Chapter 25: The Pack
Arthur was still standing over the corpse, sword still gripped tightly in his hand, as the adrenaline of battle gradually seeped from his system. The monster's yellow eyes had dimmed, now staring sightlessly at the starry sky above. With the immediate threat neutralized, Arthur's body began to process the reality of what had just transpired.
His legs trembled. His lungs burned, desperate for air. In an instant, the confident warrior who had executed that perfect killing stroke was replaced by an exhausted, terrified Academy student who had barely escaped death again.
Arthur leaned heavily on his odachi, using it as a makeshift crutch while taking deep, ragged breaths. 'Holy crap, that was terrifying,' he thought, his heart still hammering against his ribs. 'Is every monster in this realm just straight nightmare fuel? I almost pissed myself just looking at it.'
He wiped the cold sweat from his brow with the sleeve of his robe, grimacing at the clammy sensation against his skin. The night air, which had felt so pleasant and invigorating before the attack, now seemed to carry whispers of other threats lurking just beyond his perception.
"At least I didn't get injured this time," he muttered, finding small comfort in that fact. "And while I may not fully understand it, I've discovered a new ability."
Arthur focused on the strange perception that had saved his life moments ago, trying to analyze its limitations and capabilities. 'I guess I can feel anything that happens around me, but only to a certain extent. I can't say for sure, but it feels like it reaches about 20-25 feet maybe. And seeing as I didn't get this feeling during the day, and following the pattern of my other ability and my sword, I'd assume this ability only works in the dark.'
He took another deep breath, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling over him like a heavy blanket. "I'm so tired," he whispered to the empty night. "And hungry."
Arthur opened his eyes and found himself staring at the ground, where the bed of roses spread out like a banquet before him. The petals seemed more vibrant in the darkness, almost pulsing with inviting warmth that contrasted sharply with the cool night air.
"I'm sure it will be fine if I just lay down for a little, right?" he asked no one in particular, his voice barely audible.