The evening sky was a strange over the great forest , green color as the sun began to set. Darkness slowly spread across the land, creating long, eerie shadows. In the distance, a sudden cry broke the silence.
"Retreat! They are here!"
Heavy footsteps pounded the ground, making it shake. Flowers and vines trembled, their petals falling like rain. The earth shook with each giant step, filling the forest with the sound of snapping branches and panicked cries.
"Kenneth! Move! On your feet! Run!" a voice yelled.
Kenneth was trapped, his face pale with fear. His legs wouldn't move; he was frozen in terror. In front of him stood the Nephilim, giant monsters covered in blood. His breath came in quick gasps as the world around him faded to black.
In the darkness, a gentle song hummed by a choir of children echoed softly, a sharp contrast to the chaos. Slowly, the darkness lifted, and Kenneth opened his eyes, drenched in sweat.
(Few days earlier)
"Get up, brother. It's almost time; we have to gather. You're the one who is going to read the holy scripts today," his sister's voice was gentle yet insistent.
"Oh no... I almost forgot. I'll be there in a minute," Kenneth muttered, scrambling out of bed. He hurried to the bathroom, splashing water on his face, brushing his teeth, and quickly dressing in his white robes and vestment. He grabbed his golden staff and a fire stick, then headed towards the hall where the community had assembled.
The corridors of the caves echoed with the harmonious hum of the hymn. As Kenneth entered the hall, he stood beside the priest who was offering wine and meat at the altar. With a firm tap of his staff, the bell attached to it rang out, bringing the hymn to a halt. The gathered faithful took their seats, waiting in reverent silence. Kenneth tapped the staff twice, and everyone kneeled down.
"O heavenly almighty father," the priest began, "we, your faithful servants, offer you our sacraments, our faith. We kneel down and humbly pray for your judgment. We thank you for our daily bread, and for your kind hands which hold us in your strong fortress. In the name of our almighty, the most high one, I pray we all are blessed and remain faithful to you."
Kenneth tapped his staff a final time, and the congregation repeated the prayer before resuming their hymn. His sister brought the offerings from the hunters to the altar, where the priest blessed them before they were taken to the kitchen.
Now, it was Kenneth's turn. He stepped into the middle of the gathering, climbed onto a stool and table, and began reading from the holy scriptures.
"From the scriptures, 'And so the light shall guide us through the darkness, for we are the chosen, the faithful, and the enduring,'" he recited, his voice steady and clear.
The words hung in the air, a beacon of hope in their dark world.
Kenneth faced the holy tablet, bowing deeply before taking his leave from the altar. The congregation followed, each holding their fire sticks, illuminating the path to the dining room. The long stone table set in the room could host forty to fifty people at once. This was the heart of the caves of Tusella, an underground refuge that had become a home for over two hundred humans and seventy families.
The caves of Tusella resembled a subterranean stone city. The main gathering hall boasted a glass ceiling that welcomed direct sunlight by day and revealed the starry night sky. Dorms also featured smaller glass ceilings, allowing inhabitants a glimpse of the world above. Bamboo shafts, thrust into the ceiling with hollow interiors, facilitated fresh air circulation throughout the corridors and chambers.
The grand entrance to Tusella, a gateway of copper and iron, connected the caves to the outside world. Only the hunters, trained to avoid the Nephilim, were allowed near this gate. Its weight was such that only skilled hunters could move it, ensuring the security of the caves.
Nestled in the Lushfray Mountains, far from the mainland, the caves of Tusella lay hidden in the forest of Kaizen on the continent of Ethna. Inside, walls were covered in stones and flat tiles, reflecting the soft glow of the fire sticks, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Kenneth and his fellow inhabitants settled around the stone table. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly prepared food, and the soft murmur of conversations echoed off the stone walls. Despite the ever-present danger outside, within the caves of Tusella, there was a semblance of peace and normalcy.
As Kenneth sat down, he couldn't help but feel a growing curiosity about the world beyond the caves. The tales of vast open spaces and endless skies seemed like distant dreams, but something within him yearned for more.
