Re: Turning
The Turning Point's

Taps! Taps! Taps! footsteps echoed quickly within the dark cave passage. Break the silence that always fills it.

“Huff! Huff! Huff!” A black-haired young man ran over breathlessly. Trying to collect air into his lungs. Push his feet to keep moving. Trying not to stop for even a second.

“GROOOAAARR!” A loud roar shook the cave behind him. Dropping crystals and stalactites hanging on the ceiling.

The creature ran. It shakes the earth every time it steps. It was as if a disaster was running. A predator hunting its prey. That creature is a great predator. Shinnichi was an easy victim.

Shinnichi stopped by the river. He has been running for how long in the last few days. “Skill” his thousand steps can only help him as far as he can run. It would not save him if he was cornered. Like now.

Shinnichi could not run anymore. It has reached its limit. Every breath he took burned his lungs. He looked towards the river. There were some large rocks, big enough that there was a gap between them that he was able to fit in.

Shinnichi swallowed his saliva. He jumped into the water, entering the gap to hide in it. Narrow and deep, just as wide as a broom locker and filled with chest-high water. He could have fallen if he wasn't careful.

DRAPU! The huge figure landed on the same spot where Shinnichi was standing just a moment ago. “Grrr!” The figure growled low. Shinnichi held his breath.

He looked at the creature from behind a rock. Trying not to be caught. The giant wolf from hell is the most appropriate explanation.

Its body size is almost the same as a large truck. Silver feathers covered his body, like iron armor. Long nails like knives sticking out of all four legs. However, one of the most outstanding characteristics of the animal was on its back. A pair of blood red hands were terrifying. It looks like it is looking for a victim. The hand was thin, covered only with skin. In the middle of his chest, there was a hunk of blue crystal. Embedded unnaturally, like being stabbed in.

Wolfsdemon. Shinnichi remembered the name of the monster. The monster that's been chasing him since Oasis. The monster that terrorizes him every time he comes out of Schwarz's room.

Shinnichi slipped a little. “Gruh!” The animal jerked its head into the air. Hearing him, he sniffed the air.

Shinnichi drowned himself. Trying to hide in the water. From underwater, he could see the silver silhouette of Wolfsdamon approaching him. Every second we find it. But, before he reached Wolfsdamon heard something upriver. The monster left him.

Shinnichi raised his head from the water. He breathed a sigh of relief.

❂❂❂❂❂❂

“.... You're such a coward, aren't you?” Schwarz's voice rang out inside his head. A little mocking, a little pity.

“.... Silent.” Shinnichi could only murmur the answer. He bites the flesh of the green fruit that he managed to take from the baby plant monster, Methanosian.

Shinnichi frowned as he swallowed the fruit. It tastes bitter like an unripe fruit. However, it was the only fruit he could eat without blowing himself up or killing him. His tongue was not used.

He glanced back. Dozens of carcasses of monsters he had just killed were piled up there. Phybrum, Methanosian, giant ants, Raptor, and some big fish he took from the river. Everything was bitter and disgusting. But, at least he could practice using his new abilities.

Shinnichi throws the fruit to the side. Dum! A small explosion was created when the fruit hit the wall. Cold sweat came down his back. He's a little worried now. That fruit won't explode in her stomach ‘ right?

“Until when do you plan to keep running?” asked Schwarz, impatient. “That creature is after you. It's only a matter of time before he manages to find you.”

Shinnichi got up and walked towards the pile of carcasses. “You think I don't know? I also don't want to die at the hands of that monster.” Shinnichi turned his hand into an Abyssal Mist and then started dismembering the body parts of the monster.

“Then? What are you gonna do? Keep running away?”

“.... Maybe.”

“What?! You realize what conditions you need to meet for-“

“Whispering oi. Can you shut up for a second?” Shinnichi pulled the head of a giant ant. Almost fell. “You think I didn't think of something?”

“From your behavior, I highly doubt it.” Schwarz grunting. Skeptical of Shinnichi's statement. “What's your plan?”

