Chapter 19 - Final Confrontation Part 1

Max crouched low in the dense shadows of the forest, his breathing shallow and controlled. The metallic taste of blood lingered in his mouth, a grim reminder of the brutal battle that had unfolded moments ago. His glowing crimson eyes flickered toward the two remaining adventurers as they emerged into the clearing. Their faces twisted in shock and anguish as they took in the scene before them.

"Rael! Mira!" the leader cried out, his voice raw with emotion. He sprinted toward the lifeless bodies, his armor clanking with every step. Gorruk followed, his massive frame trembling as his golden eyes scanned the blood-soaked clearing.

"No," Gorruk whispered, his voice barely audible. "This can't be happening."

The leader knelt beside Rael, his gloved hand gently closing her eyes. He glanced at Mira's twisted form, her bow still clutched in one hand. "Whoever did this… Rennick's gone too, isn't he?"

Gorruk growled low in his throat, his grip tightening on his warhammer. "They'll pay for this," he snarled. "All of them."

The leader stood, his expression hardening. "Focus. Whoever did this is still nearby. These wounds…" He crouched beside Mira, inspecting the gashes on her side. "Clean. Precise. Just like the beast."

"But the blood wasn't drained," Gorruk pointed out, his voice cold. "Whatever it is, it's not just hunting. It's killing."

The leader nodded grimly. "Stay sharp. Whoever… or whatever did this, they're close."

...

Max shifted slightly, his instincts screaming at him to move, to strike. He watched as Gorruk's ears twitched and his sharp gaze scanned the shadows. 'Time to act,' Max thought, his body coiling like a spring. He darted forward, a blur in the moonlight, aiming for Gorruk's unguarded side.

But Gorruk was ready. With lightning reflexes, the beastfolk swung his warhammer, the massive weapon intercepting Max's claws with a deafening clang. Sparks flew as Max's attack was deflected, the force of the blow sending him skidding backward.

"It's a kid?" Gorruk growled, his eyes narrowing as he straightened. "What the hell is this?"

The leader stepped forward, his sword drawn. His sharp eyes locked onto Max's glowing crimson gaze. "Not just a kid," he said darkly. "Look at his eyes. The fangs. He's a vampire."

"A vampire?" Gorruk repeated, while his hands trembeled from Max`s attack then his grip tightening on his weapon. "You're serious?"

The leader nodded. "Vampires are predators. Stronger, faster, and deadlier than most creatures their or bigger size. They heal quickly and thrive in darkness. Don't underestimate him, even if he`s kid."

Max smirked, his glowing eyes narrowing as he circled them. "You make me sound so impressive," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But words won't save you."

"Neither will overconfidence," the leader shot back, raising his sword. "Gorruk, with me. We take him down. Now."

...

The clearing erupted into chaos as the three clashed. Max moved like a shadow, his claws slicing through the air with deadly precision. Gorruk's warhammer struck the ground with bone-shaking force, sending debris flying with each swing. The leader moved with calculated precision, his sword flashing like silver lightning as he aimed for Max's vitals.

Max darted between them, his heightened senses giving him an edge. He feinted left, forcing Gorruk to overextend, and slashed at his exposed side. Blood sprayed as his claws found their mark, leaving deep gashes along the beastfolk's ribs.

Gorruk roared in pain but didn't falter. He spun, his warhammer swinging in a wide arc that forced Max to leap back. The leader pressed the attack, his blade catching Max's shoulder and slicing deep. Max hissed in pain, his regeneration already working to seal the wound, though the damage was more severe than before.

'They're stronger together, what was expected of adventurers... probably?' Max realized, his mind racing. 'I have to separate them.'

But the adventurers weren't giving him any room to maneuver. Gorruk, despite his injuries, fought with unrelenting fury, his attacks leaving craters in the ground. The leader's strikes were precise, each one forcing Max closer to the edge of his endurance.

...

At one point, Max attempted to retreat, his body screaming for reprieve. He darted toward the treeline, but the leader anticipated the move. With a sharp command to Gorruk, he closed the distance and delivered a devastating blow. The warhammer connected with Max's chest, sending him hurtling into a tree. The impact shattered the trunk, the force driving the air from Max's lungs as he crumpled to the ground.

Pain radiated through his body as he struggled to rise. His regeneration worked frantically, but the damage was extremely severe. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth as he pushed himself to his knees.

The leader approached, his sword at the ready. "You've put up quite a fight," he said, his voice heavy. "For a kid, you're… impressive. But this ends now."

Gorruk limped closer, his chest heaving from exertion and blood loss. His golden eyes burned with fury as he loomed over Max. Grabbing the torn fabric of Max's shirt, he hoisted him up, his voice a growl of barely restrained rage. "Was it you?" he demanded. "Did you kill them? Mira? Rael? Rennick?"

Max met his gaze, a crooked smile spreading across his bloodied face. "And if I did?" he replied, his tone mocking.

Gorruk's grip tightened, his claws digging into Max's skin. The beastfolk's aura radiated a murderous intent, his desire for vengeance palpable. But his anger made him reckless. He leaned in too close, his fangs bared in a snarl.

Max saw his opportunity. Gathering all his willpower into a fist, he summoned the last reserves of his strength and lunged forward, his sharp fangs sinking into Gorruk's neck.

*Gulp*Gulp*Gulp*

The beastfolk roared in pain and fury, releasing Max as blood poured from the wound. Max staggered back, his body rejuvenating with each drop of blood he consumed.

The leader rushed forward, but Max raised a clawed hand, his crimson eyes blazing. "Not yet," he said, his voice cold. He backed away into the shadows, his silhouette barely visible in the moonlight. "The night's just getting started."

The leader stood his ground, his sword at the ready, while Gorruk clutched his bleeding neck. The tension in the clearing was thick, the promise of more bloodshed lingering in the air as Max disappeared into the darkness.