AmethYst

Chapter Nineteen

"Let's get going!" Miles exclaimed. "Wait idiot, do you have anything to defend yourself with?" Lance asked Miles. "Huh? No, but we need to deal with this Blood Creeper or whatever it's called before it hurts anyone." Crimson placed his hand on Miles' shoulder and said, "It's a Blood Screecher, and Lance is just messing with you. They don't devour people from another world."

"You sis-con brat," Miles muttered, frowning at Lance. "What was that?" Lance exclaimed. "Nothing," Miles replied, shaking his hands defensively. "Take this." Lance handed Miles a katana. "Thanks, Lance, but isn't this a little too small?" Miles questioned.

"Yes, but it will help you for the time being, as long as you know how to use it," Lance replied. "Oh, I know a thing or two about fighting with these, if they were made of bamboo," Miles said confidently. "Well, thank you for the blade. We're heading out now and will be back for Lilith and a better sword," Crimson stated as he pulled Miles by the hood of his cloak, leading him out of the cave.

"So where are we going to start?" Miles exclaimed. But Crimson, undistracted, gazed toward the towering Elven Von tree in the distance, taking in the vibrant energy of the forest surrounding them. "Hmm, it seems our adventure won't stick to the path from the mountain to Elven Von," Crimson declared, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

"Wait, are we diving into the forest?" Miles asked a mix of apprehension and exhilaration in his voice. "Let's go!" Crimson exclaimed, sprinting into the verdant embrace of the trees. "Hey, hold on!" Miles shouted, his heart racing as he sprinted after him, the thrill of adventure pulsing through him.

After a breathless chase, Miles finally caught up to Crimson. "Okay, seriously, what in the world is a Blood Screecher?" he asked, bewilderment etched across his face. Crimson laughed, almost incredulous. "You've never heard of a screecher? You were so bold earlier, and yet… clueless?"

Miles scratched his head, a sheepish grin forming. "What do you expect? I'm not from around here!"

"Well, you're in for a treat. Blood Screechers are the blood thirst race of Amethyst. They walk among us in human form, but rumour has it they can transform into something extraordinary, according to the ancient books I've poured over." Crimson's gaze drifted toward the darkening sky. "It's getting late. We should find a way up into the trees and keep a lookout. Who knows what awaits us in the shadows?"

As the forest closed in around them, the promise of danger and discovery hung thick in the air.

They moved closer to Elven Von from the forest and perched in the trees, ready for whatever might happen. Crimson pulled out a spyglass and looked through it at Elven Von. He spotted Lilith in a room, surrounded by healers tending to her wounds.

Miles perched on a nearby tree and remarked, "Wow, the inside of Elfen Von is quite beautiful." Crimson completely ignored him, his attention entirely focused on Lilith.

"Crimson, Crimson," Miles exclaimed.

"What the hell do you want, Miles?" Crimson replied, frustrated.

"I thought you were on watch; you should have seen that!" Miles pointed toward a group lurking in the forest, holding torches. "Hmm, they seem friendly," Crimson said as he peered through the spyglass. "Let's approach them, but be on guard," he advised Miles.

They descend from the trees and approach the group. "Hey, stop right there!" Miles shouts, drawing the group's attention. The members ready themselves to attack, lifting their weapons and preparing to cast spells.

Crimson turns to Miles. "Why do you always do this?" The two of them take a step back.

However, the hooded leader raises his hand, and the group lowers their weapons at his command. Crimson raises his hands and approaches the leader. "It looks like you are in charge here. My name is Crimson, and that's my noisy companion, Miles." Miles waves to the group.

"We are here to deal with a Blood Screecher," Crimson continues.

The hooded man lowers his hood, revealing a young, handsome elf with white hair and striking blue eyes. He places his hands on Crimson's shoulders and says, "Looks like we are here for the same cause. My name is Grey, and we are the Xeno Corpse."

Crimson's eyes widen with urgency.

Grey notices and smiles. "Yes, we are more than just legends. We are Amethyst's true protectors, born to take down vermin like Blood Screechers, and to confront the travellers from another world who disturb the peace of Amethyst." He concludes his sentence by pounding his fist into his palm with a devious smile.

Miles suddenly faints upon hearing Grey's words.