After the intense spar, Kenos retreated to his room, seeking solitude to recharge. He sat cross-legged on his bed, focusing on his cultivation. Closing his eyes, he breathed deeply, attempting to delve deeper into his consciousness.
However, as he descended into the depths of his mind, he couldn't recapture the sensation from before. The familiar hum of his cosmic energy seemed muted, and his connection to the Short-Shadow Sword felt distant.
"What's happening?" Kenos murmured, frustration creeping into his voice. "Why can't I sense it?"
His mind raced, replaying the events of the previous day. Had he exhausted himself during the spar? Was his technique flawed? The questions swirled, but answers eluded him.
Despite his efforts, Kenos couldn't shake off the feeling of stagnation. Exhaustion eventually claimed him, and he drifted into a restless sleep.
Dawn broke, casting a warm glow over the city. The group assembled in front of the hotel, exchanging brief greetings.
"Morning," Lexi said, stretching her lithe frame.
"Ready to move out?" Mael asked, adjusting his gear.
Cormac yawned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Barely."
Captain Thrain addressed them, his voice crisp and authoritative. "Today's agenda: I'll venture into the Inner Sector to sell the Cosmic Core."
Kenos handed over the precious object, and Thrain accepted it with a nod.
"I'll get the best price for this," Thrain assured.
Thrain disappeared into the Inner Sector, leaving the group to wait. Soon, he returned with a pouch filled with silver coins.
"Excellent," Thrain said, counting the coins. "This fetched a handsome sum."
Kenos nodded, relieved.
With their finances secured, the group readied themselves for departure.
"Let's gear up," Lexi said, shouldering her pack.
"Time to move," Mael added, checking his sword.
With their gear in order, the group set off toward Central City, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
As they navigated the winding roads, Kenos asked from the back of the truck, "Aren't we going through the main gate?"
Cormac, sitting in the side seat, turned to face Kenos. "To reach Central City fast, we're taking a shortcut through Shadowfen. Taking the usual road would require paying taxes and waiting in line. We can't afford the delay."
Kenos's eyes widened with concern. "But isn't Shadowfen Forest dangerous?"
Mael, focused on driving, chuckled. "What do you take us for, kid? We're not amateurs. We've traversed Shadowfen before."
Lexi, sitting beside Cormac, added, "We know the risks and have taken precautions."
As daybreak approached, Mael pulled over, and the group decided to take a break. Night was falling, casting a dark, mysterious veil over Shadowfen.
Kenos distributed rations, handing out dried meat and bread. Afterward, he sat down to rest, his back against the truck's wheel.
Lexi walked over and sat beside him, her expression thoughtful.
Kenos nodded toward two quiet team members, sitting at the edge of the camp. "Who are they?"
"Arlo and Rachel," Lexi replied, her voice low. "Don't mind them; they're just...different. There was an incident that took a heavy toll on their minds."
Kenos's curiosity piqued. "What happened?"
Lexi hesitated, glancing around cautiously. "It's not my story to tell. Let's just say they've been through trauma. We're helping them recover."
Arlo and Rachel sat in silence, their eyes fixed on the ground. Kenos sensed a deep pain emanating from them.
Mael began to prepare dinner, while Cormac and Captain Thrain stood watch.
As night deepened, the forest's eerie sounds surrounded them.
As they rested, Captain Thrain's sudden shout pierced the night air. "Stand on guard!"
Kenos's eyes snapped open, his heart racing. "What's happening?"
Mael's voice was low and urgent. "Don't know, just be on guard."
Lexi sprang to her feet, sword at the ready.
Cormac drew his bow, arrow nocked.
Arlo and Rachel stood, their faces set in determined lines.
The darkness surrounding them began to stir. Twigs snapped, leaves rustled.
A chilling chorus of growls and snarls erupted from the forest.
"By the Ancients," Cormac muttered. "What's driving them?"
The first wave of creatures emerged from the shadows: wolves, and giant spiders. Normal monsters, but in an unusual, alarming number.
"Form up!" Thrain bellowed. "Protect our flanks!"
Mael charged forward, sword flashing in the moonlight. Lexi followed, her movements fluid and deadly.
Kenos drew his Short-Sword, its energy humming.
Cormac loosed arrows, picking off stragglers.
Arlo and Rachel fought in silence, their movements synchronized.
The battle raged on. Monsters poured in, wave after wave.
Kenos parried a goblin's dagger, countered with a swift strike.
Mael cleaved a wolf's skull, sent a spider crashing.
Lexi danced between foes, sword slicing through darkness.
Thrain clashed with a massive troll size monster, his sword flashing.
Cormac's arrows flew true, finding marks in the chaos.
Arlo and Rachel moved as one, taking down wolves.
The fight intensified. Kenos's breathing quickened.
Suddenly, a giant spider lunged, fangs bared.
Kenos raised his sword, ready to strike.
As they fought off the waves of goblins, wolves, and spiders, a sudden, unsettling energy rippled through the air. The ground trembled.
"What's coming?" Cormac shouted, his eyes scanning the horizon.
A pair of colossal, ethereal creatures emerged from the darkness. Their bodies shimmered with an otherworldly glow, radiating cosmic energy.
Thrain breathed. "Cosmic Wraiths."
The Wraiths' presence sent the lesser monsters fleeing in terror. The group stood frozen, awestruck.
Kenos felt his Short-Sword tremble, responding to the Wraiths' power.
Mael stepped forward, his sword at the ready. "We need to take them down."
Lexi nodded. "Their energy can drain our life force."
Arlo and Rachel moved in tandem, forming a defensive stance.
Cormac loosed an arrow, aiming for a Wraith's core.
Thrain charged, his sword flashing.
The Cosmic Wraiths retaliated, unleashing blasts of energy.
Kenos raised his sword, channeling his cosmic energy.
The battle intensified. The group fought in perfect sync.
Mael clashed with a Wraith, their blades locked.
Lexi dodged energy blasts, striking from unexpected angles.
Arlo and Rachel executed flawless combos.
Cormac's arrows flew true, piercing the Wraiths' cores.
Thrain traded blows, his strength waning.
Kenos's sword hummed, absorbing the Wraiths' energy.
Suddenly, a Wraith turned toward Kenos.
"Kenos, watch out!" Mael shouted.
As Kenos focused on the Cosmic Wraith's energy, he momentarily forgot about the danger lurking nearby. The Wraith seized the opportunity, striking with lightning speed.
Time seemed to slow as the Wraith's ethereal fist hurtled toward Kenos.
Lexi sprang into action, positioning herself between Kenos and the Wraith. She raised her arms, and her body.
The Wraith's attack collided with Lexi, sending her crashing to the ground. Kenos's eyes widened in horror as he watched, helpless.
"Lexi!" Kenos screamed, his voice hoarse.