Elias could sense that something was wrong just from the commotion outside. He stepped out of the workshop, facing the raging winds which carried an ominous intent. Its cold, raging breath brought with it the scent of a nearby storm. Even though it was just dusk, the skies were heavy, distant clouds rolling over the horizon, carrying with them a pitch-black sky.
The usually peaceful village was now interrupted by rising chaos: shouting, swift footsteps, and the clanging of metal against metal.
A slight shiver ran down his spine as he readied himself, staring off into the horizon, his years of instincts urging him to stay alert.
Something wasn't right. That single thought lingered in his mind.
The village had never felt like this before. Sure, it was near the edge of Elfora Forest, which was littered with monsters of all sizes, but they never dared to come close enough to attack. Occasionally, a wild animal or, in rare cases, a wandering beast would end up here by mistake. But Elias knew how unpredictable the world beyond their borders could be—he'd seen it firsthand.
Now he was certain of it.
Something is coming.
"Elias!" A familiar voice broke him out of his thoughts. Turning to find the source of the voice, he was met with the familiar scarred guard with chestnut hair—Gareth.
"What is it?" Elias asked after meeting Gareth halfway.
"We've got a problem. Me and my squad were attacked by two lurkers. Joren was injured badly, but Mira seems to have patched him up," Gareth explained, all while keeping a dark expression on his face.
"I'm going to meet Captain Thorne to organize a squad to kill those lurkers before they attack the village. How about you join?" Gareth said, walking away as if already knowing Elias would agree.
"We'll meet at the southern gate!" Gareth finally added in a sharp tone before running off to meet the Captain.
"I was going to say yes, but he could at least let me say it before running off," Elias muttered in his deep voice.
He turned back to the workshop, already thinking of a strategy and steps to prepare for the battle. He did have time on his side, and he was not going to face this creature unprepared.
Kael's POV:
Did he just leave me here? I thought in amazement.
Un-fucking-believable. If I could, I would tell Mom so she can toast his ass.
I continued rambling on with various swear words that a baby had no right to know. Then the workshop door was thrown open by the big barbarian—or at least that's who I think it was. I couldn't tell you; I was stuck here inspecting the grooves in the wall.
God, I hate being a baby, I yelled, but only baby noises could be heard.
Elias's POV:
I rushed into the workshop, trying to find my sword. Then suddenly, a baby's crying could be heard.
"Kael..." I muttered under my breath, my chest tightening as I remembered that I had left my son. Rushing to his side to check if he was okay, he seemed to be crying, but as soon as our eyes met, he was silent, just looking at me. His golden eyes stared into mine as if he was judging me, looking into my very soul.
This useless, barbaric father. Yep, I'm telling Mom, Kael muttered in his baby talk while staring into his intimidating father's eyes.
"Monster!" A loud yell from a villager outside broke the silence.
Moments later, numerous screams erupted, startling Kael.
Jumping into action, I quickly grabbed Kael, running into the armory at the back and hiding him behind some boxes. I looked at my son, cradling him once more while looking into his innocent eyes. I smiled and said, "Don't worry, little one. You'll be safe."
I carefully placed him back into a soft cloth behind the boxes, making sure the area was clear and there was enough light. This workshop was like a fortress; it was the best place to keep him safe. My fingers were held in Kael's tiny hand as if asking me to stay. I smiled once more, standing up.
"I'll be right back, Kael. Stay here, okay?" I whispered, giving my son one more glance before turning away and heading for the door.
Rushing out, I glanced around amid the chaos. I caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure rushing toward the forest near the northern gate. It was not the time for hesitation. Quickly, I gave chase, running after the figure.
When I reached the village's northern gate, I passed several mangled bodies and body parts. I stood firm, not at all shaken by the scene in front of me.
Following the deep trail of red and the occasional pieces of flesh into the tree line, I tightly gripped my sword.
Then the ground started to tremble. A low, guttural growl rumbled from the forest, seemingly shaking the very air I breathed.
Seconds later, a massive figure emerged from the shadows. Its hulking form was not that of a lurker. With its decaying flesh, this was something far more dangerous. This was a brute—a mutated creature, more menacing and harder to kill.
Breathing a heavy sigh, I closed my eyes, slowly inching forward and channeling an immense power from within me. The air around me shimmered faintly as my body surged with energy.
Second Ascendant: Aetheric Resilience.
My muscles hardened, my reflexes sharpened, and my body felt as if it was carved from unyielding stone. With this surge of energy in my body, every move was precise, every breath controlled.
The brute, unbothered by my display, swung its massive clawed hand at me. I easily sidestepped, using my newfound enhanced speed to my advantage. My sword flashed as I delivered a counter slash across the creature's side, spraying thick crimson blood onto the ground.
The brute roared in pain but still had its fighting spirit. It swung again, this time uprooting a large tree with it as well. Bracing myself, I raised my sword to deflect its blow. The impact sent ripples throughout the ground, but my Aether-enhanced strength held firm. The same couldn't be said for my body—I coughed a mouthful of blood onto the ground.
Nevertheless, I pushed forward, exchanging blow for blow, targeting the creature's weak points—joints, tendons, and exposed flesh beneath its armor-like hide. The brute staggered back, still unwilling to give up. It roared, growing more frantic by the second.
"Hold the line!" a deep, commanding voice said from behind me.
I glanced back to see Captain Thorne arriving with reinforcements. The captain was a towering man, standing a few inches taller than me, his grizzled features set in determination. His armor told tales of numerous battles, and in his hands, he wielded a massive halberd.
"Elias! Keep it busy. We'll flank it!" Thorne ordered as his men spread out.
With renewed focus, I doubled my efforts. I ducked beneath another swing, my sword digging deep into the brute's leg. The creature howled in agony, growing more sluggish as its blood poured from its wounds.
The guards and Captain Thorne struck the creature from both sides. Their combined strength ultimately overwhelmed the brute, bringing it crashing to the ground.
As the creature lay still, I let out a long breath, the faint glow of Aetheric Ascendance slowly fading from my body.
I turned, giving a nod to Thorne.
"Well fought," the captain said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "But this is far from over. If a brute was able to make it this close to the village, there's no telling what else is out there."
He's right. My gaze drifted to the dark forest, my jaw tightening.
The storm wasn't just a weather front. It was the beginning of something far worse.