The night was filled with blood-curdling screams as the ground beneath continued to shake, with more portions of land being swallowed into the depths of the tunnel.
Selah shouted Neros's name, but Clause pulled her away from the crumbling ground, shaking his head. She knelt, crying out in mourning, her eyes welling with tears. Looking at Herliza, she vowed to defeat the monster and find him beneath the rubble.
Selah: Hang in there, Neros! I'll find you once I'm done here!
Hyuwin and the remaining few fought off an army of seemingly unkillable monsters, while other warriors fled into the nearby forest. Only the beast tamers and laborers with the courage to stand their ground stayed to protect their caravan, including A'orsh, who, despite lacking training, contributed greatly to the battle. Hyuwin caught sight of him and was reminded of fighting alongside H'reigh, which gave him renewed courage and inspiration to keep going.
Hyuwin: It's an honor fighting alongside you, A'orsh. I admire your strength, but if this continues, we're all doomed. We need to act now!
A'orsh: My fists are at your service, m'lord! If that's the way of it, then so be it, I'll fight until the last drop of my blood!
Clause, running out of power, retreated behind the artifact once more. Selah looked as though she wanted to join the front lines, several times, she clutched her pendant, but it remained unresponsive.
Selah: I can't stay like this!
Clause: Selah, wait!
Selah jumped into the fray and fought bravely alongside the others, though her attacks held less weight due to her lack of manifestation. A monster nearly bit her from the side, but thanks to Hyuwin's quick reflexes, he struck the creature just in time.
Hyuwin: You okay?
Selah: Y… yeah, thanks!
Hyuwin was catching his breath, giving an opening that almost allowed one of the monsters to bite him.
Selah: Hyuwin watch out!
However, thanks to A'orsh, who managed to block the attack at his own expense, blood began pouring from his right arm as he wrestled the creature away. Reeling from the pain, reddish-purple veins crept from his wounds, and Hyuwin looked on with growing concern.
Hyuwin: You,okay? Your arm…
But even this, didn't stop A'orsh from charging to the monsters as with his remaining breath he continues to charge on the front-line
A'orsh: Pay it no mind m'lord, ngh, this is just a shallow wound.
He looked at Nulop, who was fighting on the sidelines, and a smile spread across his face before his fire was finally extinguished. Tackled down by his former friends from the caravan, who had also turned into monsters. They piled onto him, delivering the final blow.
Hyuwin: A'orsh! Noooo!
But despite the urge to come to his friend's aid, Barpirio kept attacking him, giving him not the slightest opportunity to escape. Feeling cornered, he began to talk to himself.
Hyuwin: Do I have to use that in front of Selah?
Frustrated, he drew his sword and punched Barpirio in the face, triggering a memory of humiliation that brought his pride to the surface along with his consciousness.
Barpirio: Ouch! You rascal dared to punch me in the face? You'll pay for this!
Both Hyuwin and Herliza were surprised by this behavior.
Herliza: This can't be, he should have died from the inside.
Herliza knew she had to intervene in the fight. Aware of the flaws in her plans, she walked closer to Barpirio and stabbed him from behind. Dark energies flowed from the blade, triggering a complete transformation. His muscular build became more prominent, his arms extended, and his bony protrusions became more pronounced. His head transformed into a bat-like shape, featuring large ears, dark eyes, a pointy nose, and sharp fangs, shedding his remaining human resemblance.
Hyuwin: You…
Herliza: What of it? You will die anyway, so I will tell you this, their transformation is unnatural. This is all part of my, how should I put it? Hatred for humanity. All of you will perish tonight!
Hyuwin kicked the undead that was attacking him and then resorted to attacking Herliza, thinking that ending her would dispel the transformation. Selah saw him charging and called out for him to be more careful.
Selah: Hyuwin, don't give in to her provocation!
But before he could even get near Herliza, Barpirio completed his transformation and let out a sonic scream, stopping him in his tracks. With a huge opening, the undead, including A'orsh, managed to lunge towards him and pile on top, completely restraining him.
Turning the remaining few into undead, their survival hung by a thin thread. Clause clenched his fist, feeling pathetic, he grabbed a nearby metal bar to help Selah hold them off.
Selah: Father!
Clause: These monsters are nothing compared to me, hya!
Looking at the pile of undead, Selah couldn't help but feel worried. Given her current state, she thought she couldn't do anything, not in the slightest.
But as the pile of undead shifted, Herliza wondered what strength could lift such crushing and suffocating weight.
The dark clouds lifted from the blood moon, and the sound of grinding teeth and cracking bones could be heard underneath the pile of undead. Suddenly, the pile of undead was thrown meters away, revealing the monster beneath.
