Chapter 38

══ ◈ ══

third person

THE ROYAL hunting grounds buzzed with tension and anticipation. Nobles of every rank gathered, each at their own tents, meticulously sharpening their weapons and exchanging competitive glances. Two days had passed since the Emperor announced the Hunter’s Festival, and the air was thick with excitement and the scent of steel. Suddenly, a hush fell over the crowd as the Emperor rose from his grand, throne-like chair, his figure draped in luxurious, dark robes that hinted at an ominous authority.

A smirk tugged at the Emperor’s lips, his gaze sharp and predatory as it swept over the nobles. “Today is not for the faint of heart,” he began, his voice rolling out like thunder. “It is a day for the bold, the ruthless, and the cunning.” He let the words hang in the air, fueling their hunger. “For each beast you slay, you will be rewarded with points. Drudges, our weakest quarry, are worth 5 to 7 points.” The mention of even the lesser beasts stirred murmurs, a ripple of excitement and greed passing through the audience. “Fiends, with their sly tricks and fierce nature, will earn you 15 to 20 points.”

The Emperor’s smile widened as he continued, savoring the crowd's growing fervor. “And for the brave few among you, the Dreadspawn—beasts wielding dark powers—await, worth up to 50 points. But tread carefully, for they are relentless.” He paused, then leaned forward, voice dropping to a sinister whisper that compelled the nobles to lean in, hanging on his every word. “Those of unwavering courage may challenge the Oblivion beasts, worth up to 120 points. And at the pinnacle,” his eyes gleamed with a malevolent thrill, “the Abyssal creatures. Legends themselves, they offer up to 300 points for those daring enough to face them.”

The nobles’ eyes glinted with bloodlust and ambition as he continued, each one imagining the spoils they could claim. The Emperor straightened, casting a look of satisfaction at the nobles’ expressions—hungry, eager, willing to risk it all. “Extra points will be awarded for first strikes, solo kills, and flawless victories,” he declared, driving their competitive spirits to a fever pitch.

As the nobles gripped their weapons, ready to prove themselves in this ruthless hunt, the Emperor lifted a hand for silence. “One last thing…” He let his voice hang for effect, watching the tension coil. “There is a humanoid monster lurking in these woods. Bring her head to me, and I shall grant you the Duke’s title.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd, and every head turned toward the Grand Duke seated beside the Emperor. Eyes flickered with a newfound hunger—this wasn’t merely about hunting monsters. For some, it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to rise to the highest ranks, to claim power that seemed almost within reach.

The Emperor’s grin broadened, revealing a hint of malice as he surveyed the eager faces before him, reveling in their lust for blood and status. “Fight well, honor your house, and may the bravest stand triumphant,” he said, his tone rich with dark promise. “Good luck.”

The nobles didn’t need to be told twice. They surged from their tents, weapons in hand, eyes gleaming not just with excitement but with the bloodthirsty determination to hunt not only beasts but also a title, a legacy—perhaps even immortality. The thrill of the hunt was no longer just about survival or glory; it was about seizing destiny itself, no matter the cost.

══ ◈ ══

arthemice

I looked up at the trees, their dark branches stretching ominously above me. My wrists were cuffed, and my body was still weak from days in the dungeon. Here I was, standing alone in the heart of the forest, uncertain of what to do next. It had been two days since they’d thrown me in that damp cell. No one had visited me—no one except Darious. He’d brought food, a pillow, and a thin blanket. Together, we’d tried to find a way for me to escape, but Darious... he didn’t have the power to pull it off. His abilities were limited to shielding and swordsmanship, and with the palace’s knights and guards on constant alert, breaking out wasn’t an option—not with just the two of us. He’d promised to gather information, to return as early as possible with any hope he could find.

But today, I’d been dragged from my cell by the royal knights and brought here, into the forest. Now, I stood alone, shivering, trying to grasp what awaited me.

I laughed softly, staring down at the chains on my wrists. “This feels like being back in the basement…” I muttered. The memory was haunting, like déjà vu creeping under my skin.

“Arthemice… please, help me… Your life is so miserable, so hard…”

I shook my head, fighting off the whispers clawing at my mind. This was no time to break down. I took a deep breath. I’ve struggled through worse than this. I can’t give up now.

