The sun was high overhead as I walked along the stream, its rhythmic flow the only sound breaking the stillness of the dense forest around me. After yesterday’s fight with the boar, I walked with my spear ready and ears alert to any sound. The day had been uneventful—just the same endless trees, the occasional rustle from unseen creatures, and the quiet of the wilderness that seemed to stretch on forever. I had begun to wonder if I’d ever encounter another human being in this vast place.

  As I rounded a bend in the stream, the unmistakable sounds of combat reached my ears—growls, snarls, and a female voice cursing. The sounds were coming from just ahead. Without hesitation, I quickened my pace, weaving through the trees as I moved toward the clearing.

  When I emerged at the edge of the clearing, my heart skipped a beat.

  In the center of the open space, a young woman was engaged in a desperate fight against three massive, wolf-like creatures. Their hulking forms were covered in matted fur, their red eyes gleaming with menace. She fought with a curved dagger in one hand and what looked like a large hunting knife in the other, darting in and out of the reach of these creatures despite their relentless attack. Their hulking bodies circled her, cutting off any potential escape as they growled and lunged forward. Despite her agility, she was clearly struggling—outnumbered and on the defensive.

  I couldn’t just stand there. I moved into the clearing, my spear held low and ready. The closest beast was focused entirely on her. It didn’t see me coming. I lunged forward, thrusting my spear into its side with all my strength. The creature let out a yelp of pain, twisting to face me in surprise.

  “Behind you!” the woman shouted, her voice sharp with urgency.

  I barely had time to react as the second beast lunged at me, its claws swiping through the air where I’d been just a moment before. I dodged to the side, pulling my spear free from the first creature’s body.

  The woman was quick to take advantage of the distraction. Her blades flashed as she sliced through the throat of the third beast, and it collapsed in a heap, its life fading as its red eyes dulled. She turned toward the remaining two.

  I faced off with the injured beast, holding my spear steady. It bared its teeth, growling low and menacing, but I didn’t move. I waited for the right moment.

  The beast lunged at me. I sidestepped, driving my spear into its chest. It let out a final, tortured howl before collapsing, twitching once before going still.

  I turned to check on the woman. She had just taken down the last beast, its crumpled body lying at her feet. Her chest was heaving as she lowered her knives, allowing herself a brief moment to catch her breath.

  For a moment, there was only silence. Our eyes met across the clearing, a shared understanding passing between us, and I couldn’t help but feel a quiet connection in that brief exchange.

  “Thanks,” she said, wiping the sweat from her brow. “I didn’t expect anyone else to be out here.”

  “Neither did I,” I replied, still catching my breath as I walked toward her. I took a quick glance at her, noting the exhaustion in her eyes. “Are you okay?”

  “I’ll be fine,” she answered with a nod, cleaning the blades on the carcass of one of the wolves before sheathing them.

  I took a closer look at her. She was around my age, athletic, with sharp green eyes that still held a flicker of adrenaline from the fight. Her clothes were practical—designed for combat—and her posture carried the confidence of someone who knew how to handle herself in a dangerous situation.

  “I’m Ethan,” I said, offering a small smile and extending my hand.

  “Maya,” she replied, shaking my hand firmly. “I didn’t think I’d run into anyone else out here, let alone someone willing to jump into a fight like that.”

  “I couldn’t just stand by and watch,” I said with a shrug. “Besides, you looked like you had your hands full.”

  Maya chuckled, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. “Yeah, those things were tough. Thanks for the assist. I’m not sure I would’ve taken them all down on my own.”

  I glanced at the fallen beasts, their lifeless bodies now littering the clearing. “What are they?” I asked, curiosity mixing with concern.

  “Some kind of mutated wolves, I think,” Maya said, her brow furrowing. “It’s like they were hunting me.”

  I nodded, the gravity of the situation settling in. “This world is dangerous,” I said quietly, almost to myself.

  Maya’s gaze met mine, and she gave a tight nod in agreement. “It’s good to have someone watch your back. How long have you been out here in the forest?”

