[Sakyo] (I don't want to die. I have to do something. What can I do?)
His mind races with adrenaline, trying to think of a way to escape the giant black bear that stands in front of him now. Nothing comes to mind. No way to win. Now way to escape. All that echoes in Sakyo's mind is one word: "Powerless". Powerless at the impossible situation he finds himself in.
[Sakyo] (Come on, think of something. Why was I able to think better when I fought the Midnight Tiger? I wasn't fighting to win there. I just needed to neutralize it. What can I do here? I don't know, I can't think of anything. Is this what I do when I panic, just answer my own questions I already know the answer to? Yeah, apparently it is!)
As Sakyo's mind sinks deeper into both despair and insanity, he can only continue to dodge the bear's attacks. Minutes feel like hours as his body feels heavier and heavier with each passing second.
[Sakyo] (I can't think of anything. Damnit! I should've thought ahead. I should've bought a weapon when I had the chance.)
With his movements slowing down and the bear's claws approaching his body, Sakyo's new life flashes before his eyes. His mother's warm hugs.
[Sakyo] (I don't wanna die.)
Garm's fluffy tail and ears.
[Sakyo] (huff) (I don't want to die.)
Kaya's refreshing casual attitude towards him.
[Sakyo] (huff huff) (I can't die here.)
And before them all, Ren's blushing smile that seems more beautiful every time he remembers their date.
[Sakyo] (huff) (I won't die here!) (huff)
As the bear's strike lifts a large cloud of dirt from the ground, the dust clears to reveal that its paw never reached the ground. It took everything he had, but Sakyo was able to hold back its attack.
[Sakyo] I've had enough of you!
Not just catching it paw, he pushes it back. The bear, seeming surprised that its prey is still alive falters for a moment. That moment of hesitation was all Sakyo needed to launch his counterattack.
[Sakyo] Faster. Stronger.I won't die here!
One after another, the bears body is met with a barrage of punches. Each hit coming faster and stronger than the one before, only overpowered by the next one after.
System: [Notice: Due to use of skill {Divine Resistance}, you have unlocked a new ability under titlǝ R͘Ę̕D̷A̵͘C̡͏T͞E̷̡D̸̢.̸̢.̛.͠ ʎou hɒVe Δcquire◖ the f0r6!dden sꞰi˥l: {Wrath (The Blighted Maw)}.]
[Sakyo] Stronger. Stronger! STRONGER!
As his desire to live fuels his rage, each attack he throws gains more force than before. This isn't the same as before, the rate of his attack's growing power is much greater than earlier.
[Sakyo] I'll win. I'll win against you. I'll kill you.
Even through its thick hide, the bear feels the force of every attack. Each one dealing more and more damage, but it won't stop fighting. Instead of running away, the bear slashes Sakyo across the chest once again, throwing him away.
Although its claws didn't hit him again, the force of its strike is enough to break a few ribs, but Sakyo doesn't care. He's not focused on himself at all. He can't even feel the pain in his body growing and growing.
[Sakyo] That's not enough! Come on, keep on attacking! I'll crush everything you throw at me!
For the first time in its life, the bear felt fear. It's finally met a prey that won't seem to die. All of its instincts are screaming on word: "Danger".
Everything it's ever known fades as its head is filled with warning signs.
"Danger". "Run". "Death".
The bear, once standing tall and strong, now stands low on all four of its legs. It can only turn around and try to run away, its title as the forest's apex stolen away by a child.
[Sakyo] Not so fast!
CRASH
The bear's head slams into the ground, its body rolling over itself into a tree.
[Sakyo] You're not going anywhere. You're my prey now!
Crash
Its entire body feels like its being crushed under an immense weight. The bear's thick hide now feeling as thin as paper under the mighty blows of this unknown predator's attacks.
"Why did it suddenly get stronger?" "What is this thing?" "Am I going to die?"
These questions repeat on loop in the bear's head. Fear takes over as its entire body is crushed and cracked over and over again.
[Sakyo] Hehehe, what's wrong? Not used to being prey? This is how it feels!
CRACK
Bones breaking, blood spewing, nothing will stop it. The only release coming from the approaching white light in the sky, only seen by its fading gaze.
SPLAT
With one final blow to its head, the former apex predator dies as prey, its usurper standing atop its dethroned body.
[Sakyo] (huff huff) Hehehe, take that you... stupid bear.
Sakyo falls to his knees, having used every bit of energy he had. Unable to even stand, he crawls to the bear's lifeless body, putting it in his system storage.
System: [Notice: You have defeated the {Emberhide Dreadbear}. Would you like to extract all materials?]
[Sakyo] Yeah... just do it already.
System: [Notice: You have acquired the following items: {Emberhide Dreadbear Pelt}, {Emberhide Dreadbear Meat}, {Emberhide Dreadbear Bones}, {Emberhide Dreadbear Soul}. Notice: Due to acquisition of {Emberhide Dreadbear Soul}, all physical abilities and skills will receive a permanent 2% increase.]
[Sakyo] (huff huff) Nice, I guess it was worth going so far.
[Notice: Due to the defeat of {Emberhide Dreadbear}, you have obtained a new title: {Apex Predator}.]
Sakyo can't even bring himself to reacts to his new title. His body feels too heavy, all he can do is crawl. He doesn't know where or how far, but it's all he can do right now.
If feels as if hours had passed since he started crawling. The fog still thick all around him. Sakyo can't see anything more than a few feet in front of himself.
Eventually, he finds himself unable to go any further. His body feels too heavy as he falls next to a stone wall.
...
As the sun sets and night takes over, Garm walks back to the castle. His limp is less apparent and his back feels much better than before. Once he reaches the gates, he finds Kaya and Ren sitting at its side. Ren is already asleep, leaning on Kaya's arm.
[Garm] What are you doing out this late at night?
[Kaya] Ren wanted to see Sakyo when he got back. I stayed to look after her. What about you?
[Garm] Master asked me to join him on an outing today. We were at a tailor's shop before he left to take care of his adventurer's quota. I was told to come back here if he did not return by sundown.
[Kaya] Well, he's not back yet. Maybe he got too excited and is staying out too late.
[Garm] Perhaps, I only hope he is safe.
[Kaya] Relax, he's strong. Even if he is just a kid, he won't get himself killed so easily.
[Garm] I suppose you are right. Then I shall wait for him here as well.
Seeing his worried expression, Kaya pats the spot next to her, encouraging Garm to sit down.
[Kaya] Just this once. You'd better not get used to this.
[Garm] Do not worry, I am not fond of you either... but thank you.
[Kaya] For what?
[Garm] For accepting Master. I am aware that it must not have been an easy decision for you to make.
[Kaya] He made it easier. There's something about that kid. I don't believe in a lot of people anymore, but he makes me want to believe in him.
[Garm] I understand that feeling, though I cannot explain it myself either.
Watching the moon rise into the night sky, the two keep talking until their eyes become too heavy and sleep finally takes over.
...
Sometime in the middle of the night, when the full moon is high in the sky, Sakyo awakens to the cool midnight breeze on his face. Looking up reveals an old stone building covered in moss and vines. The fog is almost completely gone, and an ancient city is illuminated by the moonlight.
[Sakyo] What is this place? I've never seen it on our maps. Ugh...
He winces at the pain, a reminder of the fierce battle he just endured. Slowly making his way forward, Sakyo gets a look around the ancient town.
The fog from before isn't gone, it's surrounding the city. A small stone city, hidden in the deep woods. As Sakyo reaches the city's center, he finds an open area with a giant statue's base. There doesn't seem to be any signs of a statue being put there before.
After a bit more walking, he finds a door inside the statue base.
[Sakyo] Maybe there's something useful in here. It's worth a shot.
Entering the building, he finds the walls lined with shelves, dusty books filling each one. At the far end of the room stands a single table. Three items sit on top: a flat glass-like tablet, a round hand-held crystal, and a single letter.
Curiosity takes over as Sakyo can't resist reading the letter. Though the paper is faded, the writing itself seems almost like new, as if it had been written mere moments before.
My Dearest Husband,
My life has been filled with nothing but sorrows ever since the day you were taken from me. I wandered long and far, lost without your guiding touch. What you gave me allowed me to pass through the barrier, and I found myself lost in this unknown land. I used my remaining power to create this town for us. I hope one day in the future, we may be reunited in another life. I long for the day my melancholic existence is put to rest as you are brought back into my arms. I wish that when we are one once more, we may hide away from the war in this place. Until that day comes, my love will never fade. Even if we forget our lives now, I know you will find me again and I will fall in love with you all over. When that time comes, we may live together in this town, surrounded by all who serve under your supreme rule.
Your Rayonna
[Sakyo] I guess this place was supposed to be a meeting place for this woman and her husband to find each other again. I wonder how long this place has been here. However long it's been, it looks like all that fog is supposed to act as a barrier to hide this place. Hm, what are these?