Outworld: Awakening - 63 Celsa

Two hours later.

The radiance of the dazzling moons cascaded over the Tunnel of Beasts, while a strong wind carrying the fragrance of sunflowers blew across the narrow opening encompassing the dungeon. Awakened, over twenty-men strong, gathered at the entrance of the tunnel. They all shared the same enraged expression, and even those who had their faces covered, shouted and cursed as loud as they could.

A few hours ago, they had all been exploring the hallow grounds of the dungeon; however, their expedition came to an abrupt end. The beasts who possessed a similar strength to theirs suddenly grew wild and ignored their attacks. Before any of the Awakened could comprehend the sudden change in behavior, the beasts charged towards the deeper ends of the dungeons.

Although they wanted to chase after the creatures, most of the Awakened didn’t have the guts to purse. They knew they would be at a great disadvantage if the beasts cornered them in their lair. That a potential territorial war could ensue also frightened the Awakened. None of them wanted to be caught in between two or more enraged beast hordes fighting to the death.

Nonetheless, some succumbed to their desires and chased after the horde. However, since then, no one had emerged from the dungeon.

“Why did this have to happen today of all days?” Cursed a sturdy man who held a small club.

“Ole, Shut your mouth, damn it! I’m tired of listening to your yapping. Do you think anyone could have anticipated this?” An equally brawny man chided from the side.

“Old bastard. Who the hell was talking to you? Did you suddenly go senile, Tomas?” Ole retorted.

Both men glared at each other with their grips tightening around their weapons. Evidently, both men came from rival factions in Celsa. That they couldn’t complete their mission in the dungeon left them on edge, coupled with the fact that they had both lost a significant number of men while fleeing towards the dungeon’s exit.

Ignoring the antics of the two groups, the other Awakened continued to focus on the tunnel’s entrance, having different thoughts flashing through their minds. Some hoped members of their parties would return, while others hoped for a sign of the dungeon regaining its calm.

However, no matter how long they stared, the dungeon remained eerily silent; with only the howling wind and the curses of the rival factions echoing.

“Ahem… can I have your attention, please…”

Suddenly, everyone turned their attention towards a lanky man dressed in a mixture of leather and metal armor. His hair was darker than the night itself while his oval shaped eyes seemed to peer into the minds of those around him.

“Huh? Kuura? What do you want?” Ole glared at the smiling Kuura with a hint of caution clear in his eyes.

Just like Ole, all the Awakened close to Kuura all distanced themselves from the smiling man. Not that anyone stood close to him to begin with.

“Ole. Tomas. Among the men left, you two have the greatest number of survivors. It would be a shame if you further trim this number, instead of—”

“Get to the damn point, Kuura? No one has time for your glib words. Either state what you want, or fuck off to your corner! Don’t think you can pull one over us, you fucking rapist!” Tomas barked.

For a split second, Kuura’s eyes turned cold. Ole and Tomas swallowed hard, while unconsciously stepping back.

“Hahaha… you’re harsh as always Tomas. For the record, I didn’t touch those fine gentlemen and ladies. It was all mutual,” Kuura suddenly paused. Donning a shallow smile, he stared at each Awakened one after the other.

‘I haven’t seen her before… Hmmm… this should be fun…’ Kuura smiled cheerful as his gaze wandered.

His actions only made the already apprehensive group retreat further.

“What are you—?”

“Apart from your missing men, the gentlemen from Raventhorn are yet to come out, too,” Kuura said.

“So? What does that have to do with anything?” Ole asked, his expression carried the same impatience as his voice.

“Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. As impatient as always…” Kuura retorted, unable to stop himself from chuckling.

However, Ole, Tomas and the others continued to stared at Kuura with impatience. They already knew Luka had his men had yet to return, however, they didn’t understand what Kuura implied with his statement.

“Enough of this nonsense! If you will say nothing useful, then fuck—”

“Aren’t you becoming too bold, Tomas? I need not remind you of who I am, right?” Kuura interjected. His brown eyes suddenly changed to emerald green.

