The shadowy creature lunged at them with astonishing speed, moving as if it were blending into the surrounding darkness, making it nearly impossible to predict its path. Eldar was the first to confront it, his sword gleaming with the energy he'd honed through years of combat training. With a swift strike, he attempted to pierce the creature's chest, but his sword passed through the shadow without effect.
"This is impossible!" Eldar growled in frustration as the creature turned toward him. He couldn't evade the attack and felt the shadow's tendrils penetrate his body like a creeping poison, causing intense pain as if his life force was being drained.
Arian, meanwhile, fired a series of energy arrows, a technique she'd mastered over years of training. The arrows pierced the shadows but failed to halt the creature. "There has to be a way... something that can stop it!" Arian said, her voice tinged with urgency as she gathered her courage.
Neral, despite his evident weakness against this being, refused to give up. He recalled the mysterious man's words about the ether and how every creature in this world relies on it in different forms. He tried to focus his energy, attempting to sense the ether around him. It was a challenge, but he remembered that even without full control, he could use it if he concentrated deeply.
Closing his eyes for a moment, he tried to feel the faint current surrounding them. He sensed the presence of the ether, like a soft breeze weaving around them like silken threads. When he opened his eyes, he charged toward the creature with a bold movement. Without knowing exactly how, he delivered a direct blow to the dark center of the creature's body, where the red glow of its eyes was most concentrated.
A terrifying scream filled the forest as Neral touched that center, as if he had pierced the very essence of the creature. The creature's form trembled and then slowly began to fade, its energy dissipating into nothingness.
Neral staggered back, breathing heavily, feeling a tremendous weight as if all his strength had been drained. But he realized this was the ether's power. He looked at his friends and saw the expressions of shock and relief on their faces.
"Neral, what did you just do?" Arian asked, astonished.
In a faint voice, he replied, "I'm not entirely sure, but I sensed the ether... I couldn't fully wield it, but I... felt something. This might be the beginning of understanding its power."
Eldar, still wincing from the shadow's attack, nodded and said, "If this is the start of your connection with the ether, then you have immense potential, Neral. But we have to be cautious. We don't know what else lies in this forest, and this creature may just be the beginning."
With the shadow gone, the forest grew quieter, though the sense of danger still lingered. They decided to proceed cautiously toward their destination, vowing to remain vigilant for any potential threats ahead.
As the three continued their journey through the forest, Neral felt a heavy weight on his shoulders. His first experience with touching the Aether had stirred a mix of excitement and fear within him. While he sensed his potential to connect with this mysterious source, he was also acutely aware of the dangers that came with it.
As they walked, Neral noticed Arian watching him with a gaze full of curiosity and interest, while Eldar remained cautious, his eyes scanning their surroundings for any threat.
Eldar spoke in a low voice, addressing Neral: "You need to be careful, Neral. The Aether isn't an energy you can handle lightly, and it has side effects if it's not used wisely."
Neral nodded in understanding, but he felt a persistent drive to learn more. "I know, but I felt something inside me, like a call. Something is pushing me to search for answers."
Arian, who had been listening quietly, spoke with a slight smile: "The Aether can be a weapon, and also a shield, but it requires a strong will to master it. Maybe someday you'll learn to use it freely."
Their conversation was interrupted by a strange rustling in the leaves surrounding them. They froze, exchanging wary glances. Then, a creature emerged from between the trees, a bizarre form resembling a wolf but with torn wings and eyes that glowed with a menacing yellow light.
Eldar quickly whispered, "That's a Doom Beast. It's called that because it attacks without mercy and often leaves no trace of its victims."
Neral felt a chill run through him, but he remembered what he had sensed earlier when he tried to touch the Aether. Maybe if he tried again, he might be able to protect them this time. He looked at his friends and nodded with determination.
He said quietly, "I'll try. If I can't do it, you both should fall back and leave me."
But Eldar responded firmly, "We're not leaving you. We're a team, and we stick together until the end."
The Doom Beast began to approach them slowly, its muscles taut as if ready to pounce. The three of them gathered together, bracing themselves to face this new threat. Neral focused on sensing the Aether around him once again, summoning all his courage and strength.