Chapter 9:The First Nightmare

The moment the Griffon landed, the ground trembled, and the sky darkened. Those unaware of the situation might have thought the apocalypse had arrived. Vale shouted, "Take battle positions!"

Kael drew his sword. Beside him stood the healer, Jessica, and on his other side, the tall, camel-like Grow. Grow would support Kael with his shield, Jessica would heal wounds, and Vale would lead ranged attacks. The plan was simple: Grow would keep the creature occupied, Kael would use hit-and-run tactics, and ranged attacks would keep the monster distracted. On paper, it seemed like a solid strategy. But that was just on paper.

As the battle began, Grow struggled but managed to push the Griffon back with his shield. However, the difference in physical strength was immense. Despite his speed, Kael couldn't get close due to the Griffon's magic attacks. A single thought ran through Kael's mind: Damn it! This bastard is even stronger than that spider!

The ranged fighters tried to attack, but the Griffon's magical barrier repelled them. The tension was palpable. Yet Vale, a veteran of many battles, remained calm, waiting for the right moment...

The Griffon opened its beak and unleashed a sonic blast. Grow's shield shattered, and he was thrown backward. Though strong, the force of the blast left him momentarily stunned. Jessica immediately ran to him and began casting her healing magic.

Kael dashed forward to buy time. At Vale's shout—"Attack!"—the ranged fighters finally joined the battle. Kael felt a momentary relief, but the Griffon's magical barrier continued to ruthlessly deflect the attacks. Still, Kael pushed forward. Even the smallest opportunity could change the tide of battle. No matter the cost, he was ready to see it through.

The monster flapped its wings, sending Kael flying backward and widening the gap once again. The Griffon didn't waste time; with its magic attack, it wiped out two of the four flanks of the ranged fighters. One emerged unscathed, while the other was lightly injured.

Kael got back on his feet and shouted to Jessica,

— When the hell is that damned Grow getting up?!

Jessica responded with frustration,

— Why don't you try healing him yourself?!

Kael needed time. The situation looked grim. Even for a B-rank monster, the Griffon was overwhelmingly powerful.

He launched another attack. Dashing forward with blinding speed, he bypassed the barrier and sliced off one of the creature's wings! But at the same moment, he collapsed to the ground. His triumph was short-lived.

Flames erupted from the Griffon's severed wing, healing it instantly. The creature advanced toward the defenseless Kael, raising its wings before driving them into him and lifting him into the air. The pain overwhelmed Kael. His vision blurred...

The Griffon flung Kael aside and cast another spell. The remaining ranged fighters were completely annihilated. Only Vale, a severely injured Jessica, a dying Kael, and Grow remained.

The monster slowly approached Vale. Vale, however, was still calm.

Even at death's door, Kael found no peace. The only thought in his mind was lying in a warm bed, sleeping peacefully. But that thought was ripped away by an excruciating headache. His skull felt as if it were about to shatter.

The same feeling from that day—when his family died... He had never understood why they were killed. His memories were hazy. But why?

Why?

Then, Kael remembered. It was him. He was the one who had killed them. Not someone else...

Tears streamed down his face.

But why? Why had he done it?!

At that moment, a voice echoed in his mind:

— Hey, kid. My turn. I'll be taking over your body for a bit. Don't worry—just leave the rest to me.

Before Kael could grasp what was happening, his body began to tremble...

Jessica finished healing Grow. Grow nodded in thanks and immediately stood up. The massive, elderly warrior grabbed his last remaining weapon—a hammer—and charged forward to buy time.

Then, a sound—like thunder—echoed through the battlefield.

A purple glow emerged from the mist.

A young knight, his eyes burning with violet flames... As if he had never been on the brink of death just moments ago. His wounds had vanished. Ominous lightning crackled around him, ravaging everything in its path.

Jessica couldn't believe it.

— That... That's Kael!

In her eyes, there was both hope—and unfathomable fear.

Grow collapsed to his knees, his sword slipping from his grasp. He couldn't comprehend what he was witnessing. Vale, however, remained unfazed.

Lightning gathered in the sky. A massive explosion erupted just above the monster. The Griffon lost one of its wings and staggered backward, howling in pain. But more importantly, it sensed something far worse than itself: Kael.

Kael emerged from the storm of lightning like a shadow. With a single strike, he severed the monster's remaining wing. This time, the wounds wouldn't heal—the violet flames prevented regeneration.

The once-mighty creature trembled like a frightened kitten.

Then, a cold voice rang out:

— Die.

The Griffon's head was severed. Blood rained down like a storm.

As the rain poured, Kael's eyes slowly closed, and his body collapsed.

Jessica rushed forward, catching him just in time. A warm smile spread across her face...