In his Lycan form, Hyuwin is tall and muscular, covered in thick, dark fur. His face has transformed into a fierce snout with sharp fangs and bright yellow eyes that reflect primal intensity. His pointed ears are alert, and long claws extend from his fingers, showcasing his strength. Despite his monstrous appearance, his gaze suggests that the human within still fights for control.
Selah: Hyuwin?
Hyuwin: Selah, I beg you, don't look, I don't want you to see me in this form.
Intimidated, a bead of perspiration trickled down Herliza's forehead as she ordered Barpirio to attack at once. He lunged at Hyuwin.
Hyuwin is alerted, with sharper senses and feeling a surge of strength coursing through his body. He growls and meets Barpirio head-on.
With fangs, claws and an increased robustness on top of his manifestation, Hyuwin's attacks became more lethal, making it impossible for the undead to hold him down. While avoiding bites and retaliating simultaneously, his transformation proved useful in battle. With plenty of breathing space, he slowly gained the advantage.
Feeling the wave of pressure pushing against her as the battle continued, Herliza bit her nail and reluctantly revealed her trump card, summoning upon all the remaining undead at her disposal, which included wild beasts of the forest to aid her in battle.
Herliza: Ha! You think of yourself as high and mighty now, huh? I'm just getting started! Attack my pets and leave no survivors!
Selah and the others braced themselves to face the powerful horde of undead, uncertain of their survival. The ground trembled once more, and a faint sound of machinery was heard.
An object bursts out of the rubble, shrouded in darkness and glinting with flickering blue and orange lights. It swooped downward and unleashed a barrage of systematic orbs of lightning that paralyzed the monsters as they lay writhing on the ground. Barpirio was the only one to dodge the attack, thanks to his keen senses.
The object resembles a sleek, futuristic jet with a streamlined design, featuring multiple appendages that extend from its fuselage. Its surface is a dark, matte finish, interspersed with glowing blue and orange lights that pulse rhythmically. The appendages are equipped with technology from the forgotten civilization, allowing for agile maneuvers and rapid acceleration, Suddenly, Neros's voice echoed from the jet, cutting through the chaos of the battle.
Neros: Everyone alright? Sorry to keep you all waiting!
Selah: Neros!
Selah and Clause felt a wave of relief wash over them. Clause was even jumping for joy. However, Hyuwin felt a twinge of jealousy at the attention Neros was receiving instead of him, and he tried to shrug it off.
Out of frustration, he pushed Barpirio aside with such force and went straight for Herliza, who clicked her tongue and ran toward the forest, blending into the night in an attempt to escape.
Hyuwin: Wait, come back here you coward!
As Hyuwin and Herliza vanished into the cover of darkness, Selah set off in pursuit, leaving Clause and Barpirio to face off. Clause gripped the metal bar tightly, beads of perspiration forming on his brow.
In the guise of the forest, Herliza moved with such unprecedented speed that even Hyuwin's enhanced senses could hardly catch her movements.
Herliza: Look, there's no need for us to fight. Deep down, you know you yearn for her attention, her affection, don't you?
Hyuwin: You know nothing about me so stop blabbering and fight!
Herliza: Your efforts are in vain. Do you really think you can win her love with this half-assed transformation and these hero antics? No! I saw the sparkle in her eyes, she fancies that genius inventor, what's his name again... Neros, was it?
Hyuwin: That's not true, you're lying!
Hyuwin tried his best not to fall for her words, but deep down, they struck a chord in his heart. He had known the truth all along but couldn't bring himself to accept it, sparking a battle between duty and jealousy.
Herliza: What if I told you that you could win her? My lord can grant the deepest desires of your heart, just say the word, and it will be done. She'll be as good as yours.
Hyuwin dropped his guard, ready to give up. Herliza grinned as she materialized from the shadows behind him, whispering as she brandished her dagger to stab him.
Herliza: Aw, poor thing. Let take all those worries away, now die for our lord!
Just as her dagger was about to reach Hyuwin's back, he heard a familiar voice that gave him the strength to resist.
Selah: Hyuwin, where are you?
Snapping out of his trance, he managed to parry her and turn to attack, but Herliza quickly melted into the shadows and reappeared at a distance, stomping her feet in frustration.
Herliza: Why does she have to butt in, I almost got him! Almost!
Hyuwin: Stop this at once! You have lost, I don't hear Barpirio fighting anymore.
But Herliza thought of another idea to torment them as much as she could, targeting Selah instead. Her sinister grin shifted in her direction.
Hyuwin was about to chase after her, but her shadow moved too quickly for him to catch. As he tried to pursue her, an undead mystical beast of the forest blocked his path.
