《Darkest Ground》 Prologue September 7, 2088 a day after the release. Doctor Auld was sitting in his office reading over his work reports, over 250,000 people went into a coma in a day. Most Hospitals were filled so some had to be treated at their homes. The building could only fill 50 patients and he had over that many, each were bound to a bed with a metal band around their heads. Dr Auld looked up the device on his computer, this device was called a Dream Ring a new generation Virtual Reality device that was created by FromMoon the gaming company responsible for this. It completely controls the player''s consciousness by redirecting the signals the brain sends to the body and sending its own waves to stimulate the five senses. The Dream Ring doesn¡¯t need a power source as it''s powered by the player''s mind, as well as a high frequency electromagnetic transmitter. The environmental type games were first produced by Instinct Vidia a software that makes things real for the players. Therefore, Darkest Ground a virtual reality survival horror role playing game was made. A major excitement to all gamers, this grand design brought over 250,00 players during its first official launch in September 6, 2088 and is the first VR game that has been mass-produced. ¡°All these people are in a coma, from a video game? How is that possible?¡± Observing the device, he wanted to know what the other players were doing to have cause them to go into a coma. loud footsteps were heard down the hall, looking through his office window Doctor Auld saw a few of his nurses rushing by until one came bursting in his office. ¡°This one is worse! Doctor Auld please come see this!¡±Doctor Auld rushed and saw a young boy laying on the stretcher wearing a Dream Ring, looking shocked as blood leaked from his eyes and ears. ¡°How did this happen!?¡± Dr Auld ask as he feared for the boys health. ¡°I don¡¯t know doctor we received a called from the boy¡¯s parent.¡± Grabbing her tablet, she pulled up the boy¡¯s file and showed it to him. The boy was very young, as they entered the emergency room. ¡°How could this happen? I never seen anything like this before.¡± A few hours passed, Dr Auld sitting back in his office a little shaken to what he just witnesses. Turning back to his computer reading more about the game, scrolling through the forums he saw pictures of other victim of this game. Some of the victim were from different cities, states and even countries it was worldwide and nobody knows what is causing these players to go into a coma. Doctor Auld had enough, if he wanted to know what was the cause of this he would do it himself. Dr Auld was a gamer himself, from time to time he will be in his office playing some first person shooters or a few rpg games here and there. Being in his early 50s he hasn¡¯t lost his touch of being good as a doctor or gamer. Reaching towards his office phone he called in his most trusted nurses. ¡°Nurse Lucille please come to my office. I have something i want to discuss.¡± Luciel was Dr Auld 1st student and rival in video games. The other nurses that worked in the building was his students as well. Dr Auld taunt them well if anything happens to him he know that his nurses will be able to run it without him. "Yes, Doctor Auld?¡± Luciel looked at Dr Auld with a calm tone unaffected by what they experience a few hours ago. ¡°Luciel, I¡¯m leaving this hospital in your care while I¡¯m gone.¡± going in more details about his plan. ¡°Yes, I understand, we will be waiting your return Doctor.¡± Luciel nod and left his office to inform the other nurses of his plan, It was going to be long night. After installing the gaming on his pc and making an account, he then synced the Dream Ring to his computer and put it on. Dr Auld leaned back in his chair and relaxed as the Ring began to glow, as he closed his eyes and fell asleep. It was cold and dark, Dr Auld awoke and saw himself laying in the middle of a strange forest, his work clothes now tattered clothing that looks like it belong to an old farmer was infested with worms. The ground he stood on was also infested with worms and maggots, it was as if the land was rotting. "What is this place?¡± Doctor Auld looked around until he heard a voice. ¡°Why...Me...Why...Me¡­?¡± A women crying in the distance. Dr Auld followed the sound of the woman''s cry¡¯s, feeling the worms and maggots slither through his feet he could barely hold himself from vomiting. A few minutes past, as Dr Auld finally reached the women crouched next to a dark puddle covered in sores and pus. ¡°Hey! Are you ok!?¡± Seeing the women in pain Dr Auld ran to the women aid. ¡°Ma¡¯am? I can help you! I¡¯m a Doc-¡± The women turn around looking at him. ¡°Who...Are...You¡­?¡± The weeping woman replied, her face replace with a large mouth with twisted sharp teeth. Dr Auld couldn''t believe what he¡¯s seeing, falling backwards into the worm and maggot filled ground as the women crep closer to him. ¡°Who...Are...YOU!?¡± the faceless woman''s voice change to a more aggressive tone stepping even closer to him, as more faceless humanoid monsters spawned from the shadows, some even were crawling like animals. ¡°Who...Are...You?¡± They all spoke to him in unison, blood dripping from their fang faces as their sharp claws scratched the ground. Dr Auld knew he was in the game but to feel this much fear it was more of a nightmare, with no choice he ran. The faceless creatures then started chasing after him, crushing every worm and maggot Dr Auld ignore the gross feeling and kept running until he heard nothing. Dr Auld turned around, noticing the faceless creatures weren''t chasing after him any more but stood staring at him. In the middle of the woods Dr Auld felt a soft cold touch on his foot, he stepped back and saw a woman face sticking out from the ground. Looking around he saw other faces of men and women they all had their faces coming out the ground, Dr Auld stood staring in horror as he recognized all their faces. ¡°The Patients!? They''re all here!?¡± Dr Auld then looked around to see a large dark arch tree.The arch tree was great in size, it had no leafs as its branches were dead as the ground Dr Auld stood on and in the center of the tree was a large blood mark. The blood mark then leaked onto the roots, ground and even the faces until Dr Auld was standing in a pool of blood. ¡°What kind of game is this!?¡± Dr Auld shaken in horror as the faceless women and men surrounded the area, some were watching in the trees and the rest were on the ground kneeling, as if they were praying to something. ¡°Come¡­. Come¡­¡± The mystery¡¯s voice called out from the arch tree. ¡°Who is that? Where are you?¡± Dr Auld replied to the strange voice. ¡°You¡­ Must¡­. Come¡­¡± The faceless creatures all spoke in unison again pointing at the arch tree. Dr Auld looked in the direction they were pointing, as a large entrance started to appear from the arch tree. Inside the arch tree was a shadowy being of great size and horror. ¡°Come¡­ Come¡­ COME!¡± Dr Auld felled backwards, feeling the blood boiled around his feet and scorching heat hitting his face as the forest set ablaze, as fire spread the faceless creature stood ignoring that their skin was burning. ¡°What is it that you want from me!?¡± Dr Auld screaming in pain as the blood fire burned his skin. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ not¡­ what¡­ I ¡­ want!¡± The shadowy figure spoke with scorched heat pushing back at the him. ¡°What do you mean!?¡± He Spoke back in anger. ¡°They¡­ Weren¡¯t¡­ True¡­To¡­ Themselves!¡± ¡°But¡­ You¡­ Are¡­!¡± "And¡­ So¡­ You¡­ Shall¡­ Be¡­Revealed!¡± Dr Auld fell to his knees, as scorched roots wrapped around him burning his skin, as he screamed in agony. The fire burned him greatly, his body scarred and his vision gone all that was left was pain. The pain of loss is what he felt, thinking about his students, career and all the people he helped were all going to be gone. The memories of his past went through his mind like channels until there was nothing left, as darkness settled in he was able to see and saw something facing the shadowy figure. ¡°Who are you?¡± Dr Auld saw the back of a creature that was covered in pitch black fur and two spiked horns from its head. Being barely able to speak with his burnt mouth and charcoal tongue, the creature turned around and face him. ¡°Its¡­ Me¡­?