They walked for a straight day as they dispatched some goblins along the way but never encountered anything dangerous. The forest was very thick and dense; it was unlike anything she had encountered. The next day, they were on the border of her territory.
"From here on, it's not Master's territory."
Fang warned as he braced himself. Adeline was well-versed in invading other territories. It was second nature to her, so she knew exactly what to do. An evil grin appeared on Adeline's face as they all stepped into the uncharted forest.
With the help of Lola, they were able to safely maneuver through the forest. This was made more difficult by the animals which gravitated towards Adeline, risking exposure, but thankfully there were no patrols. She chased them away, but they always returned.
"Why are these animals so attracted to me? It's getting annoying."
Adeline grumbled as Lola whined.
"Not you, Lola, you're a cutie."
Lola barked and wagged her tail in excitement. Adeline turned her attention to the main reason why she was here.
"Those damn goblins must have come from somewhere."
"They must be under that monster, Master."
Fang answered as he inched forward.
"What monster?"
Adeline turned towards Fang with a confused expression.
"The one that seriously wounded you long ago; he killed most of your followers and took the majority of your land, leaving you only a small portion."
Fang explained with a tinge of regret and sorrow. This annoyed Adeline, a person not used to losing. She was not only defeated but also embarrassed. This was now personal; her plans moved from locating the goblins to enacting revenge.
"Scales, I have a mission for you. Find where that monster is and tell me how many they are and their location. If you feel like you're about to get caught, run away and come back to us."
"I will execute your will without fail."
Scales got down from her neck and disappeared into the undergrowth. Adeline grabbed their supplies and placed them on the ground.
"Fang, look for some dry branches."
Fang followed the order and quickly returned with plenty of them. She took her shirt and tore it and wrapped those pieces around the branches, then used deer fat as fuel. This took her much more time than she hoped for, but her preparations were complete.
The sun was already setting, which led to another problem: a camp. They couldn't set camp in the traditional manner due to the fact it would draw a lot of attention.
It's going to be rough, but a tree would do the trick.
She started looking for a suitable tree that could withstand their weight and was also tall enough. Luckily, most of these trees were mature, and in time she found the perfect one.
"Lola, hide."
She answered with a bark and disappeared into the forest. She turned her attention to Fang who was guarding the area.
"Do you know how to climb a tree?"
"No, Master, but I can try."
"That's the spirit."
Adeline strapped the supplies on her back, then shot up the tree like a monkey. She sat on a sturdy branch, then leaned against the trunk. Below her was Fang, who slowly made his way up. He awkwardly tried to sit on the branch like Adeline. Suddenly, loud cracking could be heard as Fang froze in place. It momentarily stopped as he let out a sigh of relief. He slowly lifted his leg as he tried to disembark, but the branch gave in, sending him crashing down.
"Master, I will look for a place to hide."
"Just don't get caught."
Fang, with a whimper, got up and slowly moved away as Adeline watched from above with a rare smile. Adeline looked through the supplies as she pulled out the leftover cores; she ate them while staring at the beautiful night sky as a breeze blew over her.
Adeline started to reminisce about the days she spent with Helen, climbing trees together just to get a glimpse of the setting sun. The head nun was against it, but Helen did not care; they still continued to sneak out. She closed her eyes and rode through the nostalgic memories.
Maybe this place isn't bad at all.
The next day she was awakened by the warm sunlight. She surveyed the area below to make sure there were no enemies. She stood up and looked around. All she could see was dense forest land stretching for miles in all directions.
"Fang, are you nearby?"
"Of course, Master."
Fang's head popped out of a bush like a squirrel, then approached the base of the tree. Scales and Lola were next to follow as Adeline jumped off the branch and landed perfectly on her feet.
"Master, I found them. They have a base north from here with many of them diligently doing patrols."
"You did a great job. If they are all concentrated in one area, it will be easier to deal with them."
"Thank you, Master."
"Let's get closer and start setting our traps."
The trio moved through the forest; this time the animals did not approach her but watched from a distance. This made things easier as she silently blessed them for keeping their distance.
From a distance, Adeline could see the orcs and goblins carrying different human weapons like swords and spears. They patrolled around an odd fortress made of stone and wood. They never strayed too far from that building and always took the same route. A larger group appeared with one of the orcs towering several meters above the rest and wore leather armor. This orc also had long braided hair with rings on his tusks. He growled some orders and entered the fortress, barely fitting between the doors. More of them poured out of the fortress as if kicked out.
There were many of them, but nothing she couldn't handle. She already knew her target; all she needed to do was isolate him. Scales and Fang, with the help of traps, could deal with the other monsters. She signaled the rest as she retreated and brainstormed.
