The morning sun struggled to break through the heavy clouds that hung over the Shadow Kingdom, casting a gloomy pall over the landscape as Phoenix and Becca were led from the dungeon to the outskirts of Volska. The iron gates of the arena creaked open, revealing a dreary path flanked by twisted trees and the remnants of a forgotten world. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decay, a fitting prelude to the dark morning.
Two horses were saddled and tied to a post just outside the gates—another tied just behind them, two heavy saddle bags draped over its sides. The bags bulged, their contents shifting with the movement of the horses, hinting at their value. As they made their way to the horses, a new figure emerged from the shadows—a boy, roughly 17, with a hardened gaze and a confident stride. He wore tattered clothes like those of the girls, and Phoenix noted the Prisoner’s Culling which graced his wrist as well.
Kellen (F)
Essence: 29
“What do we have here?” He sneered, eyeing Phoenix and Becca with disdain. “Two weaklings fresh from the arena? You think you can survive in Noxhaven? You’ll be dead within days.” His tone dripped with arrogance, as if he thrived on belittling others.
Phoenix raised her eyebrows and shot a glance at Becca. “And what makes you think you’re any better? You’re in chains just like us.” Capricious dick, Phoenix thought, her irritation flaring.
Kellen’s eyes narrowed, but he merely smirked, the corners of his mouth twisting in mockery. “Weakness breeds weakness. You two are just waiting to be devoured. Noxhaven isn’t kind to the feeble.” His words hung in the air like a death sentence, and Phoenix felt a flicker of anger ignite within her.
Becca had had enough and crossed her arms defiantly. “I wouldn’t be calling us weak and feeble when it’s clear your ego is bigger than an S-rank and you’ve got none of the standing to back yourself.” Her voice was firm, laced with the strength she had cultivated during her time in the arena.
Suddenly, another figure emerged from the shadows—a woman with an air of authority and a fierce presence. Her raven-black hair flowed like silk, and her piercing green eyes seemed to see through the facades of those around her.
Lyra (F)
Essence: ??
“Enough, Kellen. You will keep your goddamn mouth shut. You are a Culled, and your bravado holds no weight here,” she asserted, her voice resonating with authority. Kellen flinched momentarily under her piercing gaze but quickly masked his unease with a veneer of confidence.
“You will do well to remember why you are here as a Culled and not as an equal.” That comment seemed to dim the spark of defiance Kellen had held before. She turned to Bento and extended a hand, her demeanor shifting as respect flowed between them. And equal? I wonder what that’s all about. A glance at Becca showed she was thinking the same thing.
“I’ve heard a lot about you, Bento. You are well known for your ambition and cruelty; let’s hope this Culled makes it further than the last,” they shook hands, her grip firm. “Though knowing your reputation, I doubt you’d accept another failure.”
Bento’s eyes hardened, his expression a mask of determination. “No, I will not, and this one knows that. I’m glad you chose to travel with us, Lyra; your reputation also precedes you. I can’t wait to see if what I’ve heard stands true with you.” His tone was both a compliment and a challenge, the air between them thick with unspoken rivalry.
Bento and Lyra mounted their horses, preparing to set off. The atmosphere shifted again, becoming tense as Kellen walked alongside Phoenix and Becca, his earlier defiance replaced by a simmering resentment. The three of them trudged along the dirt path, the sound of hooves clattering against the ground forming a stark contrast to the oppressive silence that surrounded them.
Bento and Lyra rode ahead, their conversation a low murmur, far enough away that Phoenix’s Enhanced Hearing couldn’t pick it up. Bento’s confidence radiated, while Lyra appeared cold and calculating, her gaze fixed ahead, assessing the landscape with a hawk-like precision.
Phoenix and Becca exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting a mix of determination and wariness. “What do you think of them?” Becca asked quietly, nodding toward Lyra and Kellen.
“Kellen seems like trouble, but I sense something deeper in Lyra,” Phoenix replied, her eyes narrowing as she observed the pair. “She’s powerful; my Analyze got question marks, but she’s calculating, not as overbearing as Bento is. He’s outward with his confidence; Lyra poises herself with hers.” Becca nodded in response, agreeing with her friend, both aware that they were navigating a treacherous landscape filled with unknown dangers.
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As they continued down the path, the landscape began to shift. The twisted trees receded, giving way to a rocky terrain littered with debris and remnants of a long-forgotten civilization. Jagged stones jutted from the earth, and the remnants of crumbling walls hinted at a once-thriving settlement now lost to time. A chill swept through the air, as if the very ground beneath their feet mourned the past. An unsettling silence enveloped the group, broken only by the distant caw of crows circling overhead, their cries echoing like harbingers of doom.
The atmosphere thickened, heavy with an unspoken tension. Bento played with the hilt of his sword, eyes scanning the horizon as if expecting danger to emerge at any moment.
“Everyone be on your toes; we’ve entered the outskirts of The Grove of Sorrows. Stick close,” he commanded, his voice steady despite the chaos unfolding around them. His gaze fell on Phoenix. “Can’t have my prize dying before she even gets to Noxhaven.” The possessiveness in his tone sent a chill down her spine, but she kept her expression neutral, hiding her discomfort.