¡± Now staring at a empty husk that was crumbling to dust, as the roots burrowed back into the bloody ground, Dr Auld stood looking at his remains as he himself changed. ¡°You¡­ Are¡­True!¡± The Faceless creatures said in unison as they went silent. ¡°I¡­ Understand¡­ Now.¡± Raising his beast like hands as conjured fire in his beastly palm, Dr Auld was no more as something else took his place. ¡°Now...Drink¡­!¡± The shadowy creature said, sticking its malformed hand out from the tree. Standing in the blood he then drank it and so did the faceless creatures joining him, as disease, fury and pain filled their minds and body with power. Holding their claws to their chest feeling great pain, as they tore it open as beastly sound replace their screams. A few hours passed and Luciel was just checking on the last patient that was in a coma, as the monitor showed everyone was green, she went back to check on Dr Auld. ¡°I Hope he¡¯s OK it¡¯s been few hours now.¡± Worrying about Dr Auld, she haste to his office. Thinking back to where she was a young girl, picked on for being the smartest in her class and the best at shooting games until that fateful day. As Luciel reach Dr Auld office an uneasy feeling came to her, opening his door she saw Dr Auld chair facing the window. ¡°Doctor Auld are you ok?¡± she walked slowly to his desk as his chair rocked back in forth. ¡°Doctor? Are you¡­¡± Dropping to her knees crying, staring in horror. ¡°DOCTOR AULD!¡± her voice reached to the other nurses from down the hall.But before they could react, large error messages began spamming across their monitors, as each of the patients began to shake. The nurses starred in horror as the patient shook like they were having a seizure, finally they came to a stop. While blood leaked from each of their eyes and ears. ¡°What... happen... to you? Doctor Auld?¡± She spoke, as blood leaked from his eyes and ears remaining silent staring at the moon.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Chapter 1 A few hours before the release of Darkest Ground. Eren received his beta key in an email and started setting up his gaming PC for install. The beta tester who got their beta keys also received the dream ring by mailing from the company themselves. Eren lived alone in his apartment while his brother Allen lived with their mother since they couldn''t live with each other since their parents divorce. Eren and his father moved to Greenville, SC while Allen and his mother stayed in Gahanna, Ohio, making use to their separation for 5 years. Eren is 19 and his brother Allen is 17, keeping them closer like brother were online video games. Their favorite type of games were action RPG games, being able to create their own characters to look like themselves and fight alongside each other. Early this year Darkest Ground was announced by the top gaming company FromMoon, announcing the closed beta keys they were going to start sending out after the conference. Eren took this chance by signing up both his brother and himself on FromMoon website. As the time went by Eren read the forums and kept being updated on the status of the game, since there was no video trailer or gameplay. The only thing known about this game was that it was going to be a survival horror RPG game but most importantly it was going to have online co-op. After installing the game on his PC a video call came through his monitor. "Hey Bro! Did you get yours!?" Allen appeared on Eren computer monitor showing how excited he was. "Never mind. I know you got it! You don''t have to tell me bro!" Given Eren no chance to respond back to him. "I already got mine install! Meet you in the game ok I''ll see you on the other side bro!" Hanging up on Eren without letting him get a word out. Eren sighed knowing that whenever a new game comes out, Allen waste no time and lectures and is just ready to get his game on. The small box they received only had greeting card and the Dream Ring, Eren grabbed the card and began to read it. "Hunt or be Hunted!" The greeting card was very odd as it didn''t sound like a greeting at all but more of a warning. After setting everything thing up, Eren put on his dream ring and laid on his bed as the dream ring glowed, Eren eyes started to get heavy and in a few second he fell asleep. Everything was quiet for a moment, as Eren laid on an old bed and next to him was an old women. "Hello. Young blood." The old woman spoke to Eren as he open his eyes looking around noticing he was not in his room but in an old wooden house, with cobwebs, dust moths and candles that filled the corners of the room. The Old women was using an old wool machine, wearing a old gown and a tattered hood that covered most of her head as her grayish hair covered half of her face. Eren then lean up and stared at the old women for a moment and wonder who she was or why was he here. "Take it easy I don''t bite. What is your name?" As Eren was about to respond a digital screen came up asking for his name. Eren typed in just his first name and hit enter. "That''s a nice name." The old woman smiled crookedly leaning forward to get a better look at Eren. "So, you''re a hunter? But what kind of hunter are you?" pointing to an old dusty table across from her were 3 weapons leaning on the table covered in cobwebs. Eren looked and notice the weapons he was looking at was an old rusty Shotgun, Rifle and a Crossbow. (Bell Noise) Vocation "There are 3 vocations that you can choose from, each is separated from the other but can be very useful to your playstyle. Warrior: Wielding a Hatchet and Shotgun, Warrior''s are a high Strength class. Their primary role is group protection, drawing enemy attention away from the defensively while dishing out heavy damage. Warrior''s do not have range skills and are therefore forced into using their tactical skills, pulling and taunting foe''s out of reach. Warrior''s gain their experience, with their bravery and skill. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Strider: Wielding a Rifle and Dagger, Strider''s are a high Dexterity class, focused on swift and powerful melee attacks and ranged gun attacks. They can hold their own on in a party, relying on parry and dodge to evade enemy attacks. Striders have a very balanced growth as they gain experience, with their cunning and skill. Seer: Wielding a Crossbow and Spear, Seer''s are a high Intellect class, focus primarily on range attacks with both their crossbow, traps and bombs. They are great at support, giving aid in battle by buffing their party with drugs or with a wide range of powerful elements such as fire, ice and electricity. The seer gain experience with their wisdom and skill. Once you pick your vocation you can no longer choose the other. Choose wisely." Shaking his head as the voice went silent, Eren pondered on what class to choose since it will be permanent and finally made a choice. Grabbing the rifle Eren felt something warm around his body, as a menu appeared in front of him. "Name: Eren Vocation: Strider Rank: 0 The rank system is a stat that represents the level of experience or expertise in a specific vocation, increasing your rank requires time and effort." Gear Weapon 1: Empty Weapon 2:Rusted Combat Rifle 5 attack 25 magazine There are only 2 weapon slots that you can use. Choose your weapon carefully before going on a hunt. Armor: Tattered clothes 0 armor 0 resistance Armor reduced physical damage such as melee weapons and guns. Resistance reduces nature damage such as fire,ice, poison and electricity. Head: Empty Chest: Empty Arm: Empty Leg: Empty Back: Empty Base Stats HP: 124 ST:120 Strength 2 - increase melee weapon damage. Intellect 1 ¨C increase traps and Elemental damage. Dexterity 3 ¨C increase Gun weapon damage. Endurance 2 ¨C Increase resistance to damage and status effects. Agility 3 ¨C Increase Stamina and reload speed. Skills none Items Rifle ammo x30" "Hmm. So that''s what you are? Then I''m happy to have been making this for you." Finishing up on her last knit she then took the hanging string and bite it off with her teeth. Getting up from her rocking chair, she presented him with folded clothes and a sharpen dagger on top, grabbing the items from her he then sat back and put on his new clothing. "You received