"Are you gonna stay here or what?" Kame asked. They were already running late for enrollment, and now this bullshit was getting on his nerves. Although he was somewhat aware of the truth behind this so-called Fairy Forest, the time had come for them to leave for Emerald City.
As they walked into the forest, it was not what they had expected. The air was unnaturally cold, despite it being the month of May. The pitch-dark forest was illuminated only by the dim glow of beautiful fireflies, and the sweet scent of earth lingered in the air—it was quite peaceful.
However, as they ventured deeper, the forest grew darker and quieter. But the silence had a voice of its own, one that could send chills even through the bravest of adults. To make matters worse, a strange stench, like burned flesh, filled the air.
As they moved forward, they noticed a glimpse of light moving toward them. It could be anything—it wasn't uncommon for travelers to cross the forest at night.
"What's that?" Gin asked. "A traveler?"
Kame frowned at his mana compass. "It's broken. Maybe he can help us find the way."
The light came closer, faster than expected. As it neared, they could make out a figure—a woman in a long, flowing white nightgown. A sheer veil covered her face, and in her hand, she held an old oil lamp.
"Who the hell wears something like that in the middle of a forest?" Gin muttered. "Is she lost?"
The woman drew closer. Close enough for them to see her face.
Their eyes widened in horror.
"eeewww! her face!" Gin stunned.
It was burned. Completely scorched. One eye dangled grotesquely from its socket.
Kame's breath caught in his throat. "What in the world is she…?"
Their bodies locked in place, frozen by sheer terror. The putrid stench of charred flesh grew unbearable as she closed the distance between them.
Before Gin could react, she stabbed the burning tip of her lamp straight into his stomach. A deep wound. Blood gushed from his mouth as he staggered backward.
"What the hell do you think you're doing!?" Kame roared. His fury exploded as he swung his Praying Mantis: Twin Blood Slash—a technique powerful enough to slice through a soldier's armor.
The attack went right through her.
It had no effect.
"What the fuck…?" Kame's voice shook. "That's… that's not possible…"
Something like this shouldn't exist. Could she be a ghost?
Rumors spread across Nagland spoke of this cursed forest—how fairies guarded it by day, but by night, it was haunted by vengeful spirits. A group of 400 travelers once crossed this path after sunset. None were ever seen again.
Kame grabbed Gin and ran.
But she chased them. The faster they ran, the closer she got.
Then, she screamed.
A bloodcurdling shriek that shattered the night. The sound reverberated through the trees, slamming into them like a wave. Their eardrums burst—hot streams of blood ran down their faces. Gin remained unconscious in Kame's arms, his breathing shallow.
Kame had to escape.
Then—THUD!
Something tripped him. He crashed to the ground, sending Gin rolling a few feet ahead. As he struggled to push himself up, a tiny voice chirped—
"Hey! Couldn't you watch where you're going!?"
Blinking through the pain, Kame looked up.
A little fairy hovered before him, no taller than the palm of his hand. She had golden hair, bright blue eyes, and a delicate white gown, like a miniature bride. Chains wrapped around her wrists and ankles.
"Who the hell are you?" Kame panted. "And why are you chained up?"
"I'm Cola the Fairy," she huffed. "And I was imprisoned by that ruthless butcher."
"Butcher?" Kame's heart pounded. "I don't have time for this—she'll catch up any moment!"
"I can help." Cola's voice softened. "But I have one condition."
Kame Muttered. "To free you huh?"
"You're pretty smart." She smirked.
"A slave only has one desire," Kame muttered coldly. "Freedom."
Cola's expression faltered. "You're not wrong… We were all slaves. Me… her… everyone."
Without hesitation, Kame Conjured his Blood Power and shatters her chains to bits. The metal crumbled, freeing her completely.
"Now tell me—how do we escape her?" His desperation was raw. Gin wouldn't survive another attack.
Cola stretched her tiny arms. "Huh, lucky me—I actually do know how."
"Well?" Kame demanded.
"She hunts by the scent." she pointed toward the ghostly woman lurking in the shadows. "She doesn't have eyes. She only targets men."
Kame's breath hitched. "Then how heck we mask our scent?"
Frantically, he rummaged through his bag. His fingers closed around a small bottle. His mother's perfume.
He wasted no time. He sprayed it on Gin. On himself.
The ghost twitched. Stopped.
She tilted her head, confused.
Kame exhaled shakily. It's working.
"You knew all this?" He eyed Cola. "Why? Who is she? And who the hell is this Butcher?"