Chapter 32
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A bit over half an hour has passed. While running through the forest the two companions became increasingly exhausted. The unwelcoming terrain increased the toll on their body. Most of the time, they had to jump over several obstacles, climb small slopes and then run further.
Comparing it to parkour under 5 times the difficulty of a storage depot filled to the brim with furniture and whatever else wouldn't be far off.
They took a break after the first half an hour to drink some water and eat some of the fruits.
Having replenished their bodies they proceeded to continue their journey.
They did meet a few beasts on their journey but generally ignored them. Most beasts would run away or ignore them. Since the inner territory has no small mini-bosses controlling their own territory, the road was much safer compared to the road they would have to take in the outer circle.
Since nothing happened up to now they were still in their time limit.
Running for another half an hour they came close to the border of the inner territory.
They slowed down and slowly made their way forward. They did not know what to expect since they had yet to come here.
Nearing the border they noticed the absence of monsters. Most low-level beasts would avoid this part since past the border beasts above the fifth stage could appear. While they could die in the inner territory it was much safer. The territory lords would not hunt such low-level beasts.
As they approached the border they noticed that the forest became more sparse. Fewer trees and general foliage obstructed their view. Light streamed through the trees crowns. Up in front, the forest opened into a rather big area of grass, broken trees and lots of shrubberies.
A few hundred meters further into the giant clearing new trees appeared and they understood that the inner area was surrounded by a massive clearing of a few hundred meters.
If they could look from above they would notice that the inner area appeared similar to a brighter spot amidst a sea of dark green. Light green trees highlighted that particular area and since the clearing went slightly downwards they knew that they were atop a giant hill.
Against their expectations, the cave they stayed at before leaving was probably part of a giant hill stretching unimaginably long.
Forgoing their assumptions they checked the clearing for signs of beasts. Excrements, signs of battle or whatever else would warn them of possible dangers.
But despite carefully looking they could not find anything that would even hint at the presence of monsters.
They might not dare enter the clearing. It might still be part of the beast lords territory.
Idan knew his role and slowly stepped out into the clearing. Keeping his body down he slowly made his way across. He slowly shifted through the grass to avoid any large movements of the tall grass that might give away his position.
He took several minutes to reach the first hundred meters into the clearing. Since nothing happened and the clearing looked as if nobody ever went through he became a slight bit bolder.
Moving faster he started walking over to the other side. At the 200 meter mark, there was still nothing. Nothing after 300 meters. 400 meters. Still nothing.
He became more careful after reaching the last fifty meters. He slowly neared the outer circle and swiftly climbed the first tree he stepped near.
Moving upwards he scanned his surroundings with his sharp gaze. The "new" forest was still sparse with fewer trees so he was able to see much further. But despite expecting something there was nothing. No beasts, animals or even noises.
Yes, a breeze went through but there was no growls, chirping, the pecking of wood or anything.
It was eerily silent and Idan certainly did not like the current situation.
Carefully observing the forest once more he decided to get his companion as fast as he could.
Moving into the crown of the tree he jumped and used the skin between his front and hind legs like a paraglider. Gliding over the clearing and using the breeze for further leverage in the air, he easily arrived at the 200-meter mark.
Slowly gliding down he ended his enjoyable flight and ran the rest as fast as he could.
Arriving near his companion he recounted his findings or lack thereof.
"There was nothing on the clearing. No fur, blood, or anything else. Over on the other side, the trees are still sparse so we should be able to move faster than expected. But we have a problem.
There are no beasts or animals. And I mean literally no. Not a single one to find or even hear. No birds or anything. I suspect that something is off.", Idan appeared very unsatisfied with the current situation.
But he has every right. What could possibly turn a whole forest mute? No answer he could think of pleased him even remotely.
While grimacing, our protagonist was calmly thinking about what Idan reported. She to did not like the situation but on the other side, it might help them a lot. No monsters meant no obstacle on their way through the outer circle. And it's not like they can just wait.
They have to go through. No way around it!
"We can't wait so let's just go. We'll try to escape if we meet anything. And I doubt that whatever caused the forest to go quiet would be interested in us measly beasts.", having decided she begins to jog into the clearing.
"No choice I guess...", following her, Idan picked up speed and they made their way across the clearing.