Hunter clothing undergarments +10 armor/+12 resistance, and Hunting Dagger 6 attack +1 Str." "Now lets begin. Here is your target." The old woman smiled as she rocked in her chair pointing to the wall next to him. It was a hunting board with a single piece paper and on it was picture of a dark figure. (Bell Noise) "Welcome to the hunting board. These board will be posted in other villages and farms, each having a monster that needs to be hunt down and killed. Monsters in Darkest Ground are difficult to kill and are scale on their difficulty called Grade levels, a numerical rating that not just shows a monster''s strength, but also their dangerous habitats and other powerful monsters living alongside them. A grade level is not refer to just its fighting strength but their environments, rarity and obstacles." "Hunt: Tainted Siren Grade 0, being one of the daughters of the taint it seek followers to worship it, spreading its dark wisdom with its voice. Lost Cabins was its last location. Completing this hunt will earn you 5 Scratched coins, 1 new weapon and 1 skill. Do you accept? Yes or no?" Without hesitation Eren accepted the hunt by grabbing the wanted paper and putting it in his pocket, Eren turned around and saw the old woman opening her drawers grabbing something. "You can''t leave yet without something to treat your wounds or protect yourself." Grabbing some bandages and greenish herbs, putting them in a bag as she tosses it to Eren. "You received Greenish herbs x5 restore Health, water flask x4 restore stamina, bandages x5 heals and stop bleeding and throwing knifes x5." "Go north east, from here you will reach that accursed swap and meet that beast! Now hunt and bring me whatever is left of it!" The women voice change to a much more aggressive tone. Eren nodded and walked out the door, closing it behind him slowly staring back at the women rocking away as she shed a tear. It was dark out in the forest, as the cabin the old woman lived in was the only thing giving light around the area for him to see. Eren then notice a lantern hanging above the door, he needed a source of light to see in the dark so he took the lantern and clip it on the side of his belt. (Bell Noise) "You received a lantern, emits light to see in dark places. Lasts around half an hour before needing to be refilled with oil." Eren wonder where his brother was, looking around the area he couldn''t believe that this was all in a video game. It felt so real and he wanted to share this feeling with him. Leaving the cabin Eren ready himself and entered the forest for his first hunt alone. Chapter 2 Time passed since Eren left the old women''s cabin. The forest was quiet, too quiet thinking he would have ran into some enemies by now or other players but he hasn''t yet come into contact with anyone. In the distance he notice a dim light, as he draw closer he found a old farm that looked abandon. The ground clogged with mud, rotting corpses of what seem to be regular farm animals now covered with bloated flies and maggots. The stench was so foul that it made Eren vomit a little. Everything felt real he thought to himself, covering his mouth and nose with his shirt from the strong smell he examined each of the corpses. The biggest one was a pile of dead cows with large gaping wounds. They were shown on most of the other animals some look like bite marks or claw marks but whatever did this was big and hungry. Then some more noises were heard sounding like it coming from the fields. Eren went towards the noise as it sounded like someone was in danger, turning off the light from his lantern he crouched between two large hay stacks and saw a women being attacked. "Help Me! Please get them off me!" A young woman with long blond hair screamed as 3 men were surrounding her. The men looked sick, their skin covered in sores and torn pieces flesh. One of them started attacking the women scratching at her and stomping on her stomach hard making her vomit a little. "Please...Stop!" The women cried out in pain now coughing up blood on the muddy ground. Eren seeing after seeing this, didn''t hold back readying his rifle and fired at the one stomping on the women. A perfect head shot, the head of man was now just a bottom jaw as he drop to the ground. Now down to two and distracted the women took this chance and ran hiding in a old shed. The 2 men then looked at their fallen comrade, their eyes turned red as blood and so did their face and skin, as they let out a horrific scream. (Bell Noise) "Tainted Walker Grade 0. These men were once farmers but now tainted by the beast their minds are lost and driven by madness. Such is the fate of fools of the flesh" Eren saw the walkers head his way, aiming his rifle to take another one of them out something tackled him from behind dropping his gun in the muddy water. Hitting the ground he saw that it was a another tainted walker, it drooled blood from its horrid lips and tried to bite Eren with its bladed teeth. Thinking fast he reached for his dagger and stab throw its face as it fell limp and died. Eren pushed the dead walker off him quickly, as the other 2 monster were heading his way. The next walker swung at Eren but trip a little from the mud which he dodges and slashed at it cutting off its hand and ran behind it stabbing it in back of the head killing it instantly. Eren had only one enemy left but he was tired, as he tried to catch his breath he figured that he was low on stamina. Finally catching his breath he notice that the creature wasn''t attacking him but looking at its fallen brethren, it screamed at him while blood dripped from its mouth. Then something strange happen to the other dead walkers. They began to melt into a greenish slime like mold, as the melted bodies went into the remaining walker it grew in size and became something more beastly. (Bell Noise) "Tainted Maneater Grade 0, Who would''ve thought such a beast exit, a great maw with claws of nightmare and a human face embedded in its chest there is only death in its wake." Eren took a few steps back staring at the hulking beast, it had a large arm that was twisted in bone and muscle and large claws that dragged across the mud. The hulking creature roared charging at him, with just enough time he dodges striking at its large body. Eren damage the Maneater a little but it was just a craze, as the monster swung its large arm back at him but missed him a little. Eren arm was cut but just a little, he needed to get to his gun to take this beast down but after being tackled by that walker he lost it in one of the muddy waters. The Maneater roared and charged again, Eren knew he couldn''t keep dodging for ever since he felt himself getting tired so with no other choice, using the mud beneath him and slid under its large arm it tried to use for its attack and struck at its body with all his might. The dagger cut deep damaging the monster greatly, as a large piece of meat tore open from its side revealing to be its heart. Eren wasted no time and used the last bit of his stamina striking at its heart until retreated back inside its beastly body. The Maneater roared as it then turned reaching for him, since he was too tired he couldn''t move away. Now grab by the leg the creature lifted him up and slammed him to the muddy ground. Eren felt great pain through his body, as his vision began to show red while coughing up blood. Thinking about on how to get himself free and use one of the healing items that the old women gave. Eren in his quick thinking reached in his belt, grabbing a couple of throwing knives and hurled it at the creature''s face. The Maneater now screaming in pain was blind. letting go of Eren''s leg, he landed on the muddy ground and rolled away to safety using a greenish herb and flash so he recovered some his lost health and stamina. Eren then searched for his gun while the hulking creature was stunned, pulling the knives from its eyes, it started regenerating. Eren checked the hay spot he was thrown out of to find his gun. Time ran out, as the Maneater recovered its lost sight looking at Eren but now at gunpoint. Eren fired his rifle damaging the creature greatly blinding it again as well as taking a chunk of its face away. While the Maneater tries to heal it''s wounds again it protected it self by swinging its arm madly trying