Ash and Dust

Chapter 2- Into the Unknown

I woke up in a dimly lit room, disoriented and groggy. As my eyes adjusted to the surroundings, I realized that I was lying on a narrow bed in what appeared to be a small, makeshift infirmary.

The figure, still donned in the dark brown coat and wide-brimmed hat, stood beside me, anxiously fumbling with a vial of red liquid. "You really took a beating out there, kid. I didn't think you'd make it, but you've got some stubborn spirit in you," he said with a mix of relief and concern.

I attempted to speak, but my voice came out as a raspy whisper. The figure noticed my struggle and leaned closer. "Don't exert yourself too much. You're lucky to be alive, but you need to rest and heal. We'll talk later."

With that, he gently pressed the vial to my lips and poured the red liquid down my throat. Instantly, a warm sensation spread through my body, soothing my aching muscles and invigorating my weary mind. It was a healing potion, and it worked wonders.

As the effects of the potion took hold, I felt my strength slowly returning. I sat up, testing my limbs cautiously. To my surprise, the pain that had once wracked my body was now reduced to a dull ache.

The figure, satisfied that I was alright for the moment, straightened up and removed his hat, revealing a face with sharp features and piercing blue eyes. "Name's Val," he introduced himself, his voice carrying a hint of gruffness. "You must be the new recruit HATS told me about. Welcome to the world of Remnant."

I struggled to find my voice again, but managed to whisper, "Thank you...for saving me."

Val gave a small, sheepish smile. "Well, you're not the first and probably won't be the last. But I can't leave a fledgling host to die on their first mission, now can I?"

I nodded, gratitude welling up inside me.

As I settled back onto the bed, still weak. Val pulled up a chair and sat beside me. "You've got potential, kid. We'll make sure you're well-trained before sending you out on any more dangerous missions. But for now, rest up. You've got a long journey ahead of you."

Those words caught me off guard. Train, host, and he knows about Hats?! I felt a momentary paralysis as I tried to process what that could mean. But, I was too exhausted to confront him about it now. I promised myself I would address it later.

I laid down, and within moments, I drifted off into a much more peaceful sleep than before. The comfort enveloped me, and I surrendered to the embrace of slumber.

Val watched as Ash snored away, his mouth wide open, even drooling a bit. He resembled an elderly man in a retirement home. Val assumed that the Grimm attack had taken a greater toll on Ash than he initially thought, but he was relieved to see that the kid only had a scratch mark on his chest.

Surveying the area, Val couldn't spot Hats anywhere near his makeshift tent. Now that he pondered on it, he realized he needed to plan something for Ash to do once he woke up. While Ash seemed capable of handling Beowolf cubs, he struggled with the adults. Val recalled hearing reports of Creeps being sighted in this part of Vale. They might provide a suitable challenge for Ash and could also help him gain more experience points.

If I know Hats, he's probably going to try and get Ash into one of those combat schools eventually. Heh, they basically do his job for him, Val thought with a roll of his eyes. But Ash will need to be at least level 2 or maybe even level 3 by then. Leveling up can take years, depending on the number and difficulty of the fights you engage in. Grimm can provide easy XP and loot, but fighting against humans will help him develop new abilities and think more creatively. Unfortunately, Vale isn't the best Kingdom for that. I know another one, but it might be too advanced for him... Nah, I'll be there to support him, he'll be fine.

By the time we get to a city with a air ship he'll be able to at least stay alive. HATS definitely won't let the kid get killed at least not yet.

Drumming his fingers on his thighs Val suddenly felt like the tent was getting to stuffy and moved towards the exit. When he got out he felt the crisp air and saw the sky slowly mixed with pink, orange, and a deep blue of the twilight hour it wasn't as good as the night sky but still it was a pleasurable experience. He just stood there listing to the crickets letting his mind calm down.

