The forest pulsed with an unnatural energy, the whispers growing louder as if the trees themselves were alive. Ian gripped his dagger tightly, his eyes scanning the dense shadows for any sign of movement. Lyra was beside him, her blade drawn and her stance firm.
"We don't have much time," Lyra said, her voice low. "These things are hunting us, and the next one won't be as careless."
Ian exhaled, trying to steady his nerves. The Revenant Stalker they had just defeated had pushed him to his limit, and now there were two more lurking in the darkness.
The system screen flashed in front of him.
Objective Progress: 1/3 Pursuers Eliminated.
Ian wiped the sweat from his brow. "Do we even have a plan for the next one, or are we just hoping it doesn't kill us?"
Lyra smirked, though there was little humor in her expression. "Same plan as before. Don't die. And if you can, try to learn something from the fight. These creatures aren't just mindless—they're testing us."
"Testing us for what?" Ian asked.
Lyra's gaze hardened. "For survival. That's all this world cares about."
---
A low growl echoed through the forest, cutting through the whispers like a blade. Ian froze, his instincts flaring as the Predator's Instinct painted a faint outline in the shadows ahead.
"It's coming," Ian whispered.
The growl grew louder, accompanied by the sound of snapping branches. From the shadows emerged a second Revenant Stalker, this one even larger than the first. Its twisted form glowed faintly, the blue light of its runes casting an eerie glow over the surrounding trees.
The system screen flickered.
Threat Detected: Revenant Stalker Alpha.
Level: 10.
Warning: Increased Strength and Agility.
Ian's stomach sank. "An Alpha? Are you kidding me?"
Lyra tightened her grip on her blade. "Stay calm. It's stronger, but that just means we hit it harder. Go for the weak points like before."
The Alpha lunged, its claws tearing through the air with terrifying speed. Ian activated Quickstep, narrowly avoiding the attack as the ground beneath him exploded in a shower of dirt and roots.
Lyra was already in motion, her blade flashing as she struck at the creature's flank. The Alpha roared, its massive tail swinging toward her, but she ducked just in time.
"Focus on the legs!" Lyra shouted.
Ian circled the creature, his Predator's Instinct highlighting the glowing weak points at its joints. He darted forward, driving the Moonfang Dagger into its knee. The blade sank deep, but the Alpha barely flinched, its glowing eyes locking onto Ian.
The creature swiped at him, forcing Ian to raise his Energy Barrier. The shield absorbed the blow, but the impact sent him sprawling to the ground.
"This thing's tougher than the last one!" Ian yelled, scrambling to his feet.
Lyra gritted her teeth, her blade slicing into the creature's leg. "Then stop playing defense and start fighting back!"
---
Ian activated Shadow Veil, cloaking himself in darkness and vanishing from the Alpha's sight. He moved swiftly, targeting the exposed weak points along its back. His dagger struck true, cutting deep into the glowing runes etched into the creature's spine.
The Alpha roared in pain, its movements growing erratic. Lyra seized the opportunity, her blade driving into its shoulder and forcing it to the ground.
"Now, Ian!" she shouted.
Ian activated Ethereal Strike, channeling all his energy into a single, devastating blow. The dagger glowed brightly as he plunged it into the Alpha's core, the force of the attack shattering the creature's form into a burst of light.
The forest fell silent once more, the oppressive whispers fading into a dull hum.
The system screen appeared again.
Objective Progress: 2/3 Pursuers Eliminated.
Rewards Claimed: 300 XP, Stamina Boost (+10 Max Stamina).
Ian collapsed to his knees, his chest heaving. "Please tell me the third one isn't worse than this."
Lyra smirked, though there was exhaustion in her eyes. "You'll find out soon enough. Come on, we need to keep moving."
---
As they pressed deeper into the forest, the atmosphere grew even heavier, the air thick with tension. Ian could feel the weight of the Amulet of the Fallen against his chest, its faint hum growing louder with each step.
"What's the deal with these Stalkers?" Ian asked, breaking the tense silence. "Why are they after us?"
Lyra glanced at him, her expression grim. "The Vault wasn't just a treasure trove. It was a beacon. Whatever was asleep in this forest is awake now, and it knows you're carrying something it wants."
Ian swallowed hard. "So, what? These things are just the opening act?"
"Exactly," Lyra said. "And the main event won't be nearly as forgiving."
---
The forest stirred again, the whispers rising to a deafening crescendo. Ian's Predator's Instinct flared, warning him just as the ground trembled beneath their feet.
The final Revenant Stalker emerged from the shadows, its massive form towering over the trees. Unlike the others, this one radiated an overwhelming energy, its glowing runes pulsating with an intense, almost blinding light.
The system screen flashed.
Threat Detected: Revenant Overlord.
Level: 12.
Objective: Defeat the Overlord to Escape the Forest.
Ian's heart pounded in his chest. "Overlord? That doesn't sound good."
Lyra's grip on her blade tightened. "It's not. This one won't go down easily. Stay close and don't do anything stupid."
The Overlord roared, the force of its cry shaking the forest and sending shockwaves through the ground. Ian activated Quickstep, moving out of range as the creature charged.
"Hit it hard and fast!" Lyra shouted, her blade striking at the creature's leg.
Ian activated Shadow Veil, slipping behind the Overlord and targeting the glowing weak point along its spine. He drove his dagger in, but the creature barely reacted, its massive tail whipping around and sending him flying.
The system screen flickered.
Hint: Use the Amulet of the Fallen to Disrupt the Overlord's Energy.
Ian scrambled to his feet, his hand going to the amulet. Its glow intensified as he focused on the Overlord, the faint hum resonating with the creature's energy.
"Lyra! Keep it distracted!" Ian shouted.
Lyra nodded, her strikes relentless as she drew the Overlord's attention. Ian raised the amulet, channeling its energy toward the creature. A beam of golden light erupted from the amulet, striking the Overlord and causing its runes to flicker and dim.
The creature roared in pain, its movements slowing. Ian seized the opportunity, activating Ethereal Strike and driving his dagger into its core.
The Overlord let out a final, deafening cry before collapsing, its massive form dissolving into ash.
The forest grew silent, the whispers fading completely.
The system screen appeared.
Objective Completed: Eliminate the Pursuers.
Rewards Claimed: 500 XP, Ability Upgrade—Ethereal Strike (Increased Damage).
Ian collapsed beside Lyra, exhaustion washing over him. "Please tell me we're done now."
Lyra chuckled, though her voice was weak. "For now. But the Spires won't be any easier."
Ian sighed, his gaze shifting to the faint light of dawn breaking through the trees. The journey to the Skyfall Spires had only just begun, but he knew one thing for sure—he wasn't the same person who had entered this forest.
And neither was the world he was leaving behind.