MTLNOVEL Chapter 62: True colors
"So where does this beast reside? Ghirodah?" Hades asked as they moved through the forest, heading toward a destination known only to the other three.
He was merely following along, letting them lead. They seemed to know the way.
"Ghirodah is a giant wolf," explained the male party member, Lary. "It's been hunting local traders—those who travel at night. So far, it's claimed over thirty lives. Still roaming free… No one's fast enough to keep up with it."
The forest was quiet, save for the occasional rustling in the underbrush and the distant hoots of nocturnal creatures.
It was the dead of night—perhaps the worst time to be wandering through the woods. But this was the only hour the beast was known to appear, and both teams were in a hurry to finish the quest.
"So, Hades… are you two here on a honeymoon?" Maria suddenly asked, a teasing grin curling on her lips.
She had been quiet until now, so Hades had mistakenly assumed she was the shy type.
He glanced at Luna, only to catch her quickly looking away. But the slight flush on her cheeks betrayed her.
He chuckled and replied, "If it were a honeymoon, I'd have taken her to the ocean. This is just a casual stroll."
Luna spun toward him with wide eyes, her face clearly saying, You remember?!
Hades offered a boyish grin. Of course, I do.
"Hoh~ that's quite thoughtful," Maria chimed in playfully.
Hades simply smiled and fell silent again.
Suddenly, Lary spoke up. "It's strange."
Hades raised an eyebrow. "What is?"
"We haven't come across a single beast. By now, we should've been attacked at least once."
[That's because you're unintentionally releasing your presence. You need to work on that.]
The voice inside Hades's mind casually answered Lary's question. But, of course, no one else could hear it.
Hades shrugged. "Maybe it's just our lucky day."
Olivia snickered, "Hope this luck doesn't keep us away from our target."
Hades didn't bother responding. He knew his presence wouldn't scare off a beast strong enough to warrant a bounty this high from the guild.
Silently, he walked—his left hand holding Luna's, while his right gripped the staff resting on his shoulder. After a moment, he asked the system in his mind,
'Tell me… once I hit the hundred mark in every stat, does it all reset to zero?'
{No, Host. Once you reach a hundred in all physical stats, the system will shift focus to recording chaos particles. These will aid in the growth of your core.}
'Chaos particles… what are those?'
A deeper voice answered this time,
[The more chaos you create—through battles, by slaying powerful beings, by toppling nations—the more chaos particles you'll absorb.]
'That sounds violent… and complicated.'
[It isn't. What's complicated… is you. Your hesitation. Your unwillingness to accept what you are—a beast. That's what's holding you back. And mark my words, it'll cost you one day.]
Hades rolled his eyes. Not this again.
"Hey…" Luna whispered, her voice barely above the wind. "...aren't we going a little too deep?"
Hades glanced around—and yes, they had wandered quite far.
Still, he replied calmly, "Do you feel it? The silence. No strong beasts nearby… That can only mean one thing—an apex predator rules this area."
It was a simple truth known to any seasoned adventurer. When a true hunter claims territory, all others either flee or come to challenge it. But not a single beast had shown itself for a while now.
Which meant only one thing.
"We're getting close," Hades murmured, more to himself than to anyone else.
Almost as if on cue, Lary raised his hand and turned to the group. "We're approaching its shelter. Stay sharp. And keep the noise to a minimum."
Hades gave a solid nod. He let go of Luna's hand and gripped his spear with both hands, readying himself.
Luna, too, lifted her hand. Her staff shimmered into existence with a soft glow.
"That is so cool," Maria whispered, her eyes sparkling as she watched the staff materialize out of thin air.
Luna gave a small, uncertain smile, unsure how to respond.
"Alright, team. Focus up," Lary said, his voice low but steady. "I'll lead. Olivia covers the rear. Hades, take the left flank. Maria, you're on the right. Keep the healer in the center."
Hades blinked in surprise at how precise the command was. This was their first quest together, and yet Lary spoke like someone who'd led a dozen parties before.
Still, he didn't question it. He silently took his place on the left, adjusting his grip on the spear as they moved into formation.
Slowly and steadily, they reached a clearing.
The thick canopy overhead opened up, revealing a vast circle of untouched land bathed in silver light. Moonlight cascaded down like a shimmering curtain, painting the entire glade in a cold, ethereal glow.
The air here felt heavier, yet sacred—so still that even the nocturnal sounds had faded away.
And in the center of it all…
A massive silver-furred wolf lay stretched across an elevated platform.
Its coat shimmered like liquid starlight, every hair reflecting the moon as if it had been woven from it. Muscles coiled beneath its fur even in rest, and its long tail flicked lazily, betraying that it was aware… and listening.
"Okay, let's flank him from both sides." Lary gave the command and Hades noticed that they had spread out suddenly.
Hades held his ground and stood before Luna, not understanding why Olivia gave away her position.
Just then, the wolf slowly opened its eyes—and turned to look at them.
**FLINCH**
A cold jolt shot through Hades.
Every single fiber of his being screamed.
**Dread.**
Those piercing red eyes locked onto him like spears, and in that moment… Hades knew.
He was standing before something beyond him. A predator at the very top.
His legs refused to move. His arms wouldn't lift. He was frozen.
"I-I can't move…" Luna's trembling voice broke the silence. She was caught in the same grip.
Hades clenched his jaw, willing his body to respond, to do something—but fear clung to his bones like chains.
He thought it couldn't get worse.
Until it did.
The three who had been walking beside them, smiling, talking, pretending… suddenly shifted.
Lary, Maria, and Olivia turned around—grinning. Their eyes were no longer warm. Just cold… and cruel.
'Bastards…' Hades thought, rage bubbling beneath the fear.
He knew they were going to betray them but never believed they would pick such a crucial time.
°°°°°°°
A/N:- The chapter was becoming a little too long so distributed it into two. Thanks for reading.