I woke up in the bitter + and the copper smell of clotted blood. My hand found the opening mechanism of the sarcophagus, and the lid opened silently.

Something went wrong. We are one day away from prison, one day away from the patrol officers who are dissatisfied with us. Before I go out, I make sure the dark robes are tied up and my weapons are ready.

At dawn, when I left, seven men and one woman were healthy. Now Laura is gone, Tom is dead in the grass, and we are short of three horses. The survivors formed a scattered border along the ridge, with steep cliffs behind it, and steep slopes on each side. Tall pine trees and huge boulders dot the red earth covered with dry needles. Hardly any cover can be found.

This is a defensible position and a death trap. We're really at our point.

Further down, I heard the murmuring of running water and the footsteps of the enemy.

We've also added some new members. Four natives from a tribe I don't know gathered with us. One of the older men was praying softly, while the others looked nervously out, spears and bows clenched in their hands. Their faces were crimson and cracked from years of exposure to the relentless sun.

John was the first to notice me. A smile of complete relief appeared on his simple face.

"Forget the lady! Ms. Lethe is here!"

He soon fell silent, but now my presence is well known. Sinid raised the musket I had given him and crawled towards me.

"Ah, baby, I'm so happy to see you get up and walk around. We found ourselves in a bit of a dilemma. ”

"Don't say that."

"Tsk, sarcasm doesn't make beauty."

"Less temptation, more explanation, okay?"

"Of course. We were haunted by man-eating monsters, and believe me, it was a surprise. Yes. As for how we got into this predicament, we set off as planned in the late afternoon and had a wonderful time on our western tour. Soon after, we met a group of locals, and for safety, we decided to assemble. An hour earlier, the trail had taken us to a rickety wooden bridge with a deep canyon on it. Laura led the way, the first to walk over to see if the building was sturdy enough to allow our carriage to pass. As soon as she came ashore, they pounced on her like wolves. ”

"Them?"

For the first time since he had been here, Sinid trembled, and I saw the uneasiness penetrate his usually calm countenance. Something terrible must have happened, and his usually cheerful personality was replaced by obvious apprehension.

"Skinny man in a leather coat. Fast and ferocious. They dismounted her and knocked her to the ground in a matter of seconds. She managed to fire a shot that hit one of the attackers in the chest, but he stood up and joined the others. ”

Sinid licked his lips, not knowing what to do.

"They ate her raw, Ariana. Start with her face. I was able to do it even without screaming. ”

He lowered his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to regain control of himself. When he looked up, all that was left was icy determination.

"My dear, I know the success of my project is far from guaranteed, but if it does come to this, please don't let me be eaten alive. I'm going to die of embarrassment. Not to mention, they don't deserve to taste meat as delicate as mine. ”

"You won't fall into their trap. Continue your story. ”

"Yes, yes, of course. More things jumped out of the woods. They're all crazy, crazy. I believe they were lying in ambush there, but could not resist, and their loss of control saved us. I told everyone to turn around and retreat as more and more people followed us. It took us a while to hold ourselves and the horses steady, but despite my best efforts, they quickly caught up with us. Your men showed admirable control, and we were able to retreat to this position in the middle of the battle. Unfortunately, we lost two horses, and when a monster managed to drag Tom down, a third ran away. The Métis must have also disappeared in the chaos. Monsters attack mercilessly. They don't care about their well-being at all. ”

Sinid's voice was now almost a whisper.

"There's something else. They eat the dead. I saw it with my own eyes. ”

"I expected it, like I knew what they were. I've just never met so many people. ”

The deadline has arrived. They are now well organized enough to set up an ambush. Enough to destroy a heavily armed convoy.

The world is changing, and I'm not sure if I like it.

I can go out and kill them. I'm sure they're all going to die, but I've also lost some people because of overconfidence. My priority should be to keep my allies. I have to stay with them. Now, do we stand or move? If we want to escape, it will be difficult to bring everyone together, not to mention that the horses may panic. So I need we

Digo attacks and slaughters them as they come. I'm going to have to get rid of them. If most of them disperse and leave, I may not be able to capture them all before dawn, and then the whole group will be vulnerable to a counterattack.

We need bait.

I turned to Sinid, and just then, I heard footsteps getting closer and closer at the edge of my consciousness.

