The morning of their departure arrived sooner than Ryan expected. The air was crisp, the sky painted in hues of orange and gold as the first light of dawn touched Dawnstead. The city's gates were already bustling with adventurers preparing for their own missions, the energy in the air a mixture of excitement and unease.
Ryan adjusted the straps of his pack, ensuring his gear was secured. He had spent the last two days in rigorous training under Grent's watchful eye, sparring endlessly and practicing his new skills. His body ached, but it was a satisfying ache—a reminder of how far he had come.
Arya approached, her bow slung over her shoulder and her expression as sharp as ever. "You ready?"
Ryan nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be."
Grent joined them, his hammer resting on his shoulder. "Good. The Peaks aren't forgiving, but we've faced worse. Stick together, watch each other's backs, and we'll make it through."
The trio set out, their footsteps steady as they left the safety of Dawnstead behind. The road to the Shattered Peaks was long and winding, cutting through dense forests and rolling hills. The scenery was beautiful, but the tension in the air made it hard to enjoy.
By midday, the group had reached the edge of the forest. The Peaks loomed in the distance, their jagged silhouettes stark against the horizon. A cold wind swept down from the mountains, carrying with it a faint, eerie howl that sent shivers down Ryan's spine.
"We'll make camp here," Arya said, nodding toward a small clearing. "It's too dangerous to push forward without rest."
Ryan and Grent set to work gathering firewood while Arya scouted the area. By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, the campfire was crackling warmly, and the group sat around it, sharing a simple meal.
"What do we know about the Peaks?" Ryan asked, breaking the silence.
Arya poked at the fire with a stick. "Not much. The guild's records are sparse. Most who venture there don't come back. What we do know is that the creatures get stronger the higher you go."
Grent nodded. "And the terrain doesn't help. Loose rocks, sheer cliffs, unpredictable weather... it's as much a fight against the mountain as it is against the monsters."
Ryan swallowed hard. "Sounds like fun."
Arya smirked. "You wanted to be an adventurer, didn't you?"
Ryan chuckled despite himself. "Guess I did."
The next morning, the group began their ascent. The path was steep and treacherous, winding through narrow ledges and rocky outcroppings. Ryan's legs burned with the effort, but he pushed on, determined not to slow the group down.
Halfway up the trail, Arya raised a hand, signaling them to stop. She crouched low, her eyes scanning the rocks ahead. Ryan followed her gaze and spotted movement—shadows darting between the stones.
[Rock Fangs] - Level 9
The creatures emerged from their hiding spots, their bodies resembling jagged stones with sharp, crystalline spines. They moved with surprising agility, their glowing eyes fixed on the group.
"Formation," Arya ordered, nocking an arrow.
Grent stepped forward, his hammer raised. "Stay behind me, kid."
Ryan nodded, gripping his sword tightly as the first Rock Fang lunged. Grent met it with a powerful swing, shattering its crystalline armor. Arya's arrows flew, each one striking with deadly accuracy and weakening the creatures' tough exteriors.
Ryan activated [Power Slash], his blade glowing as he targeted a weak point on one of the Rock Fangs. The strike landed, cracking the creature's body and sending shards flying. His HUD flashed: +50 XP.
The fight was short but intense, and the group emerged victorious, though winded. Ryan wiped sweat from his brow, glancing at the shards left behind by the creatures.
"They're tougher than they look," he said.
Arya nodded. "And that was just the start. The higher we go, the worse it'll get."
Grent clapped Ryan on the back. "You held your own, kid. Keep that up, and you'll do fine."
Ryan managed a small smile. "Thanks. I'll try."
As the group continued their ascent, the air grew thinner and colder. The Peaks loomed closer with every step, their jagged spires piercing the sky. Ryan's thoughts drifted to the Core they were seeking and the dangers that surely guarded it.