《Gauntlet》
Chapter 1 “Selection Trial”
The world lay cloaked in darkness, an all-consuming void that swallowed every trace of light and sound. Suddenly, a voice, serene and almost angelic, pierced through the suffocating silence.
Welcome to your Selection Trial hunter. Now, prove you are worthy of walking the Gauntlet.
Akira felt a stirring within, a flicker of awareness that pulled him from the depths of oblivion. Slowly, he blinked open his gray, almost pure white eyes, grappling with the unfathomable shadow that enveloped him.
As his vision adjusted, his eyes darted from side to side, an ember of hope flickering against the oppressive gloom.
His heart raced, a frantic drum in the hollow silence. Where am I?
The stillness offered no answers, and frustration gnawed at him as he struggled to make sense of his surroundings.
Shifting his gaze upward, Akira squinted into the endless abyss above him.
He caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a rock floor, solid and gray, scattered with stones and pebbles, yet it loomed ominously two meters above him.
Thats pretty far Wait, if Im looking up and seeing the floor, then
The chilling realization washed over him, making his spine tingle with dread. His world tilted on its axis as comprehension dawned upon him.
What the-
He craned his neck, attempting to assess what held him captive.
It was a cocoon, a beautiful array of thick, yellowish silk strings. It extended into the blackness, a twisted army of tethers binding him to the unseen ceiling above.
Im upside down? Panic began to bubble beneath the surface, but he forced himself to breathe, steadying the rising tide of fear, the question coming out more like a fact.
Struggling against the confines of the cocoon, he felt his body sway slightly, but the silk held firm, as unyielding as iron chains.
Damn it, what the hell is this thing made of?
He glared at the binding threads ensnaring him, his heart pounding a frantic rhythm against his ribcage.
Alright, calm yourself, Akira. There has to be a way out of this Wait, how the hell did I end up here in the first place?
Questions swirled in his mind like a tempest, each one more daunting than the last.
Why am I here? How did I get here? What was I doing before this? Who the hell am I?
His thoughts spiraled as he grasped at fragments of memory, only to find an agonizing void.
I cant remember anything.
A sinking feeling lodged itself in his gut as the oppressive silence amplified the sound of his quickening breaths.
My name is Akira I think, he reminded himself, clinging to the single thread of identity in the dark. But what about everything else?
No, focus. I have to find a way to break free and get out of wherever the hell here is.
As he fought against the despair creeping into his mind, a distant sound caught his attention, a soft plop, like a droplet of water falling into a small puddle.
Water, huh Im somewhere humid then.
Hope ignited within him, fueling a renewed sense of determination.
Wait, what if I?
With newfound resolve, he swung his head to one side, feeling the slight weight of the cocoon shift with him.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
Thats it, just a little more. Akira said as each time he swung his head, he would rotate slightly to the left.
As he moved, his breath caught in his throat, a chilling realization gripping him as he glimpsed something lurking in the shadows.
A surge of fear froze him in place, his eyes wide with terror as he dared not breathe, his lips shut tightly.
Gray, jagged raptorial claws hung limply, their sharp tips dragging against the ground, leaving behind a trail of scratches, a testament to years of entrapment.
The sight of an ominous cocoon loomed adjacent to him, a grotesque echo of his own. Its surface was cracked and decayed, revealing glimpses of the malevolent interior.
Inside lay a nightmarish creature, a giant mantis, its gray body adorned with rugged spikes that jutted out like the teeth of some ancient predator.
Fangs protruded menacingly from its mandibles, giving it a feral appearance that sent chills racing down Akira''s spine.
He dared to gaze into the creatures multifaceted eye, a lens intricately woven like shattered mirrors, distorting the surrounding darkness. However something was wrong with the creature, it was almost see-through, as if it had no flesh on the inside, it was just a husk, an empty exoskeleton.
After what felt like an eternity, Akira finally gave out a soft breath as sweat had built up on his face.
If that thing couldnt rip apart this web, then what chance do I have?'' Doubt gnawed at his resolve, but deep within, a flicker of courage remained.
A soft crimson glow caught his eye, illuminating the space around him with an otherworldly light.
What is that?
From within the creatures decaying body emanated a faint, steady radiance, like a reminder of life trapped within death. The husk hung limply, a victim of whatever malevolence ensnared them both.
His eyes narrowed as he focused on the glow, a sense of urgency propelling him forward.
It''s coming from inside that thing?
The realization solidified his resolve, urging him to act. If brute force wouldnt suffice to escape his current prison, then perhaps strategy could be his salvation.
Akira tilted his gaze upward, studying the cocoon that held him captive.
Maybe whatever this is attached to is weak enough to break.
With a surge of determination, he began to swing his body once again, using momentum to rock back and forth, each movement gaining intensity.
With each swing, he felt the binding threads straining against him, small chunks of rock tumbling away as he fought for freedom.
Good.
The cocoon began to tremble, the darkened world around him vibrating with the effort of his struggle.
Then, in a dramatic climax, the cocoon broke free from its moorings, plummeting to the ground with a resounding thud that echoed in the darkness.
Damn it, that hurt like hell. He muttered through gritted teeth, his body aching from the sudden descent. Shit, I didnt think this through completely.
He felt the weight of the world above him shift, he could hear stones tumbling down as if nature itself conspired against him. This is bad. Scared of whatever mother nature had in store for him Akira closed his eyes shut.
The darkness of the boulders that descended pressed in on him, a suffocating shroud that threatened to swallow him whole.
After what felt like an eternity, Akira cautiously opened one eye, peeking into the void, hoping against fate that he had somehow survived this ordeal.
Im still alive, right?
But the darkness offered no assurances, and the uncertainty lingered like a specter at his side.
Akira looked down at his body to see that he was under a mountain of rocks that had fallen over him. Luckily, the hardened cocoon acted as a sort of shield and took most, if not all the impact and the damage breaking apart with the rest of the rubble.
Now, how will I get out? The rubble over him was heavy, restraining him the same way the cocoon did.
Akira tried twisting his body in every way he could think of, but to no avail, the mountain of debris that had piled up on him was simply immovable.
At most, a few small rocks fell from the top would scatter.
He moved his head around, which was the only part of him that was sticking out of the rubble, to look around, it was all still in darkness with the exception of the slight red glow from the monsters carcass that was still hanging in its cocoon.
Slowly something poked out of the cocoon, it looked to have a kind of short hairy exterior and dark blue to black color, however Akira couldnt make out any more details due to the darkness.
The creature''s head, or what he assumed was its head, turned to Akira as it crawled slowly out of the cocoon of the dead monster.
It fell onto the cold, stone ground, making a satisfying sound as its skin slapped against the ground.
What the hell? Akiras voice trembled.
Suddenly the creature twitched before slowly putting itself back on its many short, stubby and hairy appendages that served as legs.
The creature stood at an impressive two meters long and about half a meter tall.
Its head was pretty round and soft as it consisted of two long and thick antennae attached to it, in the underside of the rounded head, a fleshy pad, and in it two sickle-shaped black fangs stuck out almost hidden by it.
Akiras breath hitched as the grotesque creature shifted in the dark, its fleshy body glistening with a sickly sheen under the faint weak red light.
He swallowed hard, every instinct screaming at him to move, to flee, but the mountain of rubble pinning him down made escape impossible. He was trapped, a helpless observer, forced to watch as the abomination dragged its bloated form closer.
Its movements were unsteady, almost like a child who had yet learned how to walk, but each step brought it nearer, and the hairs on Akiras neck stood on end as he felt an inexplicable sense of impending doom.
Chapter 2 “I Refuse to Die”
The air felt thick and suffocating, each gulp of breath sticking in his throat as he watched, transfixed by the bizarre monstrosity crawling ever closer.
The larva-like monsters rounded head twitched erratically, the sickle-like fangs jutting from its lower face twitching in tandem, as if tasting the air.
With every twitch, Akiras muscles tightened, adrenaline coursing through his veins in a futile attempt to stir his trapped body into action.
Then, in a sudden burst of motion, the creatures antennae snapped forward, pointing in his direction.
Akira froze, every nerve in his body screaming to remain still, not like he could do anything else anyways.
His pulse thundered in his ears, drowning out every other sound except for the blood pounding through his skull. He watched as the monster seemed to tremble, a faint clicking sound emanating from within its grotesque form.
A shiver ran down his spine. Was it looking at him? Did it even see him?
No NO! He pleaded silently, fear coiling around his chest like a vice.
The creature let out a soft, guttural noise, a sound that was almost pitiful, like a newborn crying for its mother.
But there was something off about it, something that made Akiras skin crawl.
It sounded hungry.
The creature dragged itself closer, until it was almost right beside him.
Akiras breaths came in shallow, ragged gasps, his entire body rigid with terror as he struggled to comprehend what was happening.
NO, STAY AWAY, DAMN IT! Akira screamed out.
The larva paused, its antennae sweeping over his face, brushing lightly against his cheek. The touch was featherlight, almost gentle, but it sent a jolt of horror racing through him.
His skin crawled at the sensation of those hairy appendages sliding against him, leaving a trail of something sticky and foul-smelling behind. Akira bit back a whimper, his eyes squeezed shut as he willed himself not to move, not to make a sound.
The creature let out another guttural cry, its body vibrating as if in frustration.
It moved again, circling around his head, its bulk bumping against the stones trapping him. With each movement, the weight of the debris shifted, pressing harder against his chest, making it even harder to breathe.
Curse you go away. Akira begged internally, his body trembling with the effort of staying silent.
But the creature didnt leave. Instead, it began to nuzzle at the rocks around him, its fangs scraping against the debris as it sniffed and prodded. Akiras eyes widened in shock as he realized what it was doing.
Is it trying to help me?
The thought was absurd, yet the larva continued its clumsy excavation, its movements slow and laborious but determined. The sound of rocks shifting filled the oppressive silence, each scrape and thud resonating in the darkness like a death knell. Akiras mind reeled as he struggled to understand.
No, thats not it. Akiras eyes widened at the realization. It''s trying to get to me so it can eat me!
No wonder the giant mantis was dead, it was eaten by this thing!
The lava kept on digging vigorously in order to get to Akiras body, the mountain of rocks was now only slightly smaller than it was. Despite its soft appearance, the monster must have been quite strong and intelligent as it nudged away the bigger stones and crushed the other ones with its sickle-like fangs.
Suddenly Akiras eyes widened as he was finally able to move a little and breathe normally, the rubble lightening as the creature hungrily excavated in order to get to him.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.
Noticing the placement of the rocks, which seemed ripe to collapse, an idea, born from the instinct to survive, slithered into his mind like a serpent coiling around its prey.
He turned his gaze to the grotesque creature that hovered ominously before him, its bulbous body twitching with grotesque anticipation before faintly saying with a nervous smirk.
I guess the one dying today isnt me after all
A flicker of inspiration ignited within the murky depths of Akiras despair, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the precariously stacked rubble above him.
Taking a deep, ragged breath, he inhaled the musty air that reeked of decay, a miasma that clung to his lungs, thick and suffocating.
His heart pounded a frantic rhythm against his ribs, each beat a relentless reminder of his fragility.
Summoning the last vestiges of strength that resided within his puny existence, Akira strained against the weight of the stones that held him captive, the effort seeping away his resolve.
For a moment, nothing changed. The oppressive rocks remained stubbornly in place, their grip as merciless as the abyss itself.
But then, a crackle pierced the silence, an omen of chaos.
Small stones began to teeter, as if the very foundations of his prison were rebelling against the burden of his existence.
Fueled by desperation, Akira moved his body under the rubble with reckless abandon, unwilling it to succumb to his fervor.
The cascade began slowly, a trickle of rocks tumbling into chaos, transforming into a cataclysmic torrent that rained down like vengeful giants awakened from slumber.
He grinned as he witnessed the first impact, a jagged stone struck the larva monster, its grotesque form staggering backward under the onslaught.
A particularly cruel boulder slammed into its slick body, tearing through its flesh and releasing a viscous yellow ichor that pooled beneath it like a harbinger of death.
A screech erupted from the creature, reverberating through the endless darkness like the last echoes of a dying soul. Akira felt a surge of power coursing through him, a fierce determination ignited by the pain of his foe. Perhaps, against all odds, he could escape this hellish nightmare.
With a final, defiant shove, he cast aside the last remnants of debris that had bound him, sending a cloud of dust spiraling into the stagnant air.
As he stood, a grim reality settled over him as his black hair fell over his eyes.
His form which was skinny and almost pitiful covered in a light white tuning drenched in grime as it cascaded all the way down to his knees, at his waist a rope tightly secured the fabric to him, although the tunic itself was a few sizes too big for him.
The larva monster, now wounded and furious, redirected its attention to him, its yellowish fluids pooling ominously on the ground below. Akira''s heart raced, but a cold resolve enveloped him, urging him to confront his terror. For a fleeting moment, a dark connection formed between them, the raw instinct to survive, an unyielding echo of desperation.
Were both just creatures trying to cling to life, arent we? He thought, a haunting realization.
The larva monsters grotesque head turned towards him, its thick antennae twitching as it prepared for another assault. Akira, feeling the weight of impending doom, clutched a jagged rock from the ground, its rough surface biting into his palm, a stark reminder of the violence that lay ahead.
I dont know about you, but I refuse to die today. He growled, adrenaline surging through his veins.
As he hurled the stone at the monstrous creature, his aim was true.
The rock struck its back with a sickening thud, embedding itself within the malleable flesh. The larva let out a wretched screech that echoed like a funeral dirge, but Akira was already moving, driven by the singular urge to survive.
He sprinted towards the corpse of the giant mantis, its shadow looming over him like a specter from a forgotten nightmare. The monstrous form, once a harbinger of fear, now stood as a potential ally against his current foe. Akira''s heart thundered in his chest, each pulse a reminder of his precarious existence.
As he neared the decaying carcass, the mantiss grotesque limbs stretched out like twisted branches against the darkness. Akira''s eyes darted to the brittle joints, their cracked surfaces a testament to the death that had claimed the creature long ago, picking up a rock off of the floor in his left hand as he moved.
He glanced back, feeling the larva monsters foul presence inching closer, its yellow ichor dripping like a grotesque, living shadow. But time was on his side, the creature moved sluggishly, its wounds hampering its pursuit.
Akira grabbed the claw of the mantis monster which was still attached to its host, and with swift motion, he started hammering away at the joint that kept the monster and its claw together.
Akira''s heart raced as he struck the brittle joint of the mantis claw again and again with the rock, each impact sending shards of decayed chitin flying into the oppressive darkness.
The foul smell of the mantis rot filled his nostrils, mingling with the acrid scent of the larvas blood trailing not far behind him.
Sweat mingled with grime on his brow, a testament to the desperate struggle unfolding around him.
The joint splintered under the relentless assault, each crack and crunch resonating like the tolling of a death knell in the suffocating silence.
Akira felt a surge of exhilaration as the claw finally broke free, its weight crashing down beside him with a sickening thud that reverberated through the ground.
He wasted no time, his pulse quickened as he grasped the serrated appendage, its jagged edges gleaming dully in the dim crimson light.
No matter what Ill live. He whispered to himself as he lifted the claw with both of his hands and put it over his shoulder, its height almost as big as him, despite its size it was surprisingly light, perhaps eight kilograms more or less.
Chapter 3 “A Source of Hope”
The monster slowly wobbled on its many appendages towards Akira, the boy watched, his eyes fixated on the larva, not letting it leave his silver gaze as he readied the new weapon that was part of the corpse of a predator who had been devoured a long time ago.
He gulped, this was the first time Akira had ever faced a foe, not to mention it was kill or be killed situation.
The larva monster snarled, its jagged fangs glistening with a yellow glistening saliva, reflecting the dim light with a sinister sheen. It surged forward, propelled by a primal hunger, and Akira instinctively took a step back.
Come on. He muttered, half to himself and half to the creature, his voice quavering with a mixture of bravado and terror. You want a piece of me?
The beast lunged, its body undulating like a grotesque wave, and Akiras instincts kicked in.
He sidestepped, well It was more like throwing himself to the side, but his action narrowly avoiding the monstrous bulk as it crashed into the ground behind him, sending a spray of stones cascading into the darkness.
The ground shook beneath him, a tremor of chaos that echoed the turmoil within his soul.
Stay focused. He chided himself, adrenaline coursing through his veins like fire.
With a growl that reverberated through the stillness, Akira lunged towards the monster and twisting his whole upper body as he swung the mantis claw with all his might, aiming for the creatures side.
The serrated edges cut through the air, slicing into the larvas flesh with a sickening squelch.
A visceral rush surged through him as he felt the impact, his confidence briefly igniting like a flickering flame against the shadows of despair.
The larva screeched, its piercing cry cutting through the darkness like a banshees wail.
DONT CRY NOW! THIS IS JUST THE START!
Akira started using the serrated edge of the limb as a saw to cut deeper and deeper into the monster.
With a lot of struggle Akira sawed away at the still-alive monster, wails of pain and despair like a child begging for mercy, grotesque screeches and many more nightmarish sounds were all playing as if it was a cacophony of chaos, a few moments later his limbs simply couldnt move from the fatigue.
It all turned quiet.
The silence that followed the monsters death was suffocating, a heavy, oppressive void that pressed in on him from all sides.
He felt his knees begin to buckle, the weight of what hed just done crashing down on him like the rocks that had imprisoned him moments before.
Every muscle in his body screamed in protest, raw and battered, his strength depleted.
His gaze drifted down to the twitching remains of his foe, its segmented body shuddering in its final throes.
The once-beautiful, dark blue flesh was marred with a deep, ragged gash, a wound that he had carved himself, the yellow blood overflowed from the monsters body.
I did it? Akira murmured weakly as if he doubted his own words, his voice little more than a whisper that vanished into the darkness.
But despite what he initially thought, victory felt hollow. There was no triumph in this grisly scene, no satisfaction in the act of killing. Just a raw, visceral emptiness that gnawed at his insides.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
A killer and the one who was killed
Akira stood motionless, the serrated mantis claw still in his trembling hands, slick with the yellow liquid of his fallen foe. His breath was ragged, each inhale laced with exhaustion, each exhale tinged with disbelief.
The larvas body lay twisted in a grotesque heap before him, its last violent spasms now reduced to sickening twitches. Akiras eyes were locked on the gash hed carved, the torn flesh seeping its life essence into the dirt. The reality of what he had just done gnawed at his mind, chewing through the fragile threads of his sanity.
No, theres no time, I have to figure out where the hell I am. The faint crimson glow from the corpse of the hanging mantis monster made Akiras gaze attracted to it. But first. What is that?
The boy went to the monsters tomb, he let the claw he was dragging along fall down on the stone ground next to his feet.
He grabbed onto the other claw that was still attached to the monster, making sure to grab the serrated edge carefully so as to not hurt himself on it, and started tugging.
Tug after tug after tug, it felt as if he had repeated the same action for hours, however the cocoon did not give out despite his best effort, until a sudden crack could be heard howling through the dark.
Akira staggered back just in time before the cocoon and the corpse inside it collapsed onto the ground. Finally. Akira said weakly.
Forcing himself to move, he bent down, reaching for the serrated claw he had used moments before for his first blood.
His fingers, slick with grime, fumbled against the weapons cold surface.
He wasnt sure if it was fatigue or the sheer terror that still clung to him like a second skin, but everything felt distant disconnected, as though his body and mind were no longer aligned.
The clang of the claw dragging across the stone floor as he lifted it reverberated through the cavern, echoing the quiet horror that lingered in the air.
A grim chuckle escaped his lips, bitter and hollow. Is that what it takes to survive? He thought back to the battle with the larva monster, the savage desperation that had overtaken him.
The way he had hacked at the creature without hesitation, consumed by the need to live. The wretched noises it made as he tore it apart still echoed in his ears.
He never imagined he would have to go to such lengths to survive, and yet here he stood, weapon in hand, the stench of death and blood clinging to his skin like a brand.
And he was still alive.
Each step towards the fallen cocoon felt like a battle.
His legs screamed in protest, the fatigue that had settled into his bones dragging him down with each movement. His breathing came in ragged gasps, his chest tight, but he pushed forward.
Move, dumbass. The mantra pounded in his skull.
Every step felt treacherous.
As he drew closer to the crimson light, the faint illumination revealed something strange, an almost round crystal embedded deep within the mantiss chest, its steady light crimson glow was eye-catching in the darkness.
The crystal itself was around the size of a horses heart and had a round shape, though it also held a few imperfections.
Using the grotesque giant claw of the mantis monster as a sort of shovel, he moved aside the broken cocoon fragments and the dry remnants of the once ferocious beast revealing the crystal in its full beauty.
Again, using the severed claw as a makeshift crutch, Akira leaned forward, his breath rugged and uneven, eyes transfixed on the crimson crystal nestled within the twisted remains of the mantiss ancient corpse.
He stretched his thin, grime-encrusted fingers towards the sphere, his touch tentative, almost reverent. Despite its size, much larger than his palm, it felt unnervingly light, as if it held no substance despite its ominous glow.
Lifting it closer to his face, he scrutinized every imperfection, the uneven edges that disrupted its smooth surface, the tiny bumps that caught the dim light, and the dark veins that seemed to pulse faintly beneath its ruby hue.
It seemed like an anomaly, a fragile creation of some twisted force, holding secrets he dared not imagine. He turned it over in his hands, the cool surface biting into his skin. What is this thing? He thought, uncertainty swirling in his mind like a storm.
Well, it''s the only light I have, so for now I guess Ill keep it. He murmured, the whisper of his voice swallowed by the oppressive silence.
With a heavy sigh, he glanced behind himself at the corpse of the larva monster sprawled on the cruel ground.
Its once massive form now lay deflated and broken, its segmented body split wide open from his desperate assault. The creatures flesh glistened slickly in the dim glow of the crystal, a mix of dark blue hide and thick yellow blood pooling around it.
For a moment, he only stared.
His wide, hollow eyes mirrored a mixture of horror and something far darker, a flicker of a hunger not just for food but for survival, primal and unforgiving.
The smell of death was thick, saturating the air with rot and bitterness. His stomach churned, gnawing at him, the emptiness a cruel reminder of his mortality.
A low growl rose from his belly, loud in the stillness.
Shit... He cursed under his breath, hating the sound of his own hunger. It wasnt just a reminder of his weakness, it was a command, a cruel and merciless demand for sustenance.
Chapter 4 “Insatiable Hunger”
Shit... Akira muttered at the command his body was uttering to him.
His snowy eyes flickered back to the bloated body of the larva as his raven hair waved over them, its bulbous form unnaturally still, the thick yellow liquid slowly pooling beneath it.
The scent of decay, sharp and acidic, assaulted his senses. His throat tightened. He shook his head, recoiling instinctively.
No. I cant... I wont eat that thing... He spoke to himself, but the words felt feeble, an argument already lost. The thought of consuming such a grotesque creature twisted his insides, filling him with revulsion.
But the hunger clawed at him, an insidious whisper curling around his mind, insistent and venomous.
How long until you find another meal? The voice of survival was louder now, demanding. You need to eat. You need to move. Move, or you die. Eat, or you starve.
The words echoed through his skull, thumping in rhythm with his pounding heart. His humanity screamed in protest, but it was weak, fragile, crumbling under the weight of primal instinct. The need to live eclipsed everything else. There was no logic anymore, no morality, just the undeniable, gnawing demand to survive.
It''s just... food. Akira whispered, though even he could hear the emptiness in his own voice. The hollow reasoning echoed in his mind.
What difference did it make now? That thing had tried to devour him, it was only fair that he return the favor.
Akira felt disgusted with himself, but what choice did he have? Starve? He couldnt survive just based on hope, he needed this, whether he liked it or not.
Before he could even notice it, his body moved on its own and he was already in front of the grotesque creatures body.
With a heavy heart, he released the mantis claw, allowing it to rest against the flabby corpse of the dark-blue skinned larva.
Kneeling beside it, he placed the crimson sphere next to himself, the faint glow illuminating the chilling scene.
He positioned himself just above the fresh wound he had carved with such violence, where the blood continued to flow, albeit sluggishly.
Akira lowered himself, bracing his weight against the ground, his breath hitching as he leaned closer to the repugnant body.
The moment hung heavy in the air as he steeled himself, a mix of dread and primal hunger coursing through him. With one last glance of trepidation, he closed the distance and allowed his lips to hover over the gaping wound. He sipped at the thick yellow liquid, his mouth recoiling at the sour, acrid taste that burned his nostrils.
It was foul, a sickly sweetness laced with decay, yet it was the only nourishment available. He fought against his bodys instinct to recoil, to spit out the vile liquid and heave it back up.
His stomach roiled in protest, a tempest of nausea battling against the instinct to survive. Each mouthful felt like a violation, his humanity screaming in defiance.
This was wrong, so grotesque but was it any worse than being devoured alive or starving alone in the darkness? He shuddered at the thought, the line between his humanity dissolving in the darkness.
Akira pulled away, gasping for air as the taste of death lingered on his tongue, a bitter reminder of his choice.
Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he smeared it with the thick ichor, the reality of his actions settling heavily on him. What am I doing? The question hung in the cavernous space, unanswered and haunting.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
Yet, deep within, a spark of life ignited, a flicker of resilience amidst the chaos.
With a mix of disgust and determination, he grabbed one of the stubby legs of the dead creature, its texture gelatinous and repulsive, but it tore away easily with a satisfying squelch. The sound echoed in the cavern, a grotesque symphony of survival, a grim reminder of what he was willing to do to live.
You would have done the same to me
Akira muttered, the words escaping his lips like a weak justification for the horrific act he was committing.
He hesitated for a fleeting moment, looking at the glistening remains of the creature, the thick blood still pooling around him.
Although, the cold truth settled in his mind, he had already crossed a line he shouldnt have. This was no longer a time for remorse.
He started eating the monster, ripping pieces from it and eating them like a wild beast filled with an unsatisfiable hunger, his body tried to revoke them, their acidic and revolting taste as if he was eating gelatinous metal.
Suddenly, while he was devouring his grotesque meal, a bloodcurdling screech could be heard from the darkness, somewhere in the unknown, he recognized the noise, it sounded the same as the larva monster he had killed and was eating.
His eyes widened with terror as they followed the sound. Are you for real?
He could hear the noise of the stubby legs of the monsters scraping against the ground from the darkness.
Come on. Give me a break. Akiras heart raced as the familiar screech echoed through the darkness, a harbinger of imminent danger. Panic surged within him, a sharp, icy blade cutting through the haze of hunger and despair.
He dropped the grotesque meat he had been gnawing on, the gelatinous flesh slipping through his fingers like the last remnants of his humanity.
The sound of scraping legs drew closer, each scratch against the ground sending shivers down his spine. How many are there? five, ten no, by the sound of it, it''s a whole army.
The echoes of screeches grew louder, reverberating in the cavern like a sinister choir. They were relentless, filled with rage and hunger, a monstrous symphony that ignited a primal terror within him. Akira''s breath came in quick, ragged gasps as he glanced back at the crimson crystal, its soft glow illuminating the scene like a mocking beacon.
I have to move. NOW! He thought, scrambling to his feet. But the ground felt unsteady beneath him, slick with ichor, a grotesque reminder of his desperate meal.
His legs wobbled, and the remnants of the creature hung heavy in his stomach, a sickening reminder of his choices.
With the sounds of the approaching creatures echoing in his ears, he fought against the nausea rising in him. He couldnt stay here, he had to escape before they got too close.
He grabbed the giant mantis claw with his right hand and threw it over his shoulder, the only weapon he had, and in his left hand the crimson glowing crystal, the only light source he had, he carried it as if it were a newborn child.
Their value was irreplaceable, especially in Akiras current predicament.
He ran, whichever way the monster came from, he ran the opposite way. Sure, he got lucky and killed one, but what could he do against so many?
Akira darted down the cavern, his heart pounding like a drum in his chest, each beat urging him forward. The darkness enveloped him, a suffocating shroud that felt alive with menace.
With each step, the sound of the approaching creatures grew louder, echoing in a chaotic symphony of skittering legs and furious screeches that clawed at his sanity. The soft glow of the crimson crystal, the only thing illuminating his path.
Suddenly he felt a drift of wind on his skin, it was slight, but he could tell the direction it came from, it was the same direction he was going but only slightly to the left.
Akira''s heart leapt as he felt the faint breeze brush his skin. Fresh air. Could it mean an exit? His mind and body turned towards the only possible escape he could have, his saving grace, or maybe his doom.
He quickened his pace, his breaths coming in shallow gasps, the scent of raw flesh and blood still clinging to his senses.
Following the slight drift of air, he veered left, barely dodging a jagged outcropping that seemed to appear out of nowhere from the darkness, his only way of telling was the light produced by the crystal . Each step felt like a gamble, but there was no time to hesitate.
He pushed forward, clutching the crystal tighter, his only lifeline in the suffocating blackness. The mantis claw bounced against his back, its weight both reassuring and burdensome.
The sounds of the pursuing monsters grew louder, more insistent, but There was also something else following him now, something bigger, something much, much bigger.
Akiras breath hitched as he felt the vibrations, deeper and heavier than those of the larva creatures. It was as if the very ground was trembling beneath his feet, the ominous rumble growing louder with each passing second.
He didnt dare glance back, every instinct screamed at him to run faster. Dont look. Keep running. He chanted under his breath, feeling the burn of exertion as his muscles ached from the strain.
Despite his own warnings, Akira dared glance back, even if it was for a moment, even for a split second, it felt as if it was the worst decision he could have ever made.
Chapter 5 “A Light to Freedom”
Akira glanced back. It lasted no more than a split second, but in that heartbeat, he saw something that churned his stomach in ways hunger never could.
A horde of larva trampling over each other, their bloated bodies jostling in a frenzy, every one of them snapping vicious, scythe-like fangs, each driven by a single purpose, to rip him apart and feast on his corpse.
But that wasnt what froze his blood. Towering above the horde, a shadowed figure loomed. A monstrous, grotesque creature, larger than anything hed seen yet.
Its skin was the same dark, sickly blue as the larvae, but it emitted a faint, almost ethereal glow, as if a soft light pulsed beneath its flesh like a starless night sky.
This creature, though, had more than just the chubby, unsteady legs and simple features of its kin.
Every part of it was amplified, a horror magnified. Its hulking body was bloated and glistening with an unholy sheen, the thick, fleshy antennae twitching as it homed in on him with an unsettling precision.
Beneath the beasts head, or what he guessed was a head, was a maw full of dagger-like teeth, curved and sharp, much more frightening than its offsprings, and the cavernous void of its eyes, dark and endless, conveyed a hunger that ran deeper than survival.
What unnerved Akira most, though, were the bulbous growths jutting from either side of its face, something its children didnt have. They looked almost synthetic, unnatural mounds that bulged slightly, ending in circular openings.
He couldnt understand their purpose, but an instinctive sense of dread gnawed at him just looking at them.
The split second passed, and he snapped out of his trance, tearing his gaze from the beast. His feet hit the ground with renewed desperation as he ran, his own whisper barely audible against the deafening roar of his pulse. Move! Move! Move!
The air grew colder as he ran, and the sensation felt almost like a shock to his senses, invigorating him even as his muscles screamed with exhaustion.
He rounded a corner, and there it was, a brilliant opening, light spilling through, almost blinding compared to the darkness that had swallowed him.
Whatever was on the other side had to be better than this nightmare, or at least thats what he thought at that moment. He sprinted toward it, the brightened edges of the light illuminating the stone walls around him in an otherworldly glow.
But the creature wasnt far behind. Akira could feel it, a massive, looming presence that made the ground shudder under its weight with each step. It was like the tremor before a devastating storm, and every instinct in his body screamed for him to move faster.
Yet, curiosity, or perhaps sheer stupidity, gripped him, and he risked another glance.
In that instant, he saw the bulbous growths on either side of the monsters face begin to swell and pulse, as if something inside was coming to life.
Without warning, the growths convulsed, and from them, a thick, viscous liquid shot toward him, a stream of inky darkness weaving through the air. It glistened like liquid shadow, and Akiras heart skipped a beat as he realized it was coming straight at him.
Instincts took over.
Akira threw himself to the right, just barely dodging as the stream splattered onto the ground beside him, coating the cavern floor with a sticky, shimmering layer.
He scrambled to his feet, now facing towards the nightmarish monster, his pulse racing, when a new horror dawned on him.
The substance was changing, hardening, taking on a yellowish hue that he recognized immediately. It was the same silk-like material hed awoken trapped in, thick and fibrous, emitting that faintly rancid smell hed hoped never to encounter again.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
He staggered back, horrified as the realization struck him like a physical blow. It was you. He thought, panic clawing at his mind. This thing this creature is what trapped me in there. The truth was a brutal revelation.
This monster wasnt just another horror lurking in the shadows. It was his captor.
His mind spun as he connected the pieces.
Was this creature not only responsible for imprisoning him but also for putting him through this Selection Trial? What even was the Selection Trial to begin with?
However, he didnt have the luxury to ponder it further.
The creature let out a guttural screech, the sound reverberating through the cavern like the roar of something ancient and insatiable, its prey was escaping and it didnt like it.
It was like a wake up call for the thin boy, who was lost in his thoughts.
Akira turned and bolted for the exit, his every step fueled by the voices in his head screaming at him to run faster, yet his legs didnt allow him to.
The cavern walls echoed with the furious, hungry cries of the larva and the monstrous bellows of their leader, each step taking him closer to the unknown outside world and further from the nightmarish prison that still clawed for him in the dark.
He clutched the crimson crystal tightly to his chest, its faint glow his sole comfort, while the mantis claw bounced heavily against his back as he ran for his life, his only way of protecting himself.
He surged forward, lungs heaving, each ragged breath burning in his chest, and every muscle in his body straining under the brutal demands of his escape. Please. Please be a way out of here!
With a final, desperate lunge, he stumbled forward and broke free of the cavern''s shadowed maw.
He emerged into a sprawling landscape, a world alive with vibrant colors and open air.
He blinked, eyes adjusting slowly to the faint warmth of daylight as it filtered through the dense canopy above.
Before him stretched a jungle so vast it felt endless.
Towering trees with ancient, gnarled trunks stretched so high they grazed the heavens, their upper branches entwined to form a lush, green ceiling that swayed gently in the breeze.
Shafts of sunlight pierced through gaps in the leaves, illuminating patches of earth and casting dappled shadows across the jungle floor, making everything seem otherworldly.
Akira staggered forward a few steps, dazed and entranced by the sight before him.
His silver eyes darted around, drinking in the unfamiliar scenery, an untamed wild beauty that was almost overwhelming after the claustrophobic darkness of the cavern. ...Beautiful.
But instinct kicked in, and he forced himself to turn back to the hole he had emerged from, gripping the mantis claw tightly for support.
He planted it in the ground like a post to keep himself upright, his body too drained to fully hold his weight.
Now that he was finally out, a sense of cautious relief washed over him, tempered by exhaustion and the lingering fear of what lay behind.
The entrance to the cavern loomed larger than he remembered.
Jagged and raw, the dark opening was like the gaping maw of a beast, still echoing with faint, distant screeches and the shifting movements of the monsters below.
It was a reminder of the nightmare hed narrowly escaped, the relentless creatures still prowling in the darkness, hidden but never far enough away.
Akiras mind flashed back to the frantic run, the disorienting path through twisted tunnels. He realized now that the ground had sloped upward, yet in his adrenaline-fueled frenzy, he hadnt felt the incline, his senses overridden by the raw need to survive.
Now, outside that hellish nest, he felt the weight of his exhaustion fully settle over him, his limbs trembling as he leaned against the mantis claw.
Akiras breaths came in slow, labored puffs as he stood rooted before the jungle, unable to shake off the image of the monstrous creature lurking just beyond the cavern entrance.
The beast was watching him, its dark, empty eyes glowing faintly as though taunting him from within its lair, the twisted nest it had seemingly crafted to imprison him.
For the moment, it appeared bound by some unseen tether, unwilling to step beyond the shadowed threshold into the daylight.
Akira didnt know whether it was bound by instinct, fear, or some other reason he couldnt fathom, but he took whatever small mercy he could find.
His gaze lingered on the caverns entrance for a while.
He took a shuddering breath, half-expecting the creature to break through whatever thoughts held it at bay.
But as moments passed, the beast and its many offspring remained in the shadows, glaring from within the darkness. Akira felt its eyes drilling into him, each blinkless stare felt as if it was devouring him within its mind.
Relief was fleeting, he knew he couldnt stand here forever.
He had no idea what lay ahead, only that it was a chance, a slim, uncertain chance to survive.
Pushing off the mantis claw, Akira steadied himself. His stand was shaky, his body still reeling from the excruciating moments of terror and desperation. I better leave before that thing decides Im too appetizing to let go of.
He squinted up at the sky, a patchy expanse barely visible between the towering branches and broad leaves, each shaft of light a reminder of the endless unknown beyond.
With a sigh he started adventuring away, not wanting to stay any longer and risk the monster deciding to come out of its lair.
Chapter 6 “Shut Up Asshole”
With no other option, Akira stepped into the vast expanse of the wilderness, the unknown stretching out before him. It could be his doom, but it was the only path he could take.
Each step was measured, careful, as his senses heightened in this unfamiliar terrain. Better to be careful than sorry. He muttered to himself as he kept walking through the serene view.
The jungle floor was a lush, green carpet, soft underfoot, but teeming with life and potential danger.
Vibrant foliage stretched across the land, but there were more plants here than Akira could possibly identify, each one a mystery, some perhaps deadly, others harmless, all of them strange and foreign to him.
He brushed aside overgrown bushes with his shoulder and ducked loose vines. The air was warm and thick with the smell of damp earth and fresh greenery, the scent of life in every direction.
Every breath was deep, filling his lungs with air so clean it made him dizzy. Take it easy Akira, take it easy.
The jungle was a riot of color, flowers in every conceivable shade and shape one could conceive.
Petals of blue, purple, red, and gold burst from vine-like tendrils that curled around the trunks of massive trees, their bark rough but alive with the pulsating rhythm of the forest.
Some bushes bore small, radiant yellow berries, each one speckled with black dots and stripes that seemed almost too unnatural to exist.
Akira eyed them warily, unsure if they were food or poison, but he knew he couldnt afford to make any wrong moves. Ill try them out later, but nows not the time to take risks.
Beneath his feet, the earth was soft and springy in places, but other areas were firm with roots that tangled together like a labyrinth of veins, emerging from the ground like the limbs of some ancient, slumbering beast.
Just where the hell am I?
It felt like stepping into another world, a paradise compared to the oppressive darkness of the cavern he had narrowly escaped.
The breeze soft against his skin, a gentle reminder that life was more than fear and struggle.
The light filtered through the thick canopy above, casting the jungle floor in shifting patterns of shadow and gold, illuminating bursts of color where flowers and fruits grew in abundance.
Fruit-laden trees, some with smooth, purple-skinned orbs, others heavy with deep red clusters of small spiky skin, stood tall, their boughs bending low under the weight of life.
In every direction, there was something growing, something thriving, something pulsing with vitality.
The jungle seemed to hum with quiet energy, an underlying song that Akira couldnt hear but felt deep in his bones.
The vibrant tapestry of nature stretched out infinitely before him, so alive.
For a moment, he could almost believe it was a sanctuary, however he knew deep down. He could see the beauty, but beneath it, the wilderness held its dangers, he might not remember anything, but that did not make him a fool.
The bright colors of blooming flowers, the sweet smell of ripe fruit, the peaceful rustling of leaves in the wind, they all seemed to offer a false sense of security.
Natures beauty often hid its dangers, and while the jungle looked serene, it could easily turn into another nightmare, just like the cavern.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
Just as he took another big step over a thick root, the place where his foot landed made a squelching sound.
In a panic Akira looked down, ready to run, however he had just stepped in a puddle.
He let out a sigh of relief. Thank goodness.
Looking down at the puddle, he saw his own reflection for the first time.
Akira''s heart skipped a beat as he gazed down at the puddle, seeing the face of a stranger staring back at him. His reflection was gaunt, his light gray eyes sunken from hunger, his skin sickly pale as if he were staring at a corpse.
Despite this he looked to be no older than seventeen years old, though that was belied by his aged expression.
His straight black hair hung down in an almost depressing manner, his expression haunted him the most, it was a mixture of fright and anxiety.
A small frame, not only in size but also in height, only reaching about one hundred and sixty-eight centimeters tall, his body was shrouded by the dirty and grimy white tunic that loosely hung onto him, the only thing keeping it tightly to his body was the rope around his waist.
...So thats what I look like, huh. His voice breaking a little, as if he was disappointed with it.
He planted the mantis claw into other ground and ran his hand through his matted hair, the strands sticking to his clammy skin, he wiped his face with the back of his hand, as if trying to scrub away the despair that clung to him.
Akira took a deep breath, forcing himself to look away from the reflection in the puddle, there was no time for self pity, not now. He had to keep moving.
He threw the mantis claw back over his shoulder and started walking again.
The Selection Trial, just what is that even supposed to mean? Do I need to get somewhere or do something in order to get out of here? Just what is the Gauntlet? The questions felt heavy as they hung in the air, but he held no responses whatsoever and neither did his surroundings.
His attention was grabbed again by the red crystal as he carried it carefully near his chest.
Should I even keep this thing? To Akira the red sphere had served its purpose, he had no more need for it as he already had plenty of light, not to mention some of the fauna here had an almost bioluminescent glow to it so even in the dead of night he could still navigate the jungle.
His eyes were glued to it for a few seconds, for some reason he couldnt let go of it, he felt it had a sort of energy, something that could be helpful to him later on. Well, it''s not too heavy so I guess it wont hurt to keep it a bit longer.
With that his steps continued, the ground sometimes as hard as rock whilst other times as flexible as rubber.
He trekked deeper and deeper into the jungle, carefully stepping over the twisting roots and avoiding patches of odd-looking plants while using the claw from time to time to cut down any vegetation that made it impossible for him to pass.
While walking by, he suddenly felt the gaze of something or someone fall onto him, his body froze.
He looked around cautiously, the mantis claw at the ready to swing.
Suddenly his eyes locked on a vine, something about it felt off, it was larger, almost as it hid muscles underneath, and it had an unnatural sheen as if coated in a thin layer of moisture that gleamed faintly under the canopy''s dappled light.
Then it moved.
Akiras eyes widened with surprise and fear as he followed the movement.
Craning his neck he saw it, at the top of the muscular vine, hidden in the shadows of the canopy two bright amber eyes were stalking him with predatory precision.
His throat caught his breath as his heart sank to his stomach, the sight before him more frightening than the monster he had previously encountered could ever hope to compare.
No wonder the creature from the cave did not wish to venture out after Akira, despite him being an easy meal and the one who killed one of its offspring, it was because it knew there wever bigger monsters than itself lurking in the shadows of the jungle.
RUN! ESCAPE! FLEE! QUICKLY! NOW! His mind ran wild, yet his body did not respond to it, instead Akira stood frozen, like a deer in front of headlights.
Could he even flee from such a titanic creature! Where would he even run to? Was there any hope for his predicament? He got lucky and killed a monster, sure, he managed to flee his gigantic capturer, yes.
But this? Who could begin to hope escaping such a predator?
Its body was longer than Akiras imagination could stretch, its body was slim for its size, however did that even matter, it was at least twenty times thicker than the boy''s skinny body.
His only hope now was that the snake did not see him as good enough to even measure up as a snack.
After all, his strength was running thin as his muscles burned, his breath already a little ragged from exhaustion despite the clean and plentiful air, how he had gotten this far without any rest was already an unimaginable feat to him.
Shit shit shit, think Akira. He racked his brains however no solutions came to mind, it was utterly hopeless.
Shut up asshole
...Just do it you stupid monster. Akira muttered under his breath, his instinct to survive had been crushed under such a predator, nothing could save him now.
The mantis claw that he held on for dear life fell to the ground, his grip on it limp as the crimson sphere in his left hand fell to the ground beside him.
Chapter 7 “First Step to Insanity”
However, despite the outcome that Akira believed would happen, what followed was a thick silence that hung heavily, as if the forest itself was holding its breath.
The monster, coiled up on the tree as if it were his throne, simply stared at the boy and his rugged attire for a while, then it closed its eyes?
As if Akira simply wasn''t worth the effort.
He was left dumbfounded for a few moments before letting out a small chuckle, his situation was almost ironic.
hahaha HAHAHAHAHA! Akira let out a hollow laughter, however, it was not of joy, it was of something deeper, something twisted inside of him that had formed inside that cave.
What?! Whats wrong you damn bastard?! Am I not good enough for you to eat? Something inside of him broke.
What the hell was he saying? His wicked obsession with survival was what got him this far, it was what pushed him far enough to leave behind his morality in order to live, yet his words sounded suicidal.
Suddenly his expression changed to a frown. Dont mess with me, you damn monster! I did what I had to in order to get this far! Is that not enough?
Who was he speaking to? The snake? Himself? At that moment even Akira didnt know, he just let his heart roar.
The snakes amber eyes flickered once more, this time with a subtle shift, as if it were acknowledging Akiras minor presence.
It slowly uncoiled itself from the tree, its immense body sliding downward, the weight of it pushing the branches aside with ease. Akiras breath caught in his throat.
Was it moving closer?
No.
It wasnt moving toward him at all. It was leaving.
The snake slithered away through the giant tree trunks, its massive form disappearing into the thick underbrush, vanishing into the shadows like some spectral horror. The silence that followed was deafening.
The terrifying predator that should have ended his life had instead chosen to simply slither away.
...It left. He said to himself quietly, his voice no louder than a whisper. IT JUST IT FUCKING LEFT! He screamed out, his lungs burning.
Akira stood there in stunned silence, his mind refusing to process what had just transpired.
The overwhelming relief he should have felt barely registered, buried beneath the chaos in his head.
That enormous beast, one that had the power to end him in an instant, had simply slithered away.
As if he were nothing more than an insignificant blip on its radar.
Was he... relieved? Shouldn''t he be relieved? A part of him screamed that he should be celebrating, that he should be thankful for this gift of life. But instead, all he could feel was a strange emptiness, like the escape from death had come at a cost he couldn''t comprehend.
Akira looked down at the crystal as it lay on the ground, its soft glow as ethereal as when he picked it up in the cavern.
His silver eyes fixated on the glowing red crystal at his feet, its light pulsing faintly like the beat of a slow, steady heart.
He crouched down, picking it up, feeling its smooth, cool surface against his hand. The quiet radiance was a stark contrast to the roaring chaos in his mind. The crystal seemed almost mocking in its unchanging glow.
He clenched it tightly and let out a shaky breath. As his pulse began to settle, his thoughts unraveled. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
Akira felt like he was barely clinging to sanity, a small thread against the weight of everything hed endured. If Im stuck here, then so are you too. He muttered to the inanimate object, his voice laced with bitterness.
The boy stood up, the crystal back in his left hand and the claw hanging loosely in his right as it dragged on the ground.
Akira once again started his senseless march.
As he trudged forward, the crystal glowing softly in his grasp, his mind felt like it was slipping further into chaos.
Every step felt like a struggle, as if his feet were weighed down by invisible chains of frustration and confusion. His body ached, but the physical pain was nothing compared to the gnawing void in his chest.
The jungle around him flowing with life, sounds from nearby and faraway, both disheartening and melodic, the jungle did not care about Akiras problems as it continued its endless cycle of life.
Suddenly he stopped, a bush full of fruits in front of him, his previous meal was nearly not enough, especially since he was interrupted, not to mention the disgusting bitter taste still lingering in his mouth.
Planting the mantis claw in the ground in a softer spot where it would stay upright, Akira used his now free right hand to take one of the fruits.
His skinny fingers grabbed one of the fruits, and with a weak thug it ripped right off its root, it was a snug fit in his palm. The fruit had shiny green skin and an elongated shape like an oval.
Whether it''s poison or not, doesn''t really matter much, does it? Ill die of starvation if I dont eat anyhow. Akira muttered to himself before taking a huge bite, the fruit was very juicy however its skin was pretty tough and bitter.
He chewed a bit more, the taste itself was a mix of sweet and sour leaning more towards sour, but despite that it definitely felt edible. The inside of the fruit was a pale-ish yellow color and it had black seeds the size of Akiras eye in its flesh. Better than monster flesh, well, I guess anything is better than that. But who knows, perhaps one day monster flesh would be Akiras only source of nutrition.
Akira took another bite, forcing himself to chew through the thick skin and past the sourness.
As he ate, his mind began to quiet, dulled slightly by the simple act of filling his stomach. It wasn''t a feast, but it was a relief to have something to eat that wasnt slimy or putrid.
After he finished the fruit, he wiped the sticky juice from his hands onto his grimy tunic, leaving faint smears on the fabric.
He picked up the mantis claw again, and for a moment, he simply stood there, looking at it. The serrated edge was crusted with tiny dried remnants of his fight, a reminder of what hed done and what hed become.
With a grimace, he tried to shake off the thoughts clawing at the edges of his mind.
Just then, a sudden rustle came from above, and he glanced up instinctively. The jungle canopy shifted with movement, branches swaying, though no wind seemed to be causing it.
Tiny eyes flashed in the shadows of the branches, following him with curiosity and a strange sense of intelligence?
Akiras eyes squinted, however it was hopeless, the shadows of the leaves hid the figures perfectly, not even showing the slightest outline.
The eyes, there were more than one pair as they watched him with an unsettling stillness. He couldnt discern the intent behind them.
They were too hidden, too clever in their positioning, they were not like a predator that acted on instincts but instead like a creature that had intellect, at least on a primitive level.
Just how long had those creatures been watching him for? He was oblivious to their presence up until one of them made a misstep. Had they watched him the whole time he was eating without him even noticing? No, maybe even longer?
Suddenly the sound of a giant beak vibrating came from one of the many creatures in the treetops, it was frightening enough to make Akiras bones shiver and his muscles tighten.
Suddenly the flapping of wings could be heard from the creatures direction, it was loud and booming like thunder, a manifestation of just how big and magnificent the beasts were.
The flapping came closer, the air around him vibrating with each heavy beat.
Shadows danced as the creatures descended, their forms still obscured but gaining definition.
In the blink of an eye, one of the creatures descended in front of Akira, barely ten meters of distance between him and the gargantuan creature which stood at around twelve meters tall.
Its body, stretched thin and sinewy, was cloaked in a skin so pale it seemed to shimmer in the light, giving it an almost ethereal glow, especially now that the sun had started to descend over the horizon, giving the light a slight orange hue. This creature, both a marvel and a nightmare, its wings folding against its sides like great sheets of silk.
Its head was a masterpiece of both terror and beauty framed on a neck that stretched long like a serpent.
A long, blade-like crest jutted backward from its skull, lending it an alien, regal profile.
Amber eyes, cold and calculating, burned with a sharp intelligence, as if it were weighing the worth of everything it surveyed.
Its beak, sharp enough to cleave flesh from bone, gleamed in the faint light, whispering promises of death to any creature that dared to cross its path.
Despite its monstrous proportions, wings stretching wide enough to block out the rays of light, it carried itself with a grace that was almost hypnotic. Its taloned feet left deep impressions in the earth, yet it barely disturbed the ground as it stood on all fours, its front limbs longer than its hind legs.
Chapter 8 “Clash of the Titans”
Akira could hardly breathe. His legs were rooted in place, as if frozen by some unseen force. The creature''s amber eyes locked onto him, scrutinizing him with an intensity that made every crevice of his body feel exposed.
It was a silent interrogation, one that Akira could not escape from. His breath came in shallow gasps. His thoughts were a jumbled mess of panic and confusion. What do I do? No What can I do?
Akira knew he stood no chance no matter if he tried running or fighting, even if somehow he defeated this nightmare, many more would just descend from the treetops.
What could a normal human with no memory of anything but his name do against a monster that looked to be a nightmare incarnated?
He did not know whether to feel frightened or in awe of the creature, or maybe he was simply feeling both things simultaneously.
His grip on the mantis claw tightened and softened, his body could not decide between taking whatever chance at surviving and going for it or giving up and being at the creature''s mercy.
The crimson sphere that he held in his left hand was the only reassurance he had, Akira did not know why, but it made him calmer than he should have been.
The creature leaned in and made a few clicking noises with its very long beak. Unfortunately for Akira, he did not know to cover his ears, the sounds that the monster made were as deafening as gunshots.
His head spun as the sound of the creatures clicking beak reverberated in his ears, each sharp note feeling like it drilled into his skull. His vision blurred, and for a moment, he thought he might collapse from the overwhelming noise, but he forced himself to stay upright, clutching the mantis claw and using it as a sort of crutch in one hand and the crimson sphere in the other, as though they were his only anchors in this nightmare.
The creatures amber eyes narrowed, and its long, graceful neck twisted as it observed him. There was something almost mocking in the way it watched him struggle.
It cocked back and tilted its head to one side, as if trying to gauge his reaction.
The creature leaned in, its long neck stretching out as the tip of its beak slowly approached Akira''s small body.
Just as the distance between the silver-eyed boy and the pearly white monster was within his reach, the monster suddenly retracted its head back and turned its attention to another part of the jungle.
Without warning, a cacophony of sounds started playing from the monsters kin above from the treetops. Was it a warning?
The pale behemoth in front of him stretched out its clawed arms and stretched its immense wings as if trying to fly off, but before it could do that, something shot out of the forest.
It was the snake that Akira had seen previously, or at least it was the same kind of monster, only smaller in size, its speed much faster than the boys eyes could hope to follow.
By the time Akiras gaze had landed back on the snake, it had already basically killed the monster that had landed before the boy.
The snakes jaws were already clenching tightly around the winged creature''s long neck.
There was no sound, no struggle, simply a weak twitch from the winged monsters body as blood gushed from the wound, its rich crimson violating the pristine, almost divine white of the fallen creature.
The fluid pooled on the ground in a growing lake. The sight was grotesque yet mesmerizing, his eyes unable to tear away from the horrifying display of primal dominance.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Even the winged monsters kin had silenced its loud yet useless warnings.
Akira was witnessing something so raw and impactful he couldnt help but take a step back as his grip on the giant claw and on the crimson orb loosened.
This is it This is survival. There was no malevolence or hatred in the snakes actions.
It was simply to eat or to be eaten, it was pure, and in its own twisted way it was beautiful.
