Chapter 17: The Siblings
(Some time after Shiva emerged from the dungeon)
Outside the crude camp built by the survivors, a peculiar scene unfolded.
A vague figure, akin to a shadow, moved swiftly and stealthily from one spot to another, navigating through the darkness with practiced ease. Jumping from one shadow to the next, it eventually slipped into an abandoned house, which lay in ruins following the rampage of monsters.
As the obscure shadow entered the perimeter of the house, a young man emerged from within, rapping gently on the door of the dilapidated structure.
"Regena, it's me," the young man called out. He possessed a striking appearance, with pitch-black hair, dreamy eyes, and smooth brownish skin. Despite being covered in dirt, likely from battles with monsters, his handsome features remained untouched.
After a brief pause, the door creaked open, revealing a young girl of around 16 peering out from inside. Her expression was cautious, yet curious, as she regarded the young man standing before her.
The young girl's beauty was like a painting come to life, captivating anyone who laid eyes upon her. Her skin had a soft, flawless quality, akin to fresh cream, with a delicate hint of pink in her cheeks. High cheekbones added a touch of refinement to her features, while her lips were subtly curved in a gentle smile.
But it was her eyes that truly mesmerized, large and expressive, with a warm chestnut color that drew you in. They held a quiet wisdom and depth beyond her years, mirroring the gaze of the young man before her. Their resemblance was uncanny, as if they shared more than just physical features.
"Here, I brought you some food," Karna offered, extending a small bundle towards the young girl.
"Brother, have you eaten?" the young girl inquired, her concern evident in her voice.
"You little brat, worry about yourself. I've already had my fill," he teased with a playful grin.
"You always say that, but you end up giving me all the food they give you," she retorted, a hint of exasperation in her tone.
"Don't worry, I've eaten plenty. See, even my stomach has expanded from all that eating," he chuckled, patting his slightly protruding belly.
"Pfft..." she responded with a smirk, rolling her eyes in mock annoyance.
Suddenly, interrupting the joyous moment of the siblings, the door burst open, crashing to the ground. In an instant, Karna swiftly positioned himself in front of the girl, shielding her from whatever danger lurked beyond.
Through the broken doorway lumbered a middle-aged man, appearing quite hefty, each step resonating heavily. As he entered the dilapidated house and surveyed the scene, his gaze fixated on the girl standing behind Karna.
"Hahaha, you damn brat! How dare you hide such beauty from me? I've provided you with food, shelter, and everything! Is this how you repay me, you ungrateful bastard!" the man bellowed, his voice booming with anger and indignation.
"Leader, it's not what you think..." Karna attempted to explain, but before he could finish, the middle-aged man raised his arm, ready to push him aside.
"Shut up and step aside!" he commanded, his tone commanding and authoritative.
However, Karna refused to yield so easily. Evading the man's hand, he stepped back, raising both hands in a defensive gesture.
"Leader, I won't say this another time, step back," Karna declared, his voice firm as he stood protectively in front of the girl. But his defiance only seemed to amuse the middle-aged man.
"Haha, look at this fool trying to be a hero. You think you can stop me? Huh?"
The man's laughter was laced with malice as he pulled out a gun and aimed it at Karna, his intentions clear and menacing.
"Stop dreaming, brat! Sure, I know you're strong enough to escape from me, but it'll be a different story for her," the leader sneered, his words dripping with malice.
Seeing the gun in his hand, Karna took a step back, ensuring the girl was safely behind him. "Leave her alone! I'll do anything you want," he pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice.
The leader chuckled in response. "Well, that sounds like an interesting offer, but what can a normal class like you do? I can find plenty of men if I want," he taunted, his tone mocking and disdainful.
"So, be a good boy and step aside if you don't want to get hurt," he threatened, his voice laced with menace.
"Regena, run!" Karna suddenly shouted, lunging towards the middle-aged man and grappling with the hand holding the gun.
"But, brother..." she hesitated, torn between fear and love for her brother.
"I said run!" Karna insisted, urgency evident in his voice.
With tears streaming down her face, the girl hesitated for a moment before obeying, darting outside as fast as her legs could carry her.
"How amusing," the leader chuckled, his attention now fully focused on the fleeing girl, his intentions clear and sinister.
"I like it more when they fight back, hehehe," the leader chuckled darkly, relishing the confrontation.
Then turning to Karna, he barked, "You brat, just get out of my way!"
Suddenly, fire erupted from the leader's free hand, casting an ominous glow in the dimly lit room. With a swift movement, he hurled the flames at Karna's face, intending to incapacitate him.
But Karna was quick to react, using his skill to evade the flames, fading away like a shadow. Yet, he couldn't escape entirely, knowing that fleeing would endanger his sister. With determination, he reappeared behind the middle-aged man, brandishing a short knife.
To his surprise, however, his attack was easily blocked by the leader, who retaliated with another fireball, forcing Karna back into the shadows once again.
The skirmish raged on for ten intense minutes, Karna fighting with all his strength until his mana reserves were depleted. Taking a devastating blow, he was sent hurtling over twenty feet, coughing up blood as he landed.
Despite his injuries, there was no trace of regret on his face, Karna even managed a faint smile.
"Hey kid, do you think your sister escaped because you stopped me here?" the leader mocked, his words cutting through the air like a knife.
Karna's smile froze as he heard those words, dread coursing through him.
"Do you think I would follow you alone? Are you an idiot or what?" the leader's voice rang out, sending a chill down Karna's spine.
Suddenly, cries from outside pierced the air, sending a wave of panic through the room.
"Leave me alone! Ughhh..."
"Regena!! You...! You damn bastard! Let her go... cough... cough," Karna grunted, his heart filled with desperation and rage.
Powerless to stop the leader, he watched in anguish as his sister fell into the clutches of this demonic man.
"It wouldn't be fun if I enjoyed her here. Let's go back to camp," the leader commanded, his voice dripping with malice.
"Hey, you guys outside!" he called out to his men.
"Yes, boss," came the response.
"Drag this bastard to camp. I want to see him despair as I slowly enjoy his sister, hahaha," the leader ordered, his laughter echoing in the desolate room.
A few men emerged from outside and dragged Karna toward the camp, unaware of the impending danger lurking within their midst. As they made their way back, little did they know that a fierce demon had already infiltrated their camp, and their decision to bring the girl there was a grave mistake.
---***---
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone