As Auns hear more and more. He was fueled by adrenaline and overwhelmed with anger.
He know how Elrand felt as he also experienced the same thing when he lost his sister due to brain death. His sister suffered a tragic accident that left her brain dead. She was then placed on life support, with machines taking over the function of her lungs to breathe, her heart to pump blood, and other machines to maintain other vital bodily functions. Despite the best efforts of doctors and medical staff, her brain functions remain permanently stopped.
All he can do now is keep her body alive through the life support system and hope against hope for a miracle that may never come. It is the unbearable waiting game that is the reality of their new life.
All of this making him wondered about his sister condition, "What happen to her after I died?, How is her condition? Is the machines supporting her life still operating? Who is paying for her medical charge? How would she live without me? "
Hence he determined to dare himself to go out and fight them. Before he step outside, he ask Blackey
"Blackey, I want you to eat all of them... no.. that will be to easy.. I don't care what you did, just make sure they will be begging on their knee to kill themselves instead of asking for help. Auns said with a cold and indefferent stare.
Blackey turn into dark and twisted form, loomed over the man as he collapsed to the ground, his body writhing in pain as his soul was being ripped from him. The man's body convulsed and thrashed, struggling to cling to life, but the black creature continued its work, extracting the man's soul with a cruel and ruthless efficiency. The soul will be trapped and suffer a repeating death.
"Arghhhh!!!…Plea..please help me" The man shouted in pain and fear till the body lay still.
The soul was taken, and the black creature loomed over it for a moment longer before turning and walking away.
Auns quickly scrambled out from his hiding spot, walked past their body man as it its was imsignificant and rushed over to Elrand's side before he could realise the blood splater on ground making his clothes covered in red. Auns thought that he might look devilish to him but he continue the walk and help Elrand.
However, it was the opposite for Elrand, he felt as if an angel.. no, a god have decend and was helping him. With those cold stare as if it looking at a lesser being. ( its wasnt cold stare, he just to scare to even look around him)
Auns heart pounding in his chest(he scared), he knelt down next to his friend, reaching out to check on his condition.
"Elrand! Are you okay?" Auns asked, concern in his voice. He looked at Elrand's injury, his eyes widening in horror at the sight.
"Gods, that looks bad. Can you stand? We need to get you help."
"Who are you?...no..what are you"? Elrand said while his eyes was hazy and clouded with pain.
Elrand could hardly believe what he was seeing - it was as if the gods had sent an angel to rescue him in his time of need. As he looked up at Auns, his expression was one of awe and wonder, feeling a deep sense of reverence and gratitude towards the man who had emerged to save him. In that moment, Elrand felt as if he was in the presence of a divine being, sent from the higher realms to protect and guide him.
" I am Jere... "THE WATCH . Auns answered. He couldn't speak the truth as he was reminded by "The voice" word as to not fully trust people from the AVELIN association.
"Hahaha…arghhh. Wha…what a funny name you got, Mr. Angel. Couldn't come up with a better name? I …i guess you were pre…pretty bad at it." Elrand said even as he gasped for breath and struggle to stay conscious. His eyes were filled with the mixture of pain and fear but he still managed to forced a weak smile as he spoke.
Auns was surprised, but couldn't help but let out a small laugh.
"Hahaha..still with that sense of humor even in your final moments."
"People…don't easily change even when they are about to die, right?" Elrand said while to shrug of the pain as if he was ready to die.
" I am sorry but before you die, Let's me ask you a few question. If your answer is right,I might really gonna save you"
"Haa..haa.haa..still got time for that, hah?" Elrand said while gasping for air.
"Are you from the AVELIN association, are those people will becoming here?" Auns continued.
"Yes!, They…they are on their way, it take quite some time but…but they will come. The…the leader…had assign each group for each area lead by the association leader, Draven….Draven Lockhart." Elrand said while coughing up blood.
"Then why are you here" Auns question while tilted his head.
"I went ahead as….I wanted to kill them myself… I was… furious and lost control of myself but when I regain my conscience,
I was already here…on the ground…bearing the pain of being stab…ha ha ha"
"Well, i guess…this is what you happens… when you don't plan things out properly" he said wincing as he tried to stifled a laugh.
"I mean…barging into a cultist den… without a plan? Not my finest moment is it?" He winced again, but he couldn't help but find the situation morbidly humorous.
"Then... you just went against the word of your leader? Just for something trivial like that." Auns said while keeping those cold eyes.
" TRIVIAl!.trivial you said *cough* ? my sister DIE caused of them" Elrand's voice grew quiet as he told Auns about his sister's sacrifice.
