Both of the thugs ducked and slid beneath Erenyx, narrowly evading her incoming attack with her axes. A wicked smile curled on her lips, excitement coursing through her veins. "Shiki!" she shouted, summoning the giant purple serpent from her inner realm. Its massive jaws snapped open and lunged at the thugs, capturing one of their legs in a vise-like grip.
"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT THING?!" the uninjured thug screamed, terror flooding his voice as he watched his companion writhe in pain.
"You would've had better luck facing me, idiots," Erenyx replied coolly, her tone dripping with disdain. With a swift motion, she threw her axe, 'Kin,' aimed precisely at the neck of the uninjured thug. The blade cleaved through flesh and bone, severing his head cleanly from his shoulders. Thud. The head hit the ground, rolling away, eyes wide in shock as they stared blankly at the sky.
"Please! It was a mistake! Spare me!" the remaining thug begged, desperation etched into his features.
"You're damn right it was a mistake," Erenyx retorted, turning away with an air of finality. Shiki, obeying her command, rose from the ground, its beautiful purple scales glistening in the sunlight. With a swift movement, it swallowed the pleading thug whole, his cries muffled as the serpent consumed him.
"Maybe I should use Shiki more often,"
Erenyx mused to herself, a sense of satisfaction washing over her as she secured her axes back on her back. She continued her journey toward Arystel, the bustling city drawing closer with each step. The enticing scents of food wafted through the air, mingling with the vibrant energy of the city. Erenyx's body buzzed with excitement at the prospect of the challenges that awaited her. She could feel the anticipation building within her; she yearned to meet opponents who could truly test her skills.
As she approached Arystel, its bright, powerful skyline came into view. The city stood resilient amidst the surrounding wilderness, its towering buildings a testament to human ingenuity and determination.
"Damn, I really thought I'd be more nervous when I arrived," she mused, reflecting on her two-day journey filled with minor battles against beasts and her encounter with the thugs. Each confrontation had sharpened her skills with her axes, bolstering her confidence for the upcoming tournament.
Upon entering the city, Erenyx was greeted by a myriad of posters advertising the impending Beast Hunt. She paused to examine one, carefully selecting it and tucking it into her satchel. With the event set to begin in two days, she had ample time to prepare, but first, her stomach growled, reminding her of her need to eat. She ventured through the lively streets, searching for a place to satisfy her hunger.
Her quest for food led her to a modest eatery named "Gi Eats." The delicious aroma wafting from the establishment promised a satisfying meal. As she stepped inside, the enticing scent enveloped her, heightening her anticipation. After finding a seat, she eagerly glanced through the menu, ready to place her order.
Before she could signal a server, a loud, brash voice interrupted her reverie.
"Hey there, little lady!"
A brute of a man, clearly intoxicated, loomed over her table.
"Why don't you let a guy like me get you some food and maybe even a drink?"
Erenyx barely flinched at his approach, her eyes narrowing slightly in disdain. Just as she opened her mouth to respond, another voice broke through the tension.
"Ay, dickhead, stop annoying her." came a laid-back tone.
The drunkard turned, squinting at the newcomer.
"Huh? You want to be the little knight in shining armor?" he sneered, taking a threatening step toward the boy who had intervened.
The boy, unfazed by the man's aggression, stood tall and resolute.
"Yea, I do," he stated firmly. "And I suggest you leave her the hell alone."
The drunkard, clearly enraged, attempted to intimidate the boy by placing a heavy hand on his head.
"You want a piece of me, boy?!" he shouted, his voice slurring with anger.
The boy didn't respond with words. Instead, he effortlessly channeled his Essentia. A burst of energy erupted from him, sending the drunkard flying out of the restaurant with a resounding thud that echoed throughout the establishment. The man's surprised yells were quickly drowned out by the murmurs of shock from the crowd.
"Don't dirty me with those hands, drunkard," the boy said coldly, wiping off the spot where the man had touched him as if it were tainted.
He turned back to Erenyx, offering a courteous nod. "Sorry for the inconvenience. My name is Loretta Ra."
Without waiting for a response, he dropped a stack of money onto Erenyx's table, the coins thudding as they landed. He flashed her a brief, polite smile before exiting the building, leaving Erenyx to process the strange turn of events. Confusion swirled in her mind, mingling with a newfound curiosity about this enigmatic boy who had so boldly defended her.