The Tapestry of the End

Günter confidently walked deeper into the impenetrable abyss of the tangled tunnels of the fifth district. In his hand, a modest metal lantern barely flickered, as if trying to pierce through the thickness of darkness, but still leaving a narrow path of light behind. He delved further, step by step, swallowed by this endless labyrinth, descending lower and lower, where the air became denser and the sounds—muffled and distant. The barely audible clatter of his heels on the stone floor sent hundreds of parasites fleeing, disappearing into the shadows like waves.

Finally, reaching the intersection of numerous tunnels, Günter drew a small stiletto from his thigh sheath. The clean, narrow, double-edged blade gleamed slightly in the dim light of the lantern. The elegant golden pattern of the thin guard smoothly merged with the orderly array of runes depicted on the hilt, seemingly filled with the power of light.

Rolling up the sleeve of his coat-cloak, he brought the elegant stiletto to his forearm and pressed, making a long cut. Dark red blood flowed from the wound, staining the pristine blade.

After standing for about ten seconds, waiting for enough blood to flow out, he took a small vial from his pocket.

As soon as Günter opened it, a sharp, pungent smell filled the air, instantly hitting his nose, causing him to squint slightly. Taking a large gulp of the viscous substance, he leaned against the wall, taking a slow, deep breath. A second passed, then another, and suddenly a sharp pain pierced his head. His pupils dilated sharply, almost completely eclipsing the irises. Veins protruded from under his skin, and a slight pain rolled through his muscles.

Breathing heavily and unable to stand properly on his trembling legs, Günter sank to the floor. A couple of minutes passed, and finally recovering, he looked at his previously cut forearm. The arm was completely healed, with only fresh blood remaining from the wound.

"Damn... I hate ghouls," Günter muttered as he stood up.

"Ghouls are vile creatures capable of sensing blood from many kilometers away. Disgusting humanoid beings, usually living in groups and avoiding human cities," Günter recalled, mentally almost quoting definitions from the bestiary.

"But how could they end up in the city? Decided to change their hunting grounds? No, they are too territorial... The only thing that can lead to their migration is a natural disaster, but nothing like that has happened recently... Maybe it's a loner? An outcast unable to hunt in natural conditions and sneaking into the city in search of easy prey? Yes, most likely so, at least I hope so," Günter pondered, leaning against the wall.

"And the main weakness of ghouls is iron," he thought, running his fingers over the closed pouch hanging on his belt.

Fully recovering, Günter straightened his back and, despite the weakness in his legs, moved further into the depths of the tunnels. He walked further, each of his movements restrained and cautious, almost inaudible. With each meter passed, the air around became more and more suffocating, as if trying to drive him out of this place. The deathly silence, interrupted only by the monotonous dripping of water, evoked an increasing sense of anxiety with each passing minute.

"Not even rats... That means I'm close," he thought, raising the lantern higher, trying to better see the path ahead.

A few more minutes passed, and there, ahead, in the dim light of his lantern, strange outlines appeared. On the old, moss-covered walls, numerous elongated marks left by the claws of a terrible creature stretched. Ordinary traces that ghouls leave when marking their territory.

"Each mark is at least 5 millimeters thick... Big bastard," Günter noted, running his fingers along several marks.

His thoughts were interrupted by reflections of light on the walls. Almost automatically, his gaze slid along the entire visible tunnel. A strong ripple passed through the previously calm water, which caused the reflections.

Günter tensed, his fingers instinctively gripping the handle of the pistol in its holster. Without moving from his spot, he listened and carefully peered into the dim light that trembled on the walls, creating flickering shadows in the dark tunnels. The water, like a living creature, swayed, and the ripples spread as if someone or something was moving in its depths. With each moment, the tension grew stronger, as if mocking Günter. A minute passed... then another...

"Maybe my nerves are starting to fail in my old age?" Günter silently chuckled.

At that moment, the water's ripple suddenly increased, as if an invisible creature had rebelled in its depths. Günter felt his heart skip a beat. In an instant, a hideous shadow burst out of the water like a black lightning bolt.

A tall, emaciated creature, with a body covered in dull skin stretched to the limit, from which swollen veins and tendons protruded. From its mouth, devoid of lips, protruded rows of long, curved fangs, as if death itself was striving to break free. Predatory eyes, full of insatiable hunger, blazed with a bright red light, radiating an unquenchable thirst for murder. Long, bony three-fingered paws, with huge, crooked claws at the ends.

It was right in front of Günter—before he could shoot, Günter felt the creature freeze for a moment, then, as if breaking free from a chain, lunged forward.