When his thoughts were ready to proceed, he began crafting a game plan. Alright, there's a village nearby, not too far from here. We should be able to reach it within a day or two. Once there, we can stay for a few days, hunt down some Grimm for cash, and then take a bullhead to one of the cities with an airship. That should help us cross the border. Although we could try taking a bullhead directly over the border, I just don't trust my luck enough to take such a risky move.

We'll definitely need some supplies and suitable clothing for the journey. Atlas isn't the easiest place for people to adapt to, so we need to be prepared.

Realizing that he would also need to assist him in creating a weapon, Val felt a sense of frustration and sighed, but he knew he couldn't avoid it. He always honored his obligations and owed HATS a significant one.

Heading towards the campfire, Val took a seat and added some wood to the flames. He gazed at the fire as it crackled and burned, lost in his own thoughts and strategizing, appreciating the warmth while he still could.

As Val diverted his attention from the mesmerizing flames, he realized that the moon had risen high above, its fragmented shape beautifully contrasted by the sparkling stars. The kid would likely wake up soon. Val knew from experience that he would recover quickly, just like he did.

True to his expectations, a loud thud followed by a string of curse words erupted from the tent, indicating the young one had finally regained consciousness.

Val raised an eyebrow, waiting patiently as he didn't want to embarrass the kid who had just woken up. Suddenly, the kid poked his head out of the tent, looking around with a tired and confused expression until his gaze landed on Val.

"Hey, um, Val... Where did you put my guns?" The kid asked casually, scratching the side of his head.

Val stared back at the kid, his eyebrow still raised. He didn't recall taking the kid's guns. "...Did you check your inventory?"

The kid paused, searching through his pockets until he pulled out two pistols with golden barrels and red handles, engraved with fire designs. Then, the kid scratched his chin and put his hands back into his pockets. In an instant, his outfit transformed from tattered clothes to a jacket fading from black to gray, black fingerless gloves, faded blue jeans, and simple black and white running shoes.

"I totally forgot about that. Thanks, man... So," the kid seemed lost in thought for a moment, before rolling his eyes and sighing. "How do you know about HATS, and why do you look like you're straight out of Bloodborne?"

Val was ready to answer the kid's questions. "I know HATS because he granted me the same abilities he gave you, and as for Bloodborne, I have no idea what that is."

For some reason, the kid reacted strongly to Val's mention of Bloodborne, looking almost offended. However, he quickly shook his head and refocused on the conversation.

"Yeah, sure, whatever," he grumbled. "So, where is HATS anyway?" the kid asked.

Val shrugged in response. "Don't know. He tends to disappear unless there's a big mission or something that requires his presence."

The kid gave Val a look as if he had grown two heads. "I thought the whole point of an A.I. was to stick around and help?"

"Yeah, me too," Val muttered quietly. "HATS has just been busier lately with... A.I. stuff." Seeing the kid about to object, Val quickly added, "Complicated A.I. stuff."

The kid lowered his hand and frowned. "Okay, that doesn't really explain much. What about the training you mentioned earlier? What's our plan?"

Val opened his mouth to respond but then closed it with a smirk. "You'll find out in due time, kid. But right now, we need to get prepared. There's a village about a day's journey north, deep into the dark woods."

Ash looked at Val as if he was crazy. "Wait a minute, you want to venture into that dark forest filled with monsters made of darkness?" Ash said, disbelief apparent in his voice.

"Yeah," Val said simply.

Ash's jaw dropped momentarily before he gave Val a deadpan stare. "Eh, whatever. It's still better than going back to the village, I suppose." Without further discussion, they quickly gathered their belongings and ventured into the depths of the dark forest.

Val and Ash silently moved through the dark forest, keeping a careful watch for any signs of movement. Val looked focused, brows furrowed, and jaw clenched, while Ash glanced nervously around, tense and alert.

With every snapped twig, Ash tensed up, readying himself for any potential threats. Val moved gracefully, taking measured steps and radiating quiet confidence. They exchanged a brief nod, offering each other reassurance. Ash's fists tightened in response.

As the forest grew denser, Val's senses sharpened. He narrowed his eyes and remained on high alert. Ash mirrored his intensity, lips pressed together, and eyes wide with anticipation.

