Chapter 13: Shadows in the Hollow
The fire crackled softly in the cave as Liam rested, his back pressed against the cool stone wall. He chewed on a piece of dried jerky, his mind wandering over the day's events. The battles had been grueling, the Wailing Hollow a stark reminder of how punishing Eternal Dominion could be. Yet, every step forward filled him with a quiet determination.
He glanced at his status panel, where the glowing icons for his EX-rank skills gleamed prominently.
Player Stats:
• Level: 20
• Experience: 35% to Level 21
• Free Attribute Points: 40
• Skills:
• Shadowstrike (EX): Level 12
• Primordial Insight (EX): Level 9
• Blade Dance (A): Level 9
The stats brought a fleeting sense of satisfaction, but it was tempered by the knowledge of what lay ahead. The Sanctum of Echoes still seemed impossibly far, and the Wailing Hollow itself was proving to be a gauntlet of deadly encounters.
Liam opened his inventory and inspected the Shadowfang Dagger he had acquired. Its sleek design and dark aura suggested it was no ordinary weapon. Though he wasn't a dual-wielder, it might serve as a valuable backup if his primary weapon failed him.
With a soft sigh, Liam closed the inventory and stretched his legs. The night was still, but his instincts told him it wouldn't stay that way for long. He doused the fire with a splash of water and prepared to move deeper into the hollow.
The Whispering Path
As Liam stepped out of the cave, the air felt heavier, almost suffocating. The ghostly wails that had defined the hollow were now replaced by faint whispers, unintelligible and haunting. The sound seemed to come from all directions, weaving through the trees like an invisible presence.
[System Notification: Status Effect Applied: Whispering Shadows.]
• Effect: Increased mental strain, reduced stamina recovery.
• Duration: Active while in the Wailing Hollow.
"Great," Liam muttered, tightening his grip on his sword. He activated Primordial Insight, his vision sharpening as faint outlines of magical energy became visible. The forest ahead was littered with hidden dangers—traps, patrols of ghostly specters, and shadowy figures lurking just beyond sight.
He moved cautiously, his footsteps muffled by the soft, marshy ground. Every so often, he paused to check his surroundings, ensuring he wasn't being followed. The Whispering Path was aptly named; its oppressive atmosphere tested not just his combat skills but his mental fortitude.
An Unseen Observer
As Liam navigated the path, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. The sensation was different from the usual tension of the hollow—this felt deliberate, targeted.
He stopped abruptly, his eyes scanning the darkness. For a moment, nothing seemed out of place. Then, out of the corner of his vision, he caught a flicker of movement. A shadow darted between the trees, too quick to identify.
"Show yourself," Liam called out, his voice steady despite the unease creeping into his chest.
There was no response, only the faint rustling of leaves. Liam activated Shadowstrike, readying himself for an ambush. The skill's passive effect heightened his reflexes, allowing him to react in an instant.
Minutes passed, but nothing happened. The shadowy figure seemed to have vanished, leaving Liam to wonder if it had been real or just another trick of the hollow.
The Forgotten Camp
Eventually, the path opened into a small clearing where the remnants of an abandoned camp lay scattered. Torn tents and rusted weapons littered the ground, a grim reminder of those who had come before.
[System Notification: You have discovered a Hidden Area: Forsaken Adventurer's Rest.]
Liam approached the largest tent cautiously, his sword at the ready. Inside, he found a tattered journal half-buried beneath a pile of debris. The pages were weathered, but the writing was still legible.
[Forsaken Journal]
• Entry 17: The hollow grows darker with each passing day. The whispers… they seep into your mind, twisting your thoughts. We've lost three more to the shadows. If anyone finds this, turn back. The hollow takes everything.
Liam's grip on the journal tightened. The hollow's oppressive atmosphere was more than just an aesthetic—it was designed to break players down, both physically and mentally.
He pocketed the journal and searched the rest of the camp. Among the debris, he found a few items of value.
[Loot Acquired:
• Minor Mana Potion (x2)
• Tattered Cloak (C-Rank)
• Silver Coins (x8)]
The cloak, while not ideal, offered a small boost to defense. Liam equipped it and moved on, determined not to linger in the forsaken camp for too long.
The Lurking Shadow
The path grew narrower as Liam ventured further into the hollow. The trees seemed to close in around him, their twisted branches forming a canopy that blocked out even the faintest sliver of moonlight.
Then, without warning, the whispers ceased. The silence was deafening, amplifying the sound of Liam's own breathing and the crunch of his boots against the ground.
A sudden movement caught his attention. This time, the shadowy figure didn't retreat. It stepped into view, revealing itself as a humanoid form shrouded in darkness.
[Shadow Warden]
• Level: 22 (Rare)
• HP: 6,000
• Skills: Shadowbind, Phantom Step, Warden's Strike
The Shadow Warden's glowing red eyes locked onto Liam, and without hesitation, it lunged forward. Liam barely had time to raise his sword before the warden's blade clashed against his own, sending sparks flying.
The creature was fast—far faster than anything Liam had encountered so far. It vanished and reappeared behind him, its blade slicing toward his back. Liam activated Blade Dance, spinning around to block the attack and counter with a flurry of strikes.
The fight was intense, the warden's attacks relentless. Liam's health dropped steadily, forcing him to chug a healing potion mid-battle. Finally, after a well-timed use of Shadowstrike, he delivered a critical blow that brought the warden to its knees.
[Combat Summary:
• Monster Defeated: Shadow Warden (Rare)
• Experience Gained: 10,000
• Loot Acquired: Warden's Amulet (Rare), Gold Coins (x3)]
Liam examined the amulet, its dark gem pulsing faintly with energy.
[Warden's Amulet]
• Rank: Rare
• Effect: Increases evasion by 10% and reduces shadow damage by 15%.
The amulet was a perfect fit for his current circumstances. He equipped it immediately, feeling a slight boost to his agility as he resumed his journey.
The Hollow Deepens
As Liam continued, the landscape began to change. The marshy ground turned to jagged rock, and the air grew colder still. The whispers returned, louder and more insistent than before.
Despite the challenges, Liam felt a growing sense of determination. The Wailing Hollow was brutal, but every victory brought him closer to the Sanctum of Echoes—and to uncovering the mysteries that lay within.
For now, though, he would press on, one careful step at a time.