----------------------------------------
The city of Obrelia rose against a backdrop of emerald hills, its spires glittering in the golden light of the setting sun. Streets buzzed with life as merchants hawked their wares, children darted through the cobblestone alleys, and a faint aroma of spiced meats and fresh bread filled the air. Geon walked through the bustling square, his shadow gliding behind him like a loyal, if slightly sardonic, companion.
“I suppose this is better than the Beast Meadows,” the shadow said, its voice a low whisper only Geon could hear. “No claws, no teeth, no—”
“No peace,” Geon muttered, dodging a barrel-laden cart. The first trial had left him physically stronger but mentally weary. The vibrant energy of the city felt almost alien after months of unrelenting battle.
A herald’s voice cut through the chatter. “By royal decree, King Ulric summons all capable warriors! Come forth to the palace gates!”
Geon paused mid-step. The mention of a king stirred an uneasy curiosity in his chest. He turned to his shadow. “Think it’s related to the trial?”
The shadow’s tendrils twisted thoughtfully. “Possibly. But kings rarely make proclamations unless they’re desperate. This could be amusing.”
He made his way toward the palace gates, where a small crowd had already gathered. Standing atop a marble platform was a herald, his crimson and gold robes billowing in the breeze. Flanking him were guards in polished armor, their spears gleaming.
“Hear ye!” the herald proclaimed. “Our sovereign, King Ulric, seeks aid in a matter of utmost urgency. Those who answer his call will be granted an audience and rewarded handsomely.”
The crowd murmured with interest, but Geon’s focus sharpened as a notification appeared before him.
Second Trial: A Ring and a Promise
Assist King Ulric in retrieving the Royal Ring. Without it, the king's claim to the throne is at risk.
----------------------------------------
“Looks like we’re in the right place,” Geon said under his breath, stepping forward. The guards’ eyes lingered on him, wary but non-interfering as the herald waved him through.
The throne room was a masterpiece of opulence, its vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate mosaics, and a carpet of deep blue velvet leading to an ornate golden throne. Upon it sat King Ulric, a man in his early fifties with a stern face softened by weariness. His dark hair was streaked with silver, and his emerald robes bore the royal crest of Obrelia.
“Step forward,” Ulric commanded, his voice resonant despite his evident fatigue.
Geon obeyed, bowing slightly. “Your Majesty.”
Ulric’s gaze bore into him. “You look capable, stranger. Are you here to aid your king?”
“I am,” Geon replied. “What is it you need?”
Ulric’s jaw tightened. “My Royal Ring has been stolen. Without it, the people—superstitious as they are—will not see me as their rightful king. The ring was more than a symbol; it was a promise, passed down through generations. To break that promise is to invite rebellion.”
Geon tilted his head. “And who took it?”
The king’s expression darkened. “An evil spirit in the service of a dark mage. I’ve sent my best men, but none returned. The mage’s stronghold lies deep within the Sable Forest, a place shrouded in curses.”
“Why risk sending another stranger?” Geon asked.
Ulric’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Because you don’t seem like an ordinary stranger. If you succeed, I will grant you wealth, titles, and anything within my power.”
Geon’s shadow whispered. “Titles, wealth, and the gratitude of a king? Tempting.”
Ignoring it, Geon nodded. “I’ll bring back your ring.”
Ulric rose, descending the dais. He placed a hand on Geon’s shoulder. “Then you have my blessing. Prepare well. The Sable Forest will test more than just your strength.”
----------------------------------------
As Geon left the throne room, the shadow’s voice was tinged with amusement. “You know this mage won’t just hand over the ring, right?”
“Obviously,” Geon replied. “But I need to find him first.”
“And how do you plan to do that?”
Before Geon could respond, a sharp voice interrupted. “You’re the one who took the king’s quest?”
Turning, Geon saw a woman in dark leather armor leaning against a pillar. Her auburn hair was tied back, and her piercing gray eyes regarded him coolly. She carried twin daggers at her hips, their hilts adorned with runes.
“I am,” Geon said.
“Good luck,” she said dryly. “You’ll need it. That mage isn’t your average spell-flinger.”
“And you would know?”
The woman smirked. “I’ve fought him and survived. Barely. Name’s Kaelith. If you’re serious about this, you’ll want my help.”
Geon crossed his arms. “Why would you help me?”
Kaelith’s eyes narrowed. “Let’s just say I have unfinished business with that mage. He took something from me too.”
The shadow’s voice purred. “A partnership. How… quaint.”
