Chapter 4: First Battle, In the Shadow of Horror
The shadow of the unknown grew heavier with each passing second. The rustling in the bushes intensified, as if the creatures were on the lookout, waiting for the right moment to strike. A cold shiver ran down my spine, and I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to calm the turmoil in my mind.
"Stay calm. Stay calm." This mantra played on a loop in my mind, like a reflex, a necessity. I could feel the rising panic around me, the others freezing, their gazes briefly meeting before looking away, searching for the source of the noise.
Romain, with a reassuring gesture, raised his hand. His shield gleamed faintly, a flicker of determination shining in his eyes. He knew he had to take the lead, but his nervousness showed in the tension of his shoulders. He took a few steps forward, his gaze scanning the surroundings with almost palpable intensity.
"Stay behind me," he said, his voice deep but weak. "Everyone, stay on guard. I have my shield, you have your skills. We can handle this."
Marie moved discreetly toward him, placing a hand on his shoulder in a gesture that seemed both comforting and protective. She cast a worried glance at the group.
"What can we do if... if it attacks?" Fear was evident in her voice.
Jules, the archer, rested a hand on his bow, ready to draw the string, but he did not yet dare to aim. The slightest movement could be decisive.
"We have an advantage, don't worry." His gaze drifted in my direction, piercing the shadow where I stood. Despite my stealth ability being active, he had sensed me. I shivered. He must have allocated all his free points into perception— a wise choice for an archer.
I cast a quick glance at my companions, my thoughts racing. The situation was growing more and more tense, but a survival instinct urged me to observe. Romain, though impressive, was not alone in bearing a burden. Each member of the group seemed to struggle with their own weight, their own fears.
The tension escalated when one of the figures in the bushes made a sudden movement. It was no longer just rustling. It was movement. A being that had shifted with unnatural speed.
And then, all at once, a form burst from the shadows.