Chapter 1 - So it begins

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Most people would like to believe that hunting one's foe is a virtue, while others see killing them outright as one. But at the end of the day, who cares? As long as the tribe remains strong, such trivialities do not matter.

The words of the young warrior's Patriarch echoed in her mind as she tightened her grip on her spear and lunged it toward the green-skinned humanoid before her.

The creature merely grinned, catching the spear with its left hand before swinging a right hook into the warrior's torso. The blow sent her crashing two meters away, her head spinning from the force. With swift movements, the frog-like demon yanked the spear from its body, unfazed by the wound, and charged at her once again. 

Though she managed to land on her feet, she wasn't quick enough to avoid the knee that connected with her stomach, knocking her to the ground in agony.

"Guk shu." (Weakling.)

The demon's sneer deepened as it watched its prey struggle, her former confidence reduced to helplessness.

"Thu su liuke mak." (Let's finish this quickly.)

The demon grabbed the warrior by the neck, lifting her effortlessly into the air with a cold grin. He intended to end the fight decisively, but a sudden sharp pain halted his movements. Looking down, he realized his hand was gone, replaced by a stream of blood. Before he could process the loss, a series of rapid blows struck him in key areas, each one crippling.

"But how?" was his final thought as his world flipped, and the light in his eyes faded with a heavy thud.

"You fought well," a shadowed figure commented, stepping into the light. But the demon, now lifeless, gave no reply. 

"Still, you were weak." The figure's disdain was evident as he stepped over the fallen creature, his gaze now on the young warrior, lying motionless on the ground.

"You, get up. This isn't a sparring match—it's a battle for the honor of Lord Gomorrah." His voice was filled with a harsh authority as he barked the order. The warrior attempted to rise but collapsed, losing consciousness.

"Tsek. You should've stayed home," the shadow muttered, his voice fading as the darkness claimed her.

...

In a dimly lit room, a woman stood beneath a spotlight, surrounded by shadowy figures seated in the corners of the arena-like space. Her posture was firm, her gaze unwavering as she addressed them.

"While the day is long, the night is longer. Thankfully, we can still sleep, but we mustn't allow those who don't close their eyes to disturb our rest," she quoted, holding a manuscript. Though unnecessary for someone like her, it served as a reminder of something deeper.

"I trust everyone understands the meaning of that quote?" she asked.

"Yes, ma'am," came the unified response from the projections.

"Good. Then I assume all necessary permissions have been granted?" She emphasized each word.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Excellent," she began, but paused as something caught her attention. "Shall we begin the Soul Harvesting Ritual?" Though her question was directed at the entire room, her eyes locked onto one projection.

Sensing her focus, the projection in question replied hesitantly, "Uh, yes."

"Air-head," muttered another projection, causing a ripple of laughter to spread through the room.

"Silence!" The woman's command quickly restored order.

Fixing the projection with an intense stare, she added, "And Mel, do take this seriously, or I'll have to inform your guardian about your little unauthorized practice sessions."

'How does she know?' Mel thought, but he could only nod, lowering his gaze.

The woman held her stare for a moment longer before addressing the rest of the class. "You are dismissed. I'll establish a link for all of you."

The projections began to vanish one by one until only the woman remained. The floor beneath her began to shift, sand pouring from its cracks as the room expanded seemingly without end. Stars twinkled in the vast darkness above, and a white pillar emerged at the room's center.

As her eyes glowed with a faint orange hue, the woman waved her hand, and multiple portals appeared around her and the pillar. From these portals, humanoid figures began to emerge. Watching them, the woman smirked.

"So it begins."

…