She finally had a plan in mind as she instructed Fang and Lola to dig large holes while she collected large branches. She sharpened them, creating spears. She applied Scales' poison to the tips and placed them inside the holes, making a deadly trap. She then created more torches with remaining fat and fabric. Satisfied, she called the group together.
"I am going to set a fire near their fortress. They will pour out, looking for the culprit. That's where Scales and Lola come into play. When I set the first fire, move to the edge; they will see you and chase you."
Adeline started to draw a rudimentary map with what looked like a snake and a stick dog looking towards a stick house.
"Lure them back to traps where Fang would be waiting, and together you can ambush them. Make sure they can keep up because it will be very dark."
Adeline drew lines pointing to some lines where an ugly face could be seen waiting, presumably it was Fang.
"Yes, Master. We understand."
Scales and Fang answered in unison while Lola barked.
"Fang, be careful when you're using fire; we don't want the entire forest to burn down."
"Yes, Master. I won't use fire."
Adeline turned to Fang with a confused look, but she didn't have time to entertain him.
"We will attack at night. Use the darkness to your advantage."
"Should I fight also, or just use the traps?"
Scales inquired as she stared at the traps which were now covered with branches.
"Once they are greatly reduced, feel free to fight them if you think you can win. Always play for your life. You're no use to me if you're all dead. Remember that."
"Yes, Master."
"Everyone hide until nightfall, stay at attention. One slip can cost your lives."
Adeline warned once more as she handed some torches to Fang, who reluctantly accepted. With a nod, she disappeared up a nearby tree and kept watch from above while eating the dry meat. The sun finally set as she got up and stretched.
To her shock and relief, she was able to see clearly with little to no light. She glided from tree to tree as she came closer to the enemy fortress. A few orcs could be seen outside guarding; as expected, most of them were asleep or slacking off.
She lit the first torch and threw it towards the fortress and hoped it would catch fire. Some time passed, and nothing happened. She lit her second torch and threw it again and waited; the results were the same.
Third time's the charm.
She threw a third torch and waited once more. Smoke started to appear in three different areas, which slowly turned into a raging inferno. Chaos ensued as they ran in all directions. That was when Scales appeared. She was as tall as a tree, making sure everyone saw her, Lola beside her was barking frantically.
They broke chase and ran towards them as they retreated. The large orc holding an equally large sword emerged. He let out a powerful roar and started instructing the different orcs and goblins; they started digging and using the soil to put out the fire. This was very interesting to Adeline, who watched the fire slowly get extinguished.
Adeline threw another torch near the large orc, who started to look around. She descended down the tree and lit another torch, making sure he saw it. In a fit of anger, they gave chase towards her. In the dark, they looked around for her, slashing everything in their path. That was when a large circle of fire was lit, trapping them.
The orcs started to run around in panic, trampling the small goblins, while others got pushed into the fire. The large orc roared, trying to regain control of the situation, but it was too late. Adeline plunged her entire hand into the chest of a nearby orc, then ripped it in half, revealing herself. She then dispatched the remaining orcs, leaving behind the large one. They both stared at each other as Adeline circled her prey.
"I should have killed you, such a stupid demon."
"I prepared this just for you: no distractions, no help, just you, me, and death."
"Do you really believe you can defeat me?"
The orc scoffed as he watched the pacing Adeline.
"That's what I want to find out. I just hope our fight won't be disappointing."
"This time, I will kill you, no matter how much you beg."
"You will be the one begging, if you can even talk."
"My master named me Orc Chieftain Kuso, and you will fall to my blade."
"I never asked."
With a small grunt, he advanced with incredible speed, swinging the great sword. Adeline quickly dodged as the sword struck the ground with great force. She delivered a kick to his abdomen, leaving a small bruise. It felt as if she had kicked a brick wall. Kuso turned his sword for another attack. Adeline barely dodged this attack; she countered with a set of powerful punches to his chest and chin. Kuso remained unfazed by the attacks, even letting out a laugh.
"You can barely bruise me, yet you still think you can beat me?"
Kuso unleashed a series of attacks, moving faster with each swing, making it more difficult for Adeline to dodge and counterattack. The battle raged on, as small cuts began to appear on her body. She continued to attack him in the same positions. Kuso did not even make an effort to defend. He only concentrated on attack, having decided she was weak.
This battle was one-sided, but he still couldn't land any decisive blow. His attacks became more desperate, which Adeline easily dodged. Kuso frowned as he watched Adeline move from side to side; this was not the same demon he faced long ago.
"Will you continue with these simple tricks? When will you start fighting?"
"Fortune comes to those who wait."
Adeline mocked him, fueling his anger. Green light enveloped his great sword as he released a more powerful attack. Debris scattered everywhere, leaving behind a small crater. Kuso watched intently, hoping to see a corpse, but he was greeted with a strong punch to the chin, then his chest. He summoned the green light once again and released another deafening attack. Adeline, unable to dodge, was thrown dangerously close to the fire. She looked lifeless as the fires flickered dangerously close to her body.
