And the Hunt on the Mountain continued. Screams could be heard, and the numbers did not stop decreasing. No matter how some tried to resist, Ereon's sword Totsuka no Tsurugi passed over their necks and bodies, cutting their lives. Many ran tirelessly to the top, while others tried to hide.
One of the newcomers, number 22, and 198 hid in the middle of a wasteland, where stones rose. Then 198 spoke:"We shouldn't have come to this orphanage. When I followed you here, I thought we would have an easy life. Besides, that person said nothing would happen to us. Now look where we are: in the middle of a mountain, being hunted like cattle."
Number 22 looked at his badge and asked:"Where is the badge I gave you? Why are you still with that number? Didn't I tell you to get rid of that number?"
He replied:"Does it matter? We're going to die anyway. What's the point of changing to a lower number? Besides… why did you kill those veterans who said they would help us? Wasn't the plan, when we entered the mountain, for them to stop the Alpha Supervisor?"
"But as soon as he entered, the fifty only went straight to death!" 22 retorted, irritated.
"Damn it, shut up!" the other responded. "That's why I got rid of those two."
Number 198, taken by desperation, began to beg:"Please… whether it's Odin, Zeus… don't let me die here today. If this happens, I will live without desiring anything. I will accept the fate that was given to me… but please, don't let me die."
The two could feel something approaching. The air became heavier; anxiety dominated them. They felt cold eyes on them, but could not distinguish where the attack would come from.
For a moment, number 22 felt that presence disappear. Then he said:"It seems he's gone… I don't feel anything anymore. I think we can leave here… he's gone."
When his eyes turned to look for his companion, he found him already lifeless. No sound was uttered. Unable to understand what had happened, he began to laugh. Then, screaming in fury:"And this is mocking us! This orphanage is no different from the society in which the nobles govern us. They brought us here to use us as their hunting toy! Appear! I will kill you! I will not forgive you for taking the life of my brother, you bastard!"
In fury, he repeated:"I will kill you! I will kill you!"
And then, with silent steps, the Alpha Supervisor walked toward him. Before he could approach, number 22 wielded his sword in fury and went toward the enemy to try to strike a blow. It was only a second, but his eyes sought the opponent.
Once in front of him; in the blink of an eye, he was already behind him. Laughing as if he had seen a chance to escape, he tried to run, but realized he could not move. Then he laughed again, when he could not feel his legs, and shortly after said:"What we did was so wrong? Why do we deserve to die this way? Tell me, what was our sin, dear God of Death?"
Silence fell upon him, and again he felt death approaching. Then number 22 said, resigned:"I'll go ahead… I will wait for you in hell."
Then another head rolled. In a low tone, Ereon said:"Appear!"
And one of the newcomers, number 200, with amber eyes — like fire trapped in wood — showed himself before the God of Death. Then he got rid of his sword and knife and, shortly after, spoke:"I just want to ask one question. During these 20 days, I was able to listen to some conversations, both of the veterans and the residents. When did you find out?"
Ereon, with his low voice, almost like a whisper, said:"At least I will give you the chance to take your sword."
Then he walked slowly toward number 200, who continued speaking while taking a few steps back:"You knew about me? When did we meet? Did you know about us from the beginning? That's why you have followed us like a shadow, always around. It didn't matter if it was in the dormitory, dining hall, bathrooms, or in the training room…"
Trembling and with a faltering voice, he said:"I am not your enemy. Just like you, I also want that person dead. If I could, I would kill him with my own hands. But I am weak, that's why I tried to get close."
Then, like an omen for the others, a scream echoed over the place. Beyond that sound, they could hear the bell tolls announcing that the end of the chase was approaching. The thirty survivors could feel the dawn of a new day, but still, everyone continued toward the top. Since the numbers stopped climbing, it was an omen that, until the next bell toll, their lives were still at risk of being taken.
Then, ten of the veterans decided to stay behind, to gain the maximum time for the others.
