The woods at sunset were full of noise—chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the distant hum of a stream. But there was something else, something that grated on my nerves: silence.
The normal murmur of the small creatures had fallen silent, and the atmosphere seemed thick, tainted with a subtle undercurrent of tension.
"We're being watched," Velzithar said, her voice low and measured in my mind.
"I see," I grunted, resting my hand against her hilt. "You have any idea what that is?"
"Something hungry," she said. "And close."
The system flickered to life, a faint chime breaking the silence.
System Alert: New Entity Identified.
ENTITY STATUS
Name: Forest Stalker Pack
Level: 19–21
Health: 200–250
Strength: 40–50
Agility: 60–70
Endurance: 30–40
Skills:
Pack Tactics: Enhances coordination and damage when in groups.
Camouflage: Merges perfectly with the surrounding environment.
A low growl sounded in my ears, then another and another. Shadows moved between the trees, their pace too quick to follow.
Wolves?" I guessed.
"Not quite" said Velzithar. "These are much more clever. And they don't play fair."
The first of them charged out of the darkness, its lean, muscular body slicing through the air like a knife. I had hardly time to raise Velzithar before the beast was upon me, its claws scraping against the blade with a shriek of metal.
I pushed it back, glimpsing its gray, mottled flesh and shining yellow eyes as it disappeared among the trees.
Another one came from the rear, its claws at my back. Velzithar's power surged, a harsh pulse alerting me in time. I turned, the sword arcing across the space and striking the beast in mid-air.
Enemy Defeated: Forest Stalker
Stats Absorbed:
+2 Agility
+1 Strength
Level Up: +1 XP
"You'll need to be faster than that," Velzithar said, her tone teasing.
"Working on it," I snapped, scanning the shadows for the remaining pack.
They didn't wait long. Two more charged from opposite sides, their movements perfectly synchronized.
I switched on Shadowstep, the world blurring around me as I stepped out of their way. Velzithar led my hand as I reemerged behind one of the beasts, the knife sliding deep into its side.
The second turned on me, its jaws snapping inches from my face. I raised Velzithar just in time, the blade catching its teeth with a resounding clang.
Enough games," Velzithar said, her power coursing through me.
I activated Energy Surge, the blade's crimson veins flaring brightly. My next strike cleaved through the creature's defenses, cutting it down in a single blow.
Enemies Defeated: Forest Stalker (2)
Stats Absorbed:
+4 Agility
+2 Strength
+1 Endurance
Level Up: +2 XP
The remaining two stalkers circled me warily, their glowing eyes gleaming with caution.
"Good," Velzithar responded. "They are learning. Let's give them something to be afraid of.
I charged with a roar, the connection between us dictating every step. Velzithar was an extension of my body, her power flowing into each blow. The stalkers were quick, but I was quicker, each blade swing pushing them back.
One dropped with a screaming cry, its corpse breaking apart into ash as Velzithar took its spirit. The final one attempted to run away, but I wasn't going to let it escape.
Complete it," Velzithar pushed, her tone fierce.
I hurled the blade, its bloody sheen slicing through the blackness like a shooting star. The stalker didn't even have time to scream before the sword hit, holding it fast to the ground.
Enemy Defeated: Forest Stalker
Stats Absorbed:
+2 Agility
+1 Strength
Level Up: +1 XP
The woods went quiet once more, the dense air lifting as the last remnants of the pack broke up. I pulled out Velzithar, wiping her clean on the lawn before holstering her.
"Well done," Velzithar said, her voice tinged with satisfaction. "You're starting to understand."
"Understand what?" I asked, catching my breath.
"Without accuracy, that power is useless," she said. "And accuracy is born of trust. In your sword—and in yourself."
The machine beeped once more, catching my eye.
System Update
Bond Progress: 20%
Next Unlock at Level 2: 50%
I gazed at the alert, a small smile pulling at my mouth. We were getting stronger.
"Appears that we're moving forward," I said.
Slowly," said Velzithar, with a teasing tone. "But don't get settled. This is just a little taste of things to come.
As I faced around to head down the path out of the woods, I couldn't help but feel she was correct. This battle had been difficult, but it wasn't the true test.
That was still ahead.