Mr. Parker's expression turned grave. "The underground bridge leads to the open sea, but it's inhabited by the dead. The last group who tried to escape was brutally murdered, bathed in their own blood. Only one survivor returned, injured, and told us the horrifying truth: escape is impossible unless we kill the King of the dead."

He paused, ensuring I understood.

"According to the Book of the Dead, only two things can harm them: fire and dragon glass. While fire won't kill the King, dragon glass can. Do you grasp what I'm saying?"

Me: Yes, I understood. Please, where can we find the dragon glass?

Mr. Parker: It is the only one that exists. It is with the King of the dead, and he has thousands of armies.

Me: What is the sword my grandfather gave me before he died used for?

Mr. Parker: I don't know, but it holds some strange power. Your grandfather gave it to you because you are strong, and it is foretold that you have a higher possibility of delivering this village from both the dead and the beast. He also said our land is blessed by our gods with wealth and good soil.

Me: This is awesome, Father.

Mr. Parker: Yes, son. Let's start going home.

Me: Okay, Father.

We were on our way back home when we started hearing the whining of the beast and the scream of a lady. We walked as fast as possible, trying to avoid making any noise till we got to the village. What we saw got me scared; we saw the cracked bones of a newly killed human being littering the floor. We checked around and found no traces of the beast or people outside. On a normal day, people will be outside receiving fresh air and gisting, but today is different. I forget to tell you that once anybody makes noise in their house, the beast will break down their door and come hunting. They are very fast, but not as fast as the creature I saw a night ago. Both me and my daddy quietly walked into the house to hear the shocking news of my life. My Mummy said that it was Nora, the girl that I was crushing on, that was killed by the wild beast. I felt like screaming loud and letting out all my pain, but I know better than to make noise because the beast will destroy me alongside Nora. My one and only sister was comforting me because I was weeping silently. 

Later that night, the sound of three creatures in human form flying overhead sent shivers down my spine. I knew someone's life was in imminent danger.

I crept to the window and peeked outside, my heart racing. Three of those terrifying beasts stood before them, yet, surprisingly, they didn't attack but left. It seemed they now feared the mysterious creatures.

The three beasts darted into nearby houses, and the air filled with screams and wails of adults and children. My fear gave way to rage and determination.

"We must act now!" I thought. "If we don't fight back, they'll wipe us out!"

I grasped my sword, ready to confront the beasts, no longer fearing death. But as I rushed outside, my dad blocked my path.

Me: Daddy, I have to do something!

Mr. Parker: Wait, son! You can't go out there alone.

(I stood frozen, awaiting his next words)

Mr. Parker (in signs): You'll get yourself killed; please don't go.

(My mom joined, pleading with desperate signs)

Me (in voice): I've made up my mind.

(The screams of the villagers fueled my determination)

Mr. Parker (in signs): Wear this. Your grandfather said to give it to you when you're ready for war.

(I took the unknown object from my dad and rushed outside)

My sister watched, tears streaming down her face.

Me: You bloody, wicked creatures! Come taste your own medicine!

One of the creatures turned, its eyes locking onto me.

Creature: Who are you to challenge me?

(I stood firm, gripping my sword and the mysterious object)

Me: I am the one who will bring you down.

(The creature sneered, baring its teeth)

The creature sprinted toward me with incredible speed. I drew my sword, fueled by rage, but before I could strike, an unseen force burst from the blade, sending the creature crashing to the ground, its head severed.

I charged toward another creature, but it unleashed a powerful gust, knocking me back and injuring my left hand. As I stood up, it encircled me with lightning speed.

Suddenly, it clicked – they were vampires. I recalled reading about them in a book.

I closed my eyes, focusing on the vampire's movements through my sensitive hearing. With perfect timing, I swung my sword hard to the right, striking the vampire and sending it flying.

As I prepared to finish it off, another vampire knocked me away. The new attacker pummeled me with blows, edging me closer to death.

But when it saw the wristband on my hand, the band emitted a blazing red light, scorching the vampire's skin. It recoiled, fleeing with its companion, who had regained strength.

My dad rushed to me, swept me up with my sword, and carried us safely into our house.