As Shivay and Nyx moved through the open plains, the lingering presence around him grew more pronounced. It was subtle, almost like a brush of the wind, but with his sharpened senses, he could feel it—a soft but deliberate energy that was inching closer. Shunaya had already warned him, and now he stayed alert, his eyes scanning the treeline ahead.
Suddenly, Nyx's ears flicked, and Shivay tightened his grip on the reins. His hand hovered near his weapon, ready for an ambush. Then, from behind a cluster of trees, a figure emerged.
At first glance, she was nothing less than stunning. A woman with flowing black hair, eyes that sparkled like stars, and a smile that could melt glaciers. She wore a silk robe that accentuated her grace, moving as though the very ground danced beneath her feet. Her presence was mesmerizing, and Shivay found it hard to look away.
"Well, well," the woman said, her voice a playful purr as she slowly approached. "It's not every day I encounter someone bold enough to trespass through my territory without so much as a hello."
Shivay's instincts flared. There was something too perfect, too otherworldly about her. He quickly opened the system's appraisal function and focused on her.
[Name: ???
Species: Nine-Tailed Fox (Six Tails Developed)
Power Level: High
Skills: Illusions, Shapeshifting, Charm, Ether Manipulation]
His eyes widened. A nine-tailed fox? He had heard of these legendary creatures, but one that had developed six tails was far beyond any ordinary beast. Her illusion magic alone could easily manipulate the senses, and her charm was powerful enough to bend the strongest of wills. Shivay had to stay on guard.
"So," she continued, tilting her head, her fox-like smile not wavering, "are you going to tell me why you're staring, or shall I assume you're just another admirer enchanted by my beauty?"
Shivay blinked, snapping back to reality. "Uh... sorry. Just wasn't expecting to meet anyone so, uh... formidable out here," he replied, trying to keep his cool. He knew he had to stay sharp around this creature—one wrong move, and her illusion magic could overwhelm him.
She chuckled, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Formidable? You flatter me. Though, if I'm being honest, most people don't notice until it's far too late." She paused, giving him a once-over. "But you… you're interesting. Not many can see through my little tricks so easily."
Shivay scratched the back of his head, trying to appear nonchalant. "Well, I'm not exactly ordinary myself."
The fox-woman's eyes narrowed playfully. "Is that so? You smell... different. Something ancient, something powerful. Tell me, who—or what—are you?"
"I could ask you the same question," Shivay shot back with a grin. "But since you're so curious... let's just say I'm a work in progress."
Her laughter rang out like a melody. "A 'work in progress'? How delightfully vague!" She took a few more steps closer, her eyes never leaving his. "You're not from around here, are you? Your scent doesn't match anything I've encountered before, and trust me, I've encountered plenty."
"You could say I'm... new in town," Shivay responded with a smirk, though inside he was carefully calculating his next move. "And you? Six tails? You must be quite the legend around these parts."
Her tails—now faintly visible in the ether—flicked behind her, and her smile grew wider. "Oh, you flatter me again! Yes, six tails... it's been quite the journey. But let's not make this about me. What's a Progenitor like you doing wandering through my domain?"
Shivay's eyes twitched. How did she know he was a Progenitor?
She waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, don't look so surprised. A little fox like me has ways of knowing things." She winked, then leaned in, as if sharing a secret. "I can smell it on you... your bloodline, it's unlike anything else. Almost... intoxicating."
Shivay held her gaze, not backing down. "You've got quite the nose, I'll give you that. But I'm not here to cause any trouble. Just passing through."
"Passing through?" she echoed, clearly unconvinced. "No one simply 'passes through' territory like mine. You're either here for a reason or you're a fool. Which is it?"
Shivay chuckled, enjoying the banter despite the tension. "A little of both, I think."
The fox-woman let out another melodious laugh. "Oh, I do like you. Most people get all flustered and either try to run or fight when they meet me. But you... you've got a good sense of humor." She paused, her smile growing sly. "Still, you haven't answered my question."
"Which one?" Shivay asked, playing along. "You've asked a few."
"Why are you here?" she asked, her voice dropping to a more serious tone, her eyes locking onto his. "You smell like ether, ancient and wild. And you're heading in the direction of the Temple. Don't tell me you're after the hearts as well?"
Shivay hesitated. This woman—this fox—was clearly dangerous, but she didn't seem immediately hostile. Still, he had to be careful with how much he revealed. "What if I am?"
The fox-woman's smile faded, replaced with a look of intrigue. "Then you've bitten off more than you can chew. The hearts are not to be trifled with. Many have sought them, and none have returned."
"I'm not like the others," Shivay replied, his voice steady.
"Oh, I know that much," she said, her smile returning, though this time it was sharper, almost predatory. "You're something entirely different, aren't you?"
They stood in silence for a moment, the wind carrying the sound of rustling leaves between them. Then, the fox-woman stepped back, her tails swirling in the air behind her.
"Very well, Progenitor," she said with a playful bow. "I'll let you continue your little adventure. But be warned—this path you're on? It's not an easy one. And if you're not careful, you might just end up as another fox's meal."
Shivay smirked, adjusting his grip on Nyx's reins. "I'll take my chances."
She gave him one last lingering look, her eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm sure we'll meet again, Shivay," she purred, using his name for the first time.
With that, the fox-woman turned, her form shimmering for a brief moment before she disappeared into the forest, her laughter echoing in the distance.
Shivay let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding. "Well, that was... something."
Shunaya's voice chimed in, her tone amused. "Seems like you've made quite the impression, Master."
Shivay shook his head, a grin creeping onto his face. "Yeah, but I've got a feeling she's not the type to forget a face."