As they neared the forest's edge, Ezra's mind wandered back to the skills he'd tested earlier. He opened his interface, mentally sorting through the abilities. Something about their descriptions felt... flexible.
"If this world mirrors the game mechanics," he murmured to himself, "then skills should be able to interact. I could chain effects together or even stack them."
He stopped walking briefly and called up the details for Voidbreaker Slash and Radiant Pulse. Their properties overlapped both dealt energy-based damage. A spark of realization hit him.
"What if I combine them?" he whispered, a grin spreading across his face. "Voidbreaker for precision, Pulse for range... I could amplify the effect."
The merchant turned to glance at him, raising an eyebrow. "Something funny back there?"
Ezra waved her off. "Just strategizing."
The caravan continued its journey, and Ezra tried out minor combinations in his head, silently planning for any potential fights.
---
The Edge of the Forest
The Glimmergrove's shimmering canopy gave way to a wide clearing bordered by rolling hills. The path ahead was bathed in warm sunlight, but something about the air felt… wrong.
Ezra noticed it first a faint growl echoing through the trees. He stopped in his tracks, his hand darting to the hilt of his sword.
"Hold up," he said, his tone sharp.
The caravan guards froze, scanning the area. Then it came a deep, guttural howl that sent shivers down Ezra's spine. The sound was followed by a chorus of growls, closer this time.
"It's them," the merchant whispered, her voice trembling. "Stalker Wolves."
From the shadows, a pack of wolves emerged, their glowing red eyes fixed on the group. At their center stood a massive alpha, easily twice the size of the others. Its fur shimmered with an unnatural darkness, and its eyes glowed brighter than any wolf Ezra had seen before.
"That's the pack leader," Ezra muttered. "Level 30, at least."
The guards drew their weapons, forming a protective circle around the caravan. Ezra stepped forward, drawing his sword.
"I'll handle the big one," he said.
The younger guard scoffed. "You? Alone? Against that?"
Ezra didn't respond. Instead, he activated Warden's Resolve, a golden aura surrounding him as his strength and speed surged. The guards exchanged glances, their skepticism giving way to awe.
"Stay back and cover me," Ezra ordered. "Take out the smaller ones."
The alpha growled and charged, its claws tearing into the ground. Ezra dashed forward to meet it, his sword glowing faintly as he activated Voidbreaker Slash. The alpha leapt, swiping at him, but he sidestepped and delivered a powerful strike to its flank.
The wolf howled in rage, staggering but not falling. Ezra grinned.
"Not bad," he said. "Let's see how you like this."
He activated Radiant Pulse, releasing a wave of light that knocked back several smaller wolves. The guards took advantage of the opening, cutting down the stunned underlings.
The alpha snarled, lunging again. This time, Ezra stacked Aegis of Eternity with Sanctum Field, creating a glowing barrier that absorbed the alpha's attack while healing a nearby guard.
One of the guards gasped. "That's… that's not possible! Those are Eternal-level techniques!"
The merchant's eyes widened. "He's not just a traveler... is he?"
Ezra ignored them, his focus on the fight. The alpha circled him, its glowing eyes narrowing.
"Time to end this," Ezra muttered.
He activated Voidbreaker Slash again, but this time, he channeled Radiant Pulse into the strike. His sword flared with a blinding light, and as he swung, a radiant arc of energy shot forward, slicing through the alpha and several smaller wolves behind it.
The alpha let out a deafening howl before collapsing, its body dissolving into particles of light. The remaining wolves scattered, retreating into the forest.
Ezra lowered his sword, breathing heavily. He turned to the caravan group, who were staring at him in stunned silence.
"You're..." the younger guard stammered, her voice shaking. "You're an Eternal?"
Ezra hesitated. "Let's just say I have... unique skills."
The merchant stepped forward, her expression a mix of fear and awe. "Eternals haven't been seen in centuries. If you truly are one, you're far more than just a traveler."
Ezra sheathed his sword, glancing toward the horizon. "Like I said, I'm just passing through. Now, how about we get to Everhearth before something else shows up?"
The group nodded, still visibly shaken. As they resumed their journey, Ezra couldn't help but wonder. An Eternal? What does that even mean? And why do I have these powers?
He clenched his fist, determination flooding through him. Whatever the answers were, he'd find them. But first, he had a world to survive.