His mind was blank like a canvas painting a landscape of what was unfolding before him, a predator feasting on its prey.
The snake started devouring the winged behemoth, slowly swallowing its body whole.
As the snake continued its gruesome feast, Akira stood frozen, however the winged monsters kin had other plans.
The booming sound of wings flapping could be heard, it wasnt one or two, nay, it was dozens or maybe even more.
One of the pale creatures flew in with speed so great Akiras eyes couldn''t follow, despite the colossal size of these creatures, their speed and agility was far too much for Akira to comprehend.
The snake finished swallowing its meal and with its belly now full, its amber eyes shifted, its head slowly turning to face the incoming threat.
Its forked tongue flicked out, tasting the air.
The pale creature, faster than any living thing Akira had seen before, dove straight for the snake with alarming speed, its giant beak ready to pierce the snakes green scales.
CRACK The sound of bones breaking was the only thing that could be heard, Akira caught exactly the moment of impact, but it wasn''t the snake who got hit but the winged monster.
The snakes tail hit the winged behemoth like a whip cracking at lightning-fast speeds hitting the other monster.
The monster fell crashing into a tree, its body twisted, mangled and broken from both impacts. Its beak split wide agape, the tips pointing in different directions as blood splurged from every orifice and open wound of its body, and at that speed it was even a miracle that its relatively small body did not become nothing more than mush and flesh paste.
Akira finally came to his senses. I need to hide, one of the monsters might decide to attack me if I continue to stay out in the open like this.
Taking advantage of the battles chaos, Akira quickly retreated behind a giant tree, using some underbrush to hide himself while still watching the fight between the titanic snake and the pale skinned monsters.
Despite the number of flying behemoths, the snake did not seem too alert, as if it were simply swatting away a few pesky flies.
The pale winged creatures, undeterred by their fallen kin, dove at the snake in waves.
Their synchronized movements were like a macabre dance, their pale, luminous bodies darting through the jungle with an eerie grace.
Each one aimed for a different part of the serpent''s massive form, their sharp beaks striking like spears.
But no matter how much they tried, their beaks nor talons could not even leave a scratch on the emerald scales of the titan as it whipped its tail, swatting them away, crushing some under its massive body while simply devouring others without a care.
That''s when Akira realized. This isnt a battle, its a one way massacre.
The winged monsters had no actual way of defeating the snake, they just flew towards their demise. Why? They look smart enough to figure out they cant beat that thing Is it a sense of need for revenge for their fallen kin? Pride? Some order from a being above?
What could be driving them into this suicidal ballet of crimson rain and broken quartz bones?
Akira moves slowly and carefully through the lush green covers, making sure not to attract any attention to himself as he observed the battle from different angles.
Minutes passed and the carnage went on, the lush greenery now was washed with blood and golden hue from the setting sun.
Piles of bodies scattered, mutilated, broken beyond any hope of salvation, lay like pearly white decor around the area, and in the middle, it stood tall and coiled.
Proud yet unbothered, colossal yet so refined, the titan snake remained unscathed, its emerald green scales glistening in the filtering light of the ball of fire as it ascended beyond the horizon, each plate of armor on its gigantic body shun like jade of the highest quality.
The leaves stood still as the bark let out a sigh of relief, it was finally over, the massacre had finalized and the results were obvious.
With a full belly, the snake finished swallowing a few more winged behemoths to satisfy itself, now that it was completely full, there was no more need for it to be here.
As for Akira, it didnt even acknowledge his presence to begin with, and even if it did, he doubted it would act any different from his past counterpart.
The giant monster simply slid away into the greenery, leaving a slight trail in the grass as its massive weight was now boasted even more by the feast of flesh.
Wanting to get a closer look at the corpses Akira took a step closer out of the lush, however on the first step a sound spread to the black haired boys ears.
It sounded like a deflating decayed ball.
Akira looked down to see that he had stepped on a giant mushroom.
Chapter 9 “Spores of Nightmares”
His silver eyes locked onto the peculiar mushroom beneath his foot.
It was nearly twice the size of his bare foot, its dark brown hue blending seamlessly with the dirt around it, while faded green patterns snaked across its cap, mimicking the grass that surrounded it.
The sheer oddity of its appearance might have been intriguing if not for the ominous squelch it released under his weight.
Shit. Akira muttered under his breath, his voice trembling with dread. The sound was grotesque and wet, like the deflation of something rotting and foul.
A sudden hiss followed, sharp and insidious, as if the mushroom itself had come alive in retaliation.
Before he could react, a thick yellow mist burst forth from the ruptured fungus, expanding outward in an alarmingly swift wave.
It enveloped him entirely, snaking into his nostrils and searing his throat as he inhaled.
The mist clung to his skin like it was alive, and the acrid sting in his eyes made him squeeze them shut, though it offered no relief.
Akira stumbled back instinctively, his foot catching on uneven ground.
The mantis claw and crimson crystal fell from his grasp, tumbling onto the soft, verdant ground with muted thuds. Akira barely noticed.
Damn it, poison? The toxin had invaded his lungs. He gasped, his breath hitching as a violent, hacking cough erupted from deep within his chest. Each convulsion sent lances of pain through his ribs, his throat raw and burning.
Through watery, bloodshot eyes, tears of blood rolled down his pallid cheek.
Akira caught sight of his hands trembling before him.
His breath hitched, and he froze as a new wave of horror swept over him.
His fingers seemed to writhe of their own accord, twisting unnaturally, each digit bending in impossible angles.
His nails elongated and split apart like strands of thread, each fragment curling in strange directions.
What the hell...? Akiras voice came out a strangled rasp, but the words dissolved into another round of relentless coughing.
He dropped to his knees, clutching his throat, his vision spinning.
Blood trickled from his nostrils, staining his upper lip, and hot, crimson tears endlessly streamed down.
No, its not my body that''s changing. He gasped between coughs, forcing himself to analyze the situation even as his thoughts splintered. Its my vision. The realization didnt calm him, it only deepened his terror.
The mist wasnt just a poison, it was something far worse, a hallucinogen targeting his very sense of reality.
Looking around, the state of his vision only worsened, the gigantic trees around him started to bend like light poles, the bushes rustled in compassion and joy, as if mocking his state.
And not just my vision huh? My hearing is also getting affected, my best guess is that all my senses have probably been affected.
In order to get away from the rustling of the foliage, Akira stepped back out where the gruesome massacre had taken place. It wasnt much of a clearing but it was enough to have some room to breathe.
The boys snow colored eyes glazed around in panic, the scene around him nothing short of mesmerizing as the piles of broken bodies of the behemoths lay in the grass, lifeless yet still captivating in their beauty despite the mutilations they suffered from the giant snakes blows.
Lifeless Wait. What was that?You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
Akira looked at one pile in specific, it was composed of at least half a dozen winged beasts.
Did it just. Suddenly the body of one of the behemoths twitched. Damn, I know that it''s an illusion, but still. It looks too goddamn real!
Akiras vision swirled in a fevered dance of color and light, the dense jungle around him seeming to shift and blur, as though painted by a trembling hand.
The sky, a chaotic tapestry of crimson and orange hues, dripped like molten wax onto the forest floor.
His limbs felt heavy and disconnected, up until now he has been in a race with the fatigue his body was facing, barely keeping ahead, but now Fatigue had finally caught up, and it didnt plan to let go.
Shit, this situation just keeps getting worse and worse.
Akiras knees buckled, and he collapsed onto the grass-covered ground. His head spun, pain radiating from the base of his skull, sending sharp, biting pangs through his temples.
He swiped at the blood that streamed down his face, smearing it across his cheeks, and wiped his shaking hands on the damp earth.
His fingers still moved in grotesque, disjointed movements, and he could only watch in horror as they curled and twitched.
The hallucinations intensified as he strained to focus, his silver eyes darting back to the mound of winged beasts. They shuddered, their broken limbs twitching, the torn remnants of their bodies seemingly trying to escape the embrace of death.
One of the beasts, its eyes still wide open, seemed to stare directly at him, its amber gaze full of fury, as if it were trying to reach out from beyond the grasp of mortality.
Dont fuck with me, you bastards. I know this isnt real. Youre all dead, so stay that way! Gripping the shreds of sanity that remained inside his head, Akira tried putting himself in a state of peace and reason. However, the hallucinations looked so real that one could not tell them apart from reality.
Desperately he tried to get up, but his weak body did not listen, what little muscles he had were pushed far beyond their limits, the poison contorting his senses with no end in sight to its effects.
The violent coughs did not leave him as it continued to barrage his ribcage with thumps from his lungs as they burned from the inside.
Think Akira, you''re seeing your own fingers twist like branches, maybe everything is also just hallucinations. Rationalizing his situation was the only thing Akira could hope to do in order to take his mind away from the pain.
He glanced back up to the pile of bodies. One of the pale titans was now standing on all four of its limbs, is skin wings were ripped like a beautiful silk that had holes burnt into it, its long neck snapped in two as the head hung loosely by some tendrils of flesh and skin, but worst of all were its plate-sized eyes that never left Akira.
Both him and the monster simply stared at each other, the sun drowning over the horizon as light was now very scarce, figures turned into shadows that danced in horror as other shadows skippered around the bioluminescent fauna that offered a minimal glow.
Despite having crossed many moral barriers in a short amount of time, the sight of the figure made Akira gag, he might have even vomited, but what was there in his stomach to throw up? The gelatinous flesh of the larva he had taken a few chunks out of? Or the fruit that was more seed than flesh?
Akiras silver eyes flickered in the dim light as he fought against the chaos both within and around him.
The risen figure of the pale titan loomed in his twisted, poisoned vision, its grotesque form a nightmare pulled from the depths of his darkest fears. Staggering forward, dragging its broken limbs across the bloodied battlefield. Its flesh made a wet, squelching sound against the ground, and its head, barely attached to its serpentine neck, lolled unnaturally with each agonized step.
A sight that was too vivid, too real to be an illusion, or so Akiras scrambled mind convinced him.
Come on, this isnt real, its fake, it cant hurt me. Its not real. His heart beat so fast he felt like choking.
The creature let out a sound. Not the sound it made before with its beak, but a horrid, otherworldly screech. It was layered, echoing in his mind like the wails of a hundred damned souls, each note tearing through his sanity.
Akira clutched his head, his nails digging into his scalp as if trying to rip the sound out of his ears. The screech was unbearable, an auditory assault that resonated deep within his skull, amplifying his disorientation and fear.
His breaths came in short, shallow gasps, his chest heaving as if suffocating under the weight of the toxin and his crumbling psyche.
The boys gaze, though hindered by the throbbing headache the sound gave him and his messy hair half covering his eyes, saw the mantis claw and the crimson orb resting a few meters away where he had dropped them.
Without any other solution coming to mind, he began crawling through the blood infused dirt towards them.
Akiras body moved on sheer instinct, his mind barely holding together under the crushing weight of the hallucinations. His trembling hands clawed at the blood-soaked dirt, dragging his frail frame forward.
The grotesque sound of wet earth squelching under his weight was drowned out by the monsters ceaseless wailing, the layered screech echoing endlessly in his ears.
AAAAAAHHHHH! Akira let out a roar of his own, though it was drowned out by the sound of the behemoths'' weeping.
He clawed his way further with his fingers, his silver eyes locked on the mantis claw and the glowing orb just out of reach.
The screeching abomination shuffled closer, its broken form an unholy amalgamation of death and persistence. Its hollow eyes burned into Akiras very soul, filled with rage and agony that didnt belong in the world of the living.
Grasping the sphere with his left hand, the boy quickly brought it to his chest while turning on his back to face the monster but
Chapter 10 “SLAUGHTER DEVOUR”
He turned onto his back to face the abomination but it was gone.
Hahaha. At first, it was just a chuckle, but then it turned into maniacal laughter. HAHAHAHAHA. The sound echoed through the jungle, unnerving in its suddenness.
Akiras chest heaved with ragged breaths, his heart pounding in his ears as the hysterical laughter seemed to consume him.
His hands, still trembling, held tightly to the crimson orb against his chest, the only thing anchoring him to some semblance of reality. The haunting screech, the agony of the twisted, undead monster, it was all gone. In its place, silence.
Maybe everything here is fake, Akira murmured aloud to himself, his voice hoarse. Maybe this is all an illusion.
He wasnt sure if he believed it, but the thought offered him a strange comfort.
If it was all an illusion, then he didnt have to face the reality of it. He didnt have to face the lines he had crossed, the monsters and whatever else this Selection Trial had in store for him.
But the quiet didnt last long. A shift in the air. A rustle in the bushes. Whispers, voices began to echo from the unknown.
Just give me a break. Akira groaned under his breath, eyes darting around the shadowy jungle.
The rustling grew louder, the bioluminescent plants casting flickering shadows that twisted unnaturally. The leaves rustled like knives in the air, and the very bark of the trees seemed to mock him.
The night was just beginning, but Akira could already feel his body growing heavy with exhaustion. He needed rest, but there was no time, the terrors of the jungle would soon be upon him, and he couldnt tell which ones were real and which were just hallucinations.
Slowly he was losing the battle of staying conscious, a veil of black spreading across his eyes as his eyelids felt heavy like molten gold.
The whispers grew louder. They were everywhere and nowhere, soft, almost caressing his ears.
Sleep now, everything will be fine. So soothing.
You need rest. Dont worry, it will all be over when you wake. So gentle.
Get some shut-eye, you deserve it. So tempting.
Akiras thoughts faltered, his mind teetering on the edge of consciousness. For a fleeting moment, the temptation of peace felt almost real.
Yeah, maybe I can finally rest maybe He murmured, his voice barely a whisper.
He closed his eyes, the weight of exhaustion sinking into his bones, his muscles aching with the strain of survival. For a moment, he considered giving in. Just a moment. To rest.
But then, a voice cut through the haze.
It wasnt soft or kind, like the others. It was raw, guttural, like a sound born from the depths of hell itself.
AWAKEN
MOVE
SLAUGHTER
DEVOUR
SURVIVE
The words crashed into Akiras mind like shards of glass, shattering the lullaby that had almost claimed him.
His eyes snapped open, wide and frantic. His heart pounded against his ribs, fighting to stay in rhythm with the chaos around him.
And there, hovering above him, were the creatures that were trying to serenade him with their gentle voices.
Small, no bigger than a humans palm, their delicate butterfly wings iridescent and glowing with every color of the dawn.
Their soft, serene faces, an unsettling calmness etched into their features, surrounded Akira. They circled him, their whispers insistent, coaxing him back into the sleep he couldnt afford.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
MOVE Akiras trembling hand shot up, grabbing one of the winged creatures. Its delicate body squirmed in his grasp, eyes wide with fear.
SLAUGHTER His other hand shot forward, crushing the creatures head with a sickening crack.
The body went limp, its fragile wings fluttering weakly before stilling. The whispers stopped. The other creatures froze, their expressions twisting into shock and disbelief at Akiras reaction.
DEVOUR Akira moved the creature to his mouth, biting off its arm with savage force. The taste was sickening, but he didnt care. He tore through the small body, swallowing down the flesh, the wings, the bones everything.
SLAUGHTER DEVOUR
The remaining creatures darted away, their once gentle whispers replaced by shrill, panicked screams. They beat their wings furiously, desperate to flee from the nightmare Akira had become.
His hands shook as he devoured the last remnants of the tiny creature. There was nothing left but the gnawing hunger in his gut, the taste of blood on his tongue, and the crushing realization of what he had done.
The creature had looked almost human, a small, delicate thing with wings. And yet, Akira didnt hesitate. His hunger had drowned everything else.
SLAUGHTER DEVOUR
He wiped his mouth with a trembling hand, the taste of the creatures blood still thick on his tongue, and his body shuddered. What was he at this point? The larva monster he had eaten was something, but this, it was an almost exact replica of a human, a miniature with wings.
The thick texture of the blood still reminisced on his tongue as the blood covered his trembling hands.
SURVIVE
Picking up the crystal, Akira stood up, his knees buckling and every muscle in his body screaming for him to stop.
SLAUGHTER DEVOUR
He took his first step, almost stumbling and falling over.
SLAUGHTER DEVOUR
Followed by another and another, his legs wobbling under the slight weight of his body.
SLAUGHTER DEVOUR
He reached one of the piles of bodies of the pale behemoths that had been killed by the titanic snake.
Swallowing what blood and small remnants of broken bones were resting on his tongue and in his throat from his previous meal, Akira prepared himself for his next meal.
He knelt beside the carcass of one of the behemoths, his hands trembling as they reached for the flesh. The stench of death was overpowering, but it didnt matter. He tore through the soft meat, his hands slick with blood.
His teeth sank into the flesh, tearing it apart like an animal.
The sun rose, its golden light seeping through the thick trunks of trees and the dense foliage of the underbrush. Orange rays stretched across the ground, casting long, slanted shadows that danced over the flora.
Akira slowly blinked his eyes open, the faint crimson glow from the crystal he clutched against his chest casting an eerie light in the dim morning. He lay curled in a fetal position, the warmth of the suns rays heavy on his face, a welcome relief from the chilling night air.
Stretching out a hand, he groaned as he shifted his weight, the sickening sound of something wet and squelching filling the silence.
He dragged his body forward, his limbs stiff and exhausted.
His once white tunic was now soaked in grime and blood, its fabric clinging to him as though it had been painted in a thick, crimson coat.
As he pushed himself free, he looked back, his eyes landing on the grotesque pile of winged behemoths. He had crawled from the remains of one of them, its corpse twisted and lifeless behind him.
He put down the crystal in front of himself before stretching out his limbs. That was a good nap.
Akiras silver eyes surveyed the scene around him, a grotesque tableau of carnage. The smell of blood and flesh that was starting to rot hung thick in the humid air, a putrid reminder of the price he had paid to survive the night.
His stomach churned, but it wasnt hunger anymore, it was something deeper, darker, an ache that reached into his very soul.
The crimson crystal lay before him, its glow faint but steady against the blades of grass, and beside it lay another crystal.
This one smaller in size, around that of a humans heart, maybe a bit bigger. It had fewer imperfections and was less rough, it was more elegant, if you could call it that, however instead of a crimson glow, it had a grayish glow, it was weak. The crimson glow of the other orb was pretty weak itself, although this one was weaker.
