What he held stunned him. It looked like a baby, but grotesque: one eye in the center of its face, three horns sprouting from its head, tiny arms ending in claws. It writhed in his grip, trying to scratch him.
"What are you?" Alex asked coldly. "Or should I say… what thing are you?"
The creature only growled.
"Can't talk? Then die," Alex said flatly. His grip tightened around its neck until it stopped moving. With a flick, he tossed the lifeless body aside.
But then—more cries rose, louder, surrounding him. Dozens of similar creatures emerged from the shadows, glaring with glowing eyes.
Alex exhaled, his lips curling slightly. "What the fuck…" He swayed slightly, the alcohol fogging his mind. "You all better not ruin my night."
In a blur, he charged at them. Moments later, silence fell again as bodies dropped one after another. Alex, weary and breathing heavily, trudged back toward camp.
He didn't notice the eyes watching him from the shadows. Jack.
The boy had witnessed everything—the fight, the massacre, Alex's unflinching brutality. Seeing Alex stagger slightly, clearly drunk, Jack's hand tightened around the dagger he'd been hiding.
'This is my chance,' Jack thought, creeping closer.
But before he could strike, a branch snapped behind him. Alex turned, his sharp eyes immediately catching Jack in the act.
"Did you come out because of the noise too?" Alex asked calmly, showing no reaction to the dagger.
"Y-yeah. I heard crying, came to check," Jack stammered, quickly tucking the blade behind him.
"Oh. I've dealt with it. No need to worry," Alex said flatly.
"I… see. Then I'll head back in." Jack hurried past him, back to his tent.
Alex watched him go, expression unreadable, then turned and returned to his own tent.
**Next Day**
"Everyone, get up!" Blade's voice rang out across the camp. It was morning, and as leader, it was his job to rouse the others.
Students groaned as they climbed out of their tents.
"I didn't sleep well…"
"Yeah, those awful cries last night kept me awake."
"But they stopped later. I guess the seniors took care of it."
Hearing this, Blade frowned and turned as Alex emerged from his tent. "Did you do it?" he asked.
"Do what?" Alex replied calmly.
"Find out what caused the cries."
"I did."
Blade nodded once, patting his shoulder. "Good work. Thank you." With that, he walked off.
Raphael came to Alex's side, whispering, "He's kinda nice."
"I don't care," Alex muttered, already heading toward the trees. Raphael sighed and followed.
They walked until they found a river glittering in the morning light.
"I need to wash," Alex said, stripping down to his shorts. He tested the depth with his foot, then waded in and rinsed himself quickly. Raphael joined him after.
When they finished and were on their way back, a first-year appeared, running toward them nervously.
"Senior Alex, can I have a word with you?" the boy asked.
Alex didn't respond and simply walked past. Still, the boy trailed behind. "Please, senior, just one moment."
"Why should I?" Alex scoffed, annoyed.
"Because it's about Senior Jack!" the boy blurted.
That made Alex halt. He turned slowly, his gaze sharp. "If it's about him, stop following me now." He moved again.
"He tried to harm you last night!" the boy shouted. "I was the one who made that noise—you turned because of me! Jack was right behind you with a dagger!"
Alex froze for a moment, surprised. He hadn't expected anyone else to notice. He remembered clearly—Jack's shadow, the dagger glinting in his hand, but he had chosen to act oblivious.
"What's your name?" Alex asked quietly.
"Mark. Mark Anderson."
"Listen, Mark," Alex said coldly. "Pretend you saw nothing. If I hear a word of this from anyone, you'll regret it."
Mark's face fell. "But why? He's trying to kill you—"
"Kid," Raphael cut him off gently, placing a hand on his shoulder. "It's for your own good. Do what Alex says. Stay quiet." Then he followed Alex back to camp, leaving Mark standing there, fists clenched.
"I just wanted to keep him safe…" Mark muttered sadly before turning back.
-----
"Somebody, help! Mark is missing!"
A first-year came running into camp, pale and panting. Blade caught him by the shoulders. "Calm down. What happened?"
"We were hunting low-rank monsters near the river. He said he was going to relieve himself, but… it's been over an hour. He never came back."
Blade glanced at the other seniors, then back to the boy. "Take us there."
They followed him to where the rest of the first-years waited. Alex scanned the area—Mark was gone. His expression didn't change, but his eyes narrowed slightly when he noticed Jack looking unconcerned.
"Which way?" Blade demanded.
"That way," the boy said, pointing left.
Betty's eyes widened. "That's where the high-rank monsters roam."
"Why would he go there?" Jack asked blandly, no real worry in his tone.
"Doesn't matter. We have to search," Blade said firmly.
"Not me," Betty muttered, stepping back. "I'll stay here with the kids."
"And I'll stay with her," Jack added.
"I'll go," Alex said, stepping forward.
"But it's dangerous—" Blade started.
"Then you go," Alex cut him off sharply. Blade hesitated, silent. Alex's tone softened, though his eyes stayed cold. "Take them back to camp. I'll handle this."
Blade didn't like it, but fear outweighed his pride. "Fine. Just… be careful."
Alex turned to Raphael. "Keep an eye on Jack for me," he whispered. Then he walked away alone.
"Do you think he'll be okay?" the boy who had raised the alarm asked Blade.
"Hopefully," Blade said quietly, though his eyes betrayed doubt.
Jack stretched and smirked faintly. "We should head back."
Blade nodded reluctantly. They returned to camp. Hours passed, the sun dipped lower, and still there was no sign of Alex or Mark. Students grew restless.
"Senior, do you think they're alive?" one asked Blade.
"Let's keep faith," Blade answered, though inside he was already planning to return to the academy by morning and leave the search to the teachers.
At the edge of the camp, Betty and Jack stood together. Betty wrung her hands anxiously. "What if something happens to Alex? I'm scared."
"There's nothing to be scared of," Jack said coolly. "No one will ever find out. Trust me."
Her eyes widened. "Jack… what if he doesn't come back?"
"That would be for the best." His lips curled into a cruel smirk. "I don't care if he dies out there."
Betty stepped back, horrified. "I'm telling the others. I won't hide this anymore."
Before she could move, Jack seized her, pressing a dagger to her throat. "Do that, and you won't live to see tomorrow. Remember—I know your secrets too." He shoved her to the ground and walked off.
Tears welled in Betty's eyes, but fear kept her silent. She stood after a while, wiped her face, and rejoined the others. Please come back, Alex…
It was night already and just when hope was nearly gone, a shout rang out. "They're back!"
Everyone rushed out as Alex emerged from the darkness, carrying Mark on his back. Blade hurried forward and took Mark into his arms.
"Take care of him," Alex said simply.
"I will. What about you?" Blade asked, concern etched on his face.
"I'm fine," Alex replied. He walked past the group, but as he neared Jack, he stopped. His voice was low, deadly calm.
"This is the last time. Do it again, and you'll regret being alive."
Then he walked on.
Jack froze, every muscle stiff. The others stared, curious about what Alex had said, but Jack quickly forced a smirk and hurried into his tent.