"Someone is coming. I'll hold them back. Take a circle and get ready for a spin on the cliff. We need to fire at them while they attack, and then draw them over so that they don't see reinforcements. ”

To my surprise, Sinid obeyed without thinking. We must be in a bad position for him to shy away from harsh words. Ignoring the urgent whispers around me, I walked up the ridge to await the monster's messenger.

Under the slope, a group of hungry fighters lined up loosely, just outside the range of their rifles. The pile of lean flesh and protruding bones rolled like a tidal wave. Their sour musk fills the air. As I watched, a figure approached. The man was taller, and although still skinny, he was not as skinny as some of his brothers. He walked forward slowly, with a steady gait, sometimes revealing his tough skin, with tightrope-like muscles underneath. I involuntarily inhaled as I recognized the two crossed straps on his shriveled brown dress. In the Battle of Black Harbor, our native allies wore similar clothes.

Those were Choctaw snow monsters.

Nashoba, my friend...... No. I don't believe it. They are too far from their land!

No. I must be mistaken. Or they are the attackers. or exiles. I want to know the truth!

"Why did you come to us dressed as Mingo?"

The man stopped and looked up in surprise. His dark eyes examined my body and when they reached my abdomen, he licked his lips.

"I'm a Mingo, a chief, a white woman."

"You're too far from your land, Mingo."

I immediately realized that I had made a mistake. The chief's face was contorted by the non-human's anger, revealing a row of jagged teeth. To my surprise, he took control of the situation almost immediately.

"You don't know."

"You know what?"

He laughs. It was a harsh, dull and broken sound. A mockery of the real thing.

"We are so insignificant that the whites of the North don't even know what their leaders have done."

"I don't understand."

"Then I'll tell you, white woman. I'll tell you how we ended up here. So you know how we were betrayed and why you died.

"A long time ago, my father fought side by side with your warriors against the Creeks and the British. When New Orleans was rescued from the invasion, he was with Pushmataha. We thought you were our friends, bleeding together. You call us one of the five tribes of civilization, and we respect you in return, but your memories are short, and your greed knows no bounds.

"Two years ago, we were invited to participate in the Dancing Bunny Creek (Da

ci

g Rabbit C

eek) and was told that you must submit to your rule or be exiled to the West. I saw how your free men were treated, so we left. We can't beat you. Your people rejoice as my people walk through your city, for they know that new lands await them. All our previous treaties are meaningless. We don't deserve to be respected.

"I should have taken my baton, painted it red, and died like a man. Instead, we were led into the swamp by incompetent guides. We're lost. Many died in tears. ”

The dead chief's gaze disappeared into the distance, his voice heavy from the memory. I was amazed at his self-control. I never thought about We

Digis would speak so clearly, but his English was flawless.

"I'm so hungry. I ate a raw crayfish with tongs. and worms. It's mine... My wife. She's biting her finger......"

For a moment, the remnants of humanity flowed through it, but when it noticed me again, it was gone. He became cold. His eyes were two black pits of nothingness, burning with contempt and anger.

"Look what has become of me because of my greed. I've been hungry. It's like having a dog bite me from the inside. Enough is enough. I would have liked to put forward conditions, but that's about it. You will feel my pain, you, Creeks, reds and blacks. All of you. I will eat the tender flesh on your belly, your breast, and the tender meat on your thighs, and you will scream and beg for mercy. Then, I'll kill you. ”

He took a few steps back and screamed. The voice is guttural, full of meaning. It speaks of a corpse that has been eaten to the last piece of cartilage, a broken bone that has been sucked dry of bone marrow. It speaks of hunger and madness.

"You're not going to leave anything behind."

Then he walked away.

He's lucky and I need him alive. That scream sounded like a challenge. I'll answer the first one. Later.

I trotted back to the wagon, pulled out my rifle, and joined my allies against the makeshift trenches.

"I can't see anything. Russell, one of the two black liberals, commented. Better.

"Light the lantern and give it to me, quick."

The Silent Hermit and John scrambled to deliver what I had asked for. As soon as I was ready, I picked up the first one and threw it out.

Everyone followed the red ember through the sky and crashed into a pine tree. Oil spilled, set the tree on fire. A halo of red light shone on the advancing troops. It reveals imitations of men, some of whom are in all four.

