SOUL-SEEKER || (On Hiatus)

(Chapter 17) Powerful Teamwork.

As they leisurely wander through the vast and expansive fields of Kawazu, a quaint village nestled in nature's embrace, the three young students find themselves immersed in the soothing and tranquil atmosphere that envelops this idyllic place. The gentle rustling of the tall grass in the breeze provides a serene soundtrack to their stroll, and the vibrant colors of wildflowers paint a picturesque scene. Underneath the clear blue sky, they revel in the simple joy of being in the heart of nature, away from the noisy metropolitan area of Tokyo.

ETH: Master Pierce said this would further our training but I'm starting to doubt his words.
EZR: Patience Ethan, we're not even there yet.
ETH: Where are we going anyways?
EZR: Up above is a nest for devils that's used for training since they're low-class.
ETH: So all we have to do to get stronger is slaughter some demons?!
EZR: Pretty much what master said.
YUK: You two are seriously so boring! Enjoy the beauty of this place and stop worrying so much!

With uncontainable excitement and youthful exuberance, Yuki joyfully twirls and skips in playful circles, completely captivated by the sheer splendor of the natural world enveloping her. Each twirl is a testament to her unbridled delight as she revels in the exquisite beauty that surrounds her. The gentle rustling of leaves, the melodious chirping of birds, and the vibrant hues of wildflowers all contribute to this enchanting tapestry that has captured her heart. Ethan's face instantly brightens with a warm and genuine smile, a reflexive expression of his joy or contentment. However, that smile vanishes in the blink of an eye as he catches sight of the unmistakable worry etched across Ezra's countenance. It's as though a fleeting moment of happiness is abruptly replaced by a sense of concern, prompting Ethan to shift his focus and inquire about the source of Ezra's evident distress.

ETH: What's wrong, Ezra?
EZR: Maybe I'm seeing things, but doesn't this forest seem to repeat itself..?
ETH: You're right, it does.

Yuki comes to a sudden halt, her steps ceasing as if time has paused for a moment. Her delicate features take on an expression of confusion as her gaze shifts between the two before her. All of a sudden, the beautiful landscape slowly shifts into a rotting space.

YUK: (It can't be!)
EZR: Ethan, watch out!

In the intense midst of the unfolding drama, nature itself seems to respond to the chaos. Like serpents awakening from their slumber, several razor-sharp vines shoot forth from the earth behind Ethan, snaking towards him with a sinister intent, their aim true, locking onto his arms like vices. In a heartbeat, the situation takes a dire turn, but there's no room for panic. Ezra, with a resolve born of friendship and practiced skill, immediately leans in, her fingers lightly brushing the earth's surface. She invokes her technique, summoning forth a blade crafted from the very mud and soil beneath her, a potent and swift tool that cuts through the menacing vines, liberating her friend from their vice-like grip.

EZR: You alright?
ETH: *pant* Yeah, thanks.
YUK: There's no doubt about it. We're inside of a zone!
EZR: What?! Low-class devils shouldn't be capable of creating one!
YUK: That's true, but what we're up against is something much more powerful.

In a chilling and eerie moment, as the sun dipped below the horizon, a sinister and child-shaped devil abruptly emerged from the earth, its grotesque form entwined with gnarled vines and menacing roots that seemed to pulse with malevolent energy. With an unsettling, bone-chilling laugh that echoed through the air, it fixed its malevolent gaze upon the trio of students, casting a palpable shroud of dread that gripped their very souls in terror.