I don't know if I can…

  What if I die?

  Come on! Idris Von Belmonte, you know very well why you're here, be strong!

  These questions made Idris Von Belmonte remember his role and that in this line of work, death It was such a common word that Idris had realized that half of what he said involved the word death, even now, lying face down on top of a warped hill, he waited patiently as his prey emerged.My hands won't stop sweating, this is going to get in the way, focus Idris, focus!

  Idris was an Inquisitor, responsible for hunting and killing the Deep Ones, beings that came from...Abyss, a dark dimension filled with monsters that emerged through passages made in the fabric of reality, commonly calledcracks. I can tell, he's close.Idris flexed his fingers, watching carefully as the creature emerged from the cave, a being that slithered across the ground. Its body was shaped like a grotesquely elongated serpent, its two arms covered in scales, each finger bearing a black claw. The dorsal plates on its torso were like natural armor, ready for combat.An abyssal creature of that size might just be passing through; it's an observer, I must be alert.

  Idris ran his finger along the gun, trying to wipe the sweat from his face while maintaining his stance.

  The creature approached what was supposed to be a trap set by the Black Wolves guild. Its reptilian head moved from side to side, trying to detect vibrations in the ground. When it noticed nothing, it placed its hands on the glowing box and was surprised by an explosion of ice that trapped its body and signaled Idris's squad to attack.Apparently our target is much smarter than he seems, did the captain realize that?

  From the eastern hill, beside the opening that led to the entrance of the crevice, four other sharpshooters emerged, plus the leader, all far more experienced and with better equipment than Idris.Relax, you can do it, just be patient... patient.

  When he felt the time was right, the leader of Idris's squad stood up and said:

  — Shooters, FIRE!

  A hail of projectiles of all kinds was fired at the creature, which was caught completely off guard and hit squarely by balls of fire, ice, and electricity.I must keep my shots in time with the others.After the shooting stopped, Idris saw the second part of the squad, the group of warrior inquisitors, set off to confront the reptilian being, which, even wounded, retaliated with its tail and by firing acid blasts. Idris fired back; his accuracy wasn't the best, but he managed to shoot faster than the others.

  Gods, if I were alone, I would never get out of there alive. An inquisitor can't defeat rift-level monsters alone, unless they have the right equipment and level.Distracted by his thoughts, Idris ended up not hearing the second order to fire.

  Realizing this, the squad leader yelled at him, ordering him to fire immediately, but he couldn't because his rifle had jammed and he was desperately trying to get it to work.Come on, come on, LET'S GO!The combat continued fiercely, the inquisitors fought bravely, dodging and defending against the reptilian's blows, when the archers...they rechargedtheythey moved awayandthey leftthe projectiles act.Damn old rifle, unlock it already, please! I need to do something!

  When it found itself completely cornered, the beast roared, and its brothers came to its call. A pack of serpents with acid dripping from their mouths joined the fray, and the fight intensified as the inquisitors were completely overwhelmed by the serpents of the Abyss. The intensity of the combat could be heard: metal clashing against armor and magical explosions.

  Feeling he couldn't go on any longer, the squad leader yelled for them to retreat, but the creatures wanted to fight and targeted the inquisitors during their escape, and part of the group ended up dead. When they emerged from the crevice, the inquisitors collapsed to the ground, exhausted. Idris watched his colleagues, clenched his fists, and beat his own head.I could have done more if I had a better weapon, I could have done so much more, damn it! DAMN IT! AAAHH!

  While Idris was agonizing over this, the squad leader stood up and said:

  "On behalf of the Black Wolves Guild, I thank you. I know we failed here, but the guild will send a second squad to close this breach. You may leave and collect your payment from our department in Razkan today, if you deem it necessary and have the registration," he explained.

  When the explanation ended, the young inquisitor realized it was time to leave. He still had much to do and didn't plan to waste time there. The raid missions were arduous, but Idris could handle them well. Outside the rift, he plunged into the night of the gloomy city of Rakzan, its streets teeming with beggars and drug dealers. The air was thick with the stench of sweat and tobacco, as well as the foul miasma of garbage left out in the open by the residents. A rotten air was all Idris could feel amidst that dark and poorly lit street. With each step, he avoided the puddles of water formed on the asphalt of the streets. His eyes were alert; he had already been the victim of three attempted robberies that same day.Razkan, the city of the papal emperors, a paradise for the chosen and an open sewer for the underprivileged.thought the young inquisitor.

