Terror descents

As the last word left the hunter's lips, a violent tremor rippled through the tavern, shaking the very foundations of the establishment. Glasses of various beverages danced precariously on the tables, their contents spilling forth in a chaotic symphony, while seasoned hunters struggled to maintain their balance, some even tumbling to the ground in a flurry of motion.

Yet, amidst the chaos, an air of resilience pervaded the atmosphere, a testament to the unwavering strength of those gathered within. This was no ordinary assembly; it was a congregation of battle-hardened warriors, forged in the crucible of countless trials and tribulations. A mere earthquake was but a minor inconvenience, hardly enough to strike fear into their hearts.

Seated in his corner, Orion remained untouched by the tumultuous waves of the earthquake, his half-full mug of wine sitting undisturbed upon the table, its contents as serene as the calm surface of a still pond. His chair stood firm, rooted to the ground as if anchored by an unseen force, while everything around him quaked and trembled.

The eyes of the other patrons darted toward him, a mixture of awe and curiosity painting their faces as they beheld the scene before them. While many skilled mages managed to maintain their composure amidst the chaos, it was the serene and orderly surroundings near Orion that drew their attention.

A collective frown spread across their faces as they tried to unravel the mystery of the young mage who remained untouched by the turmoil around him. Whispers of speculation filled the air, each patron attempting to decipher the enigma that was Orion.

Before their musings could reach a conclusion, a deafening roar shattered the relative calm of the tavern, reverberating through the chamber like an aftershock of thunder. The walls trembled, the windows shattered, and for a moment, all was chaos.

As the first tremors subsided, a foreboding silence settled over the tavern, But before anyone could brace themselves, a second, more ferocious wave of the earthquake surged through the building once more.

Ceiling beams groaned under the strain, and cracks snaked their way through the wooden walls, forewarning of the imminent collapse. Debris rained down from above, scattering across the floor like shattered dreams, yet miraculously sparing those within from harm.

The calm atmosphere that had prevailed just moments before vanished like smoke in the wind, replaced by a palpable sense of dread that hung heavy in the air. "Something is coming," someone mumbled after hearing the roar. Panic seized the hearts of even the most seasoned hunters, their composure shattered by the relentless nature of roar.

Soon, the chaotic cacophony of sounds penetrated the walls of the tavern from outside, the atmosphere inside grew even tensed. Explosions rent the air, mingling with desperate shouts and anguished screams that pleaded for aid—cries of fear and pain that echoed through the very soul of every listener.

Frozen in place, they stood as silent witnesses to the chaos unfolding around them, their ragged breaths the only sound in the stillness. Yet, despite the fear that gripped their souls, none dared to flee the safety of the tavern's walls, knowing full well that it offered the only refuge in this tumultuous storm.

'Where else would they find the protection of two silver core mages?' Amidst the turmoil, the presence of two silver core mages provided a glimmer of hope, their power a beacon of reassurance of whatever was out there.

As the seconds stretched into eternity, a heavy silence descended upon the room once more, broken only by the distant echoes of settling debris. Through it all, Orion remained a stalwart pillar of calm, his gaze unwavering as he surveyed the devastation that engulf his surroundings.

Though whispers of wonder and speculation had danced through the minds of those around him, consumed by the panic, none spared a thought for the mysterious noble boy who seemed untouched by the fear that gripped them all.

In the midst of the turmoil, a figure emerged from the crowd, his presence commanding attention with every step. With a mane of blond hair framing a face hardened by years of battle, and a trimmed beard that spoke of rugged determination, he exuded an aura of fierce resolve.

In one fluid motion, he drew forth an axe from its place on his back, its glinting blade a testament to the strength and skill that lay within him. With a voice that boomed like thunder, he addressed the assembled hunters with unwavering conviction.

"You call yourselves hunters, yet you cower like frightened children at the mere roar of a savage beast? Pathetic." His words cut through the air like a whip, each syllable laden with scorn for their lack of courage.

With a piercing gaze that seemed to weigh the worth of every soul in the room, he continued, his voice resolute. "There are people out there who need our help, who rely on us to be their protectors. And I, Brian Goldsman, will not stand idly by while they suffer."

His declaration hung heavy in the air, a challenge to the hearts of those gathered within the tavern. In the face of such unwavering determination, some could not meet his gaze, shame etched upon their faces, while others hesitated, torn between fear and duty.

But amidst the uncertainty, there were those who rose to the call of courage, their resolve unshaken by the chaos that raged outside. With weapons in hand and determination in their eyes, they stepped forward to join Brian, their weapons now unsheathed and raised high, a testament to the strength of their conviction.

Orion watched the unfolding drama with a mixture of curiosity and disdain, he couldn't help but shake his head at Brian's bravado. Despite being one of the two silver core mages he had spotted earlier, Brian's reckless confidence bordered on foolishness in Orion's eyes. Little did Brian know the true extent of the danger lurking beyond the tavern's walls.

As more hunters rallied to Brian's call, their determination morphed into a tangible aura of readiness for battle. Their numbers swelled, forming a formidable group of warriors, each fueled by the promise of glory and victory.

But as they prepared to step ouside the biulding, a sudden and ominous aura swept through the gathered hunters, chilling the very marrow of their bones. The air itself seemed to thicken, heavy with the weight of impending doom.

Then, like a harbinger of doom, a deafening roar shattered the silence once more,This time carrying with it a bloodlust so palpable, so primal, that it froze the blood in their veins like coldest of winters.

A cold sweat broke out on the brows of every patron, their breaths shallow and erratic as the terror of the impending threat gripped them like a vice.

"Lord of the radiant sun... Almighty sun, save us. Almighty sun..." As the tremors of fear rippled through the tavern, one voice rose above the rest, its trembling timbre a desperate invocation to the Lord of the radiant sun, beseeching for salvation amidst the encroaching danger. Soon, it was joined by a chorus of others, each clinging to the flickering flame of hope as the shadow peril loomed over the entire city.

But even the fervent prayers of the desperate were silenced when an oppressive presence swept over them, a pure and unadulterated emotion of terror that stole their very breath and left their legs trembling in fear. The fear of being prey, as if spotted by the gaze of a merciless predator.

This revelation struck brian and once-determined individuals with him the most. Standing at the threshold of exit, they seemed as though, their very souls had fled their bodies, leaving empty, haunted shells in their place.

The terror they felt now was profound, for they had realized the nature of the menacing beast that lurked outside, the horror they were braving to face moments ago. The mere thought of the gruesome fate they had suffered, had they stepped outside sent shivers down their spines.

In that moment, regardless of their prowess as hunters or the strength of their mana cores, everyone knew with chilling certainty, that their fate had been sealed.

For they all understood the nature of the monstrous beast that now prowled the streets of their city. It was not mere beast, but one of the most terrifying entities within those cursed woods. The creature known for its ruthless and wild nature, ranked only second to the mythical beings in terms of terror and destruction.

The descendants of dragons, the dukes of the Death Forest - the great wyvern had come to haunt their city today.