Book 2 – Chapter 8- Wild hunt part 3
“……..” represent dialogue *…….* represent thoughts
Past:
Alphonso POV
After giving my orders to Rumo and the rest I simply waited for them to finally leave. The moment the doors finally close I let my smile fall. I moved my jaw around as putting up the fake smile was always annoying.
My father’s throne was a bit larger than my own, so it was a bit hard to find a comfort zone to sit in. After making myself comfortable I motioned my guards to check if scene was clear.
My personal royal guards don’t speak or rather couldn’t speak. I hand picked my guards, namely those that were illiterate so they wouldn’t go off spilling whatever I say. No matter how tightly lipped a person is, there was always a way for some information to get out. Another precaution was the removal of their tongue. All they knew to do was to serve me.
My guard inspected the room and outside before finally returning to their position. Satisfied with their inspection and that everything was clear I finally relaxed.
“So what do you think of them Chancellor?”
Stepping out of the one of the corner of the room was Chancellor Issian Thusa. He was the head our empire Holy Academy and part of the Council of the Empire. He was the head of the magical department.
Issian: “If I were to answer you honestly, I don’t know. Like my reports have said they show promise. I don’t really see anything wrong with it.”
*Then perhaps you need to get your eyes redone old man. Perhaps you have gone senile.*
I kept my frustration hidden as things were getting a bit out of hand. If it were any other matter I wouldn’t bother but this was different.
Two powerful individuals appeared out of nowhere. Their origin even eludes our Empire’s greatest scout. Even a child would see that as suspicious. Not only that, they even rival the six great family. The others speak highly of them, even Rumo acknowledge their strengths.
“They are not normal individuals. A female warrior who fights without any weapon and a powerful mage. Their existence itself calls into question many things.”
Issian: “Are you saying there’s a third party?”
“I did consider that the case but… I’ve never heard any rumor about them. If they were from the Regios Kingdom, we surely would have heard from them. It might be possible that they’re from the Bualia Dynasty or the Welsiha Imperials. But if that were true at least some form of rumor about them must be known and yet there’s nothing.”
Issian: “Perhaps they come from a place that we know nothing of.”
Truthfully I considered that possibility but lacked any proof. Even I know very little out much of the world aside from other large country that houses civilization like the Imperials and Dynasty. There are other continents on the planet after all.
But that was a secondary concern, what I was primarily worried about was why they were here? Having strong individuals supporting one’s country would be beneficial but the way they went about joining was very suspicious.
They did it in a secretive manner, joining the academy and slowly working their way up. If it were any other, the most logical choice would be to make direct contact rather than beat around the bushes. The only reason one might try to be secretive was because they don’t want to be known.
That was what was concerning me the most.
“Ahhh. If only we had a clue on them.”
XXX: “Then perhaps I can be of some assistance.”
I immediately readied myself and unsheathed my sword. My royal guards pulled out their weapon and looked around for the source of the voice.
Soon a shadow dropped from the ceiling into the middle of the room. Everyone turned their weapons and waited while watching the intruder.
Only when he stood up that I realized it was a she. She was a tall beauty with short cut black hair. She wore a dark and rugged looking coat that covered her body. From only what I could make out, her breasts was covered with a horizontal black cloth while showing off her body. A matching dark pair of leather pants with some armor leggings accompanied her look.
Truthfully I was a bit captivated by her beauty. If it were any other women I would simply ogle away and perhaps ‘persuade’ her to my chamber. However I stopped myself for two reason. On her shoulder was the tattoo of the Black Order. The second were her eyes, a cold and lifeless eye that belongs to a person with no will.
I quickly ordered everyone down before addressing the lone woman.
“My apologies. I must say I’m impress, no one have been able to sneak past my guards when I’m by myself. You’re from the Black Order I presume. I am Prince Alphonso Arthur. How may I be of any assistance.
XXX: “You may call me Catherine. We’re here in response to the failed kidnapping of the Regios Princess.”
The moment she said that I couldn’t help but make a sour expression.
“Ah yes the mission that I gave you. What? Have you come to apologies.”
I spoke with acid in my voice as they guaranteed that they could do it. Months of planning, bribery, and whispers all foiled by a mysterious group. Simply thinking about it caused my face to red.
