A brilliant flash of light illuminated the dense foliage as a magic circle formed, its intricate runes glowing faintly.
Wooonnng~
Within the circle, two figures appeared, stepping into the perilous Forest of Twin Disasters.
Narna, dressed in her silver gown, was momentarily awestruck. The forest stretched endlessly before her, a surreal blend of vibrant greenery and an ominous atmosphere.
Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor. The air was thick with magic essence, swirling faintly around her like an invisible current.
“It’s… beautiful,” she murmured, taking in the sight with wide eyes. It truly was like anything she’s seen in her lifetime which made her truly wonder if the rumors were indeed true.
Keith, the cloaked man standing beside her, didn’t share her sentiment. His golden eyes scanned the surroundings warily, his crimson hair glinting as he adjusted his hood.
“Don’t let it fool you,” he said, his voice low but firm. “This forest thrives on deception. Danger could strike at any moment and if you’re one step too late, you’ll be dead before you react.”
Narna’s excitement dimmed slightly, and she nodded. “Alright, lead the way.”
Keith took the lead, his movements deliberate as he navigated the uneven terrain. He chose a path heading south, where he believed the weakest mana beasts reside.
Even then, he knew the term
weak
was relative in this forest. Narna followed closely, her silver gown catching on stray branches as she walked.
As they moved deeper into the forest, Narna paused briefly. She channeled magic essence into a ring on her pinky finger, the small gem on it glowing faintly in response. This was her
Life Key
, a powerful artifact worth a small fortune. Unlike void keys, which could only store inanimate objects, a Life Key was designed to store living creatures.
Narna had spent an enormous sum to acquire the ring, but as a beast tamer, it was invaluable. It allowed her to carry her tamed beasts with her at all times without the hassle of keeping them in the open.
She channeled more essence, and two of her tamed beasts materialized beside her.
Shiiinng~
The first was a Grade Four Nightmare Wolf. Its pitch-black fur absorbed light, making it appear almost as if it were a shadow given form. Its glowing red eyes burned with feral intensity, and its presence exuded a chilling aura.
The Nightmare Wolf’s dark abilities made it a terrifying predator, and it was her strongest tamed beast.
The second was a Grade Five Bullock, a massive bull-like mana beast. Its thick, armored hide was its greatest defense, capable of withstanding powerful attacks. The Bullock let out a low, rumbling snort, its sharp horns glinting menacingly. Explore more at empire
With her beasts now accompanying them, Narna felt a surge of confidence. She turned to Keith with a satisfied smile. “There. Now we’re safer.”
Keith glanced at the Nightmare Wolf and Bullock but said nothing, continuing to lead the way deeper into the forest.
~~~~~
Quite far from their location, Damien sat on a fallen log, chewing on a piece of roasted meat from a recent hunt. The forest had become his training ground, a place where every day was a battle for survival and growth. His once-boyish features had hardened, and his lean, muscular build told the story of months spent honing his skills in this unforgiving environment.
He stared into the distance, his mind already calculating the day’s tasks. Every day, he set a goal for himself: slay sixty mana beasts or demons. It was a grueling routine, but it was necessary. He couldn’t afford to slow down.
Damien finished his meal and rose to his feet, brushing the dirt from his pants. His piercing gaze scanned the forest ahead, a faint grin forming on his lips. “Another day,” he muttered. “He wouldn’t stop. Not yet.”
Gripping his blade, Damien began moving. His steps were steady, his resolve unshakeable.
~~~~~
Keith and Narna continued their trek south, the forest around them growing darker despite the midday sun. The thick canopy above blocked much of the light, casting eerie shadows that seemed to dance with every movement.
The Nightmare Wolf padded silently beside Narna, its red eyes scanning the surroundings with predatory focus. The Bullock walked heavily behind her, each step causing the ground to tremble faintly.
Keith halted suddenly, his golden eyes narrowing. “We’re being watched,” he said, his voice a whisper.
Narna stiffened, glancing around nervously. “By what?”
Keith didn’t answer immediately. His hand moved beneath his cloak, resting on the hilt of a weapon hidden from view. The Nightmare Wolf growled low, its fur bristling as it picked up on the same presence.
The forest fell unnaturally silent, and the tension became suffocating and troubling. Narna who’d shown unrivaled courage before, could now barely keep calm and breathe steady.
If Keith who was stronger than her could actually be so cautiously, she had too. Keith took a step forward, his movements slow and deliberate. “Stay behind me,” he said, his voice calm but firm.
From the shadows, a pair of glowing green eyes emerged, followed by a hulking figure. It was a Grade Four mana beast—a Shadowfang Panther, its sleek, black body blending seamlessly with the darkness. The beast hissed, its sharp fangs bared as it prowled closer.
Keith drew his weapon, a curved blade that shimmered faintly with infused magic essence. The Shadowfang Panther let out a guttural growl, its muscles coiling as it prepared to pounce.
Before it could attack, the Nightmare Wolf darted forward, colliding with the panther in a flurry of teeth and claws.
Bang!!
Clang!
Graaaaah!!
Roaaaar!!
The two beasts clashed violently, their growls and roars echoing through the forest.
Keith turned to Narna, his expression sharp. “Keep your Bullock ready. If more come, we’ll need its defenses.”
Narna nodded, her hands glowing faintly as she prepared to issue commands to her beasts. The Nightmare Wolf and the panther fought viciously, neither giving an inch. The Bullock snorted, lowering its head and pawing at the ground in readiness.
Keith remained calm, his blade glinting as he watched the battle unfold. He had led them here knowing the risks, but he also knew the rewards would be worth it. “It’s too early to be caught in a pinch.”