So, I was rushing towards the sounds of battle when I suddenly burst onto a dirt road. A regular dirt road, with wheel ruts and a strip of grass growing in the middle. Just a few dozen meters ahead, two familiar six-legged cats were tearing apart a human body! A human, just like me, with two arms, two legs, a torso, and a head.


    The corpse was clad in plate armor reinforced with thick leather, protecting him from the neck down to almost the knees. Unfortunately, against these beasts, that armor was of little help—three parallel gaping wounds stretched from his chest all the way down to his belly.


    Without thinking, I rushed forward, instantly snapping both creatures’ necks, grabbed something resembling a short spear that lay nearby, and ran further. A second later, I saw the whole battle scene—it was nearly over. And not in the humans’ favor.


    Despite the fact that about a dozen monsters had already been slain, seven warriors lay dead or dying, their bodies already being devoured. Two more fighters—one a burly red-haired man in his forties, the other a lean black-haired bearded man of the same age—were retreating with swords raised, shielding an old man with a short gray beard and a boy of about ten.


    The black-bearded fighter looked to be in terrible shape. Even from here, I could hear the bubbling of air in his punctured lungs, and red threads of blood clung to his beard. Five beasts had formed a semi-circle around them, gradually closing in.


    Realizing that one of the cats was about to pounce, I hurled my spear at it with all my might. The weapon struck its side, but to my surprise, it shattered into splinters without causing any serious harm. Cursing under my breath, I made an incredible leap straight into the fray, breaking their formation. Crushing one beast under my feet, I simply smashed another’s head with my fist.


    The remaining three, along with several others that had been feasting on the fallen, quickly regrouped. They must have identified me as the primary threat now, though it did them no good—the fight ended in mere seconds.


    — Are you all right? — I blurted out the first thing that came to mind. — Hold on, I’ll be right back!


    While the four survivors stared at me in shock, I quickly ran to the first two beasts I had killed and ripped the stones from their bodies. I also retrieved the fallen warrior’s corpse, laying it carefully beside the others before methodically extracting the stones from the dead creatures.


    Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the survivors’ expressions widen in horror each time I punched through a monster’s ribcage and instantly tore out a glowing orange gem. Finishing this rather pleasant part of the hunt, I approached them, carefully counting the stones in my palm.


    — Twenty-two in total, — I said, sitting down beside them. — Ten are yours, and twelve are mine, since I hunted them myself. Agreed?


    In truth, these four looked terrible—pale and, it seemed, even more frightened than when they had been surrounded by monsters. I quickly glanced at myself. Well… not the most reassuring sight. A naked man, covered head to toe in blood, standing in the middle of the forest—hardly an image that inspires trust.


    Just as I was about to come up with some story to ease the tension, the less-injured warrior weakly croaked, — P-please, sir, calm your bloodlust and suppress your aura… We can’t withstand it much longer!


    — Bloodlust? Aura? — I had no idea what he was talking about. Somewhere in my subconscious, I had some guesses, but nothing concrete enough to understand what I was supposed to do. — Sorry, but could you explain?


    — The battle… the battle is over. We are not your enemies. Please, try to suppress your killing intent as best you can—there are no more foes here.


    — Wait, — I said, trying for the first time in days to relax and stop sensing the dangers lurking in the forest. — Is this better?


    — Hoooh… — the old man exhaled after a few minutes of my struggle. — Thank you, sir. It’s much better now. Allow me, as the eldest, to introduce myself and express my gratitude for saving us. And also, please, take this, — he added, handing me a large embroidered sheet. — It seems you could use it.


    Oh! Now this old man knew how to start a conversation! I quickly wrapped one end of the sheet around my waist, tossed the other over my shoulder, and tucked it into the waistband, making a makeshift toga. Then I sat back down.


    Meanwhile, the others tended to the severely wounded warrior, pouring some light pink liquid on his wounds. He seemed to be feeling a bit better, though he still looked terrible.


    — Well then, — I began again. — These ten stones are yours. Now, may I ask you a few questions?


    — Gato cores? — the old man shook his head. — No, they do have value, but we don’t need them. In any case, without you, we wouldn’t have had the chance to collect them—or to live, for that matter.


    Ah, so these stones were called cores.


    — Gato? — I repeated the unfamiliar word.


    — Yes, that’s what these second-class monsters are called. They’re already quite strong for their class, and here we had an entire pack. We’ve never heard of them forming packs before. These cats usually live and hunt alone, — the old man sighed, turning to the warrior. — We must report this to the prince’s court and the guilds.


    — But this isn’t even a large pack. A few days ago, I encountered one twice this size.


    I decided not to mention that I had already wiped them out. It seemed wiser for now. My words drained the color from their faces.


    — You said these were second-class monsters. Are there stronger ones?


