The group set off from their campsite as the sun rose higher into the sky, casting long shadows across the mountainous terrain. The journey ahead would take them down from the peaks and into the dense forests below, where Kaida claimed they could find a safe haven to regroup.
Rai walked at the front, his hand resting on the hilt of his new sword. The morning's training had left him with a deeper understanding of the weapon, but questions lingered in his mind. What lay at the heart of this blade? Why did it respond to his resolve?
Kaida and Tenzai followed behind. Kaida kept her gaze fixed on the horizon, her lips pressed into a tight line. Tenzai, as usual, carried a relaxed posture, though his sharp eyes scanned their surroundings for any signs of danger.
"We should reach the forest's edge by nightfall," Kaida said, breaking the silence.
"Good," Tenzai replied, adjusting the strap of his pack. "But don't think for a second Abyss will give us time to breathe. They're relentless."
"They've been quiet so far," Rai noted, glancing back at them. "Too quiet."
Kaida nodded. "They're regrouping. After what happened in Kaelmont, they'll want to make sure we don't escape again."
The memory of Kaelmont's destruction weighed heavily on all of them. The city's ruins were still fresh in their minds, a grim reminder of Abyss's power and cruelty.
A Glimpse of the Enemy
As the group descended the rocky slopes, a strange unease settled over Rai. The air grew colder, and the light seemed to dim, as though the sun itself were retreating. He stopped in his tracks, his hand tightening around the hilt of his sword.
"What is it?" Kaida asked, stepping closer.
"Something's wrong," Rai muttered. His eyes scanned the horizon. In the distance, the forest stretched out like a dark sea, but there was something unnatural about it an oppressive presence that seemed to seep from the shadows between the trees.
Tenzai frowned, placing a hand on his broken sword. "I feel it too. We're not alone."
The three of them drew closer together, their senses heightened. Rai unsheathed his blade, its silver-blue glow illuminating the dimming light around them.
Then, they heard it a low, guttural growl, followed by the sound of leaves rustling. From the treeline ahead, dark shapes began to emerge.
Wolf-men.
Their eyes glowed with a malevolent red light, and their twisted, muscular forms moved with a predatory grace. At the forefront was an alpha, its massive frame towering over the others. Its claws glinted in the fading light, and its snarling mouth revealed rows of sharp teeth.
"Looks like they found us," Tenzai said, his tone laced with grim humor.
"We can't let them trap us here," Kaida said sharply. She activated her crystal, creating a faint shield of light around the group. "We have to break through!"
Rai stepped forward, gripping his sword tightly. "I'll clear a path. Stay close."
The Fight Begins
The wolf men charged, their growls echoing through the mountains. Rai moved first, his new sword cutting through the air with a trail of light. The blade met the claws of the first wolf man, shattering them instantly before piercing through its chest.
The alpha roared, rallying its pack. Two wolf men leaped at Rai from either side, but he pivoted, his sword spinning in a defensive arc. The blade's light flared as it cut through their thick hides, leaving no chance for retaliation.
Kaida focused on maintaining her shield, using bursts of energy from her crystal to repel attacks from the rear. Tenzai, despite his broken weapon, fought with precision, targeting weak points in the wolf-men's movements.
"Rai, the alpha's coming for you!" Kaida warned.
Rai turned just in time to see the massive beast charging toward him, its claws raised to strike. He planted his feet firmly and raised his sword, channeling all his focus into the blade.
The alpha's claws met the glowing sword, and for a moment, it seemed as though the beast's strength might overpower him. But then the blade pulsed with a brilliant light, pushing the alpha back with a burst of energy.
Rai didn't waste the opening. He lunged forward, his sword slicing through the beast's chest in a single, decisive strike. The alpha let out a final, piercing howl before collapsing to the ground.
Aftermath
As the last of the wolf-men fell, the group stood amidst the carnage, catching their breath. The oppressive presence in the air began to lift, replaced by the familiar sounds of the forest.
Kaida lowered her shield, her crystal dimming. "That was too close," she said, wiping sweat from her brow.
Tenzai inspected his broken sword with a frown. "I'm getting tired of fighting with this thing. I'll need a replacement soon."
Rai cleaned his blade and sheathed it, his expression unreadable. The fight had been intense, but it also solidified his connection with the nameless sword. He could feel its potential, its power waiting to be fully unlocked.
Kaida placed a hand on his shoulder. "You fought well, Rai. That sword chose the right wielder."
Rai nodded, though his thoughts were elsewhere. As they continued their journey toward the forest, he couldn't shake the feeling that this battle was only the beginning. Abyss's forces were relentless, and the darkness ahead would only grow deeper.
But Rai's resolve burned brighter than ever. With his sword in hand and his companions by his side, he would face whatever lay ahead.