Catherine: “Yes and no. We have some new information to present to you.”
“That being?”
Catherine: “We’ve identified some of the groups that helped the princess. The princess is being supported by what we assumed to be a powerful demi-human and a powerful female warrior. My second in command is currently in pursuit of them.”
I had expected another nation or perhaps some outside force but I didn’t expect it to be only two people.
Catherine: Through more investigation we discovered that there were two more. A female lizard woman and a powerful mage who is capable of rank 6 spells.”
Issian: “Did you say rank 6?!”
“Explain.”
My knowledge of magic was limited. I understood the basic and fundamental of mana and magic. Truthfully I’ve always considered mages below warriors such as the founders had. But even I was not so foolish to give up a powerful aid.
Issian: “As you know magic is categories in rank. From one to twelve. Those blessed with the ability were able to reach rank 3. It takes years of work to even use one higher ranking spell. Even one of the founders who incorporated magic in his fighting style could go up to rank 9 magic. To be able to use magic rank 8 or higher, they could be categories as nothing but heros or even gods.”
Issian monologue on for a bit about the history and legends of magic. I mostly tuned it all out but got the main point of it. A person like that supporting the princess was not good.
“Does that mean you know who this mage is?”
Catherine: “That’s why I am here. The mage and the female lizardwoman are the only one we don’t know. That’s why I’ve come here to find him?”
If she suspected that the mage was here then that means they’re in support of the princess. Which meant that they probably realized what I was doing or the very least I was involved.
I told myself to calm down and think of contingency plans should my plans having any more interference.
*Of course now the problem was who exactly was the mage…Could it be? The timing of that mage and the female. The way they acted, it would point towards them but I have no solid proof. Yet anyway.*
“I believe I might know who this mage is but…”
Catherine: “But?”
“I have no solid evidence to back it. Currently he’s out on a mission to exterminate some wild monsters. Perhaps when he comes back you might get some clues. As for now, all we can do is wait.”
Present:
Nu-Ru POV
“|Heal| |Repair Wounds|”
Activating the healing spells I quickly regained my missing health. Immediately trying to stand up I feel to my knees again. Even after damage were healed I still felt nauseated. I could barely see straight and everything was still spinning.
*Why? Why I should be fine.*
But before I could dive any deeper into the problem I felt my body being lifted. I looked around to see everyone gathering around me. Huas and Requa were supporting me. We soon ran away from the enemy.
We didn’t make it that far as something leap in front of us. Now with it staring down at us I had a much better look at it.
It’s image was almost identical to the wilaer. The only difference was that it was humongous, about twice as large as a basic one. It’s skin was blood red color. The biggest difference was that it had four arms.
The others froze in fear, even Shae let out a small whimper. It roared before swinging down it’s arms.
“|Barrier|”
I quickly formed a barrier just as it pounded on us. But the barrier didn’t last as it completely cracked from just that one attack. Within that time we ran again but of course we didn’t get any farther as it simply jump and we were back in the same situation.
“Damn it. Everyone close your eyes! |Brilliant Explosion|, |Brilliance Shine|.”
Activating my two spells the entire area turned a deafening white as multiple explosion racked the air. The beast let out a roaring cry.
We didn’t move and I was afraid that they were caught up in the attack as well but we were on the move again. Using another passive skill I Ied us away from the wilaer and towards a safer location. We ran for about seven minutes but in my weakened state, it felt like an agony hour. Eventually we reached a spot in the forest area.
After confirming with Shae that we lost it for now, we finally relaxed. They laid me against a tree while Shae tended to my wound. The others took their own tree and collapsed.
Shae.Alpha: “Hey, you alright?”
Shae kneeled down and inspected me to see if there was anything wrong.
“I’m fine. Or at least superficially anyway. I care barely stand up and my head hurts like hell. Even after using my healing spells, it’s still there.”
Shae gave a quizative look before a look of familiarity came.
Shae.Alpha: “I had the same experience except I wasn’t thrown across the field, hitting a tree. My guess is that our brain haven’t fully register the concept of magic.”
