Ryan and Mia exited the Shadowgrove Ruins, the faint glow of the shard leading them toward a path deeper into the forest. The oppressive atmosphere had lifted slightly, but the eerie quiet remained. Every now and then, the faint rustle of leaves would catch Ryan's attention, keeping him on edge.
"That bow suits you," Ryan said, glancing at Mia, who walked beside him with her new Radiant Longbow slung across her shoulder.
She smirked. "Let's hope it's as useful as it is flashy."
The shard's pulses quickened, and Ryan slowed his pace. The forest ahead seemed darker than before, the canopy above twisting tightly to block out the light. The air grew dense and heavy, carrying the faint, metallic tang of magic. A faint, golden glow flickered through the gaps in the foliage, casting eerie patterns on the ground.
[New Objective: Investigate the Light]
"Another trap?" Mia asked, nocking an arrow and scanning the surroundings.
"Probably," Ryan muttered. "But it's not like we can ignore it."
The two pressed on, their steps cautious. The golden light grew brighter as they approached a clearing, where an ancient stone altar stood. The glowing flowers surrounding it swayed gently, as if responding to an unseen breeze. The air here was different—charged with energy and carrying a faint, floral scent that was almost intoxicating. Kneeling at the altar was a young woman in a simple white robe, her platinum blonde hair catching the light like a halo. Her hands were clasped in prayer, and the faint shimmer of magic surrounded her.
[NPC Discovered: Lily - Healer of Light]
Ryan stepped forward, but Mia grabbed his arm. "Wait. She might not be what she seems."
"Only one way to find out," Ryan replied, pulling free and walking toward the altar. "Hey! Are you okay?"
The woman's head snapped up, her wide, violet eyes locking onto Ryan. Fear flashed across her face, and she scrambled to her feet, taking a defensive stance.
"Stay back!" she cried, her voice trembling. Light began to gather in her palms, forming an orb that hovered between her hands.
"Whoa, easy!" Ryan said, raising his hands. "We're not here to hurt you."
Mia stepped into the clearing, her bow lowered but ready. "Then explain why you're sneaking up on someone like that."
The light in Lily's hands dimmed slightly as she studied them. "You're not... shadows?"
Ryan frowned. "Shadows?"
Lily's shoulders sagged with relief, and the orb dissipated. "I thought you were like them. The shadow creatures. They've been hunting me since I entered this cursed forest."
A notification appeared:
[Quest Accepted: Protect the Healer]
"Figures," Mia muttered. "This forest doesn't seem to like anyone."
"Can you fight?" Ryan asked.
Lily shook her head. "I can heal and support, but I'm no good with weapons. I was trying to purify the altar to stop the shadows from spreading, but they've overwhelmed me every time."
Ryan nodded. "Then stick close to us. We'll handle the fighting."
As the group moved toward the altar, the shard's pulses grew erratic. Dark tendrils began to rise from the ground, and shadowy figures emerged from the surrounding forest.
[Enemies Spawned: Shadow Sprites – HP: 200/200 each]
Ryan gripped his halberd tightly. "Here we go."
The sprites surged forward, their glowing eyes fixated on Lily. Mia loosed an arrow, the radiant light exploding on impact and scattering the nearest group.
[Damage Dealt: 150 HP](Sprites HP: 50/200 each)
Ryan activated [Radiant Sweep], the wide arc of his halberd cutting through multiple sprites at once. The burst of light energy dispersed their shadowy forms, and a faint ripple of heat spread outward, causing the golden flowers near the altar to flicker briefly. The room seemed momentarily brighter, as if the light from the halberd pushed back the oppressive darkness.
[Damage Dealt: 200 HP to all enemies]
(Sprites Defeated)
Lily stood behind them, her hands glowing as she channeled healing magic. "Let me help!" she said, casting a spell that enveloped Ryan and Mia in a soft, golden light.
[Healing Received: +20 HP]
(Player HP: 95/100)
"Not bad," Ryan said, feeling the warmth of the spell rejuvenate him. "Keep it up."
More shadows emerged, larger and more menacing than the sprites. These were hulking figures of pure darkness, their forms crackling with unstable energy.
[Enemies Spawned: Shadow Brutes – HP: 500/500 each]
"Mia, take the left!" Ryan shouted, charging at the nearest brute. He activated [Courage Strike (Enhanced)], his halberd glowing brilliantly as it slammed into the brute's chest, staggering it.
[Damage Dealt: 120 HP]
(Brute HP: 380/500)
Mia fired a flurry of arrows at the second brute, her shots piercing its form and forcing it to falter.
[Damage Dealt: 150 HP]
(Brute HP: 350/500)
The brutes retaliated, their massive arms swinging with crushing force. One brute struck the ground near Ryan, sending shards of stone flying as the impact reverberated through his bones. He raised his halberd defensively, but the sheer force sent him skidding backward, his boots struggling to find purchase on the uneven ground.
[Damage Taken: 30 HP]
(Player HP: 65/100)
"I've got you!" Lily called, casting another healing spell. The golden light mended Ryan's wounds, restoring his strength.
[Healing Received: +30 HP]
(Player HP: 95/100)
Ryan grinned. "You're a lifesaver, literally."
The fight continued, the group working in tandem to wear down the brutes. Ryan's halberd glowed as he unleashed [Resonant Blade], the radiant energy cleaving through the brute and finishing it off.
[Damage Dealt: 380 HP]
(Brute Defeated)
Mia delivered the final blow to the second brute, her arrow striking its core and shattering it into fragments of shadow.
[Damage Dealt: 350 HP]
(Brute Defeated)
The clearing grew quiet once more, the oppressive tension lifting as the golden light from the altar expanded outward. The shadows retreated, their forms dissolving into wisps that were carried away by an unseen breeze. A faint hum echoed through the area, signaling the completion of their trial.
[Quest Complete: Protect the Healer]
[Rewards: +2 Skill Points, Purified Pendant Unlocked]
Ryan opened his skill menu, allocating the points:
[Skill Upgrade: Sentinel's Guard (Enhanced)] – Increases damage reflection and reduces cooldown.
[New Skill Unlocked: Lightforged Strike] – A concentrated attack that deals massive damage to shadow-based enemies.
Lily approached the altar, her hands glowing as she completed the purification ritual. The golden flowers around the altar brightened, their light chasing away the lingering darkness.
"Thank you," Lily said, turning to Ryan and Mia. "I wouldn't have survived without you."
Ryan smiled. "You're not bad yourself. That healing saved us."
Mia nodded. "You should stick with us. This forest isn't safe, and you're clearly a target."
Lily hesitated but then nodded. "If you'll have me, I'll do my best to help."
Ryan held out his hand. "Welcome to the team."