Suddenly, a hidden trail appeared before them, and Ash's excitement grew, quickening his pace. Val couldn't help but smile faintly, feeling the anticipation building within them as they increased their speed.

A beam of moonlight pierced through the thick canopy, casting a magical glow on their surroundings. Val's shoulders relaxed, and his eyes softened, finding solace in this small sign of hope. Ash's posture straightened, a flicker of confidence rising within him.

Emerging from the foreboding woods, Val and Ash entered a moonlit clearing, a mix of relief and awe evident on their faces. Ash let go of all tension, sprawling comfortably on the ground and letting out a contented sigh. Val found a shaded spot under a towering oak tree, gazing up at the pale moon above.

As Val absorbed the gentle moonlight, his expression softened. Ash, now at ease, gazed upwards, taking in the starry sky, feeling a sense of peace wash over him.

However, their tranquility was short-lived. Suddenly, growls and the sound of digging startled Val, as he spotted something heading their way. Disturbing the ground just like Bugs Bunny did when burrowing, Val swiftly leaped onto a thick tree branch, calling out to Ash.

"Hey Ash, looks like we've got a rodent problem here. Can you take care of it? Thanks!" Val yelled quickly, not giving Ash a chance to respond.

Ash gave Val a confused and horrified look, quickly scanning the area before his attention shifted to the moving dirt approaching him.

"What? Um, hold on, WHAT?" As Ash stood there, confused by Val's sudden revelation about the "rodent problem," the ground beneath him began to shake. A deep, growling sound rumbled from the earth, getting louder by the second.

Before Ash could react, the ground erupted in a flurry of movement, and the Grimm appeared. This skeletal creature, with decaying patches of grayish-black flesh. Its long legs twisted and ended in sharp, jagged claws. Its glowing yellow eyes pierced the darkness, giving off an eerie and evil feeling. Its fangs gleamed with wickedness as it let out a menacing roar.

Without thinking, Ash jumped aside, narrowly avoiding the Grimm's lunge with quickness and precision. Time seemed to freeze for a moment as Ash collided with the Grimm, his shoulder hitting its bony body with a strong force.

The impact sent the Grimm tumbling backward, its claws scraping against the ground as it struggled to regain its balance. Ash stood tall, filled with adrenaline and exhaustion, a mix of tiredness and disbelief on his face.

Val, noticing that Ash was inexperienced with Grimms, understood the need for a more specific plan. Sitting on a tree branch, Val carefully explained his strategy to Ash, speaking with confidence and determination.

"Ash, listen carefully," Val said firmly. "When the Creep lunges at you, you need to quickly dodge its attack. Step back quickly to create some distance between you and the Grimm."

Ash nodded, his muscles tightened with anticipation as he absorbed Val's instructions.

"Once the Creep burrows into the ground, don't let your guard down," Val continued, his voice calm. "It will try to surprise you by jumping out and trying to grab you. As soon as you see it emerge, jump to the side, avoiding its grasp."

Val gracefully demonstrated the agile movement he had just described. Ash watched closely, focusing on Val's every move.

"Now, Ash, after you dodge its attack, strike back quickly and forcefully," Val advised. "Aim for its weak spots, like the joints in its limbs. With a well-timed and focused strike, you can disable or weaken the Grimm."

Ash's determination grew as he pictured each step of the process, feeling a newfound confidence surging within him. He was ready to accept the challenge ahead and put Val's instructions into action.

The Creep recovered, its eyes narrowing with newfound ferocity. Sensing the threat, it lunged again, jaws snapping and claws slashing through the air. But Ash was prepared.

With a swift, agile jump, Ash propelled himself above the Grimm's attack range, gracefully evading its relentless assault. The wind rushed past him as he somersaulted through the air, feeling weightless for a moment.

When he landed, Ash snapped back to reality, a few feet away from the Creep, which now stared at him with intense fury.

Ash's heart thumped in his chest as he locked eyes with the Grimm. The determination in his gaze matched the hatred in the Grimm's.

