Soon several men came running towards the place, the men's clothes then briefly examined the beast's attack, ensuring that it had not been people...
They were all vigilant against Light, the one sent by Azrael. Why had death befallen everyone but him? No one noticed that the lanterns had fallen to the ground far behind, and these were disciples less susceptible to the effects of concealment.
After doubling the guard against possible new attacks, Light was ordered to go further ahead. This time, he would be in the seventh layer; if something happened, he would be the first to go to the river Styx.
This arrangement didn't come from above; if Light were a disciple, he would vehemently disagree, possibly resorting to violent means, but surrounded by so many stronger people, he had no choice. He still tried to argue about how weak he was and that he would be eliminated before they could even detect him.
The decision was unanimous: Light advanced. Now he was about 700 meters from the camp, with a sea of lights behind him and only darkness and clear footsteps ahead. After all, it was a forest; there were always small and large creatures roaming around. The only problem would be if they wanted a piece of him.
It didn't take long for the first visitor to arrive. Light, sword in hand, tried to drive the creature away. Like the owl, it was also a disciple. This being had extremely long forelimbs and shorter hindlimbs, a mouth full of teeth jutting out like a crocodile, and a flattened, bald head.
The creature was not afraid of Light. The guards had already detected its presence and were moving toward them. Light stalled for time while the creature seemed extremely calm and thoughtful. Shortly after, it left without needing a fight.
Light's watch went like this: monsters always appeared to study him, and when others approached, they would leave. Most of the region's monsters were Initiates, but only disciples made an appearance today.
When it was time for Light to end his watch and be replaced, everyone opposed it and demanded he continue guarding until morning. By this point, Light was already being publicly executed; they were sending him straight to his death!
Triss had warned him many times about interacting with the settlers, and yet he was here, now being executed in every possible way. If he survived the night, you could be sure he would find a way to take revenge.
Again, there was a commotion in the forest. Light drew his sword; the animal this time resembled a wildcat, perhaps a bit larger than it should have been. He was out of mana since the duel against Lara's supervisor, so it would be a fight based purely on swordsmanship. Others would come when they noticed the unusual movement.
***
Name: [None]
Title: [None]
Status: Hunting
Rank: Initiate
Species: Murkait
Aura: 15
Strength: 3
Agility: 4
Endurance: 3
Abilities: Bestial Manipulation...
Characteristics: Territorial, Violent, Hunter
Observation: A common animal of these forests that usually hunts at night; this one is a young specimen.
***
'Earlier, there was Nether; now there is Bestial... I wonder what its capabilities are.'
The confrontation unfolded with the creature advancing with all its claws on him. Light deflected the attack with his sword, as well as the bites. He wanted to observe the animal's strength while waiting for reinforcements. Although weak, it could be just a distraction from a greater enemy.
The animal's abilities were simple overall; it displayed abilities similar to a dash, but this was more violent and used physical means. Its claws could grow at the creature's will, and its muscles were so strong that it could change direction mid-air in a burst.
The creature was strong but depended on momentary bursts, which led to its death. Light was furious with the others, but at that moment, it was beneficial. He grabbed the animal and tried to absorb its energy... but he couldn't even feel it.
Light had acquired the ability to sense and use mana and its derivatives. At the moment, he could not acquire abilities related to other energies, such as Nether, Bestial, Soul, Cursed, and Blood.
His knowledge of them was scarce, and he didn't know their differences. Besides mana, he had only seen Fallen ones using the other energies.
Realizing his mistake, Light looked ahead; the shadows seemed darker... Something was very wrong. Light turned to shout again.
"Calm down; I'm just passing through." The leaves and trees swayed around; Light finally realized what was wrong. A huge serpent was around him, its enormous eyes the size of him, now staring at him.
***
Name: Naga
Title: Apostle of Gluttony, Great Devourer + 3
Status: Investigating
Rank: Apostle
Species: Chthonidra
Aura: 3000
Strength: 100
Agility: 70
Endurance: 130
Skills: Beelzebuth, Bestial Manipulation + 50
Characteristics: Leader, Calm, Observer + 10
Observation: Pray that it doesn't kill you; this is the Great Devourer. Its scales can change color to blend in better with the environment, its strike is faster than the speed of sound, and it can turn its enemies into dust instantly.
Among many titles, it is also the Apostle of Gluttony; everything this snake eats can momentarily cause physical and magical alterations in it, and although it does not manipulate mana, it can use it momentarily in combat, as well as other energies.
***
Light took a deep breath; if he reacted, his death was certain. This enemy could not be defeated by anyone nearby; there was only one opponent capable of facing it, and he was far away in the camp.
"May I know what honor brings the presence of the great Naga?"
"I heard some interesting rumors..."
"Of a deformed, ugly elf who supposedly survived André and dared to face disciples. And more importantly, despite being a servant of an angel, he was clearly trying to steal power from others like a fallen one."
"Are these reports accurate, boy?"
"Yes, my lord. If possible, I would like to keep my fall a secret." The snake stirred among the trees.
"Why did you choose this profane path?"
"I would die if I didn't, so I made my decision."
"You must realize that you will die now if you resist me and my men, correct?" Feeling the threat in the air against the entire army, he agreed.
"Looking closely, I see it's futile to fight against you... I will advise the commander to withdraw" he said as the snake grew increasingly agitated, every movement sending a chill down Light's spine.
"No. I allow he to continue fighting; my interest is in the little Light."