"Fire!"

I opened fire on the enemy. They pounced on them unexpectedly, and several of them fell. Unfortunately, the rest lost any discretion. They let out hoarse screams.

There are quite a few of them, I think at least thirty. I did not see their leader and deduced that he would soften us with his barbarian army. Sinid and I opened fire, slowing down the incoming troops, some of whom fell on dead comrades. Soon, the first creature climbed the ridge.

"Retreat!"

Others retreated to prepared positions.

"You too, John."

The simple giant hesitated, but he never disobeyed a direct order, and today was not the day he started.

The others formed a circle, followed by the carriage. The hermit and Russell frantically reloaded, ready to cover the Greeks, who had already taken out the steel battle axe, standing shoulder to shoulder with the red-skinned man. Somewhere in front, a lantern ignited a tree, and against a red background, the dark outline was clearly revealed.

I smashed the chest of the first snow monster with a single punch. Break another person's spine. I move slowly, hiding most of my abilities. They are scavengers. If the tide of battle turns too fast, they will flee. I've got to make it look like they're going to win and keep my allies alive. Sinid and John must hold on at all costs. The rest are replaceable.

The attack began. A creature falls in an close-range shot, next to John's oversized metal rod. I danced among the slow monsters, killing them where they stood. I was careful not to let their acid spread too much, and most of my bones were broken. One of the reds shouted as he was dragged forward. I moved and broke the enemy's spine, then threw the corpse near the ledge to slow down the attack. The other took advantage of the opportunity to jump on my back. Don't you dare. I grabbed the head of the thing, crushed it, and flew its body before it bit down. I killed three people in a row. The corpses were piled up, and some were eaten. The allies were crushed, too many. Kill faster. I went from one side of the circle to the other, slit their throats and ripped their heads off. Sprinkle the essence everywhere. Some mortals were already wounded, and there was blood still flowing from their wounds. This smell is associated with sweat, fear, and We

Digo's acidic pigments blend together to create an intoxicating fragrance that is spicy and exciting. It's too much, I'll have to streamline it.

“HSSSSSSS !”

No, you won't want to leave. Look at me, all of you, yes, you are thirsty, very thirsty. You need precious liquids. Feel that longing, that hateful pain. to protect it. I am here.

The creatures opened their gaping mouths, screamed in pain, and rushed at me. Yes, here it is.

This is my moment. Brothel, politics and everything else can go to some lost hell, that's what I was created for. I grabbed half of my head, grabbed the corpse, and smashed the other one with it. I rushed down from under one arm that grabbed him, stabbed the spine of the other, and used his body as a battering ram to rush into the crowd. They fall like needles. I stepped on it and shattered a skull, dismembering them as they tried to stand up. Their screams of pain were a magnificent symphony, and the red mist of my labor caressed my nostrils. Very good. Yes. More.

Some of them are crumbling.

Oh no, that won't work. I found one of my allies lying on the ground, choking him by the throat. He's hurt. Yes, he will do well.

"Scream".

He obeyed. A few others joined in. Scavengers can smell the sound of falling prey. Mingo reached the top.

More than two-thirds of the base creatures are dead. The rest lay on the floor, or tending to wounds, or paralyzed by indecision.

It roared angrily.

Poor weakling. You think I'm scared? You're the dog, I'm the queen.

“ROOAAAAR !”

Its face was contorted with fear. It turned and fled. One of the better-eating companions held out a hand and muttered. A translucent snake emerged from within, split in two by my blue claws. You call it magic? Lamentable. Die.

I slaughtered the rest of my retinue, and when the fallen left the battlefield, I drank their blood. Yes, do some exercise.

"Métis people!"

Nightmares seemed to come from anywhere, and I jumped on her back as she passed me. We chase the fleeing prey.

It turns before the end, so I can see the doubt on its face. Métis knocked him down amid piercing screams and broken bones.

It crawled away.

I lay on the ground and grabbed it by the neck.

"It was a good hunt."

His taste is sour and powerful, with a hint of regret and frustrated revenge. The forest, which had been filled with the hustle and bustle of battle a moment ago, was now quiet.

