Amon ran without hesitation. Well… maybe it was because he was terrified, but for some reason, the narrow, treacherous road didn't scare him as much anymore. Adrenaline really was something.
It reminded him of that one time his neighbor's dog chased him. Back then, he couldn't even run a hundred meters without wheezing like a dying kettle. But the moment he saw that German Shepherd barreling toward him with tongue out and eyes locked, something in his brain flipped. He ran half a kilometer in under three minutes. Yeah. Crazy what fear could do to a person.
Luckily, the body he was possessing in this nightmare wasn't as malnourished as his real one back in the waking world.
And even more fortunately, it wasn't that original body of his… the one poisoned by years of junk food and energy drinks, molded into a couch as he spent his days gaming. If it was, well... he'd be cooked by now.
As he ran, things began to make more sense.
Why had he been so drawn to those poisonous fruits back in the forest? Because his Superior Observation had picked up on something valuable about them. Too bad it didn't distinguish between valuable and edible.
And now it was also clear why he'd been able to read the others' expressions and moods so easily. Well, they were simple, honest people. So obviously, it would be easy.
If it had been something like Aizen level shit, though? Yeah, no. He wouldn't have stood a chance.
As he ran, Amon noticed more and more figures emerging from another cliff path.
They wore light armor, carried bows and short swords, and a few of them held torches, casting flickering light over their grim faces.
Trying to control his breathing so he didn't collapse from exhaustion, Amon glanced sideways at Kaisarius, who was running beside him.
"Who are those guys?" he asked between gasps.
Kaisarius smiled darkly, eyes gleaming.
"Fiends I'm going to kill."
"…"
Well, that cleared everything up, didn't it?
What the hell was that supposed to mean!? Speak more clearly, man!
Bernak, noticing the confusion on Amon's face, laughed and slammed his staff onto the rocky path behind them. A silver light flared from the point of impact, followed by a pulse of energy that tore through the road, shattering the path and sending chunks of stone tumbling into the abyss.
Amon's eyes widened. Ah. So that's how they were going to slow down their pursuers.
But grandpa… I don't think that's how a staff is supposed to be used...
He kept running, leaping over a small gap in the path. His breathing was getting heavier, and his clothes clung to his skin, soaked with sweat. Glancing back at the hunters chasing them, he let out a long sigh.
…One of them had an Aspect that controlled the stone. So now the destroyed path was… rebuilt. Just like that.
He looked at Bernak with a flat stare of disappointment then his expression softened into a serene, understanding smile.
Don't worry, pal. You're not the only one who's a disappointment to their ancestors.
Bernak didn't see the smile, nor could he hear Amon's thoughts, but something in the air made him frown.
"…You're mocking me."
"I didn't say anything," Amon replied with a grin but then, his body froze. His pupils dilated and smile vanished.
A strange, icy dread swept over him, crushing all his optimism and what little courage he still clung to. His gaze had locked with an armored man standing atop the cliff. Next to him stood a hound, two meters tall, monstrous and growling, saliva spilling from its fangs.
Kaisarius followed his gaze. His expression twisted not with fear, but with a seething, focused rage.
His hand dropped to the hilt of his sword, as if he was ready to leap onto the cliffs and butcher the Defiler where he stood. But then he noticed Amon who was completely frozen in place, eyes wide, limbs locked. With a frustrated grunt, Kaisarius grabbed him by the collar and dragged him behind a ridge, out of the armored man's line of sight.
Amon inhaled sharply. His breath was ragged, but the crushing pressure on his mind slowly faded. He blinked rapidly, trying to steady his thoughts.
"W-what was that…?"
Kaisarius didn't answer right away. His eyes remained fixed on the cliff. His jaw clenched. His voice, when it came, was low and venomous.
"Fear... He's the Beast," he said at last."The Usurper's little brother. But don't be fooled."
His grip tightened on his sword.
"He's the one who truly rules Astarax."
So he's opp...
Amon gulped, his eyes flickering back in panic as a drop of sweat rolled down his jaw.
"Then why would he be here? Why put himself in danger if he's so important?"
Arias chuckled grimly. Without a word, he raised his hammer and slammed it into the cliffside. Amon's eyes widened as a web of cracks spread like lightning then the entire ledge collapsed, sending rocks tumbling and slowing the pursuers below.
"Because he enjoys killing our blood!" Arias growled, voice heavy with old grief and rage.
Amon was now officially terrified.
What is wrong with these people!? Can't they be like sunshine and rainbows? Hug each other, maybe exchange a toast or two? Nooo, of course not. They just have to wake up and immediately start killing each other! Damned barbarians!
If Naruto were here… Ahh, Sensei, I need to your Talk no Jutsu now.
Meanwhile, Liparik had already moved ahead, standing on a high vantage point as he drew his bow. Pulling an arrow from his quiver, he narrowed one eye in focus and then let it fly.
It was a beautiful, masterful shot. at least if you asked Amon.
But… you missed, my friend? Why are you aiming at the cliff? Did it insult your mother or something?
Then the arrow made contact.
A deafening explosion followed as the projectile detonated, blasting a chunk of the cliffside apart and sending several hunters plummeting into the vast, gaping chasm below.
Amon blinked, nodding slowly.
Understood, my guy… carry on.
At the same time, the Defiler stood atop the cliff, watching the fleeing group with a sinister, satisfied smile. He gently stroked his hound, leaning in so close to the beast's ear that his breath made its fur tremble.
"Do you smell it... the scent of fear?" he whispered, his voice deep and ominous.
The hound growled, its glowing blue eyes locked onto Amon and his companions. Thick strands of saliva dripped from its jaws, sizzling slightly as they hit the stone.