  “A couple of days, I think,” I replied, though my voice hesitated. “It’s hard to keep track of time. I’ve been following the stream, hoping it would lead me to some kind of civilization.”

  Maya stared at me, her brow furrowing as if processing my words. “You don’t know how long you’ve been out here?” she asked, her voice sharper than she’d intended. My uncertainty mirrored her own, and I could see her trying to piece together the timeline of her own memory, but her recollections were just as fragmented. It was like trying to hold onto fog. The past before the last couple of days felt empty, like it had been wiped away.

  A wave of unease washed over her, and she pressed further. “Where are you from?”

  I blinked, my brow knitting as I tried to grasp onto something solid. “I… don’t know,” I said slowly, the words surprising me even as I said them. “I can’t remember. It’s all just… blank.”

  Maya’s eyes widened, and a chill crept up her spine. “Same here,” she muttered, almost to herself. “I don’t remember where I’m from either. It’s like my memories only go back two days, and everything before that is just... gone.”

  We exchanged a long, quiet look, both of us grappling with the same unspoken confusion.

  “How can we not know where we’re from?” she asked, more to herself than to me. “It doesn’t make any sense.”

  I shook my head, running a hand through my hair. “No, it doesn’t. But if you can’t remember either...” My voice trailed off, the implication lingering between us.

  “Maybe… maybe we’ll figure it out along the way,” I said, though the uncertainty in my voice betrayed my lack of conviction.

  Maya nodded, though the knot of anxiety in her chest tightened. “Yeah. Maybe.” But even as she said it, she feared the answer might be far more complicated than we could imagine.

  “There’s a road just over there,” Maya said, pointing to her left. “I’ve been following it for most of yesterday and today, but I’ve occasionally left the road when I saw a stream to refill my waterskin.”

  I felt a sense of relief at her words. “Maybe we should stick together,” I suggested, my voice laced with a tentative hope. At least I wouldn’t be alone in this strange, disorienting world.

  Maya hesitated, weighing my offer. She barely knew me, but there was a strange comfort in the idea of not being alone out here. The forest was vast, full of hidden dangers, and having someone else to share the burden of survival seemed sensible. She glanced at me, studying my expression. I probably looked just as desperate for connection as I felt.

  “Yeah, I think that’s a good idea,” she said, nodding. “It’ll be safer if we stick together.” Her words were practical, but I caught the faintest flicker of something more in her eyes—relief, maybe, or the beginning of trust. Still, she didn’t tell me about the bandits she had killed the night before. I saw her hand instinctively brush the hilt of her dagger, a reminder of that deadly encounter. There were things I didn’t need to know, and I didn’t press.

  With that, an unspoken alliance formed between us. We stood side by side in the clearing, the bodies of the fallen beasts lying around us. Our breaths were still heavy from the fight, but the silence between us wasn’t awkward anymore—it was full of shared understanding. We were both lost in this world, both seeking answers. And now, we had each other to rely on.

  I glanced at Maya as we continued walking down the road. She had a steady pace, and her eyes scanned the surroundings with the kind of alertness that only came from experience. I felt a flicker of gratitude for her calm presence. Whatever this world was, having someone to share the burden with was a relief.

  The sun hung low, casting a golden glow over the road, stretching the shadows across the path. As the trees began to thin, the first signs of civilization came into view—a small town. My heart gave a small, unexpected lurch at the sight. I hadn’t realized how much I’d been craving something familiar—people, structures, signs of life beyond the endless wilderness. The rooftops of a dozen or so buildings peered out from behind a low ridge. Relief settled in my chest.

  “There it is,” Maya said, pointing toward the town. “Let’s see what we can find.”

  I nodded, suddenly aware of how empty my stomach felt. “Do you think it’s safe?”

  Her gaze flickered to me, the slight tension in her expression unspoken but clear. “We’ll find out soon enough.” She paused and reached for a small pouch at her belt. “I’ve got some coins from… before.” Her voice trailed off, and I could see the uncertainty in her eyes. “We can at least try to get food, drink, and maybe some information. People in small towns like this usually know what’s going on.”

