The sun hung low over the Mystic Forest, its golden rays filtering through the trees, casting dappled light across the quiet clearing. Alex sat cross-legged on a fallen log, papers and sketches scattered around him, eyes scanning the reports from citizens who had ventured too close to the forest.
"They saw them," Alex murmured, tracing lines on a sketch of a twisted, shadowed creature. "They were corrupted… but their behavior… patterns… it's familiar. These aren't just monsters—they were once mystical beasts."
Riven leaned against a tree nearby, arms crossed, a faint smirk on his lips. "And let me guess—you've figured out how to kill them before they turn the kingdom into a nightmare?"
Alex's gaze met his. "Yes. Well… maybe. The core of their Mana—their original essence—is still there. If we pierce it, that's the only way to truly stop them. But it's not simple. Each creature's core is hidden deep, and their corruption makes them unpredictable."
Edrin whistled softly. "Sounds like a death sentence if you get it wrong."
Kael's eyes were thoughtful, scanning Alex's sketches. "We'll need precision. And teamwork." He glanced at Edrin, and for the briefest moment, a subtle smile passed between them—an unspoken agreement that they would watch each other's backs.
Alex nodded. "Exactly. And that's why I'm telling you all now. If we wait until they invade, it will be chaos. We need preparation—maps, strategies, and coordination with the dukes. If we know where the cores likely are, we stand a chance."
Riven pushed off the tree and moved closer, brushing a hand along Alex's shoulder. "And of course, you'll be leading the charge in figuring it out. I wouldn't trust anyone else with this kind of thinking."
Alex flushed faintly but allowed a small, grateful smile. "Thanks. But I can't do it alone. We all need to work together."
Later, in a hidden chamber away from the central keeps, Alex and the gang met with the dukes: Duke Henry Rosetta, Duke Valerian Havana, Princess Selene, and Duke Lucien Skyrim. The room was quiet except for the flicker of lanterns, the atmosphere heavy with urgency.
Alex spoke first, outlining the sightings of corrupted creatures in the Mystic Forest and the discovery of their Mana cores. "If we locate and strike the cores, we can stop them. But it will require precise coordination and trained forces. The citizens who saw them barely escaped alive. We cannot underestimate the danger."
Duke Henry's brow furrowed, hand resting on his sword hilt. "An army of monsters that can only be killed by… striking at their essence? This is no ordinary threat."
Riven stepped beside Alex, voice calm but firm. "We've seen the evidence. The creatures have been spotted, but no one knows how dangerous they truly are. With proper planning, though, we can contain the threat before it reaches the kingdom."
Princess Selene's voice was steady. "Then we must be ready to strike."
Duke Lucien, ever composed, added, "Forces must be ready, defenses mapped, and strategies outlined. If these creatures attack, we must be able to respond immediately."
Kael and Edrin exchanged a quiet glance, their camaraderie evident in the subtle nods and shared determination. Even amidst the tension, small bonds of trust and teamwork had begun to strengthen.
Lady Marriane's calm voice cut through the room, steady and measured. "This is the moment for preparation, not panic. We must plan, coordinate, and protect the innocent while gathering evidence against the King. Knowledge and readiness are our greatest weapons now."
Alex inhaled deeply, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. The creatures hadn't attacked yet, but he knew it was only a matter of time. With the dukes on their side, the gang united, and plans in motion, they had a chance to face whatever horrors the Mystic Forest might unleash.
A quiet resolve formed among those present—a commitment to protect the innocent, expose the truth, and stand ready when the darkness finally arrived.