a gorgeous white by Heather_anare

285: Prey and predator

There was not a single cry around him, not even the faintest sound of a gasp. Perhaps, it was because that they were all trained not to make any loud sounds beyond the walls of Helios, or they were just too shocked at the sight of the gruesome torture occurring in front of their eyes. Blood streamed down, coiling black limbs and dyeing the waters red. The sound of sloshing water and the slimy squelch of black sludge sounded sickening enough to flip one's stomach.

'Stay calm...' Moulin mentally warned himself. It was as if he is brought back to the time when he faced the creature in the lake when he'd first awaken; the malibreed was especially similar to the one he was facing now. Only it was far larger and... aggressive.

It was too late to flee quietly. Right now, they were being targeted by the monster who had just finished its meal. And it seems it still hungered for warm flesh.

"A female..." Jagra's eyes widened in shock as he muttered. A class E, one of the most aggressive types.

The moment his voice faded in the air. A series of sharp whooshes filled the entire area. The numerous black tentacles began to descend like needles trying to pierce through flesh rapidly. They could afford to stay still anymore. As the tentacles started to rain down around them, more emerged from the waters, spasming as they too rained down to pierce their prey.

Fortunately, they were ready this time. Every single individual was able to avoid the swift attack and escape the fate of being sucked dry. When the tentacles missed, they fell into the ground, pulling up and resumed to chase the dodging prey.

"Moulin!"

Alerted by the call, Moulin's eyes narrowed, and he immediately leaped back to avoid the incoming tentacle reaching out for him. He grasped the hilt of his sword and firmly slashed the tentacle. There was a jerk as the limb was detached from the rest of its body. It fell on the ground, wriggling until it melted into black goo, emanating a black must before sinking into the rock.

Moulin then witnessed as the severed tentacle miraculously regenerated, sprouting out two new limbs.

'What in the world-'

His thoughts are cut off when he felt someone pull him back. His back was pressed on a firm chest, and Moulin's instantly knew who it was.

"You're too close," Hadrian said behind him, swinging down one strong slash, immediately cutting off five thick tentacles. With a quick hand, he retrieved something from behind him and threw it unto the meaty and bloody stumps of flesh.

The blue dust flew like a thick mist. It smelled strongly like blood or rusted metal. Surprisingly, the tentacles spasmed, unable to regenerate quickly. They could only melt as the dust ate into their exposed flesh.

Stunned, Moulin turned to Hadrian.

"You've left your satchel," Hadrian said. "Bring it with you next time.

Moulin blinked and nodded.

"Hey, you!" The shout was loud and directed to Moulin.

Moulin turned his head to the person rudely calling out to him. It was a burly man impatiently staring at him. The man pointed at him.

"Can't you do something about this? What did we bring you for?" He said.

Moulin frowned. A vein popped out from his forehead. "Are you stupid or what?"

"What?"

"Idiot." Moulin turned away. He clutched his sword and snatched Hadrian's pouch of powder.

"You-"

The man was instantly silenced by none other than Hadrian's gaze. Those daring and piercing eyes seem to drill into his soul, sending chills down his spine. The man stiffened and retreated.