“Eh, I don't know either.” Shinnichi shrugged his shoulders. Plucked some purple fruit from the Methanosian carcass. Hope not to explode.

“.... Alright. It's up to you.” Schwarz surrendered. Not intending to continue his conversation with Shinnichi.

“...” Shinnichi was silent as well. Not trying to reason with him.

Trapped in the Dungeon for days changed him. Almost every day, he continued to rub against death. Chased by Wolfsdomon, fighting with a group of giant ants, wrapped around a giant venomous snake, even nearly sucked in by a group of Methanosians. The saying “kill or be killed” is very clear if someone is there even a few hours. And Shinnichi chose to kill. Shinnichi is required to be selfish. Whether it was his life or the life of another being, this dungeon did not care.

His safety is the main thing. He has no intention of ending his story here. Not before he sees Fiona's smile again.

Shinnichi cut off the head of a giant snake. Purple blood splashed onto his face. Shinnichi gritted his teeth. It doesn't stop.

“... He snatched something important from me.” Schwarz's voice makes Shinnichi stop. Didn't expect Schwarz to speak again. “Last relic of my wife.”

“....”

“My wife, Emphiria, is a good and pure soul. Always help anyone in need without asking for anything in return. But, because of his kindness, he lost his life,” Schwarz continued. He paused for a moment. “I was the dragon that ravaged Panzia hundreds of years ago. Destroying dozens of countries. Burn that damned continent. You know why?”

Shinnichi did not answer. But he can guess the answer.

Love is a strong feeling. I can encourage anyone to do anything. Coupled with hatred and revenge, one became unstoppable. Schwarz is one of the prime examples.

Even if he was a Dragon Emperor, destroying a single continent was no easy matter. However, driven by hatred and revenge, he was able to do so in no time. Even to this day, the Panzia continent has yet to recover from Schwarz's attack.

But everything has a price. Finished destroying Panzia, his power. Wolfsdamon easily killed him. And take something from him. Something more important than his own life.

“.... What did he take?” Shinnichi asked. Turning the Abyssal Mist into his hand again.

“’Hati’ Emphiria.”

❂❂❂❂❂❂

Shinnichi walked through the Dungeon hallway. Holding a small book, a large cloth bag and wearing a Schwarz blanket. The book, which belongs to Emphiria, has maps drawn by Shinnichi over the past few days. So far, it has gone down about four floors. Thanks to Wolfsdomon, the progress is slow. He had to hide every time the cursed monster appeared. But not this time. He has prepared himself. When Shinnichi says that he has a plan he does not lie.

Shinnichi put his pouch down. He hurt Emphiria's book in his pocket. He warms himself up a little. Swinging the Abyssal Mist and cutting through the air. He wanted to try something he had been thinking about for the past few days.

A long barrel, simple shape, bullet from Mana and-

“GROAAAARRR!” Before he could finish his thoughts, a loud roar echoed in the cave passage.

Found her.

Shinnichi took a deep breath. He lifted his big bag. Overlooking the direction where the Wolfsdemon roar came from.

DUM! Wolfsdamon broke through the wall. Completely destroy.

“Crazy basics...” Shinnichi murmured. Swallowed saliva.

As if – or even indeed-heard Shinnichi, Wolfsdamon turned his head towards him. It showcased dozens of banana-sized sharp teeth. Saliva dripped from his mutt, resembling a wild dog.

The giant wolf looked at Shinnichi furiously. The victim who always managed to escape from him. Whether he had sense or not, he felt humiliated.

A weak creature seemed to have escaped him? Unbelievable. After all, this little creature had a familiar smell. It smells the same as the dragon.

He hated the dragon.

Wolfsdamon. How could he come back? He growled. He's wrathful. No one survived after meeting him!

“GROOOAAAA!” Wolfsdamon lunged forward. He pulled his sharp nails towards Shinnichi.

However, the young man calmed down. He easily threw his cloth bag at Wolfsdamon.

That hell wolf smelled a strange smell. The smell he had known since he was a child. Could snake!

Don't get bitten!

Dozens of purple fruits came out from him. Some started to turn red.

BUOUM!