Number 1, with short white hair, which contrasted with his tanned and vigorous skin, his light brown eyes transmitting firmness, concentration, and a certain enigmatic air, said:"Numbers six, seven, ten, and eleven, come with me. The rest of you, wait here. As soon as we locate…"
The others hesitated, but then he said:"We are all afraid of death. We knew this day would come. However, there is someone down there who trusted us to take care of those who cannot face it. Just as he fought for us the first time, we decided to follow under Telvaris's leadership. Since we became veterans, many of ours have fallen. Even if we studied a lot, we could never surpass Phoebrus's intelligence, nor kill someone without a single sound being heard, like Ereon. But there is one thing only we can do. Because, if Unit Beta is the brain, and Unit Alpha is the sword, we of Unit Omega are the shields. And those climbing have become our hearts. For this to happen, the members of Unit Omega here present need to face the death approaching."
Then, with a smile on his face, he said:"What shall we say to death today, my dear orphans?"
As if those words had released the air of life, or made them invincible, their eyes gained a shine. And then they answered:"Not today!"
As the veteran planned, five of them went down to the densest part of the forest, going toward the enemy. Feeling something approaching, he stopped and observed those five who stood before him.
The five witnessed the brutal scene: bodies of veterans and residents lifeless around them. The light brown eyes of the archer met the black eyes of Ereon — relentless and without any sign of emotion.
Number 1 said:"I am sorry, Ereon, but your hunt ends here. Personally, I have nothing against you; I even come to admire your strength. I know well that, in terms of sword techniques, I am far inferior to you. That is why, when you became Supervisor, I think deep down I knew we would meet at a moment like this. So I chose another path. Since I cannot win with swords, I chose the bow, like the one who supports Telvaris. I've never seen him so anxious during these years. I do not know what awaits us after we climbed to the peak; I also do not know what secrets you and the director keep. But one thing I know: I will not die easily. So, dear God of Death, could I die in silence?"
After the veteran finished, the four advanced. At that moment, Ereon stepped back. Not because of the tenacity of those four who went at him, but because he could feel that if he made a wrong step, it could cost him dearly.
And then, under the moonlight, a frenzied fight began. While facing the four, the Alpha Supervisor could not strike a deadly blow, because every time he tried, an arrow came toward his blade, forcing him to retreat to avoid being hit struck by the blades that tried to take his life.
The four advanced in unison, their swords cutting the air at different angles. Ereon, however, moved as if he had already seen each blow before. Blade after blade was deflected, and in moments the first fell, his throat opened by a single clean cut.
Number 1 shot arrows without stopping, trying to open gaps for his companions, but Ereon adapted to every shot. He used his own blade to deflect the projectiles, without losing rhythm against the opponents.
The second fell with his chest pierced, the third with his arm severed before feeling the blade in his heart.
The last tried to protect Ereon's flank, but his defense proved useless. A quick spin, and the cut silenced him forever.
The archer stepped back a few steps, sweat running down his face. His eyes watched the scene in disbelief and respect."…really… you are a monster."
And yet, he raised the bow again, determined to be the last to fall.
The forest seemed to hold its breath. Every time Ereon advanced with his blade, Number 1 retreated with quick steps, opening enough space to release another arrow. The projectiles cut the air with precision, forcing the God of Death to divert the sword to defend them, making the metal clink like thunder trapped in the night.
The other veterans had already fallen, their bodies scattered around, but Number 1 remained firm. His bow was his sword; his movements, his wall. Ereon moved like a shadow, approaching every instant, but whenever it seemed he was about to end the fight, a new shot forced him to step back.
The duel was not only physical; it was one of wills. The light brown gaze burned with determination, while the black eyes reflected only coldness.
Finally, in a sudden advance, Ereon closed the distance. His cold sword touched the archer's neck, lightly cutting the skin — a warning that the fight had come to an end. But, at the same time, the veteran held firm the last arrow, its tip aimed directly at Ereon's eyes.
Silence fell between them."If you take the next blow… …I take your eyes with me." murmured Number 1, voice firm despite the blood at the corner of his mouth.
The bell tolled, ending that bloody chase.
Ereon remained still, the sword still pressing the veteran's neck. Number 1, exhausted and wounded, held the arrow steady, aimed at the God of Death's eyes.
For a moment, they stared at each other — the sword and the shield. Ereon could end everything there, but the sound of the bell decreed that the chase was over. Without a word, he withdrew the blade.
Number 1 fell to his knees, breathing heavily, but never lowering the bow. Neither defeated nor victorious — just alive.
Ereon turned in silence and left the mountain, as if he had recognized, even if for a second, the resistance of the one who dared challenge him