Ash leaped back, instinctively activating his Heads-Up Display (HUD) as he braced himself for the Grimm's next attack.

Creep Level 1:

- HP 80/80

The Grimm swiftly jumped into the air before crashing onto the ground with a resounding thud. It immediately burrowed beneath the surface, rapidly approaching Ash with the ground trembling beneath his feet. Suddenly, the Creep burst forth, snapping its jaws viciously in an attempt to crush Ash's head.

Reacting swiftly, Ash rolled to the side, narrowly evading the Grimm's deadly bite. With his pistols drawn and his body poised, he took aim at the joints in the Grimm's legs, firing a rapid succession of shots. Most of his bullets found their mark, striking the target accurately. However, a few missed, hitting the ground and sending plumes of dirt into the air.

Creep Level 1:

- HP 20/80

The Creep shook off its momentary confusion and turned to face Ash once again, poised to repeat the same relentless sequence of attacks.

The Creep regained its senses and turned towards Ash, ready to attack again. But, as luck would have it, its legs gave out, causing it to crash its head onto the ground, closing its yellow eyes in pain. Without wasting a second, Ash seized the opportunity and swiftly approached the fallen Grimm, positioning the barrels of his pistols against its eyes. A mischievous smirk formed on Ash's face as he pulled the triggers, sending four bullets directly into the Creep's eyes.

With a deafening explosion, the Creep's head disintegrated into a swirling cloud of dark mist, indicating that its HP had dropped below zero. Ash felt a surge of satisfaction as he watched the Grimm fade away. His victory earned him 10 XP and 10 Lien.

Creep:

10 XP

10 Lien

The sight of the Grimm disappearing made Ash take a moment to catch his breath. He was relieved that he had survived the encounter, but he remained steadfast, not letting his guard down.

Mixed emotions filled his mind. On one hand, he knew that the danger wasn't completely over. He still had a mission to complete, yet he wasn't entirely sure what the end goal was. On the other hand, a sense of unease lingered within him, reminding him how close he had come to losing his life. Despite these concerns, something inside Ash couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. A grin spread across his face, and he felt a newfound energy igniting within him.

The rush of battle had brought him a sense of freedom and vitality that he hadn't experienced in a long time. It was a feeling that made him feel alive, despite the warnings his mind shouted. Ash couldn't remember the last time he felt such exhilaration, and it motivated him to continue on with renewed determination.

Suddenly the forest erupted in a flurry of movement and chaos. Two Creeps emerged from the forest floor, their spindly forms slicing through the earth with a terrifying grace. Soil and debris flew through the air as they burst forth, their twisted bodies contorting in unnatural ways. Their jagged claws glinted menacingly under the moonlight as they lunged at Ash, their intent clear - to tear him apart.

Ash danced with a grace and agility born from desperation and determination. He twisted and turned, narrowly avoiding the slicing strikes of the Creeps. Each step he took left a footprint in the soft ground, a temporary mark of his fleeting presence. He darted forward, firing his pistols with steady precision, the gunshots echoing through the night air like thunder.

As Ash's bullets found their mark, the Creeps recoiled in pain. Dark, ethereal mist seeped from their wounds, intertwining with the moonlight in an eerie dance. The forest around them seemed to grow darker, as if the very essence of evil had taken hold.

Amidst the chaos, the Beowolf emerged from the dense underbrush. Its larger and more imposing figure towered over the Creeps, its red eyes glowing with a primal hunger. With a menacing howl, it bounded forward, its large claws crunching against the forest floor. The bushes and branches it passed through trembled at its presence, releasing tremors that resonated deep within Ash's bones.

Without missing a beat, Ash shifted his focus towards the Beowolf. He sidestepped its swiping claws, feeling the gust of wind as they narrowly missed their mark. His weapons blazed with determination as he fired shot after shot, aiming for the creature's vulnerable spots. Each bullet that struck its mark caused the Beowolf to stagger, exposing a momentary weakness in its guard.

