The forest, still scarred from his previous battles, seemed to stretch endlessly before Lyerin. Shadows danced between the towering trees, and the faint hum of mana-rich energy hung in the air. The mana stone in his pouch pulsed faintly, but its light barely held his attention. It wasn't enough—not nearly enough. Lyerin needed something greater. Something that would ignite the thrill of battle in his veins.
His boots crunched against the forest floor as he moved silently, his senses heightened. Every rustle of leaves, every distant call of a beast, sent a wave of anticipation through him. He could feel it—something was out there, watching him, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
And then, he saw them.
