1401

A thick, nauseating stench of blood filled the air, but the Hunters still active in this Fortress paid it no heed, for they had long since grown accustomed to such odors. Moreover, this hellish scene was of their own making.

"You filthy Demon Beasts..."

Amidst the blindingly crimson pools of blood, a soldier, barely clinging to life, struggled to open his eyes. After several attempts, realizing he had no capacity to move, he cursed weakly. That was all he could do now.

"You will surely..."

With a wet thrust, a Sharp Blade pierced the heart of the soldier fortunate enough to have survived this far, snuffing out his already flickering life like a candle in the wind.

"..."

The Hunter who brought an end to what was perhaps luck or misfortune seemed to be stirred by the curse, standing still in contemplation.

"Why aren't you moving? What are you thinking about?"