The early morning air was crisp as Ethan joined the small group assembled near the outskirts of the faction's base. The sun had just begun to rise, casting a golden glow over the sprawling plains beyond. Ethan's heart thudded in his chest as he took in the faces of his companions: Alina, Darion, and two others he hadn't met yet. Each carried an air of confidence and readiness, their weapons and armor gleaming faintly with the telltale glow of enchanted runes.
Kaelith stood before the group, their staff planted firmly in the ground. Their sharp gaze swept over them before settling on Ethan. "This mission is a test for all of you," they said. "But for Ethan, it is more than that. It is his first step into the reality of what it means to fight for survival on the Great Continent."
Darion's expression was unreadable, but Alina offered Ethan an encouraging smile. "We've got your back," she whispered, her voice barely audible over Kaelith's briefing.
Kaelith continued, "Your objective is straightforward: scout the edge of Zone Twelve and confirm reports of unusual activity near the dimensional rift. Do not engage unless absolutely necessary. Remember, your priority is information."
"Understood," Darion said, his tone clipped. The rest of the group nodded in agreement.
Kaelith's gaze lingered on Ethan for a moment longer. "Trust your instincts, but do not act recklessly. This world rewards those who think before they act."
Ethan nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. "I'll do my best."
The journey to Zone Twelve was uneventful at first. The group moved quickly and efficiently, their steps silent on the well-trodden path. Alina took the lead, her keen eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of trouble. Darion stayed close to Ethan, his presence both a reassurance and a reminder of the high expectations placed upon him.
"You've been quiet," Darion said, breaking the silence.
Ethan glanced at him, unsure how to respond. "Just trying to stay focused. This is all new to me."
Darion's expression softened slightly, though his tone remained firm. "Good. Focus is important. But don't forget to rely on your team. This isn't a solo fight."
Before Ethan could reply, Alina raised a hand, signaling for the group to halt. She crouched low, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. "Movement," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "About two hundred meters out."
The group followed her lead, taking cover behind a cluster of rocks. Ethan strained his eyes, and after a moment, he saw it: a flicker of movement near the edge of a dense forest. The shape was too distant to make out clearly, but the way it moved was unnatural, almost jerky.
"What is that?" Ethan asked, his voice low.
"Not sure," Alina replied. "But it's close to the rift's edge. Could be a rogue construct or something worse."
Darion's hand rested on the hilt of his blade. "We need to get closer. Ethan, stay behind Alina and me. If anything happens, focus on support."
Ethan nodded, summoning a small shield to his arm. The warmth of the Emerald Forge steadied him, and he followed the group as they moved cautiously toward the forest.
As they neared the movement, the air grew heavier, charged with an unsettling energy. The trees swayed despite the lack of wind, and the faint hum of the dimensional rift grew louder with each step.
"There," Alina whispered, pointing to a clearing ahead. In the center stood a twisted creature, its body a grotesque amalgamation of metal and flesh. Its eyes glowed with a sickly yellow light, and its limbs moved with a disjointed, almost mechanical rhythm.
"A Rift Beast," Darion muttered. "And a big one at that."
The creature turned toward them, its gaze locking onto the group. It let out a guttural roar, its body convulsing as it began to charge.
"So much for avoiding conflict," Alina said, drawing her daggers. "Ethan, back us up."
Ethan's heart raced as the beast closed the distance. He summoned a spear, its green energy flickering like a flame. Darion met the creature head-on, his blade slicing through one of its limbs with precision. Alina darted in and out of its range, her daggers leaving deep gashes in its side.
Ethan hung back, watching for openings. When the beast turned its attention to Darion, Ethan hurled his spear, the weapon embedding itself in the creature's shoulder. The energy surged on impact, causing the beast to stumble.
"Nice shot," Alina called, her voice strained as she dodged a swipe from the beast's claw.
The battle was chaotic, the creature's unpredictable movements forcing the group to stay on their toes. Ethan focused on supporting his teammates, summoning barriers to block the beast's attacks and creating weapons to exploit its vulnerabilities.
Finally, Darion delivered the finishing blow, his blade piercing the creature's chest. The Rift Beast let out a final, shuddering roar before collapsing to the ground, its body dissolving into a cloud of shimmering particles.
The group stood in silence for a moment, catching their breath. Alina sheathed her daggers and turned to Ethan, a smile breaking through her exhaustion.
"You did good," she said. "We couldn't have taken it down without you."
Ethan felt a surge of pride, though his limbs trembled from exertion. "Thanks. I still have a lot to learn."
Darion approached, his expression unreadable. "You kept your cool and did your part. That's all we can ask for. But don't get cocky. The Rift Beast was small compared to what's out there."
Ethan nodded, the weight of Darion's words sinking in. This mission had been a taste of the challenges ahead, and he knew the road would only get harder. But for the first time, he felt like he belonged—not just in the faction, but in this strange new world.
As the group turned back toward the base, Ethan glanced at the distant horizon, where the rift's glow shimmered faintly against the sky. I'll be ready for whatever comes next, he thought, determination hardening in his chest. This is my chance to make a difference.