Geon glanced at the shadow, then back at Kaelith. “Fine. But I don’t trust easily.”
Kaelith shrugged. “Good. Trust gets people killed.”
----------------------------------------
After a long and slow journey of a couple months, the two stood at the edge of the Sable Forest. Towering trees loomed overhead, their gnarled branches forming a dense canopy that swallowed the moonlight. The air was thick, carrying a faint, acrid smell.
“This place gives me the creeps,” Kaelith muttered, drawing her daggers.
“Stay close,” Geon said, his Shadow Sword materializing in his hand. “The king said the forest is cursed.”
“He’s not wrong,” Kaelith replied. “The mage uses spirits to guard his territory. They’re vicious.”
A rustling sound broke the silence. Geon’s muscles tensed as spectral figures emerged from the trees, their translucent forms glowing faintly. They resembled humans, but their hollow eyes and twisted expressions betrayed their malevolence.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Enemy Identified
Dark Forest Spirits (x76)
“Spirits,” Kaelith hissed.
The shadow chuckled. “Time to test your teamwork.”
The first spirit lunged, its claws outstretched. Geon sidestepped, his blade cutting through the ethereal form. Kaelith darted forward, her daggers striking in a blur of silver. The spirits’ wails filled the air as they dissolved, but more emerged from the darkness.
“There’s no end to them!” Kaelith shouted, spinning to fend off another attacker.
Geon’s mind raced. The spirits weren’t just mindless attackers; they moved with purpose, as if guided by an unseen force. He focused, letting his shadow spread across the ground. Shadow Tendrils shot upward, ensnaring the spirits and pulling them into a swirling void.
Enemy Defeated
Dark Forest Spirit
Enemy Defeated
Dark Forest Spirit
Enemy Defeated
Dark Forest Spirit
“Nice trick,” Kaelith said, panting.
Geon grunted. “Let’s keep moving.”
----------------------------------------
Another 2 months passed as they navigated the huge forest, encountering traps and more spectral guardians. Kaelith’s knowledge of the mage’s methods proved invaluable, and Geon’s shadow abilities allowed them to counter the forest’s relentless assaults.
Finally, they reached a clearing. At its center stood a crumbling stone tower, its surface covered in glowing runes. Dark energy pulsed from its peak, casting an eerie glow over the surrounding area.
Kaelith’s voice was grim. “That’s the place.”
Geon nodded. “Then let’s finish this.”
But as they approached, the ground trembled. A deep, guttural growl echoed through the clearing, and a massive creature emerged from the shadows. It resembled a wolf, but its body was stitched together from various beasts, its eyes glowing with malevolent intelligence.
Enemy Identified
Guardian Frankenwolf
“A guardian,” Kaelith whispered, tightening her grip on her daggers.
The beast lunged, its sheer size and speed forcing Geon and Kaelith to dive in opposite directions. Geon rolled to his feet, his Shadow Sword crackling with dark energy.
“We take it together!” he shouted.
Kaelith smirked. “Try to keep up.”
The battle was brutal, the guardian’s strength and resilience far surpassing anything they’d faced before. Geon’s strikes left deep gashes, but the creature healed almost instantly. Kaelith darted around it, her daggers aiming for vulnerable spots, but the beast’s hide was unnaturally tough.
“It’s regenerating too fast!” Kaelith yelled.
“Then we find another way,” Geon said, his shadow forming a massive spike enhanced with Dark Temper. He hurled it at the creature, impaling its leg and pinning it to the ground.
Kaelith seized the opportunity, leaping onto the beast’s back. Her daggers plunged into its neck, releasing a burst of energy that made the creature howl in agony.
“It’s weakening!” she cried.
Geon surged forward, his Shadow Sword cleaving through the guardian’s chest. With a final, earth-shaking roar, the creature collapsed, its body disintegrating into ash.
Enemy Defeated
Guardian Frankenwolf
----------------------------------------
Breathing heavily, Kaelith looked at Geon. “You’re not bad in a serious fight.”
“You’re not so bad yourself,” Geon replied, his shadow retreating into its usual form.
As they stood before the tower, its ominous presence looming over them, Kaelith’s expression hardened. “The mage is inside. Are you ready for this?”
Geon nodded, his grip tightening on his sword. “Let’s end this.”
But as they stepped through the tower’s threshold, a cold voice echoed from within. “Foolish mortals. You think you can defy me?”
The air grew heavy with dark magic, and Geon’s shadow hissed. “This just got interesting.”