It was swathed in tattered black robes, its visage a sight so terrifying it could scare the living daylights out of anyone.

When their eyes met, the figure’s lips stretched into a smile that was less of joy and more of insanity–a twisted delight sprung from derangement that would scar itself onto the memory of anyone who saw it. It was a smile that could freeze the liveliest of hearts and extinguish the brightest of hopes.

This was Ravengar, the Harbinger of Despair. It was exuding a potent aura of malevolence and clutching a broomstick and gravel in its gnarled hands.

Folklore told of Ravengar’s power to induce paralysis in those who feared it. It was also whispered that a single touch from this creature could sap one’s lifespan.

“Caught you off guard, didn’t I?” Ravengar’s voice slithered through the air, confident in its assumption that it had startled Val.

With its grotesque appearance, an unexpected encounter with Ravengar could set hearts pounding in terror hence why Ravengar believed it had achieved this effect on Val and expected him to be paralyzed with fear.

What it was ignorant of, however, was Val’s Unfeeling trait, which barred him from experiencing fear or pain. Although it would have succeeded in scaring anyone else with the same trick, it didn’t work on Val!

‘Not really. You haven’t. But why should I make it obvious?’

Val remained silent, his body unflinching, his expression unchanging. This led it to believe that it had indeed succeeded in catching Val off guard.

“I see fear has rendered you speechless. It’s time to claim your soul!” Ravengar said menacingly, its voice a chilly whisper against the oppressive silence.

With a swift move, it flung the broomstick towards Val.

Whoosh! 𝑂𝒱𝐥xt.𝗇𝓔t

The stick’s spiked end whizzed through the air, homing onto Val.

However, to Ravengar’s shock, Val, who should be immobilized, suddenly raised his hand. Blood erupted from his palm, wrapping around the broomstick and arresting its movement.

“It’s my turn,” Val retorted, redirecting the blood-wrapped broomstick back at Ravengar.

Ravengar did not attempt to dodge. The broomstick shot right through it. It was a spectral being that was impervious to physical damage, but it could be affected emotionally.

Its eyes, wide as saucers, stared at Val in disbelief. “How can you move in my presence?”

Val’s grin was both cocky and confident as he replied, “A Ravengar’s trick can’t work on me. I lack the capacity to feel fear.”

Ravengar growled in response, “Then I’ll just have to beat you to death and see if you are truly fearless.”

Val knew that the Ravengar wasn’t stronger or faster than him. If it was, it wouldn’t have resorted to cheep tricks. But he also didn’t have a way to deal with it.

So he simply responded by showing the Ravengar the middle finger and doubled it.

“Who the fuck said I will be sticking around for you to try?”

With that, Val sprinted off, the Ravengar hot on his heels.

But Val’s speed was unparalleled; the monstrous figure couldn’t keep up.

Val blitzed through the labyrinthine streets of ShadowFall City, plunging into the EverNight Forest, not ceasing his breakneck sprint until he reached the entrance of the IronSpire stronghold.

Casting a glance over his shoulder, Val found no trace of the Ravengar. A sigh of relief escaped his lips. He swiped the back of his hand across his sweaty forehead. He didn’t possess the means to harm Ravengar, who was immune to all but holy or soul attacks.

Thus, fleeing had indeed been the best choice.

It was cowardly, but Val valued his life more than his pride. Not to mention, as long as he was alive, he would get the chance to take revenge. But if he died, everything would come to an unfruitful end!