Chapter 16: The Final Night, the Bloodbath Ends

-The main objective tonight is to kill the kid who keeps following the girl named Lyne, and avoid being noticed by the Blood Wolves, is that clear?

An emotionless mask stood up without being ordered and asked.

-Sir, if the main objective is to kill the kid Kaega, then why spare the little girl Lyne?

Thwack

A stone bullet flew straight into the head of the one who stood up without permission, not killing him instantly. But the emotionless mask, though trembling slightly, did not make a sound, while the smiling masks were amused.

-Even if it's a question, if you act on your own without my command, the consequences will be the same as his, understand!

All of them shouted in unison.

-YES, SIR!

-Alright, so that his death is not in vain for you, the Head Measurer has a separate plan for that little girl. This is a secret plan prepared 8 years ago, and only those of his rank know the details. As for us, we just need to receive orders and act, no questions asked.

-Yes, sir!

-Alright, everyone split up and surround the position indicated by the tracking sigil.

Everyone moved immediately, leaving behind a silent atmosphere.... Near the center of this area, many members of the Blood Wolf Guild were patrolling at night. In a dark corner, Kaega and Lyne were sitting, listening to the conversation of two men.

-Hey, I heard tonight is the last night of the Bloodbath, right?

-Yeah, and you know what? Those dogs caused trouble with the Faith Guild two nights ago.

-I know about that too. I think I saw a figure in a priest's robe appear and enter the guild's main area last night.

-Really?

-I'm not sure, but it seems those fanatics are planning to ask for our help.

-Hey, it's patrol time, what the hell are you two doing here?

A man walked over and scolded the two gossiping men. Upon hearing the scolding, one of them showed his attitude.

-What patrol? Besides a few hunting dogs from the Silver Masks coming to hunt a few guys, what else is there to make such a fuss about, you dog?

-Hey, calm down, you idiot!

-What's there to be afraid of-

Stab

A sword immediately pierced through the chest of the man showing attitude. He fell down, his eyes wide with disbelief.

-Damn you rats, you've only been in the guild for a few days and you've already forgotten your place and are showing attitude!

-Yes, sorry sir, I'll go on patrol right away!

-Get lost.

The remaining man quickly ran away, not daring to stay long.

-Ha... this is driving me crazy with these guys picked up from the trash heap...

The third man also left after that. Kaega then spoke to Lyne.

-Just as I predicted, it seems the Faith Guild has sent someone to negotiate with the Blood Wolves. The problem is, the Blood Wolves probably haven't decided whether to go all-in or not.

-So you're planning to lure one of them close to a Blood Wolf, then kill the Blood Wolf to frame them, right?

-That's the plan, but I'm not sure if everything will go according to it. But I'll definitely need a lot of your help tonight.

-Alright, I understand....

With that, the two moved far away from the center, creating an opportunity for the Silver Masks to approach them. Not long after, Lyne noticed a group of 3 from the Silver Masks rapidly closing in.

-Lyne, deal with him. I'll watch the surroundings.

After saying that, Kaega climbed onto the rooftops. Lyne drew her Dorgan dagger, preparing.

"There are no Blood Wolves around. It's unnatural, it seems they've proactively killed a few to avoid being disturbed."

Kaega realized that many enemies were closing in as if they wanted to surround them.

-Kaega, be careful.

Whoosh

A fireball flew past Kaega's face. Thanks to Lyne's timely warning, he reacted in time.

"They're not actively attacking Lyne? They're just defending?"

Looking down, Kaega noticed that the two fighting Lyne were not taking the initiative to attack when they had the chance, but were just stalling. The crying mask, although chanting a spell, was not aiming at her at all.

Whoosh

Kaega jumped away as he fired another fireball.

"They're stalling to form an encirclement!"

-Lyne! Retreat to the center, they want to surround us!

Lyne immediately kicked away one of the stalling men and instantly fell back. Kaega jumped down and threw a knife towards Lyne.

Whiz Thud!

The knife hit the shoulder of the smiling mask chasing after her, forcing him back.

-Let's go!

Lyne pulled Kaega and ran.

-It seems they have some plan for you.

-What do you mean?

The two discussed as they ran.

-Even though they're stalling, the fact that he's only defending and not attacking you, on the contrary, they seem to be more focused on killing me...

-So you think they want to capture me?

-Probably... There's someone blocking the way ahead!

Two emotionless masks were holding swords, facing them. Lyne quickly threw a throwing knife forward.

Clang!

One of them managed to block it, but tied to the knife was a bag of Thunder Powder with a burning fuse.

Boom!

-What the fuck!

The one next to him was shocked by the sudden explosion next to him. He turned his head to look at the explosion.

-How do these brats have Thunder Powder!

As soon as he turned his head, he saw Lyne next to him. With a demonic face, she quickly stabbed him in the neck, and then the two continued running towards the center.

