Chapter 350
How many (3)
The sound of sleep could be heard across a small area as fourteen could be seen clustered together in this group, their bodies spread out in uneven positions as exhaustion had finally taken hold.
It was peaceful.
Some were awake, but it was mostly those who were too cautious—on high alert and unable to truly rest even when given the chance.
There was a strange sense of peace in the eerie surroundings of low-hanging fog and twisted trees… a fragile calm that felt like it could break at any moment.
IAM and Yohan were amongst those who were awake, sitting not too far from each other, while a short distance away the two students on watch stood alert, their eyes scanning the shadows.
The twins were tangled together not too far either, their snores audible even through the stillness, while further away from the group, Natsuki sat alone, her sword resting in her lap as her eyes stared into the distance with an intense glare.
IAM watched her from his peripheral vision.
If one were to check the time… They would notice it had just turned midnight...
Then... Nothing.
Silence...
Until—
A roar.
Not too far from where Natsuki's gaze was fixed, a creature burst forward, racing towards them like a starving child running towards its meal, its movements clumsy yet fast, its heavy steps thumping violently against the ground as it rapidly closed the distance.
And then—
From several directions—
Different types of deadline creatures burst out in unison, as if responding to some unseen signal, charging forward with chaotic hunger as they rushed to claim their first taste of flesh just past midnight.
It was then the two students on watch finally reacted.
"for the love of the Seven Heroes! wake up! wake up! we got spawnlings coming in hot!"
"get ready! quickly!"
Many began to stir immediately, their bodies jolting awake as instinct took over, with even two who were of the nature path igniting a source of light, illuminating the area as they quickly prepared to engage.
IAM remained seated.
Yohan got up with a sigh, rolling his shoulders slightly as his mismatched eyes settled onto the incoming deadline creatures—creatures that would soon die by his hands.
Natsuki used her sword as a staff as she rose to her feet, her gaze fixed on the incoming wave as she uttered plainly, "fatuous."
With that, her sword lifted into the sky ready to wreak havoc.
IAM smiled faintly.
This was more along the lines of what he had expected.
The sides were about to clash.
…
Minutes later, tired faces filled with awe and surprise could be seen as they watched both Yohan and Natsuki simply decimate any creatures they set their sights on, cutting through them with efficiency as they racked up the most kills without showing much strain.
Some glanced at IAM, who remained quietly seated as the battle drew to a close.
He hadn't fought.
Once again.
Much to their distaste.
But even so… they had to admit that some of his instructions had allowed the fight to flow more smoothly, his directions precise as he guided their movements without even stepping in himself.
It was clear.
He had a lot of experience dealing with deadline creatures.
So they held their tongues.
Letting it simmer beneath the surface.
As many of them began settling back into resting positions, their bodies already aching from the sudden clash.
The twins stood out among them, their synergy and teamwork a sight to behold, their coordination seamless as they had played an important role in holding the line.
And now they could finally res—
What was that?
From one direction—
Rustling.
Something was moving.
Something was getting closer.
A few groans could be heard as they got back up to engage, their bodies still sore as they raised their array of weapons once more, ready to fight again. Natsuki watched over them with a tyrannical gaze, her presence alone enough to keep everyone sharp.
They all waited, tense and alert, as the rustling grew louder…
And then—
From the bushes—
Reuel popped out.
"yello!"
He appeared with a bright smile as many immediately lowered their guards, the tension draining almost instantly. Yohan's face showed slight surprise before it softened into a warm smile.
Natsuki didn't react at all as she simply settled back down.
IAM's face was unreadable as he seemed to be staring into the trees in the distance, as if he had already lost interest the moment he recognised who it was.
Anyways—
"wait! wait! wait! is that all! give me more screen time!" Reuel waved his hands frantically as the moment began to move on—
"But I've got a bunch of deadline creatures chasing me!"
There was a brief pause.
Then—
New rustling.
Coming from the same direction.
IAM let out a sigh as the group, now visibly disgruntled, raised their weapons yet again, preparing themselves for round two.
"You are so annoying, Reuel."
…
Later in the morning, the group was on the move once again, their numbers steady as they continued to pick up more members while clearing out as many deadline creatures as possible along the way.
Now with Reuel filling the space that someone had left, he had been quickly filled in on what had happened so far.
"wow… you guys have been having a lot of fun without me! well I actually had a lot of fun too… a lot of crazy shit happened, do you want me to spill?"
"NO."
The response came simultaneously from both Yohan and IAM, shutting him down instantly before IAM followed up with a more important question. "did you find any flags?"
Reuel smiled brightly as he raised a thumbs up. "NO."
Before they could respond, he suddenly grabbed both of them by the shoulders, pulling their heads closer as he leaned in and whispered, his tone turning conspiratorial.
"now let's move on to the important things… what's up with that Natsuki chick… is she anti-human deviant?"
With that, he glanced behind him.
At the back of the group, keeping a distance of about ten metres, Natsuki followed in silence. She carried herself like an empress of power—composed, distant, and completely unfazed by the world around her, her presence untouched by the chatter, movement, or shifting dynamics of the group.
"is it… could it be because she's without her partner in crime… zonked?" Reuel muttered.
"what?"
"yeah… both of them are zonked and nutter."
"… never say that shit again." IAM said, pointing at Reuel's chest in a quiet but menacing manner as they continued trekking forward.
Reuel raised both hands slightly in surrender, though the grin on his face didn't fade.
The group moved on.
Unaware...
That the grueling and dangerous battles ahead were drawing ever closer.