0148 First Encounter with the Night Ghost

"No magic. No sound." The ethereal, fairy-like voice, with its peculiar lilt, sounded once more. The hand clamped over Moumou’s mouth tightened its grip, pressing so hard she couldn't even catch her breath, let alone speak or cast a spell. Huanluo had also been successfully tackled to the ground by the mysterious figure and lay right beside her. Unlike Moumou, however, Huanluo had been pinned down by the fairy-like figure's own weight rather than the invisible force suppressing Moumou.

Catching a glimpse of the dark shadow hovering over Huanluo, Moumou desperately wanted to see the mysterious figure’s face, but she was held too firmly to turn her head. Her line of sight was restricted to a live broadcast of a hunt unfolding on the lake.

It was nearly dusk. The golden light of the setting sun spilled across the vast expanse of the azure lake, creating a shimmering, dreamlike effect. Combined with the lush layers of the surrounding forest and the various birds and beasts darting across the sky, all accompanied by the faint fragrance of flowers carried on a gentle breeze, it would have been a breathtakingly beautiful scene—had one ignored the group of people locked in a fierce battle on the water.

Unfortunately, those involved would not abandon their prey simply because of Moumou’s appreciation for the scenery. Facing off on the churning, spray-filled lake were a long-necked giant beast and a group of strange-looking humanoids. The giant beast was the largest magical creature Moumou had ever seen in this world; its massive body took up nearly half the lake. Yet, this immense bulk seemed to have no impact on its agility or swimming. Two colossal wings sprouted from its sides—large enough, Moumou reckoned, to feed her, Huanluo, and Liangyin for a full month, with plenty to spare. These wings allowed it to glide effortlessly through the water and take to the air for short bursts of flight. The creature possessed a long, dinosaur-like neck, surrounded by large, sharp spikes that were naturally coated in toxic venom, serving both offensive and defensive purposes. These spikes weren't just on its neck; a neat row of them lined its spine as well. The venom was no mere paralytic agent; it was a rare, corrosive substance, as deadly as sulfuric acid from her old world. To top it off, the beast was naturally attuned to water magic; with a flick of its tail, a splash of its toxic water could wipe out a whole army. Such a freak of nature was something Moumou had only ever seen in a fuzzy, obscure illustration in a dusty, yellowed book in the Third Young Master’s eccentric study.

She never expected to see a living specimen so easily. Moumou swallowed hard, at a loss for how to describe her current state of mind. Monstrosities, she knew, never appeared alone. True anomalies were usually communal—like the legendary four-element mages, the formidable Night Wraiths, or the epic-level magical beasts of myth. Perhaps they only felt normal when surrounded by their own kind.

Moumou’s mind raced uncontrollably, for what lay before her were two of those very categories: an epic-level magical beast and the formidable Night Wraiths. If, indeed, these strange, human-like creatures were Night Wraiths.

Yes, she told herself, the humanoids confronting the beast at the lake must be Night Wraiths. It wouldn't be accurate to call them human, despite their distinct facial features, upright stature, and language. They were as different from humans as a Na'vi was to a man.

Moumou had the clearest view of the leader. He appeared to be an adult male. His long, natural black hair was tied into a sleek ponytail that trailed behind him. His black eyes, little different from a human's, were locked onto the prey, waiting for an opening. His deep bronze skin and high bridge of his nose gave him an exotic charm, and a symbolic pattern painted along his cheek made him stand out further. Most striking were his ears—long and pointed, like those of elves in films, setting him clearly apart from humanity. The solid, defined muscles of his arms and legs were exposed beyond his simple, form-fitting leather armor, giving him the rugged intensity of a Saiyan. A mysterious red pattern was tattooed on his chest, but it was partially obscured, preventing Moumou from making it out.

His companions, though varying in build and facial features, all shared the same signature traits: deep bronze skin, black eyes, black hair, red tattoos, and long ears. Their weapons were diverse, yet similar in nature. Each wore a quiver of arrows on their back, along with bows of various colors and materials. In their hands, they held an assortment of blades—short swords, daggers, scimitars—with no two weapons appearing identical in style or color.

The Night Wraiths were holding their ground on the shore. The shockwave that had nearly cost Moumou and Huanluo their lives must have been the result of their first clash. Though she hadn't seen what had snapped two thick, century-old trees, the sight of a broken spike on the beast's neck and the two Night Wraiths lying motionless behind the group made it clear enough.

The Night Wraiths had evidently sent a "hunting party" to take down the beast, but the plan had failed, resulting only in the loss of one of the creature's spikes. In its fury, the beast had retaliated with a devastating blow, instantly taking two of the vanguard out of the fight.

She didn't know how long the standoff had lasted, but suddenly, the leader let out a shrill, hawk-like cry. The rest of the Night Wraiths followed suit, echoing the sound in unison. As they roared, they raised their silver blades, which glinted with murderous intent in the sunlight.

A great battle was inevitable.