Chapter 25: Something You Cant Comprehend [ Part 1 ]
The group had gathered into the shopping plaza. They were talking to one of the soldiers that had been helping villagers get to their homes. When Emre and Idris entered the main plaza, Conin noticed them first and tugged at Gerrar's clothes to get his attention.
It only took a point of Conin's finger for everyone else to see that they were quickly heading over. Both Emre and Idris had serious looks on their faces.
"The battle has begun, and there are more than expected." The soldier was talking to Ragan. "The big one doesn't seem to be making a move right now, but you should all find a place to keep low until we take them all down."
"We're planning on keeping the village clear in case any dark creatures get through." Ragan explained as he began to release his aura. "We'll be fine."
"Alright, fine. Be careful you lot." The soldier seemed to have been trying to convince them to hide.
He headed off toward the battle as Emre and Idris stepped up.
"You two shouldn't have run off like that." Ragan immediately scolded them.
"I had a—" Emre began to make an excuse.
"It doesn't matter if you had a bad feeling, Emre. If we're going to protect this village, we need to stay together and work together." Ragan seemed to know what Emre was about to say.
"I know, I know."
"Okay then, I have an idea for a plan."
The rest of the party didn't get a chance to say anything as Ragan dove right into it. It was better to get straight to it rather than waste any more time.
"Ragan, there are only small ones in the hoard." Emre quickly mentioned first. "There are at the least three larger ones that haven't shown themselves."
Ragan's brows furrowed. "That might complicate things if they are smart enough to go around to the other side of the village."
"I would say we could have split into two different groups, but if there are large ones that might circle around…" Killan was saying.
Then the sound of a nearby scream met their ears. Without much hesitation, the group began to move toward it. Running, they heard the banging of something on a wooden door and a snarl. Kicking off with the wind, Emre spurred himself a few feet ahead of the group.
As he turned the corner, he could see two smokey creatures. Both of them were just larger than the size of the big wolf-type one Emre had killed. One looked very similar to it aside from two large upward-pointing horns and three tails. The other looked like a bigger and scarier version of the panther one that had almost killed him, sporting two long fangs that hung past its chin.
The horned wolf dark creature was battering its claws at the door of a house while the other was slowly cornering something. It was a man shielding a woman behind him with little more than a plank of wood in his hands to defend. The panther was licking its chops as if it were looking at a hardy meal.
Turning the corner behind him was the party as he shot forward toward the panther-like one. He didn't have the time to unsheathe his sword or cast a spell so gathering the wind more at one of his feet, he bashed it into the creature's ribs. It stumbled at the impact, whipping toward him with a snarl.
"Damn it, Emre! Don't rush off ahead!" Ragan was calling from just behind him.
Emre ignored him as he glanced at his sword. He wasn't any good with it, there was no point in using it right now. He knew he shouldn't rush off, but when there were lives at stake he wasn't thinking straight. He just wanted to get this dark creature focused on him rather than the villagers.
Luckily, his attempt worked because the moment the panther-like corruption turned to him the couple was out of immediate danger as they ran off to hide. The wolf-like one had also stopped tearing at the door to face him as well though. With a quick few steps, he started to retreat back to the party.
'Come at us, beasts.' Emre taunted them both.
'Human, won't win.' One responded with a cackle.
'More coming.' The other added on.
"There are more coming." Emre informed the party as he rejoined them.
One the panther-like corruption snapped its teeth toward the wolf-like one.
'Idiot!' The scratchy voice met Emre's ears due to Telepathy still being connected.
He almost wanted to laugh out loud at their idiocy. The panther one seemed just a bit smarter than the wolf one. Ragan had already formed a few wind arrows and sent them flying toward the two corruptions.
Only one arrow met its mark since the panther one was distracted scolding the wolf one. The wolf was quick enough to dodge but the panther screeched as the arrow slammed into its shoulder. Emre could see the ooze leaking out of the open black flesh at first, but the smoke quickly covered it up.
Even though the smoke covered it, it was still obvious that Ragan had injured it due to it favoring its leg now. With the rest of the party here, they quickly spread out to do their respective jobs.
"Emre and I will help where it's lacking." Ragan called out to them.
These people already had a system so it was best for him and Emre to simply wait and help them. There were two monsters so there was bound to be somewhere to fill in once the party got themselves situated.