Kenneth sat down to eat his meal, his eyes drifting to the person sitting across from him, next to his little sister. She wasn't popular, nor was she royal and majestic, but she was pure, the very definition of the perfect girl. She had short hair that gently touched her shoulders, not too fancy nor blonde, but a reddish-brown, silky and shiny. Her light brown eyes sparkled with a gentle warmth, and her fair skin and cute chubby cheeks turned blushy red as she caught him looking at her.
She tucked her hair behind her ears, revealing the blue crystal earrings Kenneth had given her on her 13th birthday. Kenneth smiled, happy to see her wearing them. Her name was Juno.
After finishing their meal, everyone began to head towards their dorms. As they walked, the priest approached Kenneth.
"You were late today for the gathering, Kenneth," said the priest.
"I'm sorry, Father. I overslept," Kenneth replied apologetically.
"Well, see that you sleep before 10 from now on," Zain, the priest, replied firmly.
Lily, Kenneth's sister, interjected, "I heard the hunters are going to the surface today. Is it true, Father?"
"Yes, but stay out of it. I shouldn't see either of you even close to the gate," Zain warned.
Lily's face turned gloomy. "I wasn't trying to, though!"
Kenneth put an arm around her shoulder. "Don't worry, Lily. One day, I'll take you out. I'll pass the hunters' exam, and then I'll show you the world above."
Lily's face brightened, a smile forming. "I know you will, Kenny."
"Alright, now get changed and head to your classes," instructed Zain, the priest.
Kenneth and Lily removed their vestments and dressed in their everyday clogs and robes. They made their way to the deeper dorms, an educational center where many other children had gathered. This was where they learned various subjects, including physiology, plant-based medicine, hunting skills, and weaponry such as swordplay, archery, slingshot, and axe-wielding.
Kenneth had a good grasp of hunting skills, though he only knew a few swordplay techniques. His sister, still too young for such training, usually visited the playroom where grandmothers told stories of humanity's past life on the surface. Kenneth's friends—Lucas, Ruth, Klaus, and Juno—excelled in different areas: Lucas in swordplay, Ruth in medicine and physiology, Klaus in slingshots, and Juno in archery. Juno, in particular, was an excellent archer.
The group gathered and started chatting.
"Guys, what if we request to join the hunters on their trip today?" Lucas suggested.
"Are you insane? They're going in broad daylight, and they're highly skilled," Klaus retorted.
"I agree, it's not safe, and we're still in training," Juno added.
"You guys talk like you could even move the gate," Ruth chimed in.
Kenneth, his eyes glinting with mischief, said, "Well, what if we sneak out silently when they're about to close the door?"
Lucas's eyes lit up. "Yeah! We could do that!"
Klaus shook his head, laughing. "You and Kenneth have enough dumb brains to try that, but not us."
Everyone laughed, and Lucas and Kenneth turned red.
Juno, smiling, added, "They've trained for years. They can sense you guys even if you try."
Kenneth nodded. "I agree with Juno."
Lucas grinned. "Of course, you always agree with her."
Kenneth and Juno glanced at each other and blushed. "Stop it, you idiots. We're not making any sense here. Juno's the only one close to joining the hunters," Kenneth said defensively.
"Yeah, yeah, lover boy," Klaus teased.
Juno blushed even more. Just then, Yandro, their homeroom teacher, approached.
"Get up, kids. We've got training to do," Yandro commanded.
The group got ready with their gear, their playful banter giving way to the serious focus required for their training.
"So, young hunters, we're going to do a very important exercise today, and that is... hide and seek!" Yandro announced with a grin.
The class erupted in laughter. Klaus, unable to contain himself, quipped, "Sir, do you want us to play with the animals on the surface?"
Everyone giggled. Yandro scowled playfully. "You brat! There's a deeper meaning to this exercise. When you play, you'll understand. Now, I'll explain the rules. It's simple. See the box in front of you? Just pull out a crystal. All blue ones will gather to my left, and all red ones will gather to my right."
The children did as they were instructed. Juno, Kenneth, and Klaus ended up in the blue team, while Lucas and Ruth were in the red team.
"Now," Yandro continued, "Team Blue will hide, and Team Red will seek them. When seeking, you must destroy your opponent's crystal. If a red team member finds a blue member, the red team gets one point. But if the blue member manages to destroy the red seeker's crystal, the red team loses one point, and the blue team gains one."
The giggles faded, and the children grew serious. Klaus muttered to himself, "So he wants us to play a war game. Interesting."