Amon, ever watchful thanks to his [Superior Observation], caught the disturbing sight and hissed in disgust.
What the hell is he feeding that thing?
But as he looked at the twisted hunger in the beast's gaze and the rage on Kaisarius's face, the answer struck him like a brick.
Blyat... He's feeding his people to that monster. That's why it's so damn enthusiastic!
Amon was visibly horrified by all of this. The only thing keeping him from collapsing into full-blown panic was his humor and even that had been caught lacking lately.
Cursing under his breath, he trailed the group, running with all his might. His eyes flicked to Nika and Gray, who were effortlessly hauling the heavy boats. Right. They're Awakened... maybe even Ascended, he realized, especially if he considered Liparik's deadly accuracy.
Which meant... the people chasing them had to be Awakened too.
Amon took a sharp, cold breath, his fingers trembling as dread settled deeper in his chest.
What the hell is a dormant bum like me doing with big shots like them!?
What kind of first Nightmare was this supposed to be?! He wasn't surviving, he was being carried. And not even metaphorically! This was absolutely disgraceful. Back on Earth, he carried his team in Call of Duty, damn it!
My K/D… he sniffled inwardly, sob, my glorious K/D... It was always so beautiful...
Shaking his head, Amon noticed the hunters mounting hounds, quickly closing the distance. Well, with mounts like those terrifyingly cool doggos, it wasn't much of a surprise.
"Guys! From the west!" he shouted.
Everyone turned toward the west... only to see nothing but the vast, yawning chasm.
Amon's eyes widened in horror. He looked away, whistling in embarrassment. How was I supposed to know which direction was west!? Why did I even say that!?
"I mean... north," he mumbled.
The others followed his gaze and finally spotted the incoming hounds. Arias chuckled and gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder.
"That's south, but no worries. We sensed them already."
"..."
Well… there goes my dignity.
Eventually, they left the jagged, treacherous cliffs and arrived at the last ledge. There was nothing around, just a few crooked trees and a couple of lonely rocks.
Right then, lightning split the sky, followed by the deep echo of thunder as rain began to pour from above. Not a gentle drizzle, not even a warning drop. Just a violent downpour from the very start.
Amon blinked, slightly dazed by the sudden shift in weather. Physics? Nah, it's done. Cooked. Dead. Buried.
Meanwhile, Bernak chuckled mysteriously, his old eyes glinting as he spread his arms toward the storm.
"Ah, by the grace of the Lord of Light. Listen, this region is cursed by the Storm God. Every month, on this exact day, the skies open, and the chasm fills with rain. Don't worry, we just need to hold for a few minutes, and then we'll be able to escape."
They all nodded and drew their weapons, while Nika and Gray carefully set the boats down.
Amon stared at Bernak in disbelief. So… you're not a complete bum after all. But… Lord of Light?
If his memory wasn't failing him, in Shadow Slave that was the freakiest god of them all. The kind that probably backbended Nightmare or Void Creature... Maybe both. And that freakshow Sun God lineage? Yeah, that's what made Nephis the autistic blowtorch she was… Brutal.
"Hey," Amon called out, raising a hand, "Don't I need a weapon?"
Nika shrugged, lifting his hands apologetically.
"Only got my short swords, man. Sorry."
Kaisarius shot Nika a sharp look, then silently unsheathed a pair of daggers and handed them to Amon.
"May this blessed steel protect you, little warrior."
Amon stood motionless, staring at the weapons in awe. The daggers were beautiful. Sleek, curved blades that shimmered with silver light, their hilts forged from obsidian. The contrast between darkness and shine made them breathtaking.
He coughed awkwardly and tightened his grip around them. He felt a bit shy accepting such an impressive gift… but it wasn't like he had a choice. He needed to protect himself.
"Thanks," he said quietly. "They're really cool."
Kaisarius's stern expression softened slightly when he saw the excitement in Amon's eyes, but the warmth vanished just as quickly, replaced by his usual solemn, battle-ready look.
And than, Amon took a stance. His posture calm yet menacing as he eyed the approaching hounds. He stepped forward, spinning the daggers in his hands as an amused smile spread across his face.
His companions stared at him in disbelief and shock, watching as Amon's aura grew darker, more sinister and unsettling by the second.
Bernak instinctively took a step back, his eyes wide with awe and fear. He muttered in disbelief, voice trembling:
"So… you were hiding your strength!? This is a legendary moment! The blood of Khazven still lives!"
Amon's smile twisted into something mysterious as a black pointed hat and flowing wizard robes appeared on his body out of thin air. A crystal monocle materialized, hanging neatly over his right eye.
In an instant, he vanished, deceiving the distance and appeared beside one of the hounds, slashing across its throat in a smooth, lethal motion.
Then, with a flick of his wrist, he detached abilities from his pursuers and drew them toward himself. Blobs of light shot through the air, sinking into his body like falling stars.
Amon used the powers he had stolen: giant hurricanes swirled to his left, while flaming tornadoes roared to life on his right.
With a sharp tug of both hands, he hurled the elemental forces toward the enemy ranks, simultaneously stealing their very intentions to evade.
The entire battlefield was consumed in a raging firestorm.
His companions could only watch in awe and admiration as Amon turned to them with a calm, pleasant smile.
The battle was won...
"Hey, Amon. What are you doing? Stop daydreaming and get back unless you want to die."
Amon snapped out of his delusion with a startled blink, letting out an annoyed huff as he shuffled back behind his companions. As always, his imagination was way too wild for his own good.
Eh... maybe in the future.