"She was taken from us," he said, his voice trembling with emotion.
"The cultists took her, and they...they put her on an altar and they burned her alive. I couldn't do anything."
Auns' face paled at the words, his hands clenching into fists as he tried to comprehend the sheer brutality of what. As Auns looked at him, listening intently, Elrand spoke.
"The cultist believe that their rituals and sacrifices will bring them closer to their gods. But I know the truth *cough*" he continued.
"They said its was a sacrifice to their gods that need to be done to keep the peace of village. NO!! They aren't whorshiping gods, they're whorshiping a DEVIL. A devil that demands blood and suffering in return for power" Elrand shout, the pain of losing his sister was still fresh in his heart.
"…"
As a pause fell between them, Auns broke the moment of silence between them, asking a question that caught Elrand off guard.
"And?…is that all there is to it?"
"What?…" Elrand looked at him in confusion, unsure why Auns had said that.
Listen here, Elrand.Your single mistake could lead to the death to your whole team. Can you hold more pain in causing your commared to die, due to your irresponsibility as their leader? I know how you feeling but you are reckless and stupid not knowing the consequence of your very action." Auns said with a calming and soothing voice as if he try to comfort him.
"Are you sure you can? Living your life with regret and shame?" Auns continued.
" ..." Elrand couldn't answer him.
Auns' voice was gentle, but his words struck a chord within Elrand. He spoke with a calm and soothing tone, trying to comfort him while also making him see the gravity of his actions.
But Elrand couldn't find the words to respond. The weight of his guilt and regret was almost too much for him to bear. He sat in silence, unable to meet Auns' gaze, his mind filled with doubt and remorse.
"Hahhh…" Auns sigh at look of the man in front of as he was struggling with pain.
Auns looked at Elrand, seeing the torment etched on his face. The sight of him filled Auns with weary resignation. He could see the pain and doubt in his companion's eyes, and it pained him to see him suffer so. Despite their differences and the heat of the moment, Auns couldn't help but feel a sense of sympathy for Elrand.
Auns taking a few more steps ahead and getting closer to Elrand while asking the voice
" Hey, do you know something like healing spell or anything" Auns said.
" Of course, you might not know but I am the strongest being in this world! Something like that is as easy as flicking your finger." The voice said.
"Hah?? I am sorry but who are you talking to?" Elrand said while looking around to see if there another people here like a lost kitten.
"Pfttt...so cute" Auns laughing while closing his mouth trying to hold back as he couldn't stand the cuteness of Elrand.
"I am sorry what? Elrand said as he couldn't hear it clearly.
"Ohh anyway can't you hear that voice just know?" Auns said
"No..nooo.." Elrand said while wildly looking around and trembling in fear.
"Of course he won't, I am connected by your soul and we can just speak inside your mind since I am a great being that ... ohh btw Blackey said a few man he eat had give him an ancient relic. You could use it to increase your spiritual energy by devouring it." The voice said.
Then a sudden chill as something moves in the shadow, a dark shape emerges and begin to move closer to Auns, its eyes glowing red as blood in the darkness. He thought it was another enemy but It was Blackey.
"By the gods, what..what is that things?" Elrand mumbling, his eyes widened as he saw the large black creature standing beside Auns.
"A… a demon? A devil?" His heart racing in his chest.
Auns smiled wryly at Elrand's exclamation, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"When did you become such a religious person?" Auns teased, a playful note in his voice.
"Suddenly scared of a little demon now, are we?"
Blackey then give the relic to Auns and as he hold it, he felt a sudden jolt of energy begin to emerge inside his body. It felt like cold water being poured over his body and he can almost sense all the presence around and felt more sharp than before.
As all the the energy slowly entering his skin, he was grumbling in pain but he won't show it as he think it is a weakness. Even so, he still failed to hide his pain.
"umm are you alright mister? Elrand ask.
"Ahem! Yes I'm alright... no I am perfectly fine.Then I will proceed with treating your wound." Auns said while keeping his cool demeanor.
"Yes? What do you mean by that? Elrand ask as he had no clue what is happening.
"Just keep your eyes close" Auns said. Elrand then keep his eyes shut obediently.
"you sure you can do this right?" Auns thought as he tried to speak with the voice.
"YOU!.. you don't even have slightest of trust in me, are you?. You just need to follow my word. You're ready Auns? The voice said.
"Yes!!" Auns said in determination.
"Place your hand on his shoulder and feel the energy in your body" the voice said gently.
"Hah?? What energy?" Auns confused
"FOCUS AUNS!… Take a deep breath and repeat the words after me" the voice said sternly.
