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...
Two Days Later
In the dimly lit underground laboratory, Leylin adjusted his combat suit. He methodically donned his gear, beginning with the enchanted ring on his left index finger. His combat boots and pants fit snugly, while a belt with multiple buckles and pockets clung to his waist. Within these pockets, he had carefully inventoried rune plates—basic reinforcements, explosions, healing, stasis, haste, search, and barrier runes. The barrier rune, the hardest to craft, rested securely among them.
On each side of his waist hung a single-use magical sword, while two daggers strapped to his leg completed his arsenal. All were imbued with latent magic, ready to be unleashed at a moment's notice. (Image)
Finally, Leylin draped the Abyssal Bone Forest robe over his combat suit. The robe, imbued with a defensive rune, shimmered faintly in the dim light.
Gazing into the mirror, Leylin smirked. With his high-grade knight strength, the power of a Level 2 Acolyte, and three mastered spells, he felt an unshakable confidence.
Ascending from the underground chamber, Leylin stepped outside. By the gate stood an imposing, bald Grand Knight, Saeed, whose massive left hand remained wrapped in thick bandages.
"How is your hand, Grand Knight?" Leylin inquired.
Saeed bowed respectfully. "It's healing well, thanks to you, milord."
Leylin nodded, eyes cold. "I expect great things from you today. Don't disappoint me."
"I will not, my lord."
At Dawn
The gates of Extreme Night City creaked open. A squadron of soldiers, flanking a central party, marched out, moving swiftly beyond the city's perimeter.
"I never thought Viscount Jackson would personally accompany us," Murphy commented, clearly relieved to have a Grand Knight in their midst.
Turning to Saeed, Murphy smiled. "You have quite capable men under your command, young friend."
Leylin dismissed the praise with a casual wave. "It's merely precaution. His strength may prove useful."
"Let's hope it won't be needed," Murphy sighed.
Viscount Jackson rode alongside them, clad in black steel armor, his helmet concealing his expression. Behind him marched two squadrons of Black Iron Guards, twenty elite soldiers in total. (Image)
As the group advanced, the atmosphere darkened. The further they traveled, the more lifeless the Dark Night Woods appeared. The ground, once lush with spring greenery, was now barren, with withered roots and pale sprouts. An oppressive aura weighed down on the party, as if death itself lingered in the shadows.
Leylin was placed in the middle of the group, Saeed beside him. Leylin observed the environment coldly. "The life force here is decaying faster than expected."
Eventually, they encountered an odd, lizard-like creature—one whose scales Jackson had shown the group earlier. A brief skirmish ensued, costing the lives of several knights. However, the squadron pressed on, reaching the heart of the withering woods.
Murphy halted, inspecting the ground. "This should be the heart of the withering woods. My spell can now be cast."
From his robes, Murphy produced a black potion. Uncorking the vial, he poured the thick liquid onto the earth.
Plop, plop!
The potion transformed into countless black ants that scurried in all directions, spreading like an unstoppable tide. (Image)
Leylin raised an eyebrow, impressed.
After several tense minutes, an ant returned, crawling up Murphy's robe and whispering into his ear.
"It's been found! Follow me!" Murphy exclaimed, leading the group toward a massive withered oak tree.
"Move this tree," Murphy ordered.
Jackson's Black Iron Guards advanced, stabbing their pikes into the tree's brittle bark. With a final heave, the tree crumbled, revealing a dark, sinister tunnel beneath.
Murphy's face paled as he staggered backward.
"Backlash?" Leylin caught him effortlessly.
"Yes... The creature inside destroyed my scouts…" Murphy's expression darkened.
Jackson gestured to his men. "Prepare a fire. We'll descend."
The tunnel was narrow, forcing the knights to crouch as they entered. As they progressed, the passage widened, allowing several men to walk abreast. The air thickened with negative energy, and their torches barely illuminated the oppressive darkness.
"Lord Viscount! A fork in the path!" a soldier reported.
Jackson stepped forward, eyes narrowing as he studied the twin tunnels. Both paths stretched endlessly into the shadows, resembling the gaping jaws of a beast.
"The negative energy here is too dense. My scouting magic is ineffective," Murphy admitted.
"Send men to scout ahead," Jackson ordered.
Leylin, growing impatient, stepped forward. "No need. I have a method."
From his belt, Leylin retrieved a rune plate and crushed it between his fingers.
"Whisprama—Finenish."
A thick, gray smoke billowed from the shattered rune and seeped into both tunnels. Closing his eyes, Leylin extended his spiritual power into the smoke, sensing the faint vibrations of life. (Image)
After a moment, his eyes snapped open.
"Left."