SSS-Ranked Evolution: Worlds Unbound-Chapter 87: acrimonious (don’t buy)
savouring the fear in the air.
Their scent was unbearable, a mix of decaying meat and sour sweat, and with every step, they exuded a sticky, black ichor that hissed faintly when it hit the ground.
Their behaviour was horrifyingly alien. One tilted its head sharply to the side, the motion so quick it was like a snap of bone. Its jaw trembled as it let out another burst of that deranged laughter, drool mixed with ichor dripping from its teeth. Another clawed at the earth, dragging deep furrows into the ground as if savouring the thought of tearing flesh apart.
As the circle tightened around Ren and Von, the largest of the creatures stepped forward, its claws clicking against the rocks with a deliberate, menacing rhythm. It opened its maw wide, wider than seemed possible, and from deep within its throat came a sound—a low, guttural growl that rose into a scream so sharp and piercing it made their ears ring.
The creatures lunged first, their grotesque forms jerking unnaturally as they swarmed forward. Ren swung his blade with precision, aiming for the nearest one’s limb, severing it with a wet crunch. But the creature retaliated, its claws slicing through the air, forcing Ren to shift back just in time. The wind from its swipe grazed his cheek, sharp and chilling.
Von, nimble as ever, dodged another creature’s attack with a fluid roll, springing up to deliver a backflip kick that connected with a sickening crack to the monster’s jaw. He landed beside Ren, their backs pressing together instinctively, each taking a defensive stance.
"Luna! Strike!" Ren commanded, his voice sharp and firm.
The wolf crouched low, her fur bristling as sparks of lightning crackled along her form. In one explosive leap, Ren and Von shot high into the air just as Luna unleashed a devastating wave of lightning that surged outward in a blinding flash. The electrified wave tore through the swarm, sending the monsters sprawling, their grotesque screams echoing through the forest.
Ren and Von landed on the ground with a thud, breathing hard but focused. The momentary reprieve was just that—momentary. The sisters were relentless, clawing back to their feet with unnatural speed. One rushed for Von, its limbs a blur of jagged motion.
Ren didn’t hesitate. He stepped in front of Von, intercepting the creature’s attack with his sword. Sparks flew as metal met claw, and with his free hand, Ren released a blast of raw energy that sent the creature flying backward into a tree, shattering its bark.
"They just won’t die." Von muttered, already activating his own power. His ninja stars gleamed with an otherworldly light, coming alive in his hands. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a flurry of stars that whirled through the air like tiny whirlwinds of death. They tore into the creatures, delaying their advance but never stopping them entirely.
"We need to move!" Ren shouted, his voice tight with urgency. They would be overpowered if they didn’t run.
They bolted. Luna took the lead, her sleek form cutting through the dense forest like a shadow, her glowing eyes scanning for the safest path. The creatures gave chase, their grotesque laughter and the sound of claws tearing into the earth growing louder behind them.
The race was pure adrenaline, the forest a blur of shadows and flickering moonlight. Occasionally, one of the monsters would dart ahead, intercepting their path. Ren would summon his energy force, blasting them back with devastating precision, while Von’s razor-sharp ninja stars found their targets with deadly accuracy.
But the creatures were relentless, coming in waves. Their shrieks and distorted laughter were deafening. Then, from above, one of them leaped down from the trees, its claws outstretched, aiming straight for them.
Luna didn’t falter. Her tail ignited with brilliant flashes of lightning, and with one powerful sweep, she roasted the creature mid-air. Its charred body crashed into the ground, but the victory was short-lived. More began to drop from the canopy like grotesque spiders, their claws clicking as they descended in terrifying synchronization.
"Split up!" Ren yelled. He didn’t wait for a response, veering off to the right as Von and Luna took another path.
