Evan moved swiftly under the shadows of the trees, his breath slightly held as he pressed his palm against the damp ground.
His fingers began to dig with a speed that should have been impossible for an ordinary person. However, for someone like him, whose body had been strengthened only slightly above that of a normal human, this task was still exhausting.
The loose soil made it easier, but the pressure of time granted him no leniency. Every movement had to be efficient, every scrape minimal to avoid drawing attention.
Above his head, three pairs of dark crimson eyes stared at him mockingly. Its claws perched atop Evan's head as if that spot truly belonged to it.
Suddenly, it got an idea to do something that might amuse itself. The dark crimson eyes swooped down, accompanied by a sarcastic, almost satisfied tone.
"A sight truly worth remembering. A Contractor, whose name may one day be recorded in history—is now toiling away, digging the earth like a laborer who has lost his shovel. A humiliation, or perhaps a lesson in humility?"
Evan's digging did not stop.
"If you have no intention of helping, be quiet."
The black wings fluttered slightly, merely asserting their presence.
"Ah, dissatisfaction is surfacing. But is this not a form of harmonious cooperation? One works, the other observes. Balanced."
Evan could feel the veins in his head throbbing. He wanted to punch and bury that damned bird deep inside the very hole he was digging.
However, remembering that its strength surpassed his own, he dismissed the thought in an instant.
The soil continued to be thrown aside until the hole reached a sufficient depth. Without delay, branches and leaves were gathered, carefully arranged to conceal the trap from casual view.
"Huft…"
Demonic Crow let out a sound akin to a chuckle, almost mocking.
"One could say, the result is quite impressive. If someone were to fall in, it would serve as a valuable lesson on the importance of watching one's step."
Evan's gaze lifted slightly, staring at the bird with a blank expression.
"If you forget where the trap is, then the only victim will be yourself."
The bird tilted its head as if contemplating.
"Interesting. A threat, or a promise? It would be unfortunate if this snare were to trap its own creator."
Evan smirked.
"I'm truly touched to hear that."
This damned bird.
"Shhh."
Faint footsteps echoed through Demonic Crow's ears, relaying them swiftly to Evan. In an instant, Evan slipped into the hole he had made, carefully opening the entrance covered with branches and twigs expertly arranged.
Since the hole was only 4-Ferr (meters) deep, he had to lower his posture slightly to avoid being seen under the moonlight. Its diameter was approximately 50-Zeth (cm) to 100-Zeth (cm).
Evan thought quickly, considering whether this hole would help him hide his presence from the patrolling enemy.
If lucky, he could trap the enemy who fell into the pit and kill them instantly.
Silence.
Since the hole was positioned beside a large tree, several protruding roots jutted out on one side of the pit.
Lastly, a hidden weapon he had accidentally discovered.
"It seems you plan to use this large stone to kill. Is that correct?"
Except for the bird, which kept chattering and eyeing the tactic he was devising.
"Ah, one more thing. Congratulations to awakening 'Aura.'"
"Huh?"
Aura?! You mean, like the ones in novels and comics?!
Shrkkk—
The sound was still distant, so there was time to set up a few simple traps, perhaps?
Evan thought, noticing droplets of water seeping through the soil. He considered the possibility that it had rained a few nights before his transmigration.
However, seeing how little water was available, the supply would not be enough to meet his expectations. So, he came up with a rather dirty and disgusting idea.
Evan lowered the front of his worn-out pants slightly. Then, he did something no one would ever think of!
"Evan—no, Aphotic. Are you crazy?!"
Demonic Crow flapped its wings and pecked at Evan's head, even covering its own eyes with its wings.
"Quiet. This is part of the plan."
Seeing the amount and the slightly foul smell, it meant that this body had previously consumed quite a lot of toxins and experimental substances that were harmful to the body.
After fixing his pants, he crouched slightly and mixed his 'urine' with the damp soil.
Evan coated the entire floor of the hole with the mud he had created. Not forgetting, he also smeared part of the trap's entrance as a precaution to prevent the spy from escaping if they somehow survived.
He also smeared the tree roots with a bit of mud, then snapped the smaller ones. He assumed the spy might use these small roots to reach for the larger ones and climb out of the hole.
He deliberately left a few that appeared strong and sturdy but were fragile upon touch.
"Done."
Now, the next step was to lure the spy in.
If Demonic Crow hadn't mentioned Aura earlier, he might have continued with his original plan. But just in case the enemy possessed strength beyond that of a normal human, it would be impossible to kill them easily.
Evan would do something astonishing this time, he pressed both hands against one side of the hole while bracing his feet in the same position. He climbed up the circular pit like a rodent.
He opened the entrance cover and climbed out, then concealed it again with more leaves and branches.
This trap was clearly not meant to kill anyone, that was the initial plan. But suddenly, he felt an inexplicable lack of experience in killing someone, so he took the extra step.
Besides, he had a feeling a strong certainty, that something extraordinary might happen next.
All that remained was execution. From the plan to hide to the kill, it could all be carried out now.
Step—
Step—
In the distance, footsteps could be heard. Slow, yet firm. Each rhythm was monotonous and repetitive. A sign that the approaching figure was a trained enemy.
Evan pressed himself against the tree where the trap was set.
Now, how should he lure them? If it were just the sound of a thrown stone, the enemy would likely become more alert.
Evan crouched, bringing his lips close to the ground, then let out a heavy breath, almost like a groan. It wasn't loud, just enough to attract the attention of someone trained to notice anomalies in the silence.
And the result—the footsteps stopped.
"..."
Perched on Evan's shoulder, Demonic Crow could think of nothing but one thing. Was person who caught by its master truly crazy?