The guttural roar that broke the silence of the forest sent a shiver down the spines of the entire team.
Everyone turned at the same time toward the direction of the sound.
A shadow slid out from between the trees, a massive, terrifying creature…
Its back was covered in spikes, which tensed and flexed with each step. Its red eyes glowed almost crimson, reflecting only one thing: the desire to kill.
Every breath it exhaled mixed with gray smoke, revealing patches of purplish skin beneath its scattered brown fur. Its teeth spiraled outward. With each step, a strange "hissing" and "clicking" sound echoed, like a curse coming from beneath the ground.
Aryel whispered:
"This… isn't natural."
Kael immediately raised his weapon.
"Fall back! Protect Maia, I'll—"
"Stop."
Vega stepped forward. His voice was clear, determined.
"This time, it's me."
He grabbed Kael's arm to stop him.
Aryel glanced at the two of them, then lightly pulled Kael's arm and nodded in approval.
"If something happens, we'll intervene."
Vega took a deep breath. He closed his eyes. The air around his suddenly accelerated.
In an instant, the wind rose violently, and the sky briefly turned gray.
With a "whirling" sound, the creature was lifted several meters into the air!
It flew up without understanding what was happening and then crashed hard to the ground as Vega lowered her arm.
The ground cracked. The tremor was felt by the entire team.
The creature staggered, trying to stand, but the wind still swirled wildly around it. Vega blended into the flow of air. His speed increased, his silhouette barely visible. Each strike opened new scratches on the creature's body. Its skin was no longer enough to protect it; the blows reached its organs. The creature had stopped resisting.
Vega's final strike hit its heart. The red core glowing beneath its skin shattered…
…and instantly, the creature's eyes went dark.
As the creature's eyes dimmed, silence fell over the forest.
No one spoke for a moment.
Only… a deep exhale.
From everyone.
Maia squinted at the creature lying on the ground.
"It's dead… right?"
Kael stepped forward. "Looks like it. But…"
He tilted his head. "Doesn't this creature look a bit familiar?"
Maia knelt beside him. "It looks like a Forest Claw…"
Her eyes fixed on the creature's back.
"…but at the same time, it doesn't."
At that moment, Aryel silently approached the creature, inspecting its spiked back.
She squinted, frowning.
"Like the ones we fought in the village… those transformed people."
She pointed to one of the spikes.
"I guess… it's not just humans being transformed… creatures too."
Kael turned and walked over to Vega.
His expression was neutral, but a hint of mockery could be heard in his voice.
"Good job. Are you secretly training without me?"
Vega paused for a few seconds. Before answering, his eyes dropped to the ground.
"Do we have to do every training together?"
Her words were short, cold, and clear.
Kael's face fell slightly, but he quickly composed himself.
"What's happened to you lately? Entered puberty? You're always so angry," he muttered, but his voice was weak.
Maia raised her hands as if clapping on her hips.
"Okay, kids! Enough arguing. Let's check the deer's wound now."
Vega opened her bag. He pulled out a few small bottles and herb pouches.
He leaned over the injured area silently. Aryel immediately knelt to assist.
Working together, Vega carefully applied the healing herbs while Aryel firmly tied the bandage.
At that moment, Maia asked quietly:
"Should we… report these creatures?"
Aryel lifted her head slightly, her eyes serious.
"We can send a letter to the academy to inform them, as we did in the first village we reached."
They resumed their journey.
But none of them felt as relaxed as before.
Their minds were filled with the transformed humans and the strange creature they had just encountered.
As they walked, a long discussion unfolded among them. They talked about what they had seen, how the mutation was spreading, and why it affected not only humans but animals as well.
But as time passed, words ran out.
Silence and exhaustion took over.
The sky was completely dark now, and their steps through the forest were illuminated only by the moonlight.
Every rustle fell into them like a spark of unease.
Aryel stopped, stepping in front of the group and spoke:
"We can set up camp here. There doesn't seem to be a place to take shelter nearby.
We're all very tired… Let's assign one guard for the first half of the night and one for the second, what do you think?"
Maia had already crouched to the ground.
"I'm so tired… I thought we'd be walking forever," she sighed.
Kael quietly began gathering twigs and branches around.
Soon, a small but effective campfire was lit.
It might not keep the creatures away… but at least it would give them a little sense of security.
Everyone quietly took some pastries from their bags and began to eat.
At that moment, Vega straightened up.
"I'll take the first watch," he said.
His voice was calm but determined.
Kael glanced at her.
"Then I'll take the second watch. You all rest," he said, his voice softer this time.
Vega had moved away from the camp and gone to the lookout point.
The moonlight shone on her shoulders, and the wind gently rippled her robe.
