Project Nexus: Beyond Reality
Episode 10: The Hunt for the Wandering Beast
The sun had barely risen when Renji and his team stood at the town's eastern gate, weapons ready. A cool morning breeze swept through Hamlet, rustling the trees as the team checked their supplies one last time.
"The quest marker says the beast was last seen near Greywood Hollow," Airi reported, studying the holographic map in front of her. "It's about an hour's walk from here."
Kai cracked his knuckles. "No time to waste, then. Let's get this over with."
Leon smirked. "Getting nervous?"
Kai scoffed. "Hardly. Just don't slow me down."
Eve shook her head. "Let's focus, guys."
Renji led the way, gripping his Steel Longsword tightly as they set off.
The Encounter
The team moved through the dense forest, the sounds of wildlife growing distant. Soon, they reached Greywood Hollow—a mist-covered clearing surrounded by twisted trees. The air was thick with tension.
Airi crouched behind a fallen log, scanning the area through her sniper scope. "No sign of it yet…"
Just then, a deep, guttural snarl echoed through the clearing. The ground trembled slightly.
BOOM.
A massive figure burst from the shadows, sending dirt flying.
It was a Dire Fang, a hulking wolf-like creature with dark, matted fur, glowing red eyes, and massive tusks protruding from its lower jaw.
[Wandering Beast – Dire Fang]
Level: 15
HP: ???
Kai grinned. "Now this is a fight."
Before anyone could react, the Dire Fang lunged. It moved faster than expected, a black blur rushing toward them.
"Dodge!" Renji yelled.
The team scattered as the beast's claws tore through the ground where they had stood. Dust and debris filled the air.
The Battle Begins
Renji sprinted forward, Agility Boost kicking in as he slashed at the beast's side. His sword barely scratched its hide.
-10 HP
"Damn, it's tough."
Leon darted in, his rapier flashing as he targeted the beast's legs.
-18 HP
The Dire Fang whipped around with terrifying speed, swiping at Leon.
"Watch out!" Eve shouted.
Leon barely managed to flip backward, avoiding the razor-sharp claws.
THUNK!
Airi fired an arrow, striking the Dire Fang's shoulder.
-25 HP (Critical Hit!)
It let out a furious roar, eyes locking onto Airi. In an instant, it lunged toward her.
"Not happening!"
Kai charged in, greatsword raised high. With a single, earth-shaking swing, he slammed it into the beast's side.
-50 HP
The force sent the Dire Fang crashing into a tree, breaking it in half.
Eve raised her hand casting a spell, chanting quickly. A golden light surrounded Kai.
[Heal +30 HP]
Kai wiped his mouth. "Nice save."
But the Dire Fang wasn't finished. It howled, and a shockwave of energy erupted from its body.
Everyone takes -20 HP!
The team staggered back.
"What the hell was that?" Airi coughed.
Renji gritted his teeth. "It's getting serious."
Strategy Shift
Leon wiped blood from his lip. "Alright, we need a plan."
Renji nodded. "Leon, Eve—focus on stunning it. Airi, keep your distance and keep firing. Kai—wait for an opening."
Leon vanished into the shadows, circling behind the beast. Eve whispered an incantation, her arms glowing blue.
The Dire Fang charged again, its eyes glowing.
"Now!"
Leon struck first, appearing from the shadows and slashing its legs.
[Stun Applied: 3 Seconds]
Eve cast a spell, sending ice shards at the beast's feet, freezing them in place.
[Freeze Applied: 5 Seconds]
Renji saw his chance.
He activated Agility Boost, dashing forward in a blur of motion. His sword glowed as he unleashed a flurry of slashes.
-22 HP
-19 HP
-25 HP (Critical!)
Kai roared, lifting his greatsword.
"Heavy Strike!"
The sword came crashing down, hitting the Dire Fang's skull.
-75 HP (Massive Damage!)
The beast howled in agony, collapsing onto one knee.
"Finish it!" Renji shouted.
Airi pulled back her bowstring.
"Piercing Shot!"
The arrow glowed bright blue, slicing through the air and hitting the Dire Fang right between the eyes.
-100 HP (Lethal Strike!)
The beast let out a final, deafening roar before collapsing.
Silence.
Then—
[Quest Complete: The Wandering Beast]
A notification popped up:
Reward: 150 Gold + Rare Item Drop – Shadow Fang Dagger
Victory and Aftermath
Leon picked up the Shadow Fang Dagger, inspecting it. "Looks like this is our rare item."
Kai exhaled, wiping sweat from his forehead. "That was one hell of a fight."
Eve sighed in relief. "We almost didn't make it."
Renji sheathed his sword. He had learned something today.
This world was more than just a game. The battles, the pain, the intensity—it felt too real.
Airi pulled up her map. "We should head back to Hamlet."
As the team turned back toward town, Renji couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.
To Be Continued...