Auns gently placed his hand on Elrand's shoulder, murmuring a soft chant under his breath. His voice was low and soothing, almost hypnotizing in its rhythm.
"By the power of the earth, I call upon the ancient magic of healing," he said, his tone calm and steady.
"Let the energy of the earth flow through this body, soothing the pain and mending the flesh. May this touch bring strength and comfort, and bring the healing light to this wounded soul."
As Auns continued the chant, the air in the room seemed to shift and change, taking on an almost magical quality. The air crackled amd hummed with power, filled with a strange, almost electrical energy.
"May the ancient spirits of the earth hear our call, and lend their strength to this healing spell. Let the magic of the earth flow through the very fibers of this being, restoring life and health as only the power of nature can do."
As he spoke, Auns closed his eyes, focusing all his energy into his hands. He could feel the magic of the earth coursing through him, and he passed that energy into Elrand, through his hands.
As the chant continued, Auns could feel Elrand's body beginning to respond to the magic. The energy of the earth was flowing through him, working its magic on his weary muscles and battered tissue.
Slowly, the wounds and bruises began to close and heal, leaving behind the faintest of scars on Elrand's skin. Auns kept his hand firmly on Elrand's shoulder, his eyes fixed on the young man's face, monitoring his progress.
As the energy of the spell faded, Auns took a deep breath and stepped back, allowing the room to return to its normal ambiance.
"It is done," he said, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "How do you feel, my friend?"
" Are you.. are you perhaps a transcendent?. Elrand ask as his light shine with admiration toward him.
Auns couldn't answer that as he don't even know what it mean.
" NO! .. no I am not, I am just a normal human seeking a normal and peaceful life." Auns said while keeping a straight face and shook his head firmly.
Elrand looked at Auns with disbelief written all over his face.
"Just a normal human?" he asked, his voice filled with skepticism.
"I've never heard of a 'normal' human being able to use magic like that. You're one of the most powerful magic users I've ever seen."
But Auns shook his head firmly.
"I'm just a normal human," he insisted, his eyes fixed on Elrand's face.
"I have no special powers or abilities. I just know a little magic, that's all." Auns chuckled softly, a wry smile on his face.
Auns led Elrand to the worn leather sofa in the corner of the room, and gestured for him to take a seat. The old sofa creaked slightly under Elrand's weight, the leather cracked and faded with age.
As Elrand settled onto the sofa, Auns rose to his feet, stretching and popping his joints.
"Rest now, my friend," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "You've been through a lot today, and you need to rest and regain your strength after the healing spell."
Elrand looked up at him with a curious expression, his brow furrowing in a frown.
"Where are you going?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry.
Auns smiled reassuringly, sensing Elrand's worry and curiosity.
"I have some things to take care of," he said, his voice steady and confident. "Don't worry, i am sure we will be meeting again soon but not today, for sure. Just rest and recover, okay?"
Elrand nodded, his eyes fixed on Auns, as if trying to see beyond the surface. But Auns was already moving towards the door, his cloak swirling around him like a storm cloud.
"Ohh..And one more thing" Auns said, pausing abruptly.
"Please, Elrand, don't tell anyone about what happened here. I don't want word about my presence to reach the Evelin Association. They have a tendency to be...overzealous in their pursuit of individuals, and I don't want them to catch wind of me. Can I trust you to keep my secret?" ( tbh, he doesn't have an id pass that why he was scared of the association)
Elrand's eyes widened as he listened to Auns' request. He could sense the urgency in his voice, and the fear that Auns was trying to hide. He nodded quickly, his throat dry.
"Of course," he said, his voice hoarse. "I won't tell anyone, I swear it. You have my word, Auns."
Auns thought what he said will be enough to avoid any kind of misunderstanding and problem arise due to the fact that he had no identification pass or anything like that. He worry he would be send to the jail for that.
However, it was different for Elrand. He just thought that "The Watcher" was being humble. He save the people without them knowing is a sign of benevolence and mercy from him. As he had known, all other transcendent was arrogant and thought themselves as a god and all the normal human are not weak,coward and shameless.
Auns let out a deep sigh of relief, his shoulders sagging slightly. He had known he could count on Elrand to keep his secret, but hearing the young man's words of reassurance still lifted a weight off of Auns' chest.
"Thank you," he said, his voice sincere. "I know I can count on you, Elrand. You're a good friend."
Auns' gaze flickered towards the door, then back to Elrand.