“GROOOOAAAAAA!” A huge explosion blew Wolfsdamon backwards. A burning feeling invaded his body. His fur was burning, his face was also half charred. Wolfsdamon roared in pain. Hit the wall and move indistinctly.

Tests. Shinnichi wastes no time. He darted forward; unsheathing the Abyssal Mist right into his chest. “HAAAA!” He exclaimed.

Jem! Shinnichi stuck his sword into the flesh of Wolfsdomon. The force that was engendered pushed the wolf backwards. Shinnichi slashed Wolfsdamon's chest. Trying to release the blue crystal on his chest. He murmured, “Twenty..”.

“GROOAA!” Wolfsdamon. Using his front legs, he claws at Shinnichi. Hit back, Shinnichi jumps and takes his distance.

“Tch! Damnit!” Shinnichi. Upset at losing the chance to kill him outright. Behind the blanket, the right shoulder of his white shirt – is very dirty at this point— is torn. Blood flowed from the Wolfsdamon's claw wound. “Eighteen...”.

Wolfsdamon raised himself. Smoke began to billow from his burns. Water shot out from the blue crystal in his chest; his body began to heal on its own. This was why Shinnichi was so upset about not killing him in one strike.

The crystal on his chest is “hati” Emphiria; Holy Healing Crystal. A holy crystal capable of producing healing water. Water that can heal even the deadliest wounds. In the right hands, these crystals can help the world. In the wrong hands? You can guess it yourself.

“You must pluck the crystal from his body.” Shinnichi recalled Schwarz's earlier words. “As long as there is that crystal, it definitely heals from all sorts of wounds.”

“There is no other option.” He was destroying the Abyssal Mist. To Wolfsdamon. “I have to fight fair.”

Wolfsdamon looks alert. Don't underestimate this little creature anymore. He could hurt her, Wolfsdamon growled. He returned to attack.

Shinnichi smiled cynically. “Well, that's what I would do if I wanted to die. Sixteen.”

Shinnichi threw the purple blanket he was wearing. Show what is behind it. Surrounding his body, dozens of purple fruits were bound at the roots of the Methanosian. Fruit that can produce an incredible explosion.

Tied dozens of bombs on him? Only a madman would do it. Maybe Shinnichi is crazy, who knows?

But there is something certain. Wolfsdomon stop. He even retreated, not wanting to risk himself being hit by an explosion again he already knew that the purple fruit was dangerous. It will not move forward as before.

Shinnichi laughed in his heart. It worked! The damn wolf was fooled! Fourteen!

“I didn't think. This cheesy trick really works.” Schwarz sounded amazed.

Shinnichi didn't expect it either. “That purple” fruit is a monster body part that was deliberately formed to resemble a fruit then dipped in the purple blood of a giant snake. Gives the illusion that it is the explosive fruit of Methanosian. Of course Shinnichi wouldn't tie a bomb to his body. He has not yet turned into a madman. Just turning into a person who fights their fears. He also loved his life. He did not know how long this trick would work, so he had to act immediately.

Shinnichi raised his right hand. Using dark magic, he formed a barrel. Then using white magic, he created a Mana ball inside that barrel. He created it, a cannon.

Dum! The first shot is released. Darting without being followed by his movements. Wolfsdemon confusion. However, a moment later he felt a crushing blow on his face.

“GROA!?”

“Heh... Hehe... HAHAHA!” Shinnichi laughed like a madman. He smiled like a madman. He aimed his new weapon like a madman. “[Dominator] got. Ten.”

Dum! Dum! Dum! A barrage of Mana bullets shot towards that hell wolf. Stripped his body and made him roar in pain. Every bullet feels like a hard blow. He does not remain silent.

Wolfsdamon lunged forward. Avoiding the bullet Shinnichi fired.

Shinnichi gritted his teeth. It also moves forward. Keep firing his bullets at Wolfsdamon. Although it is no more effective than a blow.

Wolfsdamon opened his mouth.  Trying to catch Shinnichi in his mouth. Shinnichi lowered his head and slid between his lower legs. Shinnichi quickly turned Dominator into an Abyssal Mist then swung the sword blade. Cut off his left ankle.

“GROOAA!!” Roaring in pain, Wolfsdamon fell down. Wall of the Dungeon.

“Eight.” Shinnichi sees the opportunity, he kicks the ground. Back shot towards Wolfsdamon's chest. The bar is directed at him. The wolf monster realized it. He clenched his hands on his back and with a strength that did not match the skinny appearance, he swung it.

“!?” Shinnichi stop. Having no time to dodge, he could only raise his hand to protect himself.

“BUH!” The impact felt strong. Like being hit by a car at a speed of 120 km/h. Shinnichi was thrown backwards.

“Shinnichi!” Schwarz.

Brak! His body smashed into the Dungeon wall with a terrifying sound. The remaining air inside his lungs was forced out. Shinnichi fell to the ground.

“Uhuk! Uhuk! Uhuk!” Shinnichi coughed up blood. Take them out because they start to collect in his throat and lungs. He tried to reassemble the air but his chest felt so tight.

“Shinnichi! Shinnichi!” Schwarz's worried voice echoed in his head. It feels distant and vague.

Blurred vision, the smell of blood, the pain. It's exactly like back then. When Samejima humiliated him. As he let Fiona be taken away from him. When he was still helpless. He gritted his teeth.

I'm not that guy anymore! I have power! I will live! And anyone who gets in my way will....

He lifts himself up. Shaky, but steady. Bloody, but burning. He looked at Wolfsdamon who was starting to stand up.

Die up!

“GROAAAARR!” Wolfsdamon roared furiously. Just realized that the explosive fruit on his body was fake. Directing his murderous lust towards Shinnichi and only Shinnichi.

Wolfsdamon will kill him. He must have killed her. He must kill her!

‘You know, Schwarz. I hope you're right about this.” Shinnichi did not move. He remained standing in place. A maniacal smile appeared on his face. Blood-filled smile “One.”

In accordance with his words. Wolfsdamon fell to the ground, stiff as wood. Right in front of Shinnich. Can't move. Like a doll that broke off its thread.

“HAHAHA! SUCCESSFULLY!” Shinnichi could not help his excitement. Staring at the helplessly sprawled Wolfsdomon before him made his heart jump up and down.

Wolfsdamon looked at Shinnichi with emotion.disbelief, shock, hatred, murderous lust. But he could do nothing; he could only stare.

“What? You think I'll fight fair? Too bad.” Shinnichi stepped on the head of Wolfsdamon. “I'm not a stupid creature like you. I have a brain.”

Shinnichi picked up a pouch tied around his waist. Throwing it, he poked the pouch with the Abyssal Mist. A transparent green liquid shot out from him, flowing on the surface of his sword blade. Could snake.

Is correct. The Emphiria Crystal might be capable of healing any wound. However, there were two things he could not cure: Can and mental illness.

Using that information from Schwarz, Shinnichi made use of the body parts of the monsters he had killed before. Methanosian explosive fruit, blood and can be Giant snakes, giant ant acid glands, as well as Filbrum skin as the pouch.

Shinnichi knew his own weakness. If he fought one-on-one with Wolfsdomon, it was likely defeat as well as death. But, using dirty tactics, he could win this fight.

Shinnichi was not ashamed. He will do everything to live. Fight with cheating and cunning, running and hiding. He will not hesitate to do so. As long as he wins and lives, then that is the tactic he will use.

"...."

Shinnichi glanced at Wolfsdamon. The monster that had troubled him since he was in this Dungeon. Can still drip from the Abyssal Mist.

And for the first time, Wolfsdamon felt emotions that he had not felt for hundreds of years. Ancient emotions are embedded in all living things that exist and have ever existed in the world; Fear.

This little creature. A creature that runs every time it meets him. This helpless little creature. A little creature that could hurt him. The little creature that defeated him.

In the presence of Wolfsdamon, Shinnichi is not that little creature anymore. A demon; an angel of death. Death itself.

Wolfsdamon whimpers in fear.

Death has already picked him up. And he won't wait long to drive her away.