The sound of the campfire had faded behind her, replaced by the sounds of the night rustling through the leaves.
The others had long since fallen asleep. Maia and Kael had immediately sunk into deep slumber as soon as they laid down their tired bodies.
But Aryel still could not close her eyes.
She thought for a while.
Then, she quietly got up and walked silently to Vega.
She crouched beside him. She was silent for a few seconds. Then, in a soft voice, she asked:
"Are you okay, Vega?"
Vega turned to look at Aryel. His eyes were shadowed, her voice hushed.
"Do I really look bad? You all ask the same thing."
Aryel smiled.
"We ask because we're worried… We feel there are things you're holding inside.
Everything happened so fast, and you… it's like you're fighting a battle within yourself.
I think that battle… shows on the outside too."
Vega swallowed. Licked his lips and answered without looking away:
"Yes… there is really a battle inside me. That would be the most accurate way to put it."
A forced smile appeared on his face.
"I've always trusted my wind and especially my speed… but this time… it didn't help at all. I was just the one who got hurt. I became a burden to you. Kael was constantly trying to protect me. That made me… feel useless."
He paused for a moment.
Something was knotted in his throat. He couldn't swallow.
Hus voice lowered, almost turning into a whisper:
"And… that day, I faced a truth I didn't want to accept."
He stopped.
He knew what he wanted to say, but it was difficult to put into words.
Very difficult.
Aryel's eyes were soft, and her tone was filled with the compassion of a friend.
"Vega…"
Her voice lowered, carefully choosing her words.
She thought for a while, then took a deep breath and continued:
"That… is what it means to be human."
"There is always a battle inside us. Sometimes silent, sometimes loud. But the important thing… is to notice that battle and come out victorious from it."
"Because if that battle drags on, you start harming both yourself and those around you."
Vega had turned his eyes away. He was listening—feeling every word in his heart.
Aryel continued:
"I also feel inadequate. I can't use the light, and everyone has expectations on me.
But… if I succumb to that pressure, I cannot move forward.
That's why… I try to develop my other aspects. To become stronger."
"You too… don't let your strengths dull because you feel inadequate. We all make mistakes. Our lives… can change in a single moment."
There was a silence.
As the night wind rustled the leaves, Aryel's voice echoed again:
"We're together until the end. We'll fight together. We'll protect each other."
Vega closed his eyes. The words… had reached his heart.
But there was still something unresolved inside his.
Aryel turned to her, moving a little closer.
"And… don't run from your feelings," she said.
"Just live them. Accept yourself and your emotions as they are.
There's nothing to be afraid of."
Vega slowly lifted his head. His eyes were full of tears.
In a trembling voice, he whispered,
"…I'm scared."
Without a second's hesitation, Aryel embraced him.
As Vega rested his head on Aryel's shoulder… the tears streamed silently.
But this time, he didn't hide them.
Aryel spoke in a gentle tone.
"You… are not someone who needs to be protected, Vega."
She continued with a subtle smile,
"I think… we worry about you too much.
But whenever you're uneasy… it feels like we all fall apart.
Your energy is like the heart of this group. But if it bothers you… we'll be more careful from now on."
Vega looked down. He smiled faintly.
"I guess… I'm being a little too emotional."
Then he turned to Aryel and whispered sincerely,
"Thank you… for bringing me back to myself, Aryel."
Aryel nodded.
Her words carried a warm sincerity as they mingled with the wind:
"We're all still young…
We'll learn by living. And together… we'll grow."
After Aryel quietly left Vega's side, she had already fallen asleep.
But Vega… was still on alert.
The storms inside his had not yet settled.
A brief moment of peace was already giving way to new tides.
He was also paying attention to the sounds outside.
Then, a rustle.
Vega startled.
It was Kael.
It was his turn for the watch.
He came quietly to her side, speaking in a soft voice:
"You must be tired… go rest for a bit."
Vega nodded and straightened up.
"I'll take the—"
He couldn't finish her sentence.
Kael had suddenly grabbed his wrist.
His eyes were filled with seriousness.
"Why aren't you talking to me, Vega?"
"Did I do something wrong?"
Hus voice trembled, but remained calm.
"This… really bothers me. Aren't we friends?
It feels like… you're better with everyone else, but you've shut me out."
Vega looked at him, surprised.
"Ah… no! I'm not upset. W-why would I be upset with you?"
His voice cracked. He struggled to gather his words.
Kael smiled, a familiar softness on his face.
"Then… can't we just go back to how we were?
When you're this cold… I feel weird.
I miss the old Vega. Always teasing me, picking fights whenever you could, energetic and happy."
Kael rolled his eyes, his voice tinged with teasing:
"I also miss training together.
Remember that day you asked me, 'Do we have to do every training together?'
That's when I felt bad."
