Chapter 13 – Deleterious

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Amidst the vast amount of sticky, disgusting black liquid spreading across the floor, Rei lowers his head to hide the recurring sensation of discomfort and dysphoria.

He furrows his brow, stares at the trembling palms of his hands, and unconsciously, a few words escape his lips before he can stop them.

— Disgusting — he mumbles, exhausted from the adrenaline rush, staring at the exposed and mutilated corpse in front of him.

In this moment of instability, the metallic sound of something becomes increasingly clear. The presence is immediately felt by the boy who, fearing another creature, abruptly turns around — only to see Kazuki standing in front of him.

While Rei was busy fighting, the beastman managed to eliminate the remaining monsters through sheer perseverance.

— Are you all okay?

One of his hands is pressed against the wound on his chest. His clothes are partially torn... but mostly intact. Blood drips from his wound, leaving a trail behind him.

In his left hand, he holds the iron sword, drenched in the same black liquid the demogorges spewed. The same weapon he used to slay the demons is now dragging on the ground, its metallic scraping echoing through the area.

Noticing Kazuki's terrible state - both physically and emotionally - Rei's eyes widen briefly in surprise. He quickly approaches, grabs the sword from Kazuki's hand and puts the man's arms over his shoulders, trying to help him.

— Are you okay? — the boy asks.

— I'm sorry.

— If I... if I had paid more attention to my surroundings, this... wouldn't have happened — he explains, frustration showing in his face. He grits his teeth, conflicted, as he glances at the children on the ground.

Before she answers, Rei thinks about how to deal with this depressing situation. Kazuki must be blaming himself, that much was obvious from the way he carried himself.

— Stop it, Kazuki!

The man is surprised by the sudden order but doesn't show it.

— How the hell were you supposed to know that a giant Demogorgon was hiding behind the rubble? — Rei says, cutting through Kazuki's guilty thoughts.

— You tried to save her. Don't blame yourself for that... — he adds, trying to encourage him.

Hearing the sharp remark followed by the reassurance, Kazuki looks lost for a moment but then answers confidently:

— Yes. You're right.

The two are silent for a while. A relative silence, considering the raging fire, the violent explosions of collapsing buildings and the distant screams echoing through the village.

— Now is not the time. We have to run.

— There could be more Demogorges nearby. Let's get out of here and talk later — Rei says with a frustrated sigh.

...

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The conversation ends with the two of them running, Kazuki leaning on Rei for support, accompanied by Mia and Takayo. Through the chaos, smoke, lingering flames, screaming people, shattered bodies scattered across the streets leading to the village gates. A path paved with ruins.

At the entrance to the village gates, individuals clad in iron armor and others in tattered leather gear assist villagers and nearby victims. They're likely mercenaries, — the only real force left in the area.

Despite their tireless efforts, they're visibly exhausted. Fear and anxiety are written all over their faces. Even in their desperation, they do their best to help as many people as possible.

Even as parts of the stone structures collapse and some demogorgons come dangerously close to the area, the mercenaries rescue the wounded and those who are unable to move, escorting them to the exit of the village.

A truly heroic act, saving as many villagers as possible in the midst of disaster and turmoil.

...

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As they finally make it through the massive village gates and out into the open, Rei realizes that while the situation outside is terrible, it's at least more stable than it was before.

Crowds of people have gathered nearby, following the road that connects the village to the capital.

Some ignore the paved road entirely, dispersing into the Heir Forest. Others stick to the road, traveling in wooden carts pulled by horses.

The sight before Rei is harsh and unforgiving: a road filled with wounded people, their faces bearing nothing but sorrow and despair.

They walk endlessly, stumbling over their own feet from burns or deep cuts. Nearby, overcrowded carts creak under the weight of the injured.

His heart is pounding. Mia and Takayo remain silent, their eyes closed as before.

And next to him, Kazuki, who despite his self-confident demeanor is drowning in guilt and fear, leans on Rei for support.

"War? This is more like a damn massacre."

"This is a damn one-sided war."

Rei thinks, alarmed.

Unable to hold it in, he mutters words filled with disgust and contempt.

— Seriously... this is supposed to be a war? Where only one side has power and slaughters those who have nothing?

— What's the point of attacking people who can barely defend themselves?

— Seriously, man... — The boy lowers his eyes in disappointment.

— All this for power or territory? What a load of shit — he says, his tone dripping with indignation and anger.

Kazuki, hearing Rei's frustration, simply nods in agreement.

...

Rei, taking a step to the side, tilts her head slightly and discovers a covered wagon in the forest with two horses tied to it with halters (a rope or leather strap used to control a horse's movements).

Nearby, an elderly man is stacking wooden crates and goods on the side of the cart.

He wears layered cloth over a brown linen tunic. From his clothing, it's easy to tell that he's a merchant.

Seeing this, Rei quickly comes up with an improvised plan.

He asks Kazuki to wait for a moment and then immediately runs towards the man.

To be continued...