A movement stirred the surrounding air. Dust rose in the distance, and buried, twisted roots beneath the earth began to tremble.
It wasn't only the Black Sword group under James's command who sensed the chaos of this place... Hidden creatures within the city had also become aware of the unrest.
An earthquake began to spread—waves of monsters were approaching.
Although James's group were elite and well-equipped, they were guarding a wounded faction, which meant any battle could bring devastating consequences.
James turned to his team and gave a command. "Stay alert… we need to leave here as quickly as possible."
He paused and fixed his gaze on one of the rebellious members. "Mara... if you dare act recklessly again… you'll face harsh punishment. I hope you understand."
The word punishment made Mara shiver. "Understood… Commander. I'll follow your orders."
Despite her fear, she gently moved closer to James, wrapping her arm around his. She leaned seductively into him and whispered, "But Commander… if Mara doesn't get to be playful… she gets bored. Like a flower that withers without water."
Mara pressed closer, her hand curling around his neck, her eyes meeting his in a fiery gaze. Amid the chaos of their escape, she still sought to seduce and provoke him.
James understood her rebellious nature—it's what made her valuable. But sometimes she went too far.
He calmly pushed Mara away. "If you want to be playful… then go ahead, venture forward… and reap whatever you find… just make sure it's worth the hunt."
He gently stroked her hair and murmured in her ear, "If what you bring back satisfies me… you'll get the reward you desire."
Mara, thrilled at the promise of a reward, would've kissed him then and there—had she not been wearing a mask.
Without delay, she dashed ahead in search of a worthy target.
James watched her leave, deep in thought. "I need to rein in her reckless behavior… maybe the thrill of the hunt will calm her down… she's a valuable piece, I can't afford to lose her."
---
At that moment, one of the members stepped forward—a man holding a jagged short sword. "Commander… are you sure sending Mara alone is wise? You know her personality better than anyone… she might cause trouble."
James placed a hand on the young man's shoulder and replied, "Ronas, let's move quickly. Don't worry about her—Mara, even in trouble, always returns alive. We must leave now."
In that moment, Ronas saw something complex in James's gaze—a look full of secrets and depth. He said nothing more.
After all, James was right. Harsh noises were approaching. "A herd is heading this way… let's go."
James was uneasy. Though he had explored most of the city, he had never encountered this place before. To him, it felt ominous. "Something's changing… I don't know how much longer I can survive this time."
A growl echoed through the mist—earth trembled with waves of force, as if something slumbering within the pit was calling out. And it was that something that drew the monsters to this place.
At James's signal, the group entered full alert. Three members moved ahead as the vanguard, clearing obstacles from their path, while the rest carried the wounded.
The vanguard paved the way, protecting the support group. James followed behind, safeguarding their rear.
…
Yet amid all this, Tahin was treated like discarded trash. No one cared about his condition. Not even James spared him a glance.
Still, he didn't expect anything from someone he'd only just met. Among the group, Billy was alert. But even Billy ignored Tahin.
Maybe because they were both in weak positions.
In truth, Billy was so stunned by James's presence that he barely noticed what was happening around him. Pain lingered in his heart, awakening memories of abandonment… of weakness.
So he was unaware of Tahin's suffering. But Tahin held no grudge. He only blamed himself. "Damn it… damn it… I wish I were just a little stronger…"
Though his previous wounds were still fresh, another one opened on his shoulder. Blood flowed rapidly—he had to stop it.
All he had was the simple, cheap garment he wore. A fabric woven from a past he didn't even know.
He removed his shirt and used it as a makeshift bandage to staunch the bleeding.
---
Ronas stepped forward and lifted Tahin up.
Tahin was confused.
"Hey… what are you doing?"
Ronas answered with a sharp, cold voice:
"If you think you can climb out of this deep pit on your own, I'll drop you now. I don't think being alive or dead makes a difference for someone like you. Weak people are just doomed."
Tahin stayed silent. Ronas was right. Whether alive or dead, he was just extra weight. A helpless creature with no talent and no strength.
If no one had come to help, he probably would've started digging a grave for himself—right here in the middle of that broken pit.
Ronas was fast and strong, stepping through the air as if walking on an invisible bridge.
After a while, they reached the open path between the tangled giant roots.
Because of the poison from the massive worm, the roots hadn't yet recovered. They twisted and groaned from the pain.
Their cries reminded Tahin of his past—of lying under piles of dead bodies, slowly being swallowed by despair.
He gave a dry smile at his foolish thoughts.
"I must be insane… Why would I feel sorry for the wild creatures in this place? If I tried crossing here alone… yeah, I would've died for sure."
While lost in his thoughts, they moved through the path. Luckily, besides a few twitching tendrils, no monsters blocked their escape.
For the first time, Tahin saw the city's edge.
"Empty… terrifying… but beautiful."
Ahead, a narrow road cut through the mist, leading into the city.
Fog slid between the building shadows, making them look alive. Two large stones stood beside the road like silent guards, casting long shadows over the path like protective wings.
In the distance, the sounds of monsters reaching the pit still echoed.
They didn't just threaten the body—they pierced the heart.
A warning carried by the wind… reaching the ears of every soul still alive in the city.
...
Ronas placed Tahin down.
"Hey… from here on, you're on your own. If you can't keep up with the group… just think of yourself as dead."
He glanced at Tahin and sighed.
"Take this as a friendly warning… If you can't catch up, go hide somewhere. Maybe you'll survive."
After speaking, Ronas turned and went back to his team.
Tahin took the advice to heart.
"Thanks…"
At least Ronas gave him a way to stay alive. Even though his words were cold, they were better than being ignored completely.
James's group kept moving. Even while carrying wounded people, their pace never slowed.
Tahin, still struggling with his injured shoulder, pushed himself forward. Pain screamed through his body like a burning branch from shoulder to neck to chest.
His breathing was heavy.
"Haa… haa…"
But he didn't stop. He had to continue.
Because of the blood loss, his vision blurred. All he could see was a vague shadow of the group ahead.
Then his foot slipped, and he crashed to the ground.
"Ugh…"
His forehead creased with pain. His lips were cracked and pale. He groaned—but in this silent, ghostly space, only his own voice echoed.
Except for his breath… there was nothing.
Even the sound of the group's footsteps had faded into the air.
When he finally woke from the pain, Tahin realized…
He was alone.
---