Global Awakening: Only I Can Respawn

Anna, Gina, and Yeji stood nervously outside the grand stone temple. Around them, several Chiron warriors were waiting, all while looking at them like annoying insects.

The centaurs kept urging the girls to leave and rest. They even said it would take a while before YuWon got out of there, but the humans refused to budge.

"The temple is not a place for sightseeing," one Chiron urged. "The ritual takes time. That's why we suggest you rest more comfortably in the human quarters."

"We know you mean when, but we can wait," Yeji shook her head. "If it's your job to monitor us, then rest assured, we aren't going anywhere. You can relax as well."

The Chiron exchanged uneasy glances. They seemed used to giving orders and having them followed. But Alecton, their elder, had been clear: they were to treat these humans with respect, which meant they couldn't use force to make them leave.

"Please, do not make it any more difficult than this already is," the Chiron mumbled. "Our people are not used to seeing your kind. As such, your presence makes them uncomfortable—"

"Then perhaps you should cover us with a blanket," Gina smiled. "After all, we are not moving from here until YuWon returns."

The Chiron's tail flicked in annoyance, but they didn't push the matter further. Instead, they did as Anna suggested and tried to make themselves comfortable, standing guard with the humans.

Suddenly, a deep rumble shook the ground beneath them. The Chiron warriors around the temple snapped to attention. Something was terribly wrong.

The next moment, a bright flare lit up the sky, signaling that an intruder had broken through the first maze.

"What was that?" Yeji's eyes widened.

The Chiron exchanged tense glances. Three Chiron immediately left to alert the warriors, while the others turned toward the humans. They'd been invaded before and felt pretty good about their defenses.

The only issue was... the humans. They quickly turned to them, suspicious of them. It couldn't be a coincidence that the attack happened as soon as the humans arrived there. The humans had to be involved in it.

"Capture them," one Chiron instructed to the other. "Alecton will decide on their punishment later."

Another Chiron stepped forward, accusing the humans. "You came to our city, and now we're under attack. You led them here!"

"Excuse me? We have done nothing!" Gina clenched her fists, stepping forward. "If you still dare to—"

"Gina, don't. Fighting them won't help right now," Anna mumbled, placing her hand on her shoulder.

Gina glanced at Anna and took a deep breath. The Chiron were watching them closely as if expecting them to resist. They seemed eager to believe the humans were involved in this invasion, even though it wasn't the case.

They did not know who could even get through the countless mazes they had. However, it was unlikely the Chiron would believe them. For the moment, it was better to listen to their command and wait.

"We'll come along peacefully," Anna said, lifting her hands, surrendering.

The Chiron warriors eyed them warily before nodding. "You'll be detained until this threat is dealt with. If you had no part in the invasion, Alecton will judge you fairly. If not, you'll die a dishonorable death."

Without another word, the Chiron bound their wrists with a strong, enchanted rope. The girls didn't struggle as the Chiron led them away. The bindings weren't comfortable, but Anna knew they didn't stand a chance against the centaurs if they resisted.

Upon reaching the assigned house, the Chiron pushed them inside and locked the door. The sound of heavy hoofbeats receded as the warriors hurried away, likely to defend their city.

Inside the small room, Gina finally let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing her wrists to restore blood flow.

"This is ridiculous. We didn't even do anything, and now we're prisoners?"

"I know," Anna replied, sitting down against the wall. "But if we'd tried to resist, it would've only made things worse. They already think we're here to cause trouble."

"We just have to wait. YuWon's still in there," Yeji nodded. "He'll figure this out once he's done. Will then we should wait."

***

Under the light of the setting sun, the werewolves moved steadily up the rough mountain path. Dust and blood covered their matted fur. Their eyes glowed with a fierce hunger as they climbed the mountain from every side possible.

"Keep moving!" the largest werewolf in the lead growled. "We're close now."

He glanced back at the others. Most of them were in rough shape, but it was their only chance to attack them. Their injuries would heal and their stamina would return in the night. It would be the best time to attack the Chiron and claim the immortalizing water of the Styx.

But not everyone was prepared for it.

One of the younger werewolves hesitated, looking up at the steep, rugged cliffs that loomed over them.

"Are you sure this is the right way, Graul?" he asked nervously, ears flattened against his head.

Graul snarled, flashing his sharp fangs. "Do you doubt me, pup?"

The younger werewolf swallowed hard and shook his head, quickly falling back in line as they climbed.

It had been a while since Graul had last seen the Thessaraea, but he remembered as if it was yesterday. They had faced the Chiron bravely since they had remained undefeated back then.

However, no matter how hard they tried, it was impossible to subdue the Chiron. As soon as they injured someone, they ran away, only to return stronger than before.

At first, they didn't know how. But thanks to the deal they made with the centaurs, they now knew. Water from river Styx. It had saved them but now; they were going to attack the Chiron from behind and take over the temple first.

"Without the water... they'll have nowhere to fall back. All thanks to that fool Lycaon for helping us even in death."

"What's the point? They'll smell us coming. Besides, we're not exactly quiet."

"Let them. I want them to know we're coming," Graul smirked. "It'll be good to see them cower in fear as we tear through their defenses. Tonight, the Chiron fall."

With a last glance at the pack, Graul led the charge up the final stretch of the mountains. The Chiron's sanctuary would soon be under siege.