The northern cliffs appeared in the distance, rough and menacing against the light gray sky. Wind blew through the trees, bringing with it the small smell of rain and that sharp, earthy reek which made my belly churn.
Trolls....
I tightened my grip on the Shadowbane Blade as I approached the base of the cliffs. The forest here was darker, quieter, as if even the wildlife knew to stay away.
"Your Majesty," Gregor said from behind me, his voice low. "This isn't a good idea. You don't know how many there are, or what condition they're in. Trolls are... unpredictable."
"That's why I'm here," I said, keeping my eyes on the path ahead. "If I can't handle this, how can I expect anyone else to?"
Gregor let out a heavy sigh but didn't argue. He'd insisted on coming along, despite my attempt to leave him behind. I was glad for his presence, even if I wasn't about to admit it.
The first sign of the trolls came in the form of broken trees, their massive trunks snapped clean in half. Deep gouges marred the ground, each footprint a crater of upturned earth and crushed plants.
We followed the trail, the stench growing stronger with every step. My pulse quickened as I pulled up the status window, preparing myself for what was ahead.
STATUS WINDOW
Name: Alaric Varelius
Level: 24
Health: 280/280
Mana: 200/200
Strength: 45
Agility: 43
Endurance: 40
Intelligence: 15
Charisma: 18
Skills: Gluttony (Active), Shadowstep (Tier 1), Lacerate (Tier 1), Howl of Terror
The clearing at the foot of the cliffs was vast, a natural amphitheater of rock and earth. Three trolls stood in the center, their massive forms casting long shadows in the dying light.
Each one was easily three times my height, their gray-green skin thick and mottled like stone. Their hands ended in claws as long as swords, and their small, beady eyes gleamed with animalistic hunger.
System Alert: New Entity Identified.
ENTITY STATUS
Name: Mountain Troll
Level: 18
Health: 320/320
Mana: 0/0
Strength: 50
Agility: 20
Endurance: 60
Skills:
Regenerate: Slowly heals wounds over time.
Boulder Toss: Throws massive rocks with devastating force.
"Stay back," I said to Gregor, stepping into the clearing.
"Your Majesty—"
"I mean it," I said, glancing over my shoulder. "If things go south, I need you to get back to the castle. Tell them what happened."
Gregor's jaw tightened, but he nodded reluctantly. "Just don't get yourself killed."
I heard their guttural growls as they spotted me as I approached. One of them crouched low, scooping up a massive boulder, and hurling it into my direction.
I darted to the side to avoid it, the impact of the rock crashing in the ground so loud the air filled with dust and dirt. I didn't stop from moving, however.
Skill Activated: Shadowstep.
The world blurred as I dashed forward, reappearing just behind the nearest troll. My blade slashed across its thick leg, the runes on the weapon flaring brightly.
The troll roared in pain, swinging its massive arm toward me. I ducked under the strike, moving with the speed and precision that only Gluttony had given me.
Health: -30
Its claws raked my side as I rolled away, a sharp pain shooting through my ribs. I gritted my teeth, ignoring the system's notification as I focused on the other two trolls closing in.
Finally, with a swift slash to the neck, I severed the first troll's head. Its body crumpled to the ground, the glow in its eyes fading.
Stats Absorbed:
+25 Health+12 Strength+10 Endurance
Level Up: +9 XP
Updated Status Window:
Level: 25
Health: 305/305
Mana: 200/200
Strength: 57
Agility: 43
Endurance: 50
The other trolls faltered, but they did not linger in indecision. The second troll grasped a tree trunk and swung it like a club. I dodged the massive swing, my blade slicing deep into its arm as I passed.
It let out a wail of pain, black blood splattering the clearing. I targeted its legs with Lacerate, trying to slow it down. The skill took hold, slowing the troll's movements as the bleeding did its thing.
One final blow and I thrust the Shadowbane Blade into its chest, piercing its heart.
Stats Absorbed:
+25 Health+12 Strength+10 Endurance
Level Up: +9 XP
Updated Status Window:
Level: 26
Health: 330/330
Mana: 200/200
Strength: 69
Agility: 43
Endurance: 60
The third troll was faster. It pounced, its claws scoring the air as I called up Howl of Terror, stunning it just in time for me to take my shot. The Shadowbane Blade flashed as I struck, each blow solidly landing.
It thudded to the ground, the sound of its dying roars guttural and loud, its body folding in on itself, falling in a heap.
Stats Absorbed:
+25 Health+12 Strength+10 Endurance
Level Up: +9 XP
Updated Status Window:
Level: 27
Health: 355/355
Mana: 200/200
Strength: 81
Agility: 43
Endurance: 70
I dropped to one knee, my chest heaving as the system's final notification appeared.
Quest Complete: Troll Hunt
Reward: 500 Gold, +2 Strength, +1 Endurance
Gregor rushed into the clearing, his face pale but relieved. "Are you alright?"
"Better than the trolls," I said, a faint smile tugging at my lips.
"Your Majesty, that was..." He trailed off, shaking his head in disbelief. "We should get you back to the castle."
"Agreed," I said, sheathing the Shadowbane Blade. "But first, let's take the proof. I want the guild to see what happens when a king takes the field."