Eren stood before the council chamber, its towering doors carved with intricate patterns of runes and ancient sigils. The battle in the northern woods had left him bruised and exhausted, but the secrets he carried were too urgent to delay. He adjusted his tattered cloak, concealing the scars of the night's battles, and took a deep breath.
"State your business," a guard barked, his steely gaze unwavering.
Eren raised his head, his voice steady. "I bring urgent news from the northern woods. The council must hear this."
The guard hesitated for a moment before nodding and pushing open the heavy doors. The room beyond was dimly lit, the air thick with tension.
---
Inside, the council sat in a semicircle, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. At the center of the chamber was High Seer Althea, her piercing eyes fixed on Eren.
"Step forward, Eren Draven," Althea commanded, her voice echoing through the chamber.
Eren obeyed, his boots clicking against the stone floor. He could feel the weight of their gazes, probing and evaluating.
"You were sent to investigate the disturbances in the northern woods," Althea continued. "Report your findings."
Eren straightened his posture. "The woods are infested with corruption. Creatures twisted by dark energy roam freely, and the land itself bears marks of ancient magic. I encountered two beasts—one of them a Greater Corruption Beast. It was unlike anything I've ever faced."
Murmurs rippled through the council.
"Did you uncover the source of this corruption?" one of the council members asked, his tone sharp.
Eren hesitated. "Not entirely. The symbols etched into the ground suggest a ritual or a summoning. This isn't a natural phenomenon—it's deliberate."
Althea leaned forward, her expression grave. "Deliberate, you say? And who would dare to unleash such chaos?"
"I don't know yet," Eren admitted. "But I intend to find out."
---
The council debated among themselves, their voices a low hum of dissent and agreement. Eren stood silently, his patience wearing thin. Finally, Althea raised a hand, silencing the room.
"Your findings are troubling, Eren," she said. "If what you say is true, then the kingdom faces a threat far greater than we anticipated."
She rose from her seat, her presence commanding. "You will continue this investigation, but you will not do so alone. From this point forward, you are officially sanctioned as a representative of the council. Resources and allies will be at your disposal."
Eren's eyes widened. This was an unexpected development. "I... Thank you, High Seer."
"Do not thank me yet," Althea replied. "The burden you carry will only grow heavier."
---
As Eren left the council chamber, his mind raced with thoughts. The council's support was both a blessing and a curse. While it provided him with resources, it also meant greater scrutiny and expectations.
The corridors of the council's stronghold were cold and unwelcoming, lined with statues of past heroes and scholars. Eren couldn't help but feel like an outsider in this place.
"Eren."
He turned to see a familiar face—Liana, a fellow warrior and one of the few people he trusted. Her dark hair framed her sharp features, and her piercing green eyes held a mix of concern and relief.
"You look like hell," she said, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Eren replied, managing a weak smile.
Liana's expression turned serious. "I heard about the council's decision. You're really taking this on?"
Eren nodded. "I don't have a choice. If this corruption spreads, it won't just be the northern woods at risk."
"Then you won't face it alone," Liana said firmly. "You'll need someone watching your back."
Eren hesitated. The dangers he faced were immense, and he didn't want to drag anyone else into his battles. But Liana's resolve was unshakable.
"Fine," he relented. "But don't say I didn't warn you."
---
The next morning, Eren and Liana set out for the northern woods, accompanied by a small team of scouts provided by the council. The journey was tense, the air heavy with anticipation.
As they approached the forest's edge, Eren felt a familiar chill. The corrupted energy lingered, oppressive and malevolent.
"Stay close," he instructed the group. "And don't stray from the path."
The scouts nodded, their faces pale but determined.
The deeper they ventured, the more the forest revealed its horrors. The once-vibrant woods were now a desolate wasteland, the trees blackened and lifeless. Strange whispers filled the air, faint but unsettling.
"It's worse than before," Eren muttered.
Liana placed a hand on his shoulder. "We'll handle it."
---
The group pressed on until they reached a clearing. At its center was a massive symbol etched into the ground, glowing with an otherworldly light. Around it were remnants of a ritual—burned candles, shattered crystals, and dried blood.
"This is it," Eren said, his voice low. "This is where the corruption begins."
Before anyone could respond, the ground trembled. The glowing symbol pulsed with energy, and from it emerged a towering figure cloaked in shadow. Its eyes burned with crimson light, and its voice was a guttural roar.
[Anomaly Identified: Void Warden]
[Level: 25]
[Threat Level: Critical]
"Prepare for battle!" Eren shouted, drawing his sword.
The Void Warden lunged, its massive arms sweeping through the air with devastating force. The scouts scattered, narrowly avoiding the attack.
Liana fired an arrow, the enchanted projectile piercing the creature's shadowy form. It roared in pain, but the wound quickly healed.
"We need a strategy," she yelled.
Eren's mind raced. The creature's regeneration was a problem, but Tebu might hold the answer.
"System, analyze its weaknesses!"
[Weakness Identified: Core located within the chest. Expose it by disrupting the shadow armor.]
"Liana, aim for its chest!" Eren called.
She nodded, her arrows finding their mark. The Void Warden's shadowy armor began to crack, revealing a faint glow beneath.
Eren seized the opportunity, charging forward with his blade. He dodged the creature's attacks with precision, each movement calculated.
"Now!" he shouted, driving his sword into the exposed core.
The Void Warden let out a deafening scream as its form disintegrated into ash.
[Void Warden Defeated.]
[Experience Gained: 2,500.]
---
As the forest grew silent, Eren turned to his team. They were battered but alive, their faces etched with determination.
"This is just the beginning," he said. "But we'll face whatever comes next—together."
The group nodded, their resolve unshaken. The battle had been won, but the war against the corruption was far from over.