Chapter 5: Fear
During this period, both Ren and Leon continued their weeklong hunt for wolves—even as the number of kills began to noticeably decline, their strength having grown tremendously. At one point, Leon shouted,
"Ren, how many have you killed this week?"
Ren replied,
"I've reached a total of 150. What about you, Leon?"
Leon answered,
"I have reached the limit of 715, but that is not enough. We must put in more effort, as we do not know what awaits us on our journey to the Western Desert."
Ren nodded in agreement. He had put in a lot of effort, going out alone to hunt these wolves in an attempt to reach Leon's strength. However, it did not bother him at all, even though Leon was still stronger than him. Ren was confident that he would surpass his level one day
---
At that very moment in the Western Desert, Oran and his group had already reached the city of Arian. The city was astonishingly vast, and everyone was surprised to find that the damage wrought by the wolves was relatively minor. Although some clay buildings—both large and small—lay in ruins, the city's bustling activity had not ceased. Merchants were out in full force, displaying their goods—from clothing and bedding to fruits and vegetables—and vociferously advertising their wares.
Approaching a roving vendor whose cart was laden with oranges, Oran quickly asked, "May I ask you something? Has this city been attacked by wolves?"
The itinerant vendor replied, "Yes, we were assaulted by those demonic creatures at the onset of the catastrophe. There were certainly human casualties, but the gravest loss was suffered by the Desert Army—we lost about two million of our brave soldiers who had patrolled every night to protect the people of this city."
Both Seline and Thiron gaped in astonishment; for one who had lived during ancient times when humanity teetered on the brink of extinction, the figure of two million was hardly unexpected. Oran then said, "Thank you, sir, for that information. We come from the village of Armak, so this news comes as a shock."
The vendor replied, "No need to thank me, my son. I'm sure the situation has been harsh—everyone here knows what befell the neighboring villages, where people were pitied before being abandoned. In any case, you should keep looking for a place to rest, for those villages will soon suffer the same fate; they simply cannot endure much longer."
After a moment's pause, Seline inquired, "So, what shall we do now?"
Oran responded, "We can stay here for another three weeks."
Soon afterward, Seline set off toward their next destination—the central region known as the Green Plains. Oran added, "I can provide them with protection for that entire period."
Thiron then interjected, "We can spend tonight in a hotel; I have some money."
---
The local monetary system was simple—a mixture of metal, copper, and silver coins, with gold coins marked by a distinct symbol denoting their value. Major cities followed this basic system. Anyone carrying coins from another region would have to visit a currency exchange center, where the coins were melted down and recast into local currency. This financial practice was common throughout the seven regions.
Not long after, Oran approached an orange vendor and asked, "May I ask you something? Is there a hotel nearby? We've come from Armak and are looking for lodging."
The vendor replied, "Walk straight ahead a bit, then turn right—you'll find one there."
Oran thanked him warmly, "Thank you, sir."
---
They eventually arrived at their destination. Thiron opened the door to a hotel lobby where a young woman at the reception desk greeted them, "Welcome to the Happiness Hotel. How may I assist you?"
"Hello," said Thiron, "could we have two rooms for tonight?"
The receptionist apologized, "I'm sorry, but only one room remains. Many survivors from the neighboring villages have rushed here seeking safety from those creatures. Will you take one room or search for another hotel?"
Thiron hesitated, "What shall we do? Should we look elsewhere?"
Quietly, Oran whispered, "Don't worry—the city's defenses should hold; if more wolves appear, we'll handle it." Then he added reassuringly, "You can rest. I'll spend the night outside on guard so you'll be safe."
Thiron then said, "We'll take the room. What's the charge, please?"
The receptionist replied, "One gold coin."
Thiron and Seline were both taken aback. "Miss, what is this? We've come here many times before—we used to pay only one silver coin for a room!" they exclaimed.
The receptionist explained, "I'm sorry, sir, but prices have doubled. Since the catastrophe, the cost of all foodstuffs has risen, and that has pushed hotel prices up as well."
Oran, Seline, and Thiron exchanged looks. Then Thiron produced a gold coin embossed with the carved emblem of the Black Eagle—a symbol famous in the desert regions—and on the other side, the emblem of the royal family's castle from the Western Desert. "Here you go; we'll spend the night here," he said.
The receptionist smiled, "Thank you, sir. Would you like us to bring food to your room, or will you dine in the restaurant?" She gestured toward the restaurant on the left side of the reception desk.
---
The entire Western Desert was renowned for its red clay houses—both large and small—that evoked an ancient atmosphere. Unfazed, the receptionist continued, "No trouble at all, sir—that's my job. Here is your key; your room is on the upper floor."
Thiron accepted the key and thanked her. Oran and Seline exchanged a brief glance before Thiron opened the door and peered inside. The room contained only a single bed, a few blankets and bedding, a table, a chair, and some candles for light. They couldn't help but feel disappointed.
Seline sat on the bed next to Oran, while Thiron took a seat at the table. Meanwhile, the receptionist had already served their meal. Night fell, and the crimson sky emerged, accompanied by a blood-red moon—a night that people had grown accustomed to as an ominous omen. Soon after, Oran left the room, and that was when the wolves began to appear.
---
Later, inside a cave, one of the group remarked, "What do you say we head into the city? It's nearby, and perhaps it hasn't suffered extensive losses from the army. Maybe they even repelled the wolf attack, and Verona's army now numbers five million to protect it."
Lina added hesitantly, "But…"
Ren interjected, "I've already been there. All I saw were scattered, decomposing corpses. The royal family of Valinor has fallen—no one saved them. Verona suffered the worst losses while its army faltered. The situation there is catastrophic. In the neighboring villages, casualties were minimal because the wolves targeted the most densely populated areas—and they succeeded."
Mona and Lina wore expressions of shock at these grim revelations.
---
Meanwhile, regarding their efforts to gain strength from the wolf hunts, Ren had already boosted his efficiency to 400, while Leon had reached 800—a difference of half between them. Both had scoured the entire Green Plains in search of wolves to further augment their power. Ren deliberately ventured into the area most devastated by wolves—Verona—so that his strength surged rapidly. Leon was astonished at how quickly Ren had caught up, while he himself had been roaming through nearby villages where wolves were few and far between.
---
After a week, Oran had become extremely popular throughout the city of Arian, having spent every night that week slaughtering wolves. Then, a summons arrived from the royal family in the palace. In their hotel room, Oran sat on the bed next to Seline, while Thiron occupied a chair across from him at the table where the royal summons lay. Thiron asked, "What will you do, Oran? I intend to accept this summons—come with me." They exchanged glances, and Thiron added, "It's your call."
A week later, Oran, Seline, and Thiron found themselves standing before the King of Arian, Ethan Valko. The king began, "I've heard some rumors about you, Oran."
"Indeed, sir," Oran replied.
"Would you be interested in becoming the commander of Arian's army?" the king inquired. King Ethan, a middle-aged man stroking his beard—with short black hair intermingled with white strands—displayed the emblem of the Black Eagle (a symbol famous throughout the desert) on one side and that of the royal family's castle from the Western Desert on the other.
"I'm afraid I must decline your offer, sir," Oran answered.
His response left the king's soldiers and ministers in the hall agape. The king then laughed and said, "Ha, that's intriguing. Do you have any other desires I might fulfill for you?"
"No, sir," Oran replied.
The king persisted, "Can you explain why you reject these enticing offers? Everyone in this hall yearns for a position, yet you refuse."
Oran calmly answered, "I must head toward the central region—the Green Plains."
"And what will you do there?" the king pressed.
"I plan to deal with the monsters there. I will find a way to shut them down. After all, the Gate appeared in the Green Plains, Verona has been wiped out, and worst of all, the royal family of Valinor may have fallen."
These words stunned everyone—after all, the other six regions were well aware of the might of the Green Plains, and all agreed it was the strongest region, not to mention the fate of the royal family of Valinor.
"I'm sorry for declining your offer, but if no one stops this catastrophe, who will? Stopping it would restore peace across all seven regions," Oran declared.
The king considered this and said, "You're right—it's logical, as this catastrophe spans all seven regions. Do as you wish; how long do you intend to stay here?"
"About a week—then I will set out for the Green Plains with my companion," Oran replied.
King Ethan added, "You may remain here in the castle until then."
"Very well," Oran and his companion responded in unison, "we thank you for your kindness, sir."
---
While King Ethan ordered his subordinates to prepare a feast for the guests, Ren and Leon returned to the cave. Ren carried a deer on his back and announced loudly, "We'll have a barbecue today—I've hunted a deer, as usual."
Mona stepped forward, her expression now one of reassurance; she no longer fretted over them as before. Her welcoming demeanor had changed over time—each time they returned to the cave, she greeted them warmly. "Look how happily you've returned, Leon—you may sit. Ren, place the deer on the ground and come join us; I'll prepare the barbecue for you," she said.
Lina interjected excitedly, "It smells delicious! When will it be ready? Mona, I'm starving!"
Mona replied firmly, "If you'd just stop pestering us…"
Lina retorted, "Just a little patience, please—it will be ready soon."
Leon admonished, "Stop teasing her, Lina."
Lina responded, "I'm not teasing her, brother—it's she who enjoys provoking me."
Mona's smile grew as Ren and Leon exchanged a glance. "I'm so glad to see you two in sync," Leon remarked.
Ren added, "I'm truly happy that we can smile again together. I never imagined…" He trailed off before continuing, "You're right—the past has been hard. Now, let's head toward our destination in the Western Desert. Gather your belongings; we leave at dawn."
Mona and Lina's expressions turned somber as they realized the great distance between continents and that this journey would not be an easy one. Leon reassured them, "Don't worry—we will protect you. We guarantee your safety. Now, smile!"
Lina nodded, "We're counting on you."
Mona concluded, "Let's sleep until dawn."
"Very well," they agreed.
---
Exhaustion was etched on their faces when, suddenly, Oran and his companions arrived—having endured an exceedingly long journey. In a jolt, Ren and Leon awoke from their sleep and rushed outside in panic, closely followed by Mona and Lina, who called out, "What happened, Ren?"
But Ren and Leon maintained grim expressions and ignored their calls. Trembling with fear, Leon asked, "Did you feel that, Ren?" Cold sweat began to drip from his brow. Standing beside him, Ren clutched himself and trembled as if chilled by an unseen frost. Then, raising his voice, Ren cried out, "We sensed it… He's using the last of his strength; with a single swing of his weapon, he nearly felled us. He's approaching!"
---
At that moment, Oran had left his companions behind, hastening after the wolves. Though he had not yet drawn his weapon in anger, his sole objective was to reach Ren and Leon as quickly as possible. The two men shuddered with intense fear when Mona called out, "What's happening with you? You've frightened me!"
Ren bellowed to them, "Get into the cave—quickly!"
Mona protested, "But—"
Ren interrupted, "Didn't you hear me? I said, get into the cave!"
From Ren and Leon's vantage point, as the giant wolf came into view from the opposite side—its massive body dormant—a shift occurred. The wolf sensed an approaching force that threatened its life. Leon gasped, "Ren, what we feared has awakened!"
Before they could react further, the wolf reared up onto all four of its paws and lifted its head. Ren remained motionless, staring helplessly into the sky. Then, his anguished cry rang out, accompanied by bolts of lightning that rained down and scorched everything across the Green Plains.
---
In that very moment, Oran stepped forward before Ren and Leon and declared, "Do not worry—I am not your enemy; I have come to exterm
inate these demonic beasts."
Both Ren and Leon exhaled deeply in relief. Meanwhile, Mona and Lina, who had already awakened, could scarcely bear to look outside as fear gripped them.