"I really have to go," he said, his voice brusque. "Take care of yourself. Rest and recover" Without waiting for a response, Auns turned and quickly strode out the door, leaving Elrand alone in the quiet room.
Elrand sat in silence for a moment, the stillness of the room oppressive and unsettling. He could hear the muffled tread of Auns' footsteps receding down the hallway outside, and he felt a pang of loneliness settle in his chest.
"Take care of yourself," he repeated softly, his voice a whisper in the empty room.
He closed his eyes and leaned back against the well-worn cushions of the sofa, trying to relax and let the exhaustion of the day wash over him.
Elrand furrowed his brow in thought, his mind racing with possibilities.
"Why would Auns, a transcendent, running a cafe in this small village? Why here?. It seemed so strange, so unbelievable" he wondered aloud.
A sudden realization struck him, and he sat up straight, his eyes narrowed in thought.
"Wait a minute," he mused, his voice low.
"Did Auns know that the cultists were coming? Is that why he helped me?"
"Arghhhh…" his hands running through his hair in frustration.
"I need to stop doubting Auns," he muttered to himself, pushing the thoughts of the mysterious transcendent out of his mind. "He helped me, and I trust him. I'll just ask him about it later."
With that decision made, Elrand pushed open the door and stepped into the hallway. He decide to go to the place that his team were planing to gather after completing the task.
Elrand arrived at the meeting point, a two-story house which been used as their hide out.
He couldn't help but admire its imposing yet rustic appearance. The house's exterior was constructed of sturdy logs, and its roof was covered in rough wooden shingles. The small, few windows gave the impression that only little light could penetrate the building, and the doors of thick, reinforced wood added a sense of security and protection. The house was situated in a clearing, surrounded by trees on all sides, providing an isolated and private space for their meetings.
His heart filled with anticipation and a dash of trepidation. As he entered the house through the front door, ahead of him is a small group of his team sitting around a circular table, their expressions mix of excitement and trepidation.
As he approached, Elrand called out to them.
"Cassidy!" he shouted, spotting his friend amongst the group.
Cassidy rolled her eyes at his recklessness, but a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
"What the hell were you thinking, going off by yourself like that?" she chided, stepping forward to flick him on the forehead.
Elrand winced at the flick, rubbing his forehead.
"I just thought I could handle it," he said, his voice a touch sheepish. "But I guess I underestimated the situation."
"You guess?" Cassidy replied, raising an eyebrow. "You think? You're lucky you didn't get yourself killed."
"I know, I know," Elrand replied, his expression contrite. "I shouldn't have been so careless. It won't happen again."
Cassidy rolled her eyes again, but this time her expression softened a bit.
"That the only thing you gonna said!! You bastard!! You left the team and went ahead, If you're going to be so reckless, at least bring me with you next time," she said.
"At least that way I can keep an eye on you."
She crossed her arms and gave him a stern look. "And speaking of keeping an eye on you, you know you're breaking orders by taking off alone like that, right?"
"Pfttt hahahaha I will make sure I will next time" Elrand burst out laughing loudly.
The woman in front of him is Cassidy Lenette which was the team leader that have been chosen by the head of the association himself, recognized for her exceptional ability to control relics. Her mastery over this field was unparalleled, making her the perfect candidate to lead the team.
Cassidy Lenette was known for her exceptional leadership skills and strict demeanor, making her a renowned figure within the association. But one exception to her stern exterior was the young man named Elrand, who had a special place in her heart as they had known each other since they were children. Her beauty was unparalleled, with flowing gold-blonde hair and piercing green eyes that captivated all who laid eyes on her.
Suddenly, Elrand felt an inexplicable chill running down his spine. It was as if some unseen force had sent a cold shiver through his body, leaving him on edge and puzzled.
As if a ghostly hand had grazed the nape of his neck. The abrupt sensation caught him off guard, and he reflexively turned his head to look behind him, searching for the source of the chilling feeling.
"Cassidy!" he said instinctively.
" I feel it too"
Cassidy called out to her team, her voice sharp and authoritative.
"Everyone, on guard!" she barked. "Something's not right."
The members of his team snapped to attention, their eyes scanning the surroundings, ready to defend themselves at a moment's notice.
To be continued…
>You shoul spend some time here and have some fun before going to the next chapter
~ Interaction Time ~
What did Elrand encounter?
a) its wasn't anything he just over sensetive
b) just a rabbit
c) its an umbrae (which is monsters)
d) a six foot giant
Where did you think gonna Auns go?
a) going back his house cause he left his underwear
b) his cafe cause he didn't turn off the stove
c) run throught a forest to find a town
d) going to kill the cultist as revenge