Yandro nodded, "Team Blue has the liberty and freedom to hide anywhere in this cave. The game ends when I ring the bell."
He pointed to a large bell situated high in the cave. Its sound traveled through all the corridors but remained within the cave, never reaching the surface.
"Red team, tie a black cloth around your faces. Blue team, you have a few minutes to run and hide in the corridors. The game begins... now!"
Kenneth, Juno, and Klaus dashed through the corridors, searching for the best hiding spots. The cave, with its intricate network of paths and chambers, provided plenty of nooks and crannies to conceal themselves.
Kenneth whispered to Juno as they ran, "Remember to stay quiet and think strategically. We can outsmart them."
Juno nodded, her face determined. "We've got this, Kenny."
Klaus, already hidden behind a large stalagmite, signaled to them to find their own spots quickly. Kenneth and Juno split up, each finding a place where they could lie low and prepare for the game.
Meanwhile, the red team, with their vision obscured, started counting down, their excitement building. Lucas's voice rang out confidently, "Ready or not, here we come!"
As the red team began their search, Kenneth's heart pounded in his chest. This was more than just a game—it was a test of their skills, their ability to stay calm under pressure, and most importantly, their teamwork. The corridors echoed with the distant sounds of footsteps and whispers, a thrilling reminder that the hunt was on.
As the game continued, the corridors echoed with the sounds of wooden swords clashing, crystals breaking, and the sharp whistle of wooden arrows with round stones at their tips. These wouldn't harm anyone seriously but left a painful bump on the target's head. Klaus signaled Juno and Kenneth to gather around.
As they regrouped, Klaus whispered urgently, "I think our team is falling behind."
Kenneth frowned, "How do you know that?"
Klaus rolled his eyes. "You mean you didn't realize it when you were pulling the crystals? Can't you smell it, you dumbass?"
Juno giggled and explained, "The blue crystals were vomer stones, which give off a nasty smell once they break because of the organic gases built up in them. Meanwhile, the red crystals were rosfray stones, which make a loud noise when they break."
Kenneth looked confused and surprised. "I never noticed that."
Klaus sighed. "Alright, we can't fool around now. Let's get serious. I have a plan. But we need a guinea pig."
Both Juno and Klaus looked at Kenneth at once.
Kenneth stammered, "Wha... what... guys?"
Meanwhile, on the red team, Lucas said to Ruth, "I think I know where Kenneth and the others are hiding. Follow me."
Ruth replied skeptically, "They can't be that dumb to still hide there."
Lucas grinned, "Come, let's find out."
They approached the library where ancient sects and scripts were kept. Lucas shouted, "Hey, Kenneth! I know where you are! Come out and just hand over your crystal, buddy!"
Ruth shook her head. "No, no, he won't come out that easily. He's stubborn, but I know a trick." She then yelled, "Kenneth! I heard you mumble Juno's name in your dreams. Is that true?"
Juno, hiding nearby, blushed. Instantly, Kenneth came out, his face red with embarrassment, and yelled, "No, it's not true! Who said that?!"
Ruth pointed, "There he is!"
Lucas charged with his wooden sword straight at Kenneth. Kenneth barely dodged the blow and started fighting back with his own wooden sword. The two engaged in a fierce duel, showcasing excellent swordplay mechanics. Kenneth parried Lucas's thrusts and countered with swift strikes, their swords clapping with intensity.
Ruth, meanwhile, was scanning the area for the others. Suddenly, an arrow with a stone tip flew like lightning toward her. She dodged it just in time, but as she was recovering, a stone shot like a high-speed bullet hit her crystal, shattering it with a loud blast. Klaus, who had been hiding between the bookshelves, had used his slingshot, while Juno's arrow had been a distraction.
Back at the swordfight, Kenneth and Lucas were so engrossed in their duel that they didn't realize both their crystals had been destroyed by each other. When they finally stopped and collapsed to the ground, exhausted, they each received a head punch from Klaus and Ruth, who scolded them.
Juno stood by, giggling at the scene. "You two are hopeless," she said with a smile.
Klaus shook his head, "Next time, try not to get so carried away."
Kenneth and Lucas, rubbing their heads, looked sheepish but couldn't help but laugh as well. The camaraderie and competition had made the game a thrilling experience, and despite their losses, they felt a deeper bond forming among them.