I took a few steps forward, the rough earth digging into my bare feet, when I felt icy fingers brush my shoulder. The touch was like death itself. I turned slowly, my heart hammering, to see a stranger’s face—cold, twisted, and leering.

“Found you.” His lips curled into a grin as his eyes gleamed with a sadistic thrill. In one swift motion, he raised his axe, aiming it right for my neck.

I barely managed to dodge, the blade whistling past my throat, close enough to leave a chill. My breaths came fast and shallow as I staggered back, my eyes wide with terror. What the hell was that?!

The man stepped closer, his gaze roaming over me with a sick curiosity. “You look familiar… but that doesn’t matter. I’ll just sever your head and bring it to the Emperor.” He raised the axe again, his smile widening as he anticipated the strike.

I braced myself, feeling the chain dig into my wrists as I struggled, fighting against the weakness and the fear surging through me.

╔═════════ ◈ ═════════╗

The ability [Evoke] cannot be used due to your weakened state. You can activate the Amulet of Aegis to shield yourself from attacks.

╚═════════ ◈ ═════════╝

I gasped at the notification. What the hell am I supposed to do? This amulet won’t protect me from a direct fight—I need to escape!

My eyes went wide as an arrow whistled past my head, so close I could feel the air split. “She’s mine...” A woman’s voice came from the shadows, cold and possessive. She stepped into view, her eyes narrowed as she placed her bow and arrow on her back and unsheathed a gleaming sword. “Back off,” she commanded, her gaze a mixture of malice and thrill.

Then it hit me. The hunting festival... A surge of panic shot through me as realization sank in. The Emperor brought me here as the prey. He’s even more twisted than I thought!

╔═════════ ◈ ═════════╗

Amulet of Aegis activated.

╚═════════ ◈ ═════════╝

My body was still weak, barely able to hold up. Fighting them with my hands bound would be suicide. I have to run.

Without a second thought, my legs sprang into motion, carrying me into the thick forest. Branches whipped at my face, and roots snared my ankles, but I pushed on, gasping for air. Behind me, I could hear their laughter, cruel and mocking, echoing through the trees. The thrill of the hunt had overtaken them, and their eyes, full of bloodlust, bore down on me like wolves.

What reward could be worth this? My heart thundered as I ran, every step feeling like a desperate gamble to escape their blade. “Seraphim!” I shouted, my voice ragged. I needed any help I could get.

╔═════════ ◈ ═════════╗

The ability [Evoke] failed to activate.

╚═════════ ◈ ═════════╝

“Damn it!” I cursed, stumbling as I struggled to catch my breath. It had been days since I couldn’t summon Seraphim—where was she now, when I needed her most?

Then, from my peripheral vision, a shadow moved. I skidded to a halt as a monstrous figure stepped out from behind a tree. It looked human—mostly. Its skin was pale, stretched tight over its tall, lean frame, and a single horn jutted out from the left side of its forehead. Its eyes gleamed with intelligence and a hint of malice, like it was savoring the moment.

╔═════════ ◈ ═════════╗

Oblivion-level monster detected.

╚═════════ ◈ ═════════╝

An oblivion…

My instincts took over, and I veered toward the creature. If I couldn’t fight alone, maybe I could use it.

╔═════════ ◈ ═════════╗

The ability [Beast Tamer] activated.

╚═════════ ◈ ═════════╝

The monster’s eyes widened in surprise, as if it sensed my desperation and resolve.

╔═════════ ◈ ═════════╗

You have successfully tamed a beast! Name it to secure control, or it may escape your grasp.

╚═════════ ◈ ═════════╝

“Mire!” I gasped. “Mire, get those hunters off my back!”

The creature’s face twisted into an eerie grin, and it nodded. “Yes, master,” he replied, his voice unsettlingly human. Without another word, Mire turned and strode toward the approaching hunters, his movements graceful but charged with menace.

I collapsed against the trunk of a large tree, my chest heaving as I tried to steady my breathing. I could hear the commotion as Mire confronted them, his growls and snarls mixing with the hunters’ shouts.