-As expected, these idiots are still the easiest to deal with.

Kaega exclaimed at how easily the emotionless masks could be killed while being dragged by Lyne, just like when they met the Head Measurer.

-Hey, do something to help me! Or I'll leave you to run on your own now!

-Have you no humanity?

-Don't forget who the heartless one was who set me up on day one!

-I told you it was part of the plan!

Kaega took out a few bags of Thunder Powder, lit them, and threw them behind him.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The explosions hindered the progress of their pursuers.

-Dammit, how do those brats have so much Thunder Powder?

Then the wrath mask arrived.

-You idiots, why don't you use fireballs on them now.

-But sir, they are very close to each other.

-That kid is already injured, one fireball will surely kill him. As for the little girl, we just need her alive!

-Yes, sir!

Quickly, the fireballs were chasing after Lyne, who now had to drag Kaega while dodging. The chase lasted for 30 minutes, then Kaega and Lyne saw a Blood Wolf.

-Time to split up, right?

-No need! Just kill one in front of them, no need to hide!

-Alright, I'll follow your lead.

Lyne took out the merchant's weapon and aimed it at the tallest Blood Wolf.

BOOM!

The sound, like a small clap of thunder, attracted the attention of those in front. The one who was shot was clutching his shoulder in pain.

-Couldn't kill him...

-It's enough, just cause trouble for them while the Silver Masks are chasing us.

The Blood Wolves' eyes were now filled with murderous intent as they looked at the two and those behind them.

-It's the Silver Mask dogs. They dare to actively attack us!

-You bastards, this isn't your land yet.

They charged forward with the intention of killing both of them and those behind. Kaega at this time ordered Lyne to dodge.

The two quickly turned left and ran in another direction.

-After them, kill Kaega.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh Thud

The wrath mask quickly ordered the chase, but was blocked by a Blood Wolf member who threw a greatsword.

-What are you doing?

-You dogs are getting a little too comfortable in this territory. And you dare to injure our people. Don't you know to look at the owner before hitting the dog?

-Those brats injured you, why are you blocking our way?

-Because of your stupid once-every-8-years event, you've damaged our interests. We've tolerated you many times, but this time a small army has entered our territory without declaring a reason.

-This is the last night, we have to kill...

-SHUT UP!

The wrath mask tried to negotiate but couldn't.

-There's no other way. Kill the ones blocking the way and quickly chase after them.

-One person go back to headquarters and report. We'll handle these guys.

One person started to leave but was killed by a stone bullet.

-You!

-Kill them quickly and then deal with the kid Kaega.

The Silver Masks took the initiative to charge into battle and quickly wiped out this small group of Blood Wolves. Returning to Lyne and Kaega's escape route, Lyne was now exhausted. Kaega threw her a stamina potion.

-Hey, drink this.

Lyne quickly drank it.

-Ha....ha...... do you think that group was enough to buy time and make a scene?

-In my opinion, they'll be killed quickly. But it will disrupt the communication chain during the guard shift, and it will sooner or later cause a commotion.

Just as he finished speaking, another group of Silver Masks was chasing after them, but as soon as they met, a loud bell rang, making the whole area noisy.

-Dammit, they found out too quickly. Fireball attack now, you idiots!!

The wrath mask spoke in an angry tone. His mood was now like the mask he was wearing.

The fireballs chased after them one by one, but Lyne and Kaega could still dodge them.

-Why are they shooting so many fireballs? Aren't they tired?

-The crying masks use their lifespan to sacrifice to Karizanis in exchange for power, so they don't get tired!

-No wonder these lunatics have so many mages!!

Magic or sorcery in this world is a power that only special individuals or those with a lineage of mages or witches can use naturally. As for those who learn it, their power is weaker and they can use it less than those who were born with it.

-They're only 1000m away from the Hunters' Guild territory, sir!!

-These brats run too fast...

Before the wrath mask could finish speaking, a troop of Blood Wolves was chasing after them from behind. Kaega didn't look back, but he noticed the lights in front of him.

-Dammit! Lyne! They've blocked the border!

-What???

Lyne, who was running while keeping an eye on their rear, was surprised and turned her head back when she heard Kaega say the border was blocked.

-Tsk... this is difficult...

Kaega clicked his tongue because in front of them, members of the Blood Wolf Guild had gathered into an army, determined not to let anyone cross the border tonight. Kaega and Lyne stopped running.

Behind them, the masked figures also stopped, intending to talk.

-Lyne, if you leave him now, we will ensure you survive tonight.

-”That's right.... leave him... you've already saved his life.... he has nothing to do with you anymore.”

This time, the voice appeared again. Lyne now realized whose familiar and terrifying voice this was.

-The Head Measurer, he's whispering in my head.....

Lyne was scared again, but Kaega was no longer like the first time. He approached her.

