Chapter 14: The Ruby Annihilation part 1

[ ] = main character thoughts

Sweat trickles down my back as I stare intently at the two girls before me. There's no time for gentleness.

"Listen carefully," I growl, my voice sharp as a blade. "Don't trust anyone. If any warrior asks you to join them, tell them immediately to leave, if not!, they will end up badly. They'll only use you as human shields." I pause, scanning their eyes to ensure the message sinks in. "Right now, everyone's thinking only about survival. Even blood ties mean nothing. If someone cries or begs for mercy, turn away. Mercy will get you killed."

[Truth hurts, but I'd rather see them wounded by my words than dead from their naivety.]

Frenya and Lillia exchange an uneasy glance. "Alright," Frenya says, her voice betraying uncertainty. "But what do we do now?"

"We head north," I respond curtly, already calculating time in my mind. "Running at full speed, we should make it. We have less than ten minutes." My eyes narrow as I visualize our destination. "There's a stone castle, large and spacious. Don't stop for anything. We must arrive before the portals open."

"Okay," Lillia whispers, her voice barely audible.

We start running, our footsteps thundering against the ground. 

The crisp northern air whips at our faces, but we don't slow down. We can't afford to.

[I don't know what awaits us. But! when I'm involved, chaos is guaranteed.]

"Doruuk," Frenya's voice cuts through the sound of our footsteps.

"What is it?" I respond sharply, maintaining my pace.

"How do you know all these things?"

"I read it in a book," I cut her off.

"You don't seem like the type who reads books," she persists.

I can't understand why this woman behaves this way even under these circumstances;

 yet, people don't spread lies about barbarians who possess only muscles instead of brains.

I turn to her with a cutting glare. "Stop with these useless questions. Focus on Lillia who can't keep up with our pace. Carry her and catch up to me."

So, Frenya takes Lillia in her arms and rejoins me.

 "I don't need you to pick me up. I can run on my own." says Lillia.

I replied "You'll tire quickly, and we need you. Do as I say."

[Only a minute and a half left. Damn it, faster!]

Finally, the castle emerges from the mist. Its dark stones seem to absorb light, connected to the mainland by a drawbridge spanning a deep moat.

I remember this vividly because, in the game, I once spawned directly in front of this castle and explored it briefly. However, I didn't stay there for long before leaving.

 The castle's grim appearance makes my stomach clench.

"We're almost there," I shout, noticing other figures moving toward the entrance.

[Someone else knows about this place. Veterans or novices? We can't risk it.]

"Stay alert," I warn. "There are other warriors. Remember what I said about trust."

[It's about to begin.]

[3] 

[2] 

[1]

The portals tear open like wounds in reality's fabric. Out pour creatures that seem to have crawled from the darkest nightmares - not goblins, but something more terrifying. Short, red, with rippling muscles under their skin and razor-sharp claws. Their eyes are black as bottomless pits, and their pointed teeth gleam menacingly. They're low-level, but their numbers are staggering.

From the castle, I watch the monsters chase warriors in the vicinity. Some head toward us, their feet hammering the ground in a frenzied rush.

A group of warriors approaches. "Hey, you three!" one shouts. "Let's join forces to fight! If we want to survive, we must unite!"

I step forward, my voice cold as steel. "Every man for himself. I have no interest in risking my skin for you. Find your spot and fight from there. And if you give me even one reason to suspect you, I won't hesitate to kill you. Is that clear enough?"

"But this way, we will be in greater danger. Let's unite!"

"I've already said what I needed to say," I reply.

His friend pulls him back, and they join the others warriors.

I did this for a simple reason: I didn't want to get into more trouble. At the moment, in the castle, there are about fifteen warriors scattered throughout, in addition to the three of us.

[15 warriors, Too many potential traitors.]

"Doruuk," Lillia's voice trembles slightly. "Where do we position ourselves?"

"In the tower," I respond decisively.

"But we'll be trapped!" she protests.

"Trust me."

The monsters mass before the moat.

 Some throw themselves into the water, apparently committing suicide.

"Are they stupid?" Frenya exclaims.

My blood freezes when I realize their plan. "No, they're very clever. Watch carefully - they're creating a bridge with their bodies."

"He's right," Lillia whispers. "The water level is rising. We need to prepare."

Within moments, the creatures break through the main gate. Their individual strength is negligible, but their numbers are devastating.

"Frenya, come with me," I order. "Lillia, you stay here. Watch and nothing else."

"I want to help!" Lillia protests.

"Do as I say," I snarl.

[I can't let her waste her mana on these weak monsters. We'll need it for the later levels.]

Frenya and I position ourselves before the tower door. The monsters begin climbing the stairs, forced by the narrow corridor to come in single file. My daggers and Frenya's giant sword begin their deadly dance.

"Frenya, don't waste energy," I say while cutting down another creature. "Your sword is already big enough. Just rotate it, these creatures don't have enough life to resist."

Screams of agony and pleas for help fill the air. I bite my lip until I taste blood, forcing myself to ignore them.

"We should help them," Lillia murmurs, her voice breaking.

"Don't be stupid," I respond harshly. "We'd all die. I know it's awful, but it's the only way to survive."

While Frenya continues fighting, I move to the tower window to assess the situation. What I see makes my eyes widen in horror...

Chapter-End.