The group stood frozen in shock until a terrified child pointed toward the riverbank. Elara's breath caught in her throat as she saw the creature.
A tall, thin creature stands in the dark, with rough, patchy hair covering its body. Its head is bald and pale, with huge, round eyes that stare without blinking. Its mouth is wide open, full of long, sharp teeth. The arms are very long, almost touching the ground, ending in big hands with long, claw-like fingers.
The creature held a writhing rabbit in its hand. Without warning, it lifted the animal to the top of its head, and put it off inside his mouth. The creature devoured the rabbit whole it crushed the alive rabbit in his mouth in one bite, blood dripping endlessly.
Terror gripped the group. They didn't wait another second. "Run!" shouted Marcus. With hearts racing and legs trembling, they ran as fast as they could, desperation driving them forward through the darkness.
After running relentlessly through the dense forest, their lungs burning and legs aching, the group finally slowed down, realizing that the creature hadn't followed them. Ragged breaths filled the air as they huddled together, trembling from the terror of what they had just witnessed.
"We're safe... for now," Marcus said between heavy breaths, trying to reassure the others, though his voice wavered with lingering fear.
Despite the relief of their escape, one grim certainty weighed heavily on everyone's mind—whatever that thing was, it didn't belong here.
"It wasn't a Demon," the old man muttered, his sharp eyes scanning the shadows. "But it was something far worse in its own way."
Elara's heart raced as she recalled the grotesque sight of the creature devouring the rabbit with the maw atop its head. The image was seared into her memory.
"It must have come through the broken part of the human walls," Miranjo whispered, her voice barely audible.
Everyone knew what that meant. The creature was undoubtedly one of the forbidden species—those barred from entering human territories for a reason that was painfully clear now. They were far too dangerous, unpredictable, and entirely alien to human survival.
"We need to be more careful," Marcus said firmly, regaining his composure. "If that thing made it through, who knows what else might have slipped in?"
The group exchanged grim looks, knowing they had to stay vigilant. The forest, which had once been a place of refuge, now felt like a treacherous maze filled with unseen horrors.
The group had barely caught their breath when the unmistakable sound of footsteps echoed through the forest. The rhythm was steady and deliberate, sending waves of anxiety through everyone.
The old man, with his sharp instincts, gestured urgently. "Down! Everyone, lie on the ground. Not a sound until I say so," he commanded in a hushed but firm tone.
Without hesitation, they all flattened themselves against the forest floor, their hearts pounding wildly in their chests. The rustling leaves and crackling twigs beneath them seemed deafening in the tense silence.
The footsteps grew louder, but the most unsettling part was that the sound came from no clear direction. The forest played cruel tricks, amplifying and distorting the echoes.
Elara clenched her fists, every muscle in her body taut with fear. The uncertainty gnawed at them all—friend or foe? Another grotesque creature, or something worse?
The steps drew dangerously close, each beat hammering into their nerves. Just when it felt unbearable, the tension broke as a glimpse of armor shimmered between the trees.
Relief washed over them as the group realized it wasn't a threat—it was a patrol of Light Empire soldiers, their distinctive cult-like attire recognizable even in the dimming forest light.
The old man was the first to rise, waving his hand frantically. "Help us!" he shouted, his voice cracking with desperation.
The soldiers, startled by the sudden cry, halted and turned toward the group. Their eyes scanned the weary survivors sprawled on the ground, weapons at the ready.
One of the soldiers stepped forward. "Who are you?" he demanded. "And what are you doing this deep in the forest?"
The group's ordeal had not ended yet, but for the first time in hours, there was a flicker of hope.
After a few hours, as midnight settled over the forest, the group had recounted every detail of their ordeal to the soldiers. To their amazement, the soldiers revealed that they were not even close to the Empire's border yet. However, it was sheer luck that news of the demon invasion had already spread throughout the human territories. As a precaution, numerous patrol groups had been stationed in the forests to prevent any demon forces or unknown creatures from breaching the human lands or causing further chaos.
That night, the survivors found shelter in the soldiers' camp. The atmosphere was tense but slightly more secure than before. The flickering campfire and occasional patrol movements kept their fears at bay, though none could truly rest after the horrors they had witnessed.
The following morning, the soldiers gathered the group. "Keep moving straight through the forest," one instructed firmly. "You'll eventually reach the Empire's border. Show this pass at the gate." He handed Marcus a stamped document. "It will ensure your safe entry, but remember—follow all border protocols. Any unauthorized movement will only cause trouble for you."
The group nodded solemnly, knowing that any mistakes could lead to dire consequences. With cautious hope, they prepared to continue their journey toward the Light Empire, where they hoped sanctuary awaited them.
After a few hours of traveling, the group finally reached the towering gates of the Light Empire. The sight of the grand, fortified border was both a relief and a testament to the Empire's strength against the demon onslaught. Soldiers stood vigilant on the walls, their gleaming armor catching the morning light as they patrolled with focused precision.
Elara glanced at her watch, her heart sinking slightly. There were still 13 hours left before she could attempt to open the portal again. The weight of surviving that long in this uncertain future lingered heavily in her mind. She clenched her fists, determined not to let her mistake cost her everything.
Marcus approached the guards at the gate, presenting the pass given by the patrol soldiers. "We're survivors from Alkalosis," he explained firmly. "We seek refuge."
The guards inspected the document thoroughly, their stern expressions softening only slightly. One of them nodded. "You're clear to enter. Follow the procedures inside, and you'll be guided to the refugee center."
