Page 105

It was early in the morning in the mountain hideaway.

The nightly patrols came in and out of the camp throughout the night. Whether this was necessary was a debate between a lot of members. Was it really necessary? No one came this deep into the mountains besides that, especially not at night. The patrols weren’t only for looking at intruders; if anything, that was the least important aspect of the patrols. Keeping an eye out for animals for predators or a new meal, checking the tunnels and rock formations had not collapsed–especially important after the recent quakes–among other safety and opportunity encounters that may appear. But the people wanted something to complain about. No one at the camp liked walking around the mountains late at night.

Besides those who were out on patrol, most were still in the old wooden, thatched-roofed buildings resting. A few were sitting outside, slowly waking up, even though it was very dark thanks to the mountains.

“Argh, fuck, I need to make a new bed.”

“Didn’t we get some new bedding recently?”

“Yeah, but the lot was used for the back end blocks, they were the oldest, but fuuuuuuuck, I needed an upgrade to mine.”

Thump

The quiet sound of a small object falling wasn’t noticed by anyone. Small pebbles and made echoing sounds all the time.

“Look, just get some grass and pack it in at this point.”

“No, that shit will just make me itchy.”

Thump

“You need to stop complaining.”

Thud, Thud, Thump

Maybe it was the darkness, but they didn’t notice the smoke that had been rising from the small objects long before they landed, if one of them even noticed the objects that landed.

“Says you.”

“Me? I only complain about the quality of the clothes as the seasons change.”

“And? You are so noisy about it.”

A third member walked out of one of the buildings and asked, “Can the two of you shut up? You have this conversation every week.”

“It’s not that often.”

“He’s right about it.”

“Fucking hell, mate, why is that–” The lady paused. “What’s that smell?”

It wasn’t sure, but it was unpleasant, and it smelt like a type of smoke. She spun around and saw clouds of smoke that had risen from the side and behind their buildings. The smoke also closed in on their area.

“What the fuck were you guys doing!” The lady yelled to alert everyone, as for the worst case, if a fire had started. “Answers please!”

“I don’t bloody know–”

BOOOM

Their conversation was interrupted.

A large boulder fell from the mountaintops into one of the houses.

“Fuck! That better not have hit someone.”

They went to check the safety of the residents.

Then in quick succession, more came tumbling down.

Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud–

BOOOM

Thud, Thud–

BOOOM

Larger boulders rolled down the mountain and flung off the cliffside, smashing through buildings and rolling into the open area.

In the darkness of the shadow, a figure slid down the mountainside.

The smoke made everything worse as people were frantically trying to find the injured and get people out of the buildings.

“I need a report of what is happening?!” The de facto leader of the camp, one of its founding members, emerged demanding an explanation. He had a massive frame, larger than the tallest people by a margin, and he brought out his sword as a threatening tool even though his physique was enough.

One person with the Water attribute tried to put out the fire they assumed was happening, while another person with Wind tried to blow away the smoke.

“Boss, we are trying to figure that out.”

It was a large camp, one of, if not the largest camp; no one messed with them, so no one even thought what was happening was intentional.

Cleave

Unbeknownst to anyone, four people had already died.

As people were searching for others, more had died.

“Who’s there!” One person yelled as they thought they heard someone.

The figure had no discernible characteristics; as they were covered in cloth, the only thing noticeable was the dark brown or black hair they had.

Fire erupted, and one of the buildings was lit on fire.

“Someone is killing! Everyone, regroup at the centre!” At this point, some had noticed a colleague die before their eyes.

The smoke was getting worse. It was clearly coming from multiple sources and directions. At least six points in the camp it was growing from.

Suddenly the boss leapt forward.

The figure covered in cloth clashed with the boss.

The people who could barely see were relieved that the boss was about to handle the situation. There were people who were ready to jump in and stab the person, but it was hard when smoke was irritating their eyes. However, what no one expected was that someone half his height began to overpower him.

With a mighty push, the boss was pushed back. He tried to adjust his blade, but it was too late. Syrus’ long blade carved its way into his neck.

One man gulped as his foot stumbled back.

He was one of the people just sitting out complaining, and as with every step of chaos, he took a further step back. At times like this, he always took the motto of staying calm and evaluating the situation.

However, staying calm was particularly hard for him at the moment.

The poor bandit regretted so many of his life decisions. Maybe if he killed a few fewer people he wouldn’t have ended up in this position. But that was a question no one could answer.

So he decided to make one he wouldn’t regret.

He ran.

As fast as he could.

Jumping off the side of the mountain, hoping to escape the monster attacking them.