[Read A/N!]
I stared in front of me. Not at the buildings. Ground, or air. I stared into the concept that houses all these things. Or at least tried to. The ability description was overwhelming but also lackluster. It didn't provide me with any guidance on how to use it, only what it was capable of.
I tried everything that came to mind. Soul essence into the eyes. Warp to select the area. Nothing changed.
I scoffed, already expecting this outcome.
So instead of wasting my time on something I had zero clue about how it worked. I changed my focus towards Warp once again.
Being an Awakened Person greatly increased my capability. And now able to freely use Soul essence, rather than just pump it as fuel. I was able to use less of it, for a bigger effect. Short distances didn't even require soul essence anymore. Unless the terrain was atrocious.
I also realized I can teleport as long as I have the place in my mind. I couldn't teleport blindly. Because I did not, in fact, want to teleport into a wall and die.
That would be a horrendous way of dying. An embarrassment.
So I started paying more attention to my hunts with Fenrir.
I noted the positions of houses, the uneven ground. The greenery overgrown everywhere.
Slowly, with small steps. A map started to manifest in my mind. Not literal of course. But I could just think of my current location. And instead of a path back home appearing. I could remember the entire surrounding area. Which meant I could teleport there. A time-draining, but essential asset.
I was basically free to do whatever I wanted here. As long as I didn't piss off a Tyrant or above.
In the meantime, I started "talking" more with my pack. They appeared more and more often. Being energetic like children on a sugar rush. Not that I knew what that term even looked like. But I assumed it looked something like the spiders. Jumping from corner to corner. Slinging from the ceiling. Crawling up and down the walls at ridiculous speeds.
I also fixed up the building I was staying in for the past few months. Now it didn't look like it would collapse at any moment. It didn't look too terrible either. I now had a few decorations inside. Stolen from the ruins.
Was it even stealing if they didn't have any owners? And were abandoned? Probably no.
I also managed to figure out my own strange ascension pain. Or rather, descension. I was basically an actual nightmare creature. Just different.
In a sense, I was like Fenrir.
Speaking of, I figured out his own descent. He would rise to a certain class. I doubt he would need to reach terror or titan. But here, in these forgotten parts of the world, you couldn't know for sure.
So, for example. If Fenrir were a Dormant Beast. He would need to become a certain class to raise his rank. So he would become an awakened Beast. And so the cycle would continue.
At least I think that's how it worked. I haven't seen him raise his rank yet. If he even could. Perhaps only classes?
I brushed off the currently meaningless thoughts. Thinking about what I should do. I am an awakened. That alone would grant me the highest citizenship. But I couldn't really bring any of my family with me. I couldn't play them off as echoes either. But I couldn't say here forever either. Even if I wasn't the most social person. I did crave human interaction. It was basic human nature. The humanity I was probably slowly losing as the "Oblivion's Heir."
I could live in the dream realm once I became a master. Able to transport people with me. If the stories were to be believed. Nightmare creatures should be no different, right?
Perhaps I could even get a citadel. And live happily ever after.
I slapped myself across the cheek. Laughter spilling out of me. The thought was ridiculous.
Maybe I could just bring Fenrir with me? Surely a single nightmare creature wouldn't spread panic there.
I hummed, the questions like a bee buzzing in my ear. Wait. No. That wasn't a bee. That was an arrow. Flying towards my asleep friend by my side. At fuck off speeds.
I didn't stand up; I didn't need to anymore.
I just focused on Fenrir. He disappeared and reappeared inside the house, hidden.
I waited patiently, I already had an excuse for such a scenario.
The question was. Who would dare wander here? Who was brave and strong enough for such a thing? Or perhaps they were naive and egotistical?
Soon enough, I heard a voice. Far. Shouting if I was alright.
Soon enough, a figure appeared between buildings. Rushing towards me as if their own life depended on it.
I raised a brow.
The figure didn't have a bow in their hands. Nor a sword.
We're they perhaps... suicidal?
Soon enough, the figure was close enough for me to make out details.
The figure was a young woman with dark wavy hair and alabaster skin. She wore an intricate suit of lusterless, black armor and a red cape.
Definitely a weird choice of attire. But I couldn't fault an awakened for their memories. Sometimes you just use what you have.
I myself was currently in my casual wear.
A different black hoodie, far cleaner.
Dark grey cargo pants. And a pair of combat boots from my [Assassin's wear]. It was really nice to be able to summon the parts of it independently.
Finally, the figure stopped, a dozen or so meters away. Seemingly suspicious.
What caught my attention wasn't her figure, I was fourteen after all. No, it was her eyes. Sharp, narrowed. And the color? A strange crimson, almost glowing in its vibrancy.
She stepped forward, seemingly cautious of me.
"Are you alright?" She echoed her previously shouted question.
I nodded, standing up slowly. I made sure not to make any sudden moves. The creatures here may like me. But they weren't fond of other intruders.
She looked around, probably searching for Fenrir. I really hoped that she wouldn't mention him.
Finally, her gaze locked onto me like a target.
"Are you the boy from the gate crisis on the outskirts?"
She paused, "The one with the terror," she quickly added. Realizing her mistake on such a broad question.
I raised a brow, eyes squinting in suspicion.
"And if I am?"
"Someone with enough money hired me to search for you."
I cocked my head to the side. Suspicion blazing.
I didn't know anyone with enough money to do that. Nor did I know anyone who cared that much.
The woman, seemingly noticing my suspicion, quickly raised up her hands. Deciding to introduce herself. Believing her name would clear any misunderstanding.
"I am Morgan Valor. The princess of Valor."
She echoed the words with pride. But such things didn't mean much to me. I've heard the name, yes. But I didn't really care to find out what kind of authority such people held.
"And?"
I questioned, my tone bored, but my eyes gleaming with even more suspicion.
Her shoulders slightly sagged, her mouth opening once before closing.
"You don't know Clan Valor?"
I shook my head. "I know."
She paused for a moment, then brought up a fist and coughed into it.
"I'm Ascended Morgan, then."
At that, both of my brows shot up.
This situation was far worse than I initially thought.
I couldn't beat a master, not alone. A plan has already started to form.
Then the woman stepped forward.
"An awakened from the government paid the Valor clan, specifically requesting me."
She paused, stepping closer.
I stepped backwards.
"He seemingly saw you touch the terror; you might have been infected by the spell."
She paused, placing great care into her words.
Then she stepped forward.
"You realize, you need to prepare for your possible first nightmare, right?"
The words were said in a questioning manner. But I knew better. I finally placed the familiar feeling I got from her.
I saw someone similar. In my winter solstice. The man looked oh so similar to her. Perhaps a relative.
She most likely already knew I was an awakened. Bad news. Or she was trying to make me nervous, to fear her, so I wouldn't resist.
I cocked my head to the side, suspicion in my eyes lessening.
"And if I refuse...?"
Morgan stopped, her brows knitting in confusion. Then her eyes sharpened.
"This is a mission, I cannot leave without you."
I groaned inwardly. Of course, it wasn't as simple as saying "no".
It had to be "we do this the easy way, or the hard way."
Finally, after a pause of a few minutes. I relented, letting out a groan.
"Just let me grab a few things."
I slowly walked towards my house, my steps unhurried.
I could feel Morgan staring at my back with enough focus to burn a hole through me.
I heard a step behind me, barely audible.
Then another one, and another one.
"I will accompany you inside, as a precaution, you must understand."
I stopped mid-step, a wicked glint of amusement filling my eyes.
"You are trying to enter a minor's room?"
I could hear her steps stop. She didn't speak. I couldn't even hear her breathing.
I used the chance to slowly walk into the house. Slamming the now fixed-up door with more force than necessary.
I quickly located Fenrir.
Silently explaining the situation to him.
He growled, then barked.
A bit too loudly for my liking, but he was a wolf. Couldn't blame him for that.
I paced silently inside the building. Fenrir is now hidden below the bed, just in case.
Should I go with her? Should I run?
The questions were like a bell inside my head. The answer would determine my life. For better or worse.
Then I heard a knock on the door.
"Are you still on here?"
"I am!"
I shouted, I didn't want her to break in, thinking I ran off.
"Just committing the place into memory, you know how it is."
There was no answer.
I let out a breath. Finally, I turned to Fenrir. My gaze seemingly enough for the wolf to understand.
It lowly growled, then turned away its head and barked.
My brows knitted, not understanding the strange actions of my dear friend.
Then Fenrir stood up and approached me. He brushed against my legs several times, before yipping lowly. Then he hid again.
There weren't any words, but I somehow understood.
I gave my best friend a faltering grin.
Then chuckled. "I'll miss you, and all the others."
Finally, I opened the door. Morgan was standing in front of it patiently.
"Got everything?"
I nodded, her eyes checking my form suspiciously. I haven't taken anything.
She turned away, starting a slow walk towards where she came from.
I slowly followed, always a few steps behind. It would be easier to avoid any attacks, a second mattered.
Morgan's sharp eyes scanned the surroundings. There wasn't a single creature. And in a place like this? Suspicious. And then the boy. The boy who lived here for at least a month. As a mundane. How had he not been slaughtered? Then there was the apparent creature to the boy's side. Her squadmate had reported it. Shot at it. Only for nothing to be there.
Then there was her mission. Requested by Saint Cor on behalf of one of his agents.
Strange, just who was this boy?
Finally, after an hour or so of walking. I saw greenery. Not overgrown, not just vines and grass. Trees. Actual trees.
My eyes gleamed with happiness I didn't know was missing. The simple sign of protection and close civilization heart warming.
Then I heard it. A slight whisper from Morgan, her finger on her ear.
Suspicion rose anew. Morgan suddenly turned around.
I myself have already taken several steps backward.
Her eyebrow rose, but she didn't mention it.
"We are about to make contact with the rest of my squad mates. Thought you should know before panicking."
I was suddenly very happy I didn't try to run or fight. The rest were probably also masters. I would have been slaughtered. Unless I found a random Tyrant or terror on the outskirts. There were many of them. But the problem was accidentally not passing them off.
My thoughts were cut off. As three figures appeared. One from each side. I suddenly realized I was in the middle. Trapped.
I looked towards Morgan, suspicion bordering on panic in my eyes.
Her expression didn't change. "This is just a normal protection formation. Nothing to worry about."
I didn't believe a single word. This wasn't protecting me. This was intrapping me.
My hand twitched, muscles tightening.
My eyes darted around, cataloging each potential enemy.
My stance slightly widened. Hands slightly raised.
The others noticed at once.
Morgan didn't move, just raised a brow.
The archer's hand tightened on the bow. The one with the greatsword raised it onto its shoulder. Pretending as if that greatsword wouldn't fall with devastating force if needed.
And then there was the slimmest figure. Her long sleeves covered her hands, but not the daggers in them.
No one moved. The squad is waiting for orders. Morgan is waiting for a move on my part.
"I would rather not be surrounded."
I stated.
Morgan turned to me fully, eyes narrowed, sharp as ever.
"You do not have a choice."
She stated bluntly.
My gaze flickered around again. Noticing something I didn't notice before. The others didn't give the same feeling as Morgan did. Not even close. They were like me, possibly even weaker. Awakened.
My eyes turned back to Morgan, eyes glinting with something dangerous.
"A master and three awakened? I'm honored."
The sentence seemed unimportant, but the three awakened tensed. Morgan did as well. They realized I was no mundane. Perhaps a sleeper. Not devastating, but still could cause trouble with a strong enough aspect.
Morgan stepped closer, and I stepped closer to the archer, an obvious weak point in close range.
Morgan stopped at once. Nodding.
"Create a wider circle. We cannot do more than that."
I watched as each awakened stepped away, and I realized this wasn't for me. It was for the archer. She was gaining range.
I stepped backwards from Morgan, towards the archer.
Her eyes glinted with calculation. Until finally.
"Engage, non-lethal."
I sprinted at the archer before the words even left her lips.
I ducked an arrow, I didn't have much time to break the formation before Morgan would step in.
And if I wanted to run, the archer would be the biggest problem.
Another arrow flew towards me. Instead of dodging. I placed my head in the trajectory.
Morgan shouted, and the archer's eyes widened.
The next second I was gone. The [Vamparic dagger] pressed against the archer's neck.
My own form behind her. My second-hand holding both of hers.
Everyone stopped at once. Eyes widening, weapons lowering instinctively.
Morgan glared at me, fury blazing in her eyes.
I silently noted that it was the first actual emotion I had seen from her.
Morgan raised her hands, the others did as well.
My [Assassin's wear] enveloped me. The ascended memory would be a Godsend against a master.
"What do you actually want?"
I questioned, now having the slight upper hand.
Morgan glared harsher.
"It's as I said, we were to rescue you no matter the means."
I snorted, "More like capture."
Morgan didn't deny it.
I scowled, "Leave, and I'll let her live."
I commanded, not a tinge of emotion in my voice. Or at least I thought. Morgan noticed the crack at once.
Her hands slightly lowered, eyes softening with kindness. I didn't know whether it was real or not.
"Don't cross a line you can't uncross." She stated, voice soft.
I turned my head slightly, just enough to see the archer's face. Tears brimmed at the corner of her eyes, but she didn't make a noise. Staring directly at Morgan.
I looked back at Morgan, my eyes widened at the distance she had gained.
I quickly warped with the archer several meters back.
Morgan's own eyes widened anew.
"On the ground. Kneel."
This time, my voice didn't crack; I held my fraying nerves together.
I wished Fenrir were with me. Together we would have knocked them out.
The other two awakened did that at once. Their eyes widened, tears also brimming at the edges. Most likely to be great friends with the archer.
I slightly faltered. Realizing the person in my arms had friends, loved ones.
But as long as they stepped away, I wouldn't harm her.
Finally, Morgan knelt as well. Her glare burned into my very soul.
"Where is your honor?"
She asked through a faltering facade.
"There is no honor in life or death."
Then I moved. I slowly dragged the woman in my arms with me. Making distance.
The others turned to me.
Finally, now having enough distance to not worry about Morgan's inhuman speed. I turned my eyes towards the woman in my arms once again.
She was glaring, of course, she was.
Then I heard. Her earpiece buzzed.
I couldn't hear anything. But I saw Morgan's lips move.
And the sudden realization came to me like a thunderbolt.
Morgan was a princess. Her survival was necessary, absolute. There was no way only three mere awakened would accompany her into a death zone.
And in that moment, I realized my blunder.
But it was too late, far too late.
I flipped my Dagger into reverse grip, hitting the pommel of it against the archer's left temple. She fell like a sack of potatoes.
[Twilight bow] manifested into my hands, the [Vamparic dagger] falling to the ground before dispersing.
I aimed at the man with the greatsword, an arrow manifesting from thin air.
It shot out like a bullet. The man raised up his sword like a shield, the blade glowing before forming a yellow transparent barrier.
I focused, the arrow warping out of existence. Only to appear right behind the man, the tip of the arrow hanging in the air, prickling the man's neck.
I kept it there, then I bolted.
Glancing backwards every second.
I jumped over a Fallen tree, rolling on the ground. I leapt to the side of a tree, making myself harder to hit just in case.
After two minutes, the arrow I left behind dispersed, out of range.
I weaved around the trees and rocks, a shadow in the darkened forest.
Finally, the barely reliable map came in with the mobility I desperately needed.
As soon as I saw a building I recognized, I warped.
Soul essence drained fast enough to make me stumble, but I didn't fall.
I rushed, trying to get Fenrir. The next stop would be a high-ranking nightmare creature. One that hopefully wouldn't attack Fenrir or me.
I ran across the ruins, noticing a spider jumping across rooftops to my side.
A tired yet genuine smile formed on my lips. I was already receiving my own backup.