Back in Selena’s cabin, Chase sat by the fire, his mind swirling with thoughts of what to do next. The air around him was thick with uncertainty. According to Selena, the nearby area surrounding her cabin have started to wither. It’s only a matter of time before her place falls to the demonic infestation.

Chase: I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to find allies who are willing to fight back.

Selena raises an eyebrow after hearing that.

Selena: And where exactly do you plan on finding them?

Chase: I don’t know yet. But adventurers, kingdoms, guilds… Someone out there must be willing to stand against this. I just need to find them and join the fight.

Selena: Hmph. Sounds reckless… but bold. Good luck on your little quest.

Chase: What about you? What will you do?

Selena: I’ll figure it out. Maybe I’ll find a place where no one will stumble into my new territory.

She locks eyes with Chase, a playful smirk forming.

Selena: That includes you, by the way.

Chase: (Chuckle) Right… I’ll try not to intrude next time.

Selena: See that you don’t.

With that, the two began preparing for their departure, Chase helping Selena pack up her important belongings. A quiet understanding lingered between them as they faced the uncertain road ahead.

Outside Selena’s Cabin

After all the preparations, the two immediately went outside. Selena noticed a disturbing change in the air. The ambiance of the forest had become more dangerous.

Selena: The infestation… it’s already here?

She couldn’t believe how quickly it was spreading. If they didn’t act soon, the area would become a death trap, and they’d be caught in it.

Before Chase and Selena could make a move, three hellhounds - massive beasts with smoldering, glowing eyes - appeared before them, growling and barking viciously at their prey.

Selena didn’t hesitate. She leaped into the fray, her movements swift and precise. Within moments, she dispatched two of the hellhounds effortlessly. Chase seized the opportunity and cut down the remaining one while it was distracted by Selena. The fight was over in seconds.

Selena snorted, brushing the dirt off her hands.

Selena: If it was always this easy, I wouldn’t need to move out.

She turned to Chase, a sly smile on her lips.

Selena: You’re not so bad yourself. Looks like I don’t have to babysit you out of here.

Chase: (Smirks) I wasn’t planning on needing it… But thanks.

He glanced at the fading remains of the hellhounds, then back at her.

Chase: So, what’s next?

Selena: Don’t ask me. I’m leaving this place. If you want to survive, follow me south. Hopefully, the town wasn’t infested yet.

Chase: Sounds like a plan. Let’s go.

Without another word, they dashed into the shadows of the forest, the distant growls of more beasts echoing behind them.

Vantage Point - Rivermill Town

The two hurried toward Rivermill Town. As they reached a vantage point overlooking the area, their eyes widened at the sight below - dark tendrils of corruption snaked through the streets, and ominous shadows crept over the buildings. Rivermill was already falling to the demonic infestation.

Selena: Hmm. This should be doable... if I were on my own.

Chase: Wait, were you worried about me?

Selena: Don’t flatter yourself. I just don’t want to drag your sorry carcass out if you get in over your head.

Chase: Right... That’d be a hassle, huh?

Selena: (Sigh) Look, it’s risky. If we’re going in, you better keep up.

Chase: I will. I can pull my own weight.

Selena: (Smirk) You’d better. I don’t babysit.

Chase: Yeah. I know.

With that settled, the two shared a determined glance before setting their sights on the corrupted town below.

Rivermill Town

Chase and Selena moved cautiously through the corrupted landscape, their steps light and deliberate to avoid drawing attention. Shadows danced ominously around them, the air heavy with the foul stench of decay.

Selena’s eyes were sharp, scanning every corner. Her ears twitched, alert to the faintest sound.

Selena: We’re still safe. I don’t see the Demon Core yet. That means it’s still in preparation.

Chase’s brows furrowed as he glanced at her.

Chase: Demon Core?

Selena paused, shooting him a look of disbelief.

Selena: What? Don’t tell me they don’t teach you humans about Demon Cores in your little schools?

Chase scratched his head, an embarrassed chuckle escaping his lips.

Chase: I… uh… probably wasn’t paying attention back then.

Selena rolled her eyes, though a faint smirk played on her lips.

Selena: (Sigh) Unbelievable… and here I thought humans were supposed to be knowledgeable.

As they continued to sneak through the twisted terrain, Selena explained in a hushed voice.

Selena: A Demon Core is like a tumor planted on the ground. It spreads corruption, absorbs life energy – anything within its reach, humans, beasts, plants, animals… it drains them dry.