  The town was small—modest, even. The market square was winding down for the day, the vendors stacking crates and tidying up their wares. The smell of fresh vegetables, bread, and handmade tools hung in the air, making my stomach growl. Some latecomers still bartered for the last of the day’s goods, while a few patrons lingered over what seemed to be the last of the bread.

  Maya eyed the stalls, and I caught a flicker in her gaze. It wasn’t just hunger. There was something else there. A longing, maybe. The sight of food and the prospect of safety in the form of information was pulling at both of us.

  “Let’s start at the tavern,” Maya suggested, her eyes shifting to a small, wooden building at the far end of the square. A sign hanging over the door read The Resting Boar, with a faded image of a boar underneath. “Taverns are good for more than just food and drink. They’re also where people talk.”

  I followed her, still holding my spear close. I didn’t feel right without it yet. We approached the tavern, and Maya pushed the door open, leading us inside.

  The room was dimly lit, the flickering light from a few lanterns casting shadows on the wooden tables and chairs scattered about. At the far end of the room, a handful of patrons sat, quietly talking amongst themselves. The bartender, a burly man with a scruffy beard, glanced up as we entered, his eyes narrowing for a brief moment before returning to the tankard he was cleaning.

  Maya led us to a table near the window, her movements calm and calculated, but I could sense the tension in her body. She was sizing up the room, just like me. Most of the patrons seemed harmless enough—farmers or laborers, rough around the edges, but not threatening. I could relax for a moment, but the unease still simmered beneath the surface.

  A young woman with dark hair tied back in a loose braid approached us, a tired but polite smile on her face. “What’ll it be?” she asked, her voice soft.

  “Two meals,” Maya said, flashing a few coins. “And some ale.” She hesitated, glancing at me before adding, “And if you’ve got any news, we’d appreciate that too.”

  The barmaid’s eyes flicked to the coins before returning to Maya’s face. “Food and drink, I can manage,” she said, pocketing the coins. “As for news… depends on what you’re looking for.”

  “We’re just passing through,” I added quickly, not wanting to draw too much attention. “Haven’t been in these parts before.”

  The barmaid raised an eyebrow. “Well, you picked an interesting time to visit. There’ve been rumors—strangers passing through, odd happenings in the woods. People disappearing.” She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Some say there’s been dark magic at work. Others think it’s bandits.”

  Maya exchanged a look with me. I could see the concern in her eyes as she turned back to the barmaid. “Has anyone done anything about it?”

  The barmaid shrugged. “The local lord sent out scouts, but nothing’s come of it. Most folks around here are simple farmers and just keep their heads down and hope they’re not next.”

  I watched as the barmaid straightened up and nodded toward the bar. "I’ll get your food." She disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Maya and me to sit in silence. I glanced over at her, and she was still scanning the room, her eyes alert.

  "We should be careful," she muttered, her voice low. "If something strange is going on around here, we don’t want to draw attention."

  I nodded, my mind still processing the conversation with the barmaid. Something felt off about the way the locals were acting. Maya was right to stay vigilant.

  Before I could respond, the barmaid returned with two steaming bowls of hearty stew, accompanied by thick hunks of bread and mugs of ale. The rich aroma of the stew hit me immediately—a comforting blend of herbs, meat, and vegetables that made my stomach growl. I exchanged a grateful look with Maya before we both eagerly dug in. The warm meal felt like a luxury after the long, tiring day we’d had.

  As we finished the last bites, the door creaked open, and a middle-aged man stepped inside. His graying hair and neatly trimmed beard immediately caught my attention, but it was the way he carried himself that struck me—there was an air of authority about him.

  Maya looked up as the man scanned the room and made his way toward us. I felt a slight tension in the air as he approached.

  "Mind if I join you?" he asked, his voice polite but firm.

  Maya gestured to the empty seat next to her without hesitation. "Sure."

  He sat down, his eyes studying us with an intensity I didn’t expect. "I’m Thomas, the mayor of this town. I like to get to know any newcomers, especially those who arrive unannounced. What brings you here?"

  I hesitated. I wasn’t sure how much to share with a stranger—especially one with the kind of presence this man had. Maya spoke up first.

  "We’ve been traveling for a few days," she said, her voice calm. "We came across the road that led here. Just looking for food, shelter... and maybe some work."

  Thomas nodded but glanced at Maya's sword and my spear leaning against the wall. "I see. We don’t get many travelers out here. When we do, they're usually merchants or people passing through. You two don’t look like the typical sort." He leaned in slightly, his tone cautious. "No ill intentions, I hope?"

  Maya shook her head. "No, not at all. In fact, we might have done your town a favor."

  Thomas raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

  I glanced at Maya, not sure where this was going. She took a sip of ale, then leaned forward.

  Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

  "On our way here, we were attacked by three wolves," she said, her voice steady. "Big ones with glowing red eyes. We killed them. They were stalking the road."

  Thomas leaned back in his chair, his interest piqued. "Wolves, you say? We’ve had reports of sightings, but none this close to the town."

  Maya nodded. Without a word, she unfastened the sword from her back and placed it on the table between us. Thomas’s gaze flickered to the weapon, and Maya’s voice lowered as she continued.

  "That’s not all. Before we got here, I found a small handcart tipped over by the road. A man had been killed—looked like sword wounds. Bandits got to him first."

  I couldn’t stop my eyes from widening. Maya hadn’t mentioned this before, and the shock of it made my stomach tighten.

  Maya’s expression hardened as she recounted what had happened. "I found two men by a campfire near the cart. They were bragging about what they did to the man. I... took care of them."

  The silence stretched as Thomas processed her words. His eyes shifted from Maya to me, then back to the sword. Finally, he spoke, his voice measured.

  "I see. Bandits have been a problem in these parts lately," he said. "They prey on merchants and travelers alike. You did us a service by disposing of them."

  I felt uneasy, but I couldn’t argue with the mayor’s logic. Bandits were dangerous. Still, the cold efficiency with which Maya had described the killings left me unsettled.

  Thomas glanced between the two of us, his expression softening. "You’ve both done more than most would in your situation. Wolves, bandits—those aren’t small things to face. The town is grateful for what you’ve done." He paused, then smiled warmly. "Consider your room and board covered by the town for tonight. It’s the least we can offer in return."

  Maya and I exchanged a look. We were both grateful for the offer, but there was an unspoken tension between us that lingered, unacknowledged.

  "Thank you," I said, my voice low. "We appreciate it."

  The mayor wasn’t finished yet. “There’s one more thing,” he said, leaning forward slightly. “We’ve had reports of other dangerous creatures in the area—ones we can’t afford to ignore any longer. If you’re willing, I’d like to offer you a bounty to investigate these sightings. We need capable people to handle this, and it seems you both fit the bill.”

  Maya’s eyes lit up at the mention of a bounty, while I nodded slowly. My mind was still spinning from everything Maya had revealed, but the idea of investigating these creatures, of doing something that might bring more answers, felt like a step in the right direction. “We’ll think about it,” I said, choosing my words carefully.

  Thomas stood, giving us both a respectful nod. “Take your time. Rest for the night. We’ll talk in the morning.”

  As the mayor left, Maya’s gaze turned to me, her expression unreadable. “You’re quiet,” she said, her voice breaking the silence between us.

  I met her eyes, feeling a tightness in my chest. There was so much I wanted to ask, so much I wanted to know about her—about what she had done, why she hadn’t told me about the bandits before, what was really driving her. But for now, I chose to hold my questions. We had enough on our plate already. Adding more tension wouldn’t help.

  We both finished our drinks in silence, each of us lost in our own thoughts. The bartender approached, wiping his hands on a stained apron. His face was weathered, and his eyes had a friendly warmth to them.

  "Mayor Thomas told me about your run-in with the wolves and the bandits," he said, his voice gruff but warm. "Seems like you two have done the town a good service. He’s already arranged for the town to cover your food and lodging for the night, so don’t worry about that."

