Master Of Astral Summoner
Chapter 53: Midnight strikes

Chapter 53: Midnight strikes

Hearing Chelsie’s words, Shaan could only swallow hard. Damn. The power of a rune alone turned out to be terrifying, and since its effect could influence his insanity level, he needed to think very carefully before using it.

"Oh... and there’s one thing you need to know, Shaan. Most Daemonists can only use one cursed object, but some Daemonists manage to control the power of more than one," Nalira explained.

"Uhm... what Lira said is true," Chelsie added while sipping the drink in her hand. "However, the risk increases significantly and can endanger the one who wields the cursed object."

’Cursed objects are truly terrifying things,’

"Do you still have any other questions, Shaan?"

Shaan shook his head. "No. I think I already understand enough about cursed objects."

"Uhmm... maybe if you’re still confused, you can just ask both of us. We’ll help as much as we can, right, Lira?"

".... Yes." Nalira nodded her head slowly. "Now, we should rest. I’ll put out this fire so that the creatures of darkness won’t find us. The longer this fire burns, the more dark creatures might realize our existence."

"Uhmm... Lira, but wait a moment."

"What’s wrong, Elsie?"

"What about that simple protective spell you used when you were in the cave?"

Nalira shook her head slowly. "My protective spell can only be used for rooms that are not too large and enclosed. Unfortunately, we’re in an open room and I can’t use my protective spell here at all."

"Uhmm... alright. I see." Chelsie sighed. "So... what should we do?"

"I have an idea." Shaan snapped his fingers. "How about we take turns sleeping. Surely we can take care of each other, right?"

"Uhmmm... but what about dividing the shifts?" Chelsie scratched her head. "We don’t have a clock to tell time at all."

Shaan pointed his finger at the sky. "Look at the change in the moon’s color. It’s almost black now, and I think that means midnight is near," Shaan said. "When midnight comes, the current guard will wake the next one. What do you think?"

"...I think that idea makes sense." Nalira nodded. "In that case, I’ll—"

"I’ll take the first watch," Shaan interrupted quickly. "So the order will be me, then Nalira, and finally Chelsie. Sound good?"

"Uhmm... I don’t mind that at all."

"...Alright. Then Elsie and I will get some rest." Nalira lowered her head slightly. "We’ll leave it to you."

"Okay, you two sleep well."

Time passed, and no signs of the dark creatures appeared. Nalira and Chelsie still slept deeply. Good—at least everyone remained safe, and nothing seemed worth worrying about.

Yaaawwnn

[Hey, Shaan. We should rest now, Robin Hood suggested. [This place looks safe, and nothing dangerous has shown up. Besides, you must be getting tired from staying on watch alone in all this darkness, right?]

Shaan slapped his cheeks repeatedly. "Yeah, I’m tired, but I made a promise. I have to stay awake while Nalira and Chelsie rest," he said while rubbing his eyes. "Besides, my shift is almost over, and soon I’ll—"

A strange sound suddenly echoed not far from where Shaan sat, snapping his eyes wide open. He caught a glimpse of a strange silhouette darting from one tree to another. But the forest was too dark, and he couldn’t see it.

"Robin Hood, there seems to be something there." Shaan slowly drew his dual short swords, preparing to launch an attack if any creatures of darkness attacked. "We have to be careful."

[That’s right, I caught a glimpse of it too.] Robin Hood immediately drew his bow without any hesitation. [The silhouette should be there. I’ll try to shoot my arrow there."]

"Hey, Robin Hood, what are you doing? How can you possibly shoot that silhouette in this condition?"

[Trust me, I can do it.] Robin Hood aimed his bow. [Now, I’m just waiting for your command.]

"Alright, then. Shoot your arrow to-"

Before Shaan could finish his sentence, Robin Hood had already released his arrow. The arrow quickly shot towards the one a few meters away from their resting place, and there was the sound of the arrow hitting something.

’Thawck.

"Hey, looks like your attack hit something."

[I told you,] Robin Hood said, puffing out his chest with pride. [My instincts are sharp, and I knew that shot would land. Now we need to go over and check it out.]

’Yeah, his instincts are impressive, Shaan admitted internally, but that arrow could’ve just hit a tree trunk.’

[Shaan, what are you doing?] Robin Hood jerked his head back. [Come on, we have to quickly check it out.]

They both moved closer to the spot where the arrow had struck. To Shaan’s surprise, his assumption was wrong. Robin Hood’s arrow had hit the silhouette, now pinned against a tree trunk. Incredible. Shaan had to admit, Robin Hood wasn’t wrong at all.

[Shaan, this... this is...]

His face turned pale when he saw that the silhouette was not what he had imagined. At first, he thought that it might be a creature of darkness that might be a worm or something, but it was not. The silhouette turned out to be the long roots of a plant of unknown origin.

"What the... h-how did this root even get here?"

[I have no idea.] Robin Hood shook his head. [Looks like we have to hurry-]

A strange tremor suddenly shook the ground around them, and Shaan spotted a strange mound darting rapidly toward the pile of firewood—dangerously close to where Nalira and Chelsie lay asleep.

"Robin Hood, we need to get back right now before that plant’s roots reach Nalira and Chelsie!" Shaan shouted, sprinting toward their resting spot.

[Okay, Shaan. I got it.]

They rushed back as fast as they could. When they arrived, Shaan’s heart dropped—Nalira had already become entangled in the creeping roots. The thick vines wrapped around her quickly, binding her body completely.

’Slash! Slash!’

"Nalira, are you okay?" Shaan patted Nalira’s cheek repeatedly while removing the root from Nalira’s body.

"Shaan?" Nalira slowly opened her eyes. "What...what happened?"

"There’s a horrible creature trying to capture us. We need to get out of here as quickly as possible."

"...Wait. Hold on. Where’s Chelsie?"