Tomas swallowed hard while struggling to control his trembling legs. The other Awakened, hurriedly, lowered their gazes.

“It seems you remember… Moving on. Isn’t it strange that such a strong party hasn’t returned? From my point of view, there are two possibilities for this.” Kuura eyes slowly roamed the area. “First, they have either encountered a terrifying beast within the dungeon, hence ensuring their demise, or they have found something worthwhile within the dungeon…”

As Kuura’s words trialed off, various thoughts flashed through the minds of the Awakened gathered. They could still remember how haughty Luka and his men behaved before entering the dungeon. In fact, Luka’s declaration that no one could hunt the rainbow chameleons stuck in the hearts of all the Awakened present. And, the only reason he could make such a declaration without suffering backlash was because of his rank.

All the Awakened knew they couldn’t do anything to stop him, even if he forbade them all from entering the dungeon. Nonetheless, the strength Andre and the other men displayed surpassed most of the Awakened gathered, and most of them thought of it inconceivable that the beasts in the dungeon would annihilate such a strong party.

“Kuura, are you trying to say they found something in the dungeon?” Ole asked, his voice unusually low.

“Hahaha… Exactly. I had my suspicions from the beginning. Why would such a party come all the from Dratol to a place like Celsa? I’m certain they had prior knowledge about the oddity we experienced.” Kuura suddenly glanced at the Awakened meaningfully. “It won’t even surprise me if they caused it,” Kuura added.

“W-What do you mean?” Tomas stuttered as his countenance darkened. Just like him, Ole and the Awakened could hardly control their emotions.

“Before we entered the dungeon, I overheard the discussion between them. The hot-headed assistant said something like, master would be happy once we return. Initially, I thought I heard wrong, so I didn’t really pay it any mind,” Kuura explained, flashing a cursory smile towards Tomas. However, his eyes continued to linger on a figure a few meters behind the brawny man.

‘Master? Is that a reference to the Armstrong Family head? Not only did those bastards force us to change our plans, they also used us as their bait. I won’t let those bastards get away with this.’

Like Ole, Tomas and the other party leaders had the same thought in mind. If their men had died while exploring or via carelessness, they wouldn’t look too much into. However, that another party used their men and their lives as bait left them enraged.

Just then, they heard Kuura’s orotund voice again, “Since they haven’t returned yet, it means they have encountered some difficulty, or even better, they have suffered severe injuries. If they are here for a treasure that would warrant the Armstrong family head’s favor, then I believe it’s something worth our attention…”

“What are you suggesting, Kuura?” Ole said. Unlike before, his disposition towards Kuura had changed.

Kuura, on the other hand, slowly shook his head as he said, “You all know what I’m talking about. And, you have good reason to do it, too. After all, they used your men as bait.”

An eerie silence suddenly enveloped the area. Each group glanced at the other while cautiously gauging their reaction.

“If there’s a treasure in there, how do we split it, and how do we—?”

“Tomas, you don’t have to worry. I will wait here to eliminate anyone who flees. Although I want the treasure as much as anyone else, I would rather not fight the lot of you. I’m more than happy with whatever the group deems necessary for my intel and contributions,” Kuura said, sporting a slight smile.

Ole and Tomas couldn’t hide their surprise, they glanced at each other in disbelief; however, they said nothing. As their eyes met, Tomas gave a gentle nod, and Ole reciprocated. They had made their decision.

“How are we sure you won’t flee to inform Raventhorn? I don’t know about the others, but I would never trust someone like you!” Ole said.

“Your words hurt me, Ole. How long have we known each other? If it’s any consolation, the feeling his mutual. You of all people should know I won’t benefit from any betrayal. We have all heard the rumors of how the Armstrong’s’ handle traitors.” Kuura giggled.

“Kuura, if you dare betray us, not even the three pillars of Targarth would save you from our wrath,” Tomas sneered. Turning to Ole by his side, he said, “Let’s go. We will humble those bastards from Raventhorn. If — ”

“Tomas, wait a minute. I didn’t say I was done yet,” Kuura said, sporting a cheeky smile.

“I knew it! There’s always a hidden—”

“Wait a minute, Tomas. Let’s hear what he has to say.” Ole interjected. Just like Tomas, he didn’t bother to hide his bloodlust as he stared at Kuura.

“Those eyes are really scary… but, should I really be the recipient of such stares? Especially when we have a strange with us.”

Just then, a figure behind Tomas made a mad dash towards the forest ahead. However, Kuura appeared like a venomous snake in front of the masked runner.

‘Huh? Is there really anything strange about her? Or, is this bastard just looking for another opportunity to molest someone?’ Although Ole had his doubts, he said nothing as Kuura and the apprehended runner returned.

“Who is that? What do you mean by what you said earlier?” Tomas asked. Unlike Ole, he didn’t have the time to watch things unravel on its own.

“Earlier, you all entered the dungeon before me, and you all know I didn’t venture away from its entrance. I watched as several parties made their way into the dungeon’s depths, however, I never saw her enter the dungeon. But here she is,” Kuura explained.

Wasting no time, he suddenly removed the makeshift mask, revealing a beauty with some slight injuries on her face.

‘Hahaha… I hit the jackpot. My senses are never wrong. This will be a fun night.’ Subtly, Kuura’s eyes lecherously roamed X’s body, while he subconsciously bit his lower lips.

“Who the hell are you?!” Ole barked. Although he didn’t know whether Kuura told the truth, he had to at least find out if the beauty would be a source of trouble for their plan.

“Speak,” Kuura whispered into X’s ears.

‘She smells so good…’ Kuura’s face lingered near X neck, not minding the disdainful glances directed at his actions.

“I don’t know what he’s saying. I entered the dungeon along with my party, and I haven’t seen them after the beasts suddenly lost their minds,” X said as she tried to force herself from Kuura’s grip, albeit failing.

“That’s not a very good lie my dear. You claim you’re innocent, right?” Kuura said, sporting a smug grin.

Tomas, Ole and the others remained silent. They wanted to see what Kuura had to say.

“Yes, I’m innocent,” X retorted, unable to hide her disgust.

“Fantastic. What beast did your party target?” Kuura asked.

X said nothing, but continued to struggle to free her arms.

“Answer the question, woman!” Tomas demanded. He was on the verge of losing his patience.

“T-The… we hunted the Fyro—”

“Hahahaha… Good. The Fyro Warthog, huh? What a coincidence. If I remember correctly, Ole, that was your parties hunting spot, right?” Kuura asked.

Saying nothing, Ole nodded.

“So, did you encounter another party while there?” Kuura asked.

This time, Ole shook his head. Unlike before, X’s identity piqued their interest.

“Wait! The madness occurred before we got to the to their lair. We—”

“Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.” Kuura interrupted X again, slowly shaking his head. “Miss, then how is it possible Ole and his men exited the tunnel before you? If you hadn’t reached their lair yet, that means you should have exited the dungeon before them? Ole, did you see while leaving?”

Again, Olu shook his head. This time, he had a stern frown on his face, a look shared by everyone present. What plagued their minds, was where X came from and who she was.

“Hahaha… You see. There’s no point lying, just tell us the truth. Or, do you want us to use extreme—”

“I don’t have time for this nonsense. The more time we waste here, the more time those bastards have to recover. You can all waste your time with the identity of some bimbo, my men and I will retrieve the treasure.”

Saying nothing further, Tomas and his men, once again walked into the spinning portal inside a large mountain. Ole and the others hesitated for a moment, however, they soon chased after Tomas’s party.

“Kuura, don’t you dare do anything to her!” Ole said, stopping just before he entered the portal.

“Of course. I would never harm such a beauty. Go on. Remember, I want my share, too,” Kuura retorted, sporting an amicable smile. However, his eyes gleamed with a lecherous light.

