I kept walking through the Dairai Forest. The trees stretched high above me, their branches tangled and twisting like giant claws reaching for the sky. This forest was famous, for the strange magical creatures that lived here—big wolves with glowing eyes, giant owlbears that could kill with a swipe, and other monsters nobody could even name. But I hadn't seen one yet. Maybe they were hiding from me.
I didn't feel tired. I wasn't hungry. Even though days had passed since I woke up in that strange clearing under the full moon, this new body of mine didn't need food or sleep. I was different now. Stronger. Better.
The only sound was the crunch of dead leaves under my bare feet. The wind was still, almost as if the forest itself was holding its breath.
Then I heard it.
A scream.
At first, I ignored it. People screamed all the time—especially in wild places like this. It didn't matter to me. No one ever cared about me, so why should I care about them?
But the scream came again. Louder. Sharper. Filled with fear and pleading.
"Please… please let me go!"
Curiosity made me stop.
I turned off the path and pushed through the thick trees and bushes. The branches scratched at my arms and legs, but I didn't care. I moved toward the voice.
Soon, I saw them.
A young elf woman, no older than me, was sitting on the ground. Her wrists were tied with thick rope. Her cloak was torn and dirty. Around her stood four men—rough and dangerous looking. They were laughing like they had already won. Bandits.
I noticed their tattoos. Dark, twisted symbols on their arms—symbols people said belonged to the Devil. My Father. Whether they believed it or not, they wore the mark like a badge of fear.
"Stay still," one of them growled, grabbing the elf's arm roughly.
"You'll fetch a good price," said another. He sat on a low tree branch, watching like a wolf watching its prey. This one was clearly the leader.
Then one of the men spotted me watching from the shadows.
"Boss," he called out, pointing in my direction.
The leader stood up and jumped down from the branch. He landed without making a sound. He wasn't tall, but his muscles were thick and hard like stone. His sword hung at his side, worn but sharp.
"You might want to learn how to mind your business," he said, his hand moving toward the hilt of his blade.
Usually, that threat would be enough to scare anyone away.
But I didn't care.
I looked at the elf woman. Her face was wet with tears. Her lips shook.
"What can you offer me in return for your life?" I asked her.
Everyone went quiet. Even the wind seemed to stop.
The elf looked at me, confused and scared.
"I have nothing," she whispered. "Nothing but my life."
I took a step closer.
"Then serve me," I said. "Offer your life to me, and I will save it."
The bandits stared at each other, not sure what to think.
Then the leader laughed—a deep, cruel sound.
"Save her?" he scoffed. "How about you save your own skin first."
He pulled his sword out with a sharp scrape.
"Kill him!" he ordered his men.
They moved like predators.
Two of them rushed straight at me, swords raised. Another held a long spear and tried to circle around. The last one stood ready, watching for an opening.
They were confident. Men used to fighting travelers and weaklings.
I didn't even flinch.
I glanced at the elf.
"Offer your life to me," I said again.
I saw the fear in her eyes. And also desperation.
The bandits came closer, ready to attack.
"I offer my life to you!" she shouted.
That was all I needed.
One of the bandits charged, thrusting his spear hard at my stomach.
I stepped aside, moving smooth and quick like a shadow.
My hand shot out and grabbed the spear near the middle of the shaft.
The man's eyes widened in shock as I yanked him toward me.
Before he could react, I slammed my fist into his face with all my strength.
His skull cracked like dry wood breaking.
Blood sprayed over my arm.
He fell, without a sound.
The other men froze.
"What the hell?" one of them muttered.
Another raised his sword and swung at my neck.
I ducked low, almost touching the ground, and came up fast with a punch aimed under his chin.
My fist barely grazed his skin, but the force was enough.
His jaw exploded.
He dropped like a puppet with its strings cut.
The third bandit tried to run away.
But I was faster.
I grabbed him by the leg and slammed him to the ground.
His body bent in ways it shouldn't have.
He didn't move again.
The last bandit stood frozen, eyes wide.
His sword shook in his hands.
I walked up to him slowly.
I reached out and grabbed his chest with one hand.
His armor was no more than paper to me.
My fingers pushed through it like it was wet cloth.
I found his heart and pulled it free.
He didn't scream.
He just stared at me with empty eyes.
Then collapsed.
I felt nothing.
No anger.
No joy.
No guilt.
Only silence.
Behind me, the leader screamed.
He had the elf in a chokehold, a blade pressed hard against her neck.
"Stay back!" he shouted. "I'll kill her!"
Coward.
I didn't hesitate.
In the blink of an eye, I was in front of him.
I grabbed the arm holding the sword.
I twisted it hard.
A sick crack echoed as his elbow bent backward.
He screamed in pain.
I yanked him off his feet and threw him hard against a tree.
A thick branch pierced his stomach.
Blood sprayed out as he gasped for air.
Then he went still.
I stared at him.
At my work.
And then I smiled.
Not because I was proud.
But because I realized I liked it.
The elf whimpered behind me.
I turned to her.
Her eyes were wide with fear.
She stepped back, dragging her feet like she didn't want to move.
I reached out and grabbed her arm gently.
She flinched but didn't pull away.
With a quick flick, I cut the ropes from her wrists.
She was free.
But I didn't let go.
"You made a contract with me," I said quietly. "Are you trying to back out now?"
She looked at the bodies on the ground.
At the blood.
At my glowing red eyes.
"No," she whispered, voice shaking. "My life is yours."
I smiled softly.
Leaning close, I brushed my lips against hers.
The contract was sealed.