Perilious encounter
The resounding thud echoed through the air as the gate slammed shut, leaving the villagers in shocked silence.
Who in their right mind would venture beyond the wall, into the territory teeming with perilous beasts?
The Runners often returned with reports of these creatures evolving into more formidable adversaries each passing day.
They grew larger, stronger, smarter, and faster. It took a blend of luck and unwavering determination for the team to vanquish even one.
And yet, Kadori had chosen to depart.
"No, no, no!" Baron Duncan's hands trembled, nearing the point of desperation. "Open the gate! I must go after him!" He advanced toward the gate, only to be halted by Baron Sikes, resolute in his stance.
"We all know that reopening the gate too soon would mean waiting at least a day or two," Baron Sikes cautioned, concern etched on his face.
He understood Baron Duncan's anguish, but reopening the gate prematurely would jeopardize everyone within.
"Just open the damn gate!" Baron Duncan's voice rang out in desperation.
"To open the gate now is to risk every life here," Baron Sikes retorted. "Are you truly willing to endanger all of us for the sake of one impulsive youth? He made his choice."
Baron Duncan screamed his frustration, knowing that Sikes spoke truth.
Reopening the gate hastily would damage it and require extensive repairs.
'Please, don't let harm befall Kadori,' Baron Duncan beseeched, sinking to his knees in prayer.
*****
Beyond the walls, Kadori had already put a significant distance between himself and the village, ensuring that if someone were sent after him, they wouldn't find him for at least a day or two.
"This place is much more peaceful than I anticipated," Kadori mused, traversing the verdant expanse of the island.
Contrary to the reports relayed by the Runners, Kadori hadn't expected the area to be so serene.
They had painted a picture of a land teeming with vicious creatures, and yet he had encountered nothing of the sort.
'Let's not forget my original plan. If I encounter any of those beasts, I'll observe from a distance—study their weaknesses and strengths. By the time I'm stronger, it should be easier to defeat them,' Kadori contemplated, methodically clearing his path of obstructing mushrooms with his blade.
Growl! Snarl!
The sound of growling reached Kadori's ears from a distance.
He cautiously advanced toward the source of the noise.
Hiding behind a colossal red mushroom, he peered stealthily to ascertain the origin.
At the sight of what lay before him, Kadori's heart quickened its beat.
Four onyx creatures, towering at eight feet, possessed four arms each ending in razor-sharp claws, and their fangs were no less menacing.
They were currently feasting.
Straining to discern the morsels they consumed, Kadori could have sworn he recognized the attire of a Runner.
'Does that mean these creatures have already devoured the rest of the Runners?' Cold sweat trickled down Kadori's face as he observed the beasts.
Never could he have envisioned the creatures he once encountered as a ten-year-old evolving into such formidable adversaries.
Even with the reports of their evolution, they had never been described as such
'If they dispatched the Runners so effortlessly, what hope is there for me?' Kadori wondered, gradually retracing his steps to distance himself from the scene without alerting the beasts.
Snap!
A twig snapped beneath Kadori's foot, producing a sharp, resounding crack.
The noise captured the attention of the creatures, causing them to swivel their heads toward him.
Kadori felt warm liquid stain his pants as the creatures fixed him in their bloodthirsty gaze.
He pivoted and bolted, putting distance between them. Seeing their quarry escaping, the creatures pursued him with relentless speed.
'Darn it, they've spotted me!' Kadori's inner scream resonated as he sprinted with all the strength his legs could muster.
He took various turns in an attempt to outmaneuver them, but it proved futile; they were steadily closing in.
"Ahh!" Kadori's foot collided with a fallen branch, sending him stumbling to the ground.
He fought to rise, but his ankle throbbed in protest.
'Darn it, I-I-I can't move.' Kadori lamented, struggling to hoist himself from the earth, but it proved futile.
Bam! Bam! Bam!
The earth trembled with the approaching footsteps of the creatures.
Catching a glimpse of them, Kadori drew his blade, determined to defend himself.
He knelt on the forest floor and swung his blade toward one of the creatures.
Swiftly, it raised its claws to meet the strike.
As blade met claw, Kadori's weapon shattered into a million fragments.
Faced with such overwhelming power, Kadori dropped the remains of the sword, bowed his head, clenched his teeth, and awaited his fate.
The creatures raised their blade-like claws, descending upon Kadori.
****
Back in the village, Baron Duncan had returned to his dwelling to await Kadori's return.
"Here you are, my husband," Olivia said, offering a cup of tea. "It will help calm you."
"Thank you, my love," Baron Duncan replied, accepting the cup. "Do you think he's alright?" He asked, concern etched across his face.
"The Kadori I know is a resilient young man. He'll make it through until tomorrow, don't worry," Olivia reassured, pressing a kiss to Baron Duncan's cheek.
"How long have you two known each other?" Duncan inquired.
"We grew up together in the village," Olivia replied.
"Has he always been this headstrong?" Baron Duncan probed.
"Kadori has always been kind and caring. The loss of his mother changed him, and he can't help but blame himself for her passing. That's why he's acting this way," Olivia explained.
"Now, drink your tea before it gets cold."
Baron Duncan nodded, raising the cup to his lips for a sip.
Yet, before the cup reached its destination, he felt a sharp pain in his chest, causing him to drop the cup, the tea spilling onto the floor.
"Are you alright, my love?" Olivia asked, her eyes wide with concern.
"I feel this strange sensation inside me," Baron Duncan said, rubbing his chest.
'I hope this isn't a sign that Kadori is in danger or worse,' he thought, a sudden surge of worry washing over him.
****
(Another chapter coming later on since i failed to upload yesterday. Please vote with your powerstones,comment on the chaper,and leave reviews. Thanks)