The morning sun was a welcome change from the gloomy weekday grind, and Aldrich found himself humming as he headed to the meeting spot. Despite his casual demeanor, his backpack was packed with essentials—a couple of water bottles, a snack bar, and an 8-inch knife he had hastily grabbed from the kitchen. The morning chill still lingered, but the city was alive with activity: children playing, vendors setting up stalls, and the occasional bark of a dog.
Aldrich's build made him stand out in a crowd. He was tall, towering over most people, but his slightly chubby frame and boyish face softened his otherwise imposing appearance. He tugged at the hem of his hoodie, trying to hide the faint stain of coffee he had spilled earlier.
When he arrived at the park, the first person he saw was Jayson. His office friend leaned casually against a tree, one hand in his pocket and the other holding a water bottle. Jayson's sharp jawline, neatly styled hair, and toned physique made him look effortlessly cool. Dressed in a fitted black T-shirt and cargo shorts, he looked every bit like the outdoorsman he wasn't.
"Look who finally decided to show up," Jayson teased, his grin wide and easy.
Aldrich rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Traffic," he lied, even though he had left his house late.
"Uh-huh," Jayson replied, pushing off the tree and clapping a hand on Aldrich's shoulder. "Let's see if you can keep up today."
Sham arrived next, her ponytail swaying as she jogged over. She wore a white tee tied at the waist and denim shorts that showed off her athletic build. Her sneakers were already scuffed, proof of her enthusiasm for adventure. Behind her trailed a younger boy—her 10-year-old brother Graham.
Graham was wiry for his age, his messy hair falling into his eyes as he adjusted the straps of his oversized backpack. He immediately lit up when he saw Aldrich.
"Yo!" Graham greeted, holding up his fist.
Aldrich grinned and fist-bumped him. "What's up, little man? Ready to explore?"
"Yeah! And we should play League of Legends together sometime!" Graham said enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling.
"Deal," Aldrich replied, ruffling the boy's hair.
Bea, Jayson's girlfriend, was standing a little apart from the group. Petite with soft, wavy black hair and large, nervous eyes, she clung to Jayson's arm like a lifeline. Trina, one of Sham's friends, bounced on her toes beside her, her curly hair framing her energetic face.
When everyone had gathered, Sham slipped her hand into Aldrich's, catching him off guard. "You brought anything useful?" she asked with a teasing smile.
Aldrich held up the knife. "Just this. Figured it'd help with the vines."
Sham smirked, leaning closer to whisper, "Eight inches? Almost as big as your third leg."
The comment drew loud whistles from Jayson and Trina, and Bea turned beet red, hiding her face against Jayson's shoulder. Aldrich, caught between embarrassment and exasperation, pinched Sham's cheek lightly.
"You're lucky I tolerate you," he said, grinning despite himself. "Come on, let's get to the registration area before this gets worse."
At the trailhead, a park attendant greeted them with a concerned expression. "You folks sure you want to go in? The forest's been acting strange. Vegetation's growing faster than usual, and some paths are completely blocked."
The group exchanged uneasy glances. Aldrich, his grip tightening on his knife, glanced at Graham. "Maybe it's better if the kid stays back."
Before Sham could argue, Graham piped up, "I'll wait here. I've got my phone, and I can play games while you guys explore."
Sham looked at her brother, her expression softening. "You're sure?"
Graham nodded confidently. "I'll be fine."
She ruffled his hair affectionately. "Good call, kid."
With a final wave, the group set off into the woods.
The forest felt alive in a way that was unsettling. Vines and roots twisted unnaturally across the path, and the undergrowth was thicker than anyone remembered. Aldrich led the way, his knife cutting through the dense vegetation.
"This is insane," Jayson muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. "Did someone fertilize the whole forest or what?"
"I don't like this," Bea said softly, clinging to Jayson's arm.
As they ventured deeper, the sunlight grew scarce, replaced by an eerie dimness. The air was thick and humid, making every breath feel heavy. The group's earlier chatter faded into silence, replaced by the crunch of leaves underfoot.
"Maybe we should turn back," Trina suggested nervously.
Before anyone could respond, a low growl rumbled through the trees. Everyone froze.
From the underbrush emerged a massive wild boar. Its size was unnatural, easily as big as a large dog, and its glowing red eyes locked onto the group with unsettling intensity. Its tusks were sharp and deadly, glinting in the faint light.
"Move back. Slowly," Jayson instructed, shielding Bea with his body.
The boar snorted, pawing at the ground. Its muscles tensed, and in an instant, it charged.
It went straight for Bea. Jayson shoved her aside, taking the full brunt of the attack. The impact sent him sprawling, his shirt torn and blood staining his side.
"Jayson!" Bea screamed, scrambling to his side.
"Get them out of here!" Aldrich shouted, stepping forward with his knife drawn.
Sham hesitated, her eyes darting between Aldrich and the injured Jayson.
"Sham, go!" Aldrich barked, his voice firm.
Grimacing, Sham helped Bea drag Jayson to his feet. "You better not die!" she shouted over her shoulder, her voice cracking.
Aldrich turned to face the boar. It was massive up close, its breath hot and rank. His heart pounded, but he forced himself to stay calm.
"Alright, you ugly bastard," he muttered. "Let's dance."
The boar charged, and Aldrich dodged to the side, slashing at its flank. The blade barely scratched its thick hide. The beast spun around with surprising speed, its tusks narrowly missing Aldrich's leg.
Aldrich's chest heaved as he circled the boar. I can't keep this up.
As if in response, a faint green glow enveloped his body. Warmth spread through him, and the pain from a graze on his arm faded.
"What the hell?" he muttered.
The boar charged again, and this time, Aldrich didn't dodge. He braced himself and punched the beast square in the snout. A surge of energy coursed through him as the green glow intensified.
+5 health points.
The boar squealed, momentarily stunned. Aldrich's eyes widened. This... this is Grasp of the Undying.
Realizing his advantage, Aldrich pressed the attack. Each punch seemed to draw vitality from the beast, healing his wounds and strengthening him. The boar grew more desperate, its charges wild and erratic.
The fight dragged on, Aldrich dodging and countering with calculated precision. After what felt like an eternity, the boar let out a final, pitiful squeal before collapsing.
Aldrich staggered back, his chest heaving. He looked down at his hands, the faint green glow fading.
In his mind, a panel appeared:
Status Panel
Attribute
Value
Health
150 (+50)
Damage
5
Speed
10
Armor
10
Magic Resist
10
A laugh bubbled out of him, uncontrollable and borderline hysterical. "I'm alive," he muttered, wiping the blood from his face. "I'm actually alive."
The forest felt less oppressive now, sunlight breaking through the canopy. Aldrich turned toward the path where his friends had fled, a determined grin on his face. Time to get back to them.