Kuso approached her body with a large smile. That was when Adeline slowly got up, swaying side to side as she struggled to maintain her posture. She weakly raised her hand, ready to continue the fight.
"Time to end your pitiful life."
"Come closer. I have something I need to tell you."
Kuso leaned closer to hear her final words before killing her.
"Always protect your chin."
Adeline unleashed a strong punch, partially concussing Kuso. He staggered backward, trying to regain his senses.
"I feel insulted; did you really think I would just fall over and die?"
She followed with an equally strong punch to his chest, then a powerful kick to his leg. Kuso coughed green blood, feeling intense pain throughout his body. Suddenly, it became difficult to hold his sword, and his breaths became shallow. He stumbled around like a drunk man, holding his head, feeling as if the world was spinning.
"You really let me attack you freely just because you didn't feel pain. I had high hopes thinking you would be more intelligent."
"I will not be lectured by a lesser demon like you, who lacks honor and resorts to sneak attacks."
"In a battle, there is only life or death. Honor gives you nothing."
Adeline slowly approached Kuso, who recollected himself. The green light covered his sword, and he released a barrage of attacks. Adeline dodged his attacks but was not left unscathed; more blood began to pour. Her entire body screamed in pain, but as long as there were no severe wounds, she was content. Kuso raised his weapon once more, but the green light began to flicker. A small smile appeared on Adeline's face.
"You are a dog with no teeth; all you do is bark on a short leash."
"Silence!"
Kuso attacked once more, destroying everything in his path. Adeline countered with the same set of punches. Kuso's sight began to blur as he fell to his knees, clutching his chest. Adeline stepped forward and began to unleash a flurry of punches. Kuso tried to defend himself but was unable to keep up as exhaustion set in. The one-sided fight suddenly tilted in Adeline's favor. Kuso swung his sword in desperation, but Adeline grabbed his arm and proceeded to break it in two places. The sound of bones snapping and skin tearing was chilling. Kuso let out a scream as he dropped his sword and backed away, holding his mangled arm. Adeline began to stretch and wiped some of the blood from her face.
Kuso was stun-locked, to say the least, and stared at Adeline. Adeline was a specialist when it came to fighting those who were larger than herself. People gave her the nickname 'the little boxer' when she was a kid. That later changed to 'the devil' after she perfected her brutal fighting style.
"I have some questions for you."
Adeline finally broke the silence.
"I will never talk."
"Who is this master you talk about?"
Kuso remained silent as Adeline began to fix her hair. He poured the remaining magical energy into his arm to hasten the healing process. Adeline, on the other hand, picked up the giant sword and stared at it for a moment.
"What a crude-looking weapon. Well, you won't need it anymore."
Adeline swung the weapon, then suddenly tossed it over the fire. She sat down and watched Kuso, whose arm was slowly healing.
"Who are you?"
Kuso asked, his voice full of suspicion. Adeline let out a hysteric laugh; he stared at the demon who looked deranged.
"It doesn't really matter anymore. You might not know it, but you are already dead."
Adeline answered with a freakish smile. Kuso stared at his arm, which was almost healed, and started to steel himself.
"You reek of fear; don't tell me you're afraid to die."
"Every living thing is afraid of death."
"Then why fight?"
Kuso remained silent; this was the first time he faced an opponent like her, but one question remained. How was he losing in the first place?
"I am stronger than you in every way possible, yet I am losing. Why?"
"Don't flatter yourself. Just because you're stronger doesn't mean you will win. That is only guaranteed when your opponent is dead."
Adeline stared at Kuso's hand, which was already healed. She got up and stretched once more. Kuso reluctantly followed; he tightened his fists.
"You didn't answer my question. Why do you fight if you fear death?"
Kuso's eyes narrowed as he started to think.
"Because my master willed it."
"That's a shame. I hope your master was worthy of your life."
Kuso advanced, throwing a strong punch. She ducked, then appeared behind him. She gripped his waist tightly and performed a German suplex. His entire body weight crashed on his neck and head. Before he could recover, Adeline got on top of him and started a ground and pound. Punch after punch landed on his face, releasing a small shockwave with each blow. Kuso, for the first time in his eighty-year life, was completely defenseless.
"Why did you give up? You still don't understand, the battle is only over when you're dead."
"Grbhh."
Adeline grabbed one of his protruding tusks, then aggressively pulled on it, breaking it. Kuso let out a scream as he squirmed below her.
"I hope your life was fruitful."
She repeatedly stabbed Kuso using his own tusk. He reached his hand out, trying to stop her, but it was all for naught. His blood sprayed all over her face and body until he finally stopped moving.