    — Of course, — the warrior nodded. — Monsters are classified into seven ranks, from first to seventh. The first rank is the weakest, while the seventh is the strongest. Their cores are distinguished by color: first-class monsters have red cores, second-class have orange, third are yellow, fourth are green, fifth are blue, sixth are indigo, and seventh are violet. In our principality and its surroundings, you can only find first- and second-class monsters. But I’ve never heard of them gathering in such numbers…


    — But, — I interrupted, — there are many monsters in this forest stronger than these gato. I can’t describe them exactly, but I can feel them—I know they’re here.


    — If what you say is true, then we may be doomed… — the old man lowered his gaze in despair. — By the way, my name is Hek. I am the head of the merchant guild in our principality. This boy is my grandson, Tuno. The warrior is my chief guard, Marj, and the wounded man is one of his soldiers, Bern. And you, sir?


    The question wasn’t unexpected, but I didn’t have an answer. So I decided to stick to a half-truth.


    — Well, the thing is… — I scratched my head with a goofy smile. — I don’t remember. I woke up in this forest a few days ago and have no memory of who I am or where I came from. You are the first people I’ve met.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Hek and Marj exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.


    — You are a powerful warrior, — Marj said. — At the very least, you are at the mid-tier of the third class, perhaps higher. Maybe you lost your memory after being attacked by monsters, just like we nearly did. If we make it back to the principality, we might be able to learn something about you—there aren’t many warriors as strong as you. If you’re from our land, someone will surely recognize you. But looking at our situation… the chances of returning are slim.


    They all fell into gloom again. This was starting to get on my nerves—pessimism wasn’t exactly helpful right now.


    — Hey, hey, hey, people, what’s with those faces? Don’t tell me you’re planning a group suicide! Because if you are, I’m not joining in, and I won’t even bother burying you! Now, where is this principality of yours? Which direction, and how long will it take to get there?


    That seemed to help a little.


    — Alright! — Heck suddenly spoke loudly. — A contract! If you, sir, do everything in your power to protect us on our way to the capital of the Atun Principality, then I, Heck, guarantee you a payment of two hundred gold coins and will also assist in helping you establish your identity. I will do everything in my power to make that happen!


    — However, — he continued, — there is one small catch—you, sir, need to take on at least some temporary name for the duration of the contract. Do you have any in mind?


    I shrugged awkwardly, making it clear that I had no idea.


    — Then let it be Aney. In the old language of our people, it means “lost.” Do you agree?


    — Fine by me, no objections.


    Out of nowhere, a scroll of parchment appeared in the old man’s hand. As he unrolled it, a red magical circle with a strange pattern inside flared up on it.


    — Before the Eye of the Judge, this contract is made, and thus it shall be fulfilled! I, Heck, henceforth referred to as the “client,” and the contractor, temporarily named Aney for the duration of the contract, henceforth referred to as the “executor,” hereby enter into this agreement for escorting from this place and time to the city of Atun, the capital of the Atun Principality. The executor is obliged to make every effort to ensure the safety of four individuals—the client and three others—until they reach the gates of Atun. The client is obliged to pay two hundred gold upon the fulfillment of this condition and to assist Aney in establishing his true identity and name. The contract shall be considered fulfilled upon the mutual agreement of both parties. In case of arbitration, a penalty of three percent of the remaining lifespan shall be imposed on the guilty party. If any contract violations threaten its completion, a fine of ten percent of the remaining lifespan shall be imposed on the offender. All requirements and regulations by which this contract is drafted comply with the statute of the God of Judgment, are not subject to appeal, and will be reviewed solely within the scope of this statute!


    After Heck’s words, a magical seal in the form of an eye appeared in the sky above us, and a voice proclaimed, — The contract is now in effect!


    The text appeared on the parchment, while the magical circle transformed into two red ribbons that immediately wrapped around our wrists.


    Truth be told, all of this unsettled and frightened me because I had just realized the existence of a higher power—a God! One that could shorten the lifespan of people like me at will. And on top of that, it seemed He already knew how much time each of us had left. So, fate exists? And everything is already decided for everyone?


    No, now is not the time. I’ll think about this later.


    — Interesting, — I said, examining the ribbon, which had adhered tightly to my skin. — So, will you tell me now where we’re heading and how long it will take?


    — Our main goal is to reach the outpost at the forest’s edge—about five days on foot. From there, hiring a carriage should be easy, and in three or four days, we’ll be in Atun. Unfortunately, Bern can’t walk on his own right now, and we’ve run out of healing potions. But… But I still can’t leave him here! — Marj clenched his massive fists in frustration. It was clear he was struggling with the situation.


    — Hey, no one’s getting left behind. I’m bound by contract, so I’ll get you all out of here. Tell me, how long can you run with the boy on your back?


    — If I run, I can make it to the outpost by evening. Why?


    — Then I’ll carry Bern. That only leaves Heck.


    We both turned to look at the old man.


    — I have two scrolls of light-foot enchantment, but that won’t be enough…


    I had no idea what he was talking about, but I hoped it would at least help him keep up with Marj.


