As they approached, she saw a tall, humanoid creature standing outside one hut. He was wearing a dark robe, and he held a staff in his hands. He had a blank stare on his face, and didn't acknowledge them as they neared.

"Davion, my leader." Sam bowed.

The man didn't respond.

"He's ignoring us," Brittany said. "Is this normal?"

"I’m not sure what’s up. Hold tight. I'll go talk to him."

Sam walked over to the giant pale-faced man and stood in front of him.

"Our apologies for disturbing you," he began, "but there's something important we need to discuss."

Without saying a word, the creature nodded and walked into the hut. Sam followed him inside.

Brittany looked around anxiously as she waited. She gasped when a figure stepped out from the shadows. It was a woman with white hair who wore torn clothing and her skin was pale.

"Hello." The woman greeted.

Brittany waved back nervously. "Hi, I'm Brittany. Nice to meet you."

"And I'm Serena. It’s good to see another woman in the Coven."

Sam left the hut just then and joined them.

Serena asked, "So what brings you here, Samuel?"

"Brittany just joined the Shadow Coven and needs a hut and to meet our Leader. He’s busy right now, but can meet with her later."

Serena nodded, “He’s troubled about something. I can’t get it out of him either. Good luck!”

Serena turned and disappeared back into the shadows.

"Who was that?" Brittany asked.

"That was Serena. She is one of the strongest members of the Coven."

"I guess you need to be really strong to survive out here."

Sam laughed, "That's right. But it's also necessary to be able to focus your mind and control the power within you. Most importantly, you need to learn how to channel your energy as a weapon to defend yourself and others."

"So will Serena teach me that?"

Sam sighed. "No, she’s far too important to the Coven to be wasting time giving lessons, but I’ll take you to the training den."

Brittany followed him. After walking for a while, they reached a large clearing with a large hut in the middle.

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"Welcome!" Sam said as he stepped through the opening. "This is the Great Hall. Come on in."

Inside, she saw dozens of large tables. They were covered in various objects that looked like crystals. In front of each table sat a man or woman dressed in a black robe and were armed with swords and crossbows. All of their clothes were stained, and most looked as though they hadn't been washed in months.

"The Shadow Coven is a group of undead people who have been chosen by the Leviathan himself to fulfill his desires." Sam began. "There are many different ways to serve him, but since you've been selected by him, you will be serving directly as a Shadow Walker focusing mainly on the art of converting the dead. It is an arduous task, but it has helped make our community what it is today."

"How does someone become a Shadow Walker?" Brittany asked.

"It isn't easy. First, you must be willing to give yourself to do his work. Once you have decided to follow his path, the Leviathan will bestow you with the powers you need to carry on with his will. If you are worthy enough, and he deems it necessary, you may become a Shadow Walker. For those who are not yet ready, he will send them elsewhere to continue their journey. The first step of your path starts here."

Sam motioned to a young man sitting on a chair near them. "This is Raul, one of our current trainers. He is responsible for teaching new Shadow Walkers."

Raul stood up and walked toward Brittany. "Brittany, welcome to the Coven."

Brittany smiled politely at him. "Thank you. I'm glad to be here."

Raul turned to Sam. "What do you think?"

Sam shrugged. "She's got potential. She seems strong. I'd say she has a chance to make it."

"Then I'll begin the training immediately."

"Good."

"Now, I have a few things I want you to do before we start."

"Okay." Brittany responded.

Raul motioned for her to follow him.

They exited the hut and walked further into the forest. As they walked Brittany couldn't help but notice all the skeletons scattered throughout the woods.

"Those are the remains of our fallen comrades." Raul said.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't realize."

"Don't worry about it. The only thing that matters is that you never forget those who gave everything they had for you, and those who still fight to protect us."

As they continued walking, Raul pointed out several strange-looking rocks and trees.

"These are special artifacts. They can be used to channel your energy more efficiently. Take a look around and see if you can find anything."

Brittany walked around for a bit and eventually found a small glowing stone with a pulsating glow.

Skill Stone Acquired

This ancient artifact was formed thousands of years ago deep within the core of the planet, and was imbued with magical properties. Over time it has risen from the core and breached the surface, and can only be claimed by a single person. This stone will help them hone their innate magical abilities until they have reached their full potential, at which time the stone will turn dark.

"Take it." Raul nodded. "It's called a Skill Stone. You'll be using it to enhance your magic."

Raul explained, "The more powerful your magic becomes, the stronger you become. This stone will draw the energy from your body and use it to make you stronger."

"So I'm supposed to do this every day?" Brittany asked.

"Yes. And keep it with you at all times. When you're done with your training, come back here and we'll test your strength. If you have what it takes, we'll move you to the next level."

"Alright." Brittany replied.

They continued walking until they came to a small hut. Raul led her inside. Inside, she saw a few black robed men and women were sitting around a table.

"This is the training den. We gather here every day to train and practice our magic."

Brittany took a seat.

"I have one last requirement for you to complete before we begin."

"Do I have to do anything?" Brittany asked.

"Yes. Go into the woods and kill a demon."

"Kill a demon? What's a demon?"

"Well, a demon is a type of monster that lives in the woods. They are vicious, but they usually aren't too difficult to defeat."

"Where should I go?"

"Just head out west of here and try to find one."

"Gotcha."

Raul turned to Brittany. "Are you ready?"

She nodded. "Let's begin."

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