n

n

nThe beast tried its best to make Klautz fall off its neck but Klautz held onto it firmly not letting go.

nGritting his teeth, he twisted and churned the sword trying to get it further inside its head. He wanted to get to its brain. If he was able to destroy its organs that would result in instant death. With a hide as thick as this bests', no assassination techniques were going to work on it. So, this was the best way Klautz could think of!

n

"This beast is struggling too much, Just **ing die!

" Klautz shouted showing his anger.

n

"Roar!

" The beast roared in pain as the sword pierced his head more and more. Black fluid started to gush out of the orifice Klautz created.

nThe beast gave one last shake trying to get rid of Klautz but Klautz gritted his teeth and held onto his sword.

nTo Klautz it felt like he was in an earthquake of huge magnitude!

nKlautz curled his hand to a fist and hammered his sword as if it was a nail. Hammered it deeper into its head.

nThe beast stopped moving mid-air which its torso high up. Its eyes rolled.

n*Thud*

nStrength 1

nA message popped signifying the increase in Klautz stat.

nThe huge beast fell to the floor.

nKlautz spat out blood. The shaking had caused some light damage to him.

n

"So you finally rested in peace, huh?

" Klautz spat to the side, his spit mixed with a bit of blood.

nSecond Stage cleared!

nDo you wish to move onto the third stage? (yes

/no)

n

"No.

"

nUser has to chose not to proceed onto the next stage. User will be forcefully sent to the next stage after 30 minutes.

nKristie who was unaware of Blair's death saw all of this up close. The ferociousness and tenacity with which Klautz fought and held onto his sword made him admire him deep down. The hatred he felt for the man dissipated into thin air, and it somehow turned to that of reverence.

n

"He's cool! How was he able to do that! My axe won't even make a mark!

" Being at the other side of the room and facing the beast's back he knew nothing of the sacrifice that was made for making Klautz look cool. Neither did he know that it was the difference in rank of the weapons that had made this possible. It was much later that he would realize that one of his friends had died to the beast.

nKlautz placed his feet on the beasts head. And then with all of his strength, he pulled out the sword that was stuck inside. It was struck a bit too deep enough to make Klautz grit his teeth while pulling it.

nThe sword came out. Along with it came a fountain of black fluid. It seemed that this demonic beast's blood was black just like itself. The blood flowed through the head as it disappeared into the black floor making it a bit invisible to the naked eyes.

nOnly the red blood that belonged to Blair was vibrantly visible and it was a stark contrast to the black floor below. But Klautz chose not to care. He ducked low and began dismantling the now fallen beast.

nIt's tough hide.

nIts sharp teeth.

nAll of them were rare resources that Klautz might need in the future. He imagined a butchering knife as his ninja sword wriggled and transformed into one.

nA shape shifting knife sure is handy.

n****

nUser will be forced to the next stage after 30 minutes.

nDant's pupils shook as he read the message. There was nothing he could do about it. But that was not the problem. The message made him realize that he had missed a very important detail. His life was on the line, so he was only thinking of saving himself but he had failed to ask himself an important question.

n

"How many stages are there in this trial?

"

nHe turned his head with a horrified face. An image of Verona and the others weeping over the now-dead Blair entered his eyes. There were four people left including himself.

n

"If one person is to be sacrificed on every stage. How many stages were there and how many of us would survive?

"

nHe had signed the devil's deal but he had missed such an important detail! Now, who would save him from the devil? He knew just one thing, there are at least 3 stages. What is the maximum limit? He didn't know. He could only make guesses.

nDant wiped the sweat through his head. A plethora of possibilities churned in his mind. Making him more and more horrified!

n

"What if he is planning to sacrifice me and Verona at the very end? What if all of this was his ploy?

"

nHe was struck in the worst possible situation possible. And now he had to deal with the worst person possible.

nIf Klautz had to kill them he would have done that at the very first encounter. To him, Klautz was like a devil who wanted nothing but their suffering. The only reason that he could think of as to why he let them be was that Klautz wanted to use them. Use them as lures to hook the fish. But, instead of fishes, he would hook ferocious beasts instead.

n

"I should have never accepted his terms! But what else could I do?

"

nHe was scared as hell. He wanted to save his life and had used the only means possible. The only rope he could hold onto before dying and falling into the abyss. What had the fear of death had caused him to do? He had signed the contract of his own death.

nHe turned his head to Klautz. He got up from butchering the beast as he wiped his sweat.

n***

nAuthor: Like it? Add it to your library.

nCreation is hard for authors. Cheer me up with your stones!

nLet me know your thoughts in the comment section.

n