Huff...
With a deep breath, I forced the surge of energy to recede, willing my body to return to its original form. The transformation was not as smooth as I had hoped, my muscles twitching and bones shifting back into place. It took a few moments, but eventually, I stood there, once again a mere demon.
The forest seemed eerily silent after the intense rush of power and primal instincts. The moonlight cast long shadows across the clearing, and a gentle breeze whispered through the trees. I took a moment to steady myself, the echoes of my previous form still lingering within me.
"..."
Sighing in relief, I looked around, searching for the tallest tree in the vicinity. Once I found it, I began to climb, my fingers finding purchase on the rough bark.
Now that I knew that I was within my favorite Novel, I needed to get my bearings and figure out my next move.
My first priority was to find a civilization and find out where I was.
It was very important since if I ended up in a place that was hostile toward demons like me, I could be in grave danger.
Well, to be honest, the entire world was hostile toward the demons and only the Demon realm was safe for our kind.
Well, at least for now...
However, I wasn't planning to go there. There was a higher chance I'd die in the Demon realm rather than surviving there.
The hierarchy was strict, and I wouldn't be able to survive there since I'm weak.
Although my strength might seem superior to humans, it was barely minimal for the demons. Even a newborn Demon should be stronger than a normal human male and yet I was struggling to defeat a few Goblins.
Huff...
As I ascended the tree, my agile limbs allowed me to navigate the branches with ease. The rough bark scraped against my fingertips, a reminder of the world I now inhabited. With each upward movement, the forest unfolded before me, revealing a vast expanse of dense foliage and shadows.
"..."
Perched on a sturdy branch, I surveyed the surroundings, my eyes scanning for any signs of civilization. In the distance, a thin plume of smoke caught my attention, rising above the treetops like a wispy finger beckoning me forth. It was a promising sign, a potential beacon of human habitation.
Gathering my resolve, I leaped from one branch to another, repeating the process until I was low enough to jump down.
Thud...
The ground embraced me with a soft thud as I landed gracefully, my silhouette melding seamlessly with the shadows of the forest.
Following my instinct and the direction of the distant smoke, I moved with purpose, blending into the natural rhythm of the woods. I allowed the subtle sounds of the forest to guide me, listening for the crackle of footsteps or the murmur of voices that might indicate human presence.
Tap... Tap...
As I traversed the undergrowth, my keen senses heightened, picking up on the faintest sounds and scents. The rustling of leaves, the calls of nocturnal creatures, and the rich aroma of damp earth filled my perception. It was a symphony of nature, a tapestry of life that pulsed through the forest.
After what seemed like an eternity, but was likely just a short trek, I arrived at the outskirts of a small village. The scent of wood smoke grew stronger, intermingling with the fragrances of human existence. The village appeared quaint and peaceful, nestled amidst the verdant embrace of the forest.
"..."
Although I felt a sense of relief seeing civilization after everything that had happened to me during the past day, I knew I couldn't just reveal myself.
I'd be killed...
Taking shelter within the shadows, I observed the village from the cover of darkness. The soft glow of flickering lanterns bathed the cobblestone streets, casting an ethereal ambiance over the quaint buildings. The villagers moved about, their silhouettes dancing against the backdrop of illuminated windows.
I needed information, but I couldn't risk showing myself. Demons were not welcome in this world, and I had to find a way to navigate its intricacies without drawing attention to myself.
Silently, I slipped through the outskirts of the village, sticking to the alleys and avoiding the main thoroughfare. My footsteps were like whispers against the cobblestones, hardly a sound to betray my presence.
My keen senses caught snippets of conversation drifting through the night air. The villagers spoke of everyday matters, their voices carrying a mix of warmth and weariness. It was a delicate balance between curiosity and caution that governed my actions.
As I wandered deeper into the village, I caught sight of a small inn tucked away in a corner. The soft glow of candlelight spilled from its windows, accompanied by the faint hum of conversation and the clink of glasses.
Pressing myself against the rough stone wall, I strained to catch snippets of conversation emanating from the inn. The villagers' voices carried on the gentle night breeze, their words blending with the distant chirping of crickets.
"...heard strange noises coming from the old forest..."
One villager remarked, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and trepidation.
"Some say it's the work of the Demons"
"Demons? Nonsense!"
Another voice chimed in, sounding dismissive.
"I've also heard that sound, it's a Wendigo!"
Listening to their conversations, I could sense that they spoke with a mix of fear and intrigue.
Well, I'm not sure if we are talking about the same creature, but it was probably the Wendigo I'd killed.
However, there was no need to reveal myself or confirm their suspicions.
I think that they much prefer to live with a Wendigo in their backyard rather than a Demon.
Continuing my silent eavesdropping, I strained my ears to catch every word that drifted from the lips of the villagers. Their hushed whispers carried a sense of unease and curiosity, creating a delicate tapestry of information that I could weave into my understanding of this world.