And just like that, the hunt ended. I threw the mangled body of the Choctaw on the ground and looked around. The two pine trees were still burning, flames flying, and black smoke rising into the sky. Bloody corpses are piled up where we shot them and where their allies pounced on them for food. The air was filled with the smell of firewood smoke, gunpowder, and blood.

I lost control for the first time in twenty years. In full view, I showed my wildest side in public. I brought a strange lineup because the rumors from them will be dismissed, they know it and this time it may not be enough. It's one thing to suspect that your employer is a witch, it's another to see her see through supernatural creatures like a demon from hell.

Oh, I think I ate some more, didn't I? Yes, I have. That's great. Enormous.

Maybe all the dismemberment is a bit overdone. Tearing an arm off the enemy's chest? last millennium.

Damn it. I don't need this. I must have enough manpower to raid the prison and enter those places that must be sanctified. The Knights of Gabriel were founded and trained to kill things like me, so it would be wise to deal with them with worldly means. It's not done yet, and I can't afford a mutiny.

Métis nudged me and brought me back to reality. I tore the skin from the dead man's stomach and let her feast on her own. The road back to the fortified camp was long because I was worried about what I would find and I had to make a decision. On the ridge, only John was waiting for me to come back. He looked around, and the place had turned into a trench.

He frowned in confusion, then turned to me and asked me in a calm voice:

"Why are they attacking us, Miss Rice?"

I stopped by his side and considered an answer. I can tell him that they want to repay the pain they have suffered. I can tell him that we were in the wrong place at the wrong time to pay for the sins of those who wanted me dead. I can tell him that this world is a meaningless hell, that wealth and tragedy go hand in hand for no reason, that I should not die for being too high, that my first victim should not die to feed me. I may also add that I do not deserve to be saved by Loss, nor to be tormented by Mrs. Moore. I won't. It is futile to find meaning in the vastness of the cosmic world. In this sacred farce, there is no justice but ourselves. Why are they attacking us? The reason for the fact.

"Because they're hungry."

I patted the big guy on the shoulder, and he nodded beautifully. His omniscient, omnipotent hostess answered the question, explained the reality, and now everything is fine in the world. Sometimes, I envy him.

When I found them again, the person I left behind was bandaging the wounds. When my footsteps carried me down the mountain, they collectively flinched. Only Sinid and the red-skinned old man didn't stare at the ground, hoping that when they looked back, it was all a dream. The ancient warrior looked at me with a calm and contemplative gaze, and I believe he was ready for death long before we met. Si

EAD is checking in on others and gauging their reactions, already planned in advance.

Behind them, the silence was broken only by the shrill breathing of Tom and the soft sobs of the man I had forced to scream.

The fire was extinguished.

I stifled a sigh and bent down to catch a dead snow monster. We're going to have to stay here for a while to give the rest of the rest and it's necessary to clear the battlefield. When my enemies die, they lose their animalistic countenance and unnatural powers. They are thin and light, less than an adult should weigh.

"Light a few torches."

They obeyed, and we worked silently. When I grabbed the last severed limb and placed it on the makeshift fire, I turned around and found that their attention was on me. Well, it's a great opportunity to get an important message across.

"You've just discovered that the world is bigger and darker than you ever imagined. You all know I'm a part of it. If anyone panics, or prays, do it now, because tomorrow you have to do what I expect, or you will die. I don't care if you're going to run to Texas screaming like a banshee. Until it's all over, you're mine. If you have a good idea to run away during the day or warn the authorities, I'm going to explain why you shouldn't. First of all, no one will believe you. Secondly, when I know, I'll make your ending legendary. I will grind your flesh until you are willing to sell your souls to bring you to your knees. No amount of distance nor security of a fortress will be enough to protect you from my punishment. Did I make that clear?"

A flurry of nods and "yes, ma'am" answered my questions. Even the indifferent hermit seemed stunned by the sudden display, though Sinid only shook his head and winced. I was about to turn around and go for a peaceful run, when the old chief stood up and greeted me.

Or at least I think he understands, and I don't understand a word of what he says.

"Please allow me to help," said my Lika friend.

"How do you know his language?"

"As you might have guessed, I have a talent for speaking in tongues. I'll translate it for you. ”

"Thank you."

The old man's wording was peculiar. His voice flows calmly in a soft dialect, making the sentence structure illegible. The melody in which he speaks is rhythmic and soothing.

