Chapter-18

We travelled by the main road, tall buildings surrounding us on both sides.

Our journey had been smooth so far. Zei was walking beside me, still fiddling with her new dagger, while Kirsten and Asher led the way. Kristen was in a lively mood, telling us about his lovely wife and life back at Elethiya.

"Did you get anything?" Kristen asked, glancing at Asher 

"No," Asher replied, frowning. "The communicator isn't picking up any signals." 

"Do you think it's broken?"

"I just bought a new one, so it's unlikely."

"Then perhaps there is something wrong from the other end." 

"That's the most likely reason. If we are unable to make any contact with Central soon, things might get complicated, especially since we are not alone this time."

"Let's wait for a day before deciding anything."

Kristen turned towards us, his tone shifting. "So, what do you kids plan to do once we reach Eleithiya?"

"You can choose to live a quiet life in the countryside, enlist in the military academy and help fight against profanity, or join Central and make a significant impact in the lives of people in need."

"...I want to be stronger," I admitted honestly, "Strong enough to protect what I hold precious."

"That's a noble goal to have," he nodded approvingly, "But that path is not an easy one."

"I am already aware of that," I said quietly.

He turned his attention towards Zei. "What about you?"

"I…don't know," she replied with a bitter smile, "I don't know what the future holds for me or where it will take me, so I don't have a definitive goal yet." 

Kristen's expression softened. "That's normal, especially after what you have been through. Take your time, perhaps you can find something that you want to live for." 

"They are near," Asher suddenly muttered. 

"I feel it too," Kristen replied, drawing out his staff from the back.

"Is something wrong? I asked, alarmed.

"Ohh, don't worry, just a few Nameless ones heading this way," he said casually. The next instance, inhumane shrieks pierced the air, growing louder with each passing second.

I spun around, my blood ran cold at the sight of 6 monstrous creatures barreling towards us. They appeared to be wolves but had three heads, each having a singular crimson eye at the center, six legs with sharp claws, and black fur covered in blood.

My hands tightened around the hilt of my sword.

Kristen strolled past me, completely unfazed. "Watch and learn," he said with a grin.

He hurled his staff at one of the creatures, and it struck the beast and exploded through its body, tearing it apart in a heartbeat.

In a blink, Kristen appeared behind another creature. His staff transformed into a battle mace, and with a single leap, he delivered a crushing blow, bringing it down with devastating force, ending the creature's life instantly.

Suddenly, something blurred past me. 

Three of the monster's bodies fell to the ground before I could react. Asher stood in front of them with a bloodied katana in his hand, its blade gleaming in a crimson glow.

"...Amazing," I whispered, awestruck.

"Immobilise the last one, Asher," Kristen suddenly ordered. "I want it alive."

The last creature leaped forward towards Asher however, before it could attack, Asher delivered a quick blow to its back, which knocked it down. 

"What are you planning?" Asher asked, stepping beside Kirsten. 

Suddenly Kristen looked at us, and I felt uneasy.

"W-what is it?" I asked hesitantly

"Kill it," he simply said

"W-what do you mean kill it?" 

"This will be a good learning opportunity, you won't survive for long if you can't even kill a nameless one."

"That thing is supposed to be weak?"

"They are partially deaf, so they can't hear you. As long as you manage to counter their speed, killing them is very easy. "

"B-but," I tried to protest.

 "No buts little one." Kristen intervened, "This is your first step towards becoming stronger, and besides, we will be here if something goes wrong, so don't hesitate."

As much as I hated to admit it, Kristen was right. It was something we had to learn if we were to survive in this new world. I needed to become stronger, strong enough to protect her.

Before I could answer, I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Let's go," Zei said firmly. "We can do this. Together"

"Fine' I sighed.

"We are ready," she said to Kristen.

The beast stirred. Then, with a feral roar, it lunged towards us.

"Don't be afraid, focus on your target, you have the upper hand," Asher called from a distance.

I planted my feet, my gaze locked with the beast."Get behind its back," I told Zei, "I'll draw its attention."

The creature lunged forward towards me, its claws slashing through the air. I barely managed to dodge its deadly claws. Taking a step forward, I aimed for its eyes, but it dodged. The beast glared at me with its crimson eyes furiously.

It roared, rearing back as Zei slipped behind it, plunging her spear into its right head. But it was not over. Runes flared on the spear, and the beast was engulfed in flames. It thrashed in agony, giving me the opening to step forward and aim for its head.

It writhed, shrieking with rage, and lashed out its claws at me. I block its attack with the sword, thrusting the sword into its eye.

Howling in pain, it struck me with its claws, sending me skidding backwards as blood ran down my arm.

"Zei, now," I shouted.

Without giving it any time, she darted in and struck its left eye with her dagger, blinding it completely. 

The creature flailed blindly, its movement erratic.

I clenched my jaw, surged forward, and drove my sword into its head with all my remaining strength.

Its claws struck my leg, blood streamed from it, but I persisted, plunging the sword into its neck.

A fountain of blood sprayed out in the air as the creature collapsed.

The creature lay still, in its own pool of blood. It was dead. We had won.

Exhaustion washed over me. My body ached, my limbs throbbing in pain.

"You okay?" Zei asked, rushing to my side.

"Yeah, I am fine, you did a great job," I said, ruffling her hair. 

"Especially that move with the fire engulfing the creature, it helped a lot, how did you do it?"

"I didn't do anything. The spear ignited on fire as soon as it touched blood."

"Either way, it helped a lot, all thanks to you. "

Of course I did, did you doubt me? Now I am hurt." 

"I didn't know you were this strong." 

".. I am a different person now," she said quietly.

We got up, catching our breath and retrieving our weapons. Suddenly, I noticed a strange mist creeping around us.

Then, faintly, a haunting sound echoes in my ear. 

A woman's lullaby.