The Shattered Peaks were as unforgiving as Arya had warned. The air grew colder with every step, the jagged rocks biting into their boots and threatening to throw them off balance with even the slightest misstep. Despite the challenges, the trio pressed on, their resolve unshaken.
Ryan trailed behind Arya and Grent, his breath visible in the frigid air. His HUD flickered with faint warnings, the ambient energy of the Peaks interfering with its functionality. It was unsettling, like losing a part of himself in a world that demanded constant vigilance.
"Keep an eye out for cover," Arya said, her voice carrying over the howling wind. "If a storm rolls in, we'll need to find shelter fast."
Grent grunted in agreement. "These peaks aren't just dangerous because of the monsters. The weather can kill you just as easily."
Ryan nodded, though his focus was on the path ahead. The trail narrowed, forcing them to move single file along a sheer cliff face. Below them, the mountainside disappeared into a dense layer of mist.
Hours later, they came upon a small plateau, the first flat ground they'd seen in miles. Arya signaled for a break, and the group dropped their packs, taking the opportunity to catch their breath.
"How much farther do you think?" Ryan asked, wiping sweat from his brow despite the cold.
Arya pulled out the map, studying it with a furrowed brow. "If the guild's intel is correct, the Core should be near the summit. Another day's climb, maybe two."
Grent stretched his arms, his hammer resting beside him. "Let's hope the monsters don't get any tougher. Those Rock Fangs were bad enough."
Arya glanced at Ryan. "You handled yourself well back there. But don't get overconfident. The Peaks have a way of humbling even the best adventurers."
Ryan gave a faint smile. "I'll keep that in mind."
The wind picked up, carrying with it a faint, eerie sound. It was like a whisper, just barely audible above the howl of the wind. Ryan froze, his ears straining to catch it.
"Did you hear that?" he asked, his hand instinctively going to his sword.
Arya and Grent exchanged a glance, their expressions shifting to caution.
"Hear what?" Arya asked.
Ryan hesitated. "It sounded like... whispering. Like someone's voice."
Grent frowned, standing and hefting his hammer. "Could be the wind playing tricks on you. Or it could be something worse."
Arya nodded. "Stay sharp. The Peaks are known for illusions. Don't trust what you see—or hear."
The group pressed on, the eerie whispers growing stronger the higher they climbed. Ryan couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, and his HUD's occasional glitches did little to reassure him. When they finally reached a narrow pass between two towering cliffs, Arya stopped, her hand raised in warning.
"Something's ahead," she said, her voice barely audible over the wind.
Ryan squinted into the gloom, his HUD struggling to identify the shapes moving in the shadows. Slowly, the creatures emerged, their forms both familiar and alien. They were humanoid, with elongated limbs and faces that seemed to shift and ripple like water.
[Wraithbound] - Level 11
Arya drew an arrow, her expression tense. "Wraithbound. They're fast and hard to hit. Aim for the core—it's the only way to take them down."
Grent grinned, his hammer glowing faintly. "Let's see how tough they really are."
The Wraithbound moved with unnatural speed, their bodies flickering as they darted forward. Arya loosed an arrow, striking one square in the chest. The creature let out a haunting wail before disintegrating into mist.
Ryan activated [Quick Strike], his sword flashing as he targeted another Wraithbound. The blade connected, and the creature shuddered, its body flickering before it dissolved.
"They're not too bad," he said, his confidence growing.
"Don't let your guard down!" Arya snapped, loosing another arrow.
One of the Wraithbound lunged at Grent, its claws raking against his shield. He retaliated with a powerful swing of his hammer, sending it flying into the cliffside. The creature crumbled into mist on impact.
The battle was fast and chaotic, but the group worked seamlessly, each move coordinated and precise. When the last Wraithbound fell, the air grew still once more.
Ryan leaned against his sword, catching his breath. "That wasn't as bad as I thought it would be."
Arya shot him a look. "You're lucky. Those things usually hunt in larger packs. We got off easy."
Grent chuckled, wiping sweat from his brow. "Easy? Speak for yourself. That last one nearly took my arm off."
Arya smirked. "Then maybe you're getting slow."
Ryan managed a weak laugh, the tension easing slightly. But as they continued their climb, the whispers returned, louder and more insistent.
Whatever waited for them at the summit, it was clear they weren't welcome.