While he had time, Emre began to prepare arrows to strike when he had the chance. He only had so many wind spells, and the best one to do in order not to accidentally hurt one of his companions was to use Wind Arrows. He wouldn't use any of his radiant spells right now.
If he felt that someone would get fatally injured, he would use them but he wasn't keen on jeopardizing himself quite yet.
Conin had headed toward the wolf-like corruption first, followed by Idris. Gerrar and Killan positioned themselves in front of the panther one with Nalia filling their blindspots on the left. Emre decided to help with the wolf one first while Ragan took up the right side of Gerrar and Killan.
Emre began to move, watching as Idris's sword brightened. Flames burst from the hilt and surrounded the blade. A fire sword! It made Idris look quite cool, but what ended up catching Emre's attention the most is that Conin had two weapons in his hands.
Emre hadn't been able to spot any weapons on him before, but now he was wielding two daggers in each hand. His movements were even faster than Idris's as he sped to flank the corruption. He seemed to notice Emre coming and casually readjusted so that they could trap him in a triangle formation.
Taking up the gap, he released two arrows toward the wolf. He was aiming for its legs, pushing it toward Conin. As it attempted to dodge, Idris slashed his flaming sword down toward its front side while Conin went to stab its hindquarters.
Panicked from being attacked by all sides, Conin managed to stab into its flesh as it barely dodged both Idris and Emre's attacks. It was faster and more maneuverable than the one Emre had fought before. Yelping, it twisted to snap its teeth toward Conin. Idris took the chance to jab.
The tip of his sword sunk into its shoulder and it had to reel back without managing to get Conin in its grasp. It was obvious that it was not experienced in battle. Emre could only assume that it had been created recently. The only thing it had going for it right now was speed.
Snarling, it seemed to be trying to decide who to attack first. Emre, seeming unarmed, was the best target. Lunging forward, it twisted to avoid Conin behind it as its teeth aimed for Emre. It was fast. Jumping back, Emre found it harder to move than usual. He had gotten too used to maneuvering with four legs. With only two, his feet felt more prone to error.
Luckily, its teeth snapped just short of its target. Idris had darted forward at this point and was swinging his sword toward its flank. Kicking off, it practically threw itself off to the side, almost smashing into Conin in the process.
Conin had to back off as it whipped around with snapping jaws. Emre quickly sent out a Wind Blade in response, and just barely caught its hind legs as it tried to retreat. He could see black oozing blood as his wind blade caused a small laceration but it didn't do much to hinder its movement.
Using his weak wind magic truly didn't compare to his radiant magic. Brushing off the frustration he finally pulled out his sword. He didn't know if he could do much with it, but he could try. At least that was what he thought.
A sly smile curled upon the wolf corruption's face as it dodged another one of Conin's attacks. Narrowing his eyes, Emre diverted his attention to a crashing sound. Looking farther into the buildings he watched as a form recovered from bashing itself into a wall. It wasn't the panther.
Flicking his eyes to where Ragan and company were, the panther was also smiling as it fended off a heavy slash from Killan. It did look more injured than the wolf one, but it was still moving quite well despite it.
Looking back at the creature that had crashed itself into the wall of a building, he noticed that it looked like a large smoky boar with giant protruding tusks coming from its lower jaw. Coming around the corner, a lanky feline-like creature with very little fur followed it. Spikes stuck out of its back and its fangs were bared as it glared at the fighting.
Two more large ones. The lanky one ran forward toward them first. Its speed put the wolf-like ones to shame as it darted toward Conin, whose back was to it. Emre felt his heart clench as he shot himself forward, dropping his sword without a second thought.
He was heading to Conin on the other side of the wolf, only it was in his way. Luckily, Idris had slashed at it during that moment so it wasn't able to react as Emre planted his hands onto its back and vaulted himself over. Conin looked shocked as Emre stared past him at the dark creature about to reach the unknowing person.
The place his hands had landed lit up and the wolf yelped in surprise at the searing pain his touch caused. Emre's hands darkened due to the burning he had received in turn, but he was too busy shoving Conin out of the way to notice. Reaching his arm up, the lanky feline corruption clamped its teeth onto his forearm rather than Conin's shoulder.
"Emre!" Conin shouted out.
Wincing, Emre apparated a bright glowing arrow into his right hand before he plunged it into the side of the feline's face. The arrow stabbed into the softer part of its face, the light reappearing inside its mouth as it went through the thinner flesh. It screeched in pain as the arrow lit up and promptly released his arm.