"How's that girl doing, Merrin?"
Suddenly, one of the villagers spoke, causing the others to fall silent.
"She's fine, Eliza, she's fine... Well, as fine as someone can be after suffering such loss. She spends most of her time training, swinging some old sword from early morning to night."
I pressed myself to the wall even harder, trying to hear every word. The story was oddly familiar...
"Merrin, do you think she'll ever be the same again?"
Eliza's voice trembled, her genuine worry palpable in the air.
"It's hard to say, Eliza. Losing her family like that... it changes a person. But I've seen her determination, her unwavering spirit. She's been pouring all her grief into her training."
Merrin let out a weary sigh, his voice laden with empathy.
"But why does she train so tirelessly, Merrin?"
Eliza's voice quivered with curiosity.
"She believes it's the only way to protect those she cares about. Although she doesn't speak a lot, I'm pretty certain she's going to take revenge..."
The puzzle pieces slowly started to fit together in my mind, a realization dawning upon me. The girl they spoke of, the one who trained relentlessly, channeled her grief into her pursuit of strength - it was Eva, the protagonist of my favorite novel and this world.
"..."
I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as I stumbled backward, my mind racing with shock and wonder.
If this was the village where the story began...
I glanced toward the forest, specifically the northern side where a massive birch tree grew.
The first major event that happened after Eva awakened her trait was the attack on the village, where she stayed after her family's death.
And, of course, this attack was carried out by a Demon...
"Shit..."
I looked at the moon high in the sky, its soft glow casting a pale light on the world below.
This was another event that fuelled Eva's desire for vengeance, her determination to become strong enough to protect others and seek revenge against the Demons.
First, the Demons took her family, and then they attacked the village that gave her refuge.
"..."
Cautiously, I moved away from the inn's wall, slowly walking toward the birch tree that stood tall in the distance.
Clank... Clank...
The sound of metal clashing against metal echoed through the quiet night as I approached the birch tree. As I drew nearer, my eyes widened at the sight that unfolded before me.
Under the moon's gentle illumination, Eva stood alone in a small clearing, her figure silhouetted against the backdrop of darkness. Clad in simple clothing and wielding a weathered sword, she moved with a fluidity that bespoke hours of tireless training.
Her lustrous and wavy ash-blond hair fluttered in the wind like ashes carried by a solemn breeze. Each strand seemed to dance with a life of its own, mirroring the grace and determination that radiated from Eva's every movement.
Her eyes, like pools of darkness, were a captivating blend of black and grey, holding the weight of a thousand emotions within them. They sparkled with an unwavering resolve, yet were tinged with a hint of sorrow, as if they had witnessed the depths of despair and emerged stronger from the ordeal.
Clank... Clank...
Each strike reverberated in the air, a testament to the fierce resolve burning within her. Eva's face remained stoic, her brows furrowed in concentration. Beads of sweat trickled down her forehead, mingling with the dirt and grime of her arduous practice.
She swung her sword with precision and strength, honing her skills to a razor's edge. The sheer intensity of her training spoke volumes about the depth of her grief and the strength of her desire for revenge.
As I watched, transfixed by the sight, memories of the novel flooded my mind. I remembered the pages where Eva embarked on a journey, seeking out the Demons responsible for the tragedies that had befallen her.
At that moment, I realized that I had stumbled upon a pivotal chapter in Eva's story - the beginning of her transformation from a grieving girl to a formidable warrior. The villagers' whispers, the sorrow in their voices - it was all part of the tale that had captivated my imagination.
Clank... Clank...
Eva's movements were fluid, her strikes merging seamlessly into a deadly dance. The sword sliced through the air with a resounding swish, leaving behind a trail of raw determination.
She fought not only for herself but for the memory of her loved ones, for the village that had embraced her, and for all those who had suffered at the hands of the Demons. Her every muscle, every fiber of her being, was dedicated to this cause.
The moonlight bathed Eva's face, revealing a glimmer of unwavering resolve in her eyes. She was no longer a mere character in a book; she was a living embodiment of strength and resilience.
Clank... Clank...
The sound of her sword meeting an invisible foe filled the night, mingling with the whispers of leaves rustling in the wind. It was a symphony of determination, a symphony that echoed throughout the village, resonating with the hopes and dreams of all who witnessed it.
"..."
I leaned against the tree, observing her from a safe distance, so she couldn't detect me.
Although it was only the beginning of the story she was already stronger than me, so attacking her was of no use.
Suddenly, an idea sparked in my mind - an attempt to prevent the village from suffering the same fate as written in the pages of the novel.
I knew that by altering the course of events, I risked changing the very fabric of Eva's journey.
However, the thought of elevating some of her hatred toward the demons and potentially altering the future for the better compelled me to take action.
Tap... Tap...
With careful steps, I made my way back to the village, my mind slowly coming up with a plan to thwart my kin's attack.
It was time to alter the course of the story...