What was my plan? As much as I hated this, I needed to buy time for Irvan’s group to get here. I hated that guy, but we’ll need all the help we could get to bring the Shadow Knight down.

I lured the Shadow Knight on a whim that it was targeting me. It said I had the key for the tower, but I never found the entrance even though I visited it frequently.

For now, I should focus on surviving a big attack coming from the shadow knight.

“Yah!”

I steered the Felk towards the tower. I doubt it would carelessly attack it since it seemed to be trying to retrieve the strange mark from my arms. If it was going to attack me, I might as well use the indestructible structure it valued as my shield.

The pillar of light built up from its sword vanished mid-swing. It probably noticed it’d hit the tower if it executed the attack.

The knight stowed its weapon and rushed me. I immediately steered out of the way as I felt a big tremor behind. If I was hit by that, I wouldn’t get off lightly with a bruise, in fact most of my bones would’ve shattered!

By the time I reached the tower, I’ve counted to have dodged it five more times. The knight was fast, but it could not fly. I simply had to move out of the way before it could crush me.

“You’ve gone far enough.”

Suddenly, I found myself floating through the air. The Felk tumbled across the ground with all four of its legs chopped off.

The knight landed beside the Felk, quickly silencing it before turning its attention onto me. This might be my last stand as I push my back against the tower, raising my shield and sword. I might be powerless, and the flames out of my magic seal barely injured it.

“This Key, is it these marks on my arms?”

It nodded.

“I would return it if I could, but this was forced onto me.”

“Then die.”

Not even thinking of an alternate plan, the Shadow Knight changed its sword back into its sickle form and swung it down. I raised my shield, trying to block it, but I felt a sharp pain on my forearm.

“Argh!”

I covered the pain, touching something warm and wet. The Knight’s weapon cut a hole on my shield and shaved some flesh off my arm. That black sickle cut through my shield like a hot knife running through butter.

To prevent myself from bleeding out, I quickly tightened the shield’s strap to slow down the flow. I held my sword firmly in one hand, keeping my distance from it. I dangled my other arm behind, hoping the bleeding would stop soon.

Just as I managed to collect myself, the Knight blurred. It dashed forward and moved low. It ducked lower than my waist, underneath my sword and sliced diagonally upwards. The black blade sliced apart my blade and next was my neck.

Before it touched me, silver flames exploded out of my arm, forcing the Knight to dive away.

“Is it scared of these flames?”

Using this chance, I hurled my broken sword at the knight which was deflected and drew my knife. Even though it slashed at my half broken sword, its weapon didn’t cut it into pieces?

It was all or nothing. While it was busy trying to smother the flames, I launched a blitz. My strike was ultimately stopped by an invisible force. I envy magic users, really. They’re able to create such convenient barriers from nothing.

“Shit, I forgot that!”

I then heard a hum nearby and desperately looked for the source. It was too late as the Knight pushed the magic circle over its hand into the ground. The ground below me cracked with heat and exploded. The rock I stood over sent me flying towards the tower, hitting the back of my head onto the walls.

I got careless. There wasn’t a chance for me to win anyways. Just so you know, you can have your damn key or whatever. I don’t have a problem dying.

My life hasn’t been fulfilling. If I died here, very few would mourn for me. I believe the village would be glad instead. Dying in this place isn’t bad. At least the knight will get what it wants and leave while the others won’t see me getting done in, right?

Do I really feel that way? What will the others think?

There was no evidence I didn’t release the seal containing the disaster I was blamed for. As long as I lived, I’ll be convicted till the end of my life. Persecuted for something I might’ve done that I don’t remember.

“Kihet. What are you doing?”

A gentle voice echoed in the back of my mind.

That’s right. There’s a handful of people that cared for me. If I was killed by this thing, Sorah would lose another person she cared about. She already lost her parents to the accident I unleashed.

In my sorry state, I sat helplessly. Blood dripped down my head, my vision became hazy.

Looks like this is it.

