Saquin: Death To My Enemies

Deep in the Brimar Forest

The pursuing team, led by the silver-clad Commander Ryan, moved through the dense shadows of the forest, their steps careful yet unhurried.

As county elites, they were not only powerful but well-versed in lore. Tonight was the Red New Moon—a night when mythic creatures grew stronger and more ferocious. Despite this, some of Ryan's men were quickening their pace, eager to reach their quarry before the moon rose in full.

"There's no need to rush," Ryan said, his voice calm but edged with finality. He held up his compass, studying it as if deciphering a secret known only to him. "I have my reasons for taking it slow."

The team exchanged uneasy glances, each of them aware of what the Red New Moon could unleash. At the heart of Brimar Forest lay a creature—a beast spoken of in whispers, known as the Worm King. Rumor held it was as ancient as the forest itself, its power amplified beneath the red sky. The thought of facing such a creature, territorial and empowered, made a few of the elites swallow hard. But Ryan's expression remained steady, resolute.

In truth, the thought of facing the Worm King thrilled him. The creature's power and ferocity were well-known, but he viewed it simply as a beast. And tonight, the Red New Moon would make the encounter all the more exhilarating. This mission would kill two birds with one stone: capture the fugitive Saquin and bring down a creature of legends. His men didn't need to know the details of his plan—they only needed to follow.

---

Further South

Another team lay in wait. This was a smaller, more focused unit led by Princess Relia. She moved with quiet determination, her golden eyes glinting in anticipation. Her team had already taken up their positions near the Worm King's supposed lair, watching the forest around them breathe with life as twilight deepened.

"Are you sure the creature will emerge here, Your Grace?" Risha asked, her hand wrapped tightly around the handle of her whip, her gaze flicking between Relia and their third companion.

Relia nodded, her expression unwavering. "The Worm King burrows deep during the day but surfaces at night, especially under the Red Moon." She didn't voice her deeper motive: that taking down this beast would justify her presence here, beyond her father's watchful eye. The Worm King would be her mark of victory, serving as a valid excuse to be in the eastern kingdom.

They waited in tense silence, the forest thickening with shadows.

---

Elsewhere, in a Dark Cave

Inside a dim, rocky cave, Saquin leaned back against the wall, a faint smile playing on his lips. His expression was one of quiet amusement as he watched the approaching dusk.

Mythic's voice echoed in his mind, laced with exasperation. [Host, shouldn't we be strategizing? Sitting here isn't exactly 'safe'—especially with your pursuers closing in.]

Saquin chuckled, his gaze distant. "Relax, Mythic. We're safe enough. I was supposed to be dead already, but by some twist of fate, here I am. Might as well enjoy it."

[This isn't the time for reflection—]

"But it is," Saquin interrupted, almost in a whisper. "These past days have been... enlightening. Meeting creatures I once only heard of, learning more about mythics, and the beasts that lurk in places like this." He smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Not to mention meeting Lilia and her…" He trailed off, his smile widening at the memory. "And then that golden beauty with the gun—she shot me dead, yet she's got a face I won't forget anytime soon."

Mythic was silent for a moment before responding. [You don't seem too worried about your pursuers.]

"They won't reach me—not tonight," Saquin said, a sharper edge to his voice. "The head guard who captured me showed off a tracking compass, gloating that it could follow my blood. So, I've left them a trail—one that leads straight into the Worm King's den." He stretched his legs, crossing his arms behind his head.

[And if they still find you?]

"I'm alive by luck, Mythic. I won't waste time fearing what's out of my control." He closed his eyes, a sigh escaping his lips. "Let them face the Worm King and the beauty with the gun, I'll enjoy the mean time."

As dusk settled, he let his thoughts drift, knowing he would have to move soon.

Moments Later, as the Red Moon Rises

Outside the cave, the forest began to transform, shadows growing longer and darker as the red hue of the New Moon cast Brimar in an eerie light. Saquin stepped out into the open, the moonlight glinting off his now entirely black eyes. His transformation was seamless—blue hair darkened and lengthened, while his fangs caught the crimson glow. A calm, knowing smile curved his lips as he surveyed the forest, now painted in shades of red.

[Health: ---/--- (Nigh-immortality)

Vitality: ---/--- (Infinite Regeneration)]

Saquin's smile widened at the sight. "Immortality, huh. Nice."

[It's the power of the primals,] Mythic intoned.

"Don't try to persuade me, Mythic. I'm not naive. I can feel it—the strength flowing through me. It's greater than during the day… but I know now that I'm not weaker in daylight." Saquin clenched his fist, feeling the power surging within.

[When your higher human side takes over, your physical prowess decreases. It seems your vampire side provides most of your physical strength, but your overall capabilities don't lessen during the day—in fact, they grow, correct?]

"Yes. With the SP manipulation of the higher human bloodline, and the primal vampire's strength—even halved and boosted by my enhanced physiology—puts me above most at my level."

[The prowess of a higher human is… magnificent, after all—]

"There is no species greater than higher humans."

[There is no species greater than higher humans,] Mythic echoed solemnly.

[And how does a village boy know that?]

"How does a sealed being know that?"

[…]

"Hmph."

[I didn't tell you because I wanted you to experience it yourself. Besides, as a system for mythics, I can't fully assist with your higher human abilities. Honestly, I'd prefer you use your primal vampire powers more. If you insist on the higher human abilities, you're on your own figuring them out.]

"It's my choice to make, Mythic. I'm sure I can handle it."

Not far from his position, Princess Relia's team observed the rising moon with growing anticipation. They knew the time was near. Risha tightened her grip on her whip, while Relia remained silent, her gaze sharp and unwavering.

Suddenly, the ground beneath them began to tremble.

"There!" Risha whispered, eyes widening as she spotted movement up ahead. The earth cracked open, dirt and rock scattering as something colossal forced its way out of the ground.

What emerged was no worm. A creature covered in earthen scales, horns spiraling from its head, clawed its way to the surface. It was a dragon—a mythic beast towering above them, its body shimmering with power beneath the Red Moon's glow.

Relia's eyes widened in shock. "An earth dragon…"