1 Dasha 30471 - 19:78
[Ashh… brah… semzh…
BRUAKKK ~ KRAKKKK!
The horizon split apart. Black and white flames collided in the air, unleashing a shockwave that shook the sky above the earth. On the ground, the echoes of war drums clashed with the deafening ring of steel.
Blood began to rain upon the soil, its metallic scent blending with dust and residue. Screams and groans of soldiers filled every gap in the air, forming a horrifying symphony of death. Amid the chaos, faces I recognized and those I did not were carved with wounds and the fading remnants of hope.
Far beyond the turmoil of the battlefield, a throne appeared in a fleeting glimpse. A seat that stood as the absolute symbol of Power, Authority, Law, and the purity of Bloodline.
"Hakss… hakss… haks…"
The breathing was ragged, heavy, and hot. My hands trembled, soaked with blood whose owner I did not know. Around me, piles of bodies from both sides lay stiff upon ground that was no longer brown.
"Mera…!"
A voice, painfully familiar, broke through the noise. From the opposite direction, that figure ran straight into death, their face shining with a hope that hurt to see in a place like this. They rushed forward, reaching out to pull me into a warm embrace.
Krakk… Slepp!
The sound was horribly real, cold metal tearing through flesh. A spear pierced through their back completely. Before they could even touch me, warm blood splashed outward, staining my frozen face.]
***
"Kya… Hakss!" Mera jolted awake. Her breathing was rapid, uneven from the remnants of the nightmare she had just experienced.
Under the light of dusk, Mera's appearance stood out vividly. Her hair, white as threads of snow, flowed in the wind, contrasting with a pair of clear lavender eyes that still held confusion. Her skin glowed as smooth as marble, framing full lips as red as blood an almost unreal beauty.
"Mera? What is wrong? You were sweating in your sleep," said a blonde girl of the same age sitting beside her.
"Hah… Miya, I… just had a strange dream." Mera looked up at the sky, now turning orange, a sign that evening was approaching. "We should go home. We cannot stay here until morning," she added, rising from the grass beneath the large, shady tree.
"M… Yes. Before Father starts worrying about us," Miya replied while lifting the bundle of firewood onto her back.
The two walked side by side across the green fields, firewood resting on their backs. Around them, livestock continued grazing, unconcerned by the darkening day.
***
A peaceful village stretched before their eyes, filled with simple houses roofed with wood and straw. Green grass decorated with wildflowers spread along the edges of stone paths branching toward every corner of the settlement.
The sounds of footsteps and laughter blended into a harmony of warmth and peace, as though this place were a pure world untouched by sorrow or war.
"You two just got back?"
"Hurry home, it will be dinner soon!"
"Mera, Miya! I just made apple pancakes. Come eat with Hugo later!"
Several villagers approached them warmly, offering sincere attention a familiar gesture that had become part of daily life there.
Kreeeek…
The sound of the main door at the house near the end of the road opened slowly. Mera and Miya tiptoed inside, trying their best to set down the firewood and tray of apple pancakes without making any noise.
"Ahem…"
The sound of a throat clearing came from the top of the stairs. Standing there was a middle-aged man with a tall, sturdy build. He observed every movement of the two girls with a sharp gaze that still carried affection.
"F… Father," Miya said with a forced smile after realizing they had been caught.
"Look, Father! We got pancakes!" Mera added, lifting the tray with both hands, trying to hide her guilt behind a wide grin.
"Is a piece of pancake enough to replace the training you skipped?" Hugo asked while walking down the stairs toward them.
Instantly, the smiles on Mera and Miya's faces vanished, replaced by panic. Regret was clearly written across their lowered expressions.
"But… dinner with apple pancakes does not sound too bad," Hugo continued. He lowered his gaze and gave them a teasing smile.
Immediately, both girls looked up again. Wide smiles bloomed across their faces. Without wasting time, they quickly prepared the plates, welcoming dinner with overflowing excitement.
Laughter soon filled the dining table. Miya enthusiastically cut the apple pancakes while Mera arranged fresh fruit slices on top. From the fireplace, Hugo brought out roasted lamb, placing it on the table with steam and a rich aroma filling the room.
"Hah… Alright, time to eat. One piece of pancake for me," Hugo said, holding out his plate toward Miya.
"Me too!" Mera replied eagerly, waiting impatiently for her turn, already preparing a large bite with her mouth wide open.
BYARRR ~ KRAKK…!