“What?” That was the only answer I could respond with. My mind was still spinning so I couldn’t fully comprehend what she meant. Nodding my head I told her to clarify.
Shae.Alpha: “It’s base on a theory back on earth. Whenever you get an injury the body takes a very long time to recover. Tissue, muscle, nerves and all that kind of stuff. With magic we skip the long and tedious process of waiting for our body to repair ourselves but our mind can’t fully comprehend it and still remember the pain even though we’re completely healed.”
It took a moment for me to finally comprehend what Shae was saying. Either it was me taking it as it was or in some odd state of mind, I simply accepted the explanation.
“When you put it like that…now I feel like an idiot”
I try to laugh it off but only resulted in a painful cough. I looked to see the others slumped over, tired as well.
Shae.Alpha: “What do we do now?”
“Isn’t it obvious? We need to retreat and as fast as possible. That wilaer is more powerful than anything we’ve faced in this world yet. And at the levels we’re at now, we can’t fight that thing without losing at least half of us.”
Shae.Alpha: “I think we can take it if we–”
“I know what you’re about to say and no. Right now we’re undercover we can’t use our real power just because things are getting difficult.”
It was obvious what she was going to ask so I ended it before she could continue.
Shae.Alpha: ‘I understand your reasons but as the way things are we might not make it. At least we have a high chance killing it and leaving.”
“What about the others? How would we explain to them how we suddenly went from weak to strong in a matter of seconds?”
Shae.Alpha: “I’m sure they would understand if we explained it to them. I asked the same thing of Traus when I used my support spells.”
“You what?!”
I couldn’t contain my surprise as I accidently screamed while instinctively trying to stand up. But I didn’t make that far before falling back down, clutching my side. The other were about to rush over but I told them that I’m fine before whispering back to Shae.
“We agreed that we wouldn’t do anything that would destroy our image.”
Shae.Alpha: “I know, I know but I had no choice. But I’m sure we can trust them.”
“That’s naive thinking Shae. Who do you think they’re the most loyal to? When push comes to shove they’ll follow the Empire’s order till death. What you did endangered all of us.”
Although I didn’t mean it, my voice was filled with hostility. We were knee deep into unknown enemy territory and Shae basically told them our secrets. If they bring it up to the prince or a high official we might experience lots of trouble.
Shae.Alpha: “I understand that I messed up but I did what I thought was best. Besides I trust them, you on the other hand needs to have an open mind.”
It was obvious that Shae was annoyed as well. Eventually an argument would break out between us if we didn’t calm down. I quickly calmed my mind to find a resolution. Taking in deep breaths I addressed her with a more clear mindset.
“You’re right I wasn’t there, so I have no right to criticize. But we need to be careful remember.”
It was sometime difficult to distinguish Shae’s expression on some occasions but this it was different. Her previous annoyed and mad expression was slowly toning down back into the stoic expression her always had.
“No; you’re right, it was my fault for taking the easy way out. I’m sorry.”
We both quickly apologies and combined our efforts to think up of a way to get out of the forest. Around that time my strength slowly returned to me. I was able to stand up and walked to the others to inform them.
The others regained some of their strength as they were apparently waiting on us.
Requa: “Sooo what’s the plan?”
Shae.Alpha: “The obvious answer is to run but the question now is, can we out run it?”
Als: “What do you mean?”
“That wilaer mobility and strength is beyond anything we have fought. We can certainly fight it but at least half of us will die before killing it. And that’s the best case scenario.”
A terrifying silence passed between one another as they all silently agreed on not fighting it.
Huas: “We’re in the forested area aren’t we? That thing can’t go through.”
“I considered that thought and though it is true we can’t simply assume it won’t give chase. We killed a bunch of its kind and spouse. That thing will want our blood.”
Yusei: “So now all is left is to run away.”
Kugei: “And make it back to the empire and inform them of the beast.”
“Right. Now that we’re all in agreement we need to be careful now in escaping. We’re all tired so we should go as fast as we can but at the same time play it safe. Is everyone in agreement?”
Everyone gave approval nod and everything was underway. We got rid of any excess baggage and weights before finally setting out. Even though we were safe while in the dense forest we still positioned ourselves just in case we ran into trouble.
