The atmosphere in Averra had never felt this heavy.
Ever since that black fog was spotted this morning, the entire town changed. Normally, people would still joke around while working—patching up fences, fixing rooftops, shouting at neighbors just to tease them.
Today?
Nothing.
No children running. No vendors calling out.
Just silence.
Like everyone was waiting for something… and they didn't want to admit it.
Aelric walked past the barracks, checking on the soldiers. He always felt weird seeing them straighten up suddenly whenever he passed, pretending to be busier than they were.
"Relax," Aelric said, tapping a stack of spears. "I'm checking equipment, not handing out punishments."
A few soldiers exchanged sheepish smiles.
Geros stepped out from behind a tent. "Aelric. We checked the eastern perimeter. Outer fence still holding, but the southern part is starting to weaken."
"Got it. Send two teams to reinforce. We can't leave any gaps."
"And you?" Geros raised a brow. "Where are you going?"
Aelric's eyes drifted to the training field—where Mira was practicing alone. Small steps, steady breaths, eyes sharp with focus.
"I need to make sure Mira is ready before nightfall."
Geros followed his gaze and snorted. "That kid's stubborn. Just like her teacher."
"Thanks for the compliment."
"That wasn't a compliment."
Aelric laughed and headed toward Mira.
---
MENTAL PREP BEFORE NIGHTFALL
"Your footwork's too stiff," Aelric said as he stopped behind her. "Relax. Don't go limp—just feel the ground supporting you."
Mira adjusted her stance. "Like… yesterday?"
"Yeah. Small adjustments matter."
He watched her carefully. Despite training for only a day, the girl had a determination that reminded Aelric of a younger version of himself—only a bit more fragile, but more honest too.
A faint system panel appeared.
[Mira — Awakening Progress: 21%]
[Mental Stability: +5%]
[Combat Readiness: Low → Moderate]
Not bad.
"Mira," Aelric called.
She walked over, wiping sweat from her forehead. "Yes, sir?"
"I won't lie to you—tonight will be worse than last night. There'll probably be more of them, and we might get overwhelmed."
Mira swallowed hard. "A-am I going to fight?"
Aelric shook his head. "Not yet. But you need to see them. At least once."
Her body froze. "See… when the monsters come?"
"Yes. You don't have to go near the battlefield. But you need to understand what we're facing."
Her face paled, but she didn't refuse.
Aelric softened his voice. "If you want to survive in this world, you must know your enemy. And ours… aren't just wild beasts."
Mira nodded slowly, fear still visible.
"Sir… will the town be safe tonight?"
Aelric paused, then chose honesty—like he always wished others had given him when he was her age.
"I don't know. But as long as I'm here, I'll make damn sure you—and the others—have a better chance to live."
Mira's eyes glistened, but she held herself together. "Then… I'll get strong. So you won't protect me alone."
Aelric gently tapped her head. "That's a good goal."
---
A TOWN GETTING READY
On the far side of Averra, small bells were tied along the wooden fences. Not for decoration—but as emergency alarms.
Soldiers in the west carried buckets of oil. Archers in the north checked their spare bows. Even regular townsfolk pitched in however they could.
Aelric watched it all, quietly.
At least the people weren't giving up.
Geros walked over with a rough map. "These were the attack patterns from last night. Most of them came from the southeast."
Aelric nodded. "But the fog we saw earlier came from the east. They might change their route."
"Exactly. I'm doubling the guards on both fronts."
"We need more light," Aelric added. "The Abyss Fog messes with visibility. More torches."
"We're out of dry wood."
"Use the old tables in the barracks. No one uses them anymore."
Geros sighed. "You just love breaking things that don't need breaking."
"Better a broken table than a dead soldier."
"…Fair point."
---
SUNSET APPROACHES
The sky slowly turned orange. Children were rushed indoors. Doors shut. Windows latched.
Averra felt like a town holding its breath.
Aelric stood near the outer fence, staring into the tree line as it darkened.
Mira stood beside him, clutching her cloak. "Sir… that sound…"
From inside the forest—
click… click… click…
Branches snapping. Leaves shifting.
Aelric reached for his sword. "It's starting."
System panel flickered.
[Threat Detection: Confirmed]
[Abyss Creature Count (Est.): 40–60]
[Variant Type: Low-Class]
[One Unknown Signature Detected — Caution]
Aelric narrowed his eyes.
Unknown signature? That's bad.
Geros approached. "Soldiers are ready. Once the fog reaches the clearing, we go full alert."
Aelric turned to Mira. "Remember what I said. You watch from the west tower. No closer."
Mira nodded firmly. "I'll watch… and I won't run."
"Good. Go."
She sprinted to the watchtower—high enough to see, low enough to stay hidden.
---
THE FIRST MOVE FROM THE FOG
Night took over completely. Torches blazed across the fence line. The air smelled of burning wood and oil.
The forest's base turned pale—thin wisps of fog sliding between the trunks.
Then came the noises.
grrkk… grrkk… krrkk…
Like something dragging itself, joints bending the wrong way.
Aelric raised his sword. "Everyone ready!"
Spears aimed forward. Bows drawn.
The fog spilled out of the forest—
And behind it, twisted little shapes crawled out.
Bodies like wet asphalt. Small glowing red eyes.
Limbs jerking unnaturally.
Aelric exhaled. "Crawlers. Lowest class."
"Too many of them," Geros muttered.
The creatures surged.
"Archers—fire!"
Arrows rained. Several Crawlers collapsed, but the rest kept crawling, unfazed.
"Spears! Hold the line!"
They leapt—
And were skewered one by one.
Aelric didn't jump in yet. He was watching the second layer of fog—
The one hiding the "unknown" signature.
"Where are you…" he murmured.
Then—
The fog in the center twisted, sucked inward—like something was pulling it.
A tall silhouette stepped out.
Humanoid…but wrong.
Long arms shaped like curved blades.
Aelric's eyes hardened.
Geros whispered, "Oh hell. That's—"
"Stalker-Class Abyss Beast," Aelric finished.
The creature screeched.
SSSSHHHAAAAAA—
Mira clapped a hand over her mouth to stop herself from screaming.
Aelric planted his feet.
"Second line—ready! Don't let that thing in!"
The forest hissed back.