Golden flame began to devour the left side of its face as it reeled back, the arrow still sticking into its mouth from the side of its face. The edges of Emre's wound started to glow as his skin fought against the corruption that threatened to blacken his flesh. Quickly, he covered the bite as much as he could with his other hand and brought it to his chest.
He turned to see Conin's shock as the flame tore apart the side of the corruption's face. The arrow had disappeared now and the flames only died out after its ear and left eye was burned beyond repair.
The wolf corruption had retreated toward the boar one who had halted its charge after seeing the feline one stumbling back in pain. The panther one was currently struggling against Gerrar who wasn't allowing it to regroup. Ragan stabbed his sword into his leg and Nalia struck it by the other side as it attempted to wrestle against Gerrar's brute strength.
'You used your radiant magic…' Idris's voice entered Emre's head.
'I did it on impulse…' Emre said, annoyed with himself.
Even so, he had done it to save Conin from the feline corruption. In turn, he had even managed to cripple its sight.
Despite it, the feline started forward again, not giving them time to recuperate. In fact, the other two were moving again as well. The wolf one was heading for Gerrar and Killan who was behind him.
"Killan, turn around!" Emre shouted at him.
Just in time, Killan turned, using the weight of his sword as he swiped, slashing across the wolf corruption's chest. It snarled and jumped back.
There were four large corruptions now. The feline one wasn't attacking quite yet but the boar had approached as well. Stuck in an unfortunate situation, Idris, Emre, and Conin found themselves back to back, being herded toward their companions. The corruptions were trying to get them all in the center so they could surround them all.
Idris was going to swing his sword toward the boar, but the feline mock lunged and he had to pull back before he had the chance to. They were stuck on the defense as the wolf and panther also turned the tables now that they were together.
Just as the corruptions had wanted, they were all stuck in the middle and on defense. Circling around them, Emre was still clenching his arm as the pain throbbed. He was also barely covering his glowing skin that was currently fighting against the infection. Then he had a revelation.
'Idris… you know what I didn't really think about?' Emre started.
'What?' Idris asked, sending Emre a curious look.
Despite the situation, Idris didn't actually seem frightened. At most, he was a bit frustrated and more concerned about the people that had been herded into the middle of four giant predators. Meanwhile, a smile curled upon Emre's features. Why wasn't Idris scared? It was obvious. He was a dragon.
So, why would Emre be scared either? Why was Emre even bothering to hide his magic?
'I didn't think about the fact that we're two dragons.' Idris looked a bit confused at this statement, but Emre continued. 'Two dragons that both have holy element magic.'
'What are you getting at?'
'Why are we even bothering to hide?'
Idris's eyebrows raised in surprise but then a rare smile appeared on his face.
"Ha!" Idris laughed out loud.
Everyone in the party aside from Emre felt their skin prickle at the sound. Idris, of all people, was laughing? In the middle of this situation?
"Idris, what the hell are you laughing for?" Killan asked, actually sounding a bit angry.
'You want to go buck wild?' Idris asked Emre, ignoring Killan's question.
'Maybe just a little bit… Just against these ones.' Emre responded with a mischievous tone.
'Of course, there is still a bigger one to deal with anyway.' Idris mentioned with a small nod.
At his words, Emre's hand clasping his arm let off a soft light, and the bite that had been there previously quickly healed as if it were suddenly a week old. Level 10, Healing Touch, ha. Conin, who was on his other side, let out a small gasp of shock as Emre removed his hand. He flicked the black blood off before opening up both of his palms.
Without warning, he removed the restrictions of his aura and the party flinched at the sudden pressure that Emre had begun to exude. In fact, even the feline corruption who had been pacing in front of him halted in surprise.
"Emre?!" Ragan's shocked voice came from one person over.
Suddenly two orbs of fiery light appeared in his palms. The lanky feline flinched but didn't get the chance to move before the bolts shot out and struck its flank at the same time. The now level 5 Light Bolts caused the entire side of the corruption to light up in flame.
It screeched and stumbled away as Emre formed two Light Arrows next. Only they weren't at Emre's hands, they were above the panther corruption who was in front of Ragan and Gerrar. It barely had the time to look up as they plummeted straight down, piercing into its spine. The already injured panther doubled over, its legs giving out as the flame enveloped the top half of its body.
'Brutal.' Idris casually commented.
