The group trudged through the forest, its ancient trees casting long shadows over the narrow path. Despite the protective wards etched into the trees by the Protectors, tension hung heavy in the air. The cries of cicadas and rustling leaves seemed almost deafening in the silence of their march.
Jin kept his focus on the path ahead, one hand gripping the small knife he had taken from his home. Beside him, May clutched her blanket, her eyes wide as she glanced nervously at the dark woods surrounding them.
“Stay close to me,” Jin murmured. He wasn’t sure if his words were meant to comfort May or himself.
“Alright, listen up!” Lian’s voice cut through the silence. The Protector turned to face the group, his silver armor glinting in the faint sunlight filtering through the canopy. “We’ve got a few hours until we reach the next safe point. Stay sharp and don’t wander off. The wards around this path aren’t foolproof.”
“What happens if the wards fail?” a boy from another village asked, his voice trembling.
“Then you’ll see what it’s like to fight a Feralis up close,” Lian said, his tone serious. “Trust me, you don’t want that.”
As the group murmured nervously, Jin raised his hand. “Protector Lian,” he called out. “Why do the Feralis attack people? What do they want?”
Lian paused, his expression softening slightly. “Good question, kid. The Feralis are drawn to Rift energy, and unfortunately for us, humans carry traces of that energy. It’s why they target towns and villages near the Rift.”
“But why now?” Jin pressed. “Why attack Rengard after all this time?”
Lian sighed. “We don’t know for sure. Maybe the Rift’s growing stronger, or maybe something’s driving them out. Either way, it’s our job to stop them.”
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the forest in deep orange and purple hues, the group stumbled upon a clearing. Lian motioned for everyone to stop.
“We’ll set up camp here for the night,” he announced.
The recruits quickly began unpacking their supplies, while Lian and a few others carved protective runes into the surrounding trees. Jin and May huddled together near the central fire, their small bundle of belongings at their feet.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
“Do you think we’ll make it?” May asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jin nodded firmly. “We have to.”
Suddenly, a distant growl broke the silence. Jin’s heart leapt into his throat as the sound grew closer. Lian was on his feet in an instant, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
“Stay by the fire!” he barked.
From the shadows, two figures emerged—Tier One Feralis, their black, sinewy bodies glinting in the firelight. Their glowing red eyes locked onto the group, and a guttural snarl escaped their throats.
“Defensive positions!” Lian shouted.
The Protectors moved swiftly, forming a protective circle around the recruits. Jin grabbed May’s hand and pulled her closer to the fire, his knife trembling in his grip.
One of the Feralis lunged, but Lian was ready. With a fluid motion, he drew his sword and slashed through the air, releasing a wave of fire that engulfed the creature. It let out a piercing screech before collapsing into ash.
The second Feralis was more cunning. It darted around the circle, looking for an opening. One of the recruits, a boy no older than sixteen, panicked and broke formation.
“No!” Lian roared, but it was too late.
The Feralis pounced, its claws aimed at the boy’s chest. At the last second, a spear of ice shot through the air, piercing the creature’s side. It fell to the ground with a thud, its body twitching before going still.
The recruit who had cast the spell stepped forward, her hands trembling. “I-I got it,” she stammered.
“Good work,” Lian said, though his voice carried an edge of frustration. He turned to the boy who had broken formation. “You could’ve gotten yourself killed—or worse, someone else.”
The boy nodded, his face pale.
After the fight, the group gathered around the fallen Feralis. One of the Protectors knelt beside the creature and pried a glowing, jagged crystal from its chest.
“Tier One Core,” she announced, holding it up for everyone to see.
Jin stared at the glowing object, his curiosity piqued. “What is that?”
“It’s a Feralis Core,” Lian explained, taking the crystal. “When a Feralis dies, it leaves behind this—a concentrated form of Rift energy. The stronger the Feralis, the more powerful the Core.”
“What do you do with them?” Jin asked.
“Lots of things,” Lian replied. “Cores can be used to power wards, craft magical items, or even enhance Talents. But be careful—mishandling one can be dangerous.”
Lian tossed the Core to Jin. “Here, take it. Consider it a souvenir.”
Jin caught it, feeling the faint warmth radiating from the crystal. It was both beautiful and unsettling, a reminder of the creature they had just faced.
By the time dawn broke, the group had reached the edge of the forest. Beyond the trees, a massive fortress rose into view. The Protector Academy stood tall and imposing, its stone walls glinting in the morning sun. Towers spiraled into the sky, and banners bearing the academy’s crest fluttered in the breeze.
“Welcome to the Protector Academy,” Lian said, a hint of pride in his voice. “This is where your real journey begins.”
Jin tightened his grip on the Feralis Core as they crossed the bridge leading to the main gate. His heart was pounding with a mix of excitement and fear. He didn’t know what awaited him in the academy, but one thing was certain—he couldn’t afford to fail.