12 Returning to the Hamle (2/2)

No…this guy definitely didn't even have a Core. He was just a normal human.

No matter how much he thought about it, Edmond couldn't figure it out.

Resolving to conceal his emotions more effectively, he went over the plan he had formed in his head.

'This guy definitely has no idea about Teras and the ways to subdue them. He won't know what hit him. I'm sorry, my innocent friend. If you want to blame something, blame your lack of knowledge.'

Saying this in his mind while he looked at Aaron, Edmond walked on, but after he turned away, Aaron glanced at him with a pondering expression on his face.

He was very sensitive to the signs given out by any being that was in his proximity. After all, it was essential when he was on the hunt.

This man seemed…nervous, but also excited.

When he thought about it, Aaron realized that he reminded him of a Horned Rattlesnake which was lying in wait to shoot forward and strike to kill its opponent in one go using its sharp horn.

Even Woof growled in a low voice, giving Aaron the signal that it had picked up something, too.

Just as he decided that he would be wary around this man, he looked up to see that they had arrived at that same metallic building.

Entering it, he found the Chief, who only waved at him in greeting and gestured at a seat.

Sitting down, Aaron braced himself for the ghost to reappear, and when it did, he saw how different it was from a ghost.

”This is nothing to be afraid of. The machine which is made using many rare and precious materials bounces light off of various points in this room to make this image appear. It's basically the same effect as when you see sunlight take a tangible shape when its in a dark environment. Now, just sit still. Hub, scan him and give him his identity card.”

”Scanning. DNA being collected. DNA uploading. Downloading identity card. Do you wish to create an Ascender Card as well?”

As that female voice asked this question, the Chief looked at Aaron with a questioning look on his face, after which he said ”Yes,” as he saw Aaron nodding vigorously.

Aaron had already figured out that that term referred to the Path he wanted to Ascend, from all the interactions he had overheard so far. So, he had given his assent.

Soon, a rectangular hole on the side of the room flashed before two cards flew out of it.

All 4 walls of this room were covered with odd designs of multi-colored objects, which Aaron tried to ignore as they made his head dizzy.

Catching the cards, the Chief handed them to Aaron, along with a small sheet of papers.

”All the basic orientation information is in there. You can go over it slowly, later. I've assigned a room for you. Come on.”

Nodding, Aaron followed the Chief and was led into a small house nearby which had a bed.

”Read, and rest up. I'll talk to you tomorrow. My wife will send you your food. I asked her to send a lot for your companion, too. I just want you to ease into this, first. So, just take it easy. See you later.”

Nodding again, Aaron and Woof watched as the Chief locked the door. There was an open window, so they weren't very concerned about an exit path.

The rest of the day passed peacefully, with Woof choosing to nap and Aaron going through the booklet, which fascinated him.

At night, they enjoyed those same buns again, which made Woof quite happy.

As night approached, the two prepared to rest.

…

Meanwhile, outside, Edmond was watching that house. Through the window, he could tell that both of them were awake.

Seconds, minutes and hours passed, but the two gave no indication of going to sleep.

Finally, at 2 A.M, Edmond finally saw the dog lying down, while the guy was also motionless on the bed

This was his chance.

Tiptoeing, he made his way to the house before entering it through the window.

Quiet breathing greeted his ears, and his eyes locked on to the sleeping husky, which was his target.

All it would take was a second.

That piece of information he had recalled had also contained another fact: the Teras of those who survived in forests were usually those with high potential, as only those beings were capable of the instinct to protect.

He wanted the Tera.

It was unbound, so if he walked forward and used a tool he had bought in the city, he would be able to own it easily.

After reaching the Tera, Edmond reached in his pocket to take out a syringe-like object before bending.

Yet, at that exact moment, the clouds covering the moon outside parted, resulting in a ray of moonlight to fall on the Tera.

In that instant, Edmond's heart froze, as he spotted the open eyes of the Tera looking at him as if he were prey.

In a flash, it lunged for his throat with its fangs.