The Hidden Threat
The forest had grown unnaturally quiet. Even the wind seemed hesitant, as if holding its breath. Kai, Lira, and Dane paused by a clearing, scanning the shadows for movement.
[System Update: Unknown Entity Detected Nearby]
Kai's heart thumped. The System rarely warned him like this, and the glowing letters made his stomach twist.
"Something's watching us," Lira whispered, her hand tightening on her bow.
Dane's hammer was raised, muscles tense. "Whatever it is, it's bigger than goblins."
From the underbrush, a figure emerged—not entirely human. Its eyes glowed with a faint crimson hue, and a chill ran through the air.
[Optional Quest Available: Confront the Unknown][Objective: Investigate the Entity Without Alerting It][Reward: Skill – Sharp Perception / Rare Item]
Kai glanced at the quest prompt. The System was giving him a choice: approach cautiously or attack immediately. The wrong decision could be disastrous.
Lira glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "Kai… whatever you decide, choose carefully. Don't rush into this."
Kai took a deep breath. His friends' lives were in his hands, but the System's whispering guidance was tempting. "We'll try to observe first," he said, voice steady despite the fear clawing at him.
The entity didn't move, only studied them. Its presence felt oppressive, as if weighing their intentions. Kai's Body Level pulsed faintly—an alert from the System that danger was imminent.
Suddenly, the ground trembled slightly, and a distant roar echoed through the forest. The entity vanished before their eyes, leaving only a faint shimmer in the air.
Dane exhaled, lowering his hammer. "Well… that was unnerving."Lira shook her head. "I don't like this. Whatever that was, it's coming back. And stronger."
Kai clenched his fists, feeling both exhilarated and anxious. The System had given him options, but the real test would be survival—and the choices he made would shape who he was becoming.
[Quest Hint: Decide Your Path – Caution or Confrontation]
The three of them continued deeper into the forest, unaware of the glowing eyes tracking them from the shadows.