Becoming a Monster

Chapter 115: Chapter 115: The Devils Apology

”Isn’t it fine to rest here after everything that has happened so far?” Jasmine questioned, also aware that most of the group wasn’t mentally prepared to get into another life encounter.

Her question elicited a head shake from Noah as he looked back to where they had come from, indicating for them to do the same.

”We had barely made it out of the campus and you want to rest again? And in the next fight should we also take the time to rest after that?” Noah began to grow impatient with their lack of urgency as he pressed them further.

”Just look at what happened just now, you all couldn’t do anything, and yet you believe that resting is a good idea? Those animals will only continue to grow stronger, while the zombies don’t rest, sooner or later you’ll regret not trying to become stronger.” Noah stated before giving up on trying to convince them, but his parting words weighed heavily on those who were struggling against their fear of confronting more monsters.

”Le, this was your choice so I’ll let you decide.”

Ailetta felt the pressure of the group’s gaze, her eyes meeting Noah’s before scanning the weary faces around her. She understood their exhaustion, but she understood the need for strength even more. She took a deep breath, pushing aside her own fatigue and fear of death.

”Noah is right,” she began, her voice steady despite the tension. ”We can’t afford to rest now. We need to keep moving and get stronger if we’re going to survive. We’ll find a safer place to rest later, but for now, we should push on.”

There were murmurs of agreement that followed along with the groans of discontent. Jasmine hesitantly looked towards Ailetta, noticing more and more that Ailetta was continually siding with Noah over them....over her.

”Jas,” Mark approached his sister, sensing her struggles. ”Don’t overthink things, reality speaks for itself. Those things are becoming harder for us to handle alone. Don’t forget that we didn’t ask for ’him’ to come with us to shelter us, but to give us the opportunity to grow ourselves.”

Jasmine nodded slowly, absorbing Mark’s words, but then her eyes widened in disbelief when she realized the maturity and wisdom of her little brother.

Just like her, others were also having prep talks of their own. However, there would always be those who were adamant on disagreeing, but past history reminded them that they needed to bide their time. Neal, as well as Regina, silently schemed together, they were made to understand perfectly well that they couldn’t do anything to Noah without sufficient strength.

With everyone now in reluctant agreement, they all set off once again, with Noah taking the lead after retrieving the cores. Curious glances watched him as he advanced forward, many had the strong belief that his strength originated from the very orbs that he’s been known to retrieve from the zombies corpse.

With Noah leading the way, the group felt less wary, allowing them to discuss amongst themselves. During this time, Bailey called Ailetta over, hoping for her to quench their curiosity regarding the orbs.

”It’s not really a secret but the orbs are supposedly called mana cores...” She then recounted most of the information she knew from what Noah explained to her. The group each went back to silence, contemplating her words, each of them considered that maybe the cores were the answer to them gaining the strength they need.

”Have you tried one yet?” Isabelle inquired after noticing that Ailetta only talked about Noah’s experience and not her own.

”No....Noah warned me to stay away from the zombie cores. He didn’t really specify why, but most likely eating the cores would infect us faster than being bitten.”

The others silently agreed with her assessment, but Mark recalled the scene from before and felt the need to ask. ”And what about what he did to that core from earlier, what would happen if you were to consume it then?” His question sparked hope in the others’ eyes, each of them exchanging anxious expressions before looking towards Ailetta.

Understanding that unlike the cores, discussion of Noah’s skills isn’t something to openingly talk about, atleast, not without his approval. She felt put on the spot, not knowing how to change the conversation.

”Everyone, we shouldn’t inquire about Noah’s secrets unless we ask him ourselves. Just knowing that there’s other ways to increase our strength should be enough right?” Ishii stepped in, wanting to support Noah’s most trusted ally.

Their discussion was only amongst themselves, but it was impossible to prevent the others from overhearing. Neal for one, felt that this was a good time to attempt to set a layer of distrust among the group, specifically everyone associated with Ailetta.

”Heh! It figures that she would keep the information to herself. I find it funny that any of you would agree with that. People died, people are still dying; and if that information could keep even one extra person alive, then shouldn’t that information be shared? But I guess we shouldn’t expect any empathy from a monster in human skin...”

Ailetta’s eyes widened at Neal’s open disrespect towards Noah, but she quickly gathered her bearings. ”If I recall, there was someone who tried to use my life just to attack this so-called monster, so I wonder what even gives you the right to talk about empathy?” Ailetta struck back, her tone filled with spite. By this time everyone halted their march and was observing the two argue.

