The dense fog seemed to stretch out endlessly before them, obscuring their vision and casting an ominous pall over the landscape.
The mist swirled and coiled like tendrils of smoke, weaving its way through the air in an intricate dance that seemed to defy the laws of nature.
It crept along the ground, clinging to the earth like while overhead, the sky was hidden from view, swallowed up by the thick blanket of fog that enveloped the land.
Despite its ethereal beauty, there was something unsettling about the mist, a sense of foreboding that sent shivers down the spines of Invited.
The air was thick with the cloying scent of damp earth and decay from behind the fog. And the silence that hung over the fog was deafening, broken only by the occasional rustle of unseen creatures moving through the underbrush.
As the Invited pressed onward, the fog seemed to grow thicker and more oppressive, closing in around them like a suffocating embrace.
Visibility dwindled to mere feet, and the world beyond the mist faded into a murky haze, leaving them feeling disoriented and vulnerable.
Sense of unease settled over them like a heavy blanket, weighing down their spirits and sending a chill racing down their spines. The swirling mist seemed to whisper ominous secrets, its tendrils reaching out to ensnare their thoughts and plant seeds of doubt in their minds.
"I don't like this," muttered one of the girl, her voice like a whisper as she cast a nervous glance around her. "It feels like we're walking straight into a trap!"
Her words echoed the sentiments of many among the group. Their footsteps faltering as they hesitated on the edge of the unknown. Fear gnawed at their hearts with each passing moment, and the sense of foreboding that hung heavy in the air threatened to suffocate them all.
Ryan, however, remained steadfast in the face of their fears. When he looked at those behind him, his eyes blazing with determination as he forged ahead through the mist.
"Keep moving," he urged, his voice firm and commanding. "We can't let fear dictate our actions. We must press on if we are to uncover the truth behind this fog."
His words steeling their nerves. He was able to pushed forward. Their footsteps echoing hollowly in the silence as they ventured deeper into the fog-shrouded wilderness.
They were adrift in a sea of uncertainty, surrounded on all sides by an impenetrable wall of mist and the unknown dangers that lurked behind it.
Behind them, Ethan and Irene scoffed at the sight in front of them. They watched Ryan acting as if he were a dependable leader. But only in this way could they obtain the treasures here. Without his manipulation, they wouldn't be able to gather the Invited as easily.
At that, Ethan felt fortunate because of his presence. But he also felt wary. Ryan is not stupid, and his motivation is mysterious. It could be that Ryan is also trying to manipulate him and Irene like these people. He can't let him do that.
Suddenly, they found themselves beset by growls emanating from the swirling mists. With no warning, shadowy figures leaped forth from the veil of fog.
"GRAAAAHHH!!!"
Their forms twisted and grotesque, their eyes glowing with a malevolent light.
These monsters are different from what they've seen before. Ethan and Irene had asked Claudia about them, and she told them that these monsters are called Mist Stalkers.
Their rank is the same as the Shadowstalkers, Common, but because of the surroundings, which constitute their domain, they become more dangerous.
Panic erupted among the Invited as they scrambled to defend themselves against the sudden onslaught.
Swords flashed and spells fly through the air as they fought desperately to repel the attacking creatures. Their movements hampered by the disorienting mist that swirled around them like a living thing.
Ethan and Irene stood back to back, their weapons at the ready as they faced off against the horde of monsters that assailed them from all sides.
Ethan's Aetherbow sang as he loosed arrow after arrow into the mass of writhing shadows, each shot finding its mark with deadly speed.
Meanwhile, Irene danced through the fray with grace and precision, her dark blades flashing as she dispatched the monsters with lethal efficiency.
But for every monster they felled, two more seemed to take its place, their numbers seemingly endless as they poured forth from the depths of the fog.
The air was thick with the scent of blood and sweat, mingling with the acrid tang of magic as spells flew and blades clashed with flesh.
Ryan stepped forward, his demeanor radiating confidence and his face calm. He know he can pass this because he already did it before.
Ryan summoned forth a radiant light that enveloped the group, imbuing them with renewed strength and fortitude. The soft glow emanating from Ryan's sword spread outward, enveloping each member of the party in a shimmering aura.
Just like before, the light seemed to infuse them with newfound vigor, their muscles tensing with anticipation as their senses sharpened. A surge of energy coursed through their veins, doubling their Strength, Agility, and Energy.
"Stay close and fight together! This light wil; double your Attributes," Ryan declared, his voice ringing out with authority over the chaos of battle. "We can kill them!"
Encouraged by Ryan's words and the surge of power coursing through them.
They fought for a few more minutes, until finally they managed to kill all of the monsters.
With the last of the Mist Stalkers vanquished, the battlefield fell silent save for the heavy breathing of the Invited. They relatively unscathed, save for a few minor scratches and bruises
As the adrenaline began to ebb away, they took a moment to catch their breath and regroup.
"We made it through," Ryan said, his voice tinged with relief. "But we must remain vigilant. There may be more dangers ahead."
Ryan glanced at Ethan and Irene who were at the back of the line. He looked at them meaningfully, indicating that the real event would start soon.
Ethan nodded with a cold expression.
They continued their journey, led by Ryan.
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