‘That bastard! He obviously wants to do that to her…. damn it. I can’t waste anymore time. Things would be more difficult if that old bastard finds the treasure first.’

Taking one last look at X, he met her pleading gaze; however, Ole steeled his heart, before jumping into the portal.

“It’s just you and me now… don’t worry, I have no intentions of hurting you. I will treat you well,” Kuura said as he licked the sides of X’s neck.

“Get of me, you fucking pig!”

‘Oh? I thought as much… she’s the feisty type… hahaha… this is even better. Just to be safe, I best use it…’

With a perverted grin plastered across his face, Kuura pinned X on the ground while staring into her eyes. At that same moment, his eyes turned emerald green. With each passing second, X’s eyes lost the light in them while a dazed expression covered her face.

‘She want’s me so bad… only I can have someone so beautiful…’ Kuura salivated as his thoughts ran wild.

“I have never gone so far for someone… Although, I would like to know who you really are, I don’t have a lot of time… especially when those guys find out I manipulated them…” Kuura suddenly paused as he kissed X on the neck again.

“You want this, right? Don’t worry, my hypnosis doesn’t make you forget. I will make this the best fifteen minutes of your life.”

Saying nothing further, Kuura’s hands made a beeline for X’s breast. Dazed, she couldn’t resist his actions. However, before Kuura could reach his target, he heard footsteps.

Alarmed, Kuura rose to his feet, “Who’s there?”

However, silence greeted his words. Slowly Kuura reached for his spear, while his eyes continued scanning his surroundings. Like before, he saw nothing.

‘Was that my imagination? No. I definitely heard something.’

Just then, the footsteps became louder. At that same moment, Kuura’s eye quivered as he saw seven hulking figures walking towards his direction.

‘W-What? Executioners?’

With no delay, Kuura retreated as he stared at the executions. He entered a battle stance while his eyes glistened in the darkness.

“Who are you? What faction do you belong?!” Kuura demanded, however, the executions continued approaching with clear malice laden intentions.

‘Where did they come from? How could seven of them just pop out of thin air? I can’t even tell how strong they are… what kind of situation is this? Should I reveal my identity to them?’

Just then, Kuura placed his right hand into his mouth, without hesitation he yanked off his canine tooth. Before they fell on the dusty earth, two sharp long canine grew from the bloodied openings.

“Halt! If you get any closer, don’t blame me for what will happen,” Kuura said. Unlike his before, his demeanor resembled that of a rabid beast.

A split second after his declaration, the executions stopped in their tracks, towering over X’s body.

‘They stopped? I guess they can—huh?’

Mid-thought, Kuura noticed a barrier forming around X’s body. At that same moment, the executioners surrounded the barrier, in a well-practiced formation.

‘What the hell is this? Did she do it?’

Before Kuura could comprehend what was going, the executions charged at him in unison. Wasting no time, he readied himself to receive their attacks. However, as the executioners drew closer, an eerie sensation overwhelmed him.

‘Something isn’t right here… wait, is this…’

Just then, Kuura charged towards the executioners instead of dodging their attacks. A split second later, dozens of black needles littered the spot he would have landed if he had dodged the attacks.

‘Illusion. How? Who’s the illusionist?’

Occupied in his thoughts, Kuura breezed passed the executioners, charging towards the barrier. With each step, he easily dodged the spraying needles. With a ruthless thrust, his spear shattered a section of the barrier. Wasting no time, he unleashed a series of thrusts, until the barrier shattered. The executioners disappeared in tow.

‘Huh? She’s still there? Then who is the Illusionist?’ Kuura’s eyes lingered on X who remained hypnotized.

Raising his head, he stared into the forest ahead. At that same moment, however, a sudden bright light obstructed his vision. An ominous premonition overwhelmed him. Without delay, he retreated with the fastest speed he could muster. Within seconds, an ear deafening explosion followed.