  I gave a polite nod of thanks, and Maya smiled in return. The bartender lingered for a moment, looking between us, then cleared his throat. “I reckon you’ll be needin’ a room for the night?”

  I shifted in my seat, sensing the implication in his tone. “Actually, we’re not—” I started to say, but the bartender cut in with a grin.

  “Just the one room, right?”

  I quickly shook my head, feeling awkward. “No, no. We’re not... together,” I clarified, trying to brush away the sudden tension. “We’d like separate rooms, if that’s possible.”

  The bartender raised an eyebrow but his grin softened into something more understanding. “Ah, I see. No problem. I’ve got two rooms open upstairs. Nothing fancy, but the beds are clean, and the walls are sturdy enough to keep out the cold. I’ll make sure they’re ready for you.”

  “Thanks,” Maya said, her tone appreciative.

  “Anything else you need, just holler,” the bartender added with a final nod before heading back to the bar.

  I exhaled quietly, leaning back in my chair as I watched the mayor leave. My eyes flicked over to Maya, who was focused on the sword resting on the table between us. Even though we had formed an unspoken alliance, the thought of sharing a room still felt strange—at least to me. The situation had been cleared up quickly, and I felt a slight relief knowing the matter was behind us.

  The next morning, I was up before dawn, the tavern still wrapped in the quiet stillness of early morning. After washing up the night before, I felt clean for the first time in days, though the stubble on my face—a couple of days’ growth—was a constant reminder of how much time had passed since I’d first awoken in Erevos. The faint smell of baking bread drifted through the air, mixing with the crackling sound of the fire in the hearth. It added to the calm atmosphere, making it feel like I was briefly back in a world I recognized.

  I ate my breakfast—eggs, freshly baked bread, and a small cup of coffee—in silence, reflecting on everything that had happened the previous day. Despite the comfort of a real bed, sleep had been fitful. My mind had raced with thoughts of the strange world I now found myself in, the beasts I had fought, and Maya. She was still a mystery to me, though we had formed an effective partnership despite our brief acquaintance. And our circumstances—they were so similar.

  I finished my meal just as I heard footsteps echoing down the stairs. Maya appeared at the bottom, looking more refreshed but still wearing that same determined expression. She joined me at the table, nodding a silent greeting as the bartender placed a plate of food in front of her.

  "Morning," I said quietly, watching her dig into her meal.

  "Morning," she replied between bites. "We should find the Mayor after this and get more details about the sightings. The sooner we know what we're up against, the better."

  I nodded in agreement.

  After we finished, we gathered our things and stepped out into the brisk morning air. The town was slowly waking up—shopkeepers opening their doors, villagers beginning their daily routines. We headed for the Mayor’s office, finding him in the center of town, looking over some papers on his desk. He greeted us warmly, motioning for us to sit.

  "Good to see you two," he said, shuffling through his papers. "I've been looking into the reports. The sightings of these creatures have mostly been along the forest road to the east."

  "How far out?" Maya asked, leaning forward slightly.

  "About half a day's walk," the Mayor replied, glancing at a map spread out before him. "There’s an old mill by the river. A group of merchants reported an attack there. It was dark, so they didn’t get a clear look at what attacked them, but they were lucky. There were about a dozen in their party, and when the beasts failed to catch them by surprise, they let the group escape."

  Maya frowned, her mind working through the details. "They just let them go? Why wouldn’t the beasts chase them?"

  The Mayor shook his head. "Hard to say. Maybe they were testing them, or maybe the creatures didn’t feel confident taking on a larger group head-on. Either way, it’s worrying. If these things are hunting in packs and smart enough to know when they’re outmatched, we might be dealing with something worse than simple predators."

  I exchanged a glance with Maya. Her eyes seemed to hold a similar understanding—what the Mayor was describing felt all too familiar. The wolves, the bandits, and the strange, calculating behavior we’d already encountered—it all seemed to be coming together in a way that was unnerving.

  "If you’re willing to investigate, there’s a bounty in it for you," the Mayor continued. "We don’t have much, but it’ll go a long way toward keeping the town safe."

