NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 9: Chapter 8: You're Marked
Chapter 8: You're Marked
Jerry's dug his claws deep into the shadow assassin's chest, pinning its writhing form against the rough bark of a large oak tree, Jerry was breathing heavily, his breathing was a bit loud in the dark and silent forest.
The cold night air flowed through his lungs while mixing with the metallic tang of blood on his tongue.
His arms felt a bit weak, both from exhaustion and from the sheer force it took to hold the shadow assassin in place.
The shadow assassin's glowing red eyes stared back at him, the assassin's eyes were unblinking and unnervingly calm.
Shadows rippled across its form, while also curling and twisting as though they were alive.
The shadow assassin didn't resist Jerry's grip, but its presence radiated a quiet menace that made Jerry's stomach churn.
"Why are you after me?�? Jerry demanded with a voice that sounded like it was cracking from strain, The rough growl in his throat sounded alien even to him.
It was a sharp reminder of the wolf-like power that had surged into him only a few moments ago.
The shadow assassin tilted its head to the side, its motion was slow and deliberate, and its stillness was unnerving, the shadow like smoky body of the assassin shifted lazily in contrast to Jerry's trembling form.
"Why does pray ask the hunter why it is chosen?�? the shadow assassin rasped with a low and hollow voice, like the wind slipping through a broken window.
Jerry's knuckles aching from the pressure as he dug his claws into the bark of the tree and his chest burned with frustration, But just beneath that frustration was a bit of fear.
"Stop it!�? Jerry snapped at the shadow with a cracking voice, "Stop talking in riddles!�? He leaned forward towards the shadow assassin while his whole body was trembling with anger and panic, "What did I do?, Why me?�?
The shadow assassin smiled with a twisted face while it tilted its head and narrowed its red eyes which were gleaming in the dark, "You are marked,�? it said in a slow and heavy voice, "This fate was never yours to decide�?
Jerry's breathing was caught in his throat, The weight of those words hit him like a blow to the guts, "Marked?�? he asked with curiosity, not understanding the shadow assassin's words, "For what? By�? who?�?
The shadow assassin moved closer to Jerry's with its shadowy figure like smoke pouring into a jar.
Jerry's claws faltered for a moment and then gripping the core harder made him swallow hard, he could feel his pulse roaring in his ears.
"By powers far beyond your understanding," the shadow assassin Said, its voice sounded low and cold, "You've caught their gaze, and they do not let go."
Jerry could feel his heart pounding harder and his breath becoming shallow and fast, The air in the atmosphere felt heavier and thicker like it was pressing in on him from all sides, "What powers?" forcing the words past the lump in his throat, Jerry asked, "Who are they? What do they want from me?"
The shadow assassin laughed softly in a hollow voice that sounded unnatural as It tilts its head again like it was amused, "Why does the wolf choose one lamb over another?" it asked in a soft but sharp voice, "Does it even need a reason?'
Jerry's dug his claws deeper into the bark, piercing through the shadow assassin, he stared intently at the figure with his glowing blue eyes, "I'm not some pawn in a game I didn't sign up for!" Jerry said with a voice filled with pure anger.
The shadow assassin chuckled loudly at Jerry's words, "Oh, but you are," it said in a tone that made Jerry feel like he was being sliced by blades, "You're just a pawn on a board that you can't even see, And pawns are meant to fall"
Jerry froze for a few moments, hearing the Shadow's words felt like cold water being poured on him, "You're lying," Jerry said weakly.
The shadow assassin stared at Jerry with its crimson eye and said, "Believe what you like" its shadows started curling tighter around Jerry's wrists making Jerry feel cold and suffocating, "But the game has already begun, and you're in it, whether you like it or not" the shadow assassin said with a smile.
Before Jerry could say anything, the assassin began to dissipate and Its glowing eyes began to dim, as its body dissolved into tendrils of dark smoke as it spreads into the night.
"No!" Jerry shouted, with a voice filled with anger, He lunged forward and swung his claws desperately trying to stop the shadow from fading away, "You're not leaving! I'm not done with you!" Jerry cried out.
The shadow assassin's voice lingered faintly, but it sounded like a mocking whisper from the shadows, "You'll understand soon enough," it said with a cruel voice, "If you survive"
Jerry stumbled forward, almost falling down, but he clawed at the tree, and he leaned on the tree for support.
The woods became quiet and silence, Jerry almost felt like the absence of the shadow assassin was almost worse than its arrival.
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[Shadow Assassin Eliminated]
+50 Exp gained
+2 Stat Point gained
+1 skill point gained
Shadow affinity acquired.
Increased level to 2.
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The system notification appears across Jerry's vision, but Jerry entirely ignored it, He retracted his claws from the tree bark, and he stared at his hands which were trembling, he felt exhausted.
The system's cold and mechanical voice broke through the silence.
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[Lunar Combat Mode Deactivated]
Emergency transformation terminated, Now returning to base form.
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The strength that was coursing through Jerry's body vanished instantly, which left his limbs heavy and unresponsive while His knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground with his hands sinking into the cold soil.
"No he whispered with a frustrated voice and tried pushing himself up, but his arms gave out weakly beneath him, "I'm not done, I need…"
A sharp and searing pain shot through his chest, it felt as though his lungs were struggling to keep up, Each breath was a battle and every inhale burning felt like a burning fire.
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[Explanation: Lunar Combat Mode was an emergency activation. Host lacks sufficient skill points for permanent use]
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