Chapter 105: The Unseen Threat
Settlement residents saw the coalition overcome its challenges with renewed hope and enthusiasm in their communities. Regular folks got their first glimpse of a future where things might finally settle down after many rough years. The wilderness began to show signs that our world faced unknown threats again.
---
After the storm passed, Natasha and Alison went right back to keeping an eye on how people built Vellion. Life in the city picked up quickly with people working harder than ever before. While Natasha worked with professional builders to strengthen important facilities Alison spent time instructing city defenders through their practice exercises.
The sense of peace ended quickly.
A scout sprinted toward the city entrance displaying clear shock on his countenance. "Something dangerous is on our way," he panted out. "From the jungle. We saw… shadows. Too many to count. Nobody anywhere has seen anything move like this before.
The two women shared a worried glance. The different feel of this threat stood out, as they had already survived raiders, wild animals, and the weather. This life form appears to stem from older nature-based patterns.
Speakings, quick and firm, Natasha says: "We need a full council meeting right away."
---
Multiple settlement representatives entered the council room together to hear about the scout's finding. Tension crackled in the air.
"What are we dealing with?" Ira from Cresthaven asked.
Natasha responded with caution as she said "We have not determined the cause yet." Our observations from multiple parts of the country back up the scout's report. Dark-wrapped creatures slipping through the woods, striking randomly and vanishing before people could see them clear. We believed they were just isolated attacks, but now we realize...
"Dren confirmed the threat was expanding throughout the land.
---
Everyone stopped talking as they realized what that meant.
Alison wants us to understand our enemy better first before taking action. Our chance of survival will be low if we don't gather information first. Some volunteers should carefully watch these dangerous creatures without putting themselves at risk. Our goal should be to spot regular habits, vulnerabilities, and anything we can exploit.
Ira nodded. We need to strengthen our protection methods while waiting for more information. We should get ready to protect our settlements if these shadows come near us.
The council quickly divided tasks: Our defensive plan splits responsibilities among the fortifications in three directions. Cresthaven Mountain Guards will protect their mountain outlets, while Ashport Boatmen watch the waterways nearby, and Vellion handles defense command and sends help to needed places.
---
As a member of the scouting team, Natasha chose to go along. She refused to stay protected when others needed her help. Despite wanting to join her friends Alison agreed to supervise Vellion's military operations.
The team moved through the jungle far into the wilderness, following the scout who had given them the alarm. The Heart's energy moved slowly through the air, giving people a sense of safety while they waited for trouble to come.
The daytime dragged by without anyone saying anything. Everything looked calmer in the jungle, like animals could feel the danger coming closer.
Then, they saw it.
An unclear human form showed up in the distance, moving with shapes changing constantly. The shape moved in a weird, smooth way, walking silently among thick plants. The team stood there, noticing more ghostly figures come to life in the dark.
Natasha's breath caught. These weren't normal animals. The creatures didn't seem like natural beings in their environment.
"Fall back," she whispered. "We've seen enough."
---
Everyone on the trip felt nervous because they thought they were being followed. Although the shadowy figures stayed away Natasha sensed they still kept an eye on her.
As soon as the group returned Natasha organized another official meeting session right away. The audience reacted with deep anxiety when she spoke.
These shadows represent a danger that extends beyond a single community boundaries. She warned that the shadows pose danger to all of us. "If we don't solve what's going on and how to fix it, everything we've built will be in danger of being destroyed."
---
The member communities unified their research and fighting power to face the emerging menace. Cresthaven's scholars studied the basic features of shadows Ashport's trackers followed their movements and Vellion's leaders readied their army for war.
As the council members left Natasha doubted that they had found all necessary information to solve the mystery.
---
She took position on her balcony in Vellion and thought deeply under the night sky. His arrival helped her stay focused while they talked.
He broke into a small grin and told her, "You're overthinking it."
"I can't help how I feel," she said. The problem isn't just what they do physically; something bigger is at work here. They feel bad and connect to something beyond their understanding. She's certain we need to figure out more about what's going on here.
His eyes remained focused in another direction. We can confront whatever problems come our way. Together."
She found peace by resting on his determined nature. Despite the shadow mystery they would confront it together.
---
The darkness converged at the jungle's core distant from Vellion. They walked toward something important, like they were being pulled by something invisible. A terrifying figure stood in the middle of their group while radiating evil power throughout.
The jungle gave a clear sign of danger, but the group understood that the real fight had just started.