  Whenever he thought about how everything had ended up this way, Idris would look at the illuminated part of Razkan, the beautiful and pure part, built to be the home of the papal emperors.beautiful, unique and splendid,This was the description Idris heard most often from members of the Black Wolves guild, his main employer.One day, I'll be there, on the other side of that wall, where the best stay, where the food is good, the security is impeccable, and where I know I won't be afraid…

  The truth is that, since the emergence of the abyss and its fissures filled with monsters, called by the church...HereticsThe religious order of Sanctus had acquired almost unlimited power, commanding everything through an extremely powerful Theocratic Empire; even the praetors, the highest rank within the order of Inquisitors, were baptized.Baptism, I don't think I'll receive such an honor anytime soon, and even if I could, it's too precious to me and my brothers.As he approached home, Idris noticed he was being followed. He crossed to the other side of the street and slowed his pace.There are three of them, strong and robust, but careless, possibly...

  There was no time to think; Idris felt a well-aimed punch strike his face. He fell to the ground, trying to grab the dropped rifle, but a second blow hit him, stunning him. He was then kicked and struggled to protect himself. When they finished, he was dragged into an alley and thrown into a dumpster. Coughing blood, he struggled to sit up and see who had attacked him. To his lack of surprise, it was the leader of the local gang, Skank, and his three best henchmen.

  "Hello Idris, I'm glad to see you're well. I believe you know the reason for my visit," said Skank, while combing his colorful hair back. "Your time is up, I want my money back."

  His voice was low, not in volume, but in frequency; he spoke slowly, without haste, and in a completely flat tone, as if he weren't human. Idris tried to stand up, but before he could, one of Skank's henchmen punched him in the stomach, and he sat back down. Skank then continued:

  "I didn't say you could get up, stay there, in the trash, where you belong. I came here for the money, Idris. You promised you'd pay me as soon as possible, and I trusted you. I gave you the money, contacts, and guaranteed your safety for six months so that nothing would come between you and my money. But here I am, three days after the agreed date, without my money."

  — Skank… I… I’ll pay, I promise, but I have nothing right now, I can barely feed myself, I need more time, please.

  Idris's voice came out low, like a whisper masking his pain and anger, but Skank heard it, and his calm face contorted into an expression of disdain and rage.Here we go again, another day of oppression and humiliation.Idris thought, as he got ready.

  With a simple nod and a cold stare, Skank's henchmen understood that they should punish the inquisitor. A true ritual of violence began, with a hail of blows that injured Idris's face, arms, and legs. He felt his ribs crack and his blood spurt out with each cough.Hang in there Idris Von Belmonte, you know why you're fighting, you know!

  In the end, Idris lay there, his body covered in bruises and his blood splattered all over the alley, and Skank, with Idris's gun in his hand, said:

  — I'll take this crap as compensation. You have one more day, Idris. If you don't have my money, the next thing I'll take from you... well, I don't think I need to say.

  The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

  Skank and his men retreated, leaving Idris there, completely bloodied, each breath feeling like a whip on his back.I can't... stay, no... they need me!The young inquisitor thought as he gathered as much strength as he could to stand up,my home,That word echoed in his mind; it wasn't a temple or a castle, but Idris, it was his world.

  With a brutal effort, Idris dragged himself out of the pool of blood, using the damp wall for support. He forced his legs and arms to work, even though with each movement his whole body burned as if it were on fire. Stumbling, he staggered and crawled through the city, searching for his home; each step was a painful victory.

  When he finally arrived at his destination, Idris felt that everything had been worthwhile; a modest, simple two-story house with lights still on awaited him—it was the orphanage.Mother's HomeThere, the foul smell of Razkan's ghettos vanished; he could now smell the soup, taste the freshness of the milk, and feel the warmth of the fireplace.I'm at home.

  Idris knocked on the door and was greeted by Sister Dulce, an old lady who was startled to see him covered in blood and all bruised. Immediately, she ran and called the others. With great care, Idris was taken to the orphanage's infirmary and treated. They covered his body with bandages and gave him medicine, as well as soup.Home, this is my home, my unshakeable pillar, my only world.Idris thought as he slowly drifted off to sleep and awoke surrounded by small hands covering his body.

  "Could it be that Brother Idris is dead?" one of the voices asked.