I closed my eyes, waiting for the inevitable.

*Clang!*

“I’ve already told you I can’t have you die on me. You haven’t taken responsibility for your sin.”

Someone blocked the Knight’s attack and pushed it back.

I immediately noticed the glowing weapon in his hand. It had two blades. One arc and crooked being a reverse blade, as the other acted as a guard of the sword as both were welded onto a circle and pointed towards opposite directions.

It took the same shape as my tattoos when you put them together.

As for the man, he came in with silent footsteps. There was a glow around him that masked his appearance. That and he was hovering in the air like some phantom apparition of the dead as he was a bit transparent.

“That key belongs to me.” The Apparition declared. “This precious vessel must not die here. He’s the one I chose this time.”

He sounded awfully familiar-no! I recognize him. He was the one who branded my arms.

“Enui, your friends will arrive soon. I’m ill equipped to perform treatment, but I’ll deal with this shadow before they find you. You do your best to stay alive.”

Questions spurred from my mind. I just didn’t have the strength to ask.

“You traitor!”

The knight went into a frenzy, slashing wildly at the Acolyte. The air vibrated each time a strike was blocked, their weapons sparked each time they clashed. Its weapon transformed from sword to sickle, back to a sword at its convenience.

Eventually, the Apparition caught the Knight’s arm, throwing it back. He dropped into a throwing stance and hurled his weapon like a chakram. He jumped after it, delivering a powerful punch that plowed a trail from the tower deep into the forest.

The Knight jumped out of the forest this time with a black sickle in tow, but the apparition wasn’t concerned. He stood there, confidently exchanging attacks.

“You’re forcing my hand, really. That magic sickle consumes any matter that doesn’t have magic protection while the magic sword cuts through all magic. You know these flames are a threat to your kind since you all aren’t bound to this realm.”

He jumped back and whispered a spell.

I was taught magic could be invoked by asking the elementals in their ancient language. Curses on the other hand were activated by consuming the caster’s stamina, lifespan or living substitute like blood or flesh. This was neither. My kind possessed extraordinary perception to differentiate magic and curses. The special feathers growing around our ears allowed us to hear the hums of mana. Magic produced a gentle soothing note when it is being casted. Curses violently shook the core of air and made a low drumming noise.

The sound I heard was silent, as if the world had stopped but its residents could move. I couldn’t describe it, but I felt I lost something in that fraction of a second when the spell was activated.

The black crooked form of the knight’s sickle crumbled.

“Kudirvera!” The Apparition chanted.

This time, it was magic. I couldn’t interpret the word the apparition shouted, but I slightly understood it as I watched the effects of the spell. A chain forged of mana shot out of the Apparition’s finger and into the Knight’s chest. From there, spikes exploded out of the knight’s body and spun it within the web of chains into a cocoon.

“Hmm… I don’t have enough power to return him. I’ll do this for now.”

He carved a boulder out of the ground, slamming it on top and buried the knight. A symbol identical to his weapon and the mark on my arm appeared on the face of the rock, creating a seal.

I had questions I wanted to ask. I began feeling tired, my eyelids growing heavier.

The last thing I saw was the apparition walking towards me.

“One last thing before you sleep. The path ahead will be treacherous and gruesome, don’t mess up this time for my sake, alright? I really hope you’ll make the right choices.”

What did he mean by ‘this time’? Right choices? Why were the seal on my arms important?

Before I could ask those questions, everything turned black.

-Everything felt like a dream. Was it? I don’t know. Everything happened so fast I couldn’t keep up. I passed out before I could ask the Apparition about my past.-

I sheltered my eyes as I was greeted with the sun’s radiant light.

How long did I sleep for? Why was it noisy outside? Why do my legs feel so heavy?

I exhaustingly reached for my chest to unbuckle my armor only to find myself in a new set of robes. They looked new and none of my rags looked like this. I could never buy decent clothing like this because shopkeepers weren’t willing to sell their goods to someone with a criminal status.

