Charlotte's POV
The sun blazed high above, casting a warm golden light over the outer region of the island. The ocean sparkled like a field of diamonds, and the rhythmic lapping of waves against the shore was almost hypnotic. But there was no time to admire the beauty. My mission was clear—monsters lurked in the shadows, and it was my duty to eliminate them before they could strike.
Sword in hand, I stepped into the island's inner region, where the trees grew thick and the air was heavy with an unsettling charge. The once-vibrant colors of the landscape dimmed into darker, more sinister hues. I could feel the creatures watching me from the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Suddenly, a pack of wolves emerged from the underbrush, their glowing eyes filled with malice and hunger. These were no ordinary wolves—bigger, fiercer, and with matted fur that spoke of battles fought and won. I gripped my sword tighter, steadying myself for the challenge.
"Come at me!" I shouted, my voice ringing through the forest.
The first wolf lunged, jaws snapping. I sidestepped effortlessly, my sword flashing through the air.
Radiant Strike!
The blade blazed with divine light, and the wolf's neck was severed in a single, fluid motion. It crumpled to the ground with a final, guttural growl.
[50 P]
Before I could catch my breath, two more wolves surged from the side. I raised my sword, channeling my power into a protective shield.
Divine Shield!
A shimmering barrier surrounded me, absorbing their savage strikes. With a flick of my wrist, I thrust my sword forward, piercing one wolf's chest. It collapsed, blood staining the earth.
[50 P]
The last wolf hesitated, sensing its pack had fallen. It growled low, eyes flickering with doubt. Seizing the moment, I unleashed Blinding Flash, a burst of radiant light that temporarily blinded the creature.
As it staggered back, I closed the distance in a heartbeat and swung my sword in another Radiant Strike, sending the wolf to its final rest.
[50 P]
I took a deep breath, feeling the rush of adrenaline in my veins. The fight had only just begun, and I had no intention of slowing down. I pressed on, deeper into the forest.
For the next two hours, I fought through a seemingly endless onslaught of monsters. Goblins with jagged teeth, venomous spiders, and hulking beasts that roared with fury—all fell before my blade. Each encounter pushed my skills to their limit, but I was relentless, refusing to yield.
When I took a hit, I summoned Light of Purity to heal myself, its warm glow a balm for both body and spirit.
Healing Radiance!
The soft radiance enveloped me, mending my wounds and filling me with renewed vigor.
[30 P]
The creatures were no match for me—one by one, they fell. But the deeper I ventured, the more I could sense a dark presence in the air. The tension in the forest was palpable, like something was lurking, just out of sight.
After slaying the last of my immediate foes, I paused, the eerie silence settling around me. The usual sounds of the forest had ceased—no birds, no rustling leaves, only the faint whistle of wind. I scanned the horizon, my eyes narrowing.
In the distance, a faint plume of smoke rose into the air, dark and thick. My curiosity piqued, I moved toward it cautiously. As I drew closer, the acrid scent of burning flesh reached my nose, and my stomach twisted. Something—someone—was burning.
I pushed through the thick underbrush, my heart racing. And then I saw it.
A horrific scene unfolded before me. Amid the smoldering remains of both monsters and students, a figure stood, laughing madly. Her hands were wreathed in cursed flames, and she reveled in the chaos she had wrought. The cries of the injured and dying echoed through the air, and the girl's twisted laughter only grew louder.
"Layla," I whispered, my voice barely audible. I recognized her instantly—she was one of us at the academy.
Layla's POV
The sea had drenched me, my clothes sticking uncomfortably to my skin, my carefully styled hair now nothing more than a mess of tangles. I could feel the heat of frustration bubbling inside me, my anger barely contained.
"Unforgivable!" I spat, fists clenched. "I'll kill everyone here!"
My mana surged through me, warming my body as I dried myself with an almost casual flick of my wrist. A wicked grin spread across my face. "Time for some fun."
With that, I dashed deeper into the inner region of the island, eager to unleash my fury on anything that dared cross my path.
It wasn't long before I found my first victims—a horde of grotesque, ugly monsters, their forms twisted in ways that made me smile. Perfect.
"Hehehe, sorry, but you're all going to die!" I cackled, my blood pumping with excitement.
With a sharp motion, I conjured my Cursed Fire, the flames leaping from my fingertips and engulfing four of them in an instant. Their screams were music to my ears as their bodies writhed and burned.
[80 P for each monster]
The remaining monsters hesitated, eyes wide with fear as they turned to chase me. But I was faster. I danced effortlessly between them, my movements a fluid ballet of death.
Summoning Hex of Misfortune, I sent dark energy rippling toward the nearest creature. It stumbled, falling to the ground in a heap.
[100 P]
The thrill of power surged within me, intoxicating and raw. I reached out with my Cursed Touch, draining the life force from another monster. Its strength flowed into me, and I grinned wider, feeling the rush of energy.
[150 P]
The chaos around me was palpable. Screams filled the air, but none of it fazed me. I reveled in it, the sound of terror a sweet symphony to my ears. I unleashed Shadow Bind, dark tendrils coiling around a group of monsters, holding them helpless as I tormented them.
[120 P]
With a flick of my fingers, I sent Cursed Reflection back at them. Their own shadows turned on them, causing them to writhe in agony.
[130 P]
The forest was a battlefield now, bodies strewn across the ground. Some were monster, some were student—but none of that mattered. I felt no remorse, no guilt. Only exhilaration.
"Please, no!" one student screamed, but I only laughed harder, my heart racing with delight.
Soul Drain. My mana pulsed, and I absorbed the essence of my victim, leaving them a lifeless husk.
[200 P]
The stench of burning flesh filled the air. The forest was now a scene of carnage, and I stood in the center of it all, basking in my destruction.
A voice pierced through the haze of my madness.
"Layla!"
I turned, my amber eyes gleaming with excitement. The chaos had drawn attention. And I was eager for more. The hunt had only just begun.