Chapter 34

The barricade groaned and splintered as the relentless claws of the beasts tore through it. Kaden stood before the crumbling entrance, the grim reality of their situation weighing heavily on him. Behind him, Lira handed over the tracking device. "Be safe," she said, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes.

Kaden accepted the device with a nod, gripping it tightly. "I will." He took a deep breath, then surged forward with all his strength, smashing through the barricade and into the chaos beyond. The moment he emerged, a beast lashed out, its claws slicing across his arm. Pain flared, but Kaden pushed it aside, his legs carrying him forward as if his life depended on it—because it did.

The horde of beasts behind him roared in pursuit, their guttural snarls filling the air. Glancing back, Kaden noted their numbers and thought grimly, "I've lured them away. Now get out of there, you two."

Back in the ruins, Jace's body contorted and expanded as he transformed into a bull, his massive frame shaking the ground. Lira climbed onto his back, her determination shining through. "Go!" she urged.

Jace bellowed and charged out of the ruin, his hooves pounding against the ground. With Kaden drawing the beasts away, the path was clear. Jace pushed himself to his limits, heading straight for the shelter as Lira clung tightly, urging him to go faster. "We have to reach the teachers! Kaden's in danger!"

Kaden dashed into the dense woods, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He glanced back—too close. The beasts were relentless, closing in. He knew he couldn't take them all on. One of the beasts lunged, its fangs bared for his stomach. Kaden reacted instinctively, his black-veined hand smashing into the beast's side. It fell back, dazed but not defeated. The creature rose again, shaking its head before resuming the chase.

"Tough bastard," Kaden muttered, his legs screaming for rest. Worse, the clawed wound on his arm throbbed painfully. Clutching the injury, he pushed forward, though his pace faltered. Three more beasts were closing in. He shouted at his legs, "Move it, damn it!" But his body refused to comply. The fatigue was overwhelming.

Looking back, Kaden saw one of the beasts leap toward him, its maw wide open, ready to devour him. "Shit," he whispered, bracing himself.

Charging through the tall grass came Jace, still in his bull form, with Lira clinging to his back. Suddenly, Jace stumbled, his transformation fading as he collapsed into the dirt. Lira was thrown off, tumbling into the grass. She groaned but forced herself to her feet, limping over to Jace, who was now shivering on the ground in his human form.

"Are you okay?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.

Jace nodded weakly. "Y-Yeah… sorry. I ran out of energy."

"It's okay," Lira replied, pulling out the map. Her finger traced their location. "We're close to the shelter. I can make it on foot. Stay here and be vigilant in case there are any beasts nearby."

Jace nodded again, too drained to argue. Lira stood, her resolve firm as she half-limped, half-ran toward the shelter.

In the woods, Kaden's legs refused to carry him further. He could hear the beast behind him, its jaws snapping, its breath hot on his neck. "Move, damn it! MOVE!" he screamed internally.

Suddenly, his legs surged with strength, propelling him forward at an incredible speed. The beast's bite missed by a fraction of an inch. Kaden glanced down to see black veins coursing through his legs, the same as those on his arms when his demonic powers activated.

"Way to go, demon blood," he muttered, though he knew this newfound speed wouldn't last forever. The horde was relentless.

He ran, creating some distance between him and the beasts. He thought, "I hope Jace and Lira made it to the shelter."

That's when he saw it—a figure moving swiftly through the trees, leaping from branch to branch with practiced ease. The figure landed beside him and began running in sync. Kaden glanced to his side and exhaled in relief. "Mr. Duke," he said breathlessly.

"Stay focused," Mr. Duke replied, his voice calm. "Where are the others?"

"They're heading to the shelter for help," Kaden explained. "I lured the beasts away to give them a chance."

"So, you're alone," Mr. Duke said, placing a firm hand on Kaden's shoulder. "Well done, Kaden."

"Mr. Duke," Kaden panted, "you're a Tier Two ability user, right? That means you can handle these Tier One beasts, right?"

Mr. Duke's lips twisted into a sinister smile. "Oh, I can," he said. "But why would I?"

Kaden's steps faltered, confusion etching his face. "What do you mea—"

Before he could finish, his heart thundered in his chest, and his body collapsed to the ground. A set of glowing notifications appeared before his eyes.

[Host is affected by poison paralysis.]

[System is detoxifying poison: 1% detoxified…]