He took a breath, letting himself feel as he continued:
"Yes, maybe I'm thick-headed. I can't easily understand emotions.
But you… you're important to me, Vega.
If I made a mistake, scold me like before… punch me… but please, don't stay silent."
Vega's cheeks were bright red.
His heartbeat was so loud it felt like it could be heard through his ears.
"I'm sorry…" he whispered softly.
"I didn't mean to make you feel that way. I just… had some issues of my own.
I won't act like that again."
And he couldn't stay any longer.
Blushing, he quickly walked away.
Kael just watched him leave.
He didn't try to catch up.
But he noticed that warmth settling somewhere in his heart.
When Vega returned to his place, the unease inside his had given way to a gentle relief.
As the first light of morning gently illuminated the campsite, Maia opened her eyes. The area was scattered with frost and remnants of ice.
"What's going on here… did we get attacked?" she muttered, sitting up.
Rubbing her eyes and looking around, she spotted Aryel and Vega training in a clearing among the trees in the distance. Kael, meanwhile, was sleeping beside them, snoring as if he had no idea what was happening.
Maia got up and approached them.
"Seeing you working out like crazy at this ungodly hour is… actually kind of refreshing, but I'm starving. Can we please get something to eat?"
Vega cheerfully said, "Good morning to you too, Maia!"
Hearing Vega's cheerful voice after so long made Maia happy.
"Good morning! Come on, let's eat something before hitting the road. Also… someone wake up this sleeping beauty, I woke up from his snoring!"
Everyone laughed.
Aryel looked at Vega. "Can you wake him up? Then we can all gather and prepare something to eat."
Vega nodded and walked off, while Maia watched him.
Maia turned her head to Aryel.
"Finally, things are back to normal. I feel so relieved.
The tension between them was exhausting. I think we can all go back to normal now."
Her amber eyes sparkled.
After Aryel nodded in agreement, he said,
"He must have ended the battle within himself. I was starting to worry too."
"Let's not waste time—let's eat and continue on our journey."
Aryel walked ahead, followed by Maia, while Vega lifted Kael into the air with his wind, trying to wake him.
Kael opened his eyes and was shocked to see himself suspended in the air. When he tilted his head, he met Vega's gaze.
"What are you doing? Put me down!" he shouted.
The others were watching and laughing.
Maia said, "You were snoring so loudly I woke up because of it. You deserved this!"
"How is it my fault that I was snoring? I'm just tired! Come on, put me down."
Vega slowly lowered Kael to the ground. He was still grumbling but not angry. Deep down, he was happy that things had returned to normal.
The group took bread and dried meat from their packs.
The small breakfast spread on the ground helped ease the tension between them.
The road was calling them again.
But this time, each step felt a little lighter.
By the time they reached the village, the sun was already high in the sky. They had been walking for hours and were starving. They immediately looked for a place to eat.
In the distance, they spotted a small, makeshift inn, its faded, sun-bleached tiles marking its two stories.
Vega shouted cheerfully, "Finally, we can have a hot meal! Come on!"
As they stepped through the inn's old, creaking door, everyone inside turned to look at them. They felt a moment of unease but then sat down at a table, waiting to place their order.
Vega excitedly said he wanted meat, and Kael joined him, so they ordered meat. Maia preferred hot soup, and Aryel wanted chicken. As everyone ate heartily, they overheard the villagers talking.
A tall, thin man said, "Maybe if we ask, they could help us."
A short, plump woman replied, "But they look more like students."
An elderly man with a beard added, "Even if they are students, the other protector who came before might struggle alone. If they were weak, they wouldn't have gone on the mission. I think we should take our chance."
Hesitantly, they approached the group. The elderly man spoke first.
"Young ones, enjoy your meal. I hope you like the food."
Vega nodded. "Very delicious, sir. I really like it."
The plump woman hesitated before speaking.
"A protector came before you… Did you arrive together?"
Aryel looked her in the eyes and replied firmly,
"No, we didn't come together. Is there a problem?"
The elderly man nodded slightly and stepped forward.
"I am the village chief, my name is Fenral. Our village was attacked by monsters last night…"
His voice trembled slightly.
"They tore apart our cows and sheep. They've never come this close before."
After taking a deep breath, he continued:
"The protector who came before, upon hearing the situation, wanted to help… but handling so many creatures alone might be impossible. I'd also like to ask for your help, but…"
He looked over the group.
"…you seem like students."
Kael swallowed his food almost without chewing and exclaimed excitedly,
"We can do it! We'll help!"
Then he looked at Aryel.
"Right, Aryel? We'll help, won't we?"
Aryel nodded slightly.
"We'll do our best. Please, lead us to the other protector."