to prevent any attacks from Eren but he couldn''t see what Eren had in stored for him, as he fired shots at its limbs crippling the creature as it dropped to the ground. Trying to use its large arms to hold itself up, another heart spawned from the creature but this time it spawned from its back. Eren took this chance leaping forward onto the monsters back grabbing his dagger and struck at its twisted heart. Eren using all his stamina struck again and again until its heart burst in blood, Eren backflip off its back as the creature screamed in pain dropping head first in the mud as it laid there lifeless. Eren putting his hands on his knees, catching his breath from using up most of his stamina again, realizing how real combat is in this game and that he could feel actual pain he knew that this was going to push him to the max and he liked it. (Bell Noise) "Well done Hunter, on your first kill. Make sure to loot your enemies and take any piece of their body as a trophy for proof of kill." Eren glowed again as he felt something warm in him. "New Skills Carve- Increase dagger damage by 3%. Fast Hands- Reload speed increase by 3%. Exhale- Stamina Recovery increase by 3% You only can choose 1 skill. Skills are only offered when you push yourself to the limit. The more you push yourself the more skills you can learn. Choose wisely young hunter."This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Eren stood thinking for a moment, he wanted the extra damage as it would help out in killing enemies faster but also the reload speed would help out in tight situation and the stamina recovery would a life saver. Thinking a little bit more, Eren finally decided on the skill he wanted. "Skill learned: Exhale- Stamina Recovery increase by 3%" "Well done. You have proven yourself a true Strider. for making the right choice you will receive this skill." Eren glowed again. "Skill learned: Fast Hands- Increase Reload speed by 3%." "This is only a one time thing. All skills must be earned the right way. Now go and hunt." The voice in his head went silent. Eren in shock, he couldn''t believe that by just choosing a more life saving skill that he will get another skill as well. Eren then started looting the dead Maneater, pulling out a piece of its hearts for a trophy. "Items looted: Hulking Heart Piece Trophy can be turned in for rewards, gunpowder x15 use for making ammo, Throwing Knives x2, weapon parts x7 use for crafting, upgrading weapons or making traps and grenades, Cabin key, Stained Cloak +2 Dex and Bone Shards x5 and monster hide x5 use for crafting or upgrading armor." Eren then tried to activate his lantern, realizing that the lantern he took from that old woman Cabin was now cracked and broken he had no source of light to lead his path. He looked around and saw a lantern from the shed the women ran into Eren then head towards to check and see if the woman was ok, reaching the door Eren knocked calmly. "Stay where you are! How do I know you''re not one of them things!" The woman replied, as he went to one of the broken windows and thrown the Maneaters heart inside the shed for her to see it. "You killed them!? Then you must be a hunter." The women tone changed as she then unlock the door letting Eren in. Walking in the shed Eren had a good look at the women, she was very young and beautiful having long blonde hair and pale white skin she even looked like she was the same age as him. The young girl torn dress revealed some of her womanly parts that really took his mind somewhere else for a moment but got focus again on the real issue as he saw tears ran down her face as she spoke to him. "I can''t thank you enough hunter." The girl holding her hands together close to her chest. "They have been chasing me since they attack my village. I ran away leaving my family and friends to find someone to help us and now you''re here you can kill those things and make our village a home again. Would you please good hunter?" (Bell Noise) "Side Hunt: A woman of the village has asked you to help save her home from the taint. To do this you must kill all infected with the taint and cleanse the source. Do you Accept? Yes or No?" Eren Nodded to the women request, she smiled as tears of joy came again. She then grab his hand and kissed it. "Thank you good hunter! Thank you." She then point to the back of the shed, revealing some more supplies and a workbench. "If you need to make supplies or work on your weapons please use this. It will help you." The women then close the door and sat down next the wall. "Please talk to me when you''re ready." Eren nodded and went to pick up the items he saw lying on the floor. " Looted Items: Weapon Parts x10, Gunpowder x10 and Broken Rifle" After looting around in the shed, Eren went to the workbench and a menu screen spawn. (Bell Noise) "When using the workbench you can craft any items or weapons if you have the required resources to make it. The more item you find the more you can survive please use your resources wisely." At the workbench a menu screen came up and a list of items as well. "Workbench Craftable Gear: Rawhide hood +1 Dex, Rawhide gloves +1 Str, Rawhide protector +1 End, Rawhide Cuisses +1 Agi. Each cost 1 Monster Hide. Craftable Weapon: Bone Dagger 4 Atk +1 Str cost 3 Bone shards. Ammo Resupply: Cost 3 gunpowder to make a bullet. Repair Weapon: Broken Rifle cost 5 weapon parts to repair. Upgrade weapon: Rusted Rifle +1 cost 5 weapon parts to increase attack by 2 points and magazine by 5. Resources are scarce. Take your time in choosing what you want to do before going out on any hunts. Being unprepared will affect you greatly and lead you to death." Eren stared more at his options, he knew that making a full set of armor will help out greatly on surviving. Selecting all the piece he crafted his full rawhide set. After that he then made some rifle rounds for his gun, but the toughest choice was to choose between upgrade his current gun or making a new one. Eren wanted to see what this broken rifle will be but he also wanted to upgrade his gun, but he only had enough resource for one. With his mind made up he finally decided, he then selected the broken rifle and repaired it. (Bell Noise) "Item received: Rawhide hood +1 Dex, Rawhide gloves +1 Str, Rawhide protector +1 End, Rawhide Cuisses +1 Agi. Each cost 1 Monster Hide, Rifle Ammo x5 and Long Rifle 5 Atk 26 magazine." Eren then pulled down his menu and equip his gear. Name: Eren Vocation: Strider Rank: 0 Gear Weapon 1: Bone dagger 4 Atk +1 Str Weapon 2: Long Rifle 5 Atk 26 magazine Armor: hunter clothing 2 armor 3 resistance Head: Rawhide Hood +1 Dex Chest: Rawhide Protector +1 End Arm: Rawhide Gloves +1 Str Leg: Rawhide Cuisses +1 Agi Back: Stained Cloak +1 Dex Base Stats HP: 124 ST:120 Strength 3 - increase melee weapon damage. Intellect 1 ¨C increase traps and Elemental damage. Dexterity 5 ¨C increase Gun weapon damage. Endurance 2¨C Increase resistance to damage and status effects. Agility 3 ¨C Increase Stamina and reload speed. Skills Fast Hands- Reload Guns 3% faster. Exhale- Recover Stamina 3% faster. Items Cabin Key Bone Shards x2 Rifle ammo x10 Weapon Parts x2 Hulking Heart Piece Tropie Greenish Herbs x4 restore 10 HP Water Flask x3 restore 20 ST Bandages x5 heals 20 HP for 6 seconds and stops bleeding. Throwing Knifes x5, deals 10 damage has a chance to bleed enemy. Cracked Lantern Eren now finish upgrading himself he stepped away from the workbench checking out his new gear. The rifle he repaired had a bayonet, which can be useful for close combat. Eren looked at the blond hair women as she stood and smiled checking him out. "You look amazing hunter. Good enough to have a b-" Catching herself, as Eren looked at her strangely she then turn her back to him out of embarrassment. Eren walked up to her, putting his hands on her shoulder nodding his head letting her know that he was ready to depart to her village. "Well then follow me. Good Hunter."Reaching for the door she turned back around. "I''m so rude! Forgive me good hunter. My name is Sara." Eren looked and smiled as he was about to tell her his name, but she turned back around quickly heading towards the door. Sarah open the shed door, as they walked outside Eren saw another lantern and took it from the shed, since his first one was damage from the fight, he