Chapitre 12: First Night
Thud...
The Goblin's body crumbled to the ground, lifeless and defeated. Blood pooled around its twisted form, staining the ground and grass with a dark crimson hue.
"..."
Looking at the corpse before me, I dropped the weapon I had used to dispatch the goblin and took a moment to catch my breath.
Although I had won this battle without sustaining any serious injuries, the creature had put up a formidable fight, wasting a lot of my energy.
I was too exhausted to do anything but look at the wreckage around me.
Swish...
The sound of wind rustling through the trees caught my attention, bringing me back to reality.
"..."
Glancing at the horizon, I could see the setting sun painting the sky with hues of orange and pink.
The night was coming...
Huff...
I heaved a heavy sigh, forcing my tired body to move and stood up. I needed to find a safe place to rest and recuperate before darkness fell completely.
Many monsters would emerge from the shadows once nightfall arrived, and I had no desire or power to face them.
I scanned the area, my eyes darting from one possible shelter to another. The dense forest surrounding me offered several options, each with its own risks and advantages. With a weary heart, I chose a direction and began my search for a suitable refuge.
My steps were cautious, my muscles still tense from the recent battle. Every movement felt heavy as if carrying the weight of the slain goblin on my shoulders. The sun's dying rays filtered through the trees, casting long shadows that danced around me, reminding me of the encroaching darkness.
Tap... Tap...
I moved deeper into the forest, following a narrow trail that wound its way through the undergrowth. The scent of damp earth and decaying leaves filled the air, mingling with the metallic tang of blood that clung to my senses. The forest seemed to hold its breath, as if aware of the dangers lurking in the night.
As I ventured deeper, the trees grew thicker and taller, their branches intertwining above me, creating a natural canopy. The foliage offered a semblance of protection, shielding me from prying eyes and the nocturnal predators that roamed the wilderness. I kept my ears alert, listening for any signs of movement or danger.
After what felt like an eternity, a small clearing emerged before me. It was a humble sanctuary amidst the darkness, bathed in a soft glow as the last rays of sunlight filtered through the treetops. The clearing was adorned with moss-covered rocks and patches of soft grass, providing a momentary respite from the unforgiving wilderness.
"This could do..."
I cautiously approached a large, ancient tree at the edge of the clearing. Its gnarled branches reached towards the heavens as if seeking solace in the night sky. The tree's thick trunk offered a sturdy foundation, a potential shelter against the looming darkness.
I assessed its branches, searching for a suitable nook where I could find rest and recuperate before darkness fell completely.
I spotted a cluster of branches, intertwined and forming a small alcove within the tree's embrace.
This alcove seemed to offer a promising refuge, providing both physical protection and a vantage point to survey the surroundings.
Huff...
Summoning the last reserves of my strength, I gripped the rough bark of the ancient tree and began my ascent. One hand over the other, I pulled myself upward, feeling the fatigue in my muscles protest with each movement. The tree's branches swayed gently beneath my weight, whispering secrets of the forest as I climbed higher.
Step by step, I navigated the gnarled limbs, the sound of my weary breath accompanying each labored movement. Beads of sweat dotted my brow, mingling with the grime of battle, as the wind whispered through the leaves, offering a cool reprieve from the day's heat.
At last, I reached the desired alcove, nestled within the protective embrace of the tree's branches. It was a small nook, just enough space to accommodate my tired body. Carefully, I settled into the alcove, feeling the tree's sturdy trunk against my back, offering a reassuring presence in the growing darkness.
"..."
From this elevated position, I had a commanding view of the clearing below, a patch of tranquility amidst the encroaching night. The fading rays of the setting sun cast a warm glow, painting the landscape with muted hues. Shadows danced like ethereal specters, a reminder of the imminent perils that lurked in the nocturnal embrace.
Huff...
With a weary sigh, I allowed my tired limbs to relax against the tree's supportive branches. The roughness of the bark pressed against my back was a tactile reminder of the rugged world in which I found myself. Closing my eyes, I sought solace in the temporary sanctuary, as weariness and battle-worn thoughts intertwined.
As the night deepened, the forest came alive with its nocturnal chorus. The rustling of leaves and distant calls of creatures formed a lullaby, carrying me into a restless slumber.
However...
Roar...
A deep, guttural roar pierced the tranquility of the night, jolting me awake from my uneasy sleep. My eyes snapped open, instantly alert as adrenaline surged through my veins.
'What is happening...'
I peered into the darkness, straining my eyes to discern any movement or form amidst the dense foliage. The moon, veiled by wisps of clouds, cast an eerie glow over the forest, illuminating twisted branches and gnarled tree trunks. It revealed glimpses of a realm inhabited by creatures unseen in the light of day.
Swish...
Whispers of leaves brushing against each other carried on the wind, creating an eerie symphony that sent shivers down my spine. The forest seemed to breathe, alive with unseen forces that defied explanation. The rustling intensified, and I could sense the approach of something lurking just beyond my sight.
Snap...
A sharp crack echoed through the night, followed by the unmistakable sound of heavy footfalls. The forest floor trembled beneath the weight of a creature, its presence sending ripples of fear coursing through my veins.
Silhouette moved with predatory grace, darting between trees and disappearing into the darkness. The creature was swift and elusive, its forms blending seamlessly with the night. Its eyes gleamed like coals, burning with an insatiable hunger that sent a chill down my spine.
The forest became a theater of whispers as if the night itself conspired to conceal the true nature of these nocturnal inhabitants.
"Why is there a Wendigo?!"
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone