Seems like you didn't sleep, little Creed," he said, taunting me with the brightest tone he'd ever used. It seemed I was the only one nervous about the monsters.
I had trained all night, thinking through every possibility for today's fight. I was determined—I wasn't going to back down. For the first time, I was going to participate in battle. Whether he liked it or not, I was going to prove myself worthy of all the training he'd given me these past days.
Although I had never wanted to be part of this, I wouldn't disappoint myself by choosing another path. My life was different now. I couldn't keep running, avoiding my fears and nightmares. I had chosen a life that meant facing them, again and again. If I ran today, I'd run tomorrow. And so it would continue. I couldn't keep letting myself down.
This was a new phase of life, and I would be a new person for this phase.
"So, Little Creed, are you going back or staying for the party?" he asked, yawning as he spoke. His voice was relaxed and cool, as though he had no concerns about the calamity coming today. It was as if he was entirely confident.
I was the only one with worries.
"I'm not running," I said curtly.
No matter how I was feeling, I was set on staying. I would see this day through.
"If you're saying it out of pride, don't," he warned. "Stay only if you're ready."
I could feel the weight of his piercing gaze beneath his mask. He was dead serious, as though his eyes were saying, Get out of here before you die. But I wouldn't be shaken by any warnings. My decision was absolute.
"You may leave," he said.
"No," I replied, without a moment's hesitation.
That was the end of our conversation on the matter. He must have realized I wasn't going to change my mind.
Just as the sun was setting, he pulled out two swords. He tossed one to my side and kept the other for himself.
"I don't think you'd leave even if I told you a hundred times, so take this and at least do what you can."
I nodded, gripping the sword. I'd use whatever I could to survive.
"I will try to do my best," I assured him.
"No," he corrected. "No matter what happens, you will do your best."
"When will they appear?" I asked, pacing back and forth, my anxiety mounting.
"Didn't I tell you? They might show up before dusk or later in the evening."
"I guess you did," I said, recalling that I'd asked the same thing yesterday. "Are they strong?"
"For you, yes," he replied, scratching his shoulder as if out of habit.
"Do they regenerate?"
"It depends."
"Depends on what? So they do regenerate?"
"Relax. Only some of them do. Try to separate their heads from their bodies if you can. Their head play a role in their regeneration, so if the body is detached from the head, they're vulnerable."
"What else do I need to know?"
"Did you plan everything you need to do today? Plan something you're confident will work against them."
I looked away, reflecting on his words.
"Don't be nervous, Young Creed. Things go better when you have a calm, collected mind."
"I have a lot on my mind," I admitted, scratching my head in frustration. No matter how I tried, I couldn't stay calm. The pressure was immense, weighing on my chest, both uncomfortable and overwhelming.
"Don't you think—"
He paused. We both froze, alert, as faint, rhythmic thuds reached our ears, breaking through the forest. We stood still, listening to the sound of movement.
"Did you hear that?" he asked, pointing up.
Another step followed—soft, barely perceptible, but unmistakably wrong. Soon, there were many faint footsteps. I knew for sure they were close. The steps grew heavier, closer, and I could hear the sound of something dragging across leaves, snapping twigs beneath it.
My heart raced as their presence became more real.
Were they here early?
I waited, still as a statue, for him to confirm what I suspected…
"Get ready—they're here."