Ethan ventured further into the forest, each step leading him deeper into the heart of this mysterious and dangerous place. The air grew colder, carrying with it a strange energy that seemed to hum beneath the surface of the earth. The forest canopy thickened, blocking out more of the already sparse sunlight, and the shadows grew longer, twisting into strange shapes that seemed to move on their own.
"These creatures are getting stronger," Ethan muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. He had just finished off another monster, a serpentine beast with scales as hard as steel, and now he was sifting through the remains for any valuable loot.
"Stronger creatures usually guard better treasures," the system replied. "Stay sharp."
As if on cue, Ethan's eyes caught the glint of something unusual among the remains of the serpent. Carefully, he reached down and pulled out a small, smooth stone that radiated a soft, inner light.
