"We have to find somewhere safe to stay," Hazel said, his gaze sweeping across the ravaged cityscape. Twisted metal and shattered concrete painted a grim picture of the apocalypse. The air hung heavy with the scent of smoke and something else... something feral.
"Wherever you deem safe, Master, will be my sanctuary," Blossom replied, her voice a constant, emotionless echo. She moved with a disconcerting grace, a step behind him.
A sigh escaped Hazel. "I really need to get used to this... this new Ivy," he muttered, stepping carefully over a pile of debris. Blossom followed his every move, her pink hair a stark contrast to the grey desolation.
A piercing howl tore through the silence, raising the hairs on Hazel's neck. His eyes darted around, trying to pinpoint the source of the chilling sound. "Company," he thought grimly.
The howl intensified, and a palpable pressure seemed to build in the air, a primal sense of danger closing in. Blossom stiffened, her hand instinctively moving towards the hilt of her katana.
What is this oppressive feeling? Hazel's heart hammered against his ribs.
"Blossom, stay alert. Something's close," Hazel warned, tightening his grip on the scythe.
"Understood, my lord," Blossom responded, her voice firm, her stance coiled and ready.
A blur of white erupted from the shadows – a wolf, easily the size of a small horse, its eyes glowing with an intelligent, predatory light. The number '25' floated ominously above its head.
"Blossom!" Hazel yelled, throwing his scythe in a wide arc towards the monstrous wolf. The creature moved with surprising agility, dodging the attack with contemptuous ease. This left Blossom with a clear line of attack.
Hazel retrieved his scythe, its weight a familiar comfort in his hand, and positioned himself beside Blossom. "Let's take it down together."
The wolf's level was a stark warning, a clear indication of its superior strength. But Hazel felt a surge of adrenaline, a desperate hope that their combined efforts could prevail.
"Blossom, flank left. I'll draw its attention to the right," Hazel instructed, his voice sharp with command.
Blossom moved instantly, a silent shadow. As the wolf lunged at Hazel, teeth bared, he raised his scythe in a block, the impact jarring his arms. Simultaneously, Blossom struck from the side, her blade a flash of pink energy, slicing through one of the wolf's thick legs.
The creature howled in pain, collapsing to the ground. Hazel pressed his advantage, his scythe flashing as he severed another leg. "Blossom, finish it now!"
But with a desperate surge of power, the crippled wolf twisted its body, narrowly avoiding Blossom's killing blow.
"How the hell did it do that?" Hazel exclaimed, his surprise turning to frustration.
The wolf's enraged howl echoed through the ruins, answered by a chorus of howls in the distance. More white wolves, their glowing eyes like malevolent stars, began to converge on their position. "These things are relentless," Hazel growled. "Blossom, I'll cripple them. You focus on the kills. Fast, and don't give them a chance to call for more backup."
"Acknowledged, my lord," Blossom replied, her gaze unwavering.
Two wolves lunged, a coordinated attack. Hazel and Blossom moved in sync, dodging their snapping jaws and retaliating. Hazel's scythe swept low, taking out both wolves' front legs, while Blossom's katana blurred, leaving clean decapitations in its wake.
The remaining two wolves approached with more caution, circling them warily. Hazel feinted left, then darted right, his scythe cleaving through the legs of one wolf, leaving it vulnerable. Blossom moved in for the kill.
As the last wolf lunged at Hazel, teeth bared for his throat, Blossom reacted with lightning speed. "Spiral Blossom Slash!" Her blade spun in a vortex of pink energy, bisecting the wolf in mid-air, saving Hazel from a potentially fatal blow.
"Thanks, Blossom," Hazel said, a wave of relief washing over him.
"It is my duty, Master," Blossom replied, her expression unchanged.
Hazel approached the whimpering, legless wolf and nodded to Blossom. "End it."
Blossom's blade flashed, and the creature fell still.
[Your subordinate, Blossom Queen, has defeated five wolf monsters.]
[You have gained +75 EXP.]
[Your subordinate, Blossom Queen, has gained +50 EXP.]
Still a significant chunk of the EXP coming to me, Hazel noted, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow.
As they continued their trek through the devastated streets, Hazel focused on the fallen wolves. System, can I absorb their souls? Nothing happened. He tried again, focusing his intent, but there was no response.
"Let's move, Blossom," Hazel said, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
After what felt like hours of navigating the ruins, they stumbled upon a boutique, its windows shattered but the interior seemingly intact. "I guess it's finally time to ditch these hospital pajamas," Hazel said, gesturing towards the shop. "Blossom, keep watch while I change."
Inside, amidst the scattered mannequins and overturned racks, Hazel found some practical, dark clothing that fit reasonably well. He changed quickly, the silence punctuated only by the distant growls of unseen creatures.
Stepping out of the makeshift changing area, Hazel saw Blossom standing guard near the entrance. Her usually impassive face held a subtle, almost imperceptible flush. Her gaze flickered over his new attire – a dark jacket, sturdy pants, and worn boots – and for a fleeting moment, her lips seemed to part slightly.
Hazel stopped, surprised. It was the first genuine flicker of emotion he had witnessed since her revival. "Blossom? Do you... do you remember something?" he asked, his voice filled with a sudden hope.
But the moment passed as quickly as it came. Blossom's expression returned to its usual blankness. "Negative, Master," she replied, her tone once again devoid of feeling.
Could it be that her emotions are still buried, waiting to be triggered? Hazel wondered, a new idea forming in his mind. Maybe by pushing her to feel again, her memories will resurface.
"I'll figure it out," he murmured to himself. "Let's go, Blossom." They stepped back out into the ruined world, the question of Ivy's lost memories hanging heavy in the air as they continued their search for a safe haven.