Chapter 7: The Awakening of Arakhos

A routine day turned into a cascade of surprises for Eilam as he trained in the forest after two years of intense improvement. The natural silence was interrupted by the distant din of a nearby fight, arousing his curiosity and leading him to the source of the conflict.

Among the trees, in the flashing light of the sun's rays seeping, he could see the mourning figures. Cautious, Eilam crept up only to discover Aurelia Starhaven, a figure from her school past with whom she shared classes.

However, what amazed her most was the team of elite warriors that accompanied her, funded by Aurelia's influential family. Their presence in the forest indicated a change in the rules of the game, a new dimension of danger and challenge that altered the known balance of power.

The Starhaven family, revered and feared in equal measure in the world has been a dominant force for generations. Its legacy dates back to before the meteorite, where its wealth, power and wisdom have shaped the course of history. In the present of history, the Starhaven family reigns as one of the most influential houses, with a palpable domain.

Alexander Starhaven Leader and father of the charismatic and visionary Aurelia Starhaven family, Alexander embodies political cunning and unbridled ambition. His vision of a new dawn for the kingdom is intertwined with a thirst for power that drives him to build alliances and neutralize threats with relentless determination.

The Starhaven family's influence extends across multiple spheres, from trade and diplomacy to the intricate network of information and strategic alliances. Their economic power gives them an unmatched advantage in the manipulation of the factions they populate, although their ancestral legacy is rooted in tradition, the Starhaven family also stands as an advocate for innovation and progress. The decisions they make will affect the balance between the old guard and the aspirations of a new emerging era.

As he watched in silence, a haunting sense of activity began to stir the environment. C-range creatures, normally docile, stirred in frenzy, signaling a greater presence. From the undergrowth emerged a unique creature, arachnid-looking and thick skin, with rows of eyes that seemed to scrutinize every corner of their habitat.

He immediately recognized that he had never faced a being like this, a rank B Neomorph with an imposing and lethal presence, there were rumors of those arachnid creatures known as Arakhos.

Eilam, with his empty expression and eyes that revealed no emotion, stood aside from the battle. Aurelia's team, composed of two warriors of rank B and three of rank C, seemed to have the situation under control. The seriousness of the moment was palpable in the air; there was no room for fantasy here, only the harsh reality of survival.

Arakhos, a mutated variant of the **Cyclosternum familiare**, was a threat that should not be underestimated. His abilities were lethal, and his venom, capable of throwing spikes that caused deep cuts and painful rashes on skin contact, made him a formidable adversary.

Aurelia: (screaming) Beware of the barbs! Don't let them penetrate the armor!

Warrior B: (answers) Shield Formation! Protect the left flank!

Warrior C: (with a shaky voice) This... this is not a common rank B...

The tension increased as the creature deployed its arsenal of defenses. Eilam, about to retreat, stopped when he heard a desperate cry. Aurelia was in trouble. Despite not being friends, Eilam remembered his integrity and respect during his school years. Without a second thought, Eilam rushed towards the Arakhos, attacking his eyes with an impressive speed "I can't leave her like that" thought Eilam... Now!

In that instant, Aurelia could only see a flash of light reflecting off Eilam's silver hair. He landed in front of her, imposing as a mountain warrior, with long hair and scars telling the story of his arduous training.

Eilam, after his fulminant attack, landed with the grace of a predator. Aurelia, still recovering from amazement, looked at him with a mixture of gratitude and curiosity. "Who... who are you?" asked, but Eilam did not answer. Instead of words, he offered her a look that spoke for itself.

His eyes, of an intense crimson, shone with a light of their own, reflecting not only the ferocity of the battle, but also the depth of his soul. Aurelia was speechless, captured by the intensity of that gaze that seemed to see beyond the obvious, beyond what she could comprehend herself.

Eilam's silence was eloquent. There was no need for words when his eyes revealed so much. Aurelia, feeling a chill through her spine, knew that this encounter would be one she would never forget.

Eilam, with the determination reflected in his gaze, broke the silence. "It's not time for introductions; the first thing is to kill that thing," he said in a voice that could not be reprimanded. Aurelia, shaken by the urgency of her words, nodded firmly.

Eilam: There's no time to lose. It points to the joints of the legs; it's their weak point.

Aurelia: Understood.

Both positioned themselves, ready for attack. Aurelia, with a rifle in hand, began shooting at the joints of the Arakhos's legs, following Eilam's instructions. Each shot rang out in the woods, setting the rhythm of a deadly dance.

Eilam, observing how the creature began to falter, took Aurelia's sword. With a fluid and precise movement, he waited for the right moment. When the Arakhos was about to fall, with its limbs weakened by the shots, Eilam jumped with the agility of a feline.

Eilam: (screaming) Now!

The steel of the sword slid through the air, finding its fate in the belly of the Arakhos. Eilam tore the beast's stomach with a force that could only come from years of training and survival. The Arakhos emitted one last grunt before falling to the ground, bleeding to death and defeat.

Aurelia, with her heart still sped by the adrenaline of the battle, exclaimed with relief and victory, "We did it!" But their joy was interrupted by the sudden disappearance of the mysterious white-haired warrior. He stared at the empty space he had occupied, wondering who that enigmatic savior would be.

Aurelia: (looking around, confused) Where... where did she go?

Meanwhile, Eilam, quickly moving away from the site, knew that becoming more involved with Aurelia would only bring complications. Her mind was clear; any connection with her could attract the attention of those she had sworn to destroy.

Eilam: (thinking as he walks away) Better to keep the distance. I can't let them find me out... not yet.

The unknown of Eilam's identity and his sudden disappearance left Aurelia with more questions than answers.