Soon they were running across the clearing and entered the forest once again. Moving through they had a much easier time passing through. The sparse trees eased their strain by a lot and they continued to make their way through.
They went deeper and deeper into the forest. The further they went the stronger the silence became. After 2 hours of running the silence became so oppressive that even their thoughts sounded distant and foreign.
They were now assured that this was artificial and the work of somebody. Somebody was in the forest and that being was oppressing the forest. Perhaps it wasn't one but several.
But they could not care less. They knew that should they meet them they were dead. No chances taken, they moved forward. The earlier they left the forest the better it would be.
A few more hours passed and they did not meet anything. No beasts or animals.
While they did want to hurry they had to take several breaks. In between, they even stopped to pick up herbs. While they wanted to escape as fast as they could our protagonist could not pass on some opportunities.
There were no beasts. That meant their territory was open. That also meant that what they normally guarded was now, logically, unguarded and she decided to use that. Utilizing her available memories and her keen senses that she activated during her hunting trip she actively searched for whatever she could find on their journey.
Herbs were abundant in a wild forest and she found a lot. Kicking out a few rusted swords their place was offered to some herbs she found and who seemed to be quite important.
She herself thought that she was greedy but she knew that these herbs could raise her's and Idan's strength by a lot and that would indirectly save their lives.
Idan had nothing to say. He too thought that what they were doing was unimaginably risky considering that even the owners of those territories run away or hide somewhere. But he also knew how beneficial those herbs were. Even more so as a full-blooded beast. A race that heavily relied on herbs to raise their strength.
Moving forward with the occasional breaks they slowly neared the border of the forest. The sun was moving over the sky and time passed and passed. Because of their in between stops they were back into the initial plan they prepared. Based on an estimation it would take them a few tens of minutes until they were out of the forest.
While running they knew the hard part was over. They would soon exit the forest and they would be back at the town.
But how could it be so easy? Since when has fate offered something without demanding something, without posing a challenge?
Heavy! That was the only thought that went through their heads. The silence suddenly turned into pressure. Weighing down on their bodies they became immobile! The silence turned into a ringing sound blocking their ears and disorienting them. The oppressing intensified until they were pressed onto the ground. Their muscles were protesting and working hard to avert the pressure but there was nothing they could do.
Behind them, a screech rose into the air. The screech became louder and louder, causing their ears to bleed. The pressure escalated for a short moment causing them to spew a tiny bit of blood. Several veins burst and their bones creak under the sudden rise in pressure.
As abruptly as it came the pressure returned to a slightly stronger version of the previous silence.
Instantly after thinking that they survived cracks spread in the ground behind them. The pressure slowly rose. A marginal increase but it rose. The sound of trees breaking and being ripped out of the ground resounded and after a small look at each other, they immediately started running.
Whatever was behind them would kill them! Run! Just run and hope to survive! The only thought was to run! Looking back our protagonist saw how Idan was lacking a bit. He must have taken more damage since his body is naturally weaker. Running back and picking Idan up she returned to sprinting through the forest.
Just leave the forest and continue running! Hopefully, they would be safe outside but behind them, the sound of trees being crushed intensified and the pressure kept on rising!
Idan was slung over her shoulder and he was able to look behind them.
What he saw was more than just disheartening. Trees disappeared were crunched or rotted in less than a second. Behind them, a tall black figure was gaining on them.
Whatever it was, it wore a black rope. A giant black rope with a hood covering its whole body and its face. Golden chains were embedded into its whole body and stretched far behind it. They were extended into the ground behind him and seemed to try to drag him back.
Their luck probably. Based on the beings aura and its display of strength in a seemingly weakened state it could probably kill them in less than a second without those chains.
While it was faster than them it was not significantly faster. It was slowed down and seemed to struggle with every step. Despite that, it was gaining on them. The pressure rose and it slowed them down.
They had probably some two or three hundred meters to go but right now it did not look like they would make it.
The giant ten-meter tall being was not even 70 meters behind them. Some tens of seconds and it would reach them.
Struggling against the pressure, the energy inside the body of our protagonist was burning. Rushing through her blood and heart, her body was strained to the limit. Trying to press even the last bit of energy into her legs she propelled her body forward trying to get some distance between them.
