Chapter 43: The Shadows' Pursuit
The cold air bit at Eren's skin as he stepped out of the temple. The forest surrounding the ancient structure was unnervingly quiet, the usual hum of life absent. Only the faint rustle of leaves in the icy breeze accompanied his footsteps. His senses were on high alert, every shadow a potential threat.
He glanced at the sky; the moon hung low, shrouded by thin clouds. Its dim light barely illuminated the path before him, casting long, flickering shadows across the ground. Eren's thoughts churned as he replayed the confrontation in the temple.
The leader's words lingered, their weight pressing against his mind. "The mark will bring you back to us, one way or another." He tightened his grip on the dagger at his side, its cold hilt grounding him. He couldn't let their words get to him. He had made his choice, and he would see it through.
But deep down, doubt gnawed at him. What if they were right? What if the mark truly was a guide, pulling him toward an inevitable fate? The thought sent a shiver down his spine, and he shook his head, pushing the doubts away.
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A Sudden Attack
A rustle in the bushes to his left snapped Eren out of his thoughts. He froze, his eyes scanning the dense foliage. The forest was too quiet, the kind of silence that only came before an ambush.
Without warning, a shadow darted toward him, faster than his eyes could track. Eren barely had time to react, throwing himself to the ground as a clawed hand swiped through the air where his head had been moments before.
He rolled to his feet, dagger raised, as the creature stepped into the moonlight. It was unlike anything he had seen before—a twisted amalgamation of man and beast, its body covered in dark, jagged fur. Its eyes glowed an eerie yellow, and its mouth was filled with sharp, dripping fangs.
Eren's heart pounded as the creature let out a low, guttural growl. It was a hunter, and he was its prey.
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The Mark Awakens Again
As the creature lunged, Eren sidestepped, slashing at its side. The blade connected, but instead of blood, a dark, viscous substance oozed from the wound. The creature barely flinched, its glowing eyes locking onto him with renewed ferocity.
Eren felt the mark on his arm pulse, the heat spreading through his body. It was as if the mark were responding to the creature, recognizing it as a threat.
"Not now," Eren muttered, trying to suppress the mark's power. But it was a losing battle. The sigils on his arm began to glow faintly, their light cutting through the darkness.
The creature hesitated, its growl deepening. It seemed… wary, almost afraid.
Taking advantage of its hesitation, Eren moved, his dagger flashing in the dim light. He struck at the creature's neck, aiming for a killing blow. The blade sank deep, and the creature let out a horrific screech before collapsing to the ground.
Eren stepped back, breathing heavily. The mark's glow faded, but its presence lingered, a constant reminder of the power he carried.
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The Pursuers Close In
Before he could catch his breath, more shadows emerged from the trees. There were at least five of them, each one just as monstrous as the first. Their eyes glowed in the darkness, and their guttural growls sent chills down Eren's spine.
He cursed under his breath. Fighting one had been difficult enough. Against five, his chances were slim.
The mark pulsed again, stronger this time. It was as if it were urging him to give in, to embrace its power fully.
"No," Eren muttered, shaking his head. "I won't lose myself to you."
The creatures began to circle him, their movements slow and deliberate. They were toying with him, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Eren's mind raced. He couldn't fight them all at once. He needed to think, to find a way to escape.
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A Desperate Plan
His eyes darted to the trees around him. The branches were thick and sturdy, their twisted forms stretching high into the sky. If he could climb one, he might be able to buy himself some time.
As the first creature lunged, Eren dodged, rolling toward the nearest tree. He scrambled to his feet and leaped, his hands catching hold of a low-hanging branch.
The creatures snarled in frustration, their claws raking at the tree's trunk as Eren climbed higher. He reached a sturdy branch and crouched, his back against the trunk.
The creatures circled below, their glowing eyes fixed on him. One of them began to climb, its claws sinking into the bark with ease.
Eren's grip tightened on his dagger. He couldn't run forever. If he wanted to survive, he had to fight.
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A Risky Move
As the creature climbed closer, Eren waited, his body tense. When it was within reach, he struck, driving his dagger into its eye. The creature let out a pained howl, losing its grip and falling to the ground.
The others growled, their frustration evident. They began to circle the tree again, their movements more aggressive.
Eren knew he couldn't keep this up. The mark pulsed again, its heat spreading through his body. He could feel its power, just out of reach, waiting for him to take it.
"Fine," he muttered. "Just this once."
He let the mark's power flow through him, the sigils glowing brightly. Energy surged through his veins, sharpening his senses and strengthening his body.
Leaping from the tree, Eren landed in the midst of the creatures. They hesitated, their glowing eyes filled with uncertainty.
With a burst of speed, Eren moved, his dagger flashing as he struck one creature after another. The mark guided his movements, its power overwhelming the beasts.
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Victory and Reflection
When the last creature fell, Eren stood amidst the carnage, his chest heaving. The mark's glow faded, leaving him feeling drained but alive.
He looked down at his arm, the sigils faint but still present. The power had saved him, but it came at a cost. Each time he used it, he felt himself slipping further into its grasp.
"I won't let you control me," he muttered, his voice firm.
As he made his way through the forest, Eren's resolve hardened. The Keepers of Abyssal Truth might think they could control him, but he would prove them wrong. He would master the mark's power and use it on his own terms.