I found it while digging through the corpse last night to sleep in it. Akira looked at the corpse of the winged behemoth. I wonder if every monster here has something like this. He muttered, voicing his thoughts while looking at the piles of dead pale creatures.
Akira sat cross legged on the blood soaked soil, his fingers brushed the smaller, gray glowing crystal as he pondered his discovery.
Its dim light pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat, and though its glow was subdued compared to the crimson orb, it carried an air of mystery.
He held it up to the sunlight, inspecting its rough edges and cloudy core. Maybe its like a heart for these things But why? Why are they different in size? Why are they a different color? And why not just have a heart?
A sigh of disappointment left his body. As much as I want to uncover where the hell I am or just what is happening. His silver gaze slowly drew to the piles of corpses around the small clearing. I don''t think sticking around here for too long will be a good idea. Pushing himself off the ground with a grunt, he took a look around once more. I doubt that this place will leave a free feast like this untouched for too long.
He took up both the glowing spheres, holding them close to his chest like a cradle. I should try to find a way out of here, or at least someone else.
With that, Akira departed once more, unready for what this gruesome adventure had to offer him.
Chapter 11 “Im Here, Im Alive”
Akira moved cautiously through the dense jungle, each step deliberate, as though the earth itself might betray him.
He didnt know if the toxin from the mushroom would still affect him, and now he had no weapon to defend himself, having chosen to leave the giant mantis claw behind in exchange for the gray orb.
Carrying the two spheres in his hands as if they were newborn children, Akira moved cautiously through the jungle underbrush, occasionally stopping to listen or look for anything that might prove of danger to him.
I need to find some water. Even though he had feasted on the flesh of both beasts and fruit, the blood and the juices werent permanent substitutes for water, they had their limits in how much they could hydrate Akira.
The trees here were dense, their canopies so thick that sunlight barely pierced the layers of green. The air was thick with humidity, making every breath feel heavy, but no sign of water presented itself.
Minutes stretched into what felt like hours as Akira wove his way through the jungle. His movements grew more sluggish, his legs aching with every step.
Averting his gaze to the canopy, Akira saw the sun filter through the leaves and vines, it had reached its peak and he had yet to find any source of water.
He knew that his hunger, while satisfied for now, would also start acting up soon enough.
With a defeated sigh, the boy stopped under the shade of a smaller tree and rested his back against it. While the thick canopy did offer shade while he walked, the heat itself was still oppressive.
Akira closed his eyes for a moment, allowing the faint breeze that filtered through the jungle to cool his sweat-soaked skin.
He let out a dry chuckle. I cant believe it, after everything Ive done until now, I might actually die from something like thirst. Akiras time here might have been short, only a little over a day to be precise, but every second of it was intense.
Shaking his head softly, his black hair moved, freeing his vision a little. No, if there are creatures living here, there must be water.
Akira pushed himself off the tree, his limbs aching from the exertion. He needed to keep moving.
The thirst gnawed at him, but the thought of dying from something as simple as dehydration stung his pride. He wasnt going to let this jungle, or whatever twisted force ruled it, claim him like that. Not after everything hed already endured.
Every now and then, he paused, scanning his surroundings for signs of streams or even puddles. But the only sound that filled the air was the hum of insects and the occasional rustling of leaves as unseen creatures moved in the distance.
Minutes passed, or maybe hours, Akira couldnt tell anymore. Time blurred together in the suffocating heat. He stumbled forward, his steps unsteady, his breath ragged.
But just as he was about to take a rest and try to recuperate his strength, he heard it.
Cutting through the air, the sound of water falling and splashing.
Akira''s head snapped up, his silver eyes wide with sudden hope. The sound was unmistakable, the rush of water cascading over rocks, a gentle yet persistent splashing that echoed through the jungle.
That''s it it''s water.
His heart surged with a mix of desperation and relief, and without a second thought, he started moving in the direction of the sound.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
Each step felt like a battle against his own body. His legs trembled, but the promise of water pushed him forward.
The leaves and vines seemed to part before him, almost guiding him toward his goal. The sound grew louder with each passing moment, fueling his determination. He wasnt sure how much longer he could last, but he refused to let thirst claim him. It''s close, Im sure of it. I can almost feel it.
The dense foliage thinned as he moved, and there, nestled between a cluster of low, twisted trees, was a crystal-clear stream. The water cascaded from a small waterfall into a shallow river, the sound of it crashing against the rocks ringing out in the still air.
Akira staggered forward, his feet dragging with exhaustion. The sight of the water was like a beacon, its cool clarity almost too beautiful to be real. He knelt at the edge of the stream, hands trembling as he let the two globes in his hands fall at his sides, he cupped them together, desperate to scoop up the water.
The cool water lapped against his palms, and for a moment, Akira almost forgot about the world around him. His mind was consumed with the thirst that had plagued him for so long, and he greedily drank from his cupped hands, feeling the refreshing liquid cascade down his throat.
Water was like a balm to his parched body, reviving him with each swallow. His hands trembled less as he drank, and the dizziness that had clouded his vision seemed to lift, if only a little.
He let out a deep, guttural sigh of relief, savoring the sensation of moisture spreading through him, nourishing him in ways the blood and fruit never could. Nice, this is really nice.
Looking down at his body, the white tunic he wore was now stained with red and his skin dirty with grime and dried blood.
Removing his hands from in front of his vision he saw his own face once again.
His frightened white-gray eyes were now sharper and more focused.
He started taking off his tunic, he was dirty, and so was the clothing he wore, and he at least wanted to change that.
Akiras fingers fumbled at the edges of his tunic, the fabric clinging to his skin from the sweat and grime of the jungle. He pulled it over his head, the movement slow and deliberate, feeling the weight of his exhaustion in every motion.
As the tunic came free, he glanced at it, the bloodstains on it a cruel reminder of the horrors he had faced, of what he had become.
He tossed the garment to the side, not caring where it landed.
For a moment, he just stood there by the stream, only covered by a cloth that wrapped around his waist and under, covering his groin. His chest rising and falling with deep breaths as he tried to steady his racing heart.
Taking a step forwards, his foot sank into the water, it felt cold, but that was the least of his worries.
Akira stood in the river, the coolness of the stream washing over his feet and ankles, the shock of it sending a shiver up his spine. His breath steadied, though his heart was still pounding.
He took another, then another, until the water finally covered the bottom half of his body just above his waist.
Cupping his hands into the water once more, bringing it to his face, the coolness of it a shock against his skin. He splashed his face repeatedly, trying to wash away the grime, the blood, and the memories of what he had done.
Im here, Im alive.
He splashed some more water over himself, over his small back with barely any muscle or meat on it to the point his spine was visible, his skinny arms that looked like twigs, his slender waist like that of a young lady.
Water flowed down his body like a cascade, cleansing his body as he stepped out of the river.
The tunic he discarded earlier lay on the ground near the two crystals, he picked it up and started to wash it in the flowing water quietly. I need to find some way to store a bit of water, I need to keep moving, and I cant keep coming back here whenever I need it.
As Akira scrubbed the fabric of his tunic against itself, he felt the roughness of the cloth against his hands. The bloodstains resisted at first, the dried crimson reluctant to yield to the waters touch. But with each vigorous motion, the stains began to fade, swirling away into the clear stream like memories dissolving into oblivion.
After rinsing his tunic to the best of his ability, he laid it out on a flat rock near the stream, allowing the sun to do the rest. The warm rays were a stark contrast to the chill of the water, a reminder that life here could be both beautiful and cruel.
He sat beside it as it dried, as soon as his skin touched the rock, it sent a shiver down his spine.
Perhaps it was the peace or the view, but without even noticing it, he found himself taking a nap
Opening his eyes abruptly, he saw the sun was setting and its orange hue was starting to envelop the world around him, surprisingly, he was still alive and fine.
I I fell asleep? How could he have done such a stupid thing? In the open near a water source to add to his idiocy. I really let my guard down. He let out a sigh. Well, theres no point in lingering on it.
Akira turned to see his tunic was now still pretty soaked but wearable.
With a smooth motion he put it over his body, the wet feeling slapping against his skin as he tightened the rope around his waist.
Finally he turned back to see the crystals they were gone.
Chapter 12 "Prey Predator Prey"
Akiras heart sank as he stared at the empty patch of ground where his crystals had been. His mind raced, panic bubbling just beneath the surface as he rushed to the spot immediately.
No... no, no, no, He muttered, dropping to his knees and clawing at the dirt as though the crystals might have somehow buried themselves.
But there was nothing. Just bare earth and faint traces of where they had once been.
He scanned the area, his silver eyes darting frantically through the underbrush. The soft orange glow of the setting sun cast long shadows, making every vine and branch seem like a potential thief.
His thoughts spiraled. How could I have been so careless? He replayed the moments before his nap, the brief relief, the fleeting sense of peace by the stream. That tranquility now felt like a cruel trick, a weakness exploited by the unforgiving jungle.
Then, just as his thoughts began to spiral out of control, he heard a soft splashing sound from the river.
Akira froze. A shiver ran down his spine. His heart skipped a beat, not from fear, but from something far more primal It was anger.
As if on instinct, his gaze followed the sound, and there, a little way down, where the river opened up into a larger lake. "Found you." He whispered, voice tight with rage as his eyes shared a predatory glow.
A figure.
Humanoid, but not human. tall yet thin, its body cloaked in shadow of the vegetation that sprawled over the body of water, though four faint glows shone from within the darkness. His heart tightened as he recognized them.
Two were from the crystals, his crystals.
And the other two were from the thief, that fucking creature was holding them, its round eyes glowing in the dark, an eerie white color that stared into his soul.
It was almost entirely hidden, but Akira could make out a bit of the creature''s appearance.
The upper half of its body had grey and bluish scales that replaced its skin. In its right hand, which had webbing that extended to the tips of its fingers, it cradled the two crystals near its thin breasts.
Suddenly, it spoke. Fufufufu, if you want them, come and get them. It said, its coy tone sounded as if two people talked at the same time, both voices seemed female, yet one had a higher pitch and the other a lower one.
The creature submerged itself and the crystals in the river.
Damn it. ILL RIP THOSE FUCKING EYES OF YOURS AND FEED THEM TO YOU! ILL GUT YOU LIKE A FISH AND EAT YOUR INTESTINES WHILE YOU WATCH, YOU WORTHLESS PIECE OF GARBAGE! Akira screamed out so loudly his throat strained a little.
He took a long and deep breath. Fuck, its trying to lure me in the water since it probably has a better chance at killing me in there.
Akira''s pulse hammered in his ears as he stood by the riverbank, fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms. He cursed himself for his earlier carelessness and his rash outburst. Letting his anger control him could be a fatal mistake.
Even if I fought that thing on equal footing, do I stand a chance? After all, he was only human while that thing was well whatever the hell it was.
Akira paced the riverbank, his silver eyes fixed on the rippling water where the creature had disappeared. His mind raced as he tried to piece together a plan.
He couldnt let the creature escape with the crystals, they were his lifeline, the only string that kept him attached to his humanity and sanity.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Even though he didnt know when or why, he had become somewhat dependent on them for comfort.
Akiras eyes flicked, scanning the surroundings for anything he could use as a weapon or tool. His mind raced, desperate for something, anything, that could give him an edge in the fight. Rocks, branches, sharp edges, whatever he could find, he''d have to make do with it.
His gaze settled on the riverbank, where jagged stones protruded from the shallow water like broken teeth.
He hadnt noticed them when he had bathed earlier, but now they caught his attention.
One stone, in particular, stood out due to its rough surface.
With determination, Akira crouched and stretched out a hand, his fingers brushing against the stone''s coarse edges before wrapping around it.
The cold water had made it slick, but he pulled it free from the riverbed with a grunt of effort.
He hefted the stone in his hand, testing its weight. It was heavier than it appeared, heavy enough to cause significant damage if thrown with enough force, but light enough for him to hold with relative ease.
His fingers curled tightly around the stones irregular shape, it was round, yet one end was sharp while the other end was dull enough to hold without the worry of cutting himself.
A grim smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Lets see you laughing when I cut your throat open, you bastard.
Despite how much he wanted to strike immediately, his mind reminded him of the reality of his situation.
How do you catch a predator in its own domain? How do you fight something that might be faster, stronger, and more attuned to the environment than you could ever hope to be, even if you were on equal footing?
Akira walked along the shore, his bare feet slapping over the stony ground, until he was at the point closest to where the creature submerged without having to enter the water.
The distance between where the monster had disappeared and Akira was ten meters more or less.
What would he do? Set a trap? Try to rush in and somehow surprise it No, Akira sat down on the ground, letting his toes peek into the slow current as his knees curled to his chest and his arms wrapped around them.
His grip on the stone not faltering for even a second as his gaze remained locked on the crystalline body of water.
Seconds, then minutes until hours passed, but no movement, the sky now dark, the only light that was offered was by the slight rays of the moon and some of the bioluminescent fauna nearby.
The moonlight shimmering faintly over the surface of the water like a distant warning. I guess waiting isnt going to do me any good, its intelligent and patient.
Akira had to think of a way to drag it out of the water, or at least somewhere shallow enough that he could sprint with his full speed at it, or away depending on how the situation went.
The frail boy stood up, and with a fluid motion he cut the palm of his hand? You must be hungry as well, having waited so long. He let the blood drip into the water, the dark red liquid flowing down his pale skin down into the dark abyss.
His blood, dark and thick, drifted in the river like a trail of smoke, curling in the current. His heart pounded in his chest as he watched the crimson droplets disappear into the darkness of the water, hoping, praying, that the creature would be lured by the scent.
It was a dangerous gambit, but in this place, where every move could be the difference between life and death, there were no safe plays.
Come on, you monster, I know you want to take a bite out of me. Akira knew the creature was most likely hungry by now, and so was he.
The minutes stretched on, the silence around Akira thick with tension. His blood created a dark trail in the current that seemed to vanish as quickly as it appeared.
His silver eyes never left the waters surface, his senses on high alert, every nerve in his body coiled, ready to strike or run at a moments notice.
All he did was blink, but in that moment a quiet splashing sound echoed through the air and he could feel a firm grip on his left ankle.
Shit Akiras heart lurched as the cold, firm grip tightened around his ankle. His blood ran cold, a rush of adrenaline surging through his veins as panic clawed at him.
But he didnt even have time to react, he only glanced down to see a long, webbed hand with beautifully organized gray scales and a long fin running across the forearm before he got dragged into the water without warning.
Akiras body was yanked into the water with terrifying force, his breath catching in his throat as he was pulled under the dark surface.
The cool water closed over him like a suffocating shroud, and for a moment, panic gripped him. His chest burned as he tried to gulp down air, but only the murky water filled his lungs. The creatures grip on his ankle was like iron, the webbed fingers squeezing tighter, pulling him deeper.
His silver eyes shot wide open, and in the dim light, he caught a glimpse of the creature, a monstrous figure, its long body undulating with fluid grace through the water as where the legs should have been was a giant fish tail.
Its face was human yet not quite. The eyes were rounder than a normal person''s and empty like a snow globe, its nose was replaced by two nares and its mouth by hulking jaws, not to mention on its neck were gills.
Chapter 13 "Fishy Smelling Bastard"
As he was dragged deeper and deeper, the soft light of the moon seemed more distant as the darkness enveloped his world yet again.
His eyes stinging from the water and his vision blurred, he had tried to lure the monster and kill it before it could react, but it seemed that the creature had the same plan.
Damn it all. His body felt slow and sluggish in the water.
Then an idea made of desperation seeped into his mind, his only choice.
The stone felt heavy in his hand, slick and slippery from the water, but it was his last hope. His muscles burned, but he gritted his teeth and swung the stone, a primal yet his only weapon, with all the strength he could muster.
The water offered a lot of resistance to his movements, but it couldnt fully prevent the strike.
The stone found its mark, hitting against the monsters wrist. Though it was a last-ditch effort and Akira thought the stone had no chance of penetrating the creatures scales, but in the end it paid off.
A glowing green liquid spilled from the monsters shallow wound.
Without a second to waste this chance, Akira twisted his body and kicked at the creature''s wrist.
It wasn''t much, but the combined force of his kick and the pain of the wound allowed him to break free.
The creature, however, only glanced back once at the boy with an irritated expression before swimming forward and hiding itself in the darkness of the abyss.
Shit, I need to get some air. No, if I try to surface now, it will strike again. Akira was now stuck in quite the predicament, on one hand, he needed to surface and breathe air, on the other, he needed to stay vigilant so the monster wouldnt strike him immediately.
He clutched the stone tightly, his fingers trembling as he scanned the murky darkness. The faint glow of the creatures blood still lingered, a sickly green trail in the water. It vanished deeper into the dark, but Akira knew it wasnt retreating, it was prowling, waiting for its next moment to strike.
Outlasting it underwater wasn''t a possibility, that much was clear. But he could use its predatory instincts against it.
He closed his cut palm, squeezing it until more blood seeped into the water.
The trail, dark red and murky, mixed with the creatures glowing green, creating a sinister pattern that floated downward. He kicked his legs, pushing himself toward the riverbed, his movements slow and deliberate.
I know what its like to be hungry, you lose yourself and sometimes even reason. The monster had not eaten in God knows how long, maybe hours or maybe days, all Akira could hope was that its belly would overpower its brain and it would try to attack him directly from the front.
Akira felt his chest tighten as his lungs screamed for air. His body begged him to rise, to break the surface and breathe, but he forced himself to remain below. His silver eyes darted through the murky water, trying to track the faint flicker of green where the creature had disappeared.
Every muscle in his body was coiled, ready to strike or flee, when the moment came. He knew that the creature had to attack before he could escape, it wouldnt let all its patience and effort go to waste.
The blood trail he created drifted in a mesmerizing dance through the water as it mingled with the creatures own. Akira clutched the jagged stone tighter, his knuckles white, his fingers trembling. He couldnt stay under much longer, but he had to make this count.
Suddenly, the glow reappeared, faint but growing. The creature was coming. Its eerie, hollow eyes cut through the darkness like twin moons, fixated on Akira. Its elongated body swayed with an unnerving grace, the powerful tail propelling it forward with terrifying speed.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!
Its open jaws revealed sharp, jagged teeth that looked like they could break bones as if they were light snacks, the current churned violently in its wake.
Timing was everything.