Adeline stared down at the mangled face with indifference. She got up, then using her sharp nails, pierced his chest as she looked for his core. After pulling out the majority of his intestines, she finally felt a large one, almost the size of her fist. She pulled out her hand and stared at the green core, then ate it with difficulty. The large ball almost suffocated her, but her body was able to break it down as a surge of power took over her.
Her horns started to pulsate in red as they grew. She let out a scream filled with delight as she walked over Kuso's body. She triumphantly walked through the blazing fire, which stung her skin but nothing she couldn't endure. On the other side, she saw chaos.
Dead bodies littered the ground. Some were caught by traps, while others burned. Screams still filled the night, with both orcs and goblins running in a panic. Those who made the unfortunate mistake of getting close to her were met with decapitation as her nails made short work of them. Scales was still busy fighting a group of orcs who had spears and swords, using her large body to circle around and crush her opponents while spreading her poison everywhere. Lola was fierce as she bit down on the small goblins while swatting at the rest. Her white hair was now green with their blood all over.
"Master, you were successful."
"You did well yourself."
The orcs stared at each other, but one of them finally summoned the strength to attack Adeline. She skillfully disarmed the orc, then subdued him. The orc fell to his knees, holding his shoulder in pain.
"At least you are not a coward. Do you have a name?"
"No, I do not."
"Gather those who are useful; kill the rest. Then I will give you a name."
The orc stared blankly at her, but he got up and picked up his weapon. He stared at the group of orcs and let out a roar as he approached them. The group promptly bowed, then they made their way back to the burning fortress.
Scales returned to her normal size and wrapped herself around her neck with Lola close behind. They received no pushback as they all fell in line, and finally, they met Fang, who was still beating up an orc.
Is he imitating me? How adorable.
"Master, I knew you would be victorious."
"Are there any more enemies pouring out?"
"I am unsure, Master."
"Sorry to interrupt, um, Master."
One of the new orcs spoke with caution as he inched closer to the group.
"My previous master had a prisoner underground the fortress. She seemed important."
"Scales, Fang, look after the group. If they try to flee or betray me, feel free to kill them."
"Yes, Master."
Adeline walked towards the partly burned fortress. She walked around the crumbling building, looking for a way downstairs. After spending some time, she found a hatch. She entered the dark hatch and started to search around, looking for the prisoner. At the end of the tunnel, she was faced with something unsettling.
A body could be seen holding something covered by a rag. Adeline got closer and pulled the head back, revealing a blonde woman whose face looked dehydrated and was extremely thin. Her cheekbones were clearly visible and her hands basically bone. She checked for a pulse, but even her skin was cold as ice.
Adeline turned her attention to what she was holding. She partially pulled the rag as a strand of gold hair fell. She continued pulling until a shriveled-up head could be seen. It was a child who was around the age of seven. She quickly understood what had transpired here.
Adeline remained silent as she paid her respects. She fully pulled out the small child and decided to bury the two together. It was then she felt slight movement; she quickly placed the child on the ground and removed the rag. She checked for a pulse and could feel a weak heartbeat. She quickly exited the underground room, then the fortress, while holding the child with great care.
Adeline passed the confused group as she laid the child on the grass. Lola was first to notice the fragile child as she moved closer to investigate.
"Bring me water and a clean cloth."
Adeline screamed an order as Fang sprang into action as he quickly ran into the fortress. He returned with a bucket of water and a cloth in hand. She inspected the cloth for a short time, then dipped it into the water. She gently opened the child's mouth, then squeezed the wet cloth on top; droplets of water fell into the dry mouth.
"Come on, you survived this long, don't give up now."
Adeline dipped the cloth once more and tried again, but there was no response. Adeline did not give up as she resorted to placing the wet cloth inside the child's mouth. The child's mouth slowly started to move, giving Adeline hope.
"Bring me the dried meat."
Adeline ordered, but this time Fang was prepared as he handed a piece. She then diluted the meat with the water and tried to feed the child.
"You can do it."
Adeline urged as the child weakly opened its mouth and started to eat. Fang ran off into the forest to hunt. The child was able to survive the night thanks to the care from Adeline. The next day she took the child to a nearby pond for a bath; it was then she confirmed the child was a little girl.
Adeline kept a close eye on the weak child as she bathed, fed, and clothed her. She regained consciousness, but she was still very weak, unable to even fully open her eyes. Fang and Scales handled the other orcs while Lola helped Adeline in caring for the child. Slowly, her health got better, and she was able to slightly move her legs and arms.
After a month, the child fully recovered and now had a somewhat healthy body. Adeline was able to find a suitable bed within the fortress, which she laid on as she sat close by. The child finally opened her eyes and stared up at Adeline and Lola, who had worried faces.
"Mom?"