As the battle continued, the forest seemed to become a battleground of its own. Leaves and twigs fluttered through the air, caught in the whirlwind of the Grimm's movements. The ground shook beneath the weight of each impact, the earth quivering in response. The sounds of growling, snarling, and clashing filled the air, as if the very essence of the forest had been awakened by the fury of the battle.

Ash's breath came in ragged bursts, his muscles burning with exertion. Yet, he refused to yield. His movements became more calculated, his aim more precise, as he pushed himself beyond his limits. The dark mist that surrounded the Creeps and the Beowolf began to dissipate, replaced by an air of desperation as the Grimm's strength waned.

Finally, with a burst of adrenaline, Ash delivered a final blow. His bullets struck true, finding their mark with devastating accuracy. The Creeps fell to the ground, their bodies disintegrating into shadows, their menace extinguished. And then, with one last thunderous gunshot, the Beowolf crumpled to the forest floor, its once formidable presence reduced to nothing more than a lifeless husk.

Creep:

10XP

10 Lien

Creep:

10XP

10 Lien

Beowolf Adult:

20XP

20 Lien

1 skill point

The forest fell silent once more, the only remnants of the battle's fierceness being Ash's heaving chest and the lingering echoes of struggle. He stood amidst the aftermath, a momentary calm descending upon him. Sweat trickled down his brow, mixing with the dirt on his face, as he surveyed the scene before him. The victory tasted bittersweet, mingled with a newfound respect for the trials he had overcome.

Taking a deep breath, Ash allowed himself a moment of respite. The forest whispered its approval, the rustling leaves and gentle breeze offering solace amidst the lingering tension. Just as he was about to lower his guard, Val descended from a tree branch above, landing gracefully on the forest floor.

Val observed the aftermath of the battle with a nonchalant expression, one eyebrow raised in amusement. He smirked and crossed his arms, leaning against a nearby tree trunk.

"Well, well, well," Val drawled. "Congratulations, Ash. You've managed to dispatch a couple of common Grimm. Truly, a remarkable feat."

Ash paused, wiping the sweat from his brow, his eyes narrowing at Val's dry remarks.

"Maybe they were common to you, Val, but they were my toughest opponents yet," Ash retorted, his voice betraying a mix of exhaustion and irritation.

Val chuckled, his tone less mocking and more approving. "That's the spirit, kid," he said, clapping Ash on the shoulder. "You've got potential, I'll give you that. But you'll need more than just potential to survive out here."

Ash straightened his back, ready to take on Val's challenge. "I know, Val. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to become stronger."

Val chuckled. "Well then, let's see if you've got what it takes. The Grimm won't go easy on you just because you're new. Try not to die before we get to the village."

As the echoes of their banter dissolved into the quiet of the forest, Ash took a deep breath. He felt a mixture of excitement and nerves surging through him. With Val's presence as a mentor, the battle-worn duo prepared themselves for the next round of Grimm, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them.

A green painted bullhead arrived at the village, the yellow stripe pilot touching down with precision. As the ramp lowered, the squad eagerly prepared to disembark, their weapons at the ready. Their leader, distinguished by red stripes on his chest plate, addressed them with a stern gaze, emphasizing the importance of their mission.

Through the crackling intercom, the pilot turned to face the squad. "Listen up, everyone. HQ picked up some strange readings from this area. They didn't provide much detail, but they want us to be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary, be it unnatural items or beings. Our Red stripe soldier will give you more information."

The squad exchanged curious glances, their interest piqued by the mention of the unusual circumstances. They respected their experienced Red stripe leader, knowing his knowledge and expertise in handling unconventional situations.

With an authoritative tone, the Red stripe soldier stepped forward. "Alright, listen up. We're entering potentially dangerous territory. Stay sharp, keep your senses alert, and be prepared for anything. We don't know exactly what to expect."

Nods of understanding rippled through the squad, their grip on their weapons tightening. They understood the gravity of their mission and the potential threats that awaited them. Trusting in their training and their leader, they prepared to face the unknown.