I’m not by the tower anymore. This wasn’t my home either, but the roof looked familiar.

“I wouldn’t move if I were you.”

I turned my head slightly towards the voice.

Elius put down his book, calm and composed. There wasn’t even a hint of relief, moreover he looked grumpy.

“She’s been there ever since we found you.”

That’s why it felt heavy. Sorah dug her head on my legs, sleeping. If it wasn’t for Elius pointing that out, I would’ve thrown her off the moment I saw her and berated about sleeping on an injured person. This bed was cramped to begin with. To be honest, it stung, and I don’t think I’ve woken up long enough for my strength to come back.

“Where am I?”

“Lemi’s family clinic.” He adjusted his glasses. “We carried you here when we found you bleeding out beside the tower. Draigh did the lifting, mostly.”

“What about the others?”

“Seriously, you-. Did you know how much damage you took? You slept for three days. Three whole days.” He sighed. “They’re up and going about their daily lives. Lemi took care of their wounds already. We’re taking shifts to watch over you, but Sorah’s insistent to stay until you’re awake.”

“If Sorah’s here, what are you doing here?”

“Who’s going to call Lemi to check up on you when you finally decide to wake up? Stay put. I’ll call her now.”

Stay put, he said. I couldn’t move with Sorah on me like this. When I looked at how peaceful she’s sleeping, I felt a bit guilty. Sheesh, her hair’s a mess.

A moment later, Elius brought Lemi into the room.

“I’m glad to see you awake Kihet. Aside from your wounds, are there any place hurting?”

“The spot where Sorah’s sleeping.”

“Here’s a cup.”

Did she just ignore me? She just ignored me didn’t she? When you asked, I answered. Aren’t you supposed to do something about my pain as a healer when your patient told you his problems?

“Lemi, my legs-.”

“Here’s another cup. You should drink up since your lips are a bit chapped.”

Now she’s doing that intentionally.

I reached for the cup and downed a second mouthful of water.

Before I put my head back on the pillow, Lemi changed her expression. She pulled up a chair, beside Sorah and put a hand on my shoulder.

If it only came with a benevolent smile.

“Back then, I didn’t know what you were thinking. You knew that all of us were in danger, but that’s no excuse to sacrifice yourself like that.”

I looked towards Elius for help, but his face was stuck in his book. Typical bookworm. I had no excuses for my actions. I stared back to the ceiling and took a deep breath.

“Since you were the one who bandaged me, how were my arms? Did you see it?”

“Yes, it seems to be a tattoo of some sort identical to the one from the tower. You didn’t engrave it on yourself, did you?”

“It was given by someone.”

“Someone from this village?”

“No, and I don’t know who.”

I proceed to explain my encounter with the apparition and the repeating nightmares I had. I made sure to include details of its power I was cursed and the reason of the shadow knight’s goal.

“Elius knew and you didn’t bother telling me? I am a healer, and my task is to cure people.”

“Don’t glare at me. It was Kihet’s request. I’ve been researching the magic seal, but there was hardly anything to work with. There was no information in gramp’s library of codex too. Since that Knight’s arrival, I’ve finally got a start.”

“Okay, I’ve heard enough for now. Elius, hand me whatever you’ve researched after. I’ll try to add my perspective to help.” Lemi clapped. “I believe Kihet’s beginning to feel fatigued. We shouldn’t bother his rest any longer.”

“I feel fine.”

“No you’re not. Elius and I will be taking our leave. You two can talk about it.”

Two? Right, Sorah’s here. She was so quiet, I forgot she was still sleeping. Sleeping? Now that I look closer, her ears were perked up and my arm was a bit hot. My body felt cool, so the warmth was not from me.

“Sorah. You’re awake, aren’t you?”

No response.

“Then I’ll play a trick on you. I know you have a birth mark on your butt-.”

“Wait, how do you know that?! Pervert!”

