The ground beneath their feet rumbled violently, sending cracks spidering out in all directions. Hikaru kept his balance effortlessly, while Lira stumbled and Kaelith crouched low, her daggers drawn. The rift yawned wider, exhaling a foul, tar-like mist that coiled upward.
"Oh, great," Hikaru muttered. "Dark smoke of doom. Classic villain move."
Kaelith's voice was tight with urgency. "This isn't just a show of power. The corruption is reaching out. It's trying to pull us in."
"Then it's time for me to pull back," Hikaru said, raising his hand. Energy flickered around his fingertips, and he pointed at the fissure. "Reality Override: Close Sesame."
The rift's violent expansion halted, and with a deafening roar, the edges collapsed inward, sealing the ground shut in an instant. The mist dissipated, leaving behind an eerie silence.
Kaelith turned to Hikaru, her emerald-green eyes narrowing. "That… was impressive."
Hikaru smirked. "I'm a walking deus ex machina. Impressive is my baseline."
Lira sighed. "I can't tell if your arrogance is endearing or exhausting."
"It's both," Hikaru quipped, before turning his attention back to Kaelith. "So, what's the deal? Is this thing an off-brand god trying to make a comeback, or what?"
Kaelith shook her head. "I'm not sure. This corruption is unlike anything I've seen before. It's ancient, older than even the gods you've challenged so far. If we're to understand it, we need to venture deeper into the heart of the Deadwood."
"Deeper? You mean more creepy trees and ominous fog? Sign me up," Hikaru said, cracking his knuckles. "Let's find out what's got this place so twisted."
Kaelith raised an eyebrow. "You sound eager. Most would turn back, knowing what lies ahead."
"Most aren't me."
Lira spoke up, her voice steady but firm. "If this corruption threatens Astraleon, we can't ignore it. Lead the way, Kaelith."
Kaelith hesitated, her gaze lingering on Hikaru. "Very well. Stay close, and don't do anything reckless."
"I don't do reckless," Hikaru said, grinning. "I do bold."
As they pushed forward, the forest grew darker, the twisted trees forming a dense canopy that blocked out what little light remained. The air felt heavier, oppressive, and filled with a faint buzzing sound, like countless invisible insects.
Kaelith moved silently ahead of them, her every movement precise and deliberate. Hikaru admired her grace, even as he considered the mystery she embodied. Something about her felt different—untamed, like the forest itself.
"So, Kaelith," Hikaru said, breaking the tense silence. "How'd you end up being the Deadwood babysitter? Got bored of normal jobs?"
Kaelith didn't look back but replied coolly. "This land was my home before the corruption took hold. I vowed to protect it, even as it fell into darkness."
"That's noble," Lira said.
"It's a curse," Kaelith muttered.
Hikaru raised an eyebrow. "Heavy words. Don't tell me you're secretly part of the corruption or something."
Kaelith stopped abruptly, turning to face him. Her expression was unreadable, but her glowing eyes held his gaze. "I've lived in this forest for centuries. The corruption is in the air I breathe, the ground I walk. You think I'm immune to it?"
The weight of her words hung in the air, but Hikaru simply smiled. "Well, lucky for you, I'm really good at fixing messed-up situations."
Kaelith studied him for a moment longer, then turned away. "We'll see."
The trio continued until they came upon a clearing bathed in faint, unnatural light. At its center was a massive, gnarled tree, its roots twisting into the earth like veins. The air here was thick with the stench of decay, and the buzzing noise was louder than ever.
"Looks inviting," Hikaru said, taking a step forward.
"Don't," Kaelith warned, grabbing his arm. Her touch was firm, and her proximity caught Hikaru off guard.
"What's the problem?" he asked, his voice lowering slightly.
Kaelith's grip tightened, her expression shadowed. "This is the source. The corruption emanates from that tree. If you step too close, it will consume you."
Hikaru's usual grin faded as he took in her seriousness. "Noted."
Lira stepped beside him. "What do we do?"
Kaelith exhaled. "Destroy it."
"Cool," Hikaru said, cracking his neck. "Let's nuke the creepy tree and call it a day."
Before either woman could respond, the ground trembled again. The tree's roots began to writhe, pulling themselves from the earth as though the tree itself were awakening.
"Oh, come on," Hikaru muttered. "The tree's alive? Really?"
The massive tree groaned, its trunk splitting open to reveal a pulsating core of dark energy. From its gaping maw, figures began to emerge—shadows given form, their humanoid shapes flickering with malevolent intent.
Kaelith drew her daggers. "They're wraithlings—fragments of the corruption made flesh."
Lira gripped her staff. "We'll handle them together."
Hikaru grinned, summoning a sphere of glowing energy in one hand. "Nah, you two take a breather. I've got this."
Without waiting for a response, he charged forward, his energy flaring as he unleashed a barrage of attacks at the approaching wraithlings.