Morning settled over the frozen forest, bringing with it a cold breeze that drifted between the trees. A thin veil of mist lingered above the ground, while the remains of the previous night's fire lay scattered beneath a bed of gray ash.
Near the small campsite stood a white tent in the center of a clearing. Its roof was riddled with holes, allowing rays of sunlight to filter through the openings.
Inside, Neris remained asleep, wrapped in the warmth of her blanket. After everything that had happened the previous day, her body was finally getting the rest it needed.
However, her peaceful sleep didn't last long.
The sudden sound of metal slicing through the air echoed throughout the forest.
Neris stirred.
As the sound continued, she slowly opened her eyes, gradually awakening to the disturbance.
"Huh...?"
Sitting up, she rubbed her eyes before looking around, trying to remember where she was.
'Where are the girls? I don't see them anywhere.'
She thought as she rose to her feet.
Parting the tent flap, she stepped outside with a thick, furry blanket draped over her shoulders. The cold morning air brushed against her skin as she looked around the campsite.
Then, another sound echoed through the trees.
SWOOSH!
Neris turned towards it.
Her curiosity getting the better of her, she began walking away from the campsite, following the direction of the noise.
As she approached a small clearing, the sound grew louder until a figure finally came into view.
Bare-chested in the middle of the forest, Gray stood with Graveveil in both hands. Sweat rolled down his body as he panted lightly, his breathing somewhat heavy.
Around him, numerous slashes had been carved into the ground and the surrounding trees. Some were shallow, while others had cut deep into the wood and soil.
Heaving a sigh, Gray adjusted his stance. The chains of Graveveil hung loosely, its twin blades resting close to the ground.
SWOOSH!
Taking a quick step forward, Gray swung horizontally, unleashing a furious burst of wind that swept through the clearing.
Without pausing, he dashed forward and continued slashing through the air in a series of movements, each strike carrying the same force as the first.
Watching from a distance, Neris found herself captivated by his movements. She carefully approached a nearby tree, trying to get a better look without disturbing him.
'His movements are precise and controlled. There's no hesitation in any of his strikes. And even more interestingly, each successive attack seems to carry more force than the previous one. Doesn't he ever get tired?'
She thought as she watched him continue.
Moving around the clearing, Gray maintained his combat patterns, Graveveil cutting through the air with a reverberating sound.
Then, suddenly, something changed.
Midway through an attack, Gray abruptly shifted his footing and stepped forward at an unusual angle, as though evading an incoming strike before launching another attack.
Neris frowned.
'What was that? Why did he change his footing in the middle of an attack? There was nothing there to evade. Why did he move as though something was coming towards him?'
She thought, slightly frustrated that Gray had interrupted the movement pattern she had been memorizing.
Getting back into position, Gray continued his training. However, every so often, he would abruptly evade an invisible attack, changing his footing and shifting between different combat sequences.
Slash.
Slash.
Slash.
Evade.
His movements continued to change, each sequence differing from the previous one.
Neris's frustration gradually grew.
"Arghhh! I can't stand this guy! If he wants an opponent to keep evading like a frightened wolf, maybe I should give him a hand!"
She exclaimed, stepping out from behind the tree and approaching the clearing.
But just as she was about to get closer, Gray suddenly came crashing into a tree.
The impact sent splinters scattering as the tree shook violently.
Yet Gray didn't stop.
Pushing himself away from the tree, he immediately charged towards his imaginary opponent.
'Wait a second... Did he crash into that tree on purpose? What kind of visual training is this? He literally broke the tree! Is he just cra—'
Her thoughts came to an abrupt halt.
With a sudden gasp, Neris realized something.
'His invisible opponent... It's quite huge.'
She remembered the enormous monster she and the trio had encountered five days ago.
Then, everything finally began to make sense.
The wide slashes and rapid movements around the clearing were meant to imitate a battle against a towering opponent. The sudden changes in his footing and repeated evasive movements represented attacks coming from his imaginary enemy.
Even the moment he had deliberately crashed into the tree...
He was recreating the sensation of being struck by one of the monster's attacks.
'Did he just recreate the fight we had with that monster five days ago?'
She thought as Gray suddenly dashed forward one final time.
Swinging Graveveil, he sent its chains spiralling through the air, the twin blades spinning around him in a series of fast and precise slashes until they became nothing more than a blur.
Then, leaping into the air, Gray caught its hilt once more, bringing the two blades together as he prepared for one final descending strike.
CRAAAAAASH!!
The attack split through the ground, shattering the earth beneath him and sending a thick cloud of dust and debris into the clearing.
Watching the entire display, a small smile appeared on Neris's lips.
"He's a monster..."
She muttered.
As the dust began to settle, Gray stood in the middle of the enormous crater, holding Graveveil in both hands. His breathing remained heavy, and the enormous scar running across his chest pulsed faintly with each breath.
Staring at the scar, Neris took a step forward.
CRACK!
Her foot came down on a small twig.
The sound immediately caught Gray's attention.
He turned towards her direction, his normally bright violet eyes shifting into a deep crimson red.
In the next instant, he vanished.
Before Neris could react, Gray reappeared behind her, the tip of Graveveil pointing directly at her neck.
Her body stiffened.
Slowly raising her head, Neris found herself staring into Gray's crimson eyes.
"Umm... Gray? Could you put that down for a second?"
She said cautiously.
Beneath the furry blanket draped over her shoulders, a faint glow began to shine.
For a brief moment, neither of them moved.
Then—
Gray slowly withdrew Graveveil from her neck. His crimson eyes gradually returned to their usual violet color as his expression relaxed.
"Neris..."
He muttered.
"Sorry about that. I thought you were some monster lurking around. I didn't realize it was you. What are you doing here, anyway?"
Gray asked, taking a step back.
"Well, I woke up and the girls weren't there, so I went looking for them. I wonder where they went."
Neris replied as she walked towards a nearby tree stump and sat down.
Beneath her blanket, the faint light gradually disappeared.
Gray stabbed Graveveil into the ground before sitting beside her. He let out a heavy sigh.
"Well, Marie and Elyra went to gather some things for breakfast. They wanted you to get some rest since you're still injured and all."
He explained.
Neris smiled faintly, appreciating their consideration.
"And what about that oversized wolf? I thought he would be training with you, but I don't see him anywhere either."
Gray chuckled.
"Well, he said he spotted some deer tracks nearby, so he went out for a little hunt. We're running low on blood and meat, after all."
He replied, stretching his arms.
As he did, the movement revealed the enormous claw mark running across his chest.
Neris's eyes immediately settled on it.
The scar was considerably larger than she had initially thought. But as she examined it, she sensed something unusual coming from within it.
She couldn't quite identify what it was. Whatever it might be, there was something about the injury that didn't feel ordinary.
"Hey, Gray. Where did you get that scar? I don't recall you having an injury that severe from any of the monsters we've fought up until now."
She asked.
Looking at her, Gray could tell that she was curious.
"I got this from the first monster I fought alongside Zil and Marie when we first entered the Dark Regions. It was a pretty tough fight. Neither Zil nor I came out of it unscathed."
He explained.
His answer was brief, and judging by his expression, he had no intention of saying anything more.
However, Neris wasn't entirely satisfied. Her eyes remained fixed on the scar, as though she still had several questions she wanted to ask.
Before she could say anything, Gray spoke again.
"By the way, that reminds me. You said you would tell me about that monster we fought a while ago, didn't you?"
He asked, successfully steering the conversation elsewhere.
"Hmmm... Are you sure I said that?"
Neris replied with an annoyed smile, realizing that she had fallen into his little trap.
"Yes. I'm very sure you said that."
Gray answered with a smirk.
Before Neris could respond, three figures emerged from between the trees, approaching the clearing.
"So this is where you guys are! I thought you'd be near the campsite."
Zil announced.
He was bare-chested, with a long scar running down his left arm. An abnormally large stag was slung over his shoulder.
Behind him, Marie and Elyra carried a woven basket filled with fish and other ingredients for breakfast.
"Hey, Zil. That's some game you've got there."
Gray remarked as Zil dropped the stag onto the ground.
"Well, I did tell you I spotted one. Anyway, what were you guys talking about? Something naughty, perhaps?"
Zil asked, throwing a waterskin filled with blood towards Gray.
"Do you want to die? Because I can make that happen."
Neris replied, her amber eyes glowing faintly.
"Chill out, flaming goddess. It was just a joke. Sooo... What were you guys talking about?"
Zil asked, grinning.
"Well, Neris was telling me about the monster we fought when we first met her. Weren't you, Neris?"
Gray said as he took a sip from the waterskin.
"Oh! Yeah, I was curious about that thing too."
Zil added.
"Me too. It's been a while since we faced a monster that took all three of us to defeat."
Marie said as she sat nearby, settling Elyra onto her lap.
"Uh-huh. So why don't you enlighten us, Neris?"
Gray said, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, a slight smirk resting on his lips.
With everyone's attention on her, Neris let out a sigh before beginning her explanation.
"Well, to begin with, the monsters inhabiting the Dark Regions are what we call Night Creatures. And the Night Creature we encountered a few days ago was an Apex Ravager, on the verge of becoming a Nascent Terror."
She explained, rubbing her hands together to keep them warm.
"If we had fought that creature a week later, we probably wouldn't have survived."
Her words caused the group to fall silent.
For a moment, nobody said anything.
Then—
"Umm... What do you mean by Night Creature? What is that?"
Marie asked, raising her hand slightly.
Neris stared at her in disbelief before turning towards Gray, as though expecting him to explain what Marie meant.
"Don't look at me like that. I don't understand what you mean either."
Gray replied, scratching his chin.
"Huh?! What do you mean you don't understand?!"
Neris exclaimed, genuinely surprised.
"Calm down, flaming goddess. These pure lambs have never set foot outside their sheltered lives, so treat them like toddlers who know nothing about the Dark Regions."
