✦ Chapter 8
---
1 – The Cave of Shadows
The roar of the beasts echoed through the turbulent cave, mingling with their hoarse screams and the stench of decaying corpses. The air itself was a punishment, thick with swamp vapors that stung the eyes and tightened the chest.
In the dim, flickering darkness, the beasts lurked like a flood, waiting for the moment to strike.
Kaelin carved his path through them. His sword was no longer just steel—it was a key to survival, swinging left and right as chunks of flesh scattered with every strike. Pain coursed through his muscles like fire; his body seemed to tear and regenerate all at once.
Kaelin (thinking):
Why have I felt guilty from the start? Was her life worth all this risk? Does everything I've suffered now vanish before these beasts?
Suddenly, the attacks shifted… more cautious, more cunning. Kaelin's gaze sharpened with vigilance.
Kaelin (nervous smile):
She's adapted… her style is more refined now.
The beasts pressed closer, attempting to encircle him. Step by step, he retreated until his back hit the cave wall. Sweat dripped, hands trembling on the sword hilt. Only then did realization strike him.
Kaelin (dry, internal whisper):
So… this was all a trap? Am I truly this worthless?
The beasts lunged in unison. Kaelin struck swiftly, cutting down those in the front. He braced his foot on a rock and pressed with all his strength. The stone cracked under his weight, and with a leap, he vaulted toward the exit. But the landing betrayed him.
Blood pooled beneath his feet; his leg twisted at an impossible angle. A piercing scream tore through the cave.
Kaelin (gasping internally):
A… aah… this… wasn't supposed to end like this…
He collapsed, pain consuming him, forgetting all else. The wolf-like beasts approached, teeth glinting with hunger.
---
2 – City of Light and Secrets
Far from the cave's darkness, the city celebrated life. Sunlight bathed clean streets adorned with red and yellow banners. Flower carts moved between shops, and workers hung garlands on windows. Even the marching feet of the armies shook the ground with their roar as they advanced, exhaling crimson steam—a reminder that life existed beyond battle and bloodshed.
Aurelia walked confidently alongside an excited young girl.
Aurelia (smiling):
These streets… they deserve to be walked.
Girl (excited):
Oh my god, I've been waiting for this moment! Among these bright faces, I feel proud… that I belong here.
Aurelia (thinking):
But does this feeling… truly hide my longing?
Aurelia:
And what makes it special? Every kingdom celebrates the "After the Catastrophe" anniversary.
Girl (soft smile):
But not like us… the sweetest celebration is the one you truly own.
Aurelia whispered with a gentle smile:
Aurelia:
So… how are you planning to celebrate? I wouldn't mind if you joined me.
Girl (hesitant):
Sorry… this year, I want to spend it with my family.
"Family." The word struck Aurelia sharply, her steps slowing, heartbeat quickening, features crumpling at the memory.
Before she could drift further, a voice called out:
Voice:
Aurelia! Look…!
She turned to see Ilaria and Sera approaching, smiling faintly.
Even in this joyful atmosphere, the city's heart beat with hidden fear. Danger whispered behind every window, reminding all that life still hung by a thread—just like Kaelin, facing his fate in darkness, unseen by all.
---
3 – Awakening of the Great Crawler
A groan cut the silence. Kaelin lay surrounded by beasts, yet the trembling ground halted them abruptly.
From the depths of the rock emerged a nightmare: a colossal serpent-like creature, its skin bristling with spines, six glowing eyes like embers, and long fangs as sharp as swords.
It lunged at the other beasts, swallowing them one by one. Kaelin, despite his pain, could only whisper in awe:
Kaelin (internally):
The Great Crawler… is this what I've been waiting for? Am I ready?
A cold smile crossed his lips, mocking fate itself.
Kaelin:
So… this is how my story ends?
The creature approached slowly, its heavy breath brushing his face. Kaelin closed his eyes, surrendering. But instead of devouring him, the beast veered away.
Opening his eyes, astonishment and tears mingled.
Kaelin (broken, internal):
Even it… saw my death as worthless. Am I truly this pathetic?
Bitterness erupted within.
Kaelin (whisper):
Grandfather… did you sacrifice your life for a failure like me?
His leg had healed completely. Trembling, he gripped his sword, smiling sincerely for the first time.
Kaelin (deep internal whisper):
How could I forget?… Today marks my grandfather's passing. I must visit him.
He rose steadily, drawing his sword, and shouted from his depths:
Kaelin:
AAAAAAAH!!!
The cave shook. The Great Crawler struck the rocks with its tail, sending them crashing like a torrent. But Kaelin stood firm. With a single motion, he cleaved the stones into fragments.
His eyes glowed with newfound certainty.
Kaelin (internally):
This time… I will not fall. I will not let anything stop me.
---
Kaelin's path has only begun… what awaits him beyond the shadows?
—End of Chapter 8—
💬
"What did you dislike the most about the chapter?"