Chase’s expression hardened as he processed her words.

Chase: And the demons we’ve been seeing…?

Selena: Spawned by the core, using the absorbed energy. It keeps growing, creating more of them until nothing is left. It’s how entire towns get wiped out.

Chase’s fists clenched, his eyes narrowing.

Chase: And how do we stop it?

Selena: You don’t. Not unless you can destroy the Core itself - and good luck with that. Its shell is tougher than anything you’ve faced. Only powerful magic can break through.

Chase looked down, a chill running through him. The idea of a creature that could drain life and create monsters was beyond terrifying.

Chase: (Softly) No wonder Rivermill was overrun…

Selena glanced at him, her gaze softening for a moment.

Selena: Don’t dwell on it. Focus on surviving. If you’re going to keep up with me, you’ll need to stay sharp.

Chase met her eyes, determination flickering within.

Chase: I will.

Selena: Good. Now stay close, and don’t make a sound.

With that, they pressed on, moving like shadows through the corrupted landscape, determined to evade the darkness threatening to consume everything in its path.

Rivermill Town - Plaza

As the two reached Rivermill’s central plaza, Selena’s sharp eyes scanned the area, alert for any lurking threats. Her ears twitched, picking up the faintest sounds as she surveyed the corrupted landscape. Seeing no immediate danger, she motioned for Chase to follow, and they began to move forward cautiously.

But then, the ground trembled violently beneath their feet. A deep, ominous rumble echoed through the plaza as a grotesque, pulsating mass erupted from the earth. Black tendrils spread outward, corrupting everything they touched. At its center was the Demon Core, its eerie glow pulsing like a heartbeat.

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Chase felt a chill run down his spine, but Selena’s reaction was far more severe. Her body wavered as she staggered, her strength draining rapidly. Her eyes widened as she realized what was happening.

Selena: (Voice Trembling) Chase... This place... It’s feeding off of us!

She grabbed his arm, urgency flooding her voice.

Selena: Forget sneaking around. Let’s move!!!

Without hesitation, they bolted south, racing through the corrupted streets. The air grew heavier with every step, the life being siphoned from them, leaving an unnatural coldness in its wake.

But the Demon Core wasn’t about to let its prey escape. Its shell quivered as a dark, echoing pulse rippled out, like the toll of a sinister bell. The sound was haunting - inaudible to human ears, but its intent was clear.

The Pursuit

The air grew heavy with malice as shadows began to stir in the distance. Dozens of glowing eyes blinked to life, and monstrous shapes emerged from the darkness. Demons, drawn by the Core’s call, howled as they caught the scent of life. Their growls echoed through the ruined town, signaling the start of a merciless hunt.

Chase looked over his shoulder, eyes wide with fear.

Chase: They’re coming!

Selena gritted her teeth, her pace never faltering.

Selena: Then we run faster!

The two sprinted through the desolate streets, the chilling chorus of demonic howls echoing behind them, growing closer with every heartbeat. The hunt was on.

With the demon’s coordinated move as per the order of the Demon Core, hellhounds managed to intercept Chase and Selena. The creatures lunged out from the shadows, their glowing eyes locked onto their prey with vicious intent. There was no time to question how the demons had found them - only to fight for survival.

Chase and Selena fought fiercely, each battling the hellhounds in their own style. Chase’s swordsmanship was precise, each swing calculated and efficient. Selena, on the other hand, moved with feral agility, her claws tearing through her enemies with lethal grace. Yet, despite their individual prowess, they fought separately, barely acknowledging each other’s presence on the battlefield.

The first wave of hellhounds fell, their bodies disintegrating into dark mist before vanishing completely. But there was no time to catch their breath. Selena’s ears twitched, her fur standing on end. She could still feel the faint pull, the invisible force draining her life. It was unnerving, like a cold hand clutching at her heart.

Selena: (Grit) Don’t stop here. It is faint, but I can still feel my life being drained even at this distance.

Chase looked over, his face etched with concern. He couldn’t feel the life drain like she could, but he trusted her instincts.

Chase: Then we keep moving. Lead the way!

Selena didn’t need to be told twice. She bolted forward, her movements swift and fluid. Chase followed closely, his grip tightening on his sword. They knew more demons were coming. The fight was far from over.

Chase and Selena ran faster, but the pursuers were relentless. Hellhounds, accompanied by harpies descending from the skies, caught up with them. The air was filled with screeches and growls, a cacophony of demonic fury.