As he said those words, a low growl reverberated through the air, sending a shiver down their spines. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and the oppressive silence shattered like glass. Kellen’s step faltered as he turned wide-eyed toward the source of the sound.
“What was that?” he whispered, his earlier arrogance slipping away, replaced by fear. The bravado that had once defined him faded as the reality of their situation set in. Fuck, that sounded big.
Before anyone could respond, a massive figure emerged from the shadows of the ruins—a grotesque beast with twisted limbs and glowing red eyes, its body covered in matted fur and scars. Its razor-sharp teeth glistened menacingly in the dim light, and a low snarl escaped its throat, reverberating through the air. The creature stood poised to attack, its hulking form blocking the path ahead.
ShadowStalker (F)
Essence: ??
Bento tightened his grip on the reins and drew his sword, his face a mask of determination. “Stay close,” he commanded, though they were already huddled as tight as they could be. His voice remained steady despite the chaos unfolding around them, a testament to his experience. “Culled behind us, Lyra?” He looked to his side, and she gave him a brief nod, her expression unreadable.
As the monster lunged forward, the group braced themselves for the impending confrontation. The creature’s growl was deafening, a primal sound that echoed through the Grove of Sorrows. Dust and debris flew into the air as it charged, its eyes locked onto the group with a hunger that sent adrenaline coursing through Phoenix’s veins.
“You three, form a line together,” Bento shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. “Be ready to fight!”
Phoenix felt her heart racing as she positioned herself beside Becca, their backs pressed together. She could feel the warmth of Becca’s body against hers, a reassuring presence amid the impending danger. Kellen, surprisingly, stood ready too, his own fear momentarily suppressed by the instinct to survive. How the fuck do I always find myself in these situations?
Lyra dismounted with a fluid grace, her movements precise and purposeful. “We can’t let it flank us,” she said, her voice calm and collected. “Focus your fire on its eyes and throat; those are its weak points.”
Phoenix nodded to herself, this was no different than the arena; a fight for her life. This was survival against a creature driven by instinct and hunger, something she knew all too well. She scanned the area, looking for any advantage they might have, but not knowing anything about the ShadowStalker, she came up empty. Her weapons she had won for the arena were stored in a lockbox by Bento.
The ShadowStalker lunged again, its claws swiping through the air, but Bento was ready. He sidestepped the attack, slashing his sword at the creature’s flank. The blade met flesh, and a howl of pain erupted from the beast as it staggered back.
The creature turned its attention to Lyra, eyes blazing with fury. Phoenix seized the moment, darting forward, her instincts kicking in as she prepared to strike. She glanced at Becca, who was readying herself as well.
“Now!” Phoenix shouted, and they charged together, flanking the beast. Together, they attacked. Phoenix aimed for the creature’s eyes, her fist crashing against its skull with a satisfying thud.
Skill Actiavted!
Brawling IV (Uncommon)
Becca followed suit, a well aimed kick to the back of its leg. The ShadowStalker roared in annoyance, swinging its massive claws wildly, but they stayed agile, dodging and weaving as they landed blow after blow.
Kellen finally joined the fray, throwing stones and debris at the creature, his earlier bravado replaced by a newfound resolve. “Get its attention over here, you two!” he called, his voice steady despite the chaos.
Skill Actiavted!
Berserker I (Uncommon)
With a coordinated effort, they began to wear the beast down, each strike chipping away. Both Bento and Lyra had stopped to watch, seeing that the three might have it handled. The ShadowStalker fought back, but the combined might of the three young fighters was too much. Phoenix saw an opening as the ShadowStalker stumbled again.
Skill Activated!
Howl of the Alpha IV (Legendary)
“Now!” he shouted, and with a fierce battle cry, he lunged forward, a jagged rock raised high. The rock plunged deep into the creature’s eye. It let out a horrible scream before finally shuddering to a stop.
ShadowStalker Defeated!
Essence Collected.
Race Attribute overrules Prisoner’s Culling. +100% Pure Essence
The ShadowStalker fell to the ground, its body hitting the earth with a heavy thud, sending dust and debris flying in all directions.
Breathing heavily, Phoenix stood amidst the chaos, her heart pounding in her chest as the adrenaline slowly faded. As Phoenix caught her breath, she glanced around at her companions. Becca looked equally stunned but proud, while Kellen’s expression had shifted from one of arrogance to surprise. Even Lyra appeared impressed, a flicker of respect in her eyes as she surveyed the fallen beast.
“Not bad for a bunch of Culled,” Lyra muttered, begrudgingly acknowledging their victory.
Bento sheathed his sword, a satisfied grin on his face. “This is just the beginning. If you can handle a ShadowStalker, you might just survive in Noxhaven after all.” His tone was gruff, but the underlying tone of greed still glinted through.
Lyra stepped closer, her expression serious. “We need to keep moving. There are more dangers lurking in these woods, and we can’t afford to be caught off guard again.”