The return journey from the Crimson Wastes was a stark contrast to the chaos of the ascent. With the Core sealed and the Leviathan defeated, the oppressive weight that had hung over the group seemed to lift slightly. Yet, Ryan couldn't shake the feeling that they were far from safe.
The trio moved in silence for most of the day, their steps steady but cautious. The jagged rocks and shifting sands of the Wastes stretched endlessly around them, the sun bearing down with relentless heat. The Core, now encased in its reinforced container, pulsed faintly with a steady rhythm, as if alive.
"We should reach the outer edge by nightfall," Arya said, breaking the silence. She adjusted the strap of her pack, her bow resting within easy reach. "From there, it's a straight path back to Dawnstead."
Grent grunted, his hammer slung over his shoulder. "Straight path or not, we can't let our guard down. These Wastes have a way of surprising you."
Ryan nodded, his hand instinctively going to the hilt of his sword. His body ached from the battle with the Leviathan, but the experience had taught him the importance of vigilance. "What do you think the guild will do with the Core?"
Arya glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "That's not for us to decide. Our job is to secure it, not question the guild's plans."
Grent chuckled. "Spoken like a true professional."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the group set up camp in the shadow of a rocky outcrop. The temperature plummeted, and Ryan pulled his cloak tighter around him as he helped Arya start a fire. The flames flickered weakly at first but soon grew, casting long shadows on the rocky walls around them.
Grent handed out portions of dried rations, his usual humor returning as he recounted their battle with the Leviathan. "You should've seen your face, Ryan, when that thing roared. Thought you were gonna drop your sword and run."
Ryan smirked, shaking his head. "I was just giving you a chance to look brave."
Arya rolled her eyes, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. "Save the banter. We need to rest while we can. Tomorrow's going to be another long day."
Ryan stared into the fire, his thoughts drifting. The Leviathan, the Core, the relentless challenges they had faced—it all felt like a test, one he wasn't sure he fully understood. The faint hum of the Core echoed in his mind, a constant reminder of the power they were carrying.
In the dead of night, Ryan woke with a start. The fire had burned low, casting the camp in a dim, flickering light. A chill ran down his spine as he sat up, his hand immediately going to his sword. Something felt wrong.
"Ryan?" Arya's voice was barely a whisper, but it was sharp and alert. She was already awake, her bow drawn as her eyes scanned the darkness. "Do you hear that?"
Ryan strained his ears, and there it was—a faint scraping sound, like claws on stone. His HUD flickered, struggling to process the environment, but a single warning flashed across his vision: Hostiles Detected.
Grent stirred, his hammer in hand as he rose to his feet. "What is it this time?"
The answer came quickly. From the shadows emerged figures cloaked in darkness, their movements silent and deliberate. Their eyes glowed faintly, and their bodies seemed to shift and ripple like living shadows.
[Shadebound Hunters] - Level 14
Arya loosed her first arrow, the projectile slicing through the air and striking one of the creatures. It let out a distorted hiss, dissolving into mist, but more emerged from the darkness.
"Form up!" Arya commanded, her voice steady despite the tension in the air.
Grent roared, charging forward with his hammer. His first swing connected with a Hunter, sending it sprawling, but the others moved with unnerving speed, circling the group.
Ryan activated [Quick Strike], darting toward a Hunter that lunged for Arya. His blade flashed, cutting through the creature's form and dispersing it. His HUD displayed +80 XP, but there was no time to celebrate.
"These things are faster than the Wraiths!" Ryan shouted, narrowly dodging another attack.
Arya fired arrow after arrow, each one finding its mark. "Don't let them surround us! Keep moving!"
The battle was chaotic, the Hunters attacking from all angles. Their forms shifted and flickered, making them difficult to predict. Ryan's sword felt heavier with each swing, his stamina draining as he fought to keep up with their relentless assault.
Grent let out a frustrated growl, slamming his hammer into the ground and creating a shockwave that sent the Hunters reeling. "These bastards don't go down easy!"
Ryan activated [Power Slash], his blade glowing as he targeted a group of Hunters that had clustered together. The strike landed, dispersing three of them in a single blow. His HUD flashed: +240 XP.
As the last Hunter fell, the camp fell silent once more. Ryan dropped to one knee, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. The air around them felt heavy, charged with the remnants of the battle.
"Everyone okay?" Arya asked, lowering her bow.
Grent nodded, though his expression was grim. "Barely. Those things were no joke."
Ryan wiped sweat from his brow, his gaze shifting to the Core's container. Its pulse was stronger now, the glow more intense. "They were after the Core. I'm sure of it."
Arya nodded. "We need to move at first light. The longer we stay here, the more danger we're in."
Ryan stared at the faintly glowing horizon, his resolve hardening. The Wastes weren't finished with them, but neither was he.