Chapter 16: The Final Night, the Bloodbath Ends

-The main objective tonight is to kill the kid who keeps following the girl named Lyne. 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, it killing him instantly. the emotionless masks ,  trembling, 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."

From above, 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!!

The Hunters' Guild border was near, but the distant torchlights made Kaega curse.

-Dammit! Lyne! They've blocked the border! - Kaega shouted when he saw the lights in the distance.

-What???

Lyne turned her head in surprise. In front of them, members of the Blood Wolf Guild had gathered into an army, determined not to let anyone cross tonight. The two were forced to stop. Behind them, the masked figures also stopped.

-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.”

The familiar, terrifying voice echoed in Lyne's head again.

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

Lyne began to feel scared, but this time Kaega was by her side.

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

With that, Kaega took the Dorgan dagger from Lyne's trembling 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 do it with your own hands....

Kaega placed the dagger back into Lyne's right hand.

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

The voice gradually faded. Lyne was no longer trembling; she looked up at the dagger in her right hand, its blade still retaining the mesmerizing red color of Kaega's blood. She looked at him.

-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.

The two quickly climbed onto a house while below, the Silver Masks were being held back by the Blood Wolves. Kaega looked into the distance where there was no torchlight.

-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 carried Kaega and ran back to the Morgan ruins, heading towards the Silver Mask border.

-Don't let them run back to the Silver Mask border!!

A few Blood Wolf members chased after 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, close on their heels.

The chase on the rooftops was fierce.

-Lyne, reduce the pressure from the crying mask!

-Got it!

The two simultaneously threw knives. The smiling mask charged forward to block, but the first knife was an explosive one.

BOOM!

His body was blown down, falling into the group of Blood Wolves. The crying mask, who was just a spellcaster and couldn't dodge, was hit in the leg by a knife.

-Couldn't kill him right away, but it's enough to slow him down.

-To your left, Kaega!

WHOOSH! BOOM!

A stone bullet flew past Kaega.

-Dammit! That brat is lucky...

Kaega threw a bag of Thunder Powder back. The wrath mask retreated, but he didn't expect that the bag contained more than just charcoal powder.

BOOM! whoosh whoosh whoosh!!

Countless small stone fragments flew out from the explosion.

-Careless!

He used his sword to block the stones flying towards him, but only managed to parry the ones aimed at vital spots.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

The stones embedded themselves deep in his legs and arms, making it difficult for him to move.

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

He was in pain but continued to pursue.

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

Another stone bullet came, but this time it was smaller and slower. 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 shake off the Blood Wolves. When only the wrath mask and the crying mask were left chasing them, they stopped near the border.

-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 puzzled, but the last two had arrived. Their bodies were heavily injured and couldn't regenerate.

-Lyne, give me the cannon.

The wrath mask saw the weapon and spoke in surprise.

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

-Oh, it seems you know this thing, huh? Can you tell me a little about it? - Kaega asked while reloading.

-A weapon created by the folks on the northern continent.... That thing shouldn't be here... Why? - The man muttered as if he had lost his mind.

-Spare both of them?

-No, just need one.

With that, Kaega aimed his gun at the wrath mask, his eyes cold as he squeezed the trigger.

BOOM!

The bullet flew straight into his head, piercing through his mask. He collapsed instantly. The crying mask behind him seemed not to notice his commander was dead and continued to chant a spell.

Whoosh!

The fireball flew straight towards them, but Kaega was pulled away by Lyne. Then she charged forward, easily restraining and tying up the mage.

-It's done. Now let's go back to the Silver Mask territory, right?

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

Lyne froze, not understanding Kaega's intention 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 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. Lyne trembled, but it wasn't the Head Measurer who appeared.

Clop! Clop! Clop!

From within the fog, a bizarre figure emerged. His body was thin, wearing a black cloak and a black vest, and a tall hat on his head. He was nearly two meters tall, had two heads, and four eyes held by small hands growing around them. His face was featureless, with no nose, only two mouths stretched into a wide grin.

Kaega seemed unsurprised. He threw the tied-up man towards the figure. He took off the captive's mask, revealing a burned face with only one eye intact. He gouged out that eye and held it up to observe.

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

-Since you're here, you should introduce yourself.

-Kaega, aren't you afraid of death? - Lyne whispered.

-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 found it hard to believe, but still felt an indescribable fear.

-First of all, who are you? - Kaega asked.

-Ah... hello. I'm from the capital of Braum, here to temporarily take over the Blood Feast, 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 guild, Kaega... If you want, I can help you skip this stupid Blood Feast and directly recruit you into the leadership...

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

Hearing that, Lyne came back to her senses.

-Wait a minute, you guys are...

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

The four eyes of the Eye Watcher stared at him, the large mouth still smiling. He put his hands in his pockets. Lyne took a defensive stance, but Kaega stood still.

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

-Huh...

As expected, the man took out two invitations to the Blood Feast in three days.

-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, 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. Then, the Eye Watcher 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. More than an hour later, Elina appeared.

-As expected, it's you two. You've survived the seventh night... - Her voice held a hint of joy.

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

Kaega replied, but Lyne was still silent...

-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. After being blindfolded and carried by Elina on a long, silent journey...

Arc 1: The Bloodbath - The End.