Neal’s ”righteous” suggestion catered strongly to the new arrivals who had no prior experience with Noah. The others weren’t new to Neal’s blunt hatred towards Noah. Although they resented the fact that Noah withheld potential life saving information, how could they press him for anything when he’s out here protecting them?

Most of them were of the same mind, and yet none of them spoke up. And when Neal was about to retaliate with the intent of attacking her character; Noah, who had been quietly observing the exchange, stepped forward, his gaze cold, seemingly uncaring for their discussion about him. However, underneath his frigid exterior was a deeply rooted malice, an impulse that started as a seed hidden from the sun, but with Noah’s monster integrations, each metamorphosis worked as a fertilizer, spurring on the growth of his hidden urges.

”Neal, if you have something to say, say it to me.”

Neal hesitated, his bravado faltering under Noah’s provocation. Nervously, Neal looked towards the others, considering his options on how he should address the issue. Despite the people agreeing with him moments prior, everyone who met his gaze looked away, wanting nothing to do with the situation.

Witnessing their betrayal, Neal scowled but said nothing further, hoping that Noah would continue to treat his ramblings as insignificant.

Noah’s icy stare remained fixed on Neal for a moment longer before he turned his attention back to the group. Neal smirked to himself, berating Noah in his mind, envisioning the revenge he would get when they reached the checkpoint. However, everything changed when hearing Noah address everyone.

”It’s not just him, I recall hearing many of you branding me as a monster, heck, one of you even boldly called me a devil to my face.” He smugly glanced towards Isabelle, whose face flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and anxiousness.

The group shifted uneasily, Noah’s presence had always been a double-edge sword; necessary for their survival, yet terrifying if he were to ever turn on them.

”You all want the truth? Well, listen up, if you want to say I’m a monster, then you’re right. I’m just as much of a monster as the two monsters by my side.” Despite the notion already being spread amongst everyone, hearing the person in question actually clarify the rumors was another deal altogether. Noah noticed the unease amongst the group, a smile developing as he continued.

”And for those who called me a devil, I should apologize for not living up to your expectations.” As he spoke, his purple gems lit within the darkness of his eyes. Those who never considered Noah to be a devil had to reconsider the claim, there was a sinister air about him that wasn’t there before. Noah himself was unaware of the development that was taking place, his ”human” moral compass, tampered by his title, his transformation, and finally by his ring. Because of his metamorphosis, this change happened on a subconscious and spiritual level, the change was a natural part of him, leaving him with no reason to question his change.

Isabelle, who had previously called Noah a devil, spoke up, her voice shaky but resolute. ”We’re not questioning your strength, Noah. We’re questioning your methods. We just want to know if there’s a safer way, another way to survive without becoming...”

”Like me?” Noah finished for her, his tone edged with sarcasm. ”There isn’t. This world has changed, and we have to change with it. You either adapt, or, you die.” Noah’s expression turned grim as his eyes pandered across the horrified faces before finally landing on one in particular. His gaze narrowed, the intensity of his malice being directed towards that specific direction caused everyone who unintentionally had to bear the pressure to instinctively move away.

Soon, there was a clear path leading up to the one individual that brought about this situation. Neal was over the moon when hearing Noah announcing his monster status, witnessing the rising tension and fearful reactions of everyone; Neal was assured that he could use their fear to his advantage.

However, as Noah continued, Neal began to sense a strong foreboding. The Noah from just a day ago had made ’another’ drastic change! The monster he was so quick to brand as such, was now exuding a tangible menace that went beyond mere words.

Neal’s body stood rooted in place the moment Noah’s gaze locked onto him, his quaking limbs filling the tense silence. Seeing Neal in such a state should’ve brought him satisfaction, but Noah’s intention was above just provoking someone he could kill whenever he wanted.

Noah’s cold eyes swept over the group before turning back to Neal, his expression devoid of mercy. ”As my first act as a proper ’Devil’, I have a simple choice for you all.” He declared, giving a slight pause to make sure everyone was listening. No one liked where this was going, their restlessness was visible to all, Neal even more so. His perspiration left his clothing stuck to his body, while his hair, now damped from his overflowing sweat, clung strongly across his face, giving him a deranged appearance.

Sensing that Noah was prepared to do something big, both Arachne and Fenrir advanced a few steps ahead of him, challenging any one to come forward. Seeing their approach and their guarded posture gave rise to an even deeper dread than before. Those who could fight, nervously bared their weapons. Ailetta’s friends were also among the few who readied themselves for combat, and yet Noah didn’t bother with their actions as he continued.

”Either Neal is dealt with here and now, or he leaves the group, right here, right now.”