Kara ran through the dense forest, her breathing steady but sharp. The night air felt crisp against her skin, cold enough to keep her alert. Her feet hit the ground in quick strides, dodging roots and shifting over uneven terrain without hesitation. She knew how to move through places like this. She had done it before, many times. This wasn't panic—it was strategy. She was running because she needed to, not because she was afraid.
The trees stretched tall around her, their thick trunks forming walls on both sides. The shadows beneath them deepened as she moved further in, stretching across the forest floor in uneven patches. She could barely see the stars through the canopy above, only faint streaks of silver cutting through. The air smelled damp, full of the earth and leaves that had settled over time. She focused on her steps, keeping her balance steady.
Behind her, Dalen moved quickly, his footsteps heavy. He wasn't slow, but he wasn't trained for this kind of chase. The forest worked against him, forcing him to adjust his balance constantly. He had to weave around obstacles, step carefully over thick roots, and shift his stance with every movement. He wasn't used to running through terrain like this, but he still kept close enough to make Kara push herself harder.
"You don't have to run," Dalen called out, his voice even despite the effort. "I just want to talk."
Kara ignored him.
She didn't believe him.
Her breathing was controlled, but her heartbeat picked up slightly. Dalen was persistent. He had already closed the distance once, and she couldn't let him do it again. She scanned ahead, looking for where the shadows were deepest. If she reached them, she could disappear. She just needed a few more seconds.
Then Dalen lunged forward, his fingers locking around her wrist. The sudden pull stopped her in place, forcing her balance to shift. She stumbled slightly, but caught herself before she could fall. His grip was tight, strong enough to prevent her from slipping away, but not painful. He wasn't trying to hurt her—just stop her.
"Relax," he said, keeping his hold steady. "Just listen."
Kara stayed still, her body tense but unmoving. She wasn't ready to fight yet.
Dalen pulled her toward a clearing, surrounded by thick trees. The ground beneath them was rough, covered with twisted roots and fallen leaves. Overhead, thick branches blocked most of the moonlight, leaving only streaks of dim silver cutting through the gaps. The forest was quiet, the only sound coming from their footsteps. The space felt heavy, like it had been untouched for a long time.
This was exactly what she needed.
She exhaled slowly, letting the darkness settle around her.
Then she vanished.
She melted into the shadows instantly, her form blending seamlessly into the deep darkness beneath the trees.
Dalen turned sharply, his eyes scanning the clearing. His movements slowed, his head shifting as he searched, but he could not see her.
"What?" he muttered, stepping forward cautiously. His posture stiffened slightly, his shoulders squared. His hands curled into fists at his sides, uncertainty flickering across his face.
Kara stayed still, watching him closely, waiting to see what he would do next.
Dalen narrowed his eyes. Then, without hesitation, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a metallic device.
He pressed a button, gripping the sides firmly.
Three beasts stepped forward, their movements unnaturally sharp, their eyes focused, their bodies stiff. They were not hunting on their own—they were controlled.
The first was wolf-like, lean and muscular, its sharp nose twitching as it inhaled deeply.
The second was massive, built like a bear, its large form pressing deep into the dirt with every step.
The third was small but fast, darting between the trees, never staying still for long.
Kara remained hidden, unmoving, not making a sound.
But the wolf lifted its head suddenly, inhaled sharply, then locked onto her scent.
It lunged forward, claws tearing into the dirt, its body racing toward her.
Then Arin moved.
A sudden burst of wind wrapped around him, pushing him forward fast. His speed doubled instantly, his body carrying him across the clearing in a blur. He reached Kara in seconds, grabbing her tightly before pulling her away. The air surged around them, lifting them for a moment before setting them down further ahead.
The wolf snapped at empty space, growling lowly.
Dalen stepped back slightly, watching them move.
"What the—" he muttered.
Before he could react, Laina lifted her arms.
A wave of fire rushed toward him, heat spreading quickly across the clearing, casting bright light against the trees.
Dalen lifted his arm, shielding himself.
Then Leon struck.
His blade flashed forward, sharp, cutting toward Dalen's arm. The strike landed just enough to push him off balance but didn't cut deep.
Dalen adjusted quickly.
Arin kept running, the wind carrying him forward. Kara struggled to keep up, her breaths uneven as she pushed herself to match his speed.
After several seconds, Arin let the wind fade.
He slowed slightly, adjusting his pace to match Kara's movements.
"You okay?" he asked.
Kara breathed deep, forcing herself to move faster. "Just keep going."
They reached the respawn point.
"If we stay here for thirty seconds," Arin said, steadying himself, "the portal operators on the other side will detect us. If they confirm our location, they'll reopen it."
Kara exhaled, letting herself slow for the first time.
Thirty seconds passed.
The ground shimmered faintly.
The portal opened.
Arin stepped forward first, Kara following closely.
They did not look back.
---
Meanwhile, Leon, Laina, and Reid stayed behind, facing Dalen and the three beasts.
Leon slashed at the wolf, his blade cutting deep into its side. The creature twisted sharply, snapping its jaws toward his leg, trying to bite down.
Leon stepped back quickly, dodging just in time.
Laina threw fire at the bear-like beast, her flames hitting hard against its thick fur. The embers spread quickly, lighting up its side.
The beast kept moving, ignoring the pain.
It reached Laina faster than she expected.
It swung its heavy paw at her.
She tried to dodge, but it caught her shoulder.
She stumbled back, rolling against the ground, her arm scraping against the dirt. Blood streaked across her sleeve, staining it dark.
She pushed herself up quickly, breathing fast.
Reid stepped forward, his ability activating instantly. His skin hardened, taking on a rough, stone-like texture.
The wolf lunged at him.
Its claws hit his chest, but they did not cut through.
Reid retaliated, punching the creature hard, sending it staggering backward.
Dalen moved toward Laina.
Leon intercepted him, their blades clashing hard, steel ringing loudly through the clearing.
Laina was slowing down.
Reid absorbed another attack, forcing the bear to stagger.
Dalen reached into his pocket.
Leon activated Analyse.
[Item Identified: Creator's Pill]
[Rank: Unranked]
[Effects: Grants +1000 EXP Upon Consumption]
Leon paused briefly, his mind processing.
Dalen tried to swallow the pill.
Leon knocked it away.
Dalen cursed, reaching for it.
Leon kicked it further.
Then, while Laina and Reid were still fighting, Leon grabbed it first.
Dalen lunged forward.
Leon swallowed the pill.
Dalen exhaled sharply. "You have no idea—"
Leon struck before he could finish.
His system reacted.
[EXP Increased: +1000]
[Level Up: 12 → 13]
[Level Up: 13 → 14]
More messages appeared, but Leon ignored them.
Dalen staggered, realization hitting too late.
Leon finished it. His blade cut deep.
Dalen collapsed.
Laina fell beside Reid, her wounds heavy.
Reid barely stood, his breathing sharp.
Leon's arms trembled, his body weak.
Then another message appeared.
[Additional Quest: Would You Like to Absorb a Project Member?]