(Lina's POV)
The trees loomed taller the deeper we went, their shadows stretching across the path like long fingers, as if the forest itself was trying to pull us in. Every step felt heavier, the air thicker. I wasn't used to this—the oppressive silence that hung around us like a shroud. Even the birds seemed to have fled.
I kept my bow at the ready, trying to ignore the gnawing pit in my stomach. Leon was marching ahead confidently, as if this were just another low-level hunt, but something about this didn't feel right. Maybe it was the fact that we were actually hunting a mutant beast, or maybe it was just the way the forest seemed to whisper threats with each gust of wind.
I glanced at the E-rankers ahead. They didn't seem fazed by the eerie atmosphere. Harlan led the way, his massive frame cutting through the underbrush with ease, while Sienna followed, her staff at the ready. Garret, of course, was joking about something, his voice breaking through the quiet.
"Not the most cheerful place, is it?" Garret said with a chuckle, nudging Sienna. "Bet you twenty gold pieces the mutant's probably already left."
Sienna rolled her eyes. "If it has, I'll gladly take your gold. Though, something tells me we won't be that lucky."
"Stay focused," Harlan muttered, his voice deep and steady. He didn't look back at us, but his command was enough to silence even Garret for a moment.
(Third POV)
The adventurers continued their march through the Duskwind Forest, the tension rising with every step. The deeper they ventured, the more the trees seemed to close in around them, their thick trunks casting long, ominous shadows. Even the ground seemed to shift, as if the very earth was preparing for something.
For the F-rankers, this was unfamiliar territory. They had hunted in these woods before, but never this deep. Never this far into the forest where the real dangers lurked. And yet, it was nothing compared to what lay ahead.
(Leon's POV)
The silence was starting to get to me. I had thought the thrill of being part of something bigger would make this easier, but damn, even the trees felt like they were watching us. I glanced back at my team, trying to look confident.
"We're doing fine," I whispered, though I wasn't sure if I was convincing them or myself.
Derrick nodded, his shield slung over his shoulder, eyes scanning the forest. "Just stay alert."
Marie was twirling a small flame in her hand, more out of habit than anything else. "Do you think we'll get to see the mutant soon? I mean, we've been walking for hours."
"Don't get impatient," I said, though secretly I was wondering the same thing. How far were we from the beast's lair? The forest was vast, and there were still no signs of anything too dangerous. No monsters, no ambushes. Not even a wolf pack.
(Harlan's POV)
The F-rankers were nervous. I could sense it without even turning around. They weren't used to this—the quiet, the weight of the forest pressing in on all sides. But they were doing well, so far. At least, none of them had made any rookie mistakes. Not yet.
"Keep your guard up," I said to the E-rankers. Reed nodded, always the disciplined one. He hadn't spoken much since we left, but I could see the tension in his stance. He knew what we were walking into. Sienna was focused, her eyes scanning the trees, while Garret, ever the joker, seemed more at ease than anyone else. But I knew better. Garret could fight when the time came.
We hadn't encountered anything major yet, just a few wild animals darting through the trees. But that wasn't what worried me. What worried me was the silence—the unnatural stillness that had settled over the forest.
This far in, we should have run into some monsters by now. Even low-level ones.
Something was wrong.
(Lina's POV)
I couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching us. Every so often, I would catch a flicker of movement in the corner of my eye, but when I turned, there was nothing. Just the trees swaying in the wind. It was making me jumpy. I wasn't the only one.
Marie must have noticed my nervousness because she moved closer, offering a small smile. "You okay?" she whispered.
"Fine," I lied, gripping my bow tighter. "Just... keeping an eye out."
"Me too. It's too quiet, don't you think?"
I nodded. It was. Unnaturally so. And that was never a good sign.
(Garret's POV)
This was too easy. Sure, the forest looked creepy enough, but there was no real danger here. We'd been walking for hours, and not a single monster had come to greet us. Kinda boring, if you asked me.
"Think the mutant's scared of us?" I joked, nudging Reed.
Reed didn't respond. Of course he didn't. He was too focused, always on edge. Couldn't blame him, though. We had to be ready for anything.
But still, the tension was killing me. Not that I'd admit it.
Suddenly, a branch snapped somewhere behind us, and I felt everyone freeze. I turned, my hand gripping my dagger, eyes scanning the trees. The F-rankers looked panicked, and even Sienna's eyes widened.
But there was nothing there. Just the wind, pushing the branches together.
"False alarm," I muttered, trying to ease the tension. "Probably just a squirrel."
(Third POV)
The group continued moving forward, their pace slowing as they ventured deeper into the forest. The trees were thicker now, the air colder, and the tension palpable. The adventurers were on edge, every sound amplified in the silence.
As they reached the edge of a small clearing, Harlan raised a hand, signaling for everyone to stop.
"Let's take a break here," he said, his voice low. "Keep your guard up."
The adventurers settled in the clearing, some sitting down, others standing with weapons at the ready. There was no fire this time—no one wanted to attract attention. They were too close to their target now. The mutant was out there, somewhere, and they had to be ready for anything.