The morning came quickly, and by dawn, Kazuki, Serena, and Leo were already on the road. The northern woods loomed ahead of them, a thick, dark expanse of trees that stretched as far as the eye could see. The path they followed was well-worn, but as they ventured deeper into the forest, it became clear that few travelers dared to come this way.
The atmosphere grew tense as the towering trees blocked out most of the sunlight, casting long shadows across the ground. The sound of birds and rustling leaves was the only thing breaking the eerie silence.
"Stay sharp," Serena warned, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. "This area is known for its monsters. They like to ambush travelers who stray too far from the main roads."
Kazuki nodded, his senses on high alert. He couldn't help but feel a little excited—this was the kind of adventure he had been hoping for when he arrived in this world. But even so, he kept his guard up. I might be stronger now, but I'm not invincible.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, the group's pace slowed. The underbrush was thick, making it harder to move quietly, and every now and then, Kazuki caught a glimpse of movement in the shadows—small creatures darting through the trees.
"Leo," Kazuki whispered, "are we expecting any company?"
Leo frowned, his eyes scanning the trees around them. "Probably just forest critters. But let's not take any chances."
Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the forest, stopping them in their tracks. Kazuki tightened his grip on his sword, his eyes narrowing as he searched for the source of the sound.
From the shadows, a pair of glowing eyes appeared, followed by a hulking figure. A massive wolf-like creature stepped into the clearing, its fur dark as night and its fangs bared. It let out a snarl, its gaze locked on the group.
"A dire wolf," Serena muttered, drawing her sword. "We've got trouble."
Kazuki stepped forward, his heart racing with adrenaline. "Looks like it's time to test this new sword."
The wolf lunged without warning, and the battle began.