Behind the Rift
The serpent stared at the rift before it and tried to enter, but it could not.
It sensed the hidden danger that came with approaching any closer.
The serpent retreated slightly as pressure began to build within its body, while the violent flow of mana around it revealed the depth of its rage.
Its remaining crimson eye shone with madness as pain throbbed from the dagger lodged within it.
The great serpent was certain of only one thing.
They would meet again.
Its instincts told it so.
With those thoughts, its enormous body slowly sank into the sands.
It would grow stronger.
And when it saw him again...
It would destroy him.
For now, the enraged serpent would begin a bloody slaughter to calm its fury.
As the serpent vanished, silence once more returned to the desert.
But for the other creatures within the rift, today would become a nightmare.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Raven's Point of View
Slowly, I opened my eyes.
"AAAH!"
A cry escaped my lips as pain surged through my body.
"Hah... huff... hff..."
Waves of agony ravaged me from within.
I quickly reached into my jacket pocket and pulled out a healing potion I had bought earlier.
Gulp.
I swallowed it in one breath, and the pain began to lessen slightly.
"AAAH..."
The suffering continued for several minutes.
As though my entire body was being crushed, the smaller wounds across me slowly began to heal.
Then, after a dull impact against the ground, I could endure no longer.
My eyes rolled back.
And darkness claimed me.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
A comforting sensation spread through my body.
The pain had lessened, though some still remained.
I slowly opened my eyes.
A ceiling came into view.
"The tavern?"
I tried to rise, but pain stopped me at once.
"Stay lying down, boy. Even after treating your injuries, they still haven't fully healed."
A warm yet lazy voice sounded from beside me.
"Marcella?"
I tried to turn my head to confirm it, but the pain stopped me again.
"Ugh..."
"I told you. Why don't you ever listen to me?" Marcella sighed sadly.
"This is the second time you've ended up here after getting yourself hurt by monsters."
Her voice sounded again, but this time it carried warmth.
"Sorry..."
I wanted to argue, but that single word was all that left my mouth.
I didn't know why she was worried about me, but I felt strangely happy that someone cared.
"As long as you understand."
I felt her finger tap against my forehead.
"Alright, I need to go help Marcus now."
"Take care of yourself, and don't move too much."
Marcella spoke as she stood and walked toward the door.
Click.
She left, and the door closed behind her.
I shifted my attention back to my body.
There was still some pain left.
Bandages wrapped around me.
"I survived..."
Happiness quietly spread through me.
"I didn't die."
My heart tightened painfully in my chest.
"Ha... ha..."
A foolish laugh escaped my lips as tears began to stream down my cheeks.
Death was terrifying.
I truly thought I was going to die.
I wouldn't achieve anything.
Not my revenge.
Not even the chance to live my life.
That feeling of death reminded me of my old life.
Back then...
I had felt the same despair and pain.
The day the doctor told me about the cancer.
"Hehe..."
I laughed once more, before the smile twisted into pain.
Even so, I was happy.
The pain was the greatest proof that I was still
alive.