would need it for their travels to the Sarah''s village. "This way hunter. Let''s make haste." As the two ran off into the deep dark woods, someone else hidden in the shadows was watching them. "Hmm. Interesting." The shadow figure spoke, making a crooked smile Chapter 3 The path was long and dark, as they walked through the dark forest Eren thought about his little brother. What was his first experience entering Darkest Ground and what horrors his brother would face alone. Most online games he played have public chat channels, party chat or private channels but this game was on a level of real life the only way of communicating was by face to face. This world has nothing but death and horror and there''s no telling what kind of monster he would be facing next. Eren then let go of his worries, knowing that his brother is skilled just like him, he was sure that his brother would manage. Eren then looked at Sarah a notice the sad face of worry like he was just doing. "Have you ever lost someone Hunter?" Sarah asked him, looking down towards the ground. He looked at Sarah thinking about what she said, remembering that day like it was yesterday. February 15, 2088, it was a rainy day both Eren and his father were riding in the car heading home from their family get together. They do this every once a year, sometimes they''ll go up their to Ohio or sometimes Allen and their mother would come down to where they live. Eren and his father don''t get along as much his dad was a retired veteran and he wanted him to be in his shoes. "Eren you listen to me! There''s more to life than just sitting at home playing video games! I''ve served 25 years in the military and protected our country! I''m not going to see you waste your time on games for the rest of your life!" Eren father was very blunt, reaching towards his glove department he grab a registration sheet and slapped it to Eren chest. "Here son i''m doing you a favor! Like my father did me even tho at first I didn''t understand but as the year went by I''ve seen what the world truly is! It''s not like you and your brothers fantasy games fighting dragons and all that bullshit! Life is hard son and it will beat you dead and I don''t want you to waste your life! Eren looked at the paperwork and tossed it to floor. "One day you will see son i''m only hard on you because I love you. But your 18 now and about to be 19 next week. You going to have to make decision and sometimes the wrong decision will follow you for the rest of your life." Eren father pulled over to waffle house. They were a hour away from home, since the arguing made his dad hungry they got something to eat. They entered the restaurant and sat down at the front desk, as a young nice country women who looked like she was model came to take their order. "That weather is not being kind to yall today. Can I get you young boys anything? Drinks are free tonight." She smiled at them with her perfect skin tone, as she then pulled her notepad and pen from her breast pocket. "A coffee and all star breakfast please darling." She smiled at him and wrote down his order and then looked towards Eren "And what about you sweetheart?" Eren didn''t respond to her at all since he was so focus on how nice her figure was until a sharp pain hit his rib getting his attention. "Pay attention boy the lady is asking you what you wanna eat." his dad lightly punched him. Eren holding his side grunting pointing towards the all star breakfast as well as some orange juice. The waitress then smiled and wrote down his order. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. "I''m Sorry ma''am my son is lost for words sometimes when speaking to attractive women." The waitress laughed. "It''s fine I get that all the time. My pa always told me to stop putting so much makeup on and wear tight outfits when I talk to customers. But enough about me let me get your order taken care of i''ll be back in a jiffy." The waitress walked away from them to put in their order. A gaming beep sound came from Eren pocket grabbing it he saw that Allen sent him a text message. " Hey bro did you and dad made it home safely?" Eren replied back. "Almost there we still got an hour to go. We stopped at the waffle house for a bit and now getting something to eat." Eren sent back the text to his brother. " Ok well i''m going to bed. Moms says she love you and dad also. Don''t take what he says to personally he means well. Love you bro." Eren read the message and click the screen off, as the waitress came back with their drinks but also their food as well. "Now see that didn''t take too long did it?" She smiled putting their food down and drinks. "Wow that was fast. Thank you ma''am" Eren father smiled as he prayed over his food first then dug in. "You need anything else handsome?" Eren stared at the waitress again. leaning towards him revealing the top of her perfect breast as another sharp pain hit Eren in the rib. Grabbing his side the pain felt just as bad as the first. The waitress laughed again and walked away. "Son how many times I have to tell you? Speak when spoken too." His father went back to eating his food. Eren didn''t feel like arguing and started eating alongside his dad. After while their plates were clean and their stomachs full. Eren father called out to the young waitress to get their receipt she was until a loud noise of motor bikes were coming from outside. "Shit! Their back again. Always trouble with this guys." The young waitress rushed back to the kitchen. Eren looked to see who the bikers were, on the back of their large black coat was a word that said Swine. The rain made it hard to see them but Eren counted 5 men getting off their bikes walking into the restaurant. Each of them looked a little older than Eren, looking around for a moment they saw him and his father sitting at the table. "Hey you 2 that''s our spot! I told that stupid bitch that was my spot for me and my crew!" Eren grew angry as he knew who he was talking about. The young waitress came back out from the kitchen and alongside her was a bigger man who could''ve been the cook. "Now I''ve told you Boys to stop coming here and trying to mess with my daughter!" Having a large frying pan in hand he threaten them. "Calm your breaches old man! Me and my crew only came for dessert if you know what i mean." The waitress back way looking down shedding tears. Eren felt rage clenching his fist about to get up but a hand touched his shoulder. "Stay here son." Eren''s father got up from his seat and walked towards the young biker gang staring down at their leader was bigger than them. "Now gentleman I believe that this man just said he didn''t want you back in his store." He replied back at the biker leader. "Yea and so what!? I do whatever the fuck I want! Just like i fuck his stupid Dau-" A fist came into contact to the young gang leader mouth. The punch was so hard that it knocked him to the door hitting the back of head. The other 4 bikers try to swing some punches back but Erens fathers was skilled in melee combat and handle them all with ease. After a minute the whole biker gang was laid out on the floor beaten and bloodied. "Now I believe you owe this young women an apology." They all got up limping staring at the man that beat the hell out of them. "Fuck you old man!" The leader said before being knocked to the door again. "I could do this all day kid." He said as the rest of the biker crew pick up their leader, as he bleeds from his mouth and nose. he then looked at the young waitress. He pushed his gang off him. "Sorry you stupid Bit-" Another punch came but this time it was harder knocking him through the door and on the wet ground knocking him out. "Now leave and don''t come back." Eren''s father game the rest of them a look so terrifying that they just ran out and picked up their leader. When he became conscious he got on his bike turning back and pointing at him i''m going to kill you old man he then started his motorcycle and road off with his gang. "They shouldn''t bother you anymore." Eren father said to the cook and waitress. They both thanked him for his service and offer no charge for their meal. Eren stood shocked to what he just witness, never seeing his dad like that before it was like he was a whole different person. "No! It can''t be!" Eren returned to his