NOVEL WEB Chapter 31: Cloaker's Playground
The night enveloped the city, shrouding it in darkness. Cloaker moved through the shadows with a sinister grace, his form barely visible as he sliced through the streetlights one by one. Each light flickered and died, plunging the street further into a pitch-black void.
Cloaker (thinking): "Fear thrives in the dark. It's time to spread some terror."
His glowing red eyes pierced through the darkness as he stalked his prey. Ahead, he spotted a group of soldiers patrolling, their expressions tense and alert. Cloaker's jagged smile widened, his anticipation growing.
Cloaker (thinking): "Perfect. Let's have some fun."
With a sudden burst of speed, Cloaker darted behind the soldiers, moving so quickly they barely had time to react. He relished the moment, savoring their confusion and fear. Leaning close, he whispered in a chilling voice.
Cloaker: "Hello, Human~"
The soldiers spun around, rifles raised, but Cloaker was faster. His claws flashed in the dim light, slicing through their rifles with ease. The metal clattered to the ground, leaving the soldiers defenseless. One soldier, braver than the rest, lunged forward and stabbed Cloaker with a bayonet.
The blade passed through Cloaker's intangible form, having no effect. Cloaker chuckled, his eerie laugh echoing through the night.
Soldier (panicked): "What the hell are you?!"
Another soldier fumbled with his flashlight, managing to switch it on. The beam of light cut through the darkness, illuminating Cloaker's menacing figure. For a brief moment, hope flickered in the soldier's eyes.
Cloaker: "Your guess is wrong, I'm not afraid or weak to light. I'm just acting so that you feel deeper fear when you lose hope."
With a swift motion, Cloaker slashed through the flashlight, extinguishing the beam. The soldier's hope shattered, replaced by sheer terror. Cloaker fed off their fear, his strength growing with each passing second.
Cloaker (thinking): "Fear is a delicious thing. It makes them so much more... entertaining."
The soldiers tried to flee, but Cloaker was relentless. He moved with supernatural speed, cutting them down one by one. Blood stained the pavement as their screams filled the night, but Cloaker's expression remained cold and detached.
Cloaker (thinking): "Humans are so fragile, so easy to break. But she... she is different."
His thoughts wandered to Sakura, the half-cat girl who had narrowly escaped his clutches. Cloaker had orchestrated the scene with the wolf, making it appear as though Sakura had killed the beast. His true intentions remained a mystery, even to himself.
Cloaker (thinking): "There's something about her. She amuses me. Let's see how long she can survive."
With the soldiers' bodies lying in a grisly tableau, Cloaker vanished into the shadows, leaving only death and darkness in his wake. He moved silently through the city, always watching, always waiting.
Cloaker (thinking): "The game is far from over, little girl. I'm not done with you yet."
As the night wore on, Cloaker continued his reign of terror, his presence a constant, unseen threat. For now, he was content to observe, to manipulate from the shadows. But he knew it was only a matter of time before he would face Sakura again.
Cloaker (thinking): "Soon, very soon."