Chapitre 57 : Animals

We moved cautiously through the undergrowth of the great forest of Izulte, where the atmosphere weighed heavily on our shoulders.

Every crack of a branch beneath our steps seemed amplified, echoing through the oppressive silence of this untamed wilderness.

Gilbert led the way, his gray hair drifting slightly in the breeze that slipped between the trees.

The forest was eerily still as if it were holding its breath, watching us.

Suddenly Gilbert came to an abrupt halt he raised a hand, signaling us to stop. Everyone obeyed instantly.

He turned slowly, pressing a finger to his lips before whispering:"Make as little noise as possible."

His eyes scanned the shadows his senses on high alert we were all tense, every muscle in our bodies ready to react to the slightest threat.

The march resumed, even slower this time, each step calculated to avoid disturbing the crushing silence.

Our weapons were already drawn, ready to counter a sudden attack.

After what felt like an eternity, the density of the forest eased.

The trees parted and we stepped into a clearing bathed in soft filtered light.

What lay before us was disheartening: a devastated field, its plants uprooted and crushed under massive footprints.

About forty animals roamed among the wreckage.

Their black-and-gray fur glistened under the sunbeams breaking through the canopy.

They vaguely resembled civets, but their size was far more imposing, and their menacing features evoked predators of a bygone era. Their eyes gleamed with a brutal, fierce intelligence.

At the center of the group, a significantly larger specimen stood out. Its intimidating stature and sharp fangs left no doubt: it was their leader. Its commanding presence seemed to dictate the movements of the entire pack.

Nilyna, the most perceptive of our group, surveyed the scene silently before murmuring:

 "How do we proceed? We can't let them scatter and attack a nearby village."

Kaylen always quick to make decisions, replied confidently:

"Given their numbers, we'll flank them. None of them can escape."

Raelia, standing beside me, nodded gently before adding calmly:

 "Nilyna, you'll act as bait. Draw them toward you, and when they charge, we'll move in to take them down."

Nilyna agreed without hesitation. Her eyes radiated unwavering confidence, forged through years of experience. She leaped out of the bushes with feline grace. Her slender silhouette emerged into the clearing, her fiery red hair contrasting sharply with her simple servant's attire. A dagger glinted in her hand.

The animals froze at her appearance. They all turned their piercing eyes toward her, alerted to her presence. For a moment, a heavy silence fell, and then the pack let out a collective, terrifying howl:

 "ROOOAAARRRR!!!"

They charged at her.

But Nilyna, swift as the wind, dodged their initial assault with uncanny fluidity. With a sharp motion, she slashed through several beasts, her dagger flashing like lightning. I was awed by her skill, but this was no time for distractions.

"Fire Storm!" shouted Raelia.

A tornado of flames erupted from her hands, lighting up the clearing with its blinding glow. Several creatures were flung into the air, their cries of agony mingling with the roar of the flames.

Meanwhile, Gilbert moved with methodical precision. His sword danced through the air, each strike deadly.

His heavy silver armor, gleaming at the start of the battle, was now splattered with blood.

I glanced at Nilyna, still in motion. She fought with an ease that defied appearances.

Her movements were swift and precise, a testament to rigorous training.

I recalled what Raelia had told me: Nilyna had trained since the age of twelve to serve the royal family. Her past exploits, such as eliminating the Ouroboros threat, were well-documented but witnessing her skills firsthand was a breathtaking experience.

However, I couldn't afford to linger in admiration. Four beasts had surrounded me their growls filled with hostility.

Taking a deep breath, I recalled Gilbert's teachings: stay focused analyze the enemy's movements and strike at the right moment.

I drew my sword, pivoted swiftly and in a controlled arc. I slashed through all four creatures with a single precise blow.

Not far away, Kaylen was fighting with the ferocity of a seasoned warrior.

His white jacket, once pristine, was now stained with crimson.

But he didn't slow down. With unyielding energy, he drove back the last beasts facing him.

When he was done, he turned to me and asked:

 "We're done here. And you?"

Wiping the blood from my blade, I nodded.

 "Yes, all under control."

As we prepared to leave, piercing cries shattered the relative silence that had settled. These sounds were different sharper, charged with palpable terror.

Kaylen furrowed his brow.

 "Those cries… they're not from beasts. They're human!"

Raelia straightened, her expression growing grave.

 "They're coming from the other side of the forest. We need to go immediately."

Without hesitation, we gathered ourselves and prepared to move.

The atmosphere grew heavier, and a sinister apprehension crept over me.

Something far more terrifying than these beasts seemed to be lurking in this forest a presence we might not be ready to face, but one we could not ignore.