We took it slow and steady, making sure nothing could spot us.
Everything was fine for about a couple of minutes until our luck ran out.
Shae.Alpha: “Something fast is coming, 3 O’clock!”
Giving her call I turned towards the direction she spoke of. At first I didn’t see anything but soon my ears caught onto something. The snapping of branches and trees.
“Everyone scatter!”
Giving the order, everyone scattered, hiding behind the closes tree. The noise grew louder and louder until it appeared before us apparently jumping from the sky. It’s massive body easily destroyed the trees in the way.
Rumo: “How the hell did that thing find us?”
Kugei: “Perhaps it has some kind of keen smell.”
Yusei: “Or it got lucky.”
Als: “Well it doesn’t matter now does it? What do we do?”
Shae.Alpha: “Nu, what do we do?”
I greatly underestimated this world’s power, believing we were still superior, even to the monsters of this world. Normally I was able to keep calm under pressure, that was how I could clearly asses what to do but now I could barely come up with a game plan.
* I haven’t fully recover yet. The others will surely perish if we chose to stay and fight.*
Countless decision filled my brain as I tried to figure out what was the best method. Until…
“The rest of you go on! Shae and I will hold it back”
I quickly stepped out and faced the wilaer. Shae joined me on my side at the ready.
Haus: “Are you crazy?! You can’t kill that thing!”
“We aren’t trying to. We’ll distract it so you guys may escape.”
Huas: “But–”
Shae.Alpha: “Damn it, don’t argue with us! Hurry and leave!”
Shae raised her voice that surprised even me. The other had guilty looks on their faces as they ran away. I let out a small sigh as that was one problem resolved.
Shae.Alpha: “Now that is take care of, what’s the plan?”
“With only two of us we have a higher chance of running and hiding. But we should try and slow that thing down.”
The conversation ended there and we focused on the task at hand. Seeing the others running away it tried to run after them but we stopped that.
“|Lightning Scattershot|”
Pockets of small electricity wrapped around my hand as flung them in a vertical arch at the wilaer. Although I knew it had great mobility, seeing it jump over my attack still surprised me. Dodging my attack it descended with it’s arms in the position for a ground pound.
Shae.Alpha: “I got this. |Enforce Armor|, |Fortress|”
Stepping in front of me, Shae activated her skills and prepared herself. They collide and Shae was pushed back.
Shae.Alpha: “Damn. That bastard is pretty tough.”
“Follow me! |Vinewood Bind|”
Long elastic vines erupted from the ground and wrapped around the wilaer. While it was distracted we ran away. It didn’t last very long as it broke free and gave chase.
Everything was going according to plan so far. All we needed to do was lose it and keep it in the forest. I prepared a number of invisibility use item to use should we need to in the Empire. All we needed to do was lose it and used them and wait.
Or at least it was supposed to be the case.
Everything was going fine until out of the corner of my eye a form of energy wave flying towards the wilaer. It didn’t do much as it brought up its arm and blocked it.
*What?!*
I looked over to see Rumo and the other there, ready for a right.
“You idiots! What are you doing here?”
Requa: “We’re here to help you of course! What kind of knights would we be if we ran!”
The others waved their weapons in agreement before charging at the wilaer.
no, nO, No, NO!
This wasn’t how it was suppose to go. The ideal situation was for them to run away and receive reinforcement. We would hide and wait for them so that we could take them down. That way we would hold off all suspicion of us.
But it didn’t play it that way. The way they saw it, we were sacrificing ourselves for them. A noble death so they decided to come back and would help us, even if it would lead to their death.
Shae.Alpha: “Nu! Now is not a good time to freeze up.”
Shae ran past me and towards the other to help. I quickly regained my senses and ran over.
This time the forest played against us. The area we were in was even more dense, trees were getting in the way. Especially since there was so many of us. Wilaer moved easily or at the very least wasn’t impeded that much as it brought down a bunch of trees.
All we could do was attack whenever we could, stopping to make a plan was out of the question. We barely did any damage to it, we only chipped away portions of its health slowly. It was only a matter of time before we start to slow down as everyone was still tired. I tried to get them to listen but it was no use.
Things quickly went south as Rumo and the rest of the knights were getting pushed back. Not even with Shae supporting them could stop the wilaer. The first to go were Kuegi and Yusei. Using their speed they applied the quickest damage, constantly attacking. Eventually it grabbed a hold of one them and threw him into the other. They both flew across and hit a tree.
Luckily they were still alive but badly hurt and unconscious. The next to go were Traus, Rumo, Requa and Haus. They were working together with one another to take the thing down. At first it was going fine but slowly defeat them one by one.
The was one to go was Requa who was caught when he protected Haus from being caught. Using him as a shield Haus was knocked out. Als and I had a hard time attacking the wilaer as our spells could also hit the others if we were careless. For us, all we could do was watch helplessly.
Using Requa as a human shield it defeated Rumo and Traus. They both felt the full blunt of one of its fist, pushing them both backward. During that time Huas managed to free Requa but that was short lived as they were knocked out when Huas took a second to look at Requa. Soon all was left was Shae, Als and I.
I looked to Als to see her shaking and petrified in fear.
I resisted the urge to tell her to run but that would mean leaving the others to the wilaer. There was no guarantee that it wouldn’t simply chase after us. The same could be said about us leaving and the wilaer finishing them off.
Both choice were lysed with their own poison, either way we would get hurt by one of the choice.
*But if we do nothing then that would be the worst case scenario*
“Als we’ll hold it off while you run.”
“No.”
I put my hand on her shoulder and slightly pushed her back but she immediately knocked my hand away.
“Are you crazy?! You don’t stand a chance, you’re weak! Just leav–”
Als: “No! I’ll become stronger than.”
“Stronger?”
Why was she so insistent on staying? And what exactly did she meant by stronger?
Of course during our little bickering it sensed an opportunity to strike at us. We barely dodged out of the way.
“Damn it Als, you’re way out of your league. Shae, cover me!”
Shae.Alpha: “Got it!”
Running from the other side Shae jumped at the wilaer but was repelled easily repelled when it struck at her. I charged in to give her support but spells were easily dodged.
Als: “|Crystal Shard|”
I looked over to see Als using her spell but that made little difference. Although the spell had a wide range, it was took weak. Soon the wilaer focused its attention on her instead. I quickly moved to her side, keeping it away from her.
Our spells weren’t doing anything, at most it we were just annoying it. Picking up a fallen tree it flung it at us. Using |Barrier| I was easily able to block the attack but not what came after it.
The tree broke into pieces and splinters, blocking the view. It was only at the last second that I saw its fists’ flying towards us. I pushed her out of the way just as it shatter the barrier and was flung backwards. The air was knocked out of me as I collided with a tree before falling face first.
I looked to up to see Als on the ground as well, somehow hurt from the previous attack. The wilaer slowly walked it’s way over and stood above Als who was still conscious. I grabbed her andbegan to crush her.
I tried to stand back up to help her but pain racked my body again as her scream permeated the air. It then threw her against another tree, quieting her and knocking her out. It slowly trudged over and brought both of its fists up to finish it off.
At that point a decision was made
Human beings, the apex of sentient life. What distinguish us from normal beings on earth or this new planet was conscious. We are able to make decisions not solely based on instinct. Our mind is more developed and complex than that of any animal. That is how homo sapiens rose to the top.
Human being believes themselves to be rational creatures that plan our thoughts and action rather than simply relying on instinct alone.
However, as much as humans wish to deny it, we are irrational creatures even though we believe ourselves to be rational. Humanity often forget that we are animals too, like any other life form. We were merely the most evolved out of the bunch.
When faced with extreme situations, we abandon all logic and reason and follow our instinct no matter how irrational it is.
“Un-equip Binding Ring.”
Using voice command I unequipped the binding ring. Instantly my body flowed with immense power and I was up on my feet instantly.
“|Gravity down X2|”
Using my spell the air around the wilaer shifted and pressurized as it was knocked to the ground.
Although surprised it was able to resist the pressure to some degree.
“|Arcane Barrage|”
Pockets of mana formed and condense itself into tiny orbs of light. They all flew towards the wilaer, unleashing a barrage of powerful explosions. During that time I quickly rushed over to Als. I quickly checked her status to see that she was alive but heavily injured. Quickly using my healing spells, I fixed that.