But it proved futile. The entity neared and the pressure finally exceeded what she could endure.
Upon crashing onto the ground the entity grew excited. It's prey finally failed and he would be able to suck her dry. Energy and essence would help him.
He could feel her bloodline! Such strong energy would taste delicious! So sweet!
Raising his arm and summoning, what could only be described as the creepiest scythe ever to witness the light of day, appeared. Raising it further and swinging the scythe down he opted to finish his prey as fast as he could. Nothing should stand between his meal and himself.
But how could she just die! She refused to die! She has not even lived for a month and now her life is supposed to end?!
I refuse!
(I refuse!)
"I REFUSE!"
Screaming her defiance into the being's face it stopped. Energy erupted from the girl's chest and the center of the forest. Energy rolled off in droves and drowned the surroundings. Vines and trees became alive, curling themseölves around the black being and restricting its movement.
Astonishment filled the girl's face and Idan did not look better. She could feel how the energy the tree gave her disappeared. She knew: she only had some tens of seconds to escape.
Scrambling to her feet she desperately continued her run. The border of the forest was visible and she could see her path to freedom.
She knew that she might still be chased and killed outside the forest, but she hoped for those chains to restrict the being. Running and running she finally left the forests confinement. Seeing the fields in front of her she happily smiled only to be once again gripped by despair. A shadow towered above her and menacingly raised its scythe.
Chopping towards the small girl's neck he gleefully released a small chuckle. He would get his meal!
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A bit over half an hour has passed. While running through the forest the two companions became increasingly exhausted. The unwelcoming terrain increased the toll on their body. Most of the time, they had to jump over several obstacles, climb small slopes and then run further.
Comparing it to parkour under 5 times the difficulty of a storage depot filled to the brim with furniture and whatever else wouldn't be far off.
They took a break after the first half an hour to drink some water and eat some of the fruits.
Having replenished their bodies they proceeded to continue their journey.
They did meet a few beasts on their journey but generally ignored them. Most beasts would run away or ignore them. Since the inner territory has no small mini-bosses controlling their own territory, the road was much safer compared to the road they would have to take in the outer circle.
Since nothing happened up to now they were still in their time limit.
Running for another half an hour they came close to the border of the inner territory.
They slowed down and slowly made their way forward. They did not know what to expect since they had yet to come here.
Nearing the border they noticed the absence of monsters. Most low-level beasts would avoid this part since past the border beasts above the fifth stage could appear. While they could die in the inner territory it was much safer. The territory lords would not hunt such low-level beasts.
As they approached the border they noticed that the forest became more sparse. Fewer trees and general foliage obstructed their view. Light streamed through the trees crowns. Up in front, the forest opened into a rather big area of grass, broken trees and lots of shrubberies.
A few hundred meters further into the giant clearing new trees appeared and they understood that the inner area was surrounded by a massive clearing of a few hundred meters.
If they could look from above they would notice that the inner area appeared similar to a brighter spot amidst a sea of dark green. Light green trees highlighted that particular area and since the clearing went slightly downwards they knew that they were atop a giant hill.
Against their expectations, the cave they stayed at before leaving was probably part of a giant hill stretching unimaginably long.
Forgoing their assumptions they checked the clearing for signs of beasts. Excrements, signs of battle or whatever else would warn them of possible dangers.
But despite carefully looking they could not find anything that would even hint at the presence of monsters.
They might not dare enter the clearing. It might still be part of the beast lords territory.
Idan knew his role and slowly stepped out into the clearing. Keeping his body down he slowly made his way across. He slowly shifted through the grass to avoid any large movements of the tall grass that might give away his position.
He took several minutes to reach the first hundred meters into the clearing. Since nothing happened and the clearing looked as if nobody ever went through he became a slight bit bolder.
Moving faster he started walking over to the other side. At the 200 meter mark, there was still nothing. Nothing after 300 meters. 400 meters. Still nothing.
He became more careful after reaching the last fifty meters. He slowly neared the outer circle and swiftly climbed the first tree he stepped near.
Moving upwards he scanned his surroundings with his sharp gaze. The "new" forest was still sparse with fewer trees so he was able to see much further. But despite expecting something there was nothing. No beasts, animals or even noises.
