Pallas POV
The forest air was crisp and alive with the smell of pine and damp earth. I was in mid-flight, transformed into my dragon form, wings slicing through the cold wind as my keen eyes scanned the treeline below. The magical communication tower had pinged a distress signal—Thorne, in trouble.
[SYSTEM — TEMPEST ALERT]
Incoming Distress Signal: Thorne (Warrior Class) | Location: Northern Dungeon Outskirts | Threat Level: High | Recommended Support: Immediate Deployment
I felt a rush of urgency. Thorne was skilled, no doubt, but four cloakmen ambushing him was serious. I shifted back to my human-dragon hybrid form for better maneuverability, my claws retracting and wings folding neatly behind me.
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Pallas POV — Tracking the Target
Following the system's GPS coordinates, I narrowed in on Thorne's location. The trees thinned near the dungeon entrance, and I could see faint traces of blood and disrupted underbrush. The system overlaid his projected movements in glowing red lines, showing where he had fought, where he might be hiding, and the positions of any remaining threats.
[SYSTEM — NOR ALERT]
Predicted Enemy Positions: 1 remaining cloakman | Threat Assessment: Medium | Suggested Approach: Stealth + Precision Strike
I adjusted my course, approaching silently, landing lightly behind a large boulder. From here, I could see him—Thorne, crouched, blade at the ready, eyes scanning for the final attacker.
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Pallas POV — Assessing the Situation
I observed the surviving cloakman. His movements were hesitant; he had underestimated Thorne's skill. I also noticed that Thorne's stamina was beginning to wane after continuous combat.
[SYSTEM — SUPREME ALERT]
Thorne Health: 75% | Stamina: 65% | Immediate Support Recommended
I clenched my fists. Time to act. My speed and aerial advantage gave me the element of surprise. I could strike with precision and neutralize the threat before it even noticed me.
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Pallas POV — Attack
I leaped from behind the boulder, landing silently on the cloakman's flank. "Now," I muttered, and struck. My blade moved faster than the eye could follow, cutting through the fabric of the man's cloak and leaving a shallow but immobilizing wound. He fell forward, disoriented.
Thorne turned, eyes meeting mine. Relief flashed across his face, though he didn't lower his weapon. "Pallas," he said, voice steady despite exhaustion. "Just in time."
I offered a small nod. "You'd do the same for me."
[SYSTEM — TEMPEST ALERT]
Threat Neutralized: Cloakman incapacitated | Experience Points Awarded: 450 XP | Gold Reward: 30
The system confirmed the neutralization, and I felt the familiar satisfaction of a mission completed efficiently.
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Pallas POV — Securing the Area
I helped Thorne stand, brushing dirt and sweat from his armor. "You took quite a beating," I said, glancing at the minor cuts along his arms and shoulders.
He smirked faintly, trying to mask the fatigue. "Nothing I can't handle. But thanks for the backup."
The forest remained quiet, the threat removed. The system pinged again, updating our statuses.
[SYSTEM — NOR ALERT]
Thorne Health: 80% | Stamina: 70% | Pallas Health: 95% | Stamina: 90% | Area Secure: Yes
I allowed myself a brief moment to stretch, wings folding once more as we prepared to return to the guild or the nearest medical station.
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Pallas POV — Reflection
As we moved through the forest, I couldn't help but think about the delicate balance of adventuring life. The system made coordination efficient, gave us real-time information, and ensured no one wandered too far into danger alone. But even with all the alerts, nothing could replace instinct, skill, and trust in your companions.
Thorne had survived because of his training, his reflexes, and the system's support—but also because I was there. Teamwork, trust, and speed were as crucial as any magical notification.
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Pallas POV — Return
By the time we returned to REF, dusk had settled over the city. I transformed back into my human form, feeling the familiar strain of exertion, but also the satisfaction of a mission completed without casualty.
The system notified me of Thorne's recovery needs:
[SYSTEM — SUPREME ALERT]
Recommended Healing Protocol: Minor wounds treated by Lyra or potion | Stamina Recovery: 2 hours recommended | Next Mission Readiness: 75%
I relayed this to Thorne, who nodded gratefully, already limping slightly toward the guild hall.
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Closing Thought — Pallas POV
As I watched him disappear down the path, I thought about the importance of vigilance and the interdependence of REF's adventurers. Each mission, each rescue, each threat faced was a reminder: we were stronger together.
And with the systems guiding us—NOR, SUPREME, TEMPEST, AKENE—we could anticipate, coordinate, and respond to threats faster than ever before.
But no system could replace courage, loyalty, or skill.
I spread my wings slightly, breathing in the evening air, ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. The forest was quiet now, but I knew it would never stay that way for long. REF needed us—Thorne, Lyra, Kael, Brown, and every adventurer—ready for the battles yet to come.