The creature lunged, its powerful tail whipping behind it, sending it barreling toward him like a spear. In the split second before its jaws snapped shut around him, Akira twisted his body and impaled the stone into its neck, the stone connected with the creatures neck, the sharp tip cutting through its scales, and a sickening squelch followed as the blade of stone dug into the soft, unprotected flesh of its gills.
A surge of glowing green liquid burst from the wound, the bioluminescent blood creating a grotesque mosaic.
But Akira wasnt safe yet, the jaws of the monster slammed shut around his clavicle, the sensation of pain shot through Akira, making him want to scream. Despite that, he held it in, knowing opening his mouth would most certainly mean death. SHIT!
Viciously, he started twisting the stone that he had embedded in the creatures flesh.
His breath caught in his throat, the crushing force against his collarbone threatening to snap it in two. His vision blurred, and for a moment, all he could hear was the deafening pulse of his own heartbeat. But his mind was sharp, he couldn''t afford to lose control.
He suddenly let go of the stone, which remained lodged in the monsters neck, winding back his hand before slamming it back against the makeshift weapon, burying it all the way in. DIE, YOU PIECE OF SHIT!
Although the creatures bite seemed to weaken, by the time Akira had slammed the stone deeper, the monster was most likely already dead.
Akiras world was turning black, and the curtains were closing. Its not fair, you asshole, youre dragging me down to hell with you. His consciousness was weakening. The corpses weight was dragging him down, making him sink deeper.
His eyes closed as the tired feeling spread through his body, making his body heavy and his mind light. The monsters glowing blood seemed to form ribbons around his body as he fell deeper and deeper.
AWAKEN! The voice in his head screamed, it was the same one, like a demon sent from hell clawing at his mind. MOVE, DEVOUR, SURVIVE!
Akiras eyes snapped open as he started clawing at the water like a wild beast, the corpse didnt matter, the wound didnt matter, nothing mattered except surviving.
His chest burned as if his lungs were collapsing, but he didnt stop. SURVIVE! That single, unrelenting thought drove him forward as he kicked and clawed his way upward.
Every stroke sent waves of agony through his battered body, his bitten shoulder radiating pain with every movement as if feeling each and every tooth that had embedded itself in his flesh.
As he broke the surface, Akira gasped, his lungs heaving as he sucked in sweet, life-saving air.
He coughed violently, expelling water and blood from his throat. The river felt colder now, the chill seeping into his bones, but the adrenaline coursing through his veins kept him moving.
Swimming to the nearest bank, his arms trembling with exhaustion as he dragged himself onto the shore before rolling onto his back, the corpse of the monster, which was almost twice as long as he was, weighing heavy on his body. Ill make you pay for that, you bastard, even if youre dead. The pain from the bite throbbed. But for now, lets figure out how the hell to get you off of me.
He put his hand in its neck, grabbing the stone and he started cutting away slowly. Akiras plan was to cut the head off the body, then somehow dismantle the head or take the teeth out of his flesh.
Just as he started moving the stone to cut the head off, its jaws suddenly tightened. DAMN IT! Cant you just give me a break? You''re dead anyway!
He adjusted his grip on the stone, its slick surface now warm and sticky with the monster''s bioluminescent blood. Akira dug the blade-like edge into the creatures gills, his hand trembling as he worked. He sawed tirelessly.
Finally, with a wet, sickening sound, the stone cut through the last of the creature''s sinews. Its head came free, the jaws still clamped around his shoulder like a grotesque trophy. Akira pushed the lifeless body off his chest, letting it slump heavily to the side.
The weight lifted, but the head remained a gruesome pendant.
Putting the sharp stone on the ground, he muttered to himself. Good, now it''s time for you to go too, you fishy smelling bastard. He tried to open the jaws of the monster slowly with his hands, however, a wave of pain sent through his body. He let out a strained breath, trying to suppress the urge to scream. He quickly let go of it. The teeth had dug themselves so deep in him they had mingled with his flesh.
He let out a sigh, the situation could have ended way worse after all, he should be grateful he didnt lose his life.
Akira sat up, taking the stone with him and placing it in between the rope at his waist and his tunic, using the tension like a holster.
Chapter 14 "Escaping the Jaws of Death"
Now, how do I get you off? Akira said, his gaze narrowing as it captured the head that was still biting down on his shoulder.
The boys snowy gray eyes drifted towards the sky, a serene canvas of countless glowing stars, some smaller while others bigger. The moon, high in the sky, bathed him in its pale light, but its gentle glow felt like nothing more than a mockery.
Akira let out a sigh. Well, I can try to break or cut the head away from the jaw and then take the teeth out of my skin slowly. But he was tired from the near death experience despite his previous nap, the lighting he had was too dim for him to do something that required a lot of precision and he was soaking wet, not to mention the breeze that was making him feel even worse.
A shiver went down his spine, but he couldn''t even tell if it was from the cold or the pain at this point.
He gripped the back of the head of the monster and tried to move it a little again, however, it ended with the same result as his first attempt.
AAAAGHHH!!! Even the slight movement made Akira feel as his shredded flesh was slowly getting torn by the fangs of the dead monster.
Akiras thoughts shuffled, he knew he wouldn''t make it past sunrise if he couldnt get the head off and somehow treat his wound, but the pain of trying to remove the head was too much to bear.
Even if he carefully cut all the muscles in the jaw to loosen it, he knew the teeth would serrate his flesh further at the smallest of movement, increasing the pain and maybe even cutting something important.
His eyes flicked back to the sharp stone he had used earlier, now tucked into his belt. He pulled it free, its jagged edge glinting faintly in the pale light. If precision wasnt an option, maybe brute force was.
Akira sucked in a shaky breath. Alright... I can do this. Its just pain. He said, trying to steady his nerves. Just a little bit of pain.
Positioning the stone in his hand, he turned his focus to the joint of the creature''s jaw. If he could cut it there, he might be able to pry the head loose without causing more damage to his flesh.
He pressed the sharp edge of the stone against the hinge of the jaw, it was a pretty uncomfortable angle, and the jaw was exceptionally wide.
Taking another deep breath before starting to slowly saw at the muscle, but Shit, I need to break through its skin first, weak cuts wont do.
A miscalculation in his plan, he needed to break through its scales before getting to the soft muscle underneath, and that meant a heavy blow was needed.
His grip on the stone changed into a more solid one. Grabbing the stone with strength instead of finesse, he placed his other hand over it as well and took a deep breath.
Hesitation hung in the air, a blow too strong and it might pierce not only the monsters jaws, but his own flesh, a misdirected blow and he would severely cut himself. Im dead either way, so I might as well give it a shot.
Despite his brave words, his hands shook, his body yelling at him not to do it, his brain frozen without a clear solution.
Yet, what other choice did he have? Wait for death? A slow and painful death bleeding to his demise, or even worse, an infection?
The stone hovered over the joint of the monsters jaw, the faint glow of its bioluminescent blood illuminating the jagged edge. Akiras heart pounded against his ribcage like a war drum, the sound deafening in his ears.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.
He brought it down with all the strength he could muster, aiming directly at the weakest part of the jaws hinge. The impact was jarring, a loud crack echoing into the night as the stone met resistance.
Pain flared in his shoulder, excruciating and immediate, as the creatures fangs seemed to retaliate even after its death.
SHIT! Akira shouted, his voice hoarse from both exhaustion and frustration. He shook his head, pushing through the tears that welled in his eyes. He could feel the stone had penetrated the scales, the surface of the jaw weakening slightly.
His breaths came in shallow gasps, but he had done it, he managed to break through the scales, now he could carefully cut at the muscle.
Akira adjusted his grip on the stone, his fingers slick with the monsters blood and his own sweat.
His shoulder throbbed, the teeth lodged in his flesh acting like cruel barbs, but he forced himself to focus. The stone''s edge glinted faintly in the moonlight as he pressed it into the soft tissue now exposed beneath the shattered scales.
His hands trembled as he began to saw at the fibrous muscles of the jaw. The motion was painstakingly slow, each drag of the stone sending jolts of pain through his body as the jaws shifted ever so slightly.
Beads of sweat mixed with river water trickled down his brow. The monsters blood, the vivid, bioluminescent green, coated his hands, glowing faintly in the dark like some ghastly war paint.
The muscles of the jaw began to give way, but every twitch and shift of the teeth embedded in his shoulder. His breathing grew shallow, his vision swimming with every pulse of pain, but he pressed on.
The monster''s head now hung looser, its jaw slackening slightly as more tendons snapped under the relentless scraping of his makeshift blade.
Akira''s lips curled into a snarl, his exhaustion giving way to a primal determination. He refused to let the creature, even in death, claim victory over him.
Finally, with a nauseating snap, the last of the jaw''s hinge gave way. The tension in the creatures bite released with a grotesque squelch, and the teeth embedded in Akiras shoulder loosened.
He gasped, a mixture of relief and pain coursing through him, as he pried the monstrous head away. The sensation of the fangs dragging out of his flesh was torturous, but at last they were gone, or at least most of them were.
Akira tossed the severed head aside with all the strength he could muster, watching as it rolled into the shadows like a discarded relic of his ordeal. He slumped backward onto the riverbank, his body screaming.
Blood oozed from the deep punctures in his shoulder, dark red mixing with the glowing green smears left behind by the monster. The edges of his vision blurred again, his body heavy as the adrenaline that had fueled him began to wane.
But that wasnt the end, there were still a few teeth embedded in his flesh.
Youre one insistent bastard, arent you? I bet you werent very popular with the ladies Or were you a lady? Akira shook his head. Ive been talking to myself too much, I feel like Im going insane.
Gripping the base of one of the teeth with trembling fingers, he tugged gently. Another sharp jolt of pain shot through his shoulder, and he hissed through clenched teeth, his free hand reflexively clawing at the dirt beneath him.
The tooth wouldnt budge.
Damn it, of course you wouldnt make this easy. Akira growled. He took a deep breath, then shifted his grip, bracing his hand against the wound as he pulled again, harder this time. The jagged edge of the tooth scraped against his flesh as it came free, and he bit down on his lip to keep from screaming.
A small spurt of blood followed, Akira dropped the tooth into the dirt beside him, glaring at it as if it were a personal enemy. One down, three more to go.
Akira pulled out the last of the teeth that were lodged into him and let out a sigh of relief.
He got up and walked to the river, kneeling in the shallow part of the water. Cupping in his hand a bit of water, he moved it up to his shoulder and let it cascade over the wound, letting the blood, the monsters and his own, wash down.
His gaze shifted down into the river, the crystals were somewhere down there, but for now he was too injured and weak to go fetch them. He didnt even know how deep it went or if the monster he had killed was the only horror that was in the water.
Turning to look at the creatures headless corpse, a sinister thought crept up into his head. I wonder if it tastes good?
The base of its body was basically like a fish and its upper body only shared the similarities of shapes to that of a human body, so it wouldnt be the worst thing he had eaten.
Chapter 15 "Abandoning Ones Sanity"
I said Id gut you like a fish, didnt I? Akira stood over the lifeless, headless body of the monster, the weight of his words hanging in the air like an unspoken challenge.
His breath was ragged, his body trembling with exhaustion and from the cold hitting against his soaked frame, despite that, there was a dark satisfaction in the twisted humor of his own remark.
He had done it. Against all odds, he had survived.
He crouched down beside the body, wincing as his injured shoulder protested the movement.
His hand hovered above the monsters scaly body, and despite the pain, his curiosity gnawed at him.
The creature had been both a predator and a threat, but now, it was just another source of sustenance. Could he make use of it? The thought of eating something that had nearly killed him seemed strange, yet almost repetitive at this point.
The process itself was not tough, in fact, it was pretty simple. Akira used a strong blow to break through the scales and filet away the meat underneath, cutting off and avoiding the fatty parts.
Sure, his cuts were crude and wasted a lot of possible good meat, but he wasnt a chef, he was a lost seventeen year old boy who got dropped into a cruel world filled with monsters that want to kill him without remembering anything else besides his name, even his own looks and age were strangers to him until a day or so ago.
He simply happened to have an affinity for surviving in this kind of place, or just luck. Maybe a lot of both.
He took up a piece of meat he had cut from the monster, the color of its bare flesh a juicy mix of orange and red. Its texture was soft, not as gelatinous as the larvas flesh, it held a certain firmness.
With a deep breath, he tore into the meat.
It was surprisingly tender, and the texture wasnt as foul as he had expected. The flesh was slightly oily, but there was a savory richness that made him chew thoughtfully, its taste was delightfully sweet, not sweet like candy but a different kind that he couldnt quite place his finger on.
He repeated the process again and again, turning the lower half of the monster into a carcass, slowly but surely.
After the feast, Akira lay on a patch of soft grass, a little ways away from the riverbank.
Thankfully, his wound had stopped bleeding, indicating that nothing important had been hit and his blood clotted properly.
However, the wound was still open and had left a nasty mark, his skin and flesh a mess, his collarbone probably cracked and his tunic, where he had been bitten, shredded, torn to pieces and mixed in with the raw flesh.
The pain in his shoulder had dulled to a constant throb, a reminder of the battle he had fought and barely survived.
Now I cant really sleep out in the open, I need to find some kind of shelter. There was one problem, Akira had very little idea about anything really, it was as if he were born only a day ago.
The only reason he knew anything was because basic information would randomly pop up in his head, as if they were forgotten memories that came back when needed, yet none of them offered any insight on how he got here or who he was before this.
Not that he complained, as it helped him stay alive.
Even if he wanted to sleep in a monsters corpse again, this time the problem was that the monster he had at hand was long enough, but too thin, he wouldn''t get any protection from the wind, plus it would take too much time and effort to carve and empty enough space to fit in.
He looked around, straining his eyes in the night to find anything that would look like a shelter, but there was nothing, no small cavern entrances, no dense bushes to prop himself in between or under.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
His mind raced trying to find a solution to this predicament he found himself in, one of them being to stay active tonight and sleep during the day, but there were three problems with that.
One, the night was bitter cold and he had no protection from the winds.
Two, the night is when predators were most active, so he had the most chances to run into them.
And three, he couldnt see anything beyond twenty meters or so, not to mention the foliage also offered cover to not only himself, but also to whatever lurked in the darkness.
His gaze flicked back to the waterfall as it flowed into a river, the water flowed in lazy, rippling currents. He had to make a choice, stay near the river for the sake of the crystals and risk being found by something worse or freeze to death. Or move deeper into the jungle where he might find safety but risk getting lost, attacked by another monster or even worse, never finding the crystals again.
He clicked his tongue in annoyance before moving upstream to the shallow and more narrow part of the river where he had bathed and moved through there, crossing the river and starting to delve deeper into the jungle.
And such, with not much of an option left, Akira left behind the last link to his sanity.
As he walked, the shadows and sounds seemed to follow, distant sounds of insects and other life thriving around him, but thankfully none too near.
During his time here he had noticed a particular pattern to the monsters he was facing were smarter and smarter than the last.
Sure, they werent as fierce, but that didn''t make them any less deadly.
One of the pale, winged behemoths would have probably killed hundreds of the water monster Akira had just encountered, but to him, the smarter and more his own size they were, the worse it was.
A big predator like the titanic snake he faced or the flying monsters might have ignored him or toyed with him, but they didnt actively hunt him.
In exchange, the small fairy looking ones and the aquatic one were focusing on him. It was almost as if the Selection Trial was increasing the difficulty as he advanced like it was preparing him for something.
Akira reached a point where the foliage grew denser, and the jungle''s oppressive atmosphere felt suffocating. It was almost impossible to tell where he was going, the trees, vines, and roots formed a labyrinth of endless twists and turns.
Still, the feeling that he was being hunted lingered in his mind, gnawing at him. It had been hours since he left the river, but his instincts told him something wasnt right.
The silence felt wrong.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a faint glimpse of a light.
The boy froze mid-step, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end.
His body tensed, every muscle coiled with the familiar, primal urge to flee. But instead of running, he silently crouched, his breathing shallow and controlled as he peered through the dense foliage toward the faint light.
It was a soft, flickering glow, too unpredictable and wild to be from any natural source. His eyes narrowed as he tried to make sense of it.
Taking each step with precaution to not make a noise, he closed in on the light.
Finally, he reached a break in the dense foliage, enough to peer through. What he saw startled him.
It was a fire inside a rock formation that acted as a natural shelter, it seemed deep enough that it could protect someone from the winds and not blow out the fire, but too shallow for a monster to live in it.
His eyes widened, beside the fire sat what seemed like a man. He couldn''t make out much detail from that distance.
The man didnt seem to notice him yet. He was sitting on the ground, cross-legged by the fire, his posture relaxed, as though he had been here for a while.
His clothes were the same as Akiras, but they were weathered, almost ragged from use.
Beside him, stuck in the ground, a long and thin object, long enough to keep something away and thin enough to be grasped by a hand.
The object beside him caught Akiras attention. A weapon? A tool? It was hard to tell in the flickering firelight, but it''s deliberate placement within arms reach suggested it wasnt there for decoration.
Akiras silver eyes darted back to the mans face, still obscured by the play of shadows and firelight. Should he approach? Call out from a distance? Or stay hidden and observe?
The man stirred slightly, leaning forward to stoke the fire with a stick. The flames flared briefly, casting his features into sharper relief.
His face was weathered, lines etched deep into his skin, though his exact age was difficult to determine. A beard covered most of his lower face, and his brown hair was tied back in one thick braid.
Akiras gaze shifted back to the object at the mans side. It was a spear, primitive but effective-looking, its shaft carved from a sturdy wood and tipped with what seemed to be a sharp fragment of stone or bone.
The craftsmanship wasnt masterful, but it was functional. The weapon alone suggested the man had experience surviving in this unforgiving jungle.
Akiras body, moving almost on its own, stood up. Might as well give it a shot. His life was already in danger, whether he did something or not.
Chapter 16 "First Ally"
Akira stood up, his body acting before his mind could second-guess the decision.
In a show of surrender, he raised his hands, palms open, hoping to seem less threatening. The subtle rustle of leaves accompanied his movement as he stepped out from the cover of the dense foliage, his silver eyes fixed on the man by the fire.
The stranger reacted instantly, his hand darting toward the spear without hesitation. In one fluid motion, he was on his feet, the weapon pointed directly at Akira. The firelight danced across the sharp, primitive tip of the spear, its edge glinting menacingly.