╔═════════ ◈ ═════════╗

The ability [Beast Tamer] cannot be used again due to your weakened state. You may continue to use the Amulet of Aegis for defense.

╚═════════ ◈ ═════════╝

I closed my eyes, feeling a wave of exhaustion settle over me as I read the system’s notification. I’d almost died.

“Master…” Mire’s voice dripped with satisfaction, low and filled with a twisted sort of glee. I turned to see him, drenched in blood, his face lit up in a wicked grin that stretched from ear to ear. His eyes gleamed with a crazed hunger, flicking between me and the motionless bodies around him. “I want more souls, master… There are still so many here. Please, let me take them all,” he begged, his voice raw with anticipation. It was clear he savored every last drop of life he had drained, yet even in his bloodlust, he positioned himself protectively before me.

A part of me recoiled in horror, realizing just how deadly a creature I’d unleashed. What on earth have I tamed?

I tried to get to my feet, but my body felt like lead. Mire moved to help me, his bloodstained hands surprisingly gentle. I looked past him, my stomach churning at the sight—the hunters lay sprawled across the forest floor, their skin ashen and their eyes wide open, hollow, as though their very souls had been ripped from their bodies.

“Duck, master!” Mire barked, pulling me down as a spear whizzed past, slamming into the tree behind us. My heart skipped a beat as a shadow moved forward.

“I saw two monsters here, my lord!” A knight in dark armor stepped from the shadows, a disturbing grin twisting his face.

“Excellent work, Sir Jean,” a raspy voice purred from the trees. The Count emerged, unsheathing his sword with a slow, sadistic relish. His eyes glinted with madness as he ran his tongue along the blade, tasting it like a fine wine. “I’ve been dying to carve into such fine prey.”

“I’ll hold them off, master,” Mire growled, his wild grin stretching wider as he eyed the approaching men, practically salivating at the chance for more. “Run!” His gaze flicked to me, fierce yet somehow pleading. He’s torn between his thirst for their souls and his duty to protect me.

“Mire…” I hesitated, my heart clenching. I’d just tamed him—I couldn’t abandon him like this.

“Master!” Mire growled as he intercepted the first attacker, his movements sharp and brutal. With bloodlust flashing in his eyes, he savored each strike, reveling in every life he stole, even as he shielded me from harm. I cursed my weakness; every second I wasted here put both our lives in danger. If only I could use Evoke!

“I’ll summon you again,” I whispered, voice shaking. “So please, survive this.” Mire gave me a sidelong glance, a smirk twisting his lips even as he threw himself back into the fray. “Yes, master.”

Without looking back, I took off, running as fast as my body could manage. The forest was dense, branches whipping at my face and snagging at my clothes. Shouts echoed from all directions, and the pounding of footsteps came closer. Monsters roared somewhere behind me, their howls mingling with the cruel laughter of my pursuers.

“Can’t they just give up?!” I gasped, darting sideways to avoid their line of sight. I leapt into a thick bush, hoping to throw them off. My legs felt numb, my chest burned, and every breath was like fire. This forest is endless—will I ever get away?

My legs are going numb, and I’m out of air! But I couldn’t stop. Every muscle ached, and my cuffed wrists were raw and bloodied from the struggle. I should have asked Mire to break these chains... But it was too late now, and those lunatics were still after me.

Suddenly, I halted, catching a shadowed figure just beyond the trees. A tall form loomed in the dim light—a woman, her silhouette elegant yet somehow menacing.

“Who are you?” I stammered, stumbling back a step, my heart hammering as she moved forward.

She tilted her head, a slow, almost amused smile creeping across her lips as she stepped out of the shadows, her eyes sharp and watchful.

“Guess you don’t remember me, my lady?” Her voice was soft, yet it cut through the air like a knife. She stepped closer, her gaze steady and unnervingly cold.

“Lady Athena?” I whispered, dread creeping into my voice as I took another step back. She kept her eyes locked on me, her expression unwavering.

A rustle in the bushes nearby made me glance over my shoulder, but when I looked back at her, she hadn’t moved. She just stood there, her eyes sharp and piercing, filled with a quiet malice. It felt as though she was already calculating her next move, each glance a silent threat poised to strike.

fin.