Game World's Awakening
Chapter 53: Hopeless

Chapter 53: Hopeless

A characteristic eagle’s beak and head, with beautiful golden plumage adorned its front, and two enormous eagle wings extended from each side of its body. Its front legs were golden, with claws as long as a human head, which were bathed in blood.

Its rear was that of a lion, with two large lion paws that made a powerful sound as it walked. Its lion-like figure was adorned with three serpentine tails that rose above its body and pointed in different directions, as if showing it the way forward.

That distinctive figure revealed its race: a race that was once only part of mythology, a majestic Griffin.

This one was special because it had three tails with snake heads, sending a shiver down Jenna’s body.

"...Rank A..." she whispered, incredulous.

Elliot knew this; he had read many years ago about these mythological creatures that now roam the world. It is said that they are all born as Rank C, but as they grow, they gain strength. If they have two tails, they are Rank B; with three tails, they are Rank A. There are also four-tailed creatures; so far, the most powerful ones seen have had five tails.

It is important to know that there are three types of races on Earth today.

Type 0 Races are those that do not have highly developed intelligence but possess brute strength. Orcs, werewolves, and other similar beast races belong to this category. Almost all the beasts that emerge from the Portals are Type 0 Races.

Type 1 Races are those that have developed intelligence, such as humans, elves, dwarves, etc.

Type 2 Races are a special category given to those races that have the peculiarity of increasing their power as they grow, without requiring any action. Dragons, Giants, and Griffins belong to this category.

They are a race that naturally gains power, either because of their size or powerful lineage.

And facing them, for the first time, is a beast of a Type 2 Race, the highest category.

If they had to cling to something, it would be that not all Griffins have developed intelligence, and hopefully, this one didn’t. If it did... They would die for sure.

Unfortunately, the world was ready to disappoint them...

From a strange eagle-like voice, a mighty screech suddenly rang out.

"Stupid eagle, come back here. Do you think I’ll let you escape after you tricked me?" His strange roar caused even the most distant beasts to move further away.

Elliot and Jenna finally understood why they hadn’t encountered any beasts on their way here. They were running away! Something they both had to do if they wanted to live.

But, afraid of being heard, neither moved nor made a sound. And while they stood there, they both saw the Griffin rise above the mountain and fly after the eagle.

Its powerful talons seemed to cut through the wind, fiercely attacking its enemy. The eagle was forced to defend itself, trying to fly with the wind to escape this crazy creature.

No matter what, if it could catch the wind and fly in its favor, there was no way a griffin could catch it. It might be lower in rank, but it was an eagle—flying was its specialty!

The problem was that the griffin’s attacks prevented it from getting in sync with the wind, and its flapping was weakened due to its injuries.

That’s why it tried to alert the distant beasts, but no one heard it. A three-tailed griffin was there. Who would come to its aid?

It was completely alone, against such a powerful and intelligent beast. It seemed to have no chance.

But then again, this beast is an eagle. Its vision... It’s terrifying.

As it struggled to escape the griffin, something strange suddenly caught its eye.

’Humans?’ Maybe thought, seeing two figures hiding in fear.

Perhaps out of instinct or perhaps because of its high intelligence, it knew that it had to alert this griffin to their presence.

There is no better meal for a beast than humans.

That’s why, after managing to escape the blows of this bastard, it allowed its body to fall to the ground, taking down numerous trees in its path.

The griffin looked at it strangely. "What is he planning? He threw himself like an idiot into those trees," he thought.

But then he understood...

Elliot and Jenna were shocked to see that huge eagle approaching them, albeit with its back turned.

"Shit, it’s going to spot us!" They both immediately turned around and started running at full speed.

Their legs had never run so fast as they did now. Fear overwhelmed them, but suddenly they both stopped and looked ahead.

There, the griffin stared at them intently.

"Humans... It’s been a long time since I’ve eaten the tastiest meat in this world." A strange smile seemed to adorn that eagle’s beak, while its three tails quivered forward, all pointing in the same place: the two humans in front of it.

This meant it was giving them its full attention and had even slightly forgotten about the eagle.

Elliot and Jenna trembled and began to take small steps backward. Perhaps they thought that one more inch could mean the difference between survival... or death.

But did they really have a chance of surviving? Despite the bad timing, and with their chances of survival probably at 0%, both were somehow filled with determination and a tremendous will to live.

’...I can’t die. My mother and sister are still waiting for me to avenge them... My father may still be alive somewhere in this world... I can’t die...’ Elliot gripped his sword tightly, never taking his eyes off the griffin.

He was afraid... Yes, he was scared. For the first time, he knew the fear of death. It was a fear that wouldn’t let him move. It wanted to root him in this place, without the slightest chance of survival.

That was the most terrible fear they could feel.

But he also... felt determination and an extremely strong will to live.

Perhaps that was why he didn’t stop taking small but steady steps backward.

Something similar was happening to Jenna.