Stop right there! The man barked, his voice rough, like gravel grinding against stone. His stance was solid, his eyes narrowing as they studied Akira from head to toe.
Akira froze mid-step, keeping his hands raised. Wait! Im like you, see! Im not a threat!
The tension between the two of them was so thick you could almost see it.
The mans gaze fell upon the sharp stone on Akiras waist. Take it out slowly and throw it to the side.
Akira hesitated for a fraction of a second, his instincts warring between compliance and self-preservation. The sharp stone at his waist was his only weapon, crude as it was, but if he wanted to make progress he had to sacrifice it.
Slowly, he reached for the stone, careful to avoid any sudden movements. He took it out from his belt'' and with deliberate care, he tossed it to the side, where it landed in the grass with a muted thud.
Good, now turn around, keep your hands up and start slowly walking towards me. The mans voice had a strong sense of authority.
Akira started walking towards the man while facing away from him, he wanted to glance back, but he knew that meant losing any trust he had built up in this initial meeting.
Though the thought of getting stabbed in the back, quite literally, also didnt seem pleasant.
How did you get here? The man barked out.
I dont know. I just- I woke up in a cave a few days ago, and some voice said something about a Selection Trial.
Silence stood in the air for what felt like an eternity. You can turn around.
Akira slowly turned around, his body still tense, hands hovering slightly above his head. He caught the glint of the firelight reflecting off the spears tip, but the mans grip on it had relaxed slightly.
The strangers sharp eyes studied him closely, but there was no immediate threat in his posture now.
He turned around and sat next to the fire, impaling the spear in the ground next to himself. Come, sit, youll freeze to death out there. His eyes turned to Akiras shoulder. I doubt youll make it much longer if you keep that untreated.
After a brief pause, Akira slowly lowered his hands, his muscles aching from tension.
He took a step toward the fire, careful not to make any sudden movements that might trigger another defensive reaction.
As he sat down, he winced, feeling the weight of exhaustion and the dull throb in his shoulder.
The warmth from the fire was pleasant and comforting, but it did little to ease the exhaustion that had been building for hours.
Akira swallowed dryly, trying to keep his voice steady despite the barrage of questions flooding his mind. So, you... Do you remember anything from before here?
The man shook his head, his expression grim. Not a damn thing. I woke up in a cave, much like you, and the first thing I heard was that voice too. Told me the same thing about the Selection Trial. Ive been here ever since, trying to figure out what it means, trying to survive... but its all a damn mystery.
Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.
Akiras gaze drifted to the fire, the crackling flames offering little comfort as the mans words sunk in. The feeling of isolation hit him harder than ever, the realization that he wasnt alone in this strange world, yet still no closer to understanding what was happening.
Im Akira, by the way.
The mans eyes softened for a brief moment. Call me Ekhis.
So, Ekhis, do you have any idea what this Selection Trial is? Akira asked, his voice quieter now, the weight of the unknown settling deeper into his bones.
The mans face darkened. Not really, but I know of a way to get out of here. In fact, we''re only a few hours away from the Mist Gate, it''s an exit from this ''Selection Trial''.
Akiras pulse quickened at the mention of Mist Gate. He leaned forward, his attention fixed on Ekhis. The Mist Gate? His voice was a mix of disbelief and hope. Youre saying theres a way out of here? Why havent you left until now then?
Ekhis let out a long, weary sigh, his face shadowed by the flickering flames before fixing Akira with a hard, tired gaze.
I tried, many months ago. He said simply, the weight of his words carrying an undertone of frustration. Ive seen it, been close, but its not as simple as walking up to it. The Mist Gate is protected by a dangerous monster, something that makes most monsters here look like small fry in comparison. His voice grew harsher. Thats why Ive been waiting. I believe I have a solution on how to get past it, but I needed another person to put the plan in motion.
How do you plan on getting past- Akira tried to speak but was cut off.
Ill explain the plan when we get closer, for now, lets tend to your wound. You need rest and a weapon too. The man said, it wasnt a suggestion, but an order.
Akira gingerly removed the shredded remains of his tunic from his wound, it was ugly, raw, and still not properly cleaned, the flesh around it swollen and bruised. Luckily, there was no pus or any signs of infection.
Ekhiss sharp eyes immediately flicked to it, his brow furrowing. Stay still. He said gruffly, pulling a small pouch from his side.
He unwrapped it to reveal several leaves, their edges serrated and dark green in color. The scent was bitter, and Akira watched as the man crushed the leaves between his rough palms, releasing their juice.
Do you know how to use that? Akira asked, his voice hoarse.
Ekhis gave a brief nod. Ive learned to make do with whats around me. This should stop any infection from building up and dull the pain. Its not going to magically cure you, but itll keep you going for now.
The stranger moved swiftly, gently pressing the crushed leaves against Akiras wound.
A sharp sting ran through Akiras arm, but he clenched his jaw and didnt make a sound. His eyes flicked back to the fire, the flames flickering in the night air.
"That should help for now." Ekhis muttered, then sat back, pulling his spear closer to him, his eyes scanning the surrounding darkness. Tomorrow at first light Ill make you a spear like mine and well set off to the Mist Gate. For now, rest, I slept all day, so I can keep watch.
Akira nodded, grateful for the man''s effort, though his mind was still racing. The idea of the Mist Gate, a potential way out of this nightmare, was a small beacon of hope in the sea of uncertainty.
He could finally let his guard down and rest a little.
The boy lay on the ground and tried to find a comfortable position to sleep in, which proved difficult. Finally, he ended up sitting with his knees to his chest and his arms wrapped around them, like he sat at the river. Something about this position made him more comfortable and safe.
With that, he was able to rest his eyes.
Akira blinked, trying to adjust his eyes to the soft morning light filtering through the cave. The fire had died out not too long ago, leaving faint traces of ash and white smoke behind. He rubbed his eyes, blinking hard to rid himself of the lingering grogginess.
Ekhis was gone.
Pushing himself to his feet, Akira glanced around the shelter to see everything was missing. He also took a peek at his wound which was now feeling and looking much better.
He slowly made his way out of the shelter, his senses sharp despite his exhaustion. The jungle had already begun to stir with life, the low hum of insects and distant bird calls filling the air.
The ground beneath his feet was still damp from the nights coolness, and Akiras footsteps were careful as he navigated the uneven terrain. His mind was racing with thoughts of the Mist Gate, the dangerous monster guarding it, and what Ekhis''s plan was.
It didn''t take long before he spotted Ekhis.
The man was crouched by a fallen tree, his back to Akira as he worked with steady precision. The sharp sound of wood being hacked echoed through the dense jungle, and Akira could see that Ekhis was crafting something from the materials around him, pieces of wood and stone. The spear.
Akira approached slowly, making sure his presence was known before he got too close. Ekhis didnt turn around at first, too focused on the task at hand. He was using a jagged stone to chip away at the thick branch in front of him, shaping it into a weapon.
Chapter 17 "The Condition to Pass"
"You sleep well?" Ekhiss voice was low but steady, not bothering to glance up.
Akira nodded, still unsure how to approach the situation. Im alive, so yeah. Im alright.
Ekhis grunted in acknowledgment, pausing for a moment to examine his work. Good. The mans voice was silent yet held a lot of power. Ill be finishing up soon, once this is done we can move on to the Mist Gate.
How long do you think itll take to get there? Akira asked, his voice quiet as if speaking too loudly might draw the jungles predators to them.
Ekhis didnt pause in his work, the rough stone in his hand scraping against the wood with measured precision. Half a day, maybe less if we keep a steady pace. The jungle gets denser as we approach the Mist Gate, though. The Gate itself though, is in the middle of a clearing.
Akira frowned, his brow furrowing. "A clearing? That sounds... exposed. If there''s a monster guarding it, wouldn''t that put us at a huge disadvantage?"
Ekhis chuckled dryly, shaking his head as he continued to shape the spear. "You''re not wrong. Thats why I havent gone there again.
Akira shifted uneasily, glancing around the dense jungle. The idea of facing another deadly creature so soon made his stomach twist. "What kind of monster is it?"
Ekhis paused, his expression darkened as silence lingered for a while. Its not particularly big in size, although it is very smart and cunning. Its the worst kind of monster, much worse than the big monsters you see in the jungle. I was lucky to escape alive from it.
He pulled up his tunic, the soft material offering no resistance as it revealed a scar that pierced through the mans lower abdomen.
Akiras eyes narrowed, it wasnt something most monsters would do, it was too clean to be from fangs or claws tearing flesh.
The dark haired boys gray eyes lingered on the scar, his mind racing to understand its origin. It was a small, clean wound, almost surgical in appearance, like a blade had pierced through the man''s flesh rather than a beast.
The scar had healed, but the edges were still faintly raised, the tissue around it taut, as though the injury had been recent enough to leave its mark on Ekhiss body.
Ekhis caught Akiras gaze and gave a grim smile. "Yeah, thats from the monster Im talking about. It doesn''t use brute force like the others. Its more... strategic. It waits, it watches, and it strikes when you least expect it." His fingers lightly traced the scar as he spoke, almost absently. I was careless. I had finally found a way out, and then it ripped my hopes apart.
Akira took a step back, deciding it was best to stay out of Ekhiss way for now.
He found a spot nearby, his eyes scanning the jungle, every rustle of leaves, every movement of shadow setting him on edge. His body was rested, but his mind wouldnt rest. He couldnt afford to let his guard down, not when the most dangerous thing theyd faced was still waiting for them.
The minutes stretched on, each one feeling heavier than the last. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Ekhis stood, holding the newly crafted spear. It was crude but effective, long and sturdy, the stone, the same one Akira had on him when he met Ekhis, affixed to the end gleamed in the morning light.
Catch. The bearded man said before tossing Akira his brand new weapon, and taking up his own. Were ready to go.
Akira caught the spear, the rough wood fitting comfortably in his hands. The stone tip gleamed, sharp and ready, though the weapons crude design still left Akira wondering if it could even harm such a monster. But there was no time to dwell on that now.
The path to the Mist Gate lay ahead, and the promise of an exit, however uncertain, was enough to keep him focused.
Stolen story; please report.
Thanks. Akira muttered, adjusting his grip on the spear. He glanced at Ekhis, who was already scanning the jungle ahead, his eyes alert, every sense tuned to the environment.
Lets move. Ekhis said, his voice low but commanding.
The jungle around them was alive with the sounds of morning, birds calling out in the distance, insects buzzing, and the occasional rustle of something moving through the underbrush.
They began walking, the dense foliage parting before them as they made their way deeper into the jungle. Akira kept his eyes on the ground, avoiding roots and uneven patches of earth, his ears straining for any sign of movement.
He felt the weight of his new spear in his hands, a reminder of the looming danger, but it also gave him a small sense of control, something to defend himself with.
Ekhis led the way, his movements fluid and efficient. He didnt speak much, but the occasional glance he shot Akira suggested he was aware of the boys unease.
Every so often, Ekhis would pause, crouch, and inspect the ground, checking for tracks or any signs of predators in the area.
Akira followed suit, mimicking the older mans careful steps, though his mind kept drifting back to the monster Ekhis had described, just could such a cruel monster look like? Would he even see it? After all, if its as ruthless and smart as Ekhis described it, it could kill him before he could even get the chance to lay eyes on it.
With each step they took, the sun climbed higher and higher, until it was a little ways past noon.
It wasnt long before the jungle began to shift again.
The trees gave way to a vast clearing, just as Ekhis had described. Akiras heart pounded in his chest as he stepped into the open space, his eyes immediately scanning the edges of the clearing for any signs of movement.
The Mist Gate itself was nothing like what Akira had imagined. It wasnt something grandiose or overwhelmingly terrifying.
Instead, it was an ancient stone structure, covered in moss and grass as if it had been there for decades, with carvings of forgotten symbols that seemed to pulse faintly with a golden light. It stood in the center of the clearing, and in it a thick, gray mist, cascading from the top of the stone to the ground, swirling around as if it were alive.
Near the structure stood another, smaller structure. It looked to be a strange gathering of rocks piled up in an oval shape, its length the size of a single person bed and so was its width.
Whats that? Akira asked, a little confused by the second structure.
Ekhiss eyes darkened. I dont know, kid.
Akiras eyes flickered between the Mist Gate and the pile of rocks, a feeling of unease settling over him. The gray mist seemed to swirl almost hypnotically, as if it had a life of its own. His grip on the spear tightened, his senses sharpening, as every nerve screamed that something was wrong.
Alright kid, you take the lead and Ill cover our asses, the monster wont strike until were close to the Mist Gate. Youll pass through it first and Ill follow directly after.
The thin boy took his first step, and it was quickly followed by another and another.
Akiras breath came in shallow bursts as he took step after careful step toward the Mist Gate. The air around him grew thick with the swirling gray mist, the scent of damp earth and decaying vegetation filling his nostrils.
He could feel the weight of the spear in his hands, though it gave him little comfort against the rising sense of dread.
However despite how close he got, the monster did not come.
Are you sure theres even a monster here, Ekhis? Akira asked, not bothering to turn around to face the older man.
In that moment he got close to the Mist Gate, maybe five meters or so away before a voice popped into his mind.
It wasnt just any other voice, it was soft and gentle, like a small angel whispering into his ear. Congratulations on reaching the Mist Gate hunter, in order to achieve passage, you must meet the condition to pass. It was the same voice he heard when he woke up, but what did it mean? What did it mean, complete one condition?
Take the life of another hunter.
Suddenly he felt something hot piercing through his back.
Akira looked down slowly at his stomach to see the tip of Ekhiss spear. How did it get there?
Wait...
The boys breath became shaky, coming out in hurried bursts and his knees weakened.
Ekhis stood behind him, his face unreadable, his hand still gripping the spear''s haft. Sorry kid, it was either you or me. The man pulled his spear out of the boys body with a sickening squelching sound of Akiras blood and flesh.
Akiras knees buckled, and he crumpled to the ground, his breath shallow and ragged. Pain radiated from the wound in his chest, sharp and burning. His vision blurred as he struggled to comprehend what had just happened.
Ekhis stood above him, his expression cold and unreadable, the weapon still clutched tightly in his hand. The mist swirling around them seemed to pulse with an eerie rhythm, as if it were feeding off Akiras confusion and fear. The world around him seemed to grow distant, like he was trapped in a dream from which he couldnt wake.
Chapter 18 "Serpent"
I was like you once, scared, new to this world. Then I met a cruel man who betrayed me and a woman far too innocent for this place that I cared for. His eyes moved to the pile of rocks that was near the Mist Gate. I tried to reason with him but he still took her life in cold blood, and tried to kill me too. But I lived
The mood was heavy.
I told you, didn''t I? There was a monster guarding this Gate, one much more evil than anything in this cursed forest. He glanced back at Akira, who was lying on the ground, gasping for air. It''s us Akira, were the worst monster.
Akira''s eyes widened as he now understood it all.
The most terrifying monster wasnt a behemoth like the snake that ignored him or the flying monster that toyed with him, it wasnt the small winged ones that tried to weaken him nor the intelligent water one that baited him.
No, it was another human being, the most inhumane opponent there could be.
Akiras eyes remained fixed on the pile of rocks as his breaths became shallow, his body growing weaker by the second.
The formation wasnt just a random collection of stones. It was a grave. A marker for someone who had died here, someone who had met the same fate as he is, at the hands of another hunter.
Ekhis took a step forward, the stone tip of his spear gleaming in the light, and Akira instinctively tried to push himself up, his fingers scraping against the dirt, but his strength failed him.
Dont bother. Ekhis muttered, the bitterness in his tone cutting through the air like a knife. "You wont have the strength to move, I made sure to puncture your left lung. He lifted the spear slowly, preparing to deliver a final strike.
Out of nowhere, tears started falling down Akiras cheeks, he desperately tried to speak, but his words were silent, cut from air.
Ekhis paused for a moment, watching the tears slip down Akira''s pale face. The sight seemed to give him a brief flicker of hesitation.
His eyes ditched the boy and moved to the pile of rock.
Images of a young woman appeared in his mind, she wore the same type of tunic they were wearing, walking around the jungle Her smile, her sweet voice, the way she was so innocent and caring despite the unknown. The mans eyes softened.
Then the images of her getting stabbed by a spear through the back, the blood pooling under her body, her dying last breaths and the tears that fled down her face, ending his memory as her life perished. Alice The words were more to himself than anything else.
Despite this he had somehow forgotten her face, perhaps he believed himself not worthy of remembering it after failing to protect her.
His jaw clenched as his gaze turned to Akira, his pitiful state was saddening, his small frame, his sickly pale face. A dying, helpless child. The boy was the epitome of weakness by any standard, how could one not pity such a young and frail child? I cant give you much, kid, but if you have any last words. Ill hear them out for you and keep your memory alive. Its the most I can do.
Akira whispered something, but his voice was far too weak to reach Ekhiss ears, it simply dispersed in the unforgiving air as he choked on his blood and tears.
Staring for a few moments, the man leaned in, putting his ear close to the boys lips. At least he was willing to hear the boys final words and remember them, that was a mercy not often given.
The voice in Akiras head that had spoken at the Mist Gate, its soft command to "Kill another hunter., repeated in the boys mind.
I said He took a deep wheezing breath, though his lungs did not fill with air from it. Im not the one dying, you damn bastard. Akira whispered.
Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.
The words shook the man to the core as he tried to react as quickly as he could, but it was too late.
The boy''s head lunged with the speed only a predator would have, his teeth bore into the mans throat.
Ekhis let out a choked gasp as Akira''s teeth sank into the soft flesh of his throat. The pain was immediate and searing, a violent surge that caught him completely off guard.
His hands left the spear and flew instinctively to his neck, trying to pry the boy off, but Akiras grip was ironclad.
The bearded mans body jerked as Akiras teeth sank deeper, the hot rush of blood flooding his mouth. The mans fingers scrabbled at the boys hair, his attempts to tear Akira away growing weaker as his strength ebbed.
Then The sound was brutal and visceral, and the result was just as terrifying. Akira''s teeth had torn out Ekhiss throat.
The boy had crossed many lines after waking up in this strange world, but this one, it set him on a path beyond salvation, he had done something no human should ever even dream of doing to another, and the boy knew it as well.