The giant spider towers over its surroundings, its massive frame covered in a glistening layer of iron-like exoskeleton. Each segment of its body is reinforced, reflecting light with a metallic sheen. Its eight spindly legs, as thick as tree trunks, end in sharp, claw-like tips. The eyes, numerous and glimmering like polished gemstones, while its fangs, long and jagged, glint menacingly.
Hyuwin halted and faced the spider, in this critical moment, only his voice could reach out to her.
Hyuwin: Selah! Watch out!
Selah: Hyuwin? Is that you?
As Selah ran toward the direction of Hyuwin's voice, she was unaware of the danger lurking in the shadows. A weapon concealed by darkness glinted in the blood moon's radiance as a shadow loomed above her from the passing tree. Driven by an insatiable lust for blood, Herliza stealthily materialized, brandishing her dagger aimed at Selah's neck to deliver the killing blow. She silently rejoiced in her impending victory.
Herliza: That's one out of four!
Selah sensed the danger, but it was too late. Herliza's expression twisted to match her dark intentions, and just as her dagger was about to strike Selah down, Clause pushed her out of harm's way just in time, receiving the fatal wound directly in his chest and vomiting blood.
Selah: Noooo! Father!
Collapsing from the pain, Selah caught her father in her arms, clutching his chest as Herliza emerged from the tree.
Herliza: Well, no matter, a kill is still a kill.
As the light in Clause's eyes began to fade, Selah did her best to call for Arifea to heal her father, crying and pleading, but the pendant showed no reaction.
Herliza walked closer to Selah and spoke words that would force her to confront her vanities and weaknesses.
Herliza: On the day of the festival, I witnessed your affinity test results. Even the crowd was surprised to see the apparatus displayed colorless results, which is already rare, if not impossible, only losers like you would achieve that. On top of that, yours is single-sided!
Selah: Sobbing…
Herliza: Pity, it would seem even pretenders like you has their limit, wondered why your manifestations won't work?
Herliza stomped on her head, but Selah felt nothing, the pain from the loss of her father numbed her to everything else. Then, Herliza uttered another word that would shatter Selah's self-esteem and confidence completely, like broken glass.
Herliza: Ever wondered why your manifestations don't work?
Selah: …
Herliza: It's because your heart is tainted! Your intentions are impure! You're evil, just like me! See? Even the pendant from which you draw your powers from won't respond to someone like you. You have caused the deaths of the people around you, and very soon, your friends who protect you will meet the same fate, just like your father did as he took his last breath.
Selah: I… I will do anything you want, even take my own life. Just please, save my father.
Herliza was delighted to hear this. As she contemplated prolonging Selah's agony, she ultimately decided to let things be.
Clause's body began to convulse, and Selah noticed he was showing symptoms of turning into an undead. Desperate and broken, she hugged him tightly, pleading for him to stop.
Selah: Father, please don't do this! I beg you, stop!
She withdrew her foot from Selah's head, sheathed her dagger, and melted back into the shadows, letting out a sinister laugh as she reveled in every moment of Selah's suffering.
Herliza: Oops, looks like it's too late for him anyways, enjoy being killed by your own father! Ahahahaha!
As Clause continued to struggle through his transformation, Selah closed her eyes, unable to bear the sight of her father's suffering. She cried in despair until, finally, he slipped through her embrace. With his back turned to her, he breathed heavily like a beast, basking in the moon's radiance. As he turned to face Selah, she watched in horror as her father's image began to fade, replaced by a monstrous form that bore no resemblance to him. Holding onto only the memories of their time together, she accepted her fate and reached out her arms, longing to join her father.
Just as her father was about to deliver a powerful bite with his salivating mouth, he suddenly stopped moving. The swelling, sharp fangs and reddish-purple hue disappeared as the miasma surrounding his body retreated into his wounds, restoring him to normal. It was Neros who had injected him with a vial of Verdis Potion before catching him as he collapsed and gently placing him on the ground.
Neros: Phew, I'm so glad I arrived just in time!
Selah, still frozen in shock, stared at her father's body as Neros laid him down. Neros then cut away Clause's clothing to expose his gaping wound and took another vial of green liquid from his pocket, pouring it directly onto the injury. This caused Clause to react, clenching his teeth, but miraculously, his wounds began to close, and his condition stabilized.
When reality finally sets in for Selah that her father's healing was no mere dream and that he was now out of danger, she still couldn't believe her eyes as she rushed to his side and hugged him tightly, crying.
Selah: Father… sobs
Neros stood up and looked at the moon.
Neros: Your father speaks highly of you, he admires the kind of person you are… bright and full of sympathy for others. Others' words don't define who you truly are, it is your heart that shines like the most precious gem. Look back and reflect on how many times you have failed and how much stronger you have become. Have you ever wondered where Clause got your name from?
