Chapter 18: A Hunter’s Sacrifice

“Hey Finn, looks like today is our lucky day; those Phantom Wind Wolves aren’t coming after all,” said a burly man with broad shoulders to the tall figure standing before him.

The tall man called Finn stifled a yawn and rubbed his eyes. “Yeah, it seems that way,Bram. But we can’t let our guard down. We’ve lost too many friends because of this same mistake.”

The burly man named Bram rested the fork he was holding on his shoulder and nodded in agreement. “You’re right.”

They stood watch at the main entrance of their village, patrolling the area. This was just one section being monitored; other villagers were stationed throughout various locations, keeping vigilant as well.

Fear hung heavily in the air; they had lost numerous people to the Phantom Wind Wolves over the past few months. Every night, as darkness fell, anxiety gripped their hearts. The villagers lay awake, haunted by fear and hoping that the wolves wouldn’t launch another attack.

A few stronger villagers, particularly hunters, took turns guarding and patrolling the perimeter of Wrenford Village. They hoped that if they spotted any sign of the wolves approaching, they could alert everyone in time,though even so, they had suffered significant losses.

“Haa! I hope the Village Chief has found some warriors to help us,” Bram sighed again.

“Yeah,” replied Finn with a frown. “He’s been gone for almost six days now since he went to Greyvale City looking for help.”

“It’s not easy to find warriors willing to assist ordinary villagers like us,” Bram said with a grimace. “They’re all so proud,it would be nice if someone kind-hearted stepped up to help us out of this mess. Otherwise, we might have no choice but to leave Wrenford Village behind.”

Leaning against a fence with a troubled expression, he continued: “I just hope we don’t have to abandon our home.”

Finn remained silent for a moment before gazing into the distance as a cold wind brushed against him. “I don’t understand why it’s taking so long for help to arrive. Didn’t the Village Chief send word to the Baron?”

Bram chuckled softly at that thought. “He did more than three months ago! The Chief has been reaching out to Baron Mansion for assistance, but nothing has come of it yet. And you know how these arrogant nobles treat common folk like us. The Baron sits in his mansion growing fat. Our lives are less than dirt to him.”

Running his hand through his hair in frustration, he added, “These nobles couldn’t care less whether we live or die; our lives mean nothing to them. All they care about is maintaining their precious image.”

He paused before continuing with conviction: “That’s why our Chief decided to take matters into his own hands and emptied our village’s reserve funds just to hire a few warriors.”

“Sigh, what a world we live in, isn’t it?” Finn shook his head, his voice low. “I just hope the village chief can find help. If not, we’re doomed and will have no choice but to flee our home.”

“Yeah,” the burly man agreed, nodding vigorously. “But…”

Howl.

A thunderous roar echoed through the air, sending an oppressive chill that made the gentle wind pick up into a fierce gust, bending the tall grass around them.

The expressions of both men shifted dramatically; their faces drained of color as fear flickered in their eyes. They exchanged anxious glances.

“They’re here.” Bram swallowed hard, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Finn remained silent but tightened his grip on the fork until his knuckles turned white. He turned sharply to Bram. “Quick! Go alert the others and tell the villagers to stay indoors,no one is to step outside.”

“But,” Bram hesitated, “what about you? It’s dangerous to leave you here alone.”

“Don’t worry about me; I’ll be careful. Just hurry and do what I told you!” Finn’s gaze was firm and unyielding.

“Okay,” Bram nodded slowly before sprinting back toward the village, glancing over his shoulder at the tall figure standing alone against the cold night wind with a fork in hand.

“I’ll come back as fast as I can!” he murmured under his breath as he quickened his pace.

Once the burly man disappeared into the village, Finn refocused ahead with an intense stare.

His grip on the fork tightened even more as he trembled slightly; hurried breaths betrayed his fear. A bitter chuckle escaped him,he knew that facing a magical beast was akin to courting death for an ordinary person like himself.

Yet there was no other choice; he had to buy enough time for his friend to warn everyone else so they might survive. With no sign of help from the village chief and no one else coming to their aid, they had to fend for themselves.

Sometimes when you’re in dire straits and nobody offers assistance, you must take matters into your own hands. Relying on others can be one of life’s greatest mistakes.

With determination coursing through him, he used the sharp edge of his fork to slice into his palm, letting crimson droplets fall onto the damp earth below.

This act would draw attention from Phantom Wind Wolves,they could smell blood from hundreds of meters away thanks to their keen senses.

He knew this move could cost him his life. It was a hunter’s trick — a desperate one.But he felt it was worth it if it meant keeping those wolves away from other parts of the village. He couldn’t bear for anyone in his family to fall victim to these beasts; he’d do anything necessary to protect them.

He took a deep breath, steadying himself as he prepared his weapon and dropped into a low stance.

Having been a hunter for most of his life, he was familiar with various fighting techniques. However, against a magical beast like the Phantom Wind Wolf,known for its exceptional concealment and speed,his skills felt almost futile.

Suddenly, the wind picked up, growing stronger and colder, sending a shiver down his spine.

A few meters away, pairs of glowing green eyes pierced through the darkness, accompanied by low growls that sent chills racing through him. The grass parted as massive forms began to emerge from the shadows, dissolving the night around them.

In no time at all, dozens of giant black wolves with piercing green eyes surrounded him. They stood three to four feet tall, their limbs brimming with explosive power. Their huge teeth and sharp claws glistened in the dim light as their fur seemed to blend seamlessly with both darkness and wind.

These were the Phantom Wind Wolves—predators of shadow and air, true kings of the night. To be marked by one was essentially a death sentence; in the depths of night, darkness was their domain.

Finn swallowed hard as fear gripped him; his body trembled violently while his face turned ghostly pale. The terror in his eyes was so palpable it felt like it could manifest itself.

As the wolves closed in on him slowly,taking their time,they toyed with their prey’s mind. This sadistic playfulness was one of their defining traits: breaking down mental defenses before launching an attack to devour them whole.

His heart thundered in his chest; fear coursed through him like wildfire. His face flushed red as sweat soaked his body while he pointed his weapon at the advancing wolves.

Suddenly, one of the Phantom Wind Wolves on his left let out a low growl before pouncing at him. Its powerful paws left deep impressions in the ground as cracks spread outward.

The wind howled fiercely as grass bent under its force; an oppressive atmosphere settled around them.

Before he could react, he found himself staring into a gaping maw filled with rows of razor-sharp teeth aimed directly at his throat,a foul stench assaulting him made his already pale complexion even paler.

“Looks like I’m going to die,” he thought bitterly as memories flashed before his eyes. Tears welled up at the corners as he closed them tight. “I hope he was able to warn the others.”

Just when that massive mouth was inches away from crushing him, a blinding flash of green light erupted, followed by a whimper that echoed across the area.

The wind ceased its howl; even the cries of insects faded into silence.

Feeling this sudden shift in atmosphere, he cautiously cracked open an eyelid,and what he saw left him utterly speechless.

——–

A / N : Guys we are three GT away from 10 GT. Let’s reach that goal before the end of the month. And don’t forget to add the book to your library and vote with PS.

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