The sun dipped low as Sylas reached the edge of the woods. The trees here grew thicker, older. Their bark was blackened in places, and a chill clung to the shadows. He tightened his grip on the small sack of supplies. A lantern, a dull blade, and a half-finished map of Haresh. Nothing fancy but enough to get started.
He wasn't going into the crypt yet. Not tonight. But he needed to know what he was dealing with.
> [Quest Log – Updated]
– Shadow Beneath Haresh
Objective: Investigate the crypt entrance
Reward: Unknown
Sylas took a breath. The forest near the old crypt didn't feel right. It was too quiet, even for this time of day. He pushed forward, moving between roots and branches, every step slower than the last.
A twig snapped behind him.
He spun.
Selene stood there, clutching a candle lantern, her face pale in the fading light.
"You're really going," she said. Not surprised. Just sad.
"I'm not going in. Just scouting," Sylas replied. "I need to understand what we're up against."
"We?" she asked softly.
"You gave me a warning. That makes you part of this, like it or not."
Selene didn't smile. "This isn't a game, Sylas. The crypt... it's wrong. People forget things. My brother—he went there once. He changed."
Sylas frowned. "What do you mean?"
"He came back quiet. Cold. A week later, he walked into the river and never came back out."
Sylas let the silence stretch between them. "I'm sorry."
She nodded, blinking hard. "I still hear whispers near the riverbank sometimes. Like he's calling me."
A breeze rustled the trees. It smelled of wet stone.
They walked together until the forest opened to a shallow hill. At the top stood the crypt—half-swallowed by moss and vines. Its stone door was shut, but cracks ran deep into its surface.
Sylas crouched, running his fingers over the carvings. Faded symbols lined the archway. Most unreadable.
> [System Notification]
New Language Fragment Detected
Progress: 8% Deciphered
He narrowed his eyes. "I think the system's trying to translate it."
Selene stood a few paces back. "Can it tell you what's inside?"
"No. But it's helping. That means there's something to learn."
She looked down at her lantern, then back at him. "Then learn quickly. And leave quickly."
Sylas turned his attention to the side of the crypt. A trail—narrow, nearly hidden—cut into the earth, leading down behind the structure.
> [System Alert]
Optional Path Discovered: Hidden Rear Access (Locked)
Condition: Key Required
"Locked," Sylas muttered. He pulled out his map and marked the trail.
Selene stepped beside him, whispering, "That path… I didn't know it was there."
"I think the system helps me see what others can't."
They stood in silence. The wind picked up, making the trees sway like breathing giants. Sylas felt it again—that pressure in his chest. Like something watching.
> [Warning – Passive Threat Detected]
Caution: Prolonged exposure to this location may cause mental fatigue
"Let's go," he said quickly. "We've seen enough."
They turned and hurried down the hill. Once they hit the tree line, the pressure faded. Selene let out a shaky breath.
"You alright?" Sylas asked.
She nodded. "I shouldn't have come."
"I'm glad you did. You kept me from doing something stupid."
Back at the clearing, the last orange light of day filtered through the trees. Sylas sat on a log and pulled out his quest log.
> [Quest Log – Shadow Beneath Haresh]
Current Objective: Find a way into the crypt
New Clue: Hidden Rear Access (Key Required)
System Note: Seek local records or abandoned buildings in Haresh
He closed the log and looked at Selene.
"Ever hear of a key? Something old, maybe passed around town?"
Selene shook her head. "No. But Old Tanner, the man who lives near the south well—he used to be a caretaker for the shrine. He might know something."
"Then I'll talk to him tomorrow."
Selene looked uneasy. "Be careful. People don't talk about the crypt for a reason."
Sylas gave her a tired smile. "You keep