The deeper the trio ventured into the Silverpine Woods, the darker and more foreboding the landscape became. Sunlight barely penetrated the thick canopy above, leaving the forest floor bathed in perpetual twilight. Gnarled roots jutted out of the ground like the fingers of some ancient creature, and the air was thick with the smell of damp earth.
Ryan's HUD flickered with faint signatures ahead, but their movements were erratic, appearing and disappearing as quickly as they had come.
"Something's off," Arya muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. Her bow was in her hand, an arrow already notched. "Wolves don't usually move like this."
Grent tightened his grip on his hammer. "Could be something driving them," he said. "A bigger predator, maybe. Or something worse."
Ryan swallowed hard, his grip on his sword slick with sweat. He hadn't thought about what might be higher up the food chain than the dire wolves they'd just fought. "What's worse than wolves?" he asked.
Arya glanced at him, her expression grim. "You're about to find out."
A low, guttural growl rumbled through the trees, followed by the sound of snapping branches. The trio froze, their eyes scanning the shadows. Ryan's HUD finally locked onto a target: [Shadowfang Beast] - Level 6.
It stepped into view, its massive frame dwarfing the dire wolves from earlier. Its black fur shimmered with an unnatural sheen, as though it absorbed the faint light around it. Its eyes glowed a deep crimson, and its long, jagged teeth dripped with saliva.
"Well, there's your answer," Grent said, a hint of nervous laughter in his voice.
The Shadowfang let out a deafening roar, shaking the very ground beneath their feet. Ryan's HUD flashed red warnings: Danger! High-Level Threat Detected.
"Stick to the plan," Arya hissed. "Grent, keep its attention. Ryan, watch its movements and look for an opening. I'll cover from the trees."
Grent nodded, stepping forward. "All right, big guy," he growled, spinning his hammer once. "Let's dance."
The beast charged, its speed almost unnatural for something so large. Grent barely managed to raise his shield in time, the impact sending him skidding back. Arya darted into the shadows, her arrows flying fast and true, striking the beast's flank. Each hit drew a howl of rage but barely slowed it down.
Ryan circled around, watching the Shadowfang's movements closely. His HUD highlighted weak points along its legs and neck, but getting close enough to strike would be risky.
"Grent, keep it steady!" Ryan shouted, gripping his sword tightly.
Grent grunted in response, bracing himself as the Shadowfang lunged again. He deflected its claws with his shield, delivering a powerful hammer strike to its shoulder. The beast staggered but recovered quickly, its glowing eyes locking onto Ryan.
"Uh, guys?" Ryan said, taking a step back as the Shadowfang turned toward him. "A little help here?"
Arya's voice rang out from the trees. "Keep moving! Don't let it pin you down!"
The beast lunged, its massive jaws snapping shut inches from Ryan's face. He rolled to the side, his sword flashing as he slashed at its hind leg. The blade bit deep, and the Shadowfang roared in pain, spinning to swipe at him with its claws.
Ryan ducked, the claws barely missing his head. He activated [Quick Strike], driving his sword into the creature's side before retreating. His HUD flashed: Critical Hit!
"Nice one, kid!" Grent bellowed, slamming his hammer into the beast's shoulder. The impact sent it reeling, giving Arya the opening she needed.
From her perch high in the trees, Arya fired a glowing arrow that struck the Shadowfang square in the neck. The beast let out a choked roar, its movements growing sluggish.
"Finish it, Ryan!" Arya shouted.
Ryan's heart pounded as he charged forward. The Shadowfang swung its massive paw at him, but he sidestepped, leaping onto its back. His sword glowed as he activated [Power Slash], driving the blade into the back of its neck with all his strength.
The Shadowfang let out one final roar before collapsing, its body disintegrating into particles of light. Ryan rolled off its back, landing hard on the ground as his HUD flashed: +120 XP. Level Up! (Ryan is now Level 4)
He lay there for a moment, his chest heaving. His hands trembled from the adrenaline, but a grin spread across his face. He had done it.
Arya and Grent approached, both looking impressed.
"Not bad, newbie," Arya said, extending a hand to help him up. "You're starting to earn your place."
Grent clapped him on the back, nearly knocking him over. "Told you the kid had guts. That was a hell of a finish."
Ryan nodded, still catching his breath. "Thanks. That was… intense."
Arya smirked. "Get used to it. This is just the beginning."
Ryan looked at the fading particles where the Shadowfang had fallen. For the first time, he felt like he was truly part of the team. Whatever lay ahead, he knew he wouldn't face it alone.
"So, what's next?" he asked, his voice steady despite the exhaustion.
Arya exchanged a glance with Grent before looking back at him. "Let's find out."
Together, the trio ventured deeper into the woods, ready for whatever challenges awaited them.