Yandro's voice echoed through the corridors as he rang the bell, signaling the end of the game. "Well done, young hunters! Gather around!"
As they assembled, Yandro nodded in approval. "You all showed great skill and teamwork. Remember, the true test of a hunter is not just their physical abilities, but their wits and unity. Keep that in mind as you continue your training."
Kenneth, Juno, Klaus, Lucas, and Ruth exchanged smiles, knowing that they had just taken another step toward becoming true hunters of Tusella.
As they were heading back to their dorms, Kenny turned to Juno, "So... Juno, how was my swordplay?"
Juno giggled, "It was excellent, Kenny. Really nicely done."
Lucas, always the instigator, chimed in, "Excellent? More like hopeless. You just swung your sword around. I was the one doing all the real work."
Kenny glared at him, "You low brain, she was saying something! Don't interrupt."
Lucas smirked, "Look who's talking. A guy with zero combat knowledge can't stand a chance in the wild. Just accept it."
Kenny stepped closer, "Oh yeah? Wanna test that theory?"
Lucas squared up, "I'm always ready."
Klaus sighed, stepping between them, "You two are like threads from the same cloth. Now, shut it and let's get to our dorms. Kenny, your sister might be waiting in the playroom, isn't she?"
Kenny's eyes widened in realization. "Oh, shoot, I almost forgot!"
Klaus shook his head, "When will you learn, Kenny? When will you learn?"
Kenny dashed towards the playroom, retrieved Lily, and hurried back to their dorm. The brother and sister played until dinner time, filling the space with laughter and chatter. Just as the bell rang for dinner, Zian entered. "You brats, leave my pillow alone! This is the third one you've ruined! Get ready; the gathering is about to start."
All three dressed in their vestments and headed towards the hall, repeating the morning's rituals. They then went to the dining hall, where Lucas and the others had already gathered.
As they settled down with their food, Lucas leaned in conspiratorially, "Guys, I found something. Can anyone guess what?"
Klaus retorted, "Your brain, which you seem to have lost?"
Everyone laughed.
Lucas groaned, "No, you idiot. It's—"
Before he could finish, Ruth added, "Maybe he found out his real name is Brain Foot."
Lucas stomped his foot. "Stop it and listen, damn it!"
Everyone giggled.
"I found a secret passage that connects to the surface," Lucas said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
The group went silent, surprised.
Klaus punched him lightly on the arm. "Keep it down, you idiot!"
Juno's eyes widened. "Is it true?"
Ruth added, "I've heard of it, but never seen it."
Klaus shook his head. "It's not possible. That passage was said to be sealed off. The first gate failed because of moisture and algae. The rust was so bad it fell apart."
Lucas nodded, "Exactly, but the seal isn't proper. With all the rain, it has heavy leaks and rust. We can break through easily."
Kenny frowned, "But if we break it, the elders will find out."
Juno agreed, "Exactly. We can't risk it."
Ruth sighed, "You guys are still on about that? Forget it. Let's just get stronger and go to the surface as full-fledged hunters."
A new face, Slon, a friend of Klaus, approached them. "You guys have no idea what's up there on the surface."
Klaus replied, "Slon? Did you hear everything?"
Slon nodded. "Yep, who couldn't with your loud mouths? But don't worry, I turned the tables and managed to lie my way out of it."
Klaus, now relaxed, breathed softly. "Well, we can count on you. But seriously, do you really want to go up there so badly?"
The group fell silent. Three of them shook their heads, while Kenny and Lucas nodded eagerly.
Slon giggled, "Well, there's another safe route to the surface."
Everyone was shocked. "What?" they exclaimed in unison.
Slon revealed, "I've already been to the surface. My brother Rox, a hunter, showed me the way. Not through the main gate, but a secret passage in the library."
At this point, everyone was thrilled and excited, but also filled with second thoughts. Klaus and Ruth voiced their concerns, "It's not okay to go there, not yet. We're not ready."
Slon continued, "Well, I heard the hunters have returned. Tomorrow evening, another batch is going. Whoever wants to come with me, meet in the library at noon. If you don't want to, you can stay here."
He took his leave, leaving the group with a mix of excitement and apprehension.