[ Eva's POV ]
Tap... Tap...
Following the Azure thread floating just above the ground, I couldn't help but sigh, feeling my sore feet protesting against each step.
I had already walked for a day non-stop, walking through sprawling forests and endless fields.
Although I hadn't met any monsters along the way, this was only adding to my growing sense of unease.
There was no way I wouldn't encounter some sort of danger soon.
Currently, the night sky was painted a beautiful tapestry of twinkling stars, casting a soft glow over the landscape.
However, even though it was beautiful, the view was getting darker by the minute, making it harder to see where I was going.
I'd rather fight any creatures that come my way during the day than stumble blindly through the unknown at night.
I was also very tired and spent since I'd been walking without rest, my muscles aching and my eyelids heavy.
Even if I were attacked...
Would I be able to defend myself?
Grrr...
Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the darkness, causing a shiver to run down my spine.
Instantly, I pulled out my weapon and gripped it tightly in my hands, feeling its cold hilt pressing against my palms.
In panic, I glanced around the area, trying to make out any signs of the source of the growl.
The moonlight was not generous, revealing nothing but towering trees and a thick blanket of shadows.
I couldn't see anything beyond a dozen feet in front of me, which only heightened my fear.
Click...
Suddenly, a distinct click echoed through my mind and a System Hologram appeared before me.
≈≈≈ System Window ≈≈≈
NEW QUEST!
[ Defeat Night Dwellers ]
-- Kill 10 Night Dwellers
Reward: [ +5 Attribute Points ]
≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
Glancing through the Azure Window, I instantly felt my heart rate quickening and my hands go cold.
10 Night Dwellers were lurking in the darkness, waiting to strike!
How was I going to defeat them all?
Huff...
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart and calm my nerves.
"..."
Holding my sword in a firm grip, I carefully stepped forward into the abyss of darkness, my eyes darting back and forth, scanning for any sign of movement.
Although I couldn't see anything beyond the reach of the limited moonlight, I could still hear the rustling of leaves and the soft hooting of nocturnal creatures.
Crack...
Suddenly, the sound of a branch snapping echoed through the forest, sending a jolt of adrenaline through my body.
I didn't even hesitate to swing my sword in the direction of the sound, hoping to scare off the attacker.
However...
Pluck... Kliek...
My sword made contact with something solid, and a loud screech filled the air.
Startled, I quickly glanced at my sword only to see the black liquid staining its blade.
Grrr...
Lifting my eyes, I noticed a pair of glowing yellow eyes peering at me through the darkness.
Slowly, more and more of the glowing eyes became visible, surrounding me in a circle of menacing predators.
Tap...
One of the creatures suddenly took a step forward, revealing its menacing figure under the faint light.
It stood on four legs, its body covered in sleek, midnight-black fur. The creature's eyes were its most striking feature-glowing like fiery orbs, filled with an eerie intelligence.
Grrr...
The creature growled again, and I could see its sharp, pointed teeth glinting in the dim light. It was a Night Dweller, just as the System had warned me. But facing one was daunting enough; dealing with ten seemed like an insurmountable task.
The Night Dweller's companions continued to encircle me, their eyes locked onto mine. I swallowed hard, trying to appear confident despite my racing thoughts. I couldn't let fear paralyze me.
I had to act.
With trembling hands, I tightened my grip on the sword. The black liquid on its blade was a stark reminder of the perilous situation I was in. I needed to defend myself, but I also knew that striking blindly could be fatal.
'Here goes nothing...'
Mustering all of my courage, I quickly brushed my long hair out of my face and took a deep breath.
I steadied myself, my eyes darting back and forth as I assessed the situation.
Five Night Dwellers were standing before me, while another four were lurking behind me, waiting for a chance to strike.
The Dweller I've managed to injure with my sword was crouching low, still eyeing me with its piercing gaze.
Swish...
Planting my foot firmly on the ground, I darted toward the Five monsters in front of me, swinging my sword with all my might.
While Night Dwellers were weak in daylight, they were formidable adversaries at night.
Even my deceased mother told me stories about these creatures, who can't defeat bugs in the daylight but can easily overpower strong humans when the sun sets.
It was time to check this myth!