I jumped when she suddenly blurted out her retort. From her reaction, it didn’t seem like she heard about the seal on my arms.

“Don’t blame me. Hannah was the one who told me it. I didn’t have a choice.”

“What else did she tell you?”

“N-nothing else.”

“What. Did. She. Tell. You?”

She glared at me while clutching onto my sleeve. Why are girls so scary? What are my options to unwind her temper?

Escape was impossible. My legs could barely carry me as I am, let alone breaking free of her grip. She’d see through my lies and if I changed the subject, we’d come back to it eventually. She’s damn persistent.

All around, I could not find a way out of this. I let out a deep sigh and closed my eyes, hoping judgement passes swiftly.

“Your three sizes.”

There was silence for a moment. As I opened my eyes to examine Sorah’s expression, a fist flew onto my arm. I had never screamed as loud as before.

“Kihet? Kihet!”

A small adorable figure sprung from the door and tackled me from the side. A child. She had the same hairstyle and eyes as Sorah. You could almost say they look identical, but younger. She wore a small villager vest with cute puffy pants.

She jumped on the bed and gave me a great big hug of her size. She rubbed her face on my stomach with such speed, it felt like it was burning. It hurts even more right after I suffered a punch from Sorah.

“Stop- ouch! That hurts! Owowowow! Can’t you be gentler? I just recovered!”

Before I was able to push her off, I heard sniffles and wails. She was crying.

“Hannah was scared… Thought Kihet… when… Kihet covered in blood…”

Her muffling and sobbing made her words hard to hear but I understood. I guess there were more people than I had thought I worried.

I rubbed her head until her sobbing stopped. I couldn’t muster words of comfort during that time.

“Alright, Hannah. Get off. Kihet wants to go home.” Sorah pulled her off me. “Kihet, are you looking for something?”

“Yeah. My cuffs. Without those, a sinner like me can’t walk freely in the village.”

“Don’t worry about those. We put them back at your place. Also, do you remember there was an exception to that rule? As long as you’re being escorted by someone to the village entrance, those aren’t required.”

“I don’t want any weird looks turning my way.”

“You get weird looks with or without those.”

“That’s true.”

“Why does Kihet have to wear cuffs whenever Kihet visits the village?” Hannah asked.

“Because it’s the rule.”

“Hannah hates that rule.” She pouted. “It’s hard to hold onto Kihet when Kihet has those things over his hands. Kihet shouldn’t have to wear it!”

“Hannah, don’t shout. You’re disturbing other patients in other rooms.”

“But-!”

“Hey Hannah,” I hollered. “If you behave, I promise to play your favorite board game at my place.”

“Really?!”

That caught her attention really fast.

“Yeah, loser has to give up sweets for a month.” Sorah interrupted, wearing a gleaming sparkling smile with malicious intent.

Hannah and I threw Sorah an unamused face. It almost freighted Sorah how synchronized we were.

Sorah pulled my ear close to her. “Just play along, she’s been eating snacks behind my back these few days.”

“I understand but…” My slacker impression failed to talk my way out of this. “Alright, fine. There’s no way I’ll lose.” I turned to Hannah with a smug grin. “Is Hannah afraid she’ll lose?”

“Of course not! It’s Hannah’s favorite board game. Naturally, Hannah will win.”

Big talk for someone so small. I’ll show no mercy for the sake of sweets!

“Oh!” Hannah’s ear fluttered for a second as she reached into her tiny satchel. “Sorah told me to save these for you.”

I gave a quick glance as I accepted a parcel. Inside were biscuits Sorah mentioned she baked and they were instantly gone, into my stomach.

“It’s sho good!”

“It better be. I promised, didn’t I?”

After the three of us said our goodbyes to Lemi, we left the clinic. Treatment was still treatment, but since the injures were a result from a quest, Lemi deducted the cost. She also knew I was tight on cash and added my payment to my tab until I had enough.