  "What? Don't be an idiot! Brother Idris is the strongest, he would never die! He swore to me and Alice that he would never leave us, right Alice?" said another of the children's voices surrounding Idris.

  Before Alice could answer, Idris suddenly stood up, startling the children who stepped back and then rushed over to hug him. Yes, every smile, every peaceful sleep, was the reason Idris worked so hard to earn money. Skank wanted his money, the guilds his usefulness, and the city to suck every last drop of hope from his life, but they would never succeed. Idris would never let himself fail, for every coin he earned was a bit of happiness that kept that docile and fragile sanctuary functioning. When he felt strong enough, Idris stood up. It was still night, but he always left at this hour. The bricks and peeling paint were evident in the orphanage; the wooden staircase was beginning to creak, but at least the windows were clean. While the children slept, Idris took the opportunity to talk to Sister Ruth, the director of the orphanage.

  "Good morning, dear!" said the old woman, while doing some calculations in an old, worn notebook.

  "How are we doing? Did we manage to survive this month?" Idris asked.

  The answer didn't even need to be put into words; Sister Ruth's expression said it all. They were out of resources. A pang of pain gripped Idris's heart; without the orphanage, the children would return to the dark streets of Razkan.And they would end up being victims of Skank like me, I can't allow it, I simply can't! I will do what is necessary to protect them.The young man stood up without saying a single word to the old nun, his frustrated face making it clear to the headmistress that he would take action to resolve this, as he had done so many times in the past, so she said:

  — Idris, be careful, my son, don't take too many risks and… please, come home safe and sound, your brothers always worry when you're late.

  Without turning around, Idris nodded. He knew there was only one way to make a lot of money in Razkan: either by being an inquisitor and joining one of the guilds, or by being cannon fodder for the inquisitors. He couldn't just be cannon fodder on a rift mission; he had to go further, he would need to enter a level-deep abyss.Empty, The third most dangerous.Time to head to the guild. Without my weapons, I'm useless, but nobody is as good as me at surviving, and if I'm right, when I enter the Void Rift, I'll get some good loot. Alright Idris, time to go.

  He then got dressed, combed his long, wavy hair back, put on a white jacket with reinforced leather shoulder pads, black trousers and boots, and finally a small dagger on his leg, in case he needed to deal with surprises.

  Idris then left the street where the orphanage was located, entering the main avenue, which was a cut between two rows of abandoned buildings, once large and crowded with bourgeois of the highest pedigree, but now inhabited by rats and addicts.Large bodies of stone representing the glory of days gone by, ha! ha!As Idris walked, he felt the dense air of Razkan enter his lungs; as always, it was rotten, unpleasant, and heavy with the despair of the homeless. It was then that he stopped and saw, at the highest point of the hill, the headquarters of the Black Wolves, the Fort of Despair.

  A massive citadel located in the farthest part of the city, its enormous obsidian walls bearing the history of countless battles. When Idris stepped inside, he saw the flow of inquisitors coming and going. The drawbridge spanned a deep, dry moat, its lowered form serving as a ramp for registered members. Upon arriving, Idris went straight to the empty-level quest board, located east of the entrance, where the fewest inquisitors were stationed, as those undertaking quests were at a higher level.Crusaderand notInquisitorIdris watched for a while, then he pulled out the paper and read:

  Abyss Level:Empty

  Function: Bushing.

  Message from the guild:We need an individual willing to distract high-level heretics so we have time to take them down. The location is the Temple of the Ancient Heroes, and the heretic there is the Lady of the Torn Veil.

  Reward:50,000 dinars.

  Without hesitation, Idris volunteered, and an hour later, he reached the entrance to the level abyss.Empty...where he came across the ancient temple of fallen heroes. The formalities for being there were simple: a blood contract, made with the guild's mage, guaranteeing that the reward would only arrive if Idris survived, and also absolving the guild of guilt should he be killed on a mission.Okay, the reward will be great, 50,000 dinars for a mere scoundrel can guarantee food for the orphanage for six months, in addition to the repairs. I just need to survive and make sure the Black Wolves pay me, nothing more, nothing less.

  The journey itself wasn't a problem; he left the filthy air of Razkan to walk through the dark hills to where the portal leading to the void was located. As soon as he saw that pulsating portal, a tear in the fabric of reality, the inquisitors stopped. The leader of the contingent was Grand Inquisitor Song Jin Rong.If I'm not mistaken, he can manipulate copies of the heretical monsters he obtains, and he's also said to have excellent hand-to-hand combat skills.Idris remembered, upon seeing the imposing leader with blond hair and green eyes.