"He said he thanked you for saving us all. His name translates to 'The Man Who Raided at Dawn', and he came here to hunt down his son. ”

"Has his son been kidnapped?"

"No, he said he was here to kill him."

This was unexpected. The chief became agitated as he elaborated on his outrageous claim.

He said his eldest son killed a brother and his wife with black magic. He is full of malice, stealing innocent skins to increase his evil power. The monster cannot be killed, because every time it falls and dies, it sheds its skin like a snake and is reborn. Only a bone spear made from a loved one can kill this creature once and for all. Say, Ariana ......"

"I know. Ask him, uh, what's going on, Sha

dee

Is that the girl?"

Hearing the name of the woman I had dug out from memory, the dawn man took a step back in horror. He grabbed his spear and looked at me suspiciously, while his men watched, not knowing what to do. Threaten me. No! He's not threatening me, he's just scared of something, something that can turn into anyone's appearance. I don't want to kill him unless I have to. He fought alongside me without any sign of betrayal. That's important to me.

"Tell him I killed his son the old way."

The father lowered the spear. He whispered to Sinid for a moment, and although his fear lessened, he felt a strange weariness. I think I get it. He plunges into a desperate quest and is willing to sacrifice his life to redeem his family's honor, only to discover that the perpetrator is dead and buried. The ultimate demon fell into the hands of another ultimate demon, and that demon loved petticoats and geraniums. I'll also be overwhelmed.

We exchanged a few more times, asking a few more questions about the death of the skinwalker and what he would look like in the end, and the old chief asked to see his son's grave, which I accepted. Then he began to boast about my powerful magic, and that I had easily channeled the spirit of the mountain lion, and was careful not to let it take over. He also said that he would help us pay off his debts in the next raid. It was probably the best thing a stranger could ever say or do to me after meeting me at work, and I smiled at his elegant offer. The conversation continued until Russell came up to me and announced that Tom wanted to talk.

I left the others behind and found Tom's figure behind the carriage. He had been bandaged, but the wound was too deep, and his otherwise clear skin had turned pale from pain and blood loss. A few strands of gray hair on his beard were stuck to his wet skin with sweat. As I approached, the feverish eyes followed me.

A dirty hand reached out from his covers. I grabbed it and held him steady. In the silent valley, his voice was tense and clear.

"Miss Lert...... I have a wish. ”

This is important. He is my fallen warrior. I have to listen.

"I have no reason to hold a grudge...... I knew I might die here...... If you can take care of my son......"

This was the first time Tom had mentioned family.

"Who is your son?"

"His name is ...... David. I left him behind. Leave him on the plantation. He's too young...... I'm sorry, David ......"

"David what?"

"King. Mr. Dawes's tobacco plantation in Louisville. ”

"If your son is still alive, I will go to him and buy his freedom. I promise you. ”

"Good. Thank you! Whatever you are, may God bless your soul. Please, don't let me lie on the ground...... Eaten by jackals. ”

"I'll bury you in a nice place with a view of the river. We will not abandon you. ”

"Thank you...... Yes...... It hurts......"

"Look at me. Yes, that's good. Follow my voice. No more pain. No more pain. In the quilt, you will feel warm and cozy. You hear the crackling of fire. It's warm, cozy, and comfortable. You're sleepy. Sleep is good. Now let it go. Let go. ”

Tom finally sighed and shuddered. I leaned forward and slowly closed his eyes. He died for me like a warrior, and I will do everything in my power to perform the final rites for him. It's just as important as respecting the hunt and my commitment. It's part of my identity and I fully accept it. I picked up the body, still warm. His blood seeped into the bandages and hoods. The smell mixed with the inevitable stench of defecation, but I didn't mind. It's no longer Tom, it's something he left behind, and respecting it is respecting ourselves.

Russell waited at the edge of the camp with a shovel.

"I'm going too. He's my friend. ”

I nodded silently. I now understand why Sinid was unhappy with my previous performance. I have many ways to deal with this situation, and I chose the threat. A sleek man like him could turn this tattered outfit into a guard loyal to death, but I wasn't him, I was a survivor, so I chose what I knew would work. For the first time, I realized that I was on the wrong track.

