“You… came back again…”

“This time, we’ll devour you,” he said with a delighted grin when he saw me return to the forest. His forked tongue flicked out between his teeth, his eyes glowing with wicked hunger. The shadows twisted behind him, serpents slithering through the tall grass like living shadows. But that only made me despise that serpent demon even more.

“Woof… woof… woof… woof…” The dog kept barking at George, its voice echoing through the still forest, its eyes full of longing, tail trembling as if it wanted to leap into his arms.

I couldn’t help but smirk coldly. The night wind brushed against my face, carrying the faint metallic scent of blood and burning leaves. The moonlight filtered through the trees, pale and distant, shimmering faintly on the edge of my sword.

“You, stay here,” I said softly, kneeling and stroking the dog’s head. “Let me handle your master.”

The dog immediately went silent, as if it understood. Its gaze followed me—loyal, unwavering.

“You ancient flame,” hissed the serpent demon, his massive coils shifting through the undergrowth, “I’ll swallow you whole.”

Without warning, three serpents lunged toward me with terrifying speed. The ground trembled under their force. I pivoted, twisting my body through the air, the wind from their movement cutting through my cloak.

Srak… Sreng… Bleshhh… Akhhh… Crashhh… Syutttt…

My sword flashed under the pale light, but they were swift—faster than I’d remembered. Their movements were synchronized, like hunters that had stalked me for centuries.

“I’ll send you all back to the cursed hell you crawled from!” I roared, raising my hand as the ancient fire began to surge once again.

The ground cracked beneath my feet as raw energy flowed through my veins. I clenched my fists, the veins on my arms glowing faintly red. Heat pulsed violently in my chest—fire begging to be released.

“Feel this…” I whispered. Then I dashed forward, faster than a shadow, slashing through the air. Each strike carried the burning essence of my ancient fire. When my blade met the serpents’ scaled flesh, they shrieked—a sound that pierced through bone and soul.

Blesh! Blesh! Blesh!

The scent of burning scales filled the air. Flames coiled around my sword like a living spirit, searing through the darkness.

“Argh—!”

“Ahhh—!”

“Ughhh—!”

Their cries melted into one another until the forest became a symphony of death and fire. And then… silence.

Smoke rose around me. Three serpent demons lay dead, their bodies smoldering, their once-terrifying forms now reduced to ash.

Arvan and the others fell from the serpents’ loosened coils, crashing onto the forest floor. I rushed to Arvan, who lay motionless on the ground, his armor cracked, his face pale as marble. I pressed two fingers to his neck—faint. Barely there.

“Lucky… where have you been?” George cried out, his voice breaking as he hugged the dog tightly. Tears glimmered in the firelight.

“Do CPR—quickly!” Michelle shouted from behind me, her voice sharp, commanding.

“Wake up, you stubborn old man!” I yelled, leaning over Arvan’s lifeless form, still trying to feel his pulse. His skin was cold. Too cold.

“He’s been poisoned by the serpent’s venom,” said Michael suddenly. His tone was grim. The words sent a chill down my spine.

“Poisoned…?” I asked, breathless.

He nodded. “If the venom spreads to his heart, he won’t last long.”

“We need to find the flower,” Michelle said, glancing around the forest.

“What flower?” I asked, turning toward her. She hesitated, brushing her hair from her face, her voice uncertain.

“To be honest, I’ve never seen it myself… but according to legend, that flower grows here—in this forbidden forest.”

“Then let’s find it.”

Smack!

“Ow—what was that for?”

“According to the book, there are only two of those flowers in existence,” she said, her expression tense. “If we take even one, the balance might break.”

“How long can he last?” George asked quietly, glancing at Michael.

“The venom lasts only one day. If he doesn’t get the cure by dawn… he’ll be dead by noon.”

“What—?” I clenched my fists.

Michelle sighed. “We’ll camp here tonight. Search at sunrise. That’s our only chance.”

We all agreed. The night deepened, the air thick with moisture and dread. Michelle set up a tent for Arvan and lit a fire while I helped gather wood. The crackling of the flames broke the heavy silence.

“Here. Eat this.” I handed two small pills to George and Agis, who were sitting near the fire, their armor glinting faintly.

“What’s this?” George asked, narrowing his eyes.

“Just swallow it.”

He hesitated but obeyed, and Agis followed without question.

“Agis, how’s Sandi’s condition?”

“Reporting, Captain—he’s improving but still weak,” Agis said softly.

George nodded. “Good. Go rest. I’ll take the first watch.”

“But… Captain…” Agis hesitated, glancing at the bandaged wound on George’s arm.

“I’ll be fine,” George insisted. “Go. Watch over Sandi.”

Reluctantly, Agis left. The forest fell silent again except for the faint hum of insects.

I looked up. The moonlight seeped through the canopy, illuminating the clearing in silver streaks. The air smelled of smoke and wet earth. Between us stretched a quiet too heavy to break—weighted with memories neither of us dared mention.

After a long silence, George spoke. His eyes reflected the flickering firelight.

“I thought I’d die with the others,” he murmured. “I tried to forget Lucky… the one who vanished right before my eyes.”

He let out a bitter laugh. “When I first trained you, I felt fear—because I was teaching someone who could destroy anyone so easily.”

I said nothing.

“I’m just a man,” he continued. “Weak. Ordinary. Yet Lord Arvan chose me as captain. I never understood why.”

He turned toward me. “I’m grateful you saved my dog… and all of us.”

I nodded.

“When I first realized what I was—a demon behind a human face—I did nothing when people cursed or spat at me. I didn’t hate them. I only blamed fate.” His voice dropped. “But maybe this is my path… one I can’t change, no matter how much I want to.”

The fire crackled softly between us.

“You should rest,” I said. “You’ve used too much energy today.”

He shook his head. “I’m fine. I just wanted to remind you—trust your allies. Always.”

I smiled faintly. “I know.”

He stood and went inside the tent, leaving me alone with the fire.

The forest breathed around me—alive, whispering. The hoots of owls echoed in the distance, blending with the chirping of crickets.

“You’re still awake?”

Michelle sat beside me, handing me a small flask. I took a sip. It was bitter, herbal.

“Is fate really that cruel?” I asked quietly.

She smiled faintly, eyes reflecting the flames. “Not exactly. My parents abandoned me. My grandmother took me in—but she’s gone now. Only Lira and I remain.”

Her voice was soft but steady. “I don’t know what kind of fate this is, but I’m grateful I fought hard to survive this far.”

I stared at the fire. “Fate can be cruel,” I murmured.

She stood, brushing off her cloak. “Maybe. But it never misses its mark.”

Then she placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. “I believe you’re a good person, Xanders.”

And with that, she walked away, leaving me alone once more—under the pale moonlight, surrounded by whispers of the forest and the crackling song of the dying fire.

—

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