After finishing their meal, Aryel, Vega, Kael, and Maia exited through the old inn door and followed the elderly Fenral. Fenral walked slowly but steadily, explaining the situation along the way.
Maia interjected,
"Do you know anything about the protector currently fighting the creatures?"
Fenral nodded slightly.
"He is a protector, like you, who just happened to stop by for a meal. He overheard our conversations and offered to help. We didn't even get his name at the time—we didn't think to ask."
Maia murmured softly,
"I hope he isn't too harsh…"
When they entered the forest path, the signs of the battle were clearly visible. Broken tree branches were scattered on the ground, and in some areas, the soil was cracked. As they got closer, a silhouette began to emerge.
Amid clouds of dust, a figure moved swiftly. He attacked with daggers, blending almost seamlessly into the shadows. He used neither magic nor classical fighting techniques—his style was silent, lethal, and harmonized with nature.
Aryel watched carefully.
"There's someone there… still fighting. He must be exhausted. We need to help."
Nathan leapt from the ground onto a creature's back, striking with two daggers simultaneously. His movements were so fast they were hard to follow with the eye.
He wore clothes in the tones of soil and forest, blending perfectly with nature. No heavy armor or flashy insignias—light, practical, a true nature warrior. Leather straps on his waist and a diagonal shoulder harness carried his daggers, a few pouches, and a bag filled with supplies.
Brown hair fell across his forehead, and his face was set in concentration. His eyes had the sharp focus of a skilled hunter, seeking the vital points of the creature.
After defeating the last creature, he turned and noticed them. His gaze fell on Aryel's group.
He said nothing—only observed carefully.
Maia's eyes stayed fixed on the protector. While the others approached him, she remained watching silently.
Kael said, "What's wrong? Why are you standing there? Come on!"
Maia, stirred by Kael's voice, began to follow them silently.
When they reached the protector, he was waiting for them. Turning, he said,
"Who are you? This place is dangerous—turn back."
Aryel replied,
"We are protector candidates on a mission from the academy. We heard about what happened while resting at the inn and came to help if we can. We can defend ourselves. With your permission, we would like to assist you."
After listening to Aryel, the protector furrowed his brows slightly. As they approached, his eyes scanned each of them, assessing the truth in front of him.
Just kids, huh…" he thought to himself. But he didn't let it show on his face.
He spoke in a serious tone:
"Alright. But I can't both fight the creatures and protect you. You really have to take care of yourselves."
"Moreover, the creatures here… are different from the ones you're used to. They're wilder, stronger. If you struggle, don't try to play here just run."
Vega immediately stepped forward.
"We fought a mutated creature on the road. We also fought the transformed humans in Kelm village," he said firmly. "We know the situation, don't worry."
Kael crossed his arms and muttered,
"If we needed you to protect us, we wouldn't even be here."
Maia nudged Kael's arm, shot him a sharp look, then turned to the protector.
"Hello," she said with a slight smile. "I'm Maia. I have time-based powers, but I'm not very good at using them yet. But don't worry, I won't give you any trouble."
Shyly, she added,
"Um… what's your name? I thought it'd be good to know since we'll be working together."
Vega and Kael simultaneously turned to Maia, giving her surprised looks.
The protector paused briefly, then spoke simply,
"I'm Nathan Wilder."
Maia's inner voice immediately chimed in:
"That's it?! I said all those sentences, really, that's it?"
"What are your powers? How old are you? Which guild are you in? Do you have a partner?"
A sigh echoed in her mind.
"Do you really have to be this handsome and speak so little?"
Her eyes still didn't leave Nathan. It was as if the entire world around them had blurred into the background.
Just then, a new rumble rose from the depths of the forest.
The leaves shivered. Shadows moving behind the trees thickened. Then a roar was heard—but it was unlike the previous ones. Louder, wilder, more numerous.
Aryel turned instantly, her eyes darkening.
"The creatures… they're coming in a swarm!"
Kael immediately drew his bow, stepping forward as he nocked an arrow.
"Good, a bit of exercise then."
Vega positioned himself, sensing the direction of the wind.
"There are too many… but if we're together, it won't be a problem."
Nathan silently stepped forward. His eyes tracked the movement within the shadows, calculating which way they would strike.
Aryel noticed Maia staying behind.
"Maia! Protect the villager, stay there!"
Maia quickly nodded, pulling the old man back.
Her arms shook, but her eyes showed determination more than fear.
"This time… I'll do something," she thought.
The creatures emerged, crushing branches beneath them.
Each of them was mutated. Their skin was scaly, their eyes glimmered with a red hue. They were larger than ordinary animals; their teeth and claws were like a real killing machine.
Aryel stepped forward, raising her right hand.
"No plan. Everyone is free! But watch out for each other!"