Sinid told us to stop and prepare a mile away from the prison, and now we are slowly walking towards the prison. Visibility is extremely low on moonless nights, and mortals must hold hands to avoid drifting. The sound of them stumbling in the dirt and grass was muffled by the magic of the Lika.

If he hadn't pointed it out, I wouldn't have noticed anything special about the mountain we're going to. Even now, there is only a small window for a sentry to look out. The opening is barely visible from the outside. While I'm a little worried about its taste, its obscurity is also good for us. After yesterday's battle, our entire company matured, and even though I managed to clean the river of water, the cold temperatures scared off the others.

I make sure I'm standing in a windy place. It's that bad.

Our destination was a wall between two of the four outposts. We got there safe and sound. Behind it, hidden complexities spread. It looks more like a Warren than a place where humans live. All four buildings are low, and some of them have been dug into the ground. The trench was the passage to the building, which had no roof, only mud bricks covered with a thin layer of grass.

"Be careful," I whispered, "broken glass." ”

Someone painstakingly glued jagged pieces to the walls around the camp. The dedication and time required to do so is impressive. I silently cut off the sharpest parts and covered the area a meter wide with dirt and grass. Time to go. I tried to jump, but immediately fell again.

"Hiss".

"Not a knight, perhaps," said Sinid lightly, "but you will be a courtier in the future." ”

"This is a blessing! The whole place is holy. I replied in a whisper.

It's a terrible thing. I was planning around a no-go building, but not the whole yard!

"Impossible. Looking to the left, there is a log door outside. They must have only blessed the walls to prevent outsiders from intruding. Listen, I can take them to the door and open them from the inside. You'll be able to go then. ”

"Wait. I might have a better idea. ”

I walked back, patted John on the shoulder, and dragged him to the wall. He was on his knees beside me and I could whisper in his ear. He smelled of sweat and tobacco, and the familiar smell reassured me.

"Go over the wall and go to the right until you find a door. Turn it on gently. Kill the people inside, silently. Find a big cross. Break the cross. Pierce the wood into the corpse. Requite. ”

John nodded, and stepped forward in non-questioning obedience. There is a childlike purity to the way he kills. It's my order, so it must be right. This unconditional obedience is a precious thing, but it can also be easily abused. I'm not going to do that. John is mine, and those who choose to be me will be treated very well.

I close my eyes and focus. By my side, Si

EAD's calm breathing and firm heart showed that my friend was no stranger to covert operations. I wasn't surprised, I followed in John's footsteps, and he walked forward with a graceful gesture that believed his figure. The foot stopped. The door slides against rusty hinges. A man took a sharp breath, and a low scream was interrupted by the bear-like gloves that I assumed to be my soldier. The flesh hits the wood, once, twice, three times. Broken bones.

A heavy corpse fell to the floor. John's breathing was as steady as usual. He doesn't doubt it, which is why I believe my plan will succeed. A minute passed, and I heard the sound of wood breaking, flesh breaking.

It's done.

John walked out and walked back to us. I heard him count his steps as he walked.

When he arrived, he turned around with concern on his face and stared into the darkness with his big round eyes.

"Miss Forget?"

His large hands gently searched the wall and found the dirt cover. I grabbed one and saw pure relief on his big ugly face.

"You're doing a great job. Now, will you let me in?"

"Please come in, Miss Rice."

The silent warning dissipated before the innocent were corrupted and twisted to end their lives. The barrier disappeared almost reluctantly.

I join.

Sinid dragged his feet and took the others to prison.

This area is one of the strangest buildings I've ever seen, and I'm reborn in a cavernous underground fortress. Four buildings the size of a family home were dug into the ground, connected by ditches. The roof is covered with grass and vegetation. Extreme attention to detail makes this place as difficult to find as possible. Thankfully, there are no pigsty here.

"Any patrols?"

“No.”

"Then we'll go ahead with the plan."

I learned that the red-skinned men were from the Navajos, who split up and jumped into the trenches and waited at the entrance to the sentry. I picked up a leather bag I had brought with me and opened it, and inside was an ominous black jar.

"Are those +?" Sinid asked curiously. "Maybe it's made of oil and resin?"