However just as I almost done the wilaer appeared out of the smoke. It was about to land a hit on us but was knocked away.
Shae.Alpha: “Man that felt good.
I looked over to see Shae cracking her knuckles with a small smirk on her face. She too also took of the binding ring.
Shae.Alpha: “Told you things would be easier with our full power. So what’s the plan?”
“Kill it, and quickly.”
Shae.Alpha: “Copy that.”
The conversation was short and to the point as it needed to be. Shae rushed at the wilaer while I checked on the rest.
Quickly finishing up I ran to Shae who had the wilaer on the ropes. It was an odd feeling, one minutes we were on death doors but now we were the reapers. The wilaer still seemed to believe that it could still win so it charged straight at us.
Shae.Alpha: “|Orbitor: Advance Precision| |Orbitor: Laser Show|”
The orbitor that was invisible before suddenly appear, shifting and moving its gear around. First it surrounded us in a bright light before flying towards the wilaer. Opening up it fired streaks of laser at the wilaer.
It screeched as it tried to catch the small flying orb while the orbitor constantly fired upon the wilaer. It was keeping the wilaer distracted, long enough for me to attack.
“|Plasma Saw|”
Discs of green electric energy formed and flew through the air, as if cutting the air, towards the wilaer. It caught sight of it so it tried to jump over it. My attack missed but it wasn’t the end of it. Believing that was it, it landed and brought its attention back to the orbitor. The plasma saw easily did a 180 and flew back towards the wialer.
It was so preoccupied that it didn’t noticed it until they sliced through two of its arm. The wilaer let out a bloodcurdling scream as it looked confusedly at its wound and its severed hands.
At that moment, it seemed that it finally understood that it couldn’t win. It turned around and started its escape.
“|Pillar of Fire|”
Flames erupted from the ground, blocking its escape. We wouldn’t allow it to get away, not after all the trouble it caused.
“Shae, finish it!”
Giving the order, Shae rushed in. This time I supported her with |Quick Reflexes|, |BoostAcceleration| and |Greater Fighting Force|. Using those spells Shae appeared at the wilaer almost instantly.
Shae.Alpha: “|Rapid Fury Fists|”
Her fist flew at blinding speed, punching the wilaer. Each blow landed pushed the wilaer further back until it was knocked into a tree. She continued her attack for a while before finally stopping. It’s chest seeping into self from all the heavy punches. Bloodied wounds and bruises lined its body.
“Finally…it’s over.”
I finally started to relax, letting my body fall and resting on my butt. But I couldn’t relax just yet, we had more pressing problem. Looking at the corpse I could already tell it would be challenging to explain what truly transpired.
Shae.Alpha: “So…now that we killed it, how exactly are we going to explain it to the others?”
“We don’t have to. We’ll just fake it.”
I slowly made my way over to the fallen wilaer and to Shae who had on slightly confused look?
Shae.Alpha: “What do you mean?”
“I’m saying we fabricate us killing the wilaer, including the others. Using the plasma saw attack gave a clue.”
Shae.Alpha: “I’m thinking your forgetting one crucial fact, the others. They’ll clearly remember they got their asses handed to them.”
“I think I also have a plan for that. I have spell called |Alter Memory.| Back in Eternia, it was a spell that could be used on NPC’s for quests. Essentially it altered its code to allow the player to get past certain restriction.”
Shae.Alpha: “Are you sure that’s going to work? We’re not in Eternia anymore remember?”
“I know but at the very least it’s worth a try. If that doesn’t work I could try other methods. Anyway, Shae pick up the others swords and cut up the wilaer a bit more. We need to show signs of an intense fight. I’ll get to work on their memory.”
Shae silently nodded and got to work, and so did I. The first one I went to was Als, who despite having been flung and almost crushed, looked to be sleeping peacefully thanks to my healing spells. I kneeled down and got to work.
I felt a bit guilty, invading their minds and privacy and altering them. But it was necessary if we wanted to stay hidden. But more than that, I was simply happy that everything was finally over.
Rebirth Online World 