  "We’ll take it," I said, looking at Maya for confirmation. She nodded, and we both gave our word.

  The Mayor handed us a small pouch with a map, the location of the mill marked clearly on it. He didn’t say much more, but the look he gave us spoke volumes—he was depending on us, or at least hoping we could handle whatever was out there.

  We set off, following the map, the cool morning air warming as the sun climbed higher. The journey was mostly quiet, each of us lost in our own thoughts as we moved through the woods. The thick forest eventually began to thin out, giving way to rolling fields dotted with wildflowers. It was almost peaceful.

  "So, about fighting styles," I said, breaking the silence. My eyes flicked to her sword, strapped securely to her back. "You handled those wolves well, but I noticed you didn’t use your sword much."

  Maya glanced at her sword, then back at me. "It’s not really my style. I prefer daggers—more control, faster strikes. The sword’s useful, but I’m quicker with the daggers."

  I raised an eyebrow. "Makes sense. You’re fast. I prefer keeping my distance with the spear. Easier to control the battlefield from range."

  Maya nodded thoughtfully. "That works, but if something gets close, you’ll need to adapt. Reach is useful until it isn’t."

  Her words made sense. I hadn’t thought about it much before, but what she said was true. I’d need to be ready for anything.

  "True," I agreed. "But that’s why we work together, right? I keep them at bay, and you move in for the kill."

  She smirked, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Exactly. If it’s just one creature, I’ll flank it while you keep its focus. If it’s more, we split them up. No heroics."

  I grinned. "No heroics, got it."

  The midday sun beat down on us as we made our way toward the spot marked on the Mayor’s map. The area was quiet—too quiet—and the scattered boulders and low brush around us only added to the tension. Ahead, a large rock formation loomed ominously, like something was waiting to spring from the shadows.

  Maya’s voice broke through the silence, low and calm, though I could hear the sharpness in it. “Stay sharp. I’ll circle around, see if anything’s waiting.”

  I nodded and gripped my spear tighter, watching her disappear into the brush. The forest around me seemed to close in, every rustle of leaves making my senses jump. It was too still. The kind of silence that warned you something was about to go wrong.

  That’s when I heard it—a deep, guttural growl that echoed off the rocks. My heart skipped a beat, and my grip on the spear tightened. A moment later, three hulking figures emerged from the shadows, their eyes glowing red like embers in the dark. Massive beasts—wolf-like in shape, but much larger, with thick, matted fur bristling like armor. Their claws gleamed like daggers in the dim light, and their mouths hung open, revealing rows of jagged yellowed teeth.

  “Maya!” I shouted, backing away instinctively as the creatures began to close in on me.

  “I’m here!” Her voice was clear and confident, and I saw the glint of her knives as she moved into position. “Take the one on the right! I’ll handle the other two.”

  I hesitated, weighing my options. Two on one? It felt like a bad idea, but I trusted Maya—more than I trusted myself at that moment. I tightened my grip on the spear, squared my shoulders, and focused on the beast coming at me.

  The creature lunged, its massive frame rippling with raw power. I thrust my spear forward, aiming for its chest, but the thick hide resisted. The strike barely made a dent, and the beast responded with a swipe of its claws. The air hissed as they missed my head by inches. My breath caught, and I stumbled back, cold sweat breaking out across my skin.

  I wasn’t ready for the next attack. The beast lunged again, and its jaws snapped mere inches from my face. I ducked low, heart pounding, and drove my spear upward into its exposed belly. This time, the spear found its mark, sinking deep into its flesh. The creature howled in pain, a guttural sound that vibrated through me.

  But it didn’t stop. It reared up on its hind legs, towering over me. My blood ran cold. I scrambled to leap aside, but its massive paw caught my leg, raking across it with a sharp pain that sent me sprawling.

  [You have taken damage. Health: -12]

  The notification flickered in my vision, but there wasn’t time to process it. The pain throbbed in my leg, but I couldn’t afford to let it slow me down. I had to focus.

