Nyssa and Tof moved swiftly through the increasingly dark forest, heading toward the place where Draven and Lina were being held captive.
The atmosphere grew tense, and a sense of dread began to creep between them. Tof, with burning determination, followed closely behind Nyssa, who was focused on their mission. They knew time was running out.
However, when they arrived at a clearing on the forest's edge, what they encountered was completely unexpected.
In front of them stood the village chief, Ralnor, a figure whom the villagers had trusted as their leader.
But now, he appeared different his eyes radiated evil, and a cold smile curled on his lips. Several loyal village guards stood by his side, weapons in hand, staring at Nyssa with icy gazes.
Behind them, Draven and Lina were tied up, unconscious and kneeling on the ground.
Ralnor waited calmly for their arrival, as if he had predicted their every move. In a voice that was calm yet dripping with mockery, he greeted Nyssa, "What took you so long, adventurer? I was getting bored waiting. But no matter, our master will be very pleased with this offering. A third-circle mage and a third-star Hyak user. You two are the perfect gifts."
Nyssa halted, her eyes narrowing as she glared at Ralnor, trying to grasp what was really happening.
This man, who was supposed to protect his village, turned out to be the mastermind behind all the destruction.
"So… this was all your doing, Ralnor?" Nyssa said in a low voice, brimming with anger. "You betrayed the villagers who trusted you!"
Ralnor chuckled softly, his tone filled with malice. "The villagers? They were just appetizers for our master. It's adventurers like you that we truly seek. You come with great power, full of hope perfect to be crushed. Our master is interested in strong souls like yours."
Tof, standing beside Nyssa, clenched his fists. "Village chief, you betrayed everyone! You let my family die, and now you want to sacrifice everyone for some 'master's' satisfaction? Who is this lunatic?"
"You people will never understand the glory of our master," Ralnor replied, his voice becoming more arrogant. "You are nothing but worms beneath his feet. My master is a force greater than anything you can imagine. So, I suggest you surrender and offer yourselves willingly."
Nyssa's eyes narrowed with disgust and fury. "People like you," she said, her voice heavy with contempt, "have no right to speak of any kind of glory. You're just a coward sacrificing innocent lives for power you don't even fully comprehend."
Ralnor shook his head, still smiling. "It's a pity you can't see the bigger picture, adventurer. But that doesn't matter, because soon you'll be part of this grand plan. Guards, capture her and bring her to our master."
At Ralnor's command, the guards began to move. But something was different.
Their bodies started to shake and change, each of them transforming into werewolves, much larger and stronger than any Nyssa and Tof had seen before.
Unlike the infected villagers, these guards were more muscular, with dark fur and glowing red eyes.
"Damn, they're stronger!" Nyssa muttered, swiftly drawing her sword, preparing for a fierce battle.