章 14: 14 - Shadowclash: Unveiling the Lurking Threat

The sun's rays awakened Jon and Gwen every morning, signaling the start of another day of training and hunting. The path they chose to the goblin dungeon was filled with twists and turns, as if they were exploring an endless labyrinth. With the youthful confidence that characterized them, the pair allowed themselves to lower their guard, thinking that everything was under control. And while they were distracted, Ren continued to lurk, observing their every move. On the sixth day, the frenzy in the caravan was palpable; everyone was getting ready to leave Riverwood the next day.

Ren's desperation grew under the pressure of time. Each time he disappeared, it became harder to approach Melisa; no matter what excuse he offered, he received the same cold and distant reaction. It had reached the point where she wouldn't even allow him entry into her tent. But for Ren, that was the least of his worries. He dreamed of more than the nomadic life of a caravan. He pictured himself in a great city, people looking at him with respect and admiration. However, Melisa always had the same argument: the caravan was the fastest route to profit.

When Ren observed Jon and Gwen selling the goblin corpses for the first time, he accepted their explanations, even though a hint of doubt arose in his mind. Driven by this unease, he decided to explore Riverwood on his own. He used all of his heightened Beastkin senses, yet found no trace of goblins. He concluded that they must be coming from somewhere else, probably from a nearby dungeon. And it was this discovery that ignited a spark in Ren. He knew the value of goblin blood; it was the perfect ingredient for low-ranking potions, highly sought after by adventurers.

In that dark dungeon, filled with narrow corridors and hidden chambers, Jon and Gwen felt confident. The goblins were no longer a significant challenge for the pair. However, what they didn't expect was that the greatest threat came from someone who had, until then, been in the shadows.

Jon stopped abruptly, his heightened senses detecting a subtle movement in the shadows. He whispered, "Someone's here." Gwen looked frightened, gripping her bow tightly.

"Who's there?" Jon shouted, attempting to disguise the tremor in his voice.

Slowly, Ren's silhouette emerged from the shadows, illuminated by the faint torchlight. His gaze was calculating, yet a subtle smile formed on his face.

"You have a good instinct, kid," Ren commented, examining the two. "I'm impressed. Not everyone can discover this dungeon."

Gwen positioned herself next to Jon, eyeing Ren cautiously. "What do you want?"

Jon swallowed hard, trying to keep his composure. "If it's a fight you're looking for, keep in mind that there are two of us."

Ren laughed, a brief, dry chuckle. "Against me? Believe me, it would be easier than you imagine."

Despite the evident fear in Jon's eyes, he stood his ground. "Don't underestimate!"

"Ah, the bravery of youth," Ren murmured, taking a step forward. "But I'm sorry. I cannot allow the secret of this dungeon to be revealed. Both of you need to be eliminated."

Jon also took a step forward in front of Gwen and gave her a tactical signal, indicating for her to prepare for something. He took a deep breath and, as he stared intently at Ren, began to speak.

"If you kill us, the secret of the entrance matrix will be lost," Jon said, attempting to sound resolute, though fear was evident in his voice.

'He definitely doesn't know that. Maybe this will buy some time,' Jon thought, hopefully.

Ren frowned, his eyes narrowing as he evaluated the truth in Jon's words.

'He has a point. I can't risk losing this secret,' Ren thought, a hint of doubt passing through his eyes.

But, as quickly as it came, the doubt vanished and Ren scoffed, "Who said I need to kill both of you? I could simply kill the girl and torture him until he tells me everything he knows."

Jon's eyes widened in horror, but he quickly masked his expression with a defiant grimace. "And who guarantees that the other won't take their own life afterward, taking the secret with them? You'd be risking everything," Jon countered, trying to gain some ground.

Ren hesitated, clearly unsettled by this new perspective. The atmosphere in the dungeon grew even tenser, with Jon and Ren at a mental standoff, each trying to anticipate the other's next move.

Ren stood still, looking intensely at Jon, while a whirlwind of thoughts swirled in his mind. 'I've already risked too much following these kids. And now, being challenged by a mere brat? This is unacceptable,' he pondered.

Then, with a mocking smile, he taunted, "If both of you die, at least I have the location. It might take me longer to figure out how to access this dungeon without you, but with you out of my way, I have all the time in the world."

Jon swallowed hard, trying to maintain his composure and focus. 'He's right about the location, but maybe I can still...'

However, before he could continue his thoughts, Jon heard a soft sob and turned to see Gwen, tears streaming down her face, fear etched in her blue eyes. She trembled, desperately trying to hold back her tears. Despite her attempts at bravery, the pressure was too much for the young girl.

'I can't let him hurt her. I promised to protect her,' Jon thought, determination filling his eyes.

Gwen, on her part, was entirely consumed by her own terrifying thoughts. 'I can't lose Jon,' she thought as her breathing quickened, the image of Jon getting hurt or worse hovering in her mind.

Ren noticed Gwen's vulnerability and, seeing an opportunity, decided to act. "Seems the little girl isn't as strong as she thought," he taunted, before advancing toward her.

Ren's action made it feel like all the air in the room was being sucked out, as Jon prepared to protect Gwen at any cost. . .