Zil said with a huge grin.
"What do you mean, pure lambs?! How can you tell me that these ruthless beings don't even know something as basic as the Night Creatures of the Dark Regions, yet they kill them without knowing what they are?!"
Neris exclaimed.
"Listen, I already told you that we weren't born in the Dark Regions, and we weren't born vampires either. So could you take it slowly for us?"
Gray replied with an awkward laugh.
"Haaa... What a drag."
Neris muttered with a sigh.
"As I said, the monsters in the Dark Regions are collectively known as Night Creatures. They are classified according to the level of threat they pose to the races inhabiting these regions."
She explained.
"Oh, so that's what those names you gave that monster meant."
Marie said as she finally understood.
"Exactly. Their classifications are based on how dangerous they are."
Neris confirmed.
Gray stared at her thoughtfully for a moment.
"So, how many classifications are there exactly?"
He asked.
"As things stand, ever since the time of the Holy War, Night Creatures have been divided into seven classifications."
Neris began.
"The first and lowest classification is known as Beasts.
These are Night Creatures that pose a danger to the average human, but can still be managed by trained fighters."
She paused briefly.
"So, what's the second?"
Zil asked.
"The second classification is known as Fiends.
These creatures are considerably more formidable and intelligent than Beast-class Night Creatures. Depending on the individual, they may require coordinated attacks from several fighters to defeat."
Neris continued.
"As for the third, they are called Ravagers.
They are serious threats capable of overwhelming smaller groups, even those consisting of veteran fighters."
As she said this, the others suddenly remembered the name she had given the Night Creature they had fought.
"Wait a second. Are you telling me that the monster we fought was only the third classification of Night Creature?"
Gray asked, visibly shocked by the realization.
"Indeed. And the four classifications above it are far more dangerous than you could imagine."
Neris replied, her expression becoming serious.
"The fourth classification is known as Terrors. These creatures are extremely dangerous. Even experienced veteran fighters stand little chance against one.
"The fifth classification is known as Horrors. They are forces of nature on an entirely different level. An elite battalion may be required to take one down, and even then, the casualties could be enormous.
"The sixth classification is known as Abominations. These creatures are exceptionally dangerous. Many possess unusual or devastating abilities capable of threatening large settlements and overwhelming major defensive forces.
"And lastly..."
Neris paused.
"Calamities.
These are catastrophic threats that would require the combined forces of the Dark Regions to defeat. And up to this point, only three have ever been recorded in the history of the Dark Regions."
Her final words left the group in silence.
Then—
"But, Big Sis Neri, there are some other names you haven't mentioned yet."
All eyes turned towards the little girl who had remained quiet throughout the conversation.
Elyra tilted her head slightly.
"You mentioned something like Apex and Nascent. What are those?"
"Yeah, you're right, Ellie. Are those also classifications of Night Creatures, flaming goddess?"
Zil asked.
"Would you stop calling me that? And before I answer your question, I have one of my own."
Neris said, directing her attention towards the group.
"Let's say, for instance, that two Abomination-class Night Creatures were pitted against each other. Which one do you think would win?"
She asked with a slight smirk.
The four sat in silence, thinking about her question.
"The one with more power, I guess."
Marie answered.
"You're right, Marie. But remember, they're both of the same classification. One must still possess greater strength than the other to win."
Neris explained.
Gray remained silent for a moment before finally understanding what she was getting at.
"So, what you're saying is that two creatures can belong to the same classification without necessarily being at the same level of strength?"
He asked.
"Exactly. And that's where evolution stages come in."
Neris replied.
"Evolution stages?"
Gray repeated.
"Yes. You see, each classification has six evolution stages. A Night Creature begins at the Nascent stage and gradually progresses through the others as it evolves."
She explained.
"Those stages are Nascent, Emergent, Ascendant, Exalted, Sovereign..."
She paused.
"And lastly..."
"Apex."
She finished.
The group remained attentive as Neris continued.
"Once a Night Creature reaches the Apex stage of its current classification, it can undergo another evolution, advancing into the Nascent stage of the next classification. That's why the creature we encountered was an Apex Ravager. It was approaching the threshold of becoming a Nascent Terror."
Gray stared at her, taking in the information.
"The more they evolve, the harder they become to defeat. And to think we were already struggling against a creature that was only at the third classification..."
Zil muttered, shaking his head.
"Yeah. I know what you mean."
Gray replied, his gaze lingering on Neris.
After a brief silence, he finally spoke again.
"So, Neris, considering the pace we're moving at, what caliber of Night Creatures should we expect to encounter on our way to Luna City?"
He asked.
Neris let out a sigh. Then, a small smirk appeared on her face.
"Well, if we're lucky, we might only encounter a Nascent Terror or two on our way to Luna City."
Everyone stared at her.
The thought of facing creatures belonging to a classification above the one they had barely managed to overcome was enough to make the atmosphere grow heavy.
Zil let out a long sigh.
"Well... We couldn't be more fucked."