Chapter 18: The Abandoned Temple (Part 1)

The walk back to camp was quiet. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the dense foliage. Darkness crept in, making it harder to see beyond the trees. Yet, the group maintained formation, trailing behind Kael, who led the way with steady strides.

Even without looking, Kael could feel their gazes on him. Their unease was palpable.

Unlike him, who had cut down countless enemies in his climb up the Tower, they had been ordinary employees before this nightmare began. Thrust into a brutal world where life could be stolen in an instant, today had been their first real taste of bloodshed.

Alysha had nearly lost it—he'd seen the way her face had gone pale, the way she clenched her fists to keep herself from vomiting. But she held it together.

Would they still want to work with him after this?

If not, that was fine. Kael had already reached level 3 on only the second day of the tutorial—far faster than his first climb up the Tower. One more night, and the Eclipse Hours would begin. He didn't need them. If he had to, he'd hunt alone.

Just as that thought crossed his mind, a soft poke to his side startled him.

Kael glanced over. Alysha had closed the distance between them, her expression hesitant yet determined.

"I'm sorry…" she said, voice barely above a whisper.

Kael raised an eyebrow. "For what?"

Garve and Norvyne remained silent behind them, listening intently.

Alysha lowered her gaze. "Because of us… you had to kill all those people."

Kael halted for a fraction of a second before continuing. Is that what she thinks?

She misunderstood everything. He hadn't killed for their sake—he had walked into that ambush knowing exactly what would happen. Lamia had led them there, thinking she had the upper hand. He played along because he needed experience points. They had simply been convenient pieces in his plan.

If anything, he was the one who had put them in danger. Yet Alysha, despite everything, was trying to shoulder the guilt.

She really was too kind for a place like this.

Glancing back at Garve and Norvyne, he saw the same look in their eyes. They felt responsible too.

Kael sighed.

"Don't apologize," he muttered.

Before she could protest, he reached over, plucked her wizard's hat off her head, and ruffled her hair.

Alysha stiffened, her cheeks turning red.

"I'm not a good person," Kael continued, voice steady. "I've done terrible things in the past to survive. If you want to make it through this place, you'll have to accept that. This isn't a world where kindness will keep you alive."

The weight of his words settled over them. Alysha swallowed hard, but after a moment, she nodded.

"The same goes for you two," Kael added, glancing at Garve and Norvyne. "Don't hesitate. Don't feel guilty if you have to kill. This is survival of the fittest."

Silence hung between them, but this time, it was different. Understanding flickered in their eyes, even if they didn't voice it out loud.

Then, just as Kael turned away, Alysha murmured, "Still… thank you."

Kael didn't respond.

He had expected them to fear him. To shrink away. Instead, they were worried about him.

For some reason, that thought made his chest feel lighter.

***

By the time they reached the base, the others were already waiting.

Liam, Paul, Michael, and Orayne stood near the entrance, their expressions tense. Clearly, they had been preparing to go out searching.

"You guys were supposed to be back before sunset," Liam exhaled in relief. "We were about to come looking for you."

"Sorry we're late, we're alive," Kael said casually, stepping past them.

After a quick rundown, Liam updated him on the group's progress. The day had been productive—everyone had gained at least one level, and the surrounding area had been cleared of immediate threats.

Paul had gotten injured, but thanks to Orayne's healing, he was back in perfect condition. Most of the group had already gathered by the fire, preparing to eat some of the preserved meat. The atmosphere was surprisingly light.

But Kael didn't linger. Instead, he made his way toward the river, his mind already elsewhere.

The water shimmered under the moonlight as Kael crouched near the bank, filling his makeshift water pouch.

Footsteps crunched against the dirt behind him.

"Hey," Liam's voice broke the quiet. "I heard what happened. You… had to kill some people." He hesitated before asking, "Are you okay?"

Kael tightened the pouch and stood, expression unreadable. "Yeah. I'm fine."

Liam studied him carefully, searching for something—guilt, regret, hesitation. But he found none. Kael wasn't just acting indifferent. He was completely unfazed.

Liam exhaled, rubbing the back of his head. "Man… you're really something else."

Kael didn't respond. He secured his gear and turned to leave.

"Where are you going?" Liam asked, frowning.

"Hunting."

"Wait—what?" Liam blinked. "Tonight? You just got back! Going alone is crazy—"

"I'll be fine."

"You just spent all morning huunting, and now you want to go out on your own?"

Kael glanced over his shoulder, voice firm. "I'm level 3 now. I can handle myself."

"That's not the point—"

"It is the point," Kael cut him off. "You guys have been a huge help, but I don't have time to waste. There are things I have to do."

Liam stared at him, frustration and concern warring on his face. "Then at least let someone go with you."

Kael shook his head. "No. I'll move faster on my own."

The words were final.

Liam opened his mouth, then closed it, realizing there was no convincing him. With a resigned sigh, he muttered, "Just… don't get yourself killed."

Kael smirked faintly.

"I won't."

And with that, he disappeared into the night.

***

The jungle at night was a different world.

In the day, the trees stood tall, their emerald canopies swaying lazily in the sunlight. At night, those same trees loomed like shadowy giants, their tangled branches twisting into grotesque silhouettes.

If not for the faint moonlight, the darkness would have been absolute. Even with it, visibility was poor. But the lack of light wasn't the problem.

The monsters were.

Most of the truly dangerous creatures in this place were nocturnal. This was their hunting ground.

Kael moved carefully through the underbrush, his steps silent. The scent of damp earth and rotting leaves clung to the air.

Most people would have been terrified. But Kael felt no such thing. No fear. No hesitation. He held only the desire to hunt.

Ah…this is bad. My bad habits coming out…I can't help but feel excited right now….