Separate Ways

As the boy and I delved deeper into the cave's murky depths, the air thickened with an eerie tension, every step a reminder of the peril that surrounded us. Shadows danced menacingly along the walls, our movements a sinister prelude to the horrors that lurked in the darkness.

The narrow passageways twisted and turned, leading us deeper into the heart of the labyrinthine caves, where the darkness seemed to press in on all sides.

The progress was slow and arduous, and we were hindered at every turn by natural and supernatural obstacles. Crumbling rock formations blocked our path, forcing us to navigate treacherous terrain with caution. Meanwhile, the creatures lurking in the shadows seemed to grow bolder and more aggressive with each passing moment, their hunger for blood driving them to attack with reckless abandon.

Without warning, the silence was shattered by a guttural growl echoing through the cavernous expanse. The boy's hand instinctively tightened around the hilt of his short sword, his fingers tracing the familiar grooves and edges of the blade.

As the sound of heavy footsteps drew closer, he braced himself for the inevitable confrontation, his senses sharpened to a keen edge as he prepared to defend himself and me. His grip on the sword was steady, the weight of it a comforting reassurance in the face of the looming threat.

The creatures emerged from the shadows—a horde of twisted abominations with gnashing teeth and razor-sharp claws. Maybe this kid did not want to show his powers this early in our partnership, thus, with a defiant shout, he just charged forward, the sword in his hand slicing through the air with unlearnt precision as he met the creatures head-on.

'I wonder what his awakening gift would be..' I wondered

Beside him, I struggled to activate my own unique gift, since this was the first time I was manifesting it, I lacked practice. My body bathed in those weird, black lines that had once left me to die in between the horde of beasts. I was pretty scared, to be honest.

[The individual has tapped into an unknown source of power. 

Searching...]

[Soul Weapon awakened!]

"fuck.."

Being a princess, I knew very well what a soul weapon was. Individuals gifted with an abundance of mana were often able to shape their souls into weapon. This was the most common method people of ancient times used to fight head-on with other races. 

Only a few people awakened a soul weapon in millions, it was such that information about this source of powers was kept hidden from the general population of humans.

People who awakened with soul weapons were called hunters due to their uncanny powers.

Scared of the consequences of awakening such a thing, I felt jubiliated. Yes, I can do this! I'm a princess for god's sake. Feeling my lips curl up into a smirk, I summoned my soul weapon. 

[Rods Of Judgement]

Shimmering in an otherworldly glow, I instinctively summoned a crimson-coloured rod from the pure mana around me. 

Caedes' while still trying to hold off a dozen snakes in our way shuddered. It was then that I realized- 'These were the very rods that had impaled Caedes to the wall previously.

I tried to hold these rods in place, barely. Unable to control this godly power of our ancestors, I slowly found more and more black inscriptions covering my body.

With a determined flick of my wrist, I sent those rods hurtling toward the huge abominations of Snire's(snakes). But my aim faltered, and one of the rods went off course, striking the boy's shoulder with a forceful impact.

He staggered back, his body reeling from the unexpected blow, pain shooting through his mind like lightning. Shock and fear flashed across his face and he stared widely at my figure, "This can only be the power of a soul weapon!"

***

Caedes' Pov

"This can only be the power of a soul weapon!" I blurted out, after all, I had studied everything there was about this stuff in my previous life as Keiren. And the form they took right now certainly did not seem like a normal bloodline. 

"WHA- How do you know that!" The girl reeled in shock,

'There was no chance this small town boy could know what such an exalted thing this was.' She must have thought, 

Hmph*

'She doesn't even know my name,' I thought.

"That doesn't matter right now, why the fuck are you using a soul weapons if you haven't assimilated yet!" I exclaimed, my voice tinged with fear and frustration. "You could have killed me!"

The girl recoiled at my words, her fear mirroring mine as she realized the extent of her mistake. Unfortunately, what I said right now must have only spiked her suspicion. 

"I-I'm so sorry," she stammered, knowing that it was her mistake. "I didn't mean to... I-I don't know what happened..."

But her words fell on deaf ears, Asking her to stay back, I faced these beasts alone. It wasn't tough, however. These snire's can hardly hold against my strength. I jumped away from her, my gaze filled with wariness and apprehension as I struggled to come to terms with what had just happened.

Squaring my shoulders, the short sword gripped tightly in my right hand. Despite the unease and pain gnawing at my gut, I pushed aside my fear and focused on the task at hand.

With a swift, fluid motion, I leapt into action, my movements a blur of steel as I slashed and parried against the oncoming onslaught of snakes.

Each strike was calculated, and each movement was precise as I fought to keep the creatures at bay.

Beside me, Lilith watched with bated breath, her heart pounding in her chest as she witnessed my display of skill and determination. She surely grew more and more certain that I was special. 

As the battle raged on, My movements became more clumsy, even though the wound on my shoulders had already been healed, I still had problems defeating a dozen beasts while only relying on my physical strength. After all, I did not think it was a good idea showing my blood powers after the already evident tension between us. 

I struggled to keep up with the relentless onslaught of beasts, my strength waning with each passing moment.

And as the last of the creatures fell at my feet, I slumped down, panting heavily from the exertion. Fatigue weighed heavily on me, making my movements sluggish and uncoordinated. 

The girl whose name I did not know watched with concern. Could she not bear to see me in pain? 

She rushed to my side, offering a supportive hand. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.

I nodded weakly, a weary smile crossing my lips. "Yeah, just... exhausted," 

Lilith helped me to my feet, her touch gentle but reassuring. "You did great," she said softly, admiration shining in her eyes. "We'll get through this together." 

"Maybe I can even understand my powers with your help.." She hinted, happy to meet someone who could help her.

"If you are helpful enough, I might even ask my father to pitch in a reward." With a tone of pride, she jested.

I almost felt pity at her blind ignorance, and thus, with a weary smile, I let my grip on the girl's hand go. 

"I don't think we should be together."

***