"Oils and resins?" I scoffed, "Phew! It doesn't get any more ordinary than that, I assure you. This is a special mixture of gunpowder that contains trace amounts of magnesium. I assure you, sir, these devices burn beautifully and the temperature can reach ......"

"Yes, yes, yes, well, calm down, woman. Gosh, I never knew the explosion would be so irritating to you. ”

"I thought you could appreciate true beauty, you scoundrel!"

"Shhhh This plan! Focus on the plan!"

Right.

I left the squads and set up an ambush where we were sure it was the barracks, and Sinid led me to the smallest building. He turned to me.

"Ariana, I'm going to tell you how I found my fiancé. Promise me that you won't divulge this secret. ”

"I promise you."

"I knew you could be trusted. See. ”

He removed what looked like a compass from a pendant around his neck, with an arrow on it that glowed emerald green even in the dead of night.

"That's the key to her essence. If the secret of its existence falls into the wrong hands......"

"I told you I would keep your secret."

"I know. Let's see where my baby goes. ”

The so-called prison is nothing more than a shed. Speaking of me, I'm going to question SI

i

EAD production skills. It's an underground prison.

Sinid knelt in front of the door, fiddling with the lock until I heard a click. Access to a surprising grand staircase and a crowded ground level. Soft whispers can be heard in the distance.

This is the moment of truth. I took a step and breathed a sigh of relief. This area is not sanctified, which means I know what I can find here.

By vampires.

I walked down the stairs to a large platform. A rectangular room led to two large locked doors to my left and right. They were made of steel and could probably withstand sieges. The room itself was basically empty. All I saw was an armory, a table with chairs, and my first luck since I started this endeavor: the guards kneeling on the ground praying. Their equipment was thrown to the ground.

Oh, and the irony is delicious.

I resisted the uneasy urge to laugh at them, and instead pounced on them. The first man died instantly, the second fell to the ground before he knew it, and the third man stabbed him in the head before he could open his eyes.

Well done, I dare say.

At that moment, I heard a loud bang behind me. The fourth man looked at me dumbfoundedly, grinning, at the corpse at my feet.

Ah, shit.

I jumped, but it was too late and the door closed. I managed to grab it, pulled it away so hard that it made a steely +. The last ordered members to abandon and close it, take out a cross and a gun.

"The power of God drives you!"

I shushed and took a step back. Did he take me for something, devil? When he pulled the trigger, I ducked to the side, jumped on the wall, and ducked behind him. And then he died.

Outside, the gunshots were followed by a second of silence, followed by men shouting in terror. Found out. Everyone else should be fine, my priority is the prisoners. There may be more guards out there, and they may have a way to get rid of all the cells at once. I'd do the same if it were a different story.

"It's obvious!" I told Sinid. The Likaans walked in, and the explosions confirmed that my explosives were conserved in a dry environment. Ha. I wish I could see the explosion.

When my allies joined me, I turned around and checked the hallway I found myself in. Every once in a while, a lamp shines on the brick wall and also on the reinforced door. The hallway goes down at a right angle.

"How do we know which door is hers?"

"I can't. Her aura was too strong, and the needle of the compass was spinning. ”

I complain about wasting time, but not too much. I'd like to check out the other cells anyway.

"Go back to the guardhouse, I'm going to check them all."

When I opened the first door, Sinid was safe. It took me half a minute to find the right key from the jailer's vast collection.

The cell wasn't comfortable at all. There weren't even buckets of straw, just gray stones. On the far wall, a man was chained, chained by huge steel chains. His bony body was covered in wounds and scars. When he looked up, a manic eye flashed with a crazy light.

"You've finally answered my call!" Your master commands you, succubus!"

“Uuuuuh……”

"Now kneel down to me"

Ten seconds later, I stepped back and wiped the blood from my lips.

“So?”

"No one important, next!"

After a few curses, I managed to get into the next room and immediately regretted that I hadn't been cautious. The steel chain had shattered, and a prone man lay in the center of the room. The cold of the vampire hit me, and I felt an inexplicable familiarity. The man was tall and muscular. The long black hair draped over his face, making me unrecognizable until he turned his attention to me, and I didn't recognize his slanted eyes and alien skin color. Impossible. Is it?

“Ogotai ?”

The rogue opened a large mouth full of jagged teeth. Its long yellow claws raked through the merciless earth and charged at me.