Yes, a breeze went through but there was no growls, chirping, the pecking of wood or anything.
It was eerily silent and Idan certainly did not like the current situation.
Carefully observing the forest once more he decided to get his companion as fast as he could.
Moving into the crown of the tree he jumped and used the skin between his front and hind legs like a paraglider. Gliding over the clearing and using the breeze for further leverage in the air, he easily arrived at the 200-meter mark.
Slowly gliding down he ended his enjoyable flight and ran the rest as fast as he could.
Arriving near his companion he recounted his findings or lack thereof.
"There was nothing on the clearing. No fur, blood, or anything else. Over on the other side, the trees are still sparse so we should be able to move faster than expected. But we have a problem.
There are no beasts or animals. And I mean literally no. Not a single one to find or even hear. No birds or anything. I suspect that something is off.", Idan appeared very unsatisfied with the current situation.
But he has every right. What could possibly turn a whole forest mute? No answer he could think of pleased him even remotely.
While grimacing, our protagonist was calmly thinking about what Idan reported. She to did not like the situation but on the other side, it might help them a lot. No monsters meant no obstacle on their way through the outer circle. And it's not like they can just wait.
They have to go through. No way around it!
"We can't wait so let's just go. We'll try to escape if we meet anything. And I doubt that whatever caused the forest to go quiet would be interested in us measly beasts.", having decided she begins to jog into the clearing.
"No choice I guess...", following her, Idan picked up speed and they made their way across the clearing.
Soon they were running across the clearing and entered the forest once again. Moving through they had a much easier time passing through. The sparse trees eased their strain by a lot and they continued to make their way through.
They went deeper and deeper into the forest. The further they went the stronger the silence became. After 2 hours of running the silence became so oppressive that even their thoughts sounded distant and foreign.
They were now assured that this was artificial and the work of somebody. Somebody was in the forest and that being was oppressing the forest. Perhaps it wasn't one but several.
But they could not care less. They knew that should they meet them they were dead. No chances taken, they moved forward. The earlier they left the forest the better it would be.
A few more hours passed and they did not meet anything. No beasts or animals.
While they did want to hurry they had to take several breaks. In between, they even stopped to pick up herbs. While they wanted to escape as fast as they could our protagonist could not pass on some opportunities.
There were no beasts. That meant their territory was open. That also meant that what they normally guarded was now, logically, unguarded and she decided to use that. Utilizing her available memories and her keen senses that she activated during her hunting trip she actively searched for whatever she could find on their journey.
Herbs were abundant in a wild forest and she found a lot. Kicking out a few rusted swords their place was offered to some herbs she found and who seemed to be quite important.
She herself thought that she was greedy but she knew that these herbs could raise her's and Idan's strength by a lot and that would indirectly save their lives.
Idan had nothing to say. He too thought that what they were doing was unimaginably risky considering that even the owners of those territories run away or hide somewhere. But he also knew how beneficial those herbs were. Even more so as a full-blooded beast. A race that heavily relied on herbs to raise their strength.
Moving forward with the occasional breaks they slowly neared the border of the forest. The sun was moving over the sky and time passed and passed. Because of their in between stops they were back into the initial plan they prepared. Based on an estimation it would take them a few tens of minutes until they were out of the forest.
While running they knew the hard part was over. They would soon exit the forest and they would be back at the town.
But how could it be so easy? Since when has fate offered something without demanding something, without posing a challenge?
Heavy! That was the only thought that went through their heads. The silence suddenly turned into pressure. Weighing down on their bodies they became immobile! The silence turned into a ringing sound blocking their ears and disorienting them. The oppressing intensified until they were pressed onto the ground. Their muscles were protesting and working hard to avert the pressure but there was nothing they could do.
Behind them, a screech rose into the air. The screech became louder and louder, causing their ears to bleed. The pressure escalated for a short moment causing them to spew a tiny bit of blood. Several veins burst and their bones creak under the sudden rise in pressure.
As abruptly as it came the pressure returned to a slightly stronger version of the previous silence.
Instantly after thinking that they survived cracks spread in the ground behind them. The pressure slowly rose. A marginal increase but it rose. The sound of trees breaking and being ripped out of the ground resounded and after a small look at each other, they immediately started running.