Günter darted to the side in an attempt to dodge, but was a fraction of a second too late. The ghoul struck his arm with its long claws, tearing flesh and causing Günter to grimace in sharp pain. Blood gushed from the wound, staining the cloak red. Creating some distance, Günter drew his pistol and aimed at the monster's head. The hammer clicked, followed by a thunderous shot. Smoke billowed from the barrel, obscuring the creature. Through the faint ringing in his ears, he heard a disgusting screech. The abomination wasn't dead; at the last moment, it shifted to the side, causing the bullet to hit its shoulder, turning it into a bloody mess.

The ghoul recoiled for a moment, only to attack again. With a mad scream, it lunged at Günter, knocking him to the ground. Pinning the man to the ground, the monster fiercely tried to tear his neck apart, but all its attempts were thwarted by the pistol, whose barrel Günter had inserted into the creature's mouth, defending against its attacks.

Shifting to the side, Günter swiftly plunged the stiletto into the creature's neck. Blood flowed like a river from the severed artery, drenching the man's face. Blow after blow, immersed in a bloody frenzy, Günter continued to stab the ghoul until it collapsed. The head was almost severed from the body, and black blood poured from the horrific wound.

Nearly losing consciousness from exhaustion and pain, Günter stood up, his hands trembling, but his gaze remained cold and determined.

He hadn't even taken a step when another horror burst from the darkness of the tunnel. The creature was much larger than the previous one. In its eyes burned a furious fire, and a low growl emanated from its throat. Foul saliva mixed with blood dripped from the creature's maw.

Günter didn't have time to take a step when he felt the creature crash into his stomach with unimaginable speed, pinning him against the wall. The tips of its claws pierced his flesh, tearing through the cloak's fabric and sliding deeper. A burning pain shot through his entire body, and he felt his insides clench as blood instantly gushed from the wound.

Grabbing the creature with his free hand, Günter unhesitatingly plunged the stiletto into the creature's eye. The metal pierced the eye socket but didn't kill the creature. The ghoul screamed in terrible pain, recoiling for a moment. However, it didn't release the hunter, only pressing him harder against the wall.

Günter let out a painful groan but only tightened his grip. His stiletto gleamed in the dim light of the lantern, slicing through the creature's flesh. Blood, like a black fountain, gushed out, drenching Günter from head to toe, covering his face, getting into his mouth and eyes.

Letting out a furious howl, the ghoul recoiled, dragging Günter with it. Loosening its grip, Günter lunged forward and, with a precise strike, pierced the creature's knee with the stiletto. The creature, losing its footing, fell on its back. While the ghoul writhed, trying to get up, Günter drew his saber from its sheath and, with a vertical strike, plunged it deep into the creature's chest.

The ghoul convulsed in its death throes, but Günter didn't relent. He continued to press the blade into the creature's chest, starting to twist the blade clockwise, turning the already terrible wound into a bloody mess. Soon, a final, deafening scream erupted from the ghoul's chest—and the creature finally stopped moving.

Günter let out a muffled groan of pain and struggled to his feet. A wave of pain washed over his entire body, as if every bone in his body was broken, and blood continued to flow from the wound on his stomach. Trying to stop the bleeding with his hand, he wanted to take out the medicine, but the screeching sound coming from the depths of the tunnel made him instantly change his mind.

Cursing silently, he rushed into the nearest tunnel. Turning the corner, he stopped and, holding his breath, pressed against the wall. The screeching grew closer until it finally reached the battle site, where it slowed down significantly. A second later, Günter heard a familiar guttural growl. Pressing even closer to the wall, he slipped his hand into the pouch hanging on his belt. A few moments later, heavy footsteps approached him slowly. Just as the creature emerged from around the corner, he threw a large handful of metal dust into its face. The ghoul recoiled, roaring loudly. The metal dust got into its eyes and nostrils, burning the flesh on contact. The creature lunged forward, sending Günter flying several meters, but it didn't continue its attack and instead disappeared into the darkness of the nearest passage.

Rolling onto his back, Günter, with a trembling hand, took out a small metal container from his coat. Unlocking it, he pulled out a metal syringe, pulled up his coat sleeve, and injected the black-gray liquid into his arm. A new wave of pain washed over his body, but relief followed. The bleeding stopped, and the wounds began to gradually heal.

"Oh gods... I'm too old for this crap."

Muttering quietly to himself and swaying slightly, he headed back to the battle site.

****

The chapter was supposed to come out two or three days ago... But it didn't. Well, it doesn't matter, I just needed an introduction. I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas... But it was 10 days ago...The New Year also arrived 5 days ago...Damn... So, happy New Year!