The searing heat from the orange Essence coursed through Alexander's body, igniting every nerve like molten fire. He fell to his knees, clutching his chest as the energy threatened to tear him apart. His breath came in ragged gasps, and sweat poured down his face.
Kaelith stood a few paces away, her expression unreadable as she observed him. "Don't resist it," she advised, her voice cutting through the chaos in his mind. "Let the Essence flow. If you fight it, it will destroy you."
"Easy... for you to say," Alexander rasped, his voice strained. His vision blurred, and he felt as though his body would split in two.
The Essence surged again, this time spreading through his limbs. Pain morphed into a strange euphoria, a feeling of immense power flooding his senses. His muscles burned, then grew stronger. His mind, previously fogged by fear and exhaustion, sharpened with clarity.
Kaelith raised an eyebrow as the glow around him intensified. "Not bad. Looks like you're more resilient than I thought."
Alexander opened his eyes, now faintly glowing with an orange hue. The burning sensation subsided, replaced by an electrifying energy coursing through him. He stood shakily, his legs still weak but his determination unyielding.
"I... I did it," he murmured, glancing at his hands. They felt different—stronger, more capable.
Kaelith nodded, a hint of approval in her gaze. "You've absorbed the Essence of a top-tier beast. That's no small feat, especially for someone at your level. But don't let it go to your head. Power without control is a death sentence."
Before Alexander could respond, a faint rustling in the distance caught their attention. Kaelith's stance shifted immediately, her spear at the ready. "We're not alone."
Alexander's heart skipped a beat as he turned toward the sound. His newly enhanced senses picked up the faint footsteps growing louder, accompanied by the subtle crunch of leaves underfoot.
From the shadows of the forest emerged a figure cloaked in dark, tattered robes. Their face was obscured, but the aura they exuded was undeniable—cold, sharp, and calculating.
Kaelith's grip on her spear tightened. "Who are you?" she demanded, her voice low and dangerous.
The figure chuckled softly, the sound unnervingly calm. "Impressive," they said, their tone laced with amusement. "I didn't think anyone would be reckless enough to face an Infernal Hornback, let alone kill it."
Alexander felt a shiver run down his spine. The stranger's presence was suffocating, and the way they spoke made it clear they were no ordinary traveler.
"What do you want?" Kaelith asked, positioning herself slightly in front of Alexander.
The figure tilted their head, their hidden gaze seemingly fixed on Alexander. "The boy," they said simply. "He's carrying something... intriguing."
Alexander's fists clenched instinctively. "I don't know what you're talking about."
The figure laughed again, this time louder. "Oh, but you do. That Essence you've just absorbed—it's far too potent for someone like you. A gift, perhaps? Or a curse waiting to unfold?"
Kaelith didn't wait for further explanation. She lunged forward, her spear thrusting toward the stranger with blinding speed.
The figure raised a hand, and with a flick of their wrist, the air itself seemed to ripple. Kaelith's attack was deflected, her spear skidding to the side as though repelled by an invisible force.
"Hostile, aren't we?" the figure remarked, their tone still calm. "But I suppose that's to be expected. No matter. I didn't come here to fight."
Kaelith didn't lower her weapon, her eyes narrowing. "Then why are you here?"
The figure stepped closer, their movements eerily smooth. "To offer a warning," they said, their voice growing colder. "The boy's newfound power will draw more than just beasts. Others will come—those who seek what he carries. And not all of them will be as... understanding as I am."
Alexander's mind raced. "Who are you? Why do you care?"
The figure paused, their head tilting slightly. "Who I am is of no consequence. As for why I care... let's just say your survival serves my interests, for now."
Kaelith stepped forward, her spear gleaming in the faint light. "If you think we'll just trust your words, you're mistaken."
The figure chuckled once more. "Trust? No, I don't expect that. But heed my warning, or don't. It makes little difference to me."
With that, they raised a hand, and the air around them shimmered like heatwaves. Before Alexander could react, the figure vanished, leaving only the faintest trace of their presence behind.
Silence hung heavy in the clearing.
Kaelith lowered her spear, her expression grim. "That wasn't just any Essence user. Whoever that was, they're dangerous."
Alexander swallowed hard. "What did they mean? About others coming after me?"
Kaelith turned to him, her gaze sharp. "It means you've stepped into a world far bigger and more dangerous than you realize. And now, we need to move. Quickly."
Alexander nodded, his mind still reeling. The power he'd gained from the Hornback felt exhilarating, but it came with a weight he hadn't anticipated.
As they disappeared into the forest, the shadows seemed to close in behind them, carrying the echoes of the stranger's warning.