I was grateful for her looking after me. She went as far to give me a container of healing ointment to heal new scars on my arm. I pocketed it and kept my eyes low to avoid eye contact with passerby as I moved through the village streets.

As I was happily munching on the sweets, I felt their piercing glares and heard them gossip behind my back. Don’t get me wrong, I’m used to it. The air always changes whenever I’m in the village and I hated this haunted mood. I avoided eye contact to prevent possible interactions from provocateurs.

“Some people should mind their own business don’t you think, Hannah?”

“Hannah agrees!”

Thanks to Sorah’s loud voice, the villagers turned their sights away and went about their daily lives.

“The nerves they have. Kihet, ignore them.”

“Already been doing that.”

By the time I noticed how high the sun was, my stomach growled. Sorah’s baked goods were a light snack that was devoured instantly. I could never get enough of my fill of sugary delights. Despite having something to fill my stomach, I could still hear it growl.

“Sorah! Kihet’s stomach is making funny noises!”

“Well excuse me. I haven’t eaten a proper meal since yesterday afternoon.”

“I’ll whip something up for you when we get back.”

As I was thinking what kind of food Sorah will make, the crowd began to stir. There weren’t many people around me, so it was easy to pick up the commotion.

I frowned when I saw the person I did not want to meet most, Irvan. He was the one of the few who enforced execution to me after the trail declared I was guilty from that ‘incident’.

He had a longsword on his back with another floating beside him. As far as I know, he could summon four ribbons. His leather scaled armor was crafted of highest-grade materials consisting of the trophies he hunted, and especially well armored greaves decorated with deadly spikes. He led a separate party of hunters that rival the strength as my group of friends, and was famous for potentially being stronger because of their recent feats.

Even though the three of us tried avoiding him, I clearly saw him walking towards my direction to confront me. Fine. I’ll stand around, but I won’t listen a word.

“Up from your beauty nap?”

I ignored him.

“Irvan, what do you want?” Sorah growled.

“I heard some sinner wasn’t wearing their cuffs. People wanted me to check it out to see if the shithead had the guts to break the law.”

“You can see I’m escorting him out of the village. He doesn’t need those restraints.”

“I can see that-.”

“That means we can be on our way.”

“Not so fast.” He waved his sword in our path. “Did you remember he was the reason your parents aren’t here anymore. He’s a murderer. His actions killed his own folks and more people than you thought. You shouldn’t lump yourself with the likes of him.”

As if I haven’t heard enough. All he’s doing is repeating the same thing every time we meet.

“No! Hannah knows Kihet is innocent!”

“Kid, you’re hiding behind a killer. You should get away from him.”

Hannah suddenly dropped down, picking something off the ground. I couldn’t clearly see what it was, but it had legs. Lots of legs.

“No.” She marched up to Irvan, staring up at him and waved for him to bend down.

“What, kid? I can’t hear you.”

“Take this! Bug attack!”

She pulled on his shirt’s collar and threw something in.

In an instant, Irvan’s face turned pale. He scratched his body, but his armor was in the way. Seconds later, he tore off his armor and slipped out of his shirt, waving it up and down until a long creepy crawler flew out.

While Irvan panicked, Hannah was smug. Hannah, I commend your bravery. While it was a good laugh, Irvan’s temper has a short fuse.

“Kihet didn’t do it! Stupid Irvan is a big fat liar! Irvan’s pants should catch on fire!” Hannah reeled her fist. “Sneak attack! Tiger punch! Gauuuu!”

“Ack!”

What does that punch have to do with Tigers? I mean, it sounded cool. It was an ordinary punch, but one that packed a lot of force in that tiny fist. Nonetheless, good job, Hannah.

“Y-you brat! Now you’ve done it!”

Irvan remained standing. He curled over his stomach, fighting the pain. His glared caused Hannah to flinch and scurried behind Sorah. Now who’s the bully?

“Hey.” Sorah called out. “Are you done or are you going to waste more of our time?”

“Learn to control your sister!”

“Then watch your manners. Not only were you the one who started this, you lost.”

