Chapter 48: Dangers of Night
Under the star-filled night sky, the luminescent glow of the moon cast an eerie silver light down on Arthur and Aziel as they continued their journey, but there was a marked difference in their demeanor compared to their daylight travels. A palpable wariness had settled into their steps, and the conversations that had passed between them earlier had given way to tense silence.
To Arthur’s knowledge, the Field of Roses harbored only one true threat during daylight hours—the Reaper that wandered its expanse as an eternal guardian. But nightfall changed everything. When darkness descended, it brought with it the Nightreavers.
Arthur knew little about these creatures—only that they were of the Tainted rank, sometimes flew in packs, and possessed slightly more intelligence than the Grimhounds. For reasons unknown, they avoided sunlight with an almost desperate aversion, making the night hours particularly treacherous.
They walked side by side through the darkness, Arthur constantly scanning their surroundings. His Dark Sense ability was in full effect now, extending his awareness to detect any movement within a twenty-five-foot radius. Every rustle of dead roses, every shift in the night air registered in his heightened perception.
Beside him, Aziel’s behavior stood in stark contrast to Arthur’s vigilance. Instead of maintaining alert focus, the lightning wielder was... humming? Arthur glanced over to find his companion gazing up at the stars with casual interest, as though they were on a leisurely night time stroll rather than traversing a realm of mortal danger.
Aziel yawned dramatically, stretching his arms above his head. "Ugh, I’m so bored... I hope we get attacked soon."
Arthur’s eyes widened in disbelief, anger flaring across his features. "You hope we get attacked!?" he nearly shouted, momentarily forgetting the wisdom of keeping quiet in this place. "What’s wrong with you?!"
Aziel turned to Arthur with a nonchalant expression, shrugging his shoulders as though the question had an obvious answer. "Didn’t you hear me? I’m bored."
Arthur closed his eyes and sighed deeply, struggling to maintain his composure. ’This guy’s insane... I’m traveling with an insane person.’ Second thoughts about his decision to leave with Aziel began to surface in his mind.