  The beast lunged again, but I sidestepped, barely dodging its snapping jaws. This time, I drove the spear deeper into its side, right where the ribs met the heart. The creature’s roar echoed in my ears, and then, with one last twitch, it collapsed, its body still.

  I turned to see Maya facing off with the other two beasts. Even with her skill, she was at a disadvantage. One of the creatures managed to land a solid blow, its claws raking across her arm. She hissed in pain, but retaliated immediately, slashing at its neck with brutal precision. The beast staggered, blood pouring from the gaping wound, and then collapsed in a heap. Only one remained.

  “Maya!” I shouted, moving toward her, my legs stiff from the fight. “I’ll distract it. You finish it!”

  Without missing a beat, I charged the final creature, spear raised high. Its bloodied fur and the scent of its fallen packmates only made it more dangerous. The beast roared, turning to face me, its jaws snapping with deadly intent. It lunged forward, its claws swiping at the air as I sidestepped, swinging the blunt end of my spear to redirect its focus onto me.

  I caught a glimpse of Maya circling behind it, her eyes locked on the creature’s every move. The moment the beast overextended to strike at me, she darted in, slashing her dagger across its hind leg. The beast howled in agony, giving me the opening I needed. I plunged my spear deep into its chest.

  It let out one final, blood-curdling roar—its voice echoing through the forest—before it collapsed, lifeless, at our feet.

  We both stood panting, the exhaustion of the battle settling in. Maya’s arm was still clutched tightly against her side, blood seeping through her fingers.

  “That... was too close,” she said, her voice strained.

  Leaning on my spear, I grimaced, trying to ignore the pain from my leg. “We survived. That’s what matters.” I nodded toward her arm. “Let’s patch ourselves up before anything else shows up.”

  We dropped to the forest floor, the adrenaline fading quickly. I noticed the blood continuing to seep through Maya’s fingers, and without a word, I moved closer.

  “Let me see,” I said, my voice calm, though I wasn’t entirely comfortable myself.

  “It’s not that bad,” she muttered, but the paleness of her face suggested otherwise.

  “Humor me,” I replied, gently peeling back the torn sleeve of her shirt to reveal the deep gash. “This needs to be cleaned and wrapped.”

  Maya sighed, but nodded, watching as I tore a strip of cloth from my shirt. I poured water from her flask over the wound, the clear liquid turning pink as it washed away the blood. She flinched at the cool touch of the fabric pressing against her skin, but she didn’t pull away.

  “Almost done,” I said, wrapping the cloth tightly around her arm and securing it with a knot. I leaned back and inspected my work. “That should hold for now.”

  Maya flexed her fingers, testing the bandage. “Thanks,” she said quietly, her usual sharpness softened.

  I gave her a small smile, but winced as I shifted my weight. She noticed immediately, her gaze flicking to my leg where the blood had soaked through my pants.

  “Your turn,” she said, already reaching for my calf.

  “You don’t have to—” I started, but she cut me off with a firm gesture.

  “Stop talking and let me help,” she said. She worked quickly, wrapping the wound with another strip from my shirt, tying it off with the same precision I had shown her.

  “There,” she said, sitting back on her heels. “Now we’re even.”

  I tested my leg, flexing it carefully. I winced slightly, but nodded in approval. “Good as new,” I said, flashing her a faint grin.

  Maya gave me a tired smirk. “Don’t push your luck.”

  Still breathing hard, I gave her a reassuring smile. “You’ll be fine. Your health will recover over time—probably a little each hour. Just give it some rest.”

  Maya shot me a doubtful look but nodded in agreement.

  As Maya and I caught our breath, glowing notifications appeared in my vision, startling me.

  [Congratulations! You have gained enough experience to level up.]

  I paused, trying to wrap my head around the sudden wave of progress. The idea of “leveling up” felt strange, but I couldn't ignore the exhilaration bubbling inside me. Another notification blinked into view:

  [You have two free stat points to assign.]

  Out of the corner of my eye, Maya appeared to be focused on what I presumed was her virtual interface. I could see the spark of excitement in her gaze as she mulled over the possibilities. After a brief moment of deliberation, her fingers moved like she was making an instinctual decision.

