8 8 Stonegore (1/2)

-[Stonegore] –

[Level 40] –

[Danger Rating: Deadly] –

[Health: 115/15,450] –

[Mana: 12/100] –

[Mana State: Bloom] –

[Titles: King of the Forest, Unbound, Rockskin] -

An ashen beast that would normally tower above men, with it's deep earthy green antlers high in the sky, was now covered in fatal wounds and at the mercy of the men it once saw beneath it. The sad, low rumble the beast let out was a testament to the severity of its wounds. The militia standing around gave no respite to the beast, kicking it while it was down and bound - laughter erupting every so often.

”Disgusting,” stated Korrin, knowing full well that even if it was a beast, that they should be treated with some respect. Donis could only nod his head in silent agreement as he was truly transfixed with the beauty and the power of this beast. Those common and uncommon beasts he saw paled in comparison to this kingly figure.

'System, what are the danger ratings for monsters?' Donis questioned, noticing it had the [Deadly] tag in it's status.

-From Lowest to Highest, they are [Common], [Uncommon], [Deadly], [Myth], [Legend]- the [System] answered succinctly.

'Deadly huh. It definitely jumped up in intensity from uncommon,' he pondered. Donis noticed it even had a title, ”King of the Forest”. 'I wonder what such a grand sounding title even does, I'm actually jealous,' he stared at the beast in contempt. Though the title was impressive, he definitely wasn't envious of the beasts current predicament.

The soldiers were now picking up pace and moved the Stonegore deeper into the camp. There was a man dressed in heavy tanned gear holding what looked like an executioners axe wearing a solemn expression. The soldiers were bringing it to him, yet he wanted no part in this Thinning. 'Beasts are meant to be respected and fought with courage,' thought the man in disdain.

At the mans feet, the beast was wheezing heavily. Open wounds decorating it's once majestic figure. 'A sorry sight,' he continued his thoughts. It was his job, and no matter how he felt, the job had to be done. Cursing the baron that had funded this Thinning, he raised his axe. The crowd had all become silent, even the babes feeling the tension in the air had remained motionless.

The Stonegore blearily opening its eyes and tensing his neck in the direction of the executioner letting off a low howl that echoed throughout the camp. As if a signal from the beast itself, the executioner sharply brought down the axe with a clean motion. It was done quickly and as humanely as the executioner could make it.

At the sight of this, the crowd had all let go of their breath. Difficult smiles started appearing throughout the crowds, trying to chase away the solemn mood that had swept over.

A low-pitched howl tore it's way through the camp, emanating from within the forest. A hundred gazes cast towards the source, an opening in the wall of trees that stood against them.

Three slightly smaller Stonegore stood before them, emitting a serene grey aura. The one who had let out the howl-like sound had began walking towards the Stonegore that had just fallen, with the others following behind it.

The soldiers all got into a battle formation, sweat clearly dripping off their brow. They had just fought a single Stonegore, and it took nearly all of their ingenuity in trap making, and even then it was a fluke. Their troop was not prepared to fight so many, they came just as a show of power to these villagers.

”Men, stand united!” Boomed the captain. A young looking figure, but he definitely commanded a presence when he spoke. The spearmen crouched low while they had the swordsmen cover them with their shields. They had formed a wall of weaponry in moments.

The villagers had began to get up, some running in fear, others gazing onwards to what may ensue in just a moment. Donis's family were one of the ones who couldn't move, enchanted by the sight before them.

Seizing this moment, Donis thought he'd have a look at the captains status, just to compare to his dad.

[Name: Colin Del Holt]

[Age: 36 Years]

[Level: 39][? EXP]

[Mana State: Breath]

[Health: ?]

[Mana: ?]

[Occupation: Militia Captain of Vorinar, 5th Rank]

?

'The captain is really impressive! I can't even read his base stats. It's probably either a restriction or something to do with the level difference.. I guess I'll find out more when I actually upgrade the system huh..' Donis thought to himself. His eyes were refocused back onto the battle, quickly forgetting about the captains stats.

He could see clearly that the skin of these Stonegores were becoming duller second by second. The antlers taking on a darker hue and the tips edging out further, converging into one point of space ahead of it.

”ARCHERS, FIRE,” screamed the captain. The archers surrounding the edges of the fence all released their arrows in unison. Whistling could be heard through the air as arrows flashed forth in a bright light. A notification popped up,

-[Ability Scanning...]-

He had just seen his first ability! He had no time to get too excited at this revelation as the battlefield quickly changed.

The Stonegore smashed their massive legs into the earth, splitting it and erecting a massive wall of stone before them. The arrows stuck deeply into the rock, the light following the arrows fading immediately after.