Selah looking at Neros and listening intently.
Neros: Clause told me, your name comes from an old, forgotten text that your mother cherished deeply. It signifies a moment of pause and reflection, a sacred space to gather one's thoughts amidst life's chaos. It embodies strength and resilience, urging you to find clarity even in times of turmoil.
As the wind continued to blow, Selah felt unfamiliar emotions stirring within her heart, and tears welled in her eyes upon hearing Neros's definition of her name.
Neros: Your name reflects your innate kindness and empathy, qualities that shine brightly in a world often overshadowed by darkness. Remember, Selah, that you are a beacon of hope, inspiring those around you to embrace their own inner light.
Neros reached out his hand to Selah, and she took it willingly. Just then, Hyuwin, having just defeated the spider, in his human form called out her name. He watched as she clasped Neros's hand, and, upon seeing her gaze shift toward the thicket, he hid behind a tree, frustration welling within him for not being by her side in her times of suffering.
That morning, back in the city, Neros brought the wounded to the infirmary. Selah stayed by her father's side as he was transported on a wheeled stretcher, while a crowd gathered, staring in awe at the towering humanoid machine standing before them.
Neros tended to all his patients, leading the medical staff efficiently to meet everyone's needs. Outside, Hyuwin leaned against the wall until Mirelan approached, sensing his distress. He answered her questions vaguely before walking away, unsettled by the thought that something might have happened.
Mirelan: Hey what's up?
Hyuwin: Nothing.
After ensuring all the patients were in stable condition, Neros wasted no time and reported back to the ruler. Since Selah stayed by her father's side and Hyuwin was nowhere to be found, he went alone.
At the ruler's chamber, Neros answered the summons, stepping forward as the guards swung open the imposing doors. The entrance to the ruler's chamber is a grand, awe-inspiring space, marked by two sweeping sets of stairs that curve symmetrically on either side. The stairs are adorned with elegant silver and gold patterns, intertwining like vines in an intricate dance along the handrails and steps as she descends on the stair.
Recivela invited Neros into her private quarters to discuss his report. She offered him the finest drink of the realm in acknowledgment of his accomplishments.
Recivela's private quarters exude elegance, featuring rich tapestries and soft ambient lighting. An ornate desk is cluttered with scrolls and artifacts, while a plush armchair invites reflection. A gleaming sword hangs proudly on the wall next to the desk.
They discussed the recent mission, noting that despite some setbacks, there were no casualties. Valuable artifacts had been recovered, and the culprit was captured for interrogation.
Recivela: How are you so great to have achieve such a feat, Neros? What you've done is absolutely impressive!
Neros, slightly embarrassed by the ruler's praise, scratched the back of his head, trying to downplay the accolades and avoid basking too much in the recognition.
Recivela: The ringleader is named Herliza, it seems. The night after you left, the city was attacked by masked undead. Fortunately, thanks to our knowledge of the creatures, we managed to fend them off without causing too much of a ruckus.
Neros further clarified the importance of developing a weapon specifically designed to combat the undead. Recivela nodded gently, approving his ideas. He then surprised her by donating all his artifacts and she asked him about his intentions behind this gesture.
Recivela: Then may I ask why you are doing all this? Is it not about collecting these valuable materials for your experiments?
Neros: It's more than that, Your Highness. I want you to use the materials I'm about to give you to produce those weapons, so you can fend for yourselves in my absence.
Recivela remained silent for a moment, sipping from her elegant golden cup with grace.
Recivela: So that's why.
Neros: I want to travel across this continent to collect all the cubes and rectify my past mistakes.
She then stood and gazed out of her window at her garden teeming with life. Afterward, she walked toward her desk, tracing the surface with her fingers until they brushed against the sword mounted on the wall. She points out her sword at him with a stern expression.
Recivela: Your story doesn't sit well with me. You may fool everyone else, but you must have underestimated me if you think I'll believe such nonsense about your past.
Neros remained resolute in his seat, looking straight at her without breaking eye contact.
Recivela: If I can truly trust you, tell me who you really are.
Neros stood from his seat and dropped his disguise and revealed his true identity to her. Recivela lowered her sword, smiling as she recognized the truth behind him.
Recivela: I see. This explains everything I need to know. Very well, I shall arrange your departure and grant you the freedom to leave our borders. Please remember that you will always be a valued guest in this country.
A few days passed, and Neros was nowhere to be found. Clause's condition improved, allowing him to perform simple tasks. Barpirio remained locked in a dungeon beneath the city, while Selah searched the city for Neros. Along the way, she encountered Recivela, who invited her into her carriage and informed her of Neros's departure, leaving Selah devastated.