Kuruk'sha Pov:

As we made our way through the forest, I couldn't help but be struck by the sheer beauty of the forest, the trees and its trunks and lush canopies blocking much of the sunlight and creating a hushed atmosphere.

The ground beneath our feet was blanketed in a soft layer of moss and fallen leaves. Every so often, we would come across a small clearing where blooming flowers of different colors added splashes of vibrant life. Every now and then we could hear the chirping of birds and other animals.

Still, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of caution. According to the memories, these deep parts were home to dangerous beasts, places even the bravest souls dared not tread. I glanced over at my brother, Zha'thikros, seeing the wonder and awe in his eyes as he took it all in.

Hmm, unlike me, he did not have the memories to draw experience from. I would have to teach him some basic knowledge after we get out of here.

Suddenly, the forest had become eerily quiet, the silence filling the air around us. I turned to Zha'thikros, warning him, "Stay cautious, there's a sign of a potential predator."

"Yes, brother," he answered, his voice tinged with concern.

As we walked, I kept scanning the area, searching for any sign of danger. Then, Zha'thikros spoke up, "Brother, w-what's that?"

I followed his gaze and saw a large shadow moving in the distance. A few meters ahead, a massive, bipedal beast emerged from the shadows, letting out a dangerous, guttural roar.

The creature was covered in thick, armored skin and had two long, sharp fangs protruding from its mouth. Its eyes were fixed on us, and I knew we were in grave danger.

"Zha'thikros, stay behind me," I commanded.

He move behind me immedietly. I started thinking what could i do when the beast started running at us .

"Uh-h b-brother do something, he stammered ",

When the beast was close enough i instictively , muttered a desperate incantation:

"Aethel-Var!"

A blinding white light erupted from around us, instantly forming a shimmering, opaque barrier around us. The beast, caught off guard, slammed into the barrier with a thunderous roar, but the force of its attack was absorbed by the shimmering shield. The beast recoiled, momentarily stunned, as the we stood within the protective barrier.

"A-amazing! How did you do that?" Zha'thikros exclaimed.

"I'll explain later," I said.

Then the beast tried again and again, slamming against the barrier over and over. I only had a moment before it broke through. "I don't have much mana left," I admitted. "The spell drew a lot of it. I need to end this with one spell."

When the barrier was nearly broken i shouted:

"Fulgur Mortem!"

A blinding bolt of crackling, electric energy erupted from my palm, surging towards the disoriented beast. The Fulgur Mortem spell struck the creature with devastating force, enveloping it in searing, violet-hued lightning.

The beast let out a bone-chilling howl as the electricity coursed through its body, burning and searing its thick hide. It thrashed and convulsed, unable to withstand the sheer power of my attack.

In a matter of seconds, the mighty beast collapsed to the ground, its eyes glazed over and its massive form unmoving. The spell had obliterated the creature with a single, devastating strike.

"Haa," I sighed, heaving. I could see Zha'thikros staring at me in shock.

"Haa, let's go check its body," I said to him.

"Y-yes, yes, let's go," he said, following me behind.

We cautiously approached the beast, its massive form still and silent. Neon-colored saliva dripped from its mouth.

"Nothing useful," I muttered, my gaze scanning the creature's body.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"No, brother, it is useful," Zha'thikros said, his shadowy form seeming to shift as if he were smiling. "Its thick armored skin can be used to make armor."

"What do you mean?" I questioned,"Did you perhaps..."

"Yes," he answered, his tone filled with a strange excitement. "I gained some insight, like your spells."

"Haa, well at least now we can't take it, not in this form," I said, my voice weary. "First, let's get out of here. Its smell might attract other creatures. Then we can talk

And then we took off from there....

Highlands, ??????

A man sat in his plush, leather chair, his eyes scanning the documents spread out before him on the ornate mahogany desk. The spacious office was adorned with towering bookshelves lining the walls, a bottle of aged brandy resting on a side table, and a magnificent chandelier casting a warm glow over the room.

As he reviewed the documents, a soft knock came from the ornate double doors that led to his office. The man paused, setting down his pen and straightening his back before calling out, "Come in."

The door opened, and a well-dressed servant poked his head inside. "My lord, forgive the interruption. There is someone here to see you. Shall I send them in?"

"I am currently busy," the man answered in a cold tone. "Tell them to come later."

"My lord, it is about a relic," the servant replied, his voice urgent.

The man's eyes narrowed, a flicker of interest momentarily breaking through his facade of indifference. "Very well," he said, his voice regaining its cool detachment. "Show them in." He leaned back in his chair, his expression carefully neutral .

The servant bowed and withdrew, only to reappear moments later, with a smartly-dressed individual. The newcomer approached the desk, his footsteps muffled by the plush carpet, and came to a stop, bowing his head, before the imposing figure seated behind it.

"My lord Rivura," the person began, bowing his head. "Thank you for seeing me on such short notice. I have an urgent matter to discuss with you."

"Oh yes, please start" said Rivura.

Lord Rivura sat back in his plush leather chair, his brow furrowed as he listened intently to the person's report. The mention of the relic had piqued his interest, despite his outward display of cool detachment.

"You say these mercenaries, Murksh and Sobbath, have come into possession of a map leading to a relic?" Rivura asked, his piercing gaze fixed on the man.

" Possibly, yes, my lord," the man replied, his voice tinged with a hint of trepidation. "Our sources indicate they left Willow Creek several solaris ago, likely in search of the relic."

The relic in question was unknown, who knew what power it held? If these mercenaries were to uncover its location, then sigh— Rivura thought, a flicker of unease crossing his face.

"I see," "And what steps have you taken to locate them?"

The man hesitated, sensing the underlying tension in Rivura's tone. "We have dispatched our own people to track the mercenaries and gather more information. They are currently searching for any trace of the mercenaries' movements, hoping to find clues to their whereabouts."

Rivura nodded slowly, a hint of approval in his gaze. "A wise decision. We must tread carefully in this matter. The other houses have their eyes on this prize as well, and any misstep could prove costly."

He leaned forward, his fingers steepled under his chin. "Continue to search for them, but do not engage directly. And keep me apprised of any new developments."

"Yes, my lord," the man replied, bowing respectfully before taking his leave.

Rivura turned his gaze to the window, gazing out over the lush gardens of his estate. The prospect of acquiring a relic was fascinating, but he knew he must proceed with caution. The stakes were high, and he could not afford to make any mistakes.

To be continued....