The sun rose softly over the endless forest, bathing the trees in pale golden light. Elric moved slowly, his boots crunching on dry leaves. His tired eyes scanned the thick forest around him. There was no sign of any other Slayer—no voices, no movement, just the whispering wind between the branches.
"Where is everyone?" he muttered under his breath, frustration lacing his tone. His body still ached from the last battle. Surviving here wasn't going to be easy.
He leaned against a rough trunk, took a deep breath, and sat down for a moment. "Hah… surviving here is harder than I thought."
After a short rest, Elric stood up again. His stomach growled, reminding him of his hunger. He began searching for something to eat. As the evening approached, the sky slowly shifted from bright orange to a soft violet. A little ahead, he spotted a tree with ripe apples hanging from its branches.
A faint smile crossed his face for the first time that day. He climbed the tree with ease, plucked a few apples, and took a big bite. "Hmm… not bad at all. At least something tastes good in this nightmare," he whispered with a light chuckle.
But the moment of calm wouldn't last. The air grew colder as the sun dipped behind the mountains. Shadows began to stretch long and dark across the forest floor. Elric tightened the grip around his sword and started walking carefully. He knew night was when the real monsters came out.
Suddenly—A loud crash echoed through the forest. THUD!
Elric's sharp eyes turned toward the sound. Not far away, a massive shadow was overpowering a weak Slayer, its claws digging into the boy's chest. The young Slayer struggled to breathe, his sword trembling in his hands.
Elric didn't hesitate for even a second. "Hey! Leave him alone and fight me!" he shouted, stepping forward with fierce determination.
The Shadow turned its head slowly. Its body was unnaturally long, arms like spears, eyes glowing faintly in the darkness. It was different from the others Elric had fought—faster, more dangerous. It released the Slayer and shifted its attention entirely toward him.
"Good… that's better," Elric whispered, sliding into his combat stance. The night wind blew past his face as the Shadow lunged toward him with terrifying speed.
"Water Breathing… First Form!"
In a flash of steel and swirling mist, Elric's blade cut through both of the creature's arms. The Shadow stumbled back, hissing like a wild beast. But then… Elric froze. Before his eyes, its arms began to grow back. Flesh bubbled and bones reformed in seconds.
"What the—?!" he gasped. "It's… regenerating? I've never seen one like this before."
His heartbeat quickened. This wasn't going to be a simple fight. He clenched his sword tighter. "I'll have to use a stronger form… this won't end with the first strike."
He dashed forward again."Water Breathing… Second Form — Cut and Slash!"
His blade swung with clean precision, aiming for the creature's neck. But the Shadow twisted its body unnaturally fast, dodging the critical blow. Elric's sword grazed its chest but didn't go deep enough.
"Damn it!" Elric hissed. Doubt crept into his mind. Why can't I finish it? Am I not strong enough? Am I even worthy of becoming a Slayer?
The creature lunged forward, its claws just barely missing his shoulder. Elric stumbled back, but his eyes burned brighter with anger.
"No… I've come too far to die here."
He tightened his stance, inhaling deeply. His breathing slowed, centered, focused.
"Water Breathing… Third Form — Full Power!"
The ground cracked beneath his feet as he launched forward. A stream of water followed his blade like a roaring wave. The Shadow swung its claws down in defense, but this time—Elric's speed was faster. The blade cut clean through its neck in a single, brilliant strike.
The Shadow's head flew into the air, its body collapsing with a heavy thud. Black smoke began to rise, but then… a faint, trembling voice echoed in the air.
"I… died today… because I devoured too many humans… I became strong but… I regret it."
Elric's eyes widened for a moment. It was rare to hear a Shadow speak after death. He slowly approached the fading creature and gently placed his hand on its head.
"Then… may your soul finally rest," Elric whispered softly.
The body crumbled into ash, carried away by the wind.
The weak Slayer who had been attacked earlier was still lying on the ground, clutching his arm. Elric turned toward him and helped him up.
"Listen," Elric said seriously, "be smart. Rest during the day, fight at night. That's the only way you'll survive here."
The boy nodded weakly. "T-Thank you… you saved my life."
Elric just gave a small grin. "Stay alive. That's the real fight."
Without another word, he tightened the straps on his sword sheath and began walking deeper into the forest again. The moonlight shimmered through the gaps between the trees, illuminating the path ahead.
The night was far from over.And Elric knew—stronger Shadows were still waiting.