That... was no ordinary creature.Not a dragon, nor a wyvern—but a twisted hybrid, a grotesque creation,as if someone had tampered with its very genes...The outcome of a forbidden experiment.A living embodiment of failure,or perhaps... of torment.
I gripped my sword tightly.Five strikes—that's all I needed to activate its skill...But the problem was, I didn't know how this monster fought.I'd never seen anything like it—Not in battle, not even in books of ancient myths.
I glanced quickly at Aisha.I cast a protective spell on her...I wouldn't let it lay a finger on her.
Then suddenly...the battle began.
It lunged at me with insane speed—its wings cloaked in claws sharp enough to tear through stone,descending like a hurricane onto my head.
I blocked its first strike—my sword trembled in my hands.
It roared, then spewed black flames—a dark fire that burned straight through bone.I leapt to the side at the last second,narrowly escaping death.
Now... it was my turn.
I slashed at its wing—but it didn't even flinch.Its skin was thick—like steel.Random attacks wouldn't work here...Every strike had to count.
Then—I saw it.A weak spot.Its hind leg... was unprotected!
I slid beneath its body,my sword slicing through the air like lightning,and severed its right leg in a single, precise blow.
I continued my assault,striking its tail, then its other wing...Suddenly, my blade shimmered gold.The skill activated: "Blade of Five Factions."One decisive strike—aimed at a vital point—and the battle would end.
But then...
Its eyes turned toward Aisha.The beast dashed toward her like a predator—faster than I could imagine.
"No!"I shouted, leaping over it—my sword slashed through its neck with a single, clean stroke.Its head detached from its body... and fell like a mountain.
Blood spattered everywhere.I stood amidst the corpse...silent. Frozen.
I was back.Back to him...The old me.The monster I had buried deep within.
I collapsed to my knees.The void swallowed me.Regret choked me.Their frightened eyes, the blood covering me...Would they fear me?Would Aisha see the beast within me?
But then...
A small voice shattered the silence.A teardrop fell on my face.Then a trembling voice said:
"Daddy... please don't die!"
I lifted my head with difficulty."Please don't leave me... You're the only one who ever loved me!"
Aisha...She was crying.Crying for me.My heart cracked open.I... didn't deserve this love.
I whispered softly,"Aren't you afraid of me?"
She looked at me, tears streaming down her cheeks."Daddy, you're bleeding... You need to heal!"
I smiled through the pain."Don't worry... it's just a scratch."
I focused my energy on the wound,and slowly, it began to heal.Aisha gasped in surprise, then threw herself into my chest, sobbing:
"Please be okay..."
I asked gently,"Are you alright?"
She nodded, eyes still watery."Yes... because you're my father. You protected me."
Her words lit up something inside me—like a sunrise.I nodded and said:"Let's go home."
I pulled out a teleportation stone,and we returned to the cabin's clearing.
When we opened the door...The girls were waiting, worry painted all over their faces.
"Dad! Your blood! You're bleeding!"I gave them a faint smile."Don't worry... the wound's already healed."
Aisha stepped forward, head high with pride, and declared:"He fought a massive beast—and sliced off its head with a single blow!"
The girls' eyes widened in awe."Really?! Tell us how it happened!"
They all gathered around her, listening in amazement,while I watched them...and silently made a vow in my heart:
If becoming a monster is the price for their safety...then I will tear myself apart a thousand times—just to remain their final shield.
A Moment of Apology:
As I tried to collect myself,I walked slowly toward the girls.
"I've never apologized to anyone before..."I looked at them with deep regret,and whispered, broken:
"I'm sorry... forgive me for shouting...I was just scared for you... afraid of losing you."
I lowered my head in shame,"I'm sorry..."
But a chorus of voices rose up:"Please, Dad, don't apologize! We were the ones at fault...We didn't realize how dangerous the forest was."
Aisha said, bowing her head:"No, Dad... it's my fault. I only wanted to gather some firewood."
Then one by one, they each blamed themselves.I chuckled softly and said:"Don't worry, just... please, be more careful."
They all nodded in agreement.
Suddenly, Cathy exclaimed with excitement:"We made you a surprise!"
I raised an eyebrow."A surprise?"
They all pointed to the table—breakfast had been prepared.
Astazia said shyly:"You've always taken care of us...We wanted to return the favor.We woke up early to make you breakfast."
I smiled broadly, my heart full of warmth:"Thank you all... this is the most beautiful surprise I've ever received."
I hugged them all,feeling a pure warmth and peace.
We sat and ate,while Aisha told them the story of the battle,and they listened with awe and admiration.
While I was gathering the dishes,a thought crossed my mind:
"I know nothing about their pasts...Where they came from, or how they ended up with me.What did their days look like before we met?But I won't dig into wounds they haven't chosen to open.I'll wait.If they ever wish to talk, I'll listen.And if they stay silent...I'll respect their silence."
A Sudden Request:
Aisha suddenly approached me—and bowed with a determination I hadn't seen before.
"Please, Father...Teach me how to be a warrior!I promise—I'll follow all your teachings!"
I stood there, stunned...What do I do in this situation?