After hours of trekking through the dense and shadow-filled forest, the Thorn mercenary group finally came to a stop. The towering trees of the Mistful Mountain Range seemed to stretch into infinity, their ancient trunks shrouded in thick mist. Night had fallen quickly, bringing with it a creeping chill that sank into their bones. The air was thick with tension, filled with the strange sounds of the forest—rustling leaves, the distant howl of wind through the trees, and the occasional echo of a creature moving unseen in the darkness. It felt as if something—many things—were watching them from the shadows, just out of sight.
"Let's set up camp," Mirabelle ordered, her voice steady but carrying an underlying note of urgency that no one missed.
The group didn't need to be told twice. Exhaustion from the earlier battles and the long trek had taken its toll, but they worked efficiently. They quickly spread out, choosing a small clearing that offered some protection from the unknown horrors lurking beyond the circle of trees. The fog hung low to the ground, twisting and coiling around the trees like ghostly fingers. The darkness pressed in from all sides, and despite their experience, the mercenaries couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that the forest itself was alive, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
Emmett, Valerie, and Larissa worked together to stake down the corners of the tents while others cleared the area of debris and set up defensive positions. They placed several perimeter markers around the camp, and a few of the scouts went to check for any immediate signs of danger.
"I'll take a group to patrol the area," Mirabelle said, gesturing to a few mercenaries. "We'll set up some early-warning traps in case any monsters decide to sneak up on us."
The rest of the mercenaries stayed behind, taking positions near the flickering fire that was now crackling in the center of the camp. The flames reached high into the air, casting long, eerie shadows that danced across the trees. Every now and then, the shadows flickered in a way that made it seem like something was moving just beyond the firelight.
"You feel that?" Emmett muttered to Valerie as he hammered a tent stake into the ground. His voice was low, but tense.
Valerie glanced around, her normally playful face serious as she took in the thick mist swirling around their feet. "Yeah, it's creepy as hell. Feels like we're being watched."
Emmett nodded in agreement, his hand instinctively moving to rest on the hilt of his sword. "Something doesn't feel right here. It's like the forest is alive."
A few mercenaries gathered near the fire, their eyes scanning the darkness nervously. Several of them were still haunted by the earlier battles with the Shou and the Jiangshi. Now that the adrenaline had worn off, exhaustion and fear had settled in like a weight pressing down on them. The unknown threats that lurked in the darkness were ever-present.
"Do you think those creatures will come for us again?" one mercenary asked nervously, his hand hovering near the hilt of his sword.
"I wouldn't be surprised," another muttered, his eyes darting nervously between the surrounding trees. "This forest is full of monsters. Who knows what else is out there."
A female mercenary named Reina, her face pale with worry, pulled her cloak tighter around herself. "We're too exposed here," she said, her voice shaking slightly. "If we're attacked during the night—"
"We'll be ready," Mirabelle interrupted sharply, returning from her patrol with a few others. Her tone left no room for argument. "We've already faced worse today. We survived, and we'll do it again."
Though her words were meant to reassure, the unease around the camp didn't disappear. The oppressive atmosphere of the forest was suffocating, and the mist seemed to shift and twist with every gust of wind. Strange noises—distant roars, skittering sounds, and rustling leaves—echoed through the trees, making it impossible to tell where danger might be lurking.
A few of the mercenaries sat close to the fire, their expressions grim. The earlier loss of three comrades still weighed heavily on them. Though they knew their fallen companions would respawn back in Beginner City 1, the cost of their deaths—losing three hard-earned levels—was devastating.
"Must suck to lose three levels like that," Kyle, one of the younger members of the group, muttered bitterly as he poked the fire with a stick. "Respawning all the way back at the city, losing all the progress they made these last few days... I'd be pissed."
"I've heard the pain of dying's no joke, either," added another mercenary as he adjusted his armor. "Even with the game's pain dampeners, it's supposed to hurt like hell. And then to get sent back weaker than before..."
"They'll catch up," Mirabelle said flatly, walking past them as she finished her patrol around the camp's perimeter. "But we won't if we sit around and mope about it."
Kyle fell silent, clearly feeling a bit guilty, but the tension in the camp remained thick.
Once all the tents were finally set up and the traps were laid, the mercenaries gathered around the campfire, seeking warmth from the cold night and some semblance of comfort from the group. The flickering flames painted the clearing in shades of orange and gold, casting long shadows over the exhausted fighters. Despite their fatigue, no one wanted to be alone in the darkness—not with the forest surrounding them like a living entity, full of hidden threats.