“Lost? I didn’t lose anything. It was that brat that started this! I was confronting that dirtbag in the first place!”

And I suppose that dirtbag was me. All this time I kept quiet because I knew if I utter a word, Irvan would be at my throat. I just wanted to go home already.

“Grow up.” Sorah frowned. “You’re supposed to set an example to other children. The moment you get emotional, you throw a tantrum. Aren’t you ashamed of yourself? For the Creator’s sake, why are you picking on people you think aren’t as good as you? You’re a prideful asshole. Get the fuck away and leave us alone. We didn’t break any rules.”

Good thing I covered Hannah’s innocent hears as Sorah began swearing.

“And if you’re persistent to block our way, I’ll show you my version of my sister’s “Tiger punch”.”

Yup. Girls are scary. The way Sorah cracked her knuckles showed how frightening she could be. If I had a list of names of people I shouldn’t mess with, Sorah would be second. The title of the scariest person belonged to Lemi. Never get on a healer’s bad side. Period. You will regret it.

“Kihet, you coward! Stop relying on a girl to protect you and fight your own battles! I don’t know why the Creator chose you. Either way, you are a sinner. You ought to know your place when you’re on village grounds!”

I wanted to leave long ago.

How much of a prick was he? I’m amazed he still thought I was causing trouble. Doesn’t he feel a bit embarrassed of his double standards?

Irvan marched into my personal space, trying to glare me down. I wasn’t having any of it. I stood my ground and returned the intensity of his threat with my own lethargic look.

“I know I’m stronger than you.”

“Yup. You are.”

“Tsk.”

I complimented you. What are you angry about? What else do you want me to say?

Multiple veins popped from his head. He was seething with anger and placed his hand above his sword trembling. Don’t forget, if you kill me without a good reason, you’ll suffer the same punishment I went through, or worse because I’m one of the Crest Bearers.

I guess one of the pardons from being a sacred crest holder was the exception of being on death row.

The ‘Warrior of Light’ crest. The Creator created these eight crests to give their chosen warriors a special symbol to help identify. To be chosen wasn’t simply by the factor of luck. The Creator was the all-knowing being that could reveal a person’s growth potential and hidden talents. The process to find these people do gradually come to light based on their efforts every eon, thus hunters act in benefit of becoming one.

Elder’s words. Not mine.

Through generations, the old retire their duty as new holders were chosen. These ‘Warrior of Light’ crests were given under the ceremonial tree by the heroes’ grave, where I found myself cleaning that place… a lot…

Those who hold the eight crests were currently Elius, Draigh, Lemi, Vol, Malth, Megith, Sorah and me. This simple reason was why Irvan antagonized me. He was solely jealous of his strength not recognized.

“Fight me.”

He struck a line across the cobblestone tiles and threw his glove at my chest. I didn’t catch it and let it drop on the ground. Rather, I didn’t notice it. My attention was focused on moving Sorah back in case her fists decided to go flying.

“I’m going to prove myself to the Gods.” Irvan snorted. “Accept the duel, coward. I’ll fight you for the right to hold onto that crest.”

“You said it yourself. I’m a coward. Cowards don’t take risks.”

“You-!”

“Umm… could I maybe be the one to accept in Kihet’s stead?”

There was a shy voice that interrupted us. It came from one of my friends, Malth. He approached us timidly even though he carried a battle axe in his skinny arms.

“Go away Malth. This doesn’t concern you.”

“Eh…” Malth scratched his cheek. “I-I just don’t think it’s going to be a fair duel. He just recovered. I-if you want, you can fight me instead…? Maybe?”

Under those innocent eyes, I felt bloodlust although it was directed at Irvan. Malth was one of those quiet guys no one wanted to have his wrath invoked. He’s fourth on my ‘do not get angry list’.

Irvan turned pale. With a “Whatever, I’ll deal with you later, coward.” to me as he turned away.

