Tiger

Once again the forbearing rays of sun illuminated the breathtaking land of this horrid planet. Describing these morning lights always fails to provide the justified beauty that it creates each day. Especially for this world. For the only purpose that these radiant colors truly provide is a thin veil with the horrors patiently waiting to escape.

The sun’s light is just a deceitful mask, just as are the crystalline waters attached to the picturesque shores, all a clever illusion to have its prey willingly relinquish their mind to the unspeakable forces. Undermining these beauties is the only way to survive. The Guild, at least the Party, has clearly accepted this ideology.

Pressing forward with Eidsvik just peeking faintly out from the distance. Sasaki, still happily ignorant of the true world, still continued to ask questions, learning as much as he could. He learned about the Guild’s journey to the North to aid in a Rebellion, he learned about the world’s currency, and learned about some Sorcery, the most tantalizing aspect of this world.

“What is that sound?” Sasaki asked, wondering about a very odd noise that the others paid no mind to. The sound he's referring to, is reminiscent of a loud deeply pitched bell, followed by slabs of sleek steel screeching against one another in a forceful manner.

Out of the Guilds view was a one of the hopefully harmless monsters, gliding and resting in the trees is a small creature of some sorts that is producing the sound, likely a call of courtship.

Feathery wings and a pointed black beak. Colored with a white head and light brown tiny body. The oddest aspect, aside from the sound, is that it has three tentacle-like appendages hanging from its beak. They don’t seem to be controllable, just swinging around with the bird's movements.

“It's just a small flying Old World monster, it won’t hurt you.” Luna mentioned.

“Well it sounds like a train station.” Sasaki remarked with some annoyance.

“What is a train?” Bulan quickly spoke up with her question.

“It's like a big metal box that fits a bunch of people and moves really fast.” Sasaki tried his best to explain.

“One of those would be very useful right now.” Purnama remarked quietly.

The abruptness of the boy's fading lungs took the others in complete confusion. A random arrow shot from the woodland struck the boy, instantly piercing his chest, cleanly exiting out his back; into the nearby tree. The speed was so great that blood didn’t even shoot out of the new wound, even the others hadn’t fully comprehended what had happened as they saw the boy’s body hit the ground.

Only Purnama had the inclination that an attacker may be coming. Without another moment to even consider what had happened. Someone from the shadowy forest charges the Guild, going directly after Sasaki. Miraculously, Purnama’s reflexes were fast enough due to the random annihilation of the boy.

“Ru—Run—!” Purnama grunted as her legs started to buckle under the unbridled strength from holding off the attacker's massive long-sword, nearly destroying her Buckler.

Sasaki full of fear, he hastily fled into the forest as briefly instructed. The attacker then watched as he ran into the forest. The Party quickly ready themselves, with little remorse for the Beyonders. They readied their weapons, directly aiming at the unknown attacker. They appear to be the same species as Luna, however, much taller, and a body self crafted for intense combat. With a posture of determined bloodlust.

The attacker slowly freed Purnama from her long-sword. Purnama, hyperventilating from the struggle of holding her own against the attacker, quickly sat on the ground, kicking up some dirt from her feet being forced into the ground as the weight of the attack pressed harshly onto her. Luna quickly noticed Purnama’s exhaustion, and slowly made her way in front of Purnama, for protection, as the attacker backed away.

“Who are you?” Selene calmly, yet sternly asked.

The attacker slowly dropped their sword, and raised their hands upward. Now more opened. It is clear that they tower over the others, well over 200cm, and judging from their bust they are likely female. With the certainty that they are the same species as Luna: Their hair is a faded emerald with lifeless white ends, then adding to her height are their disfigured ears on top. Whoever this person is, it is clear that they do not rest: toiling with something in their mind for years.

This is most evident by her leering eyes: her soulless eyes have died years ago. Even if she was granted it, her eyes look like they wouldn’t even be affected by the act of sleep. The dark rings around their eyes furthers that they are wholly devoid of any type of repose. Her physical appearance supports this too: covered with weeks, if not months, of sand and dirt, even dried patches of blood.

Awfully worn and dirt covered are the little clothing she has: a tight long sleeves shirt, with a flimsy microskirt, and some simplistic footwear. It was apparent that they only care about efficiency in combat, only tightly wearing deep iron gray chainmail under their shirt, donning thick yet flexible black leather armor over their elbows, knees, and neck.

“If you allow me to pass, I won’t attack you.” They slowly demanded, menacing with every syllable. Instantly conveying their impatience in their breath.

“How do we know that you won’t just attack us as soon as we turn our backs?” Selene quickly asked.

“I only want to erase all Beyonders.” They simply replied.

A statement like this would of course create an unsettling shiver with the Party. This must be the ‘hostile’ group Nasir was referring to. Quite the interesting one at that. She has the extreme goal to expunge all Beyonders. As foolish as that sounds, she must have had some degree of success. Purely from her barbaric tactics and unbridled power.

“That’s a crazy goal you have… Riddle me this. You just killed one of our Guild members. Give me a reason why we don’t kill you where you stand?” Selene asked in the hopes of intimidation.

“You aren’t strong enough for something like that.” They remarked with a sinister confidence.

As Selene and the exterminator of Beyonders chattered. The boy, covered in his own blood twitched, ever so slightly. With the small movements he made, despite the incredible injury, it was just enough for Purnama, she must have communicated this with Luna because she released a quick and quiet gasp at such a claim.

“Se-Selene, come here and check on Purnama.” Luna slowly asked.

Selene quickly looked around at her Party before walking over to Purnama.

“Are you alright?” Selene asked as she knelt down to Purnama.

“Yeah, just a little drained, but…” Purnama mentioned as she got closer to Selene. “He’s still alive.” Purnama whispered.

Selene didn’t make much of a reaction from this possibility. Likely to reveal as little information as possible. Selene then stood back up.

“I’d like to avoid more blood shed, but I want to know. Why do you want to erase the Beyonders?” Selene asked.

“They’re unimaginably dangerous. Now—Let me free, before the other one gets too far away.” They answered, then put forward a demand.

Only the sound of the oceanic wind was flowing through the forest. Selene was clearly thinking of a plan to get everyone to the next city safely. Considering how quickly Purnama was drained of energy from her counter offense; there’s a likelihood that the attacker could defeat the Party, or at least most of them. As everyone stood still, the attacker began to slowly move to an opening.

“Wait!” Selene shouted, causing them to stop. “If you say they are as dangerous as you say they are… What if more come by? We'll be helpless. You're clearly skilled in fighting them.” Selene plotted.

“This is true. Which is why you must let me leave soon.” They remarked.

“I only ask, because…” Selene paused. “We aren’t strong like you, and we have no idea how to fight them.” Selene explained.

Luna made another small gasp, realizing what Selene was planning. “She-she’s right, you could show us how to fend for ourselves.” Luna mentioned as she lowered her bow.

“I don’t—Why?” They stuttered at the remark, unsure of how to answer.

“Exactly, we had no idea those two were even Beyonders. You could show us your skills, that way we might be able to even help you with your goal.” Selene forced a smile.

What a clever gambit.