Without hesitation, Selena leaped into action, using the trees as her springboard to reach the harpies above. Her agility was unparalleled, a blur of motion as her claws tore through feathers and flesh mid-air. Meanwhile, Chase held his ground below, cutting down the charging hellhounds with calculated strikes. The two fought separately but efficiently, their movements instinctive and precise as they pushed back the relentless assault.

Once Selena was certain they were out of the demons' range, she signaled for a brief respite. They leaned against the gnarled trees, catching their breaths amidst the withered landscape.

Selena: We’re fine… for now.

Chase: You’re not worried we’ll be followed?

Selena: No. Only the leftover forces are roaming around here. Their threat is low compared to the Demon Core and their forward army.

Chase: I see…

Chase scanned their surroundings, his gaze lingering on the lifeless trees and barren soil, tainted by the lingering corruption.

Chase: The area is still withered, though.

Selena: Probably from other Demon Cores. Good thing we’re out of their range. Come! We’re still not out of the woods, yet!

After a brief respite, the two resumed their journey, cautiously navigating through the corrupted forest as they continued southward.

The Last Obstacle

The two moved forward, carefully navigating the withered forest to avoid attracting unwanted attention. Their steps were light, their movements precise as they eliminated straggling demons with silent assassinations. Shadows danced between the trees, but they stayed vigilant, inching closer to the forest’s edge.

Through the tangled branches, they saw it - the exit. Beyond lay the vast, desolate desert, a safe haven compared to the cursed forest. Selena’s ears twitched, her gaze scanning the area with sharp focus.

After ensuring the coast was clear, she gave Chase a nod.

Selena: (Whisper) Now. Let’s go.

The two sprinted towards the exit, hope flickering in their eyes. But just as they were within reach, the ground shook violently. With a thunderous roar, two massive trolls burst from the earth, blocking their escape.

Selena’s eyes widened in shock, her heart sinking. She had miscalculated.

Selena (to self): I… I didn’t notice them hiding.

One troll raised its colossal club and brought it down with terrifying speed. Chase and Selena barely evaded, leaping backward as the ground shattered beneath the force of the blow.

Selena cursed under her breath.

Selena (to self): Tch! If only I’d finished my training…

She clenched her fists, frustration boiling inside her. There was no time for regret. Not now.

The growls of hellhounds echoed behind them. Dozens of glowing eyes emerged from the shadows, circling like vultures. They were flanked on both sides, trapped between the towering trolls and the ravenous pack.

Chase’s grip tightened on his sword. He glanced at Selena, his voice steady despite the danger.

Chase: What now?

Selena’s eyes narrowed, assessing the situation. Her mind raced, calculating their odds.

Selena: Can you handle the hellhounds, Chase?

Chase: No problem. Focus on the trolls.

Selena: (Smirk) Easier said than done.

Chase: Just don’t get yourself killed.

Selena: Same to you.

Without another word, they split off, charging toward their respective opponents. Chase engaged the hellhounds, his blade flashing as he weaved through their lunges, cutting them down methodically. He moved with precision, conserving his energy while ensuring none could flank Selena.

Meanwhile, Selena faced the trolls head-on. Her movements were swift, narrowly dodging the trolls’ devastating attacks. Each swing of their clubs shattered the earth, sending debris flying. She leaped from tree to tree, using her agility to strike at their exposed limbs. Her claws tore through their rocky flesh, but the trolls shrugged off the pain, their red eyes glowing with fury.

Selena ducked under a massive fist, countering with a powerful kick to the troll’s face. But the other troll was ready, its club already mid-swing, aiming low to intercept her landing. Time slowed as Selena’s eyes widened in realization - there was no way to dodge.

A blur of motion. Chase appeared in front of her, sword raised in defense. The impact sent him flying, his body crashing against a tree before slumping to the ground.

Selena’s heart skipped a beat and run towards Chase to check on him.

Selena: Chase! Are you alright?!

Chase: (Wince) Just… a little back pain.

Selena’s eyes narrow after that.

Selena: What about the hellhounds?

Chase: (Smirk) Eliminated. But…

They both looked up. The trolls were still advancing, their massive frames looming over them like giants of despair.

Selena’s fists trembled, her exhaustion threatening to overwhelm her. But she stood up, her gaze never leaving the approaching monsters.

Selena: Chase… get some rest. I’ll get us out of here.

As she turned to face the trolls, she felt a warm grip on her hand. She looked down, surprised to see Chase holding onto her, his eyes fierce with determination. And through gritted teeth he says,

Chase: Wait. I’m fine. If we want to walk away from this alive, we do this together.

