Chapter 11: Into the Unknown
Ethan stepped out of the swirling blue portal and into a world of towering trees and deep shadows. The portal vanished behind him with a soft whoosh, leaving only the sound of rustling leaves and distant birdcalls. The air was thick with the scent of moss, damp earth, and something wild. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, casting broken rays onto the forest floor.
He turned slowly in place, trying to get his bearings. "System," he said calmly.
No response.
"System, status. Where am I?"
Still nothing. The silence wasn't comforting. He tapped the side of his head and frowned. Usually, the system would chime in with a voice or at least display a message. But now, there was only silence and the forest.
"Tch. Great," he muttered, scanning his surroundings.
He decided to move, figuring it was better than waiting. After a few minutes of weaving through underbrush and stepping over thick roots, he came across a dirt road, worn but clear. It stretched both ways, disappearing into the forest.
He chose a direction and walked.
It wasn't long before he heard something—a low growl. He turned toward the noise, and his eyes widened.
A massive wolf emerged from the trees.
It was unlike any he'd ever seen. Nearly two meters tall, it looked more like a small horse with fur and fangs. Its dark gray coat was thick and matted, and its yellow eyes gleamed with hunger. Saliva dripped from its open jaws, and its paws dug into the ground as it crouched, preparing to lunge.