You monster. Ekhiss willowing fell on deaf ears as his body shuddered once, then collapsed heavily to the ground, his life slipping away in an instant as he took one last glance at the piles of rocks. The blood that had once gushed from his wound now pooled beneath him, staining the earth in a dark crimson. Im sorry Alice, I couldnt avenge you in the end
Congratulations hunter, you have completed the condition and proved to be worthy of walking the Gauntlet, please step into the Mist Gate.
Akira spat out some of Ekhis''s blood and flesh before staring at the sky. Is this what it takes to survive?
The jungle around Akira seemed to fall into an oppressive silence. The wind stilled, the birds ceased their calls, and even the rustling of leaves seemed to hold its breath. The weight of what he had just done hung in the air like a suffocating fog.
His chest heaved, the sharp sting of his wound barely registering as he wiped the blood from his mouth, his hands trembling with the tremors of adrenaline and horror.
With desperation he started clawing at the dirt, dragging his flesh to the Mist Gate.
His body felt like it was shutting down as he dragged himself forward, the dark crimson of his blood leaving a trail on the dirt, marking the path that had brought him to this moment.
Though it felt like he was not only dragging himself, the weight of his actions pressed down on him so heavily it felt like a struggle to even take a breath. Because of his wound, even taking a breath was an unimaginable task as the air seemed to just flow out of him as it entered.
Digging with desperation. his right hand finally found the cold surface of the Mist Gate, the stone so ancient yet it felt so sturdy.
His head moved up to glance at it, his eyes half way shut.
Was this truly salvation? A way out of this lush hell? Would that mean that all the hardship he had endured until now would finally stop?
Well, there was only one way to find out.
Using his other hand Akira grasped at the base of the Mist Gate and pulled himself into it.
The world around Akira seemed to twist and ripple as he crossed the threshold of the Mist Gate.
His vision blurred, the swirling gray mist enveloping him, thickening and shifting, pressing against him from all sides.
It was as though the very air had become liquid, suffocating, and alive. The world around him moving and twisting in unpredictable ways.
Congratulations on passing the Selection Trial, hunter. You have proven your worth. The voice resonated within Akira''s mind, soft and serene, yet utterly alien.
You will now be given the appropriate rewards for passing the Selection Trial.
Rewards? What could that mean?
Suddenly he could feel his wounds closing up as he could again gasp for air.
The fatigue and pain that had been dragging him down felt like giant weight lifted off his body.
Weakly, he pushed himself off the ground and onto his feet.
Looking down he saw that there was no floor to stand on, just mist, yet the footing under him felt solid.
But that wasnt all, the wound, both the bite on the shoulder and the stab through his lower abdomen were gone, his tunic clean and unscathed, as if the fabric had never even been touched.
Akira stared at his body in disbelief, his hands trembling as they moved over the places where his wounds had been.
The fabric of his tunic was pristine, and his skin, once pale and sickly, seemed healthier, though still far from vibrant. The pain that had wracked his body just moments ago was gone, leaving only the memory of agony and desperation.
What is this? Akira whispered, his voice hoarse. He took a tentative step forward, his bare feet finding footing on the mist despite its intangible appearance. The sensation was unsettling, like walking on air that had somehow been compressed into a firm and cold surface.
As your first reward, your body has been restored, your health improved, your hunger filled and your thirst quenched.
Akira quickly looked back to where the Mist Gate would have been, yet there was nothing, almost like it never even existed.
Hey Don''t fucking mess with me! Where the hell am I? Who are you? Why am I here? This might be his only chance to communicate with whatever brought him into this world, so he needed to make this moment count, yet he couldn''t quite contain his anger completely.
The voice, however, offered no answers. You will now be granted your second reward.
Chapter 19 "Awakeneing"
You will now be granted your second reward. The voice did not seem to care about Akiras tantrum. Instead, in a completely neutral tone, it announced its next words.
As your second reward, your Heart Core will now be awakened.
Akira''s body tensed at the words. His confusion was replaced by an intense curiosity and dread. What was that? His mind raced, trying to grasp any meaning behind the phrase.
Before he could process further, a surge of warmth began to fill his chest. It wasnt painful, but it was powerful, like something deep inside him was coming alive.
His heartbeat quickened, and the sensation spread from his chest outward, sending ripples through his limbs. It felt like a slow, pulsing force, something ancient and primal, yet foreign to him.
His vision blurred for a moment, the fog around him swirling and intensifying, almost as if it were reacting to the awakening happening inside him. He felt something shifting within him, a knot of energy, a dormant force being drawn out and into focus.
Out of nowhere, another sharp sensation shot through his chest. Akira gasped, clutching at his tunic as if he could hold it together, but the sensation was growing stronger. It felt like his entire being was being reconfigured, restructured from the inside out. His breath caught in his throat as his body shuddered.
Then, it stopped. Like nothing happened, the feeling of power inside of him disappeared.
He looked down at his hands, his heart racing with questions that threatened to overwhelm him. What had just happened?
Heart Core?
Suddenly, with just the thought of the word, he was transported somewhere different.
Akira looked around to see nothing but darkness, like the world around him didnt even exist. Something, however, caught his gaze.
His silver eyes moved up to the sky to see A lightless sun, it was nothing but a small pebble in the sky, yet it stood far.
Its color was a lifeless gray and its shape was a perfect sphere, it held no imperfection or malformations, not even a single crack.
Akira himself didnt know how he could see it in such detail, despite the object being hundreds of meters away, but he just could. Despite this being the first time seeing this thing, he knew exactly what it was.
That''s my Heart Core? His words formed a question, yet the truth was deeply seeded in his mind and heart.
A realization struck him. What if the crystals he had found inside of the corpses of the monsters were also Heart Cores? Was he going to become a monster like that? What was the use of a Heart Core?
Without an explanation, he was suddenly back in the mist realm.
Akira stumbled, disoriented by the sudden shift between the strange void and the mist. His heart was still racing. He could feel the pulse of something new within him, but its nature eluded him. Heart Core, that was what the voice had called it. The words lingered in his mind like an echo, demanding his attention.
Now, onto your third and final reward. The voice spoke softly without need for explanation.
Wait, wait, wait, what is this place?! What''s a Heart Core? What do I even do with it? Akira looked around the mist, hoping the voice would at least present some hint or guidance.
His words fell onto uncaring ears.
Ignoring his questions completely, the voice continued.
Your third and final reward will be a Trait, [Spectral Shift].
Trait? What the-
As if answering his call, runes appeared in front of him, the language was foreign to him yet he understood it.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
Trait: [Spectral Shift]
Trait Type: Active
Trait Description: The user can momentarily shift into an elusive ethereal state, allowing them to phase effortlessly through physical objects of their choice. This spectral form lasts only a few moments, during which time the user becomes untouchable by all that is material, as if they were nothing more than a fleeting whisper in the wind.
"Your rewards have been granted, hunter. Your Selection Trial is complete. Please proceed forward onto the first Sanctuary."
Wha- Before finishing his sentence, a Mist Gate appeared in front of him, so instantaneous you could swear it had been there the whole time.
However, there was one difference between the Mist Gate that took him here and this one. Aside from the apparent change in the shape and size of the rocks that formed it, the symbols on it were different.
His fingers brushed against his chest, searching for some physical evidence of the transformation, but there was nothing. He clenched his fist, testing his strength, but his body felt no different, stronger, perhaps, but not in any tangible way he could measure.
He glanced back at the Mist Gate. The thought of stepping through filled him with a mixture of dread and anticipation. Every step forward felt like it was dragging him deeper into an endless spiral of unknowns, yet there was no turning back.
Sanctuary. He murmured to himself, the word bitter on his tongue. What kind of place is that going to be?
Akira took a shaky step forward, then another, his bare feet brushing against the solid mist beneath him. He paused just before the threshold of the gate, the mist swirling around him like restless spirits. With a deep breath, he stepped through.
The transition was instantaneous, a sensation like being pulled through water without the resistance or weight. Akira emerged on the other side, blinking rapidly as his surroundings solidified.
He was no longer in the mist-filled void.
Instead he stood on a dirt path, the world around him transformed.
Fields of golden wheat stretched endlessly on either side, swaying gently in a warm, sunlit breeze. The air was sweet, carrying the faint scent of grain and wildflowers. Above, the sky was a perfect canvas of blue, dotted with soft clouds that seemed to drift lazily, unbothered by the weight of the world.
For a moment, Akira stood frozen, his senses overwhelmed by the sudden serenity. Am I still alive? The mere beauty and calmness of this new stage confused Akira to the point he thought he had somehow died and passed onto a better place.
Then a bitter chuckle escaped his lips. Who am I kidding? If I was dead I wouldn''t be in a place like this."
The golden hues of the wheat glowed under the sunlight, a stark contrast to the suffocating atmosphere of the mist realm. The silence was broken only by the rustling of the stalks and the occasional chirp of unseen birds.
His eyes followed the dirt path to the horizon, where a massive wall of gray stone rose into the heavens. It was impossibly tall, its surface smooth and imposing, a barrier that seemed to defy the natural order. The path led directly to a colossal wooden gate, raised as if in silent invitation.
The sight filled Akira with unease. The peaceful landscape felt almost too perfect, like a facade waiting to shatter.
He clenched his fists and forced himself to move forward. Each step was hesitant, his bare feet pressing against the soft dirt path as he made his way toward the gate.
As he got closer and closer, he could start hearing murmurs people. The sounds were unmistakable, people talking, laughing and arguing.
For a moment, his instincts screamed at him to turn back, to retreat into the golden wheat fields and vanish from sight. Yet he knew there was no safety in the fields, no refuge in turning back.
He glanced behind him, half expecting the Mist Gate to still be there, waiting to whisk him back into the mist realm, but it was gone. There was no retreat. Only forward.
The gate was wide open, and far too big and heavy for anyone to move, its wooden bottom was the only visible part of it, covered in intricate floral patterns molded with silver and gold.
Looking inside, he saw a sight that terrified him to the bone.
It was a massive crowd, tens, if not hundreds, all dressed like him and looking just as confused.
Akira froze, his feet rooted to the ground. They were all standing at what looked like the entrance to a big city, this place only had a few stone buildings that looked like abandoned houses.
For a split second all eyes turned to him, yet the uninvited gazes left as soon as they came. For a second Akira stood there in shock, this was the first time he saw this many people together, his messy, raven hair flopping in the breeze.
The conversations ranged wildly.
Hey, did you guys also wake up in the middle of a field? A short girl asked.
So what was your guys'' condition to pass through the Mist Gate? A dark-skinned boy asked as well.
I had to catch this giant fish in a river where I woke up and drag it to the Mist Gate. A woman with brown hair styled in a bun said.
What are you guys talking about? I didnt have any conditions to pass. I just walked through and got my rewards. Another man added.
As he stepped closer, he caught a glimpse of a group gathered near the center of the open courtyard. The group in the center, the ones wearing armor and carrying real weapons, caught his attention. Their confidence was stark against the confusion of the rest.
They were speaking with an air of authority, addressing the gathered crowd.
Chapter 20 "First Sanctuary"
Akira moved through the crowd, stepping closer to the group of armored figures at the center.
Their confident posture and the way they communicated with one another set them apart from the rest. These werent just survivors thrown together by circumstance, these were seasoned warriors, individuals who had clearly seen battle, people who understood what it meant to endure in a world far harsher than the one Akira had just escaped.
A tall man with dark, navy colored wavy hair, dressed in a simple yet practical set of leather armor, stood addressing the crowd. His voice was commanding, but it held a calm authority. Every word he spoke was deliberate, each sentence carrying weight.
"Alright, everyone, please calm down." He called, his voice slicing through the murmurs. "I know you have a lot of questions, and well get to them. But for now, let me explain the basics."
The crowd hushed almost immediately, the tension in the air palpable. The man paused briefly, clearing his throat.
"My name is Oliver." He continued, his tone steady. "Youre all what we call Hatchlings. Youve just completed your Selection Trials and been brought to a rift between Trials, whether youve gained a Trait, maybe multiple, and for the lucky few, an Epithet, then transported here. Youve also awakened something called a Heart Core, which I will explain to you all in as much detail as I can tomorrow."
The mention of the Heart Core sent a shiver down Akiras spine. He froze, his mind racing. What? He thought. Epithet? Whats an Epithet? I only received a single Trait.
Around him, the crowd seemed equally confused, each person processing the information with a mix of skepticism and disbelief. But Oliver stood unshaken, guiding them through the chaos with measured clarity.
"I know its a lot to absorb and it may sound absurd." Oliver said, his tone softening slightly, though his authority remained. "But youre not alone in this. Weve all been through it, and well help you adjust."
A tall woman in steel armor stepped forward, her presence contrasting Olivers. While she lacked the same commanding aura, her demeanor exuded a quiet confidence. A longsword hung at her side, and though her posture suggested she was more comfortable with combat than with diplomacy, there was a certain calm confidence about her.
"For now." She said, her voice firm but reassuring. "We need you to form lines. When your turn comes, state your name, what rewards you received, and the conditions you met to pass through the Mist Gate. Dont worry, this isnt a judgment, its just so we can get an understanding of whos with us. We wont share your information with anyone else. Naturally for those who feel like they can trust us you can also display it in the form of runes just by thinking of showing it to us."
She moved to stand beside Oliver, and the crowd, eager to comply, began to form into lines. Akira watched as the process unfolded, it was simple yet strangely intimate.
Each person would step forward, whisper or showed their information to one of Olivers companions who would then pass it on to Oliver himself. The man appeared unfazed by the flood of details, his stoic expression suggesting he was memorizing everything, absorbing it all.
Akira stood quietly, his thoughts swirling. The crowd began to settle, and as the noise dimmed, a strange sense of camaraderie seemed to settle over them.
When Akiras turn finally came, his heart pounded in his chest. He stepped forward, trying to maintain composure despite the flood of questions in his mind. A man with short-cropped blonde hair, his expression stern, gestured for Akira to approach.
"Name?" The mans voice was clipped and efficient.
"...Akira." Akira replied, forcing the word past his lips.
The man nodded. "What rewards did you receive?"
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
Akira hesitated, feeling the weight of the moment. "I received a single Trait." He said, keeping his voice steady. "Its called [Hawk Eyes], it lets me see much further and clearer."
The mans brow furrowed slightly, and he glanced toward Oliver who just nodded before returning his gaze to Akira. "And what condition did you meet to pass through the Mist Gate? If you had any."
Akiras pulse quickened. He knew he couldnt afford to reveal the truth, not in this place, not to anyone else. "I had to hunt down a white deer through a forest made of crystals." He lied, forcing the words out.
There was a brief silence as the man processed the information. After a moment, he gave a curt nod. "Very well. You may step aside and wait for us to finish. Once were done, youll all be escorted to the Hatchlings barracks."
Akira exhaled in relief in his mind.
He walked past the man, as he took his first step, he and Oliver locked eyes for a split second before breaking contact.
He knows. Akiras mind swerved, he knew that Oliver was aware of his lie, or at least had a hunch about it. Or maybe it was just his paranoia acting out, but better to be careful than sorry.
Akira sat alone, quietly leaning his bony back against the stone wall of a building that looked like a house as he watched the groups of people already forming.
Ofcourse, as in any environment, people would try to find others who are like them and unite.
As Akira sat there, his mind racing, the murmurs of the crowd began to fade into the background. He was still on edge, unable to shake the unease that had settled deep within him.
He had lied to the stern-faced man, and despite his best efforts to hide it, he couldnt shake the feeling that Oliver had seen right through him.
Despite his less than welcoming appearance, a few groups glanced at Akira, most writing him off as some gloomy loner or a weakling who wasnt worth befriending.
Akira stayed seated, his knees drawn up to his chest, and his arms wrapped around them. For some reason he had adopted this position whenever he did not feel safe.
The line thinned and more groups formed, finally, the armored group finished with all the interviews. If you could call them that.
Thank you for your patience, everyone. Now we will show you the way to your barracks, they are on the outside of the city so you will not be able to see what life in the Sanctuary is like, but rest assured we will give you a tour later on. Some of you may choose to stay here and get jobs, some may choose to move on to the First Trial, its your choice. The armored group started moving deeper into the city, expecting the Hatchlings to follow.
The others didnt have much choice, so they followed behind Oliver and his people, and Akira simply blended in with the countless other faces.
Following the group into the city, he couldnt help but feel both a sense of awe and trepidation.
The city was nothing like the lush, oppressive landscape he had left behind. The buildings around him were towering stone structures, some adorned with intricate carvings, while others had a more utilitarian, fortress-like appearance. The streets were paved with cobblestones, well-trodden from years of use, and lanterns hung from every corner.
He stole glances at the people walking beside him, noticing how they carried themselves. A few were still shell-shocked from their Trials, their eyes wide with uncertainty, while others seemed more accustomed to the surroundings, their movements purposeful and confident.
The armored figures, Oliver and his companions, moved with quiet authority, scanning the crowd behind them and making sure the Hatchlings stayed in line and none drifted off on their own.
Finally they reached a more quiet part of town where two giant buildings loomed, their architecture looked simple in design, like fortresses that could house hundreds.
Alright, you will now be separated, the men will go into the left barracks while the women will go into the right barracks. Oliver ordered. I will be overseeing the mens barracks while my companion. The man pointed out the tall, dark-skinned woman. Nala, will be in charge of the womens barracks.
Akira followed the others as they were ushered toward the left barracks, his feet dragging with each step. The imposing structure loomed before him, a fortress-like building with weathered stone walls and high, narrow windows that gave the place an almost prison-like feel. It was functional, but there was no mistaking the sense of confinement that came with it.
The group of men and boys began to file in, and Akira moved with them, though the feeling of unease never left his chest.
He hadnt seen much of the city yet, but something about it felt off. The people, though bustling with life, didnt seem to radiate the same warmth that Akira had imagined when he thought of a Sanctuary. The city had a utilitarian, almost oppressive quality to it, as though everything here was designed for survival, not living.
As they entered the barracks, Akira was struck by the austere atmosphere inside. The walls were lined with simple wooden bunks, each one separated by small spaces, enough for a person to climb into their bed. The air smelled of fresh straw, sweat, and the faintest hint of metal, a strange mix of practicality and desperation.