  “Agility,” she murmured to herself, then tapped the point to assign.

  I watched as she relaxed her posture, and it seemed almost like her body adjusted instantly—her movements, previously swift but a bit calculated, flowed with even more precision. She seemed lighter, almost as if her reflexes had been honed further.

  Then her attention shifted. “Strength,” she muttered again, eyes narrowing as she allocated the second point. A soft smile tugged at her lips as she straightened up, flexing her arms a little. “That should do it.”

  I gave a small nod of approval, impressed by how quickly she made her decisions.

  Meanwhile, I was busy processing my own level-up notification and thinking about the two free stats that I could assign.

  I glanced at my stats, my mind whirring with possibilities. Strength, I thought. The battle had shown me the power behind every blow, and if I could pack more punch, I’d be much more useful in the fights ahead. My strength was lagging behind a bit, so I assigned one point to it. Instantly, my muscles twitched, feeling taut and charged, as though they had just gone through a rigorous workout. It was subtle but definitely there.

  With the second point, I hesitated for a moment, thinking of the rune stone hidden away in my pack. The strange, faint glow it emitted… there had to be more to it than just a physical weapon. Intelligence or wisdom, I thought—those would be the most useful to figure out what that stone could do. So, with a decision made, I allocated my second point to Intelligence. The change wasn't immediate, but I felt something shift—a sharpening of my mind, as if the fog in my thoughts had lifted just a little. I was more aware, more attuned to the world around me.

  Maya glanced at me, her expression curious. “Did you just—?”

  “Yeah,” I said, nodding, still processing the sensation. “I leveled up too.”

  Just then, another message appeared:

  [Hunting Skill increased: Level 2.]

  I grinned, a hint of pride creeping into my voice. “Yeah, definitely getting better.”

  Maya’s smile faded slightly as she looked around. “We need proof,” she said, her eyes meeting mine. “The mayor will want evidence we actually dealt with these creatures.”

  I nodded, pulling my knife from my belt. “The tails should work.” I crouched down beside the nearest beast, its thick, blood-soaked fur glinting in the fading light. I drove my blade into the base of its tail, the thick sinew resisting as I worked. It was slow going—my knife didn’t have the best edge—but after a few tense moments, the tail came free. I grimaced at the gruesome sight, holding it up briefly before moving to the next creature.

  Maya crouched beside one of the others, her blade flashing with precision. Soon, we had a grim pile of severed tails beside us—proof, however gruesome, that we’d completed our hunt.

  “Let’s take a break,” I said, wiping the sweat from my brow. “We’ve earned it.”

  We found a shaded spot near the edge of the clearing, where the grass was soft and the trees offered some relief from the midday heat. Maya unpacked the simple provisions the barkeeper’s wife had prepared for us—bread, cheese, and dried meat. We also pulled out our waterskins, grateful for the chance to hydrate.

  We ate in comfortable silence, each of us lost in our thoughts. The fight had tested us both—our coordination, our endurance, and our resolve. But there was something else, a quiet sense of pride that lingered between us. We were learning to work together, to rely on each other’s strengths.

  When we finished eating, I reached into my knapsack and pulled out the rune stone. I turned it over in my hands, feeling its smooth, carved surface. The runes etched into it glowed faintly, a soft light just barely visible in the daylight. Maya glanced over at me, her curiosity piqued.

  “What’s that?” she asked quietly.

  I hesitated, still unsure of what the stone was, but the pull I felt from it was undeniable. “I found it in a cave the day before I met you. It’s... strange. I don’t know what it does, but I can feel something from it. Like it’s important.”

  I studied the runes closely, running my fingers over the symbols carved into the stone. It called to me in a way I couldn’t explain, a deeper connection that was almost tangible, waiting for me to unlock its secrets.

  Maya watched me for a moment before leaning back against a tree. “Be careful with it,” she warned, her voice carrying a note of caution. “Things like that sometimes come with a price.” She didn’t push further, but the concern in her voice was clear.