The Council Meets
The hall in the village's main meeting house was simple yet impressive. Old wooden beams were stretching up to the roof like the ribs of some gigantic animal. Lanterns were casting soft light on the faces of the gathered elders, who seemed tensed and worried. In front sat the village chief, a gray-haired man with sharp eyes that said many years of leadership.
The quiet voices of the village elders characterized the hall as they told each other stories. Pieces of worry were heard in the air."It's not just wild animals anymore," speaks one elder, his voice trembling.
"Could it be? Them? After all these years?" another said quietly, sounding serious.
"Silence," said the head, raising his hand.
The room went silent.
The doors creaked open, and Officer Lin walked in, alongside the other two officers accompanying her. Her armor bore more marks and her face was rather pale but steadfast. The chief motioned for her to step closer.
"Officer Lin," the chief said, his voice firm. "You were summoned here to explain what happened near the Dark Forest.
Tell us everything,"
Lin scanned the room and then came to a stop in front of each elder, drawing her focus on the leader. She took a deep breath and spoke so quietly, though she was tense inside.
Officer Lin's Story
"It started as a routine patrol," Lin said. "My team and I were tasked with investigating some sort of strange appearance that was seen near the woods. We moved cautiously, but the woods. They felt off. The air was heavy, and the shadows seemed darker than usual. Even the animals were silent."
She paused, her hand tightening instinctively around the hilt of her sword. "We were traveling along the northern edge when it appeared.".
What appeared?" the elder asked, his voice shaking both with wonder and fear.
Lin's face set. "I saw a shape. It looked like a demon king—a huge form covered in shadow that seemed to come out of nowhere. It was as if it had been waiting for us."
Gasps came out in the room, and elders were exchanging awkward glances.
Lin continued talking, sounding serious. "It was really strong, like being in the calm center of a storm. Before we could do anything, it struck. Two of my men. They gave their lives so I could get away."
Her voice quivered for a moment, but she composed herself. "It knew we were on our way. It wasn't just a wild animal; it was smart. It was thinking ahead.".
The hall was filled with hushed conversations as elders leaned forward to whisper to one another. Again, the chief raised his hand to silence them.
This is a big issue, he said, his voice steady but serious. What did you see otherwise?
Lin paused for a moment, then said slowly, "Its power was different from anything I've ever seen before. It didn't just fight us—it overpowered us. And. There was something in its eyes. A cruel intelligence, as if he liked the fear he caused."
Whispers of a Plan
Older people began discussing again, their voices filled with fear and curiosity. "Could it be something related to the academy?" someone whispered.
"Not possible," said another elder. "The academy's walls cannot be broken."
"Maybe they don't know?" somebody else asked back.
The village chief said nothing, looking serious enough. Finally, he spoke with a clear, firm voice. "We can't ignore this. We will have to act quickly and quietly. If this one is as powerful as Lin says, the village won't be able to control it.".
"What do you think, Chief?" asked an elder cautiously.
The head scanned the room with his face expressionless. "We must speak to Eldenwood Academy's chief. He may understand what we are experiencing. And for now, this information will stay here. We cannot start a panic.".
The elders nodded gravely but were agitated. Lin bowed slightly. "I shall brief my team for what is to come, then.".
The chief waved her away. "Take a break for now, Officer Lin. You've worked enough for today."
Interesting Question Bai Cheng
Meanwhile, miles away from the commotion in the village hall, Bai Cheng was training. The clearing of the forest echoed the sounds of his movements as he practiced the Silent Step while Gerald watched closely.
Bai was walking fast across the space, making very little noise as dry leaves and Brittle twigs were crunched. Under his feet. He breathed steadily, feeling light as a feather. He stopped after a perfect move to wipe sweat off his forehead.
"Good," Gerald said, nodding in agreement. "You're getting quicker. Now do it again, but this time, I'll be watching from above."
Bai groaned but said nothing. As he shifted, a question popped into his head. "Hey, Gerald," he called out, sounding inquisitive.
"What?" Gerald shouted, jumping onto a low branch to peer.
"Is Eldenwood Academy named for our village?"
Gerald laughed. His laughter ran off through the vacant room. "Why should I care?"
Bai shrugged, smiling a little. "I just think it's cool. It must be an important place if it has the same name as the village.".
Gerald's eyes sparkled with amusement. "You will see when you finish this training."
Bai sighed, shaking his head. "Why do you make everything a mystery?
"Because life's more fun that way," Gerald made a witty remark., jumping down. "Now stop talking and focus. You've got work to do."
A Rising Storm Back in the village, the council meeting was over, but the worry stayed like a dark cloud. As the elders walked away, gentle voices lingered in the night air behind them.
No one talked openly, but the tension was obvious—something was coming, and it was bigger than any of them expected. In the dark parts of the forest, hidden eyes looked at the village, their presence as quiet as death.