  The Grand Inquisitor looked around and then said:

  — Inquisitors, step back, fools, step forward, you will have only one function upon entering there: to verify and tell me exactly what you see. The temple was consumed by the abyss centuries ago; if the structure is not stable, retreat.

  Soon after, weapons, shields, and helmets were distributed to the recruits; those who were lucky managed to get a small, reinforced leather vest.They don't want to spend money on us if the mission fails, which is funny considering they'll be paying absurd amounts for every surviving loser.Idris reflected as he put on his helmet and adjusted his shield. Once everyone had finished equipping themselves, they began to move, and one by one, the pawns passed through the portal. When it was his turn, Idris felt the distortion, as if his body were being stretched from side to side while everything around him was changed and filled with neon-colored lights. Suddenly, there he was, standing in front of a large, abandoned temple. The icy air that filled the place made Idris's lungs and bones freeze.

  A dark rain enveloped the place; his fellow henchmen entered little by little, and the place became increasingly crowded. In total, there were 150 henchmen and 50 inquisitors, 10 Grand Inquisitors. The drops of black rain began to cling to his clothes; he felt a slight oiliness when he touched them.That's strange.He thought. A short time later, the inquisitors passed by, and the Grand Inquisitors as well; with everyone there, when the order came, the raid began:

  — KEEP UP THE TRAINING AND MOVE FORWARD!

  And they walked.

  Terrified, the inquisitors walked hesitantly, entering the temple with prayers and supplications. Idris stood firm, checking his helmet while simultaneously gazing at the dark walls, which were gradually illuminated by the unit of mage inquisitors lighting old torches from past raids clinging to the walls. The temple's structure was complex, ancient, and old, allowing raindrops and a dim light to filter through. Everything there was a mystery and a danger. The inquisitors were wary of every falling drop, every stone, footstep, or clang of metal, peering apprehensively into the dark corners of the walls.

  Everything in that place could be a trap, mainly because, up to that point, they hadn't seen the...Lady of the Torn VeilWhen they reached the end of the corridor, the army of pawns came upon a huge arena; the place was dark, there was no sound. At that moment, one of the inquisitors then said:

  Listen, we can't light the way because there are no torches here and we don't have enough magic to sustain a long fire in our hands to guide you. Therefore, the Grand Inquisitors have ordered you to continue, but with caution.

  What? They want us to walk blindly and pray that we don't get killed?Idris felt his resolve waver for the first time, his hands began to tremble, his heart raced as the henchmen plunged deeper and deeper into the darkness. They were in enemy territory and couldn't see a thing. Their cries for help to God were loud. The ground was submerged enough to cover their feet. Suddenly, Idris felt everyone stop, and a laugh echoed through the silence.

  Ha! Ha! Ha! I can't believe it, inquisitors, it's been decades since the last one came to see me! Don't worry, I'll receive you VERY WELL!

  Suddenly, everything lit up, blinding the henchmen and the inquisitors in the arena. When they realized what was happening, the massacre had already begun. The first henchmen had their heads smashed open by a woman who ran through the shadows. The others were quickly seized by the panic caused by the blindness and tried to flee, creating a commotion.I need to protect myself! Survival is all that matters.

  Idris began to hear screams coming from the front of the army of dung, gunshots rang out, but he saw nothing. He rubbed his eyes, and when he finally opened them, he was horrified. Several corpses of what had once been an army of 150 dung lay on the floor of a blood-soaked arena. In front of him, a red-haired woman wearing rotten leather clothing and a cobalt blue cloak walked slowly, carrying two customized revolvers.She… killed… them all, how? So quickly? We didn't even have a chance… But what about the inquisitors? Why haven't they attacked yet?Idris turned around in time to see the inquisitors retreat into the passage, abandoning him along with...heretic.

  YouHer eyes were the same color as her cloak, black veins joined a face hidden beneath a mask that covered only the lower part of her face. Those who still moved were finished off; she smiled with each step, raising her revolvers. The woman fired at the inquisitors behind Idris, causing them to fall. When the woman stopped near Idris, he was completely paralyzed. He raised his sword and shield, but his fear was leaving too quickly. The woman seemed to look at him calmly. She raised her revolver and pointed it at Idris's head and said:

  — Nice to meet you, my name is Nyxaria, but you should know me as The Red Terror.