Drifting Embers
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[MGM]: 42 - March
🕑 Added 2025-01-31 14:30:02 +0000 UTCElves were regarded as a menace by the higher society of the Kingdom. Naturally, the effects of prejudice extended to the lower class as well. Although their objective remained undisclosed to the masses, it did nothing to abate the growing hostility between the two species.
Despite that, no wide movement had been launched against the pointy-eared creatures. After all, they too sought the destruction of monster kind above all else.
And dragons were monsters.
Although myths in our folklore, even the normal children were aware of the giant winged creatures. And were one to appear in the Continent, I was under no impression that the humans would let it live ideally.
And I was about to become one myself, I thought with a shake of my head.
After the dawn had broken out, the small group of guards led by Captain Athea started their march back to the Barony. Since we had made our objective clear, the group was more than willing to accept our company.
Supposedly, the Barony had received no help from the capital, and in Baron Feylance's absence, they were under serious pressure. In these dire times, it had been Commander Aldrin to take charge of the military to keep the Barony safe.
This was everything the aloof captain had divulged to Amara.
As we walked through the woodland, I remained keenly aware of looks and praises Amara received. Even Tania was no exception, having proven her stellar talents in repairing equipment.
Along the way, Athea informed us that she worked directly under Aldrin and that she was a C-Rank hunter herself. Amara was already aware, of course, and so was I. My senses had grown sharper since waking up.
The intense sensation of lethargy had waned into a dull numbness. My body demanded rest, but it was a need I could put off.
"Are you also a hunter?" The guy my age questioned me. I recalled him to be the same person as the one who had regarded my madness as 'cool.'.
"Yeah." I replied bluntly. Perhaps sensing that I had no desire to converse further, the guy offered an awkward smile and shuffled ahead. Right after his departure, Tania fell in pace beside me.
"That was... weird." She said, looking ahead.
I smiled. "Yeah, I'm not really in the mood to talk about yesterday."
Tania shrugged, offering no response. Though I had nearly devolved into an enraged monster, I could still vividly recall each moment.
"Tania," I said, "about yesterday, I'm sorry."
"It's alright." She said, smiling sympathetically. "It wasn't your fault."
"Still, thanks for this." I pointed at my chest.
Tania shook her head. "It's nothing. I just wanted to help. You were in so much pain, and I couldn't..."
Though she trailed off, I could sense a whiff of fear and the shudder that had coursed through her body. I gently clasped her hand, feeling her body stiffen briefly before she relaxed.
We followed along at the rear while Amara walked beside Athea near the front. Suddenly, after offering a nod to the captain, the vampire broke off and arrived beside us.
"I showed them that trinket," she said with no small amount of derision. "I had no idea it would startle them like that. Are B-Ranks really supposed to hold so much sway?"
Even C-Ranks were considered well-off hunters in our guild. B-rank hunters could serve under a prestigious noble and spend their lives in luxury and comfort. Amara was an SSS-Rank Vampire, so it made sense that she would consider B-Ranks no different from the common rabble.
I laughed lightly and said, "You might not know this, but from what I've heard, their commander is also a B-rank hunter. In their eyes, you're the second strongest person in their ranks."
Amara snorted and held her hand out. Tania and I watched curiously as the area around us began to darken, losing a touch of tincture and becoming a shade grayer. "This way they won't be able to hear us," the vampire said, after removing her hand.
I smiled, recalling our conversation from earlier.
"Did you scout the area?" I asked.
"Yeah. It's just as bad as we predicted." Amara answered, and after a brief pause, regarded me with a distinct look. "Though if you want, I can clean it all up. It won't prove much of a problem."
I sighed, shaking my head. "No, we can't do that. Things are hanging on a thin thread, and any contribution on our part will prove harmful to this delicate balance. If you act now, the monsters will grow desperate. Already, the defense line seems to be on the verge of collapse, and if the monsters act ferociously, the defenders will suffer." I paused to take a breath. "This requires a more systematic approach."
"I thought we were here to meet your old teammates, or did I just assume so mistakenly?" The vampire narrowed her eyes at me.
"We have to help them either way," I replied, unperturbed. "Once we have proven ourselves as allies, they will be more than willing to listen to us. And if we wish to commence with the plan we discussed, we have no other choice besides this. Besides, it's free XP. I would very much like to level up a few more times."
Tania bobbed her head in agreement, and Amara made no comment. The monsters we stumbled upon along the way were minor creatures. Apparently, this was the very reason they had chosen to traverse this path. Only their luck had proven non-existent, and Chimeras had somehow made an appearance.
"About my next summon," I said, drawing the duo's attention, "do you think I should wait a while or use it the first chance I get?"
My first summon, being Amara, was a reward for killing the dragon as a mere E-Rank hunter, while my second summon turned out to be an A-Rank. While outstanding, she nonetheless remained an A-rank. It stood to reason that my third summon will also be of the same rank at the very least.
My current situation was precarious. Amara had informed me that allowing the compatibility to hit 100% at this point will serve to worsen the situation. At the same time, the duo had no solution to my problem. At least, not yet. On the other hand, the third summon represented potential. It meant an entire repertoire of new talents that may prove to be exactly what I needed.
"Use it," Amara answered, her tone measured.
Tania affirmed with a nod and a squeeze on my hand. I smiled and said, "I will perform the summon right after we arrive at their base."
Though I showed no change in my expression, it was taking a great effort of will to keep the feelings in my heart caged. The hunger was paramount, but the lust could not be discounted. Even just by holding her hand, heated desires were being birthed in my core.
I saw Amara's gaze drift to our hands before she looked away. Smiling, I sneakily swept my hand from behind and wrapped her palm. To my benefit, the vampire neither slowed nor showed any change in her behavior.
"Whoa, look at that." One of the guards covertly poked at his fellow's arm, vaguely gesturing in our direction. In no time, even Captain Athea was sending us questioning glances. Luckily for them, they showed no disrespect. I doubt they would've been able to handle a furious vampire otherwise.
In comparison to Amara's stoic expression, Tania was blushing a fiery red. I couldn't help but wonder if a flame was burning underneath her skin, seeing how hot and radiant her face looked.
Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I confidently held my head high and tottered ahead. There was no shame in flaunting your prideful possessions. Well, summons technically. But they were mine, so...
Though we ambled at a sedate pace, our journey only lasted till the sun had risen to hover above our heads. It was probably my first time after leaving the dragon's lair that I had set my sights upon the angry ball of heat and light. It felt extremely pleasant to soak in the warm sunlight.
As we drew near our destination, I caught sight of a monster horde marching ahead. They were a pack of mismatched beasts, united only by their mutual hatred for humanity. Athea raised a hand to warn us, though Amara had already informed us beforehand.
My enhanced sense of smell hinted at their low ranks. Most of them were E-Ranks, while a few rushing at the helm were D-Ranks. They had a sole leader in the form of an orc, who was a C-rank.
I paused momentarily to gaze upon the creature I had only heard of before. Tall and muscular, with rough pastel green skin. They supported a head full of hair and wore tattered pieces of armor. Their most notable features, though, were their small tusks protruding from their lower jaw.
The monster swung its club erratically, letting out cries and roars. Just as they were advancing on the battle line, an arrow whistled through the air, striking the green monstrosity right in the eye.
It stumbled, grumbling and shaking its head. All around the monsters slipped into murderous haze, charging the front line with maws open and claws ready. The orc finally seemed to shake off the daze induced by the arrow, and as the pain registered, so did the hatred.
GROWL
The battle had begun.