His words echoed in her heart, reigniting her fighting spirit. She helped him up, and he quickly shared his plan. They exchanged a glance of mutual trust before nodding in unison. The trolls charged, their roars shaking the air.

Selena dodged the first swing and retaliated with a powerful blow, her claws sinking into its arm. The troll stumbled back but quickly recovered. Its eyes locked on her, full of rage. But just as it moved to counterattack, Chase struck from its blindside, his sword piercing its knee. The monster roared in agony, its balance faltering.

The two moved with perfect coordination, using hit-and-run tactics. Selena would draw a troll’s attention, dodging its attacks with feline agility. As it focused on her, Chase would target its weak points, severing tendons and crippling its movements.

They danced around the trolls, a deadly duo united by purpose. Their strikes were relentless, exploiting every opening. Finally, after a fierce battle, the first troll fell, crashing to the ground with a resounding thud. The second, realizing its comrade was defeated, roared in fury and charged in a blind rage.

Chase and Selena stood their ground, their exhaustion evident but their resolve unbroken.

Chase: (Smirk) Ready to finish this?

Selena wipes the blood form her cheek.

Selena: Thought you’d never ask.

With one last coordinated attack, they struck together. Chase’s blade severed the troll’s hamstring, bringing it to its knees. Selena leaped high, her claws glowing with magic, and delivered a devastating blow to its head. The troll’s skull shattered, its body collapsing lifelessly to the ground.

Panting, Selena landed beside Chase, her eyes never leaving the fallen beasts until their bodies disintegrated into dark mist. Silence returned to the forest, the battle finally over.

Chase: (Heavy Breathing) That… was rough.

Selena still able to manage a smile.

Selena: And yet, we’re still standing.

Chase: Thanks to your stubbornness.

Selena: Says the guy who can’t take a hit without flying.

They shared a brief laugh, relief washing over them. But the danger wasn’t over yet. They still had to escape the forest before more demons showed up.

Selena: Come on. We’re still not out of the woods yet.

Chase: Right behind you.

They continued their journey south, their steps weary but their spirits unbroken. Together, they survived another day.

Coranjar Desert

As the dust settled and the colossal trolls lay defeated, Chase and Selena stood amidst the wreckage, catching their breaths. The air was heavy with the scent of battle, and the distant howls of demons were finally fading. The exit of the cursed forest was just ahead, the golden sands of Coranjar Desert gleaming under the sun’s light - a stark contrast to the withered land behind them.

Chase sheathed his sword, wiping the sweat off his brow. He turned to Selena, a grin forming on his lips.

Chase: Great work back there, Selena.

Selena crossed her arms, her tail flicking with mild amusement.

Selena: You too. Glad you managed to hold your own.

Chase chuckled, appreciating the subtle compliment. But his smile faltered as a thought crossed his mind. He looked out at the vast desert, the endless horizon stretching before them.

Chase: So, I guess this is where we part ways?

Selena’s ears twitched, her chest tightening at his words. She had forgotten about that. She had promised herself to find a new place - somewhere far away where she could be alone, away from the burdens of her past. But the thought of watching Chase walks away left an unexpected hollowness inside her. She looked away, masking her hesitation with a neutral tone.

Selena: And where do you plan to go from here?

Chase scratched his head, glancing at the map in his hand.

Chase: Let’s see… This is Coranjar Desert, so... Ashentine, I guess?

Selena’s eyes widened, though she quickly hid her surprise. She tried to sound nonchalant, her tail flicking idly behind her.

Selena: I see. I’m coming along.

Chase blinked, caught off guard. He looked at her, genuinely surprised.

Chase: Really?

Selena crossed her arms, a playful smirk curling at the edge of her lips.

Selena: You have a very reckless attitude - blocking that attack for me. You need someone to keep you alive.

Chase’s surprise melted into a laugh, his shoulders relaxing.

Chase: You sure?

Selena looked out at the desert, her golden eyes reflecting the sunlight.

Selena: I have nothing to do anyway.

There was a softness in her voice, a subtle hint of vulnerability that she quickly masked with her usual confidence. Chase noticed but chose not to push further. He smiled warmly, his heart feeling a little lighter.

Chase: Then let’s get going. It’s a long walk to Ashentine.

The two began their journey across the golden sands, side by side. With each step, their shadows intertwined, dancing on the desert floor as they walked toward the horizon.

Together.