Chapter 39: The monster and the cave
Little author note: Small dangers lie ahead, and there is a smidge of violence and gore in this Chapter. You've been warned. Otherwise, happy reading.
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Hael and Ceremus were still discussing the forest when they felt an evil energy emerging from the shadows. The creature that had sensed the two men made its appearance before them.
They widened their eyes in shock and terror. Standing before them was such a terrifying creature; calling it a monster would insult all monsters out there. The creature resembled a demon, towering at least 15 feet tall over them. Its body was covered with leathery pale skin, eyes so black it seemed like they were staring into a void. Its mouth hung wide open, bearing a row of sharp teeth that could bite through the toughest flesh. Its muscles were big and strong, and it wasted no time charging at them.
The two men had to swallow their fear as they took out their swords. Unfortunately, this was not a creature they could fight alone with bare hands.
It didn't waste a second as it swung its claws at them with all its might. A single swing from this demon could send ten of the most muscular men tumbling to their deaths.
Luckily, Hael and Ceremus had enough divine power to withstand its oppressive energy and dodged each attack. It relentlessly charged in, eager to spill blood, and the two warriors knew it was only a matter of time before they were sent to the afterlife.
They locked eyes, sharing an unspoken understanding, and got on the offensive. Hael jumped on the creature's shoulder, using his sword to pierce its neck while Ceremus attacked his side. The beast was tenacious and refused to be defeated, but the two warriors would be killed so easily.
They slashed and bludgeoned the demon with all their might while simultaneously avoiding getting struck down by the demon's mighty hands. The demon who thought the two would be easy prey finally realized the terrible judgment he had made. Hael and Ceremus weren't small fries that could be pushed around or toyed. And so, using the remaining of its strength, he aimed a devastating blow towards Ceremus, who was busy attacking the demon's right side. Hael saw through his plans and swung his sword, cutting down its disgusting hand in one fell swoop.
The demon wailed in pain but unfortunately didn't have the time to process what had just happened when the white-haired warrior, with the help of his partner Ceremus cutting down his tendon, was able to deliver the final blow, cutting down its unsightly head.
The demon uttered an ear-piercing shriek as it fell to the ground. Before the creature drew its final breath, it spoke to the two men, surprising them.