Volume 2: Shards of Unity
Chapter 15: The Wildbloods
The Verdant Labyrinth stretched endlessly before them, its lush canopy casting deep shadows over the jungle floor. Unlike the harsh barrens and ruins they had traversed, this place pulsed with life. The air was thick with humidity, and the distant calls of unseen creatures echoed through the dense foliage.
"This is going to be a problem," Kael muttered, swatting at a massive insect buzzing near his ear. "Why does it feel like the jungle itself is watching us?"
"Because it probably is," Solas replied, their tone unusually subdued. "The Wildbloods are said to be in tune with this place. Their connection to nightmare creatures and the land itself is unparalleled. If we're not careful, we'll never see them coming."
Eryth adjusted the strap of their pack and glanced at Nyx, who prowled ahead with its tail low, its glowing eyes scanning the undergrowth. "Let's hope they see Nyx as a reason to talk instead of attack."
"Assuming we even find them," Kael grumbled.
Signs of the Wildbloods
Hours passed as they ventured deeper into the labyrinth. The jungle seemed to shift around them, twisting paths vanishing only to reappear elsewhere. The air grew heavier with each step, the oppressive atmosphere gnawing at their resolve.
Eryth knelt near a cluster of claw marks etched into a tree. "These are fresh," they murmured, running their fingers over the grooves.
Nyx sniffed the air, its growl low and wary. Suddenly, the creature stiffened, its ears swiveling toward a distant rustle.
"Something's coming," Solas said sharply.
The group froze as a figure emerged from the shadows. Tall and lithe, the man moved with an animalistic grace, his dark skin streaked with painted patterns that glowed faintly in the dim light. His eyes, sharp and predatory, locked onto Nyx before shifting to Eryth.
"You trespass in the domain of the Wildbloods," he said, his voice low and firm. "Give me one reason not to send you back as carrion."
Eryth raised their hands in a gesture of peace. "We're not here to fight. We're looking for an alliance."
The man tilted his head, his gaze flickering to Nyx. "You bring a nightmare creature into our territory and ask for trust? Bold. Foolish, perhaps."
Nyx growled softly, stepping closer to Eryth.
"We have no intention of harming your people," Eryth said. "But the Sovereign's forces are spreading. If you don't join us, they'll come for you sooner or later."
The man's expression didn't change, but something in his stance shifted. "The Sovereign is not our concern. The jungle provides, and we are its guardians."
"That won't stop them," Kael interjected. "They'll burn your jungle to the ground if it means gaining control."
The man's eyes narrowed. "Empty words."
Eryth stepped forward. "Then let us prove ourselves. Test us, however you see fit. If we fail, we'll leave—but if we succeed, you'll see that we're worthy allies."
The man studied them for a long moment before nodding. "Very well. But know this: the Wildbloods do not suffer weakness. Follow me."
Trial of the Jungle
The man led them deeper into the labyrinth, where the trees grew thicker, their twisted roots forming natural barriers. They passed by small camps hidden within the foliage, where other Wildbloods watched them with curious and wary eyes.
Eventually, they reached a large clearing where a circle of Wildblood warriors awaited. At the center stood a massive beast—a nightmare creature unlike any Eryth had seen before. Its fur shimmered with an iridescent sheen, and its glowing eyes burned with a primal intelligence.
"This is your trial," the man said, gesturing to the beast. "Prove your worth by taming it—or by defeating it."
Kael's jaw dropped. "You're kidding, right?"
The man's expression remained stoic. "If you cannot overcome this challenge, you are not fit to stand with us."
Eryth exchanged a glance with Solas and Kael, then turned to Nyx. The creature met their gaze, its golden eyes steady and confident.
"Let's do this," Eryth said, stepping into the circle.
The beast roared, the sound reverberating through the jungle, and charged.
The Battle
Eryth barely dodged the creature's first strike, its massive claws carving deep gouges into the earth. Nyx darted forward, its movements a blur as it struck at the beast's flank, but its claws barely scratched the creature's shimmering fur.
Kael raised his staff, chanting an incantation that sent tendrils of flame snaking toward the beast. The fire struck its hide but dissipated almost instantly, as if absorbed by the creature's unnatural energy.
"It's resistant to magic!" Kael shouted.
"Then we'll have to do this the hard way," Eryth said, gripping the shard tightly.
The shard flared to life, golden energy cascading over Eryth as they charged at the beast. The creature met their strike with a roar, its claws clashing against the shard's power. The impact sent a shockwave through the clearing, but Eryth held their ground.
Nyx leaped onto the creature's back, sinking its teeth into the beast's neck. It howled in rage, thrashing wildly, but Nyx held firm, its claws digging deep.
"Now!" Solas shouted.
Eryth seized the opening, driving the shard's energy into the creature's chest. The beast roared one last time before collapsing, its massive form crumpling to the ground.
Earning Respect
The clearing fell silent as the Wildbloods stepped forward, their expressions a mix of awe and approval.
The man who had led them into the jungle approached, his eyes fixed on Eryth. "You've done what few could. You've earned our respect."
He turned to the other Wildbloods and raised his voice. "They are not outsiders. From this day forward, they are allies of the Wildbloods!"
The warriors let out a collective cheer, their voices echoing through the jungle.
Eryth breathed a sigh of relief, their shoulders sagging as the tension left their body. Kael grinned, though he looked thoroughly exhausted.
"That wasn't so bad," Kael said, earning a glare from Eryth.
Nyx padded over, its fur slick with blood but its eyes glowing with pride.
The man extended a hand to Eryth. "I am Kaelen, leader of the Wildbloods. From now on, we stand with you."
Eryth shook his hand, their resolve stronger than ever. "Thank you. Together, we'll stop the Sovereign."
A Growing Alliance
With the Wildbloods now part of their rebellion, Eryth and their companions felt a renewed sense of purpose. The path ahead was still fraught with danger, but for the first time, they had hope.
As they left the Verdant Labyrinth, Solas turned to Eryth. "The factions are united, but the real battle is just beginning. The Sovereign won't sit idle for long."
Eryth nodded, their gaze fixed on the horizon. "Let them come. We'll be ready."