Chapter 33 – The Five Forest Lords
The mist of the forest still clung thick when Faelthorn roared again. This time, it was no mere threat—he charged. The massive body lunged forward, claws raking the earth, toppling ancient trees as though they were saplings.
"His pack!" one elder shouted in horror.
From the shadows of the jungle came predators—red-eyed wolves, panthers as large as horses, and massive raptors with talons sharp as spears. All surged forth, answering the tiger lord's call.
Panic erupted among the Dark Elves. Mothers clutched their children, shrieks filling the air.
---
Valdyn raised his bow, emerald light blazing.
"Stay together! Protect the young!"
Three glowing arrows shot forth in quick succession.
"Triple Volley!"
Explosions of fire and wind tore through the wolves ahead, carving open a narrow passage in the fog.
At his side, Nymeris slammed her staff down, shadows rippling outward like a tide.
"Shadow Veil!"
Chains of darkness lashed upward, entangling panthers and dragging them into writhing black mist.
"Go! Move now!" Valdyn commanded, holding the line with her.
Side by side, they carved a path—bow and shadow, fire and night.
---
But not all escaped.
A great raptor swooped down, its iron talons piercing the chest of a Dark Elf youth. His scream died instantly.
Two older guardians fell beneath Faelthorn's claws, bodies crushed beyond recognition.
The forest echoed with cries of grief, the metallic tang of blood thick in the air. Valdyn's teeth clenched, rage burning behind his emerald eyes. Every death was a wound carved into his heart.
---
At last, after a desperate sprint, the column broke free from Faelthorn's hunting ground. The roars of the tiger lord still shook the air, but the pack no longer pursued.
The survivors collapsed in exhaustion, some sobbing, others simply staring blankly into the trees.
The white-bearded elder bowed his head.
"We lost too many… but most of us live. For that, we give thanks."
Nymeris stood beside Valdyn, her face pale but her eyes sharp.
"That was no mere beast. That was the forest itself given form."
---
Another elder approached Valdyn, voice heavy with dread.
"You must know, Valdyn Thalorian. Faelthorn is not alone. There are five Forest Lords, each born of ancient primal power, each ruling their domain."
His words wove a tapestry of fear and legend:
West – Nagaera, the Black Serpent. A serpent hundreds of meters long, scales gleaming obsidian, its breath pure venom that blackens forests overnight.
East – Faelthorn, the Great Tiger. His claws rend even the strongest wards, his roar bends beasts to his will.
North – Borealis, the Griffin. A silver-winged lion-eagle, every wingbeat bringing storms of ice that freeze entire valleys.
South – Drakar, the Cerberus. A three-headed wolf, each maw breathing fire, poison, or frost. His howl commands armies of beasts.
Center – Eryndor, the Ancient Dragon. The eldest, older even than the burnt World Tree itself. He is not merely a beast—he is will made flesh.
Silence fell as the forest seemed to listen.
---
Valdyn lifted his gaze skyward, dirt and sweat streaking his face, but his eyes shone with defiance.
"If this is the law of the forest, then I will break it. One day, I will bring them all down. Not one of these so-called Lords will stop the rebirth of the Elves."
Nymeris gave a faint, dangerous smile.
"Big words, Valdyn Thalorian. May the ancestors truly stand with you."
---
System's Voice
[Hidden Quest Complete: Survive the Beast's Domain]
Reward Claimed:
+20 Endurance
+1 Passive Skill Fragment
Passive Skill Fragment fused → Nature Magic (A → A+).
---
Status Update: Valdyn Thalorian
Age: 17 (1,395)
Occupation: Arcane Archer
Attack: 140
Vitality: 260
Magic: 325
Intelligence: 230
Endurance: 155 (+20)
Magic Resistance: 140
Passive Skills:
Reproduction (S)
Nature Magic (A+) ↑
Forest Affinity (B)
Keen Sight (B)
Shadow Affinity (C)
Darkvision (B)
Mana Reservoir (B)
Beast's Intuition (C)
Active Skills:
Windpiercing Arrow
Flameburst Shot
Stonebind
Triple Volley
Phantom Arrow (C)
---
That night, the caravan camped on the edge of the western woods. Fires flickered against weary faces, grief still raw in their eyes.
Valdyn sat alone, bow in hand. Faelthorn's roar still echoed faintly, a promise of unfinished war.
He clenched his grip, whispering under his breath:
"Neither man nor beast will keep us prey. The Elves will rise again."
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