The forest seemed darker now, the air thicker. Ren kept running, his senses sharp, every instinct screaming at him to stay alive. A monster suddenly emerged from the shadows, leaping in front of him with its razor-sharp limbs poised to skewer him. With a flashing as he lunged forward. The weapon pierced the creature’s eye socket with a sickening squelch. It screamed, an unearthly sound that rattled his bones, but he twisted the blade mercilessly before ripping it out and slashing its throat in one fluid motion. Blood sprayed, dark and sticky, but he didn’t stop.
A third came at him, claws extended like curved blades, aiming straight for his chest. Ren caught its wrists, his muscles straining limp, collapsing to the ground with a heavy thud.
But they just kept coming.
Ren’s breathing was ragged, his body aching from the relentless assault. He could feel his energy surging, the raw power of his beast-taming ability boiling to the surface. His eyes burned with fury as he raised his hand.
"Enough!"
A wave of energy exploded outward, crackling like wildfire. The creatures froze mid-charge, their bodies convulsing as the power enveloped them. Their shrieks grew louder, almost unbearable, the sound clawing at his eardrums. Ren gritted his teeth, forcing himself to watch as the energy burned them from the inside out.
When it was over, silence fell like a heavy shroud.
Ren staggered forward, his dagger still clutched in his bloodied hand. The stench of burnt flesh filled the air, and his chest heaved as he struggled to steady his breathing. Around him, the creatures lay still, their twisted forms now lifeless.
But as he got closer, his steps faltered.
The corpses began to shift, their monstrous features melting away. In their place, sleek fur and familiar stripes emerged. Tigers. Beautiful, majestic tigers, now lifeless and sprawled across the blood-soaked ground.
Ren’s throat tightened, and his heart twisted painfully.
"No..." he whispered, his voice barely audible. A wave of guilt crashed over him, heavy and suffocating. He’d fought to survive, but at what cost? His fists clenched, nails digging into his palms as he shut his eyes, trying to block out the sight of their lifeless forms.
"Is this...what it does to them?" he murmured, but the words felt hollow. To think that these were once tigers with lives, turned into the horrid creatures that sought blood without rest. He had hurt Reina’s people, but, "you must first be alive to feel guilt." the words flowed out of him. His sister had told him that once during their training one time. She had always taught him to finish off his enemies, but Ren believed in the greater good for people. Their spar ended up with her overturning the tables and making him submit. It was then she told him that.
He held the words close to his heart. One can only feel guilt if they are alive. If you do not fight, you will die. And all would be lost either way. But if you fight, there is always a chance of survival. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢
Ren picked himself up and went for the sword that was knocked out of his hand. Letting out another sigh, he pushed himself forward but not after taking a look around. He had made so many turns, he was sure he was lost. He made his way through heavy leaves and bushes as his mind raced a million thoughts. What about Von, and Luna? Were they alright?
Knowing that Luna could take care of herself, he was still worried about his friends. He had been walking for quite a while now and he was tired. He rested against a tree to catch his breath for a while, his mind never took a break. His fists tightened as the image of the corpses flashed through his memory, "whatever this corruption is? I will get rid of it." He made a solemn promise to himself.
A few drops of rain sealed the promise to the universe, Ren wasn’t expecting rain, it felt refreshing when some droplets fell on his hair and face. But the one that streamed down his nose had a strange odour, very foul. His eyes shot open with too much vigour and looking above him, he met with another horrid creature that attempted to swallow his head.
Ren let out the girliest scream he had in him, jumping away from the tree bark he was previously resting on. The creature loomed above him, latched onto the branch like a grotesque parasite. Its elongated, sinewy body glistened with a mucous-like sheen, its flesh an unnatural, reddish hue that seemed to pulse as though alive with its own rhythm. Jagged ridges lined its sides, twitching as it moved, and its mouth—oh, its mouth—was a yawning cavern of serrated, needle-like teeth, jagged and uneven, each one glistening with the same foul saliva now dripping onto Ren’s face.
The monster’s face—or what passed for one—was a twisted abomination. Two hollow,
