The jungle sounds grew quieter as the trio moved together, tension nearly as thick as the heavy humid air.
Micheal kept a cautious distance away from Selene and Kai, the Veralune Staff held tightly in his hands. Though they had saved his life, he wasn't so sure he could fully trust them yet.
Selene strode ahead, her gait smooth and sure, a woman who had spent her whole life in the jungle. Kai trudged after Micheal, his heavy sword riding across his back, scanning the shadows for threats.
"Y'are quiet kid," Selene said, suddenly, looking over her shoulder. "Something on y'mind?"
Micheal stammered as he spoke, "I don't get why you're helping me. You don't know me."
Selene smirked. "True, but you have something interesting about you. That staff of yours isn't normal, and nobody survives this jungle for a long time without a dash of luck or skill. I'm curious which one you've got."
Kai grunted from the back, "He's alive because we stepped in. Skill has nothing to do with it.
Micheal bristled at the comment but bit back a retort. Instead, he said, "What are you two even doing out here? It doesn't seem like you're just wandering around."
Selene shrugged. "We've got our reasons. Let's just say the jungle isn't a place we chose. it chose us."
Kai shot her a warning look. "Enough talking. Keep moving. We don't have time for this."
The group pushed forward, and the jungle around them started to grow denser and darker. Towering trees twisted at the roots formed natural arches, and the air thickened with damp earth and the sweet scent of blooming flowers.
The only lighting within these deepening shadows came with a flicker from insects that glowed.
Micheal struggled to keep up with the brisk pace Selene had set. She moved with a silence, like she was supposed to be here, through the underbrush, barely rustling leaves or snapping twigs.
Kai, though slower, crunched heavy boots through underbrush, yet his eyes were as keen as ever.
"How long have you been in the jungle?" Micheal asked, making small talk.
Selene raised an eyebrow. "Long enough to know it doesn't forgive mistakes. And long enough to spot a trap before it springs."
She froze abruptly, holding up a hand for silence. Micheal tensed, his heart racing in his chest as he scanned in all directions.
"There," Selene whispered, pointing to a cluster of vines hanging low across the path. At first glance, they appeared harmless, but upon closer inspection, Micheal saw a slight glimmer of a sticky substance coating them.
"Snare vines," she explained. "Step too close, and they wrap around you like a snake gone hungry. The more you struggle, the tighter they squeeze."
Micheal swallowed, then set a wide course around this trap.
Kai smirked. "Good thing you've got babysitters."
Micheal shot him a glare but said nothing. He hated how helpless he felt, relying on strangers to guide him.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the group came upon a small clearing. A stream trickled nearby, its water clear and cold. Selene crouched by the stream, filling a small flask.
"We'll rest here," she announced. "Nightfall in the jungle isn't something you want to face unprepared."
Micheal nodded, glad for the respite. His legs ached and his body felt as though it was going to fall over any moment. He sat beside the stream, sprinkling water on his face and drinking voraciously.
Kai stood tall, arms folded over his chest as he leaned against the trunk of a tree. "Don't get too comfortable," he warned. "The jungle's predators are always watching."
"Is there anything you don't do cheerfully?" Selene jibed, flipping her hair behind her shoulder.
Kai ignored her, his gaze fixed on Micheal. "If you want to survive out here, you'll need to prove you're not dead weight."
"I am not dead weight," Micheal protested.
"Then prove it," Kai shot back, with a slightly challenging tone. "We have been saving your skin since the day we met; it's about time for you to prove you can pull your own weight."
Selene sighed. "Kai, can't you just take it easy for five minutes? He's still a kid.
Kai shook his head. "A kid with a powerful artifact. If he can't use it properly, he'll get us all killed."
Micheal clenched his fists, frustration bubbling inside him. "Fine. What do you want me to do?"
Kai pointed to the jungle beyond the clearing. "There's a rootwort plant nearby, glowing faintly in the dark. It's a powerful healing herb, but shadow creatures love to nest around it. Go get it.
Selene frowned. "Are you serious? That's practically a death sentence."
Kai's expression was cold. "If he can't handle it, he doesn't belong here."
Micheal took a deep breath, his heart pounding. "I'll do it."
The jungle seemed even more menacing as Micheal stepped away from the clearing. The sounds of chirping insects and distant growls surrounded him, and the light of the Veralune Staff was his only guide.
After a few tense minutes, he saw the faint glow of the rootwort plant nestled under a large tree. But as he approached, the shadows around the tree began to move.
Two shadow beasts emerged, their glowing red eyes fixed on Micheal.
His grip on the staff tightened. "Okay, Micheal. You can do this," he whispered to himself.
The first beast leapt, and instinctively Micheal swung the staff. A burst of light exploded, forcing the creature to recoil. But the second was quicker, circling and swiping at his side. He stumbled, pain flaring as its claws grazed his arm.
Vaelor's voice echoed in his mind: "Stay calm. Focus on the rhythm of the jungle."
He closed his eyes for a moment, breathing smoothly. He felt the beat of the jungle. Opening his eyes, Micheal thrust the staff out in front of himself as he channeled a bright pulse of energy onto the beasts.
The creatures howled as they turned to light and faded to nothing.
Panting, Micheal retrieved the rootwort plant and made his way back to the clearing.
When Micheal returned, Kai raised an eyebrow. "You're alive. Impressive."
Selene looked relieved. "What happened out there?"
"Shadow beasts," Micheal said simply, collapsing onto the ground.
Kai nodded, his expression softening slightly. "You did good, kid. Maybe you're not dead weight after all."
Selene smirked. "See? Told you he had potential."
Micheal managed a small smile, despite his exhaustion. For the first time since entering the jungle, he felt like he had proved himself.
The night was dangerous, still, but as he prepared for rest, Michael couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope.