"Catch!" The warning was quite unnecessary as the large bag full of supplies was only inches from Milas' face. Milas closed his eyes and braced for impact but it was all for naught as his body slammed into the ground. He slowly stood up and lifted the bag off the ground and placed it on his back. The movements were smooth and precise as he was very familiar with the weight of the bag. He no longer got angry when this kind of thing happens."Looks like someone is trying to act tough." This comment came from Adrian, a dark haired youth with a handsome face and well built body. Milas walked right past him and didn't even spare him a glance. Adrian was incensed, he hated it when Milas would ignore him like he was an insignificant ant. Adrian tried to trip him but Milas was rooted to the spot. Adrian was about to draw his sword but a large man in heavy armour appeared in front of him. The man was two heads taller than him and Adrian could only stare at his broad chest as he grudgingly walk

Milas didn't hesitate as he shot up from his position to where the group was. The sound got even louder and more desperate as whatever it was broke branches when it moved. Everyone became alert when they heard the loud rustling of leaves and snapping of branches. The large man put the blood covered crystal in a pouch hanging on a waist strap. He then picked up his axes and took a defensive stance, ready for anything that came his way. Adrian also took a stance with his sword facing the direction of the sound. Jill's outstretched bow had an arrow that was ready to shoot whatever was coming the second it appeared. Milas quickly hid behind the group, not caring if he looked like a coward. At least cowards live longer than those who try to be heroes. The rustling got louder before it suddenly stopped. The silence that enveloped the area was unnatural. Even the constant sound of waving branches blown by the wind had stopped. The group held their weapons even tighter. Milas drew his sho

Milas walked towards the fallen Adrian with steady steps. His right hand covering the bite on his left shoulder. The bloodstained sword left an inch deep grove as he dragged it behind him. He finally got close to Adrian who had pulled himself back till his back hit a tree."Do... don't hurt me, Milas. I wasn't gonna hurt you before, I swear. The creature is dead now so please just let me live. I'll give my share of the payment. I'll give you anything you want just let me go." Adrian begged with tears rolling down his face. His voice had lost its previous confidence."You tried to feed me to that thing!! Do you really expect me to let you go. You can keep your money!!" Milas yelled, the anger in his voice was clear as day. He held the sword with both hands and lifted it above his head. "I going to kill you!!!"He was about to bring the blade down when he made eye contact with Adrian. The look of hopelessness accompanied with the reflection of Milas himself deep in those eyes dissolved

"Its been so long but maybe it hasn't. I have no way of telling time in this wretched place. Strangely, the more tests I undergo the better I feel. I am physically and mentally superior to my former self but what good is that. I am just a slave whose worth is determined by the tests I survive. I'm sick of this. I will get out of here eventually. My story will not end here." Milas thought for what was probably the thousandth time since his capture.Time flowed like an endless river but ever since the day of his enslavement Milas felt lost in its turbulence. The one thing he was grateful for was the mere fact that he was alive. At times Milas felt like his slaver was not doing any experiments but outright trying to kill him. Despite these obstacles, Milas knew that the tests were improving him. Light pierced his eyes as the door to his cell swung open. The most painful thing was that the door was never locked. The figure just tells him to go sit in his cell and he becomes powerless to r

A group of guards marched into a large hall with their hands resting on the hilts of their swords. Their single file march stopped and split into a triangular formation. The guard at the front moved aside letting another guard with a whip stand at the front of the formation."It's time for you to head to the mines so all of you stand up. Make a single line and follow the night beside me." The guard said as another guard on his left turned around and walked towards the open door. The formation split apart leaving a path that led to the door with guards on both sides. The people with metallic collars followed the orders and walked towards the door.As expected, not everyone followed the orders as some new arrivals refused to stand. One guard stepped forward to teach the nearest one some manners. "Crack." "AAAHHH."The guard was a meter away from the sitting man when the crack of a whip followed by a pain filled scream resounded. The guard was frozen as he stared at the screaming man be