As the ramp descended, the soldiers moved into position, stepping onto the war-torn streets of the village. Smoke hung heavily in the air, blending with the odor of decay. Their helmets enhanced their vision and hearing, allowing them to detect even the slightest abnormality in their surroundings.

The yellow stripe pilot observed the squad as they disappeared into the ruins, feeling a sense of relief that he was safe in the cockpit. Yet, he understood the importance of their mission and the trust they had placed in him for extraction when the time came.

Preparing to depart, the pilot guided the bullhead back into the sky, eager to hear the squad's reports and ensure their safe return. The aircraft lifted with a steady hum, leaving the squad to confront the Grimm lurking within the village.

As the bullhead vanished into the distance, the squad continued their cautious advance, scanning their surroundings for any signs of unnatural beings or items. Gunfire soon erupted throughout the village as they encountered Grimm prowling the ruined streets. With their distinctive armor and intimidating helmets featuring bone jaws and tusks, the soldiers efficiently dispatched any threats that came their way.

Ahead of the squad, the soldier with the red stripes on his chest plate fired a few shots, felling nearby young nevermore before signaling the team to halt. Surveying the area, he observed the recent signs of struggle and destruction, the remnants of a battle that seemed out of proportion.

One of the soldiers, lowering his weapon slightly, muttered, "How could a few beowolves and nevermore cause such extensive damage? Even the buildings didn't stand a chance."

Without turning back, the leader with the red stripes approached a house where a hole had been torn through the wall. He examined claw marks on a nearby beam, evidence of both Grimm and humanoid presence. "Incompetence," he declared, frustration lacing his voice.

The unmarked soldiers exchanged puzzled glances beneath their helmets, until one mustered the courage to ask, "Sir, what do you mean?"

Taking note of the bloodstains and footprints near the beam, the leader waited for his helmet's camera to capture the scene before addressing his squad. "Firstly, Grimm don't typically start fires, especially not in this manner. Secondly, this village was completely defenseless, lacking any walls, barricades, or even boarded-up windows. Thirdly, reports indicate a shortage of hunters and a small police force of just twenty individuals," he explained, annoyance evident in his tone. "Most likely, the majority of the villagers have either perished or fled. If anyone remains, they're probably injured and beyond rescue due to the presence of both Grimm and severe blood loss."

The soldiers' faces fell, accepting the grim reality. Slumping their shoulders, they sighed in frustration, knowing all too well the next steps they had to take.

Their leader motioned for the squad to follow, leading them back toward the extract point. They would report their findings to headquarters, acknowledging the somber outcome of their mission.

One of the soldiers without any distinct markings hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether they should suggest conducting a final flyby of the area before leaving. Gathering their courage, they finally spoke up. "Sir, do you think it would be worth doing one last flyby? Just to make sure we haven't missed anything important?"

The commander took a moment to consider the suggestion, his gaze scanning the devastated surroundings. "I understand your concern, but we have other missions awaiting us," he replied, his tone firm yet understanding. "Besides, you know how those yellow stripes react when asked to do extra work. I don't think we want to deal with their endless complaints and grumbling, do we?"

The unmarked soldier instinctively shuddered at the thought of the yellow stripes' reaction. Nervously, they shook their head, signaling their disagreement with the idea. The commander with the red markings chuckled. "Exactly. I wouldn't want to deal with that either."

The unmarked soldier nodded in agreement, his nerves easing slightly at the commander's understanding response. With a renewed sense of purpose, the squad wordlessly made their way back towards the extract point where the bullhead patiently waited for their return.

Author's Note:

Name: Ash

Level: 1

Class: Unknown

Lien: 520

Skill point: 4

XP: 20/500

Health: 125/120 (5)

Mana: 0/80

Aura: 0/10

Health potions 1/5

Thank you for reading Chapter 2 of "Ash Dust"!

Your feedback and support are appreciated. Feel free to leave comments and suggestions as we continue this story. See you in the next chapter!