senses noticing Sarah running towards a young girl leaning on a sign. The girl was very young, her eyes were gouged out and a large metal pole pinned her body to the sign with large words that said. "Welcome to Brightville" Chapter 4 "I''m too late!" Sarah cried out falling to her knees shedding tears for the young girl that was impaled on the sign. Eren stood getting a good look at the dead girl and her village. Corpses of men,women and children were either impaled on the fences, walls, or the muddy ground some even hanged. This was cruel he thought looking down towards Sarah not knowing the pain she feels. "She was my cousin. She was just a child!" Her voice raise in anger she slammed both her fist to the ground hard. Eren backed a bit from the anger Sarah showed. "They took them from me. I know it in my heart those monsters killed all them!" She yelled even louder, her voice carried across the dark forest. "Hunter I brought you here to save my village. But now I know there is no saving it. I want you to kill those beast and burn their tainted bodies!" Her eyes were filled with rage any words he was going to say to calm her down was complete gone. "Bell Noise" "Side Hunt: You have seen the horrors of the taint now you must cleanse the village and it''s people. Do you Accept? Yes or No?" Eren having no other choice after seeing this slaughter, he agreed. "We will find the ones responsible for this I promise you." Sarah reaching towards her cousin face, to close her eyes. Then a cold hand grabbed her by the arm and pulled her. "Why... you...left...me?" Her cousin spoke with tears of blood leaking from her gouged eyes pulling Sarah closer. "Why...did...you...left...me...hear?" Sarah tried to pull away but her grip was tight. "Why...did...you...let...them...do...this...to...ME!?" her cold hand squeezed even tighter. Sarah arm made a crack noise, screaming in pain trying to pull her arm free from her cold grip. Then something pierced her forehead, as her cold grip loosen she dragged herself away holding her arm tightly staring at a large hole Eren made with his rifle. "You? Hunter i''m so sorry for you having to waste your bullets. I''ve should''ve known better!" She clenched her other arm tightly feeling the pain that was just caused to her. Eren reached out to take a look at her arm but she shook her head and backed away. ''It''s nothing. Come on let''s go. If the taint can reanimate dead bodies then the people in my village are already turned." Eren reload his rifle, as they began walking towards the village. "Do you know what the Taint is Hunter?" Eren didn''t responded since he didn''t know at all. Actually he doesn''t know anything about this world. There was no intro or any types of lore, he was completely clueless in this game world. The only thing he knew was that he was a hunter and killing monsters was his job. But he did wanted to know what is this plague or curse that''s causing people to turn into monsters. Then Sarah began to speak. "A sweet old women that lived in this village was very kind and gentle women. One day the old women went out to pick berries in the forest but as time passed their was no sight of her." "They all stood in horror, bodies of children laid on the floor bloodied and torn. Then the old women sat in her rocking chair, with a broken jaw and gouged eyes and in her arms was a child rapped in a blanket of blood, as the women rocked away and hummed. We are born of our flesh, made men by our flesh, undone by our flesh. Fear the taint for our flesh it wants." Eren notice a change of tone in Sarah voice for a moment, thinking it was because stress after all she''s been through he doesn''t blame her at all. The village was silent, nothing but death and decay took place, as the sound of crows approached from above, as some latched on a few hanged bodies and the rest on the ground.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. "So this is what''s left of everyone?" Sarah replied sighing at the fact she was too late to save anyone she ever cared about. Then a noise came from one of the houses. Sarah ran to one of the houses assuming that their was someone still alive, hoping it was her mother or father. Reaching the house she banged on the door so hard that the sound frighten the crows. Eren rushed to stop her, fearing that it will draw attention to what ever did this or wake the dead. "Is anyone in their! Please come out! Its me Sarah and i brought a hunter with me!" She kept knocking till a sound of footsteps were heard coming from inside the house. The footsteps came to a stop, she then leaned her ears towards the door. Sarah listen and heard someone breathing heavy like they were frightened or nerves, a woman she thought of, could it be her mother she thought? Then the breathing stop and loud footsteps headed towards the door. Eren sensing danger, grabbed Sarah by the arm pulling her away, as large claws tore through the door. Eren believe it to be the same monster he fought earlier, grabbing his dagger the creature came out but it was something else, a women. (Bell Noise). "Tainted Shrieker, grade 0, The screams of torment is all this women knows. Having long black hair, its skin pale and bruised, its heart torn from its chest and, claws stained with blood . The Taint turn this young woman cries of pain into a weapon of horror to any who hears it." Eren switched to his rifle, ready to shoot down this new monster but was stop by Sarah who jump in front of his gun. "Please stop! That''s my mother!" Eren couldn''t make the shot since Sarah was in the way. Realizing that this creatures was not her mother anymore, Eren tried moving her out the way. The pale women then lifted her head, shedding tears of blood. Then letting out a wail that went out around the farm. The wailing sound tore at his body, throbbing pain wet through his body feeling like he was hit with a bat constantly. Eren and Sarah fell to their knees covering their ears trying to block the sound. Eren barely able to stand looked at Sarah and saw that she was bleeding from her eyes and nose, then she passed out. Know he couldn''t keep her any longer, sucking up to the pain he then picked up Sarah and ran away trying to find a safe place for her. Eren vision was getting darker and it was hard to see to where he was going. Looking around, he notice a stable with a large stack of hay. The Shrieker stopped her wailing, she stood staring at the night sky then turned her head and looked at Eren running towards the stable. Stretching her claws, she then began chasing after him, her eyes glowing red with blood. Hearing footsteps getting closer Eren looked backed and saw the monster coming after him. He hasten and used the last bit of stamina he had left, reaching the stable he tossed her in the hay. The pale women claws reached Eren and scratched his back, as he yelled out in pain. "Bleeding- Damage over time effect, must use bandage to stop bleeding" The pale women was too strong and fast, he had to find a place to hide and use a bandage to stop the bleeding or he would die. Knowing that Sarah would be safe and out of his way, grabbing his rifle he fired a few shots at the shrieker. The women dodges them with ease, dashing side to side evading every bullet. Reloading his gun he notice something came behind him and attacked, striking it down with his dagger he notice it was one of the villagers now a tainted walker. Eren then realize that the villagers bodies were now rising from their spots and began focus on him. The hanged bodies of the children began to twist and turn, making gurgling noises from their broken necks, looking down at Eren. (Bell Noise) "Tainted Wispechild, grade 0, The taint doesn''t spare anyone, not even children. The broken neck of the child leaves in paralyzed but still a threat. It gurgles and vomits large amounts of tainted gas and strengthen any who has the taint." The Walkers stood in each of the Wispechild tainted vomit, taken in more of the taint they each turn into Maneaters. Being outnumbered he knew he couldn''t kill them all, not with that Shrieker on their side. The Shrieker then lean her head back again, Eren saw this and ran to find a place to think and recover. Barely able to keep himself up, hearing the sound of the Maneaters chasing after him, he thought that he was done. looking