The group's journey toward the capital was an arduous test of their resilience and combat prowess. The path was fraught with danger, and each new encounter with hostile monsters and even some dark art practitioners was a reminder of the high stakes of their quest.
The Beast in the Forest
Just a day after defeating the Thunderclaw, the team found themselves traversing through a dense, misty forest. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, creating an eerie atmosphere. As they moved cautiously through the undergrowth, the ground beneath their feet began to tremble.
"What's causing that?" Ruby whispered, gripping her new sword tightly.
Before anyone could respond, a massive creature burst from the foliage. It was a Monolith Serpent, a monstrous serpent with scales that shimmered like obsidian. The serpent's eyes glowed with malevolent intelligence as it lunged toward the group.