Whatever was behind them would kill them! Run! Just run and hope to survive! The only thought was to run! Looking back our protagonist saw how Idan was lacking a bit. He must have taken more damage since his body is naturally weaker. Running back and picking Idan up she returned to sprinting through the forest.
Just leave the forest and continue running! Hopefully, they would be safe outside but behind them, the sound of trees being crushed intensified and the pressure kept on rising!
Idan was slung over her shoulder and he was able to look behind them.
What he saw was more than just disheartening. Trees disappeared were crunched or rotted in less than a second. Behind them, a tall black figure was gaining on them.
Whatever it was, it wore a black rope. A giant black rope with a hood covering its whole body and its face. Golden chains were embedded into its whole body and stretched far behind it. They were extended into the ground behind him and seemed to try to drag him back.
Their luck probably. Based on the beings aura and its display of strength in a seemingly weakened state it could probably kill them in less than a second without those chains.
While it was faster than them it was not significantly faster. It was slowed down and seemed to struggle with every step. Despite that, it was gaining on them. The pressure rose and it slowed them down.
They had probably some two or three hundred meters to go but right now it did not look like they would make it.
The giant ten-meter tall being was not even 70 meters behind them. Some tens of seconds and it would reach them.
Struggling against the pressure, the energy inside the body of our protagonist was burning. Rushing through her blood and heart, her body was strained to the limit. Trying to press even the last bit of energy into her legs she propelled her body forward trying to get some distance between them.
But it proved futile. The entity neared and the pressure finally exceeded what she could endure.
Upon crashing onto the ground the entity grew excited. It's prey finally failed and he would be able to suck her dry. Energy and essence would help him.
He could feel her bloodline! Such strong energy would taste delicious! So sweet!
Raising his arm and summoning, what could only be described as the creepiest scythe ever to witness the light of day, appeared. Raising it further and swinging the scythe down he opted to finish his prey as fast as he could. Nothing should stand between his meal and himself.
But how could she just die! She refused to die! She has not even lived for a month and now her life is supposed to end?!
I refuse!
(I refuse!)
"I REFUSE!"
Screaming her defiance into the being's face it stopped. Energy erupted from the girl's chest and the center of the forest. Energy rolled off in droves and drowned the surroundings. Vines and trees became alive, curling themseölves around the black being and restricting its movement.
Astonishment filled the girl's face and Idan did not look better. She could feel how the energy the tree gave her disappeared. She knew: she only had some tens of seconds to escape.
Scrambling to her feet she desperately continued her run. The border of the forest was visible and she could see her path to freedom.
She knew that she might still be chased and killed outside the forest, but she hoped for those chains to restrict the being. Running and running she finally left the forests confinement. Seeing the fields in front of her she happily smiled only to be once again gripped by despair. A shadow towered above her and menacingly raised its scythe.
Chopping towards the small girl's neck he gleefully released a small chuckle. He would get his meal!
A bit over half an hour has passed. While running through the forest the two companions became increasingly exhausted. The unwelcoming terrain increased the toll on their body. Most of the time, they had to jump over several obstacles, climb small slopes and then run further.Comparing it to parkour under 5 times the difficulty of a storage depot filled to the brim with furniture and whatever else wouldn't be far off.They took a break after the first half an hour to drink some water and eat some of the fruits.Having replenished their bodies they proceeded to continue their journey.They did meet a few beasts on their journey but generally ignored them. Most beasts would run away or ignore them. Since the inner territory has no small mini-bosses controlling their own territory, the road was much safer compared to the road they would have to take in the outer circle.Since nothing happened up to now they were still in their time limit.Running for another half an hour they came close to the border of the inner territory.They slowed down and slowly made their way forward. They did not know what to expect since they had yet to come here.Nearing the border they noticed the absence of monsters. Most low-level beasts would avoid this part since past the border beasts above the fifth stage could appear. While they could die in the inner territory it was much safer. The territory lords would not hunt such low-level beasts.As they approached the border they noticed that the forest became more sparse. Fewer trees and general foliage obstructed their view. Light streamed through the trees crowns. Up in front, the forest opened into a rather big area of grass, broken trees and lots of shrubberies.A few hundred meters further into the giant clearing new trees appeared and they understood