Turning, unafraid of being attacked on this side now, Idris faced the boar and pointed his finger toward it. Emre felt excited as a small navy blue light started to appear at Idris's fingertip. Within a second a small dark bolt shot from it and pierced straight into the boar's collarbone.
It squealed and stumbled at the pain. In the spot the bolt landed, a dark blue flame began to spread across the front half of its body. It acted just like Emre's fire did when it landed on a corruption.
'Your shadow magic?' Emre asked.
'Yeah.' Idris confirmed as he moved out of Emre's view.
He was going to the wolf-type corruption on the other side of the group. The party was stuck in stunned silence. Emre didn't let that fact dwell in his mind as he formed two more light arrows. The lanky feline had stopped burning and looked ready to flee. The panther on the other hand was lying unmoving on the ground.
Emre wouldn't give the lanky corruption a chance to flee and sent the arrows flying toward it. The first one didn't land as it darted out of the way, but the second landed into its hindquarters as it was attempting to turn away. Screeching, it stumbled to the ground and Emre wasted no time in finishing it off with a third arrow.
[ Corruption slain, 2000 experienced gained ]
[ You leveled up ]
[ Gained 4 stat points ]
The lanky feline was little more than a pile of ash as Emre shot a Light Arrow toward the unmoving panther corruption. It must have been playing dead because it started wailing in pain the moment the arrow hit. Meeting the same fate as the lanky feline, it quickly crumbled into ash.
[ Corruption slain, 2000 experience gained ]
[ You leveled up ]
[ Gained 4 stat points ]
By the time Emre turned back around, he watched as the boar crumbled into ash after being devoured by dark blue flame. The wolf-type corruption was in the process of being finished off as Idris released one last bolt of navy blue from his fingertip. Once they were all dead, he heard the sound of a sword sliding into its scabbard.
It was Ragan sheathing his sword with a bitter look on his face. Killan looked upset, and Nalia was obviously nervous. Gerrar actually looked the most calm as he placed his hand on the shocked Conin's shoulder.
"What the hell, guys?" Killan asked with a small scowl. "You didn't think to tell us about this beforehand?!"
"They probably had their reasons." Gerrar said, his voice calm.
"Idris! You've been with us for days and you never thought to mention it?!" Killan ignored Gerrar as he continued.
Idris just had his aloof expression on his face as Killan turned to him. This only seemed to irritate him more. Gerrar took a step toward him and placed a gentle hand on Killan's shoulder.
"Relax, Killan." His voice was harsher than usual.
Reluctantly Killan took a deep breath before turning away from Idris and looking at Emre. He didn't say anything yet, but his face was obviously bitter. Emre glanced away as he looked at Ragan. It was hard to read his expression. He had known about Emre, but he knew nothing about Idris.
"Ragan, did you know about Emre?" Killan then asked.
"I did." He answered with a small nod. "But his secrets were not mine to share."
Killan shook his head, looking back between Emre and Idris. "Were you two not even intending to use that magic? What if one of us got seriously hurt? If you could kill them so easily, why did you hide it?"
"Killan, Emre got bit to save me." Conin spoke up, narrowing his eyes toward the taller man.
Killan seemed surprised that the terribly shy Conin was standing up for Emre before shaking his head. It was as if he seemed disappointed. Emre's eyes had narrowed at this point, his face switching from dismay at how upset Killan was and then into a similar stoic face to Idris's.
"Whatever. Do what you want." He waved his hands in dismissal.
"That was the plan." Emre finally got the chance to speak, his voice cold. "We don't need to explain ourselves to you. There is no reason why we have to put ourselves at risk just to please you. You're a nice person, but don't butt your nose in things you can't comprehend."
Emre's mind was already complex with question after question. None of which could be answered by anyone but a God. A God who Emre was already feeling upset with. There is no reason for himself or Idirs, who have been tasked with the will of Gods, to explain anything to some person that barely either of them knew about.
Idris was only with them for about a week and a half. They had even said themselves that Idris was closed off. That is not enough time to truly know someone. And Emre wasn't about to tell some human that he only just met about himself. Ragan was only an exception because Emre had needed help. Because he had been alone.
He wasn't alone anymore.
He didn't need to answer to this person.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Trraven
Trraven Absolutely, you're totally right Emre! You tell him!
ヾ(≧ ▽ ≦)ゝ
Hope you enjoyed this chapter even if it's on a lil cliffhanger.
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