"On the count of three," Subject warned the man, her hands gripping the heavy barrel from underneath. Even though the victim before her was the priority, she was prepared for other attacks.
With a strained grunt, she lifted the barrel after counting to three. The man's face contorted with a mix of relief and agony as he cried out, the pain intensifying with each second.
His leg, twisted at an unnatural angle, was clearly fractured but thankfully, there was no visible bleeding. Subject's gaze swept the area swiftly, thinking of ways to lift him off the ground.
The darklings would not hesitate to exploit the man's vulnerability, as long as he was still alive, he would be a potential host. Subject's mind raced, she knew every moment counted, but still, she couldn't do it by herself.
The other survivors were hiding and would not come out. At least, that's what she thought until three men approached her cautiously with a handmade stretcher to lift the wounded man.
Subject was surprised. They smiled wearily at her, nodding with gratitude. Subject's brows creased, and she looked about. Weren't they scared of the possessed people attacking them?
She gradually stood up and looked around carefully. 'What the…?' her confusion grew. Compared to when she arrived earlier, the number of possessed had decreased.
Her eyes widened when she spotted Aaron at a distance. 'What is he doing here?' She wondered.
Aaron stood tall, his right hand extended and his palms outstretched. His bare body, covered in bandages, his muddy, rugged hair, and the warrior-like stance punctuated by the chaotic environment all seemed to amplify his dangerously alluring aura.
Subject gulped hard; her eyes transfixed on him, 'Such masculine beauty.'
Where Aaron stood, his body emitted an ominous presence, one that was significant to the darklings. Drawn by the darkness within him, they surged forward, abandoning their feasts on the human corpses.
He was baiting a deadly trap, and they were taking the lure.
Once they were within his radius, one after the other, they crumbled to their knees, their limbs jerking uncontrollably as the darling's essence fled their bodies like escaping spirits, drawn into Aaron's being.
Free from the darkling's will, the once-possessed started to cough, gasping for air as they regained themselves. The others who had been watching were moved to help them.
Subject's jaw dropped, she threw a look at Igris where he stood on a stack of wood. 'How was he able to do that just now?' she asked inwardly. She had never seen or heard of such an ability.
Unless..... as it was, the creature's origin remained unclear, and it's uncertain whether they came from the gateway. Then again, their features resembled that of a Phantom; although Phantoms aren't known for possession, Embers were the only ones who were capable of summoning, controlling, and dismissing a Phantom.
Subject's gaze narrowed, thinking, If the strange man can absorb the creatures without being harmed, then it can only mean one thing.
He was an Ember.
Now that Embers are highly sought after and elusive, King Dimitri would award handsomely whoever brings one to his doorstep.
How many gold coins can a girl get for bringing an Ember to the king? The thought was tempting but Subject quickly dismissed the thought. There was no way he was an Ember; after all, no one was dumb enough to openly expose themselves when a bounty was upon their head.
Subject's thoughts were interrupted by the sudden eruption of applause, which started as a hesitant trickle before turning into a roar of joyful praises directed at Aaron who was lost in the system's screen.
Subject forced a smile as she approached Aaron with an applause of her own. Even though she canceled the thoughts, the possibility of Aaron being an Ember lingered in her mind.
Aaron stared at the system, his expression calm and measured. In complete contrast, his insides felt like a battleground. He could feel the darkness trying to tear him apart from the Inside out, but his inner strength kept pushing, trying to subdue the darkling's essence.
The system dinged successively:
((Level up!))
((Level up!))
((Level up!))
[Congratulations! Vessel has earned the title Essence Eater]
[New skill unlocked: Basic healing (Passive)
Skill description:
•Restores 10HP to vessel every 5-10 seconds during combat
•Effective for minor injuries. Deep wounds/ burns and severed limbs will not regenerate.
Upgrade Requirements:
•Absorb 50 darkling essences to upgrade to Intermediate Healing
•Reach Status Veteran to unlock
Advanced Healing]