Chapter 4: First Steps into the Unknown

The morning sun filtered softly through the dense canopy, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor. Kael’s boots pressed into the mossy earth, each step echoing the pounding of his heart. Eldenbrook was now far behind him, swallowed by the trees and the vast unknown.

Beside him, Mira moved with quiet confidence, her dark cloak brushing the ferns as she walked. Kael’s Ascendant Interface shimmered faintly at the corner of his vision—a constant reminder of the power he was still struggling to understand and control.

Despite the calm around them, a storm of questions churned inside Kael’s mind. Where exactly are we going? he wondered. And who is Mira, really? The forest seemed alive with secrets, but Mira offered only cryptic answers.

Unable to hold back, Kael finally asked, “Where are we headed?”

Mira glanced at him, her eyes sharp and unreadable. “Somewhere you must be prepared to face your true self,” she said softly. “The path is not just through these woods, but through your fears and doubts.”

Kael frowned, frustration bubbling beneath his calm exterior. “That sounds like a riddle. And… who exactly are you? Why have you been searching for the artifact so long?”

Her gaze softened briefly. “I am a guardian of balance. The artifact chose you, but many seek its power for darker purposes. I’m here to guide you, to ensure you don’t fall prey to them—or to yourself.”

Kael’s curiosity deepened, mingled with cautious respect. Mira was unlike anyone he had ever met—mysterious, powerful, and yet distant.

As they moved deeper into the forest, Kael’s senses sharpened. The scent of pine and damp earth filled the air, but beneath it, something darker lingered—a faint trace of something watching.

Unbeknownst to them, a pack of wolves had been trailing their path for some time. Their sharp noses caught the unfamiliar scent carried on the breeze, alerting them to the presence of new prey. Moving silently through the underbrush, the wolves communicated with subtle signals—tail flicks, ear twitches, and low growls—coordinating their approach with practiced precision.

The forest’s dense foliage and narrow trails gave the wolves the perfect cover. They spread out, flanking Kael and Mira, herding them toward a narrow clearing where escape routes were limited.

Suddenly, Mira halted, raising a hand. “Quiet. Something approaches.”

Before Kael could react, the wolves struck. Five snarling shapes burst from the shadows, eyes gleaming with hunger and intelligence. Their movements were swift and coordinated, a testament to their years of hunting together.

Kael’s fingers brushed the artifact in his pocket, and instantly, the translucent panel appeared before his eyes, glowing softly.

Enemy detected: Wolves (5)

Health: Unknown

XP Reward: Moderate

His Skills tab blinked urgently. He selected Basic Attack, and a prompt appeared:

Skill Unlocked: Basic Attack

You have unlocked a new skill!

A simple but effective attack to fend off enemies. Use it wisely to gain experience.

Options: Upgrade Skill | Equip Skill | Close

Tip: Practice using skills in combat to improve faster.

Kael felt a faint spark coil in his palm as the wolves lunged. Heart pounding, he dodged clumsily and slashed with his knife. The interface confirmed damage and experience gained with each strike.

Mira stepped forward, drawing a slender blade that shimmered with faint blue light. “Remember, Kael—control and strategy. Don’t rush.”

The wolves circled relentlessly, their snarls low and menacing. They used the terrain expertly, herding Kael toward the edge of the clearing where escape was limited. Kael realized raw strength alone wouldn’t be enough.

With Mira’s guidance, he learned to anticipate the wolves’ movements, using fallen logs and thick bushes to block attacks. Each successful strike boosted his confidence, and the interface updated his stats in real time.

When the last wolf finally retreated, the forest fell silent again. Kael’s chest heaved with exertion, but a fierce smile spread across his face.

The interface flashed once more:

Inventory Updated

You received: Wolf Pelt x1

Wolf Pelts can be traded or crafted into armor.

Options: Use Now | Store for Later | Discard

Tip: Keep an eye on your inventory space. Manage items carefully!

Kael smiled, realizing this system was more than a tool—it was his guide.

This scene grounds the wolf attack in realistic hunting behavior while integrating Kael’s system interface prompts to keep readers immersed in his unique experience.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***