that the inner area was surrounded by a massive clearing of a few hundred meters.If they could look from above they would notice that the inner area appeared similar to a brighter spot amidst a sea of dark green. Light green trees highlighted that particular area and since the clearing went slightly downwards they knew that they were atop a giant hill.Against their expectations, the cave they stayed at before leaving was probably part of a giant hill stretching unimaginably long.Forgoing their assumptions they checked the clearing for signs of beasts. Excrements, signs of battle or whatever else would warn them of possible dangers.But despite carefully looking they could not find anything that would even hint at the presence of monsters.They might not dare enter the clearing. It might still be part of the beast lords territory.Idan knew his role and slowly stepped out into the clearing. Keeping his body down he slowly made his way across. He slowly shifted through the grass to avoid any large movements of the tall grass that might give away his position.He took several minutes to reach the first hundred meters into the clearing. Since nothing happened and the clearing looked as if nobody ever went through he became a slight bit bolder.Moving faster he started walking over to the other side. At the 200 meter mark, there was still nothing. Nothing after 300 meters. 400 meters. Still nothing.He became more careful after reaching the last fifty meters. He slowly neared the outer circle and swiftly climbed the first tree he stepped near.Moving upwards he scanned his surroundings with his sharp gaze. The "new" forest was still sparse with fewer trees so he was able to see much further. But despite expecting something there was nothing. No beasts, animals or even noises.Yes, a breeze went through but there was no growls, chirping, the pecking of wood or anything.It was eerily silent and Idan certainly did not like the current situation.Carefully observing the forest once more he decided to get his companion as fast as he could.Moving into the crown of the tree he jumped and used the skin between his front and hind legs like a paraglider. Gliding over the clearing and using the breeze for further leverage in the air, he easily arrived at the 200-meter mark.Slowly gliding down he ended his enjoyable flight and ran the rest as fast as he could.Arriving near his companion he recounted his findings or lack thereof."There was nothing on the clearing. No fur, blood, or anything else. Over on the other side, the trees are still sparse so we should be able to move faster than expected. But we have a problem.There are no beasts or animals. And I mean literally no. Not a single one to find or even hear. No birds or anything. I suspect that something is off.", Idan appeared very unsatisfied with the current situation.But he has every right. What could possibly turn a whole forest mute? No answer he could think of pleased him even remotely.While grimacing, our protagonist was calmly thinking about what Idan reported. She to did not like the situation but on the other side, it might help them a lot. No monsters meant no obstacle on their way through the outer circle. And it's not like they can just wait.They have to go through. No way around it!"We can't wait so let's just go. We'll try to escape if we meet anything. And I doubt that whatever caused the forest to go quiet would be interested in us measly beasts.", having decided she begins to jog into the clearing."No choice I guess...", following her, Idan picked up speed and they made their way across the clearing.Soon they were running across the clearing and entered the forest once again. Moving through they had a much easier time passing through. The sparse trees eased their strain by a lot and they continued to make their way through.They went deeper and deeper into the forest. The further they went the stronger the silence became. After 2 hours of running the silence became so oppressive that even their thoughts sounded distant and foreign.They were now assured that this was artificial and the work of somebody. Somebody was in the forest and that being was oppressing the forest. Perhaps it wasn't one but several.But they could not care less. They knew that should they meet them they were dead. No chances taken, they moved forward. The earlier they left the forest the better it would be.A few more hours passed and they did not meet anything. No beasts or animals.While they did want to hurry they had to take several breaks. In between, they even stopped to pick up herbs. While they wanted to escape as fast as they could our protagonist could not pass on some opportunities.There were no beasts. That meant their territory was open. That also meant that what they normally guarded was now, logically, unguarded and she decided to use that. Utilizing her available memories and her keen senses that she activated during her hunting trip she actively searched for whatever she could find on their journey.Herbs were abundant in a wild forest and she found a lot. Kicking out a few rusted swords their place was offered to some herbs she found and who seemed to be quite important.She herself thought that she was greedy but she knew that these herbs could raise her's and Idan's strength by a lot and that would indirectly save their lives.Idan had nothing to say. He too thought that what they were doing was unimaginably risky considering that even the owners of those territories run away or hide somewhere. But he also knew how beneficial those herbs were. Even more so as a full-blooded beast. A race that heavily relied on herbs to raise their strength.Moving forward with the occasional breaks they slowly neared the border of the forest. The sun was moving over the sky and time passed and passed. Because of their in between stops they were back into the initial plan they prepared. Based on an estimation it would take them a few tens of minutes until they were out of the forest.While running they knew the hard part was over. They would soon exit the forest and they would be back at the town.But how could it be so easy? Since when has fate offered something without demanding something, without posing a challenge?Heavy! That was the only thought that went through their heads. The silence suddenly turned into pressure. Weighing down on their bodies they became immobile! The silence turned into a ringing sound blocking their ears and disorienting them. The oppressing intensified until they were pressed onto the ground. Their muscles were protesting and working hard to avert the pressure but there was nothing they could do.Behind them, a screech rose into the air. The screech became louder and louder, causing their ears to bleed. The pressure escalated for a short moment causing them to spew a tiny bit of blood. Several veins burst and their bones creak under the sudden rise in pressure.As abruptly as it came the pressure returned to a slightly stronger version of the previous silence.Instantly after thinking that they survived cracks spread in the ground behind them. The pressure slowly rose. A marginal increase but it rose. The sound of trees breaking and being ripped out of the ground resounded and after a small look at each other, they immediately started running.Whatever was behind them would kill them! Run! Just run and hope to survive! The only thought was to run! Looking back our protagonist saw how Idan was lacking a bit. He must have taken more damage since his body is naturally weaker. Running back and picking Idan up she returned to sprinting through the forest.Just leave the forest and continue running! Hopefully, they would be safe outside but behind them, the sound of trees being crushed intensified and the pressure kept on rising!Idan was slung over her shoulder and he was able to look behind them.What he saw was more than just disheartening. Trees disappeared were crunched or rotted in less than a second. Behind them, a tall black figure was gaining on them.Whatever it was, it wore a black rope. A giant black rope with a hood covering its whole body and its face. Golden chains were embedded into its whole body and stretched far behind it. They were extended into the ground behind him and seemed to try to drag him back.Their luck probably. Based on the beings aura and its display of strength in a seemingly weakened state it could probably kill them in less than a second without those chains.While it was faster than them it was not significantly faster. It was slowed down and seemed to struggle with every step. Despite that, it was gaining on them. The pressure rose and it slowed them down.They had probably some two or three hundred meters to go but right now it did not look like they would make it.The giant ten-meter tall being was not even 70 meters behind them. Some tens of seconds and it would reach them.Struggling against the pressure, the energy inside the body of our protagonist was burning. Rushing through her blood and heart, her body was strained to the limit. Trying to press even the last bit of energy into her legs she propelled her body forward trying to get some distance between them.But it proved futile. The entity neared and the pressure finally exceeded what she could endure.Upon crashing onto the ground the entity grew excited. It's prey finally failed and he would be able to suck her dry. Energy and essence would help him.He could feel her bloodline! Such strong energy would taste delicious! So sweet!Raising his arm and summoning, what could only be described as the creepiest scythe ever to witness the light of day, appeared. Raising it further and swinging the scythe down he opted to finish his prey as fast as he could. Nothing should stand between his meal and himself.But how could she just die! She refused to die! She has not even lived for a month and now her life is supposed to end?!I refuse!I refuse!"I REFUSE!"Screaming her defiance into the being's face it stopped. Energy erupted from the girl's chest and the center of the forest. Energy rolled off in droves and drowned the surroundings. Vines and trees became alive, curling themselves around the black being and restricting its movement.Astonishment filled the girl's face and Idan did not look better. She could feel how the energy the tree gave her disappeared. She knew: she only had some tens of seconds to escape.Scrambling to her feet she desperately continued her run. The border of the forest was visible and she could see her path to freedom.She knew that she might still be chased and killed outside the forest, but she hoped for those chains to restrict the being. Running and running she finally left the forests confinement. Seeing the fields in front of her she happily smiled only to be once again gripped by despair. A shadow towered above her and menacingly raised its scythe.Chopping towards the small girl's neck he gleefully released a small chuckle. He would get his meal!
