Chapter 78: Blood and Ashes
The blackish-gray sky loomed overhead, casting an ominous pall over the labyrinthine terrain. From above, a rain of blood descended, drenching the land in crimson. Within this sunless void, four silhouettes frantically sprinted across the mud. Actually, they were five If one were to count the ghoul with them.
From their tense expressions and desperate strides, it was painfully clear that their actions were driven by sheer urgency and fear. Behind them, a monstrous tide of blood surged forth in a great wave, threatening to swallow them whole.
’Shit! Shit! As I thought, my luck is really terrible!’
Klaus cursed under his breath.
Who could have anticipated that it would actually rain in this mysterious world? Not just that, a downpour of blood from the heavens. Looking up, one might truly believe the sky was bleeding. Or perhaps this was the lifeblood flowing from the gaping wound of some unknown monstrosity? Whatever the case, if they failed to reach their destination in time, they would be consumed by the crimson sea and drown in its depths.
By some stroke of luck, they managed to reach the great hill where Adrian and Seraphim had been staying. But now, another challenge stood before them, they had to climb to the top.
Without much time to think, they immediately began their ascent. The only one who lagged behind was the Blackmane Stalker, burdened by the corpse of the slain Scavenger. After a brief moment of deliberation, Briar ordered the tamed ghoul to abandon the corpse and carry her to the top instead. Since she was maintaining her human disguise, using her bat wings to fly would raise suspicion, making this the safest choice.
Abandoning their food was a waste, but starving for a few hours, or even days, was definitely far better than drowning in a sea of blood.
’Tch. Damn succubus. If you’re going to climb up using a helper then carry your master as well!’
Grumbling inwardly, Klaus could only click his tongue bitterly and watch as humanoid creature effortlessly carried Briar to the top. Meanwhile, he had no choice but to focus on his own climb. It was almost like watching a monkey scale a tree in real time. Speaking of animals, what exactly could he compare that monster to?
... Well, that wasn’t important.