‘Damn it. I let my guard down…’

Kuura lay on the ground as blood poured out from multiple injuries on his body. Hundreds of tiny black needles had buried themselves deep into his skin, turning him into a human porcupine. Just then, a familiar voice filled Kuura’s ears, “I didn’t expect you to fall for such a simple trick. Well, it’s my fault for expecting much from a rapist.”

‘How? How is she able to move? My hypnosis shouldn’t wear off for another day…’

Kuura’s eyes quivered as he stared at X, of all people, he didn’t expect her to be standing over him.

“H-How did y-you—?”

“Save your breath. It’s not like I would tell you. However, if you don’t want me to prolong your suffering, tell me where you got those eyes,” X retorted.

Kuura couldn’t stop himself from chuckling as blood poured out from his mouth. Despite the pain coursing through every nerve in his body, he couldn’t stop himself from laughing.

“Oh? You’re a tough bastard to the end. Don’t worry, you won’t die soon. I lace those needles with a special solvent that would make sure you don’t lose all your blood too soon,” X said as she crouched before Kuura. “It hurts like hell, right? It feels like termites are eating your nerves, right? You want it to stop, right? I can make it stop.”

“R-Really? Who w-would have thought?” Kuura quipped sarcastically.

‘If this bastard can still make jokes, it means he has experienced torture on a similar level. Time to make him squeal.’

“I will make—”

“Hahaha… s-save the scare tactics missy. Hahaha… w-who would have thought I w-would meet my end here. I shouldn’t h-have come here…” Kuura’s suddenly looked distant as blood continued to seep from either side of his mouth.

“C-congratulations, missy. You j-just killed a member of Mxyrath. You w-will—”

“Hahaha… So that’s your backing? No wonder. That explains the fangs and the eyes. Truly a gutter rat. Your death would do wonders for my reputation,” X interjected, her expression carried the same disdain as her voice.

‘Huh? No ordinary person can talk to Mxyrathee like that… unless…’

A sudden realization soon dawned on Kuura, as he said, “Y-You’re a b-bloody Scav…”

“Bingo. Now I know You’re from that filthy gathering, I need not waste my time with you,” X retorted, while reaching for Kuura’s spear.

“D-Damn you! Your—”

Before Kuura could finish his statement, X buried the spear deep inside his skull. Wasting no time, she retrieved the black box from her clothes. Just then, she removed Kuura’s eyes and fangs. A lilac glow emitted from the box, and within seconds, the bloodied items disappeared.

“Where the hell is that bastard? He told me to go ahead, yet it has been two hours already…” X said under her breath. That she had just removed Kuura’s eyes and fangs didn’t bother her in the slightest.

‘If what that gutter rat said is true, I don’t have a lot of time before they return… If he hasn’t died yet, hopefully he will make his way to our hideout in the Gido. I will wait for him there.’

With her mind made up, X took one final look at Kuura’s corpse. Saying nothing, she spat on it, before slowly turning her head. At that same moment, however, she suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder. Involuntarily, she let out a loud scream.

Before she could react, she heard a familiar voice, “Who would have thought you had such a cute side? Especially after killing someone in cold blood. Were you planning on leaving me?” Adam said.

Silence greeted Adam’s words, while X remained in place with her body trembling.

‘Why isn’t she saying anything?’ Adam thought as he tapped X again. However, she showed no reaction.

‘Why is she…?’ Mid-thought, Adam’s gazed drifted towards the ground. At that moment, his mouth subconsciously opened. A sudden realization dawned on him.

‘Did she… she definitely did.’ A wry smile donned Adam’s lips as he scratched the back of his head.

“Ahem… I guess I will go ahead. Ummm… yeah. I’ll do that.” No matter what Adam said, he only felt the situation became awkwarder.

Saying nothing further, Adam disappeared again. Meanwhile, X still trembled on the spot with her head lowered. Slight tear lines appeared on either side of her face, while she bit her lower lips.

‘That bastard. I will never forgive him for this! This is so embarrassing. He definitely saw. I have to find somewhere to change my clothes…’ X’s eyes gleamed with bloodlust, however, her embarrassment far outweighed her anger.