Indescribable horror. No words could capture what a person feels upon seeing them.
A formless something—a shadow stripped of shape. No one could explain their origin. Legends whispered: "When they appear, the world will never be the same." Yet other prophecies spoke differently: "The Inspector will come when the end is inevitable."
Hunting the Monster
Gray panted heavily.
The creature before him snarled viciously. Thick, green saliva dripped from its jagged teeth, splattering onto the ground. Its maw stretched unnaturally wide, and its elongated claws gouged deep furrows into the earth. The monster's legs were chicken-like, yet its torso was massive. Its maddened gaze could drive anyone to insanity—but Gray stared straight into its eyes. The very air around it seemed to reject its existence, as if the beast drained life from everything nearby. A suffocating, putrid stench emanated from it. But Gray wasn't so easily shaken.
— Looks like this is your end, — Gray smirked. His blade lengthened, wrapped in an eerie, barely perceptible glow. The metal hummed, thirsting for flesh. A familiar warmth spread through his body, and the space around him crackled faintly.
The creature took a step back. Was it preparing to strike, or had it sensed Gray's power? There would be no answer.
The beast lunged—
First strike.
Black sludge, resembling blood, oozed from its flank.
Second strike.
A limb flew off. A bright arc of blood sprayed through the air.
Third strike.
The monster's head tumbled to Gray's feet. The lifeless eyes still gleamed with terror.
"Finally dead? Filth."
Then the headless body twitched. With a sickening gurgle, it lunged at Gray. He leaped back but was splattered with the black ooze.
"What the hell?! How?!"
But Gray knew even these abominations had a weak spot. The heart.
He drove his blade between the creature's ribs—straight into its core. The body convulsed in agony, then fell still.
Gray looked like a tall young man, though his scars told of countless horrors endured. His windswept hair and weary, yet resolute gaze fixed on the distance.
"Strange monster… Killed a similar one four days ago. They weren't here before."
The landscape reeked of perpetual danger. Gnarled, barely recognizable trees twisted unnaturally. The air stank of rot, and scattered debris littered the ground. A hazy mist clung to everything.
"No injuries this time," Gray thought. "I'm getting better. But it's not enough. Not nearly enough. What's this thing compared to the horror I've already faced?"
He sliced off a chunk of the monster's flesh as proof of the completed contract. But on its skin, he spotted a strange symbol—a crossed-out circle.
"I see. So they're being made… Whatever. They'll never create anything stronger than the Administrator."
Gray headed to the village where he'd taken the job. He entered a hut that seemed moments from collapse, its walls barely held together by nailed planks.
— Mission complete, — Gray tossed the bloody chunk onto the elder's table. — Now, the coins.
The old man recoiled, muttering prayers under his breath.
— Ah, y-yes. Here. — His trembling hands extended a handful of crudely carved square coins. No relief filled his eyes—only fear. Tattered rags hung from his shoulders.
— Sorry, but… it's all we have. The lord of these lands… his taxes bled us dry.
Gray wanted to demand more, but the elder's wretched face stopped him.
"This'll last a while. People here are poor…"
"So, a territory lord… Typical for these lands. Better not cross them yet."
Gray found a secluded spot with a clear vantage—no one could sneak up here. He gathered branches, chopped wood, and lit a fire. Time to check his gear.
Among his belongings:
- A machete-like blade, scarred by countless battles.
- Potion vials.
- Throwing knives and explosives.
- Monster trophies to sell for profit.
"I need to get stronger. These pathetic creatures are nothing compared to the Administrator. Fighting monsters won't make me powerful enough."
The fire's warmth soothed him. The smell of roasting meat stirred his hunger.
"Eat first."
Later, as he prepared to sleep, memories of his village flooded back.