As the gates slowly creaked open, the group exchanged glances of cautious relief. They had made it to the Empire, but Elara couldn't shake the unease that clung to her, knowing she still had a long day ahead.
After settling in a refugee hotel, Miranjo and Elara shared one room. Despite feeling somewhat safe, a heavy silence hung over them. Each survivor carried their own regrets and uncertain thoughts about what to do next.
A few hours later, after they had rested, a sudden summon came from the Empire's authorities. They were instructed to report to the Church of Sovereignty, where the imperial head of the Northern Empire awaited them. The group followed the guards through heavily fortified streets until they arrived at the grand church, an imposing structure adorned with intricate carvings and shimmering banners.
Inside, the atmosphere was tense. They were seated before a large hall, soldiers stationed strategically around them. The imperial head, a formidable man with a stern expression and a commanding aura, regarded them with piercing eyes. His build spoke of strength, and his presence alone demanded respect.
"Tell me what happened in Alkalosis," he commanded firmly. "And state your identities."
One by one, the survivors recounted their stories. Elara hesitated when it was her turn. She couldn't reveal the truth about the time stream. Keeping her voice steady, she fabricated a story. "I lived in Alkalosis like everyone else. When the attack started, I tried to find my relatives. I encountered a man who was injured and tried to help him, but..." her voice faltered, "I couldn't save him. A demon crossed our path, but somehow we managed to pass him—pure luck, I suppose." She avoided mentioning the strange demon's behavior or her survival abilities.
She concluded by stating that she had followed the others into the forest, desperate to survive.
The imperial head listened intently, his sharp gaze never leaving her. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the armrest of his ornate seat. "Two things intrigue me," he finally spoke. "First, how did you manage to evade a demon? Demons possess superior strength and speed. A mere human can't simply stand before one and survive, let alone escape." He leaned forward slightly, his tone skeptical. "Second, tell me more about this strange creature in the forest that killed two of your group."
The room grew tense as the survivors glanced at each other, knowing that those questions held significant weight.
Elara kept her voice steady, despite the weight of the imperial head's gaze. "It was pure luck," she insisted. "The demon we encountered didn't attack us. He looked different from the others—he wasn't wearing armor, and he didn't seem like part of the army. The strangest thing was what he said... He claimed he was just a spectator and had no intention of killing us because he doesn't eat humans."
The hall fell into a stunned silence at her words. The imperial head's expression darkened as he leaned forward. "He doesn't eat humans?" His voice carried a tone of disbelief. "There are only two possibilities," he continued coldly. "Either you're lying—" His sharp gaze locked onto her, eyes narrowing as if attempting to pierce through any facade she might have.
Elara, though nervous, met his stare without flinching, holding onto the truth of what she had seen. Her unwavering expression seemed to strike something within him.
"—or," he conceded slowly, "the creature you encountered was not a demon."
A murmur spread through the room. The imperial head's words carried significant weight. If it wasn't a demon, then what was it? The tension thickened, as the possibilities hinted at an unsettling revelation, one that could shift their understanding of the calamity threatening humanity.
Elara's determination did not waver. "I'm certain of what I saw," she insisted firmly. "I might not have seen a demon before that but I know how they are. He looked exactly like a demon—sharp teeth, pale skin, and that unmistakable presence. The only difference was the lack of armor or any military insignia."
The imperial head listened intently, his expression hardening with thought. "You're right to be certain about his appearance," he admitted. "But there's something you may not know. If you ever encounter a half-demon, you'll find they look exactly like full demons. There's no visible distinction." He paused, his tone becoming grave. "As you've probably heard from old legends."
Elara blinked in surprise. "Half-demon?"
The head nodded, his voice lowering. "I've never believed such being existence was more than a myth. But now..." He sighed heavily. "A few months ago, something strange happened. One of our skilled hunters was found injured outside the territory. Despite his expertise, he was defeated by a single demon."
The hall grew tense as he continued. "The strangest part was that the demon left him alive. According to the hunter, the demon showed no interest in him as prey—not a hint of the bloodlust demons are infamous for."
Elara's eyes widened. "But... why?"
"That's what troubled us," the head admitted. "Demons crave humans. Even if they're full, they never miss the chance for a human kill. We're rare prey, and they savor the hunt. But this one didn't. The hunter's story was dismissed back then, but now, after hearing yours..."
He leaned forward, his gaze intense. "It's clear the half-demon you encountered is not only real but incredibly powerful. We may be dealing with a far greater threat than a mere invasion."
The head's stern demeanor softened as he spoke again. "As for the creature you described, I don't believe it belongs to any classified sibling species of humans. It may well be the result of interspecism. Recently, strange hybrids have emerged—products of the unnatural mingling between species."
He sighed heavily, his authoritative tone returning. "Regardless, you've provided valuable information. You may all leave now. Thank you for your courage and cooperation. I'm truly sorry we couldn't help you sooner."
His gaze shifted to the two young siblings, Lara and Joe. With a gentle smile, he knelt slightly and patted their heads. "Stay strong, little ones," he said kindly.
In that moment, Elara saw a different side of the man. Just moments earlier, he had been the embodiment of discipline and authority—a rigid, austere leader. But now, there was warmth in his eyes and kindness in his gestures. The contrast struck her deeply.
After the questioning, the Imperial Head instructed that both Lara and Joe were to remain at the Church of Sovereignty. "The Church will take care of all children who have lost their parents," he declared solemnly.
With that decision, Elara and Miranjo accompanied the others back to the quarters, though unease gnawed at Elara's thoughts.
As they were about to leave the hall, a soldier rushed in, his face pale and tense. "Sir! Urgent news!" he announced breathlessly.