The thought of having to fight Malth must’ve scared him off. You wouldn’t believe based on first impressions, but Malth has been the winner of the tournament year after year. He kept his record ever since his debut of becoming a hunter.

Of course, I don’t know the full extent of Malth’s ability. I never participated, and I never want to. I couldn’t enter the tournament in the first place. I only fight when I needed to. I rather preserve my energy sleeping in.

“Thanks, Malth. How did find us?”

“It was supposed to be my turn to look after you. I went to Lemi’s clinic to see if you two were still there, b-but she said you just left. I’m glad you’re awake. R-right! Before I forget, I ran into t-the Elder and he wanted the two of you to meet him in the temple.”

What timing. I wanted something to eat first.

“What about Hannah. Can Hannah go too?”

“Sorry Hannah. I guess you’ll have to go home for now. We’ll come get you as soon as we can, okay?” Sorah kneeled and rubbed Hannah’s hair.

“Oh… Okay, but Hannah wants to go to Kihet’s place. Kihet promised Hannah that we’ll play Hannah’s favorite board game!”

“It’s dangerous to go alone outside the village alone. Malth. Can you bring my sister to Kihet’s place?”

“O-okay, but I might have to leave her alone for a bit. I-I also picked up an errand since Kihet’s okay now.”

That should be fine. I remembered Elius setting up wards to protect my place from monsters. If Hannah stayed within the perimeter, no monsters would approach her.

“Hannah, don’t leave Malth’s side until you safely get to Kihet’s place, okay?”

“Hannah understands! Hannah won’t leave tiny boob’s side!”

“I’m a guy!” Malth cried.

The temple was conveniently located outside the village, near the Heroes’ grave. It also served as the court where I was given my sentence.

The room had no lights of its own to illuminate its interior. Instead, wooden stripes vertically cross the top allowing light to shine through. The incense sticks burn, releasing a sacred odor covering the air in the temple.

In the middle, the Elder was praying to a line of idols placed at the end of the room. We gave him the time he needed to finish before he turned to us.

“Young Kihet, Young Sorah, thank you for waiting.”

“Did you need something from us?”

“Yes, please take a seat. I’ve spoken to the others aside from you two. The Creator have decided the Crest Holders are to be given an important mission.”

“A mission?” Sorah asked.

“Hmm… I believe some context should be provided before I tell you. Do you two remember the Giant your group rescued?”

“They’re alive?!”

“Unfortunately, one of them was given a burial while you were asleep.”

“I see…” I sulked back on my knees. “I really wanted to talk to them. What about the other one? How did they get past the barrier in the first place?”

“They were lured. It was speculated to be the same with the Beastmen, although the Beastmen suffered a more unfortunate fate. The Giant, Kridas claimed he heard a strange voice calling him then he found himself battling against a Shadow Knight your friends described when he regained consciousness.”

The Giant called himself Kridas. I’ll remember that when I talk to him.

“Elder,” Sorah raised her hand. “I do not understand how this is related to the Creator giving us a mission.”

The Elder took a deep breath and pulled up a stool. With our help, we carefully sat him down.

“You eight are good children, really. I was against the idea but the I suppose the chicks would have to leave the guardian’s nest one day. This is also the duty of us, Enuis.”

The Elder’s on his rambling again. Judging his words, could it be?!

“They have decided to send the eight of you as messengers to the seven countries. You are to speak with their leaders and help them fortify their defenses against similar shadows you’ve faced.”

My insides were screaming with joy. I couldn’t believe a day existed that I’ll be able to go outside the village!

“Kihet, I can see that grin on your face.”

“But, outside! I get to finally see the world with my eyes!”

“I understand it’s your lifelong dream but wait for the Elder to finish. You’re being rude.”

“S-sorry…”

“I don’t blame young Kihet. I knew he’d be overjoyed to hear this. I have yet made it official and will be discussing with my advisors to decide where to send you eight. For now, make preparations and hone your skills. This will not be an easy task. This concludes the briefing-.”

