How To Survive As A Villain

Mission 2 - Catch The Killer

A thick blanket of dull night enveloped Ren in its embrace swallowing the surrounding trees while obscuring the ground below.

Despite Ren's attempts to discern his surroundings and gather clues about his situation, the pervasive darkness offered little help.

The vague shadows of trees appeared to shift; their movements masked by the thick, swirling fog. Ren's attempts to look at his surroundings were stopped by the intensity of the mist. The few rays of silvery moonlight became the much needed light source.

With cautious steps, he moved forward, only to freeze in place as he realized the softness beneath his feet was not that of the ground.

A sudden metallic tang assaulted his senses, confirming Ren's worst fears. Beneath him lay a carpet of bodies, twisted into grotesque angles that seemed almost inhuman.

Ren's breath hitched as something stirred around his ankle, sending a shiver of dread down his spine. All he wanted was to turn around and flee from this eerie forest.

As if sensing his thoughts, a mysterious force coiled around Ren, compelling him to press on deeper into the heart of the forest against his will. The chill of those invisible tentacles lingered on his limbs, spreading from wherever they touched to his pounding heart, enveloping him in a suffocating grip of fear.

Ren tried calling his system but to no avail, his voice trapped in his throat offered him no reassurance. 

With each step deeper into the forest, Ren's nerves grew increasingly taut. Ignoring the thickening scent of blood in the air and the mangled mess of flesh beneath the feet, his out-of-control body pressed forward until he came face to face with a figure, the silhouette a stark contrast against the ghostly landscape.

Ren squinted his eyes to get a better view and as, if in response to his silent plea, silvery moonlight illuminated the vicinity, dispersing the thick fog. Ren could finally see those black eyes, dull from boredom as they surveyed the desolate surroundings.

Tall and impeccably handsome, his features chiseled and angular, as if sculpted by the god himself. Draped in a dark robe adorned with mysterious patterns, he exuded an aura that was both alluring and menacing, commanding attention with every step. 

Ren felt his heart clench with a sudden jolt of pain and tangled emotions he couldn't comprehend at the moment. He silently walked towards the figure holding a long sword dripping with blood.

As if sensing another presence, the taller male looked towards Ren. His lips curled into a wicked smirk as those blank eyes lit up with a red hue, "My angel is finally here," his voice chilling enough to solidify even the air.

Ren felt his body freeze, rooted to the spot as he watched the figure draw closer, a sense of dread instantly gripped his heart.

Ren fought with invisible bounds to get far away from the man, yet he could only watch in helpless horror as the maniac reached out and those blood-stained slender fingers touched his cheek, "You will stay with me, right ... my sweet?"

His touch was feather-light, almost hesitant, as if afraid to hurt the person but those words were filled with such a commanding tone that Ren couldn't say no even if he wanted to.

Before Ren could comprehend the situation, he found his voice saying something which left both the person and Ren startled, 
"Hmm...only if you die."

The taller male's smirk faded, his expression turning eerily still. However, his now completely red eyes gleamed with a ferocity that compelled Ren's every instinct to flee.