around one last time he found a old house that had boarded windows, that he could rest in for a bit. Finally he found a place to hide and keep himself alive for a bit longer to figure out what he can do next. Barely able to move he sucked up all his pain and ran. A few Maneaters saw him and started chasing after. Hearing their footsteps getting louder behind him, he grab a couple of his throwing knives and throw it one of them, slowing it down. Final reaching the house he bust open through the front door then, slamming it shut. The Manteater''s clawed at the door trying to get inside, it was only a matter of time before they got in Eren thought. He then saw a large dresser next to the door and without hesitation he pushed it down sealing it shut. Now Eren was safe but how long, walking around in the house tired and hurt, hearing the only sound of his heart beating. By grabbing a handful of his greenish herbs he then stuffed it down his mouth, as the pain lifted from his body. Feeling tired, Eren notice an old dusty couch. He then fell down on it and passed out. Chapter 5 After while, recovering from his injuries Eren awoke. and turned off his lantern and crouched in the shadows. Looking out one of the boarded windows, trying not to be seen or heard, watching the Maneaters and that Shrieker walking around the boarded house. Eren knew he was out matched, having to deal with so many monsters that turn into more powerful monsters is tough but having a monster that can damage you with just its voice was just crazy and being only a grade 0? He couldn''t imagine what a grade 1 was capable of or even think about fighting one at all if monsters like them are just the beginning. Eren started searching through the old house. Thinking usually in survival horror games the player can search for items in buildings, crates and other areas. So he quickly search the house, opening the cabinets, drawers and even the closet¡¯s. A few minutes past and Eren found some useful items. (Bell Noise) ¡°You received rifle ammo x15, gunpowder x10, greenish herb x4 and a broken buckler¡± The buckler could be of use to him if it wasn''t broken, having a shield would be great against those Maneaters and that Shrieker. Searching through the house Eren found a large painting of the village and its inhabitants. Looking at the painting Eren notice a young girl in the background having long blond hair standing next to a old women. Both their faces were not shown as they were covered over by grayish paint. Could this be the old women in that story Sarah told him about? Eren thought for moment and remember that he left Sarah outside with those monsters. He had no choice but to separate, since she was preventing him from attack the Shrieker. Who she claims to be her mom, was not helping him or her out at all. Needing to repair his armor and weapons, he looked to find a workshop, that was his only hope up surviving this. Checking the basement was the last place he didn¡¯t search. Opening the door he could barely see the stairs, turning on his lantern again to see. The stairs were covered in dust and cobwebs, pulling his dagger Eren step down the stairs to see what he could find. Reaching the bottom he saw a few items, helpful items and a workbench as well. Eren went to grab these items and then head towards the workbench. (Bell Noise) ¡°Items received: greenish herb x4, weapon parts x3, gunpowder x4, and lock picks x2. Lock picks can only be used for normal locked doors, cannot be used on special doors.¡± Now at the workbench, Eren then repair his armor, restocked his ammo and items and, last fixing the broken buckler. ¡°Item received: Iron Buckler +2 End¡± Now having a shield, those claw attack won''t be much a problem anymore. Now ready to face his enemies, he went back upstairs until, a loud sound broke through the kitchen wall. Eren crouched, hiding in one of the corners of the room, looking to see what comes. Heavy breathing came through the hallway, as 2 Maneater¡¯s came charging in. Now having stronger weapons, knowing their weakness these monster wont be as bad as the first time he fought their kind.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Eren killed both Maneater¡¯s, as they lay dead covered in wounds. ¡°Item received: greenish herb x3, gunpowder x3, monster hide x5 and bone shard x5¡± After looting their bodies, more Maneater¡¯s entered the house charging towards Eren. The old house was now a hunting ground, large beastly bodies laid bloodied all over the floor and some pinned through the walls, Eren stood over them breathing heavily and barely damage. He felt a warm feeling in his body. ¡°Rank up: Level 1, you have slain many monsters of the taint and survive some of the horrors of the land. All stats increase by 1 and a third weapon slot unlock.¡± Eren then started looting each of the Maneaters corpses. ¡°Item received: monster hide x10, bone shard x12, gunpowder x15, rifle rounds x12, greenish herb x7, pistol rounds x8 and Old Pistol x1¡± When Eren finished looting the bodies around the house, something burst through the window next to him revealing it to be Sarah mother. Her Dark eyes focus on him, she then leaped for an attack. Eren dodge to the side having some of his throwing knives ready, he threw them at her hitting her side. Slowing her down a bit, taking this chance Eren equip the Old Pistol, it was light and easy to use. Aiming at the shrieker, he fired rounds into her body, leaving deeps wounds that damaged her greatly that she had to limp towards him now. Eren was ready to fire another shot at her but some of the walkers breached the house, ripping through the walls and windows. Trying not to be swarmed, he took his remaining shots and fired at each one of them. landing nothing but head shot, each dropping one at a time while some of them were stuck together trying to get inside. The bullets tore through them easily, now only having 10 rounds left he switched to his dagger, saving the bullets for her, as the lesser monster now few in numbers came towards Eren. Having the exhale skill, his stamina was coming back fast, being tired was less of an issue. After the last walker fell with a stab throw its face, piles of dead walkers Eren stood, covered in their blood. Now it was just him and the Shrieker, glaring at him for moment with now reddish eyes. The Shrieker leaned her head backwards, knowing what she was about to do he got his rifle and fired. A shot through the neck did the trick as she gagged for moment, as blood spilled out of her throat. Eren fired again, blasting her arm off, then her leg, finally through her chest kneeling on the floor. While blood leaked from her pale body. Now having only 3 shots left in his rifle, Eren took out his dagger again to give the finishing blow to this tormented women. Standing over her he got a good visual of her face, a beautiful women that looked like she was in her late 30s reminded him of his mother. Seeing the tears of blood dripped from her eyes, not wanting to know what pain this woman went through. The right thing for him to do was to release her from this torment. knowing that it was Sarah mother, he didn''t know how to save her, in fact he knew she was beyond saving and had no choice but to put her out of her misery. Raising his dagger, a noise came behind him. The bodies of the Tainted Walkers and Maneaters began to mold and turn to goo. like they did in the old farm but, there was no more walkers around, unless there is still one outside? Eren thought for moment and realize what was happening. The Shrieker eyes brighten, as she sent a small wail at Eren, pushing him back against the wall. Being so close to her wail, damaged him greatly. Barely able to get up, it was too late. The pale women absorb the tainted ooze of the others and began to transform into something more horrific. Chapter 6 (Bell Noise) ¡°Tainted Lament Grade 0: An extremely thin young woman with yellowish skin, dark night hair, sunken red eyes, and sharp bladed teeth that were rotting. Her breath was lethal as were her claws. A foul odor filled the air, backing away from this new monster Eren ready his rifle. This Lament was a twisted horror. Its appearance was that of two female hosts, possibly with body parts from others attached to the creature''s disfigured torso, giving it four