The midday sun shone through the tall arched windows of Lord Halric's office, casting clear, warm light across the floor.
Seated around the long table were the city's key military figures.
Lord Halric. His royal blue tunic was crisp with silver embroidery across the tunic. He held himself with the unwavering composure of nobility born to rule.
To his left, General Vahn Dros, the city's military commander, stood in his ceremonial armor. His expression was sharp, but unreadable.
Grey, leader of the Black Star Clan. His long dark coat and the black star stitched on his back.
Serina Vale, Leader of the Crimson Wing Clan sat with a fiery presence. A blade rested on her waist, and her orange-gold eyes glinted with sharp curiosity.
Derek Holloway, the leader of the Stone fang Clan, Short and heavily built, His thick beard was braided at the chin, and his calm brown eyes spoke of patience.
Shin, Vel's right hand, stood by the wall, arms behind his back. Dressed in his usual form-fitting black and silver uniform.
Vel, the Guild Master of Algora. An elf with dark green hair and sharp blue eyes that always looked half-distracted, half-amused. He wore his usual Dark cloak with silver trim.
Lord Halric broke the silence, his voice composed yet firm. "Thank you all for coming. Vel—begin."
Vel stood, placing a folder on the polished oak table with a soft thud. His expression was sharp, voice steady. "This is the official report from the Silver Star party, an A-rank unit under the Black Star Clan."
"They have reported two serious problems in the report about the Forest."
"First—an A-rank elemental serpent. Fire-based. its appearance was unnatural."
General Vahn leaned forward slightly. "How so?"
Vel nodded. "There were no signs of migration, No traces of where it came from. It was as if it simply materialized in the middle of the forest."
Grey, Clan Master of Black Star, narrowed his eyes. "That area only ever had basic monsters—goblins, some orcs. Not elementals. That shouldn't even be in that zone."
Vel glanced toward him. "Exactly. Its presence doesn't match any known patterns. The party neutralized it."
"Second incident in the report is—far more concerning."
He let the room settle before continuing.
"Later that night, while camping near the site, Silver Star encountered something else. A humanoid creature… but not human. Not even close."
His tone shifted, more grim. "It was tall—almost twice the height of a man. Its limbs were bulging, deformed… clumped together like melting flesh. Its head was twisted unnaturally, and its movements were erratic—like a puppet with its strings tangled."
Derek, Clan Leader of Stonefang, frowned. "And?"
Vel gave a slow nod. "The moment it sensed them, it disappeared—instantly. They said it felt aware of them before they even moved."
Serina, leader of the Crimson Wing Clan, crossed her arms. "That is abnormal. "
Vel looked at her. "The creature matches the description given by the sole survivor of the C-rank party we lost—Tessa. But there's one difference. When she saw it, it was human-sized. The one Silver Star saw had already grown twice the size of its original. Mutated."
Grey exhaled through his nose. "That fast? In just a few days?"
Vel nodded. "That's what has me worried."
He closed the folder. "Which is why I'm recommending an immediate lockdown of the West Forest. No civilians. No travelers. Until we understand what we're dealing with."
Lord Halric turned to General Vahn, his tone sharp. "Mobilize patrols around the West Gate. Deploy knights for full coverage. I want constant surveillance. Anything unusual—report to me immediately."
Vel interjected, voice calm but pointed. "City soldiers and adventurers can handle that. No need to send your knights unless this escalates."
Halric shook his head. "This city is my responsibility, Guild Master. You do your duty. I'll do mine."
Serina spoke next, her expression mildly strained. "Most of Crimson Wing is away on a dungeon raid. We're stretched thin, but I'll do what I can."
Derek added smoothly, "Stonefang will scout the villages and watch the western trade roads."
Grey leaned forward, arms folded. "Black Star will deploy there team into the forest. If there are more of these things, we'll find them."
Vel glanced at Shin, who gave a quiet, reassuring nod.
"We've already contacted Marina and Eldoria Guild branches," Shin said. "If similar cases pop up, we'll know."
Lord Halric looked around the room, eyes cold and resolute. "Whatever this is—Creature, or something worse—it dies before it reaches my people."
Moonlight Tavern- Night.
The tavern was lively, lit by soft lantern light and filled with the hum of clinking mugs, laughter. The Silver Star Party had claimed a large round table near the back, a modest feast spread before them. Plates of grilled meat, fresh bread and jugs of ale.
Rein, leaned back with a smirk as he raised his mug. "Moments like this make all the danger worth it. I'd fight ten more serpents just for another night like this."
Sylvyi gave a small nod. she still wore part of her battle gear, though her shoulders had finally relaxed. "Don't get too drunk, Rein."
Lysa laughed into her drink.
Elin leaned over to clink mugs with Lysa. "We deserve a little chaos tonight. I've already set aside coins for gear repairs, so drink while it's still warm!"
Faren, sitting slightly off to the side, sipped more slowly, gaze distant.
Rein noticed and tilted his mug in Faren's direction. "Something on your mind?"
Faren hesitated, then spoke quietly, "It's just… the forest. That monster. It didn't feel like something that belonged there. And now they've closed off the west gate. It's bothering me."
The laughter quieted just a bit. For a moment, the table reflected on what they had seen. Sylvyi gently placed her hand on the table. "We're not the only ones who saw it. The Guild Master is handling it. We did our part."
Faren "We might have to go again to investigate or eliminate that monster"
Elin added with a grin, trying to lighten the mood, "So, let's think about that later, and enjoy now.."
Faren sighed, but a smile crept onto his face. "Fine."
Rein nodded in agreement, raising his mug high.
"To Silver Star!"
The party laughed, mugs clinked, and the night faded into good food, warm drink, and relief.