“Kihet, are you here?! Kihet!”

There was screaming outside calling for me.

I rushed outside, seeing Vol carrying Hannah in his arms. She was crying, covering her bandaged arm.

“Hannah!” Sorah’s first instinct was to run over to look at the injury.

“Vol, what happened? Where’s Malth?”

“It’s bad. I tagged along when Malth was bringing Hannah to your place. Not too long after we left Hannah settling in, a bunch of monsters randomly showed up and began tearing your place up. Malth’s doing his best to protect your things and I found her injured. I ran as fast as I could to you guys.”

“What about Elius’ wards? Weren’t they supposed to keep the monsters away?”

“Someone tampered with them. On my way back, the charms were shredded up.”

There’s only one person I could think of that had the guts to do that. Irvan. Did he follow Malth to get revenge on Hannah humiliating him or me? That bastard, he’s just asking for it.

“Sorah, bring Hannah to Lemi. I’m going back to my place.”

There’s no point thinking over it. I needed to assess the damage and help Malth.

My home turned to ruins. The shed I slept was trampled, the garden of medical herbs got dug up. The apiary was abandoned as honey and beeswax were spilled across the ground. All my tools and weapons were scattered with most of them broken.

It was disheartening to see the things I worked hard on demolished. The damages were near irreparable. I would have to get new materials and rebuild the entire foundation from scratch. Thankfully, I’m an expert at salvaging. There were scraps I could use most people thought would be unrecyclable.

I won’t forgive Irvan for this. Although he destroyed my place, my hate for him was because Hannah was injured. I’m going to confront him later.

“Malth!”

Vol charged ahead when we saw Malth wrestling a Thorn Shelled Bear. He quickly climbed on the back of its neck and stabbed the eyes with his daggers. While it was blinded, Malth cleaved down his battleaxe for a critical blow, forming a crater underneath the monster. He separated the bear’s torso in half, sending guts and innards flying onto the remains of my shed.

A carnivorous bird lunged towards Malth. I pulled a hatchet off a log and flung it into its side. Vol ripped the hatchet out of the bird and decapitated the creature with it.

“Malth, are you alright?”

“Vol, Kihet! Sorry, there’s too many of them.”

Just then, we saw a pack of Oriks rampaging in our direction. I plucked whatever tool within reach, a rusty shovel, a chipped hatchet and readied myself.

“Forget that! Why are there so many monsters?!” Vol shouted. “It’s like they were all lured here!”

“Let’s care of them first then find out what’s going on.” I said.

I bided my time and thrust the blunt tip of the shovel into the Oriks throat then smacked its head. Another jumped behind me, about to take a bite. I dropped my shovel and threw the monster over my shoulders.

I kicked the weapon back in my hands and shoved it into the Orik’s mouth, pushing my entire weight and dislocated its jaws.

Just then, my nose picked up something unusual. I remember this scent from one of my quest when I needed distract a large number of monsters away form an area. It was called a Fiend essence, made my burning a mixture of monster blood and agitating herbs.

The item’s effect was known to be a twenty-meter radius. Any carnivorous and hostile monsters within that distance will be lured by this scent. It attracts them and sends them into a frenzy.

“Malth, Vol, there’s something driving these monsters crazy! If you see a lit incense, dowse it!”

“Got it!”

I saw an Orik thrashed around by a giant boar. After making a mess out of its prey, it locked me as its next target as it scrapped it hoof on the ground.

I rolled away from its charge and pried the hatchet hanging in the air.

When it turned around, I threw the hatchet at between the eyes while it was charging. After confirming the beast had tipped over, I held the shovel with two hands and ran towards it. I pounded the hatchet’s head deeper on the forehead and kept hammering it until the boar stopped moving.

“Kihet, I’ve put out the incense!” Vol declared.

“Where was it?”

“It was on top of the trees. Whoever put it up there is one crafty son of a bitch.”

“Yeah. I’m going to look for him.”