bony like arms to grab its victims with. Some smaller like faces were instead fused into the flesh on its naked body. Eren fired at the horrid women, dodging the bullet by dropping on all six, she then leaped towards him lashing. The Lament¡¯s claws were long enough that Eren couldn''t dodge it. Her claws tore through his armor, cutting his flesh leaving a mark. ¡°Bleeding- damage over time effect, must bandage to stop bleeding¡± ¡°Poison- damage over time effect, lowering stamina by 5%, must use antidote to stop poison¡± Throbbing pain went through his body, as he fell to his knees while blood drip from his chest. From just one hit? Coughing up blood, Eren could barely move and breath because of the poison. His vision went red, his heart beat fast, and barely able to breath. The Lament then grabbed Eren by the neck and pulled him towards her horrid face, as she began to open her mouth ready to devour him. Eren saw her jaw extend to more like a beast, jagged teeth circle around inside her mouth, as a long black tongue came out to lick his face. The stench of her breath was so foul that it almost made him vomit. Trying to pull himself together, Eren thought for moment and realize that his rifle was still in his hand. Looking down he saw the bayonet at the end of his gun, it was sharp and in range for an attack. The Lament was so focus on eating Eren that he took this chance and thrust the bayonet hard into its chest. The bayonet struck true, as large amount of blood burst from her chest, reaching to pull the rifle from its chest. Now freed from the creature, he took this chance and ate a greenish herb to get some health back while drinking some water from his flask to get some stamina back. Eren couldn''t bandage, having little time before the creature pulled his rifle from its chest, he charged grabbing his rifle and pinning her to the wall firing all every round into her chest until it was empty. The Tainted Lament screamed in agony, blood filled her lungs, bursting from her eyes and mouth, as she tries to attack him with one of her poison claws. Eren took his dagger and cut off her hand, then grabbing it to use as a weapon, thrusting it down her throat. The Lament was choking on its own claws, kicking its feet back and forth, trying to free itself but Eren stood forcing her arm deeper into her throat until everything went silent. Eren stood for moment and watched, as parts of the deformed women started to rot and melt away from the poison. Eren fell backwards relieved that the Lament was dead. Now seeing everything went from red to gray, in haste he grabs all the greenish herbs, water and bandages, his health finally went back to where he could see normal, but still some red spots in the corner of his vision. (Bell Ring)If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Well done Hunter! You killed a rare monster. Make sure to loot your enemies and take any piece of their body as a trophy for proof of kill, doing so will earn you more scratched coins and skills at the Marks Bill.¡± Eren then felt a warm feeling coming from inside his body. ¡°New Skill Adrenaline Rush- use 4% less stamina when attacking with melee. Reflexes- uses 5% less stamina to dodge and increase movement speed by 3%. Shiv- Throwing knives does 5% more damage and increase chance of bleeding by 4% For killing a rare monster, you are able to pick 1 skill. Please note that skills are maxed at 7 once you reach the cap you have to replace them with other skills that you learn in the future if you want them.¡± Eren nodded and picked a skill. ¡°Skill learned: Reflexes- uses 5% less stamina to dodge and increase movement speed by 3%¡± Eren still feeling the pain from the poison, began looting the tainted maiden and pulling her hand from her neck and took it as trophy. ¡°Items looted: Monster Hair x8, Lament Hand Trophy x1, Yellowish Herb x4- remove poison effect, Acid Nails x8 - throwing knives Eren ate one of the yellowish herb, as the poison left his body. He couldn¡¯t believe he survive that. Looking at the now rotting corpse of the Lament Eren went back down to the workbench, repairing his armor, weapons and restocking up on some items. After finishing up some touch¡¯s Eren left the basement one last time and walked past the dead Lament. ¡°They¡¯re...here...¡± A faint voice came from the Lament. Looking at him, with a twisted grin before dissolving away. Eren pondered on what the women said. They''re here? Who is they? Walking down towards the village, trying to find Sarah. Reaching the stable, a few walkers roamed around the area, while a wispechild hanged above them. Knowing the wispechild abilities, he aims his rifle and shot the wispechild down, its head burst open falling to the ground leaking the taint from its neck. The walkers followed the noise. As they tried to take in the taint that was on the ground, Eren fire more shots taking out each one before they could absorb the taint. Killing each one with ease, as the last one drops a cold chill filled the air. Large amount of fog began to come, covering the whole village. Eren looked around, barely able to see anything since the fog was so thick. Then a soft hand touched his shoulder. ¡°Stop.¡± A calm voice was heard as Eren couldn¡¯t move, as he recognize the voice. Then a woman appeared in front of him. It was Sarah, now gowned in a white dress with blood stained flowers, her eyes lids were caked with blood as were her hands and feet. ¡°You¡¯ve done well hunter.¡± Rubbing her hand across his face. ¡°Mother picked a fine man for us.¡± She smiled then laughed. ¡°The way you came to save me was so cute. Those men you killed were just farmers who thought they were helping a young girl who was lost.¡± She blushed at Eren. Feeling regret and anger, he wished he was free from this creature, so he could kill this horrible woman. His body couldn¡¯t move, whatever she did made him unable to speak and lift a finger ¡°You may move.¡± Eren notice that he could move again and back away from her. ¡°Your Welcome.¡± Sarah smiled at him. Eren now knowing that she is one of those things grabbed his rifle, ready to fight this monster. ¡°Oh no. You¡¯re going to shoot me?¡± Her eyes widen, shedding tears of blood. With no hesitation, he pulled the trigger. The bullet pierced her forehead, she then fell into the fog vanishing. It''s not over yet. Eren looked around for moment until he heard a humming sound. ¡°You¡¯re so strong. Good hunter!¡± Another voice came out from the fog, as the humming sound continued. Then 3 figures began to form emerging out of the fog. The figure on the left was a woman who was tall and thin, having long black hair and a black dress. She looked like Sarah but much mature. The second figure on the right, who he recognized was the young girl that was impaled to the village sign and shot by him. The wounds she received were gone like they never existed. She wore a brown dress and now had short brown hair. The final figure who was in the middle was Sarah. The head shot wound that Eren did was gone. She stood smiling back at him. ¡°So, this is what mother brought us. hmm I wonder how long he would last!¡± The tall women spoke, sliding her fingers between her hair. ¡°Yes sister. She brought us someone to play with.¡± The younger sister spoke, leaning over biting her finger looking at Eren. ¡°Oh, my sisters. Don¡¯t rush him. Let''s take our time. We don''t want him to end up like the last one.¡± Sarah smiled looking back at Eren Eren froze for moment thinking to what she said. Could they be talking about Allen? His brother? A moment of rage set in Eren¡¯s mind. Lifting his rifle Sarah stood in front of him wrapping her arm around him smiling then, blowing him a kiss. A greenish aura left her mouth and into him, as he felt his eyes getting heavier then passed out. ¡°OH. I wanted to play with him!¡± The younger sister pouted, crouching behind Eren. ¡°Yes, I wanted to see what he could do too.¡± The tall sister stood beside Eren, rubbing her body with a set of large claws between her breast moaning. ¡°We will have fun sister. I promise you.¡± Eren drop to the ground as Sarah and her sisters hold hands. The deep fog lifted from the village, as Sarah and her 2 sisters vanish with it. Leaving Eren alone with his lantern now cracked on the ground in the middle of the dark forest.