The Deeper Shadows

The aftermath of the battle still lingered in the air. The slain Shadow Wolf's corpse rested in the clearing, a grim reminder of the danger lurking in this forest. The group had won, but they were exhausted, their bodies aching from the brutal fight.

Leonhardt wiped the sweat from his brow and sheathed his sword, his breath still ragged from the encounter. "We need to find a safe spot to rest. That fight was loud—other beasts will come soon."

Alicia nodded, her golden eyes scanning the surroundings. "Agreed. We're not in a position to take on another C-Rank beast right now."

Sylvara knelt by the Shadow Wolf's corpse, placing a hand on its fur. The green glow of her mana flickered slightly as she muttered something in Elven. "Nature reclaims all," she whispered, before standing up. "There's too much unnatural mana in this forest. We shouldn't stay here."

Alden observed them, arms crossed, his sunglasses reflecting the dim light filtering through the trees. Unlike the others, he was completely unharmed.

Naturally. He hadn't needed to fight.

Reynard smirked, leaning on a nearby tree. "So, Alden. You really just stood there the whole time?"

Alden shrugged. "You guys need to gain experience, right? Besides…" He tapped his temple. "I was analyzing the battle. Learning from your mistakes."

Luca let out a short laugh, his sharp canines flashing. "You sound like a damn instructor."

Seraphina, still rubbing a sore spot on her shoulder, sighed. "Enough talking. Let's move.

Leonhardt nodded. "Then let's go."

---

The group moved cautiously through the dense forest, the only sounds being their breathing and the occasional rustle of leaves.

Alden walked at the back, his thoughts drifting.

This was a critical event.

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

In the original game, this part of the story was where the main cast truly bonded through survival. They weren't just noble heirs anymore—they were comrades who had fought side by side.

But his presence here changed things.

How much of the story will follow the original path now?

His thoughts were interrupted by a soft voice.

["You seemed amused by their struggle, Master."]

Alden smirked slightly as he glanced at his katana, Kurenai, which rested at his waist.

["It was entertaining. They did better than I expected."]

["Hmph. You could've finished that beast in an instant if you used your full power. Yet you chose to watch."]

["They needed the win. Leonhardt in particular. This was his moment."]

From his shoulder, Shiranui, the small nine-tailed fox, flicked her white ears and huffed.

["That human boy is strong. But reckless. He will die young if he continues like this."]

["That's what makes him the protagonist."]

Shiranui gave him a sideways glance. ["And what about you? Are you content to just watch forever?"]

Alden didn't answer.

Because he wasn't sure of the answer himself.

---

The group finally arrived at the small river, its clear waters shimmering under the faint moonlight. The tension in their bodies eased slightly at the sight of it.

Leonhardt dropped his bag and stretched. "Finally."

Luca immediately crouched by the river, splashing water on his face. "Damn, that feels good."

Elena set down her staff and began setting up a simple barrier spell. "This should keep smaller beasts away while we rest."

Alicia sat down on a nearby rock, inspecting her sword. "We should take turns keeping watch."

"I'll go first," Seraphina volunteered, her silver hair glinting as she took a seat near the trees.

Reynard leaned back, grinning. "Wake me up for my turn. But not too early."

As the group settled, Alden remained standing, staring at the flowing water.

His mind wasn't at ease.

Something was wrong.

---

["Do you feel that?"] Kurenai's voice echoed in his mind.

Alden's eyes narrowed behind his sunglasses.

["Yeah. We're being watched."]

Shiranui's ears twitched, her fur bristling slightly. ["Many eyes. But they're hiding."]

Alden glanced around. The others hadn't noticed.

It wasn't surprising—Leonhardt and the rest were still inexperienced.

But Alden also wouldnt be able to if not for his sword and beast.

A presence lurking. Watching. Waiting.

["Master, do you wish to investigate?"] Kurenai asked.

["No need. If they attack, I'll deal with it."]

For now, he would wait.

And see what the shadows had in store.

Hours passed. The night deepened.

Most of the group had fallen asleep, save for the ones keeping watch.

Alicia, however, sat near the fire, cleaning her sword with a cloth. She glanced at Alden, who stood near the river, still unmoving.

She hesitated, then spoke.

"You don't sleep much, do you?"

Alden smirked. "Old habits."

She studied him, golden eyes flickering. "You're different from before."

Alden raised an eyebrow. "Before?"

Alicia looked away. "…Back when you were still trying to get people's approval. Before you got into S-Class."

Alden remained silent.

She continued, "You used to be desperate. Now… you seem like you don't care."

A slow chuckle escaped his lips. "Maybe I just got tired."

A sudden howl echoed through the forest.

Alicia instantly gripped her sword, her body tensing.

Alden, however, didn't move.

"…Relax. It's far away."

She narrowed her eyes. "You knew?"

Alden simply smirked. "I my fox told me"

Alicia sighed, running a hand through her red hair. "You're really annoying, you know that?"

"I do."

She shook her head but didn't press further.

The night continued, but Alden's thoughts didn't rest.

As the first light of morning touched the treetops, the group began waking up.

Leonhardt yawned, stretching. "Everyone still alive?"

Reynard smirked. "Barely."

Sylvara stood, brushing off leaves. "We should move."

Elena, finishing a prayer, nodded. "There's no telling what else is out here."

Seraphina exhaled, rolling her shoulders. "Agreed."

Alden remained silent, his gaze still on the forest.

Because he could feel it.

Something big was coming.

And it was only a matter of time.

To Be Continued…