The forest of Verdantfall was nothing like the peaceful woods Ethan expected after leaving the Sanctuary. The air was thick with a faint mist that clung to their clothes, and every tree seemed unnaturally tall, their branches twisting into shapes that resembled claws poised to strike. Even the sunlight struggled to pierce through the dense canopy.
Selene walked ahead, her feline eyes scanning the area with suspicion. "Something's off. The animals are quiet. Too quiet."
Lyra nodded, gripping her staff. "I sense a distortion in the flow of mana. It's faint, but unnatural."
Ethan tightened his grip on his newly empowered sword. After becoming a Novice Warrior-Magus, he could sense magic more clearly, though he still had a long way to go. The faint fluctuations around them made his skin tingle.
"Do you think it's another monster like the golem?" he asked.
Selene flicked her tail. "If it is, I hope it's not as big. My legs still hurt from running last time."
Lyra chuckled softly, but the tension didn't fade from her posture.
As they continued, they reached a small clearing where ancient stones formed a broken circle. Moss and vines covered them, but their shapes were unmistakably crafted—not natural.
"Ruins?" Ethan asked.
Lyra knelt, brushing the moss away. "These are old. Very old. They belonged to the elven tribes that once lived here."
Selene's ears perked, and she whispered sharply, "Someone's here."
Before Ethan could react, a shadow darted from the treeline, moving with impossible speed. Ethan instinctively activated Combat Insight Lv.1, and the world around him sharpened. The figure's movements slowed just enough for him to follow.
Ethan blocked the incoming strike, sparks flying as metal met metal.
A feminine voice clicked her tongue. "You blocked that? Impressive."
The attacker flipped back and landed gracefully. She stepped forward—and Ethan's breath caught.
She was stunning.
Long silver hair cascaded down her back like liquid moonlight, her emerald eyes glowing softly. Her leather armor fit her slender form perfectly, and a curved dagger glimmered in her hand.
Lyra gasped. "An elf…!"
The woman lowered her weapon—slightly. "You're trespassing in protected lands. Humans aren't allowed here."
Selene scoffed. "We're just passing through."
The elf raised a brow. "Passing through ruins you don't understand? Hardly believable."
Ethan stepped forward cautiously. "We didn't mean to intrude. We're traveling—and we sensed something strange here."
For a moment, the elf studied him. Her expression softened, just barely.
Then her gaze snapped sideways.
"Get down!"
A spike of black energy burst from the trees. The elf reacted first, slicing it mid-air before it reached them. The attack dissolved into a dark mist.
Ethan felt a chill crawl down his spine. "What was that?"
The elf's jaw tightened. "A Shadow Wraith. A creature born from corrupted mana. You're lucky I arrived before it showed its true form."
Lyra paled. "A wraith… here? That shouldn't be possible."
Selene pointed to the trees trembling violently. "Uh… it's coming back."
The elf clicked her tongue again. "Then stay behind me."
Ethan shook his head. "No, we fight together."
She glanced at him, surprised. Something unreadable flashed across her eyes—but she didn't argue.
The shadow burst from the forest, taking a humanoid shape with elongated arms and a hollow face. Ethan charged forward, activating Mana Edge. His sword glowed blue as he slashed through the wraith's form. The creature screeched, reforming instantly.
"Use magic!" the elf ordered. "Physical strikes delay it, but only pure mana can destroy it!"
Lyra lifted her staff and unleashed a beam of radiant light that tore through the clearing. The wraith shrieked, flickering violently.
Ethan stepped in, channeling Lyra's residual magic into his sword—just like in the Sanctuary. He struck.
This time, the wraith shattered into fragments of black mist and vanished.
Silence fell.
The elf crossed her arms, eyeing Ethan with new interest. "Not bad for a human. I'm Aeloria. Guardian of Verdantfall."
Selene smirked. "Another pretty girl, huh? Ethan, your luck is getting ridiculous."
Ethan flushed, while Lyra rolled her eyes with a smile.
Aeloria stepped closer to Ethan. "Since you destroyed a wraith, I suppose I owe you an explanation… and perhaps my assistance."
Ethan felt the System hum quietly, as if acknowledging her words.
Another ally.Another step in his journey.And possibly… another future companion drawn toward him.