As the night stretched on, the silence around the campfire became oppressive. The crackling of the fire was the only sound, and it seemed louder than usual, filling the void of the silent night.
Eventually, conversations started to stir again. Some mercenaries tried to lift the heavy mood by talking about anything other than the monsters they might face. Laughter occasionally broke the tension, and slowly, the group began to relax.
Valerie, always one to lighten the mood, leaned over toward Emmett with a mischievous grin. "So, Em," she began, her voice loud enough for everyone around the fire to hear, "I couldn't help but notice your hands got a little... adventurous earlier when you and Larissa hit the ground."
A wave of snickers rippled through the group, and Emmett immediately felt the eyes of his comrades on him. His face flushed red as the heat of embarrassment spread up his neck and to his ears.
"It wasn't like that," he mumbled, running a hand through his hair. "I was just trying to help her up."
Valerie raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. "Oh sure, just trying to 'help' her, by groping her boobs. Classic hero move."
The laughter grew louder, and several mercenaries couldn't resist piling on.
"Nice technique, Em," Reina teased from across the fire, wiping away a tear from laughing so hard. "You know, if that's your way of saving people, I think I'll take my chances with the monsters."
Before Emmett could defend himself, Larissa—who had been quiet for most of the evening—spoke up. She looked over at Emmett, her face surprisingly composed, though a faint blush tinged her cheeks. "I didn't mind," she said sweetly, her voice innocent but clearly teasing. "That was an accident, right Emmett?"
The campfire erupted into even louder laughter, with several mercenaries nearly doubling over from the hilarity of the situation.
Kyle, sitting near the fire, shook his head with a grin. "Oh, that's even worse. You've been pardoned by the victim herself. Lucky bastard."
Emmett buried his face in his hands, the heat of embarrassment burning even hotter now. He couldn't believe this was happening. Valerie was grinning like a maniac, clearly loving every second of his humiliation.
"I swear it wasn't on purpose," Emmett muttered, peeking out from behind his hands. "I was just—"
"Sure, sure," Valerie interrupted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You're totally innocent."
Larissa, her face still calm but with a playful gleam in her eyes, added, "Don't worry, Emmett. If it happens again, I'll forgive you."
That sent the group into another fit of laughter, and this time, even Emmett couldn't help but crack a smile, despite the embarrassment. He threw a mock glare at Valerie and Larissa. "You're the worst, you know that?"
Valerie wiped a tear from her eye, still chuckling. "I try." While Larissa just smiled shyly.
Even Mirabelle, who had been sitting quietly at the edge of the firelight, allowed herself a small smile. Though she didn't join in the teasing, her gaze occasionally flicked toward Emmett. There was something in her expression—a look that lingered for just a moment longer than normal before she quickly looked away. But no one seemed to notice, and Emmett was too busy dealing with Valerie's and Larissa's playful barbs to realize.
As the laughter finally began to die down and the group prepared to settle for the night, Mirabelle stood up and addressed them. Her voice was calm, but her eyes were sharp, scanning the perimeter of the camp. "We'll split up the watch tonight. Emmett, Valerie, Kyle—you're up first. Keep an eye on the perimeter. No one lets their guard down."
The trio nodded, rising from their spots around the fire. The air had grown even colder, and as they moved away from the warmth of the flames, the eerie darkness of the forest seemed to press in on them. The mist swirled around their feet, thick and heavy, and the occasional rustle of leaves or distant animal cry kept them on edge.
"I hate this place," Kyle muttered under his breath as they took their positions around the camp's perimeter. "Feels like we're gonna get jumped any minute."
Emmett couldn't disagree. Every shadow seemed to move, every sound felt like it was just beyond their line of sight. The forest seemed to be watching them, waiting for the right moment to strike.
"Don't worry," Valerie whispered with a grin as they stood side by side. "If anything jumps out at us, I'll make sure to grab its boobs. You know, for old times' sake."
Emmett rolled his eyes but couldn't help but chuckle. "Glad you're keeping your priorities straight."
Circulating their Qi through their legs, Emmett, Valerie, and Kyle leaped up into the trees, positioning themselves in the shadows above the camp. They carefully spread their Qi throughout their bodies, allowing themselves to blend into the night, a technique they had learned from the Moon Scripture. With their enhanced senses and bodies, they silently scanned the area, their eyes peeled for any movement in the darkness.
Despite the tension, the watch passed without incident. The feeling of being watched never left them, but nothing attacked. When the next team arrived to relieve them, Emmett and Valerie descended from the trees and headed back to camp, their bodies finally feeling the full weight of exhaustion.
"We're sharing a tent, right?" Valerie asked, stifling a yawn as they made their way to the small shelter.
"Yeah," Emmett replied, too tired to think about the cramped space they'd have to share.
Once inside the tent, Valerie immediately sprawled out, taking up most of the space. Emmett sighed and lay down next to her, pulling the blanket over them both. "You better not move around as much as you usually do," he muttered, his eyes already starting to close.
"I'll try, but no promises," Valerie replied sleepily, her voice muffled by the pillow.
Emmett had barely drifted off when Valerie started tossing and turning again. First, her arm flung over his chest. Then she kicked him in the leg.
"Val... stop moving," Emmett grumbled, trying to push her away gently.
"Mmm... can't help it," she mumbled in her sleep, rolling onto her side and taking most of the blanket with her.
Emmett sighed and tried to adjust, but every time he started to drift off, Valerie moved again. At one point, she managed to kick him in the shin so hard that he yelped in pain.
"Ow! That's my leg," he whispered harshly, trying to shove her foot off him without waking the rest of the camp.
Valerie didn't stir, and Emmett groaned in frustration as she flopped over again, managing to smack him in the face with her arm this time.
By the time morning came, Emmett had barely slept at all. He woke up with Valerie's foot firmly planted on his face. Groaning, he pushed her leg off and sat up, rubbing his tired eyes. His body ached from the lack of sleep and Valerie's constant thrashing.
Valerie, on the other hand, stretched lazily and smiled as if she'd just had the best night's sleep in her life. "Ahh, I feel so refreshed. Best night's sleep in ages."
Emmett glared at her, dark circles under his eyes. "Glad one of us slept well."
As the camp stirred to life, everyone began packing up their gear, preparing to set out again. The mercenaries looked weary but ready to move forward, the knowledge of what lurked in the forest pushing them onward.
Mirabelle approached Emmett and Valerie with a small, knowing smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "You two look... different this morning," she said lightly. "Did you do anything besides sleep last night?"
Emmett's face flushed red. "Nothing happened," he said quickly, feeling annoyed at Mirabelle's gaze, she knew nothing happened as they all grew up together, she was just stirring up problems. "Val just moves a lot in her sleep."
Larissa, who had been nearby, suddenly looked anxious. Her eyes darted nervously between Emmett and Valerie, and her nervous energy was almost palpable as she fidgeted.
Seeing an opportunity for more fun, Valerie grinned wickedly. "Hey, Larissa, you look a little nervous. Don't worry, if you want to 'do the deed' with Emmett, I could arrange it. Hell, I could even join in. Make it more fun for all of us."
Larissa's face turned a deep shade of red, and she stammered, trying to find the right words. "I—I... I mean, I don't—"
Before Larissa could finish, Valerie burst into laughter and waved her hand dismissively. "Relax, I'm just messing with you! Besides," she added, grinning at Emmett, "I've seen Emmett's dick before—when we were kids. Trust me, I wouldn't feel a thing if I were to play around with it now."
The camp erupted into laughter again, with Emmett caught in the middle, his face burning with embarrassment.
"Val, please," he groaned, covering his face with his hands.
Even Mirabelle cracked a smile at that, though she quickly hid it behind her usual calm demeanor. Larissa, meanwhile, looked like she was about to pass out from the sheer humiliation.
As the group continued to laugh and pack up, a sudden roar echoed through the forest, loud and deep enough to shake the ground beneath their feet. The laughter died instantly, replaced by tense silence. The sound was unmistakable—a powerful creature somewhere in the distance.
Valerie's face grew serious. "That... didn't sound good."
Emmett's heart raced. That roar—it wasn't like anything they'd encountered before. If he had to guess, the creature making that noise wasn't just any monster.
"Level 12 of Body Forging," Mirabelle whispered, her voice grim. "That has to be a boss."
The group exchanged uneasy glances, knowing what that meant. They weren't just dealing with standard enemies anymore. Something far more dangerous was lurking in the forest, and they would have to face it soon.
With the tension rising, the group set off once more, the eerie stillness of the forest now charged with anticipation—and dread.