    — Alright, I’ll run ahead with Bern on my back. Heck follows me. Marj, you’ll bring up the rear, carrying Tuno. I’ll gradually increase my speed until I sense your maximum pace, then I’ll maintain that speed. If I deviate from the road, follow me without question—I’ll be avoiding monsters if I sense they’re stronger than me. Everyone clear?


    They all nodded.


    — Wait a moment, — said Heck. — I need to retrieve the bodies of the fallen. I must return them to their families.


    He put on a ring with a black stone and aimed it at the bodies. In an instant, they were absorbed into it. Moments later, the monsters’ corpses vanished as well.


    — I’ll sell them to the artisans’ guild for you. After all, they’re technically your spoils. Oh, this is a storage ring, — he added, seeing my puzzled expression. — A rare thing.


    I handed him the monsters’ cores.


    — Can you store these for me too? My clothes don’t have a single pocket! — I laughed.


    — Here, — Heck handed me a small leather pouch with a belt. — It’s a storage pouch, though of a lower grade.


    — Oh, thanks. — I quickly fastened it around my waist and dropped the cores inside. — Now, help me secure Bern to my back. If he loses consciousness along the way, I won’t be able to hold him.


    I crouched down, and Marj and Heck placed the semi-conscious Bern onto my back, fastening straps around his thighs and underarms, then securing them over my shoulders. I rose and lightly bounced on my toes to distribute the weight more evenly. Bern groaned slightly.


    — Easy, easy. I promise I won’t let you die here. Alright, ready? Then let’s go!


    Heck pulled out a scroll, muttered something, and tore it. The air around his boots shimmered with a heat-like mirage. I leaned forward slightly and started running, gradually increasing my speed. At the same time, I listened closely to the breathing and heartbeats of Heck and Marj behind me. When I sensed they were nearing their limit, I slightly slowed down and stabilized the pace.


    Our speed was fairly high—the bushes and trees on either side blurred as we passed. As an experiment, I tried spreading my bloodlust forward, avoiding my companions behind me.


    It worked surprisingly well—I felt weaker monsters dozens of meters ahead scattering in all directions. Confident now, I unleashed my full bloodlust, amplifying it with my aura. The result was fantastic—monsters of the first and second class fled from us even hundreds of meters away!


    The sun was nearing its zenith when Heck started slowing down. I glanced back and caught a glimpse of him pulling out another scroll and tearing it, his speed stabilizing once more as we continued our race against time and distance.


    Bern had gone completely limp on my back—either he’d lost consciousness or had fallen asleep. Marj was holding up well, but I knew that if not for Heck, we could have been running even faster. Damn! The longer we stayed in motion, the higher the chances of running into trouble.


    If I were alone, I could take down a third-class monster or escape from a fourth-class one. But with this group? No chance. And abandoning them wasn’t an option.


    Then suddenly—like a lightning strike—a touch! A foreign bloodlust, possibly as strong as mine, brushed against me and vanished instantly. Where? Ahead? Left or right? No… Again! Above!


    Damn it. No point diving into the underbrush now. There’s only one option left. Would it work?


    I focused and gathered all my bloodlust into a thin beam, striking toward the monster. I almost physically felt resistance—then, a snap! The beast roared in fury and hovered in place, flapping its massive wings.


    — It’s a Kmaro! — Marj shouted. — A third-class monster!


    — Holy hedgehogs! Is it dangerous?


    — Very! That thing could tear me apart in a second!


    — Then move it! Faster! Stop crawling like sunbathing slugs!


    I pushed my speed to Heck’s limit, holding the pace until I felt the monster give up its pursuit.


    — Suck on that, you ugly bastard! — I yelled. — Ahahahaha!


    The others chuckled quietly.


    By sundown, Heck’s light-foot spell was wearing off, and we stopped.


    — How far to the outpost? — I asked.


    — A couple of hours running or a full night if walking.


    Marj was fading. There was only one option left. I scooped Heck into my arms and roared,


    — Run!


    Heck began to struggle and loudly protest against it, while Marj behind me laughed like a horse.


    — Hey, old man, — I said. — Calm down, or I’ll break your ribs. Have you forgotten that, according to the terms of the contract, I must do everything in my power to get your wrinkled old ass to Atun? But nowhere does it say it has to be in one piece and unharmed.


    I didn’t know if my threat worked or if the old man simply accepted the hopelessness of the situation, but he stopped struggling and cursing. And that was good enough.


    Our speed had dropped—running while carrying a half-dead man strapped to my back and an old geezer in my arms was anything but comfortable. But it was still better than nothing.


    Night was falling, and the vegetation around us once again lit up in various hues, while the road ahead remained almost completely black.


    The forest ended abruptly, as if it had been cut off with a single straight line. We simply burst into pure darkness, where, a few hundred meters ahead, a cluster of lights flickered.


    — The outpost! — Marj croaked.