A Heroic Monster

Elves, a species similar to or maybe a little superior to humans. They were lofty, thin individuals known for their pointy ears and immaculate connection to nature, which is why they were widely regarded as the forest species, alongside arch elves, high elves, and dark elves.

Despite being the lowest evolution of their kind, they were not lacking power by any means. In fact, they were incredibly powerful, exceeding dwarves and humans in terms of pure strength, connection to nature, magic, and even beauty.

One of the key factors in identifying when one was facing a civilization of elves was slaves, which were often utilized as a defense mechanism or as those who cleanse and maintain order in elf forests.

'Although, I've never seen elves use rats,' Alex noted. The traces of arrows and nature magic proved they were against a colony of elves, however. 'It's probably a very low-ranked civilization since elves normally use species such as bears or rhinos to guard their forests.

As Sarah consoled Simon, a teenager approached Alex. "By elves, you mean those in novels and games? The ones with pointy ears and shit?"

The teenager was burly, despite his tender age. His shoulders were akin to bowling balls, while his chest caused his shirt to stretch considerably. Hearing his question, Alex scrunched his eyebrows in ridicule before nodding slightly.

"Cool!" The teenager announced. "There'll be pretty girls, right? Elves are hot! I'm Eugene, by the way."

"Alex," Alex responded as he shook the teen's hand. Though cringing at Eugene's naivety and innocence, Alex explained the dangers of elves. "Elves are generally hostile to humans, and they put a considerable amount of pride in women. You appear in their territory, and with a single arrow, you're dead. They don't ask questions."

Eugene shivered as he heard the explanation. However, he soon became suspicious as to how Alex knew such information. "Did you read too much fiction before coming here? How do you know such things?"

"Wild guess, but don't risk it," Alex replied instantly. Since Eugene was the only one who hadn't displayed obvious malicious intent, he intended to pay him back using advice, at least. Of course, it didn't matter to Alex whether it followed it or discarded it.

"I see," Eugene muttered as he stroked his chin. "Then, how do we conquer this dungeon?"

By now, many of the members of the team had wandered off in various directions, forming tiny groups so as to not get lost alone. There was hostility and enmity between members, which was detrimental to their chances of survival.

Alex spoke in a calm voice devoid of any emotion, "We infiltrate their civilization."

Simon and Sarah, the only ones that had remained other than Eugene, voiced their confusion in a skeptical tone. "But, you said the elves are dangerous. How are we supposed to infiltrate their civilization."

"Just wait and watch," said Alex.

*

In an area shrouded by darkness sat a boy. He seemed absent-minded, but was aware and observant of everything in the surroundings, to the point where the word "scrutinize" would be an understatement.

He sat on a rock surrounded by lava. Usually, one would suffer hyperthermia due to the extreme heat radiated from the molten rock, but the Stones of Soma were the saving grace for those participating in the dungeon.

The boy, also known as Maxwell Thompson, kept his gaze on one particular person; Eric Cartman, a man possessing similar qualities of darkness as Maxwell himself. Alex had identified him as a potential seed, so Maxwell was obviously interested in him too.

However, Eric hadn't displayed any formidable qualities aside from the outburst of mana particles in the form of the element of darkness.

'Will he only display his power when struggling to suppress his outbursting emotions?' Maxwell wondered if the trigger would be the same as his, but the thought only brought sorrow. The experience was devastating as it ate away at his mind and sanity.

The other members of the team were having a scuffle about who to appoint as the leader. Maxwell shook his head as he commented inwardly at the immature actions and thoughts of those in his team. 'I wonder how Alex is doing. I'm sure he's out there slaughtering monsters with an evil look and his teammates under his command.'

As he thought of the scenario, a subtle smile blossomed on his face. 'Well, his team should be done with the dungeon in a matter of hours.'

As he fantasized about Alex's adventures, a burst of light interrupted his train of thought. Maxwell's eyes widened as he stared at the dark flames that had caused the flash, finding it to be familiar.

'Isn't that similar to Eric's mana particles?' He realized as a bewildered expression overtook his face. He quickly turned to stare at the fearful face of Eric, who seemed to be scared out of his mind. Eric's body spasmed due to fear as he stared at the creature that emerged from darkness itself.

A creature akin to a wolf shrouded in flames of darkness snorted as it emerged from a place not visible to the naked eye. It displayed something akin to a smirk, instilling Maxwell's team with fear.

Eric was on the verge of fainting due to pure fear as Maxwell dashed towards him, knocking him over. As the former made impact with the ground, he noticed the tiny fireball that collided with the wall behind him.

Eric wordlessly thanked Maxwell as he sprinted. He sprinted towards nowhere in particular, wishing to escape the hell he had fallen into. Maxwell chased after him, leaving his teammates to fend for their own.

'Damn it!' Maxwell cursed inwardly. 'Everything was going well until that damned creature appeared. Will we make it out alive?'

Just the thought of death in such a place caused chills to shoot down his spine. As he caught up to Eric, he screamed in his ear with conviction. "Eric! If you don't stop running, we're going to die! You're the only one who can save us!"

Although it was a lie, there were some truths mixed into that statement. The creature hadn't even attacked but had made everyone lose the will to fight. Moreover, their only chance at survival, an inherent skill user who hadn't awakened his skill, was too scared to act.

Maxwell's teammates stood as if they were statues, fear engraved in their hearts. Their bodies were stiff while their mind was jumbled. Were they going to die? Would someone save them? They obviously wished for someone to heroically rescue them, but they also understood that the chances were practically non-existent.

The creature growled softly as it took slow yet fluid steps towards Maxwell's teammates. The ground beneath it cracked with each step, and as the creature approached Maxwell's teammates, the scent of urine began mixing with nearby air.

The creature, obviously understanding what such a scent signified due to having dealt with humans before, let out what could be interpreted as a laugh. Only, the laugh seemed more deranged and demented than Maxwell's teammates had ever witnessed.

Even Maxwell was surprised as he heard the laughter. Fear began corroding his will to survive, forcing him to submit himself to the creature. 'Is it trying to hypnotize me?'

Eric remained on the ground, his body suppressed by Maxwell's feet. The former struggled as he tried to wiggle out of the awkward position, but to no avail, as Maxwell's body had surpassed regular bounds.

"L–Let me g–go!" A meek, fearful voice whispered at a voice that was barely audible. Maxwell was surprised that Eric had finally decided to speak, but treated the incident as an opportunity.

"Eric! If you don't do something, everyone will die! It'll all be your fault!" Maxwell screamed, genuine concern visible in his tone. It was true. The creature was more powerful than Maxwell in his regular state. Their only chance at survival was Eric's awakening, which Maxwell predicted would be triggered by an outburst of emotions.

"Please!" Tears dripped down Eric's eyes as his whispers turned into weeps. "S–Spare me! Please!"

"You're going to kill them all!" Maxwell continued his barrage of comments indicating that Eric was at fault for the inevitable death of their teammates. "You'll be a murderer! You!"

Eric dug at the ground beneath, his breath strained. His nails leaked blood as they scraped at the hard, black rock. Tears and snot streamed down from his face at rapid speeds. "Stop! Please!"

"Imagine the condition of their family after their death! It'll all be your fault!" Maxwell screamed one last time, and that was all it took. Immediately, a gust of wind pushed Maxwell off Eric's back.

Maxwell flew backwards, eventually colliding with a boulder. As he puked crimson, viscous liquid, a subtle smile remained despite his pained expression. "There we go."

A monster had been born. A monster who would rid the world of its cruelty and unfairness.

"A monster who'll save us from this hell."