-He's telling you to leave me, right?

With that, Kaega took the Dorgan dagger, which had somehow ended up in Lyne's left hand.

-I won't stop you from leaving me... but in the end, if you want to kill the Head Measurer, you have to kill him with your own hands....

With that, Kaega handed the dagger back to Lyne's right hand.

-”You bastard.... it's you again.......”

The voice gradually faded. Lyne was no longer trembling but looked up at the dagger in her right hand. The dagger still retained the mesmerizing red color of Kaega's blood. She looked at Kaega.

-Next plan?

Kaega smiled, then took out a bag of Thunder Powder from his person, lit it, and threw it towards the masked figures.

-Let's get on the roof. I don't believe they can block all the borders.

And then the two quickly climbed onto a house while below, the Silver Masks were being surrounded by the Blood Wolves and couldn't get close to them.

Kaega quickly looked into the distance where the surrounding light did not shine.

-There it is!!

-Where?

-Sigh.... have to go back to that place again...

Lyne looked to the east where the Silver Masks' territory was, there was no light there.

-Are you sure?

-They won't do anything to us if it's not a hunting night, don't worry.

-Do you really know the rules of the game?

-I have some guesses...

Lyne urged Kaega to run back to the Morgan ruins and towards the Silver Mask border.

-Quick, don't let them run back to the Silver Mask border!!

A few Blood Wolf members chased after them with the intention of killing them.

-Dammit, two of you follow me!! The rest of you, block their pursuers!!

The wrath mask led a crying mask and a smiling mask in pursuit of the two. On the rooftops, the chase was led by Kaega and Lyne, followed by the Blood Wolves running on the main street below, but they were slowed down by the terrain. The closest and most dangerous were still the Silver Masks with their stone bullets and fireballs.

-Lyne, reduce the pressure from the crying mask.

-Got it.

The two simultaneously threw knives at the crying mask. The smiling mask came to block, but the first block was an explosive knife.

Boom!

His body was blown down from the roof and was dealt with by the pursuing Blood Wolves. The crying mask, who was just a spellcaster in need of protection, was now being directly attacked by thrown knives and couldn't dodge in time.

Thud!

The knife didn't hit a vital spot and only hit his leg as he tried to dodge.

-Couldn't kill him right away, but it still slows down his individual pursuit speed.

-To your left, Kaega!

WHOOSH! BOOM!

A stone bullet flew past Kaega's left side. Although the shot missed, if it had hit, he would probably be minced meat by now.

-Dammit! That brat is lucky....

Kaega threw a bag of Thunder Powder back at him. He retreated out of the blast range.

-Die, you nuisance....

Kaega's eyes turned cold, without a trace of warmth. The wrath mask saw this and suddenly felt a chill. He realized something was wrong.

Boom! whoosh whoosh whoosh!!

Countless small stone fragments flew out from the explosion.

-Careless!

He tried to block the stones flying towards his body with his sword.

Clang Clang Clang Clang! The slashes were like a storm, but only managed to avoid the stones flying towards vital spots.

Thud thud thud! The stones flew into his legs and arms, injuring him quite a bit and making his movements not as good as before.

-Agh! How can there be such a thing......

He was in pain but continued to pursue, ignoring his continuously bleeding wounds.

-... I beseech you, my lord, let this humble servant witness your creation!

Another stone bullet came, but this time it was smaller and slower than the previous one. Lyne proactively knocked it away.

-He's weak now, should we kill him?

-No, we have to let him live!

-Why?

-I have something I want to confirm!

-Alright...

The two tried to run to shake off the Blood Wolves. After shaking off their pursuers, only the wrath mask and the crying mask were still chasing them on the rooftops. When they were close to the Silver Mask border, they stopped.

-The number of hunting dogs sent out each night is fixed. That means we won't be pursued further if all the hunting dogs of that night are dead or unable to fight.

-So what's your intention in letting those two live?

-There's something I've been suspicious about since I was in the bathroom at Elina's house....

-...?

Lyne was confused but didn't ask further as the last two had arrived. Their bodies were heavily injured but couldn't regenerate because they weren't living dead.

-Lyne, give me the merchant's weapon.

-Here...

Lyne threw the weapon to Kaega. The wrath mask saw the weapon and spoke in surprise.

-You guys!...... Thunder Powder is one thing... how do you also have that handheld cannon.

-Oh, it seems you know this thing, huh? Can you tell me a little about it?

Kaega was loading Thunder Powder and a bullet, then slowly packing it tightly...

-A weapon created by the northern continent folks.... that thing shouldn't be here... why?

The wrath mask was now muttering as if he had lost his mind.

-Spare both of them?

-No, just need one.

With that, Kaega aimed at the wrath mask, his eyes cold as he squeezed the trigger. The man sensed the danger and tried to block with his sword, but it was too fast.

Thump!

