The forest was quiet. Too quiet.
Takiru walked down the narrow dirt road leading back to the Beast Hunters' castle. The air was heavy with fog, and the moon hung low, painting everything in silver and shadow. His armor was scratched, his blade dull from battle — the fight with Giyuza had drained most of his energy.
He sighed.
"Finally... some peace."
But peace never lasted long in Eldoria.
The wind changed. Leaves rustled. Somewhere behind him, a twig snapped — sharp, deliberate. Takiru stopped in his tracks, every muscle tense. The runes on his sword flickered faintly, reacting to something unseen.
"Show yourself," he said, voice low.
A sound answered — a deep growl that shook the ground. From the darkness, something massive emerged — four glowing blue eyes, claws longer than daggers, and a body wrapped in shifting smoke.
Jijuza.
A Level Seven Beast — stronger than Giyuza, faster, more intelligent.
"Another one?" Takiru muttered, raising his sword. "Ashamija's creations never end…"
Jijuza roared and leapt forward. The earth cracked beneath its weight. Takiru dodged, slashing upward, his blade igniting in flame. Sparks scattered through the fog as the beast struck back with its claws, forcing him onto the defensive.
He fought hard — his movements sharp, precise — but exhaustion clawed at his body. Each strike grew slower, each breath heavier. Jijuza's tail slammed into him, sending him crashing into a tree.
"Damn it… not now…"
The beast lunged again. Just as it was about to strike, a sharp whistle cut through the air. A spear, glowing with electric energy, pierced Jijuza's side.
From the shadows stepped Shitaru.
"You never call for backup, do you?" Shitaru said with a smirk.
"Didn't think I needed it," Takiru replied, gripping his sword. "Glad you came anyway."
Together, they charged. Shitaru's spear crackled with lightning while Takiru's blade blazed like fire. The forest lit up in a storm of flame and thunder.
Jijuza howled in fury, slashing wildly, but the two Mastorka moved like shadows — striking fast, relentless, unstoppable. Finally, Shitaru's spear found its mark — deep in the beast's chest.
Jijuza screamed once more, then dissolved into black dust.
The night was silent again.
Takiru fell to one knee, breathing heavily. Shitaru placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You really push yourself too far, brother."
"Someone has to," Takiru said with a tired grin.
When they returned to the castle, both were exhausted. The guards opened the gates silently everyone knew what that silence meant: another beast had fallen, but at a heavy cost.
Inside, the halls were dimly lit. Shitaru dragged his spear along the floor, while Takiru headed straight to his room. His armor was cracked, and his shirt torn down the side.
Sitting on the edge of his bed, he took a needle and thread, stitching the tear in silence. The only sound was the soft hum of the wind outside.
A gentle knock came at the door.
"Come in," he said.
The door opened slightly — Nekuva stepped in, holding a small tray.
"You look like you've been through the underworld," she said softly, handing him a cup. "Here. Coffee."
Takiru took it, nodding.
"Thanks. Needed that."
They sat in quiet for a while. The steam rose between them as the night deepened.
"You really fought Jijuza alone?" Nekuva asked.
"Almost," Takiru replied with a faint smile. "Shitaru finished the job."
"You're lucky he showed up," she said, a teasing tone in her voice.
"Yeah. I owe him one."
For a moment, their eyes met tired, but filled with understanding. They both knew the same truth: every night could be their last.
Nekuva stood, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"Rest well, Takiru. Tomorrow, Thonyiak will want a full report."
"You too, Nekuva. Thanks… for the coffee."
She smiled faintly before leaving, the door closing softly behind her.
That night, the castle was finally still.
The hunters slept, unaware of the shadow that lingered far beyond the mountains — where Ashamija watched them through the eyes of his next creation.
The true war had only just begun.