The Monster Veiled By Divinity
I didn't even have to hear the rest. I sprinted like never before.
("No! Please! Elisse!") [Solace]
I rushed into the forest, running so fast that it felt like even the wind couldn't keep up. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to find the path back to the divine beast, but my worries were unfounded.
("There it is!") [Solace]
It was clear as day to me. Mostly because there were trees moving out of the way.
("Please! Let her be safe!") [Solace]
I ran down the path, placing hope into my heart. Though, my worries increased as I saw signs of previous meals on the way. Torn dresses hung on branches I passed by, stained black with mold or yellowed with time.
("How many victims…?!") [Solace]
Seeing that only made me run faster. My heart quickened thinking the worst. With only a few more minutes of running, I saw it.
"That's…!" [Solace]
A creature unlike one I have ever seen. A head like a feline, but had horns like a ram. A body covered in thick black and white fur. There was a swirly pattern on its body, radiating some sort of power. Even the tail was different. Lengthy, versatile, and had a sharp tip at the end like a bladed whip. There was no need to even doubt it. That was the divine beast.
("Where's Elisse?!") [Solace]
Was my last thought until my eyes were drawn to the divine beast's teeth.
"This can't be…" [Solace]
I saw a dainty little arm dangling from the divine beast's- No, monster's teeth. I didn't even think to figure out what to do. I attacked.
"Release her!" [Solace]
I casted |Enchant Flame|, |Enchant Lightning|, |Reinforce|, and |Burning Fist| to strike it. Even if that arm didn't belong to Elisse, there was a chance it was her. My fist slammed into it. Or rather, some kind of invisible wall surrounding it?
("A barrier?!") [Solace]
The invisible wall repelled my attack, causing my frustration to build up.
"I don't have time for this! |Piercing Blow|!" [Solace]
I hit the invisible barrier as hard as I could, causing the beast to cough up whatever it had in it's mouth.
("I did it!) [Solace]
Was what I thought before horror and fear sank in. What I had expected was perhaps Elisse coming out, but all that came out was the arm.
("Was I… too late?") [Solace]
The arm. It still oozed fresh blood.
"Warning: Your mental state has fallen drastically. It is highly recommended to retreat to a safe space." [Spirit Guide]
The beast. It smiled as if mocking me.
"You have gained |Experience|. |Experience| limit reached. |Mental Fortitude| has gained a level." [Spirit Guide]
My rage. It felt hotter than the sun.
"Warning: A divine beast has targeted you. All stats have dropped by fifty percent." [Spirit Guide]
My strength. Waning unlike my will.
"I'll kill you." [Solace]
I lunged. Like a beast, I let my emotions take over. However, the divine beast slammed me into a tree with one lash of its tail.
"Argh!" [Solace]
The tree broke, but I did not. I stood.
"You have gained |Experience|. |Experience| limit reached. |Temperance| has gained a level." [Spirit Guide]
I rushed in without thinking. I saw the tail come again, so I dodged.
"Huh?" [Solace]
Something felt missing.
"Oh." [Solace]
It was my arm. I didn't fully dodge the tail. It didn't matter anyway. An arm was a small price for a divine beast's life.
"Warning: You have lost 25 percent of your total health. Bleeding has been inflicted." [Spirit Guide]
I closed the distance and continuously hit it's barrier with |Piercing Blow|. The beast staggered from my skill and retaliated with a deafening roar.
"Urgh!" [Solace]
It had so much force behind it. From just a simple roar, it felt like I was getting torn to shreds. It even threw me farther than its tail whip did.
"Warning: You have lost a total of 57 percent of your health. Bleeding is still active. It is highly recommended to retreat." [Spirit Guide]
The spirit guide was right. From what I could see, I was missing an arm and cuts had appeared all over my body. There was blood everywhere.
("...Is this my limit?") [Solace]
That wasn't the real question. Will I stop knowing that?
("No. I can't stop.") [Solace]
I needed… No- I WANTED to kill that beast.
("I WILL avenge Elisse.") [Solace]
That was until something struck my chest.
"Ah." [Solace]
Looking down, the sharp part of the divine beast's tail had pierced my chest. Or more specifically: my heart.
"Warning: You have taken a fatal blow. Health has reached zero." [Spirit Guide]