The object flew straight into his head, piercing through his wrath mask. He immediately collapsed. The one behind him seemed not to notice the death of his commander in front of him and continued to chant a fireball spell.

Whoosh!

The fireball flew straight towards Kaega's position, but he was pulled away by Lyne. Then she charged up and restrained the crying mask. The man had no strength to resist and was quickly tied up before the Blood Wolves could catch up.

-He's done, now let's go back to the Silver Mask territory, huh...?

-Yeah, you carry him. I need him alive until morning.

After Kaega said that, Lyne froze, not knowing what Kaega's intention was in wanting to meet the Head Measurer at this time.

-Don't worry, if I'm right, he won't come....

-What do you mean...?

-Like I said, let's go now.

The two left the Blood Wolf territory before they could arrive. They returned to the Rat Alley in the Silver Mask territory. When they were near the Gray Dust tavern, it was almost morning, the hunt was over. Suddenly, a fog surrounded them as if someone had set it up. Lyne trembled in fear of his appearance, but no!

Clop! Clop! Clop!

From within the fog stepped out a bizarre figure. His body was thin, wearing a black cloak and a black vest, and a tall hat on his head. He was 1.9m tall. He had two heads. His face was also bizarre with four eyes held by small hands growing around his head. He had no nose and a featureless face. In the middle of his face was a large smile. His hands also reached his knees.

Kaega seemed unsurprised by this appearance and threw the tied-up man to him. He also said nothing and did his own thing. He took off the crying mask, revealing a face burned by fire, with only one eye intact. The man was immediately gouged out by the newcomer. The man threw away the gouged-out eye and held it up to observe.

-Another low-quality eye.... the riff-raff in Aquila are all ugly... ha....

-Alright, since you're here, you should introduce yourself.

-Kaega, aren't you afraid of death?

Lyne wanted to stop him, but Kaega was not afraid at all and faced the man.

-No wonder the Head Measurer was so mad that he still wanted to kill you even after he was dead....

-So he's really dead...

-Impossible, the one before was clearly a fake....

Lyne at this time couldn't believe that the Head Measurer was really dead, but she still had an indescribable fear in her heart. Kaega saw Lyne like this and turned to continue talking to the newcomer.

-First of all, who are you?

-Ah... hello, I'm from the capital of Braum, here to temporarily take over the Blood Feast in this place due to the sudden death of the Head Measurer. My name is the Eye Watcher. It seems the rules of the Blood Feast and the death of the Head Measurer were already known to you, Mr. Kaega.

-Yeah, I figured out the rules from the Head Measurer's behavior, and I predicted his death just last night....

-You are truly a potential candidate to join our Silver Mask Guild, Kaega... if you want, I can help you skip this stupid Blood Feast for the weak and directly recruit you into the guild's leadership...

-Ah... too bad, I'm not interested in heretical guilds, and I also have a promise to cut off the Head Measurer's head, which can only be done during the Blood Feast.

Lyne, hearing about the promise to cut off the Head Measurer's head, came back to her senses.

-Wait a minute, you guys are...

-As expected, Mr. Kaega here already knew his plan....

The 4 eyes of the Eye Watcher stared at him, that large mouth still smiling. His two hands were in his pockets. Lyne saw this and got into a defensive stance, but Kaega stood still, doing nothing. Lyne looked at Kaega, confused.

-Lyne, don't worry, he has no ill intentions.

-Huh...

As expected, the man took out two invitations to the Blood Feast in 3 days from his pocket.

-Congratulations to Kaega and Lynette Rose for excellently proving yourselves in the Bloodbath. This is an invitation to the Blood Feast. I hope you two will arrive on time, and remember that those who sabotage and run away will be hunted down by the Silver Masks....

-Haha, thanks, sorry for the trouble.

Kaega took the letter, smiling with his mouth but not with his eyes. As for the Eye Watcher, his large mouth smiled, but the 4 eyes held by the 4 small hands around his head showed no movement. Then he left.

-Hey, what's this all about....? How is the Head Measurer dead?

-We'll talk about this after we get back to Elina's place.

After that, the two went into the Gray Dust tavern, gave the password, and then went into a room to wait for over an hour before Elina appeared.

-As expected, it's you two. You've survived the 7th night...

Elina didn't show strong emotions like being moved, but there was a hint of joy and excitement in her voice.

-Oh, hello Miss Elina, we're still alive and well, we can't die.

Kaega replied, but Lyne was now silent and couldn't say anything...

-What's wrong with Lyne...?

-This needs to be kept secret, can you lead us back to your place?

-Alright, as I said, my place always welcomes the survivors...

-I don't think I'm a good person anymore.

Kaega sighed. The three of them went outside, and then Elina blindfolded them and once again carried them on a long journey, and on the way, not a single word was spoken by any of the three......

Arc 1: The Bloodbath ends....