A blast of acidic liquid slammed into the front wall of the house. Within seconds, the sturdy wood and stone melted, turning into thick, dark fluid releasing terrifying heat vapor.
"Kyaaa…!"
"Help…!"
"Uwahhh…!"
The villagers' hysterical screams erupted instantly. Shouts, cries, and frantic footsteps echoed outside. The village's peace shattered in a single moment.
Brukk! Tap… tap… tap…
Hugo moved fast. He grabbed Mera and Miya by the hands, pushing them firmly toward the stairs. His gaze was sharp, radiating unquestionable authority.
"Pack your belongings and weapons, then take the horses immediately. NOW!" he shouted before turning and running toward the exit.
Without waiting for a second command, Mera and Miya rushed to their rooms. They packed essential items and weapons with tactical movements drilled into them over years of training.
***
Meanwhile, outside in the yard, Hugo stood watching a heartbreaking sight. Their village was melting and burning in flames. Villagers struggled to save their lives, driving carts and horses toward the dark forest behind the settlement.
Wushhh…
SKREEEEEEEEE-E-E-E-NGGHHHH!!!
A creature of deep black and blue descended from the sky. Rough scales covered its body as it dove directly above Hugo's head. Its wide bat-like wings had edges as sharp as blades, slicing through the village walls. Its screech was deafening, as if it could shatter anyone's eardrums.
"Tch… Borgull," Hugo muttered with hatred. His eyes tracked the creature as it continued diving and spewing acid around the village.
Warning bells rang continuously, mixed with shouts that the raiders were drawing closer. The villagers were forced to evacuate immediately, leaving everything behind. In the distance, mounted raiders became visible hungry, savage faces ready to storm into the heart of the village.
"Father…!" Miya and Mera called together, already carrying supplies and food packs on their backs.
"Take the horses and go to the forest!" Hugo shouted while pulling two horses toward them. "Ride as fast as you can. Do not look back. I will follow soon. Go!"
Hugo struck the horses hard, sending them sprinting away with Mera and Miya.
For a brief moment, Hugo stood still, watching the silhouettes of his daughters disappear into the dense forest. Then he turned, his eyes catching sight of elderly villagers and families struggling to move quickly. Without hesitation, his protective instincts surged, and he ran into the chaos to help those left behind.
The raiders began flooding into the village, swinging their weapons mercilessly at defenseless villagers.
"Quick! Take anything valuable and kill them all!" shouted the raider leader from the sky atop Borgull.
SRAAAKKK!!
The sound of blades tearing through air and flesh echoed everywhere. Cries and sobs filled the air, mixed with the cruel laughter of the raiders enjoying the slaughter.
WUSHHH ~ JLEBBB!
BRUAKKK…!
Suddenly, a spear shot through the air, piercing the raider leader's head atop Borgull. His body was thrown from the sky, crashing into a rooftop with a heavy impact. Instantly, silence fell. The raiders stared in disbelief as their leader was killed in a single moment.
Tap… Grebhh… Sringg…
Hugo's footsteps sounded steady as he stood in the middle of the path, gripping his spear and axe firmly, calmly facing the group of raiders ahead.
"Uwahhh!"
With furious expressions, the raiders charged toward him. Yet the man did not move, his face calm, waiting for death to approach him.
SREEEETTT ~ JLEBB!
Hugo lunged low in a spinning motion. His first strike targeted their legs before driving his weapons into their faces. The sound of axes cutting bone and spears piercing skulls mixed with screams of agony.
Calmly, Hugo walked past the pile of bodies now lying lifeless on the ground. He stepped steadily toward the village gate.
"Go quickly! There are still dozens of raiders approaching," Hugo said to the remaining villagers. Without protest, they fled toward the dark forest.
Hugo stood firmly at the village gate. He was too calm an unsettling calm. His eyes were emotionless, like a predator watching prey run desperately toward him. Before him, dozens of mounted raiders charged forward.
Dugh… dugh ~ WOHHH!
They rushed in, raising all kinds of weapons with savage shouts, ready to destroy anything in their path.
"Hmm…"
Hugo took a deep breath. Behind him, dozens of houses burned beneath the darkening sky. He slowly lowered his gaze, still carrying that same calm.
Brugh… Brughh… Wushh…!
With trained precision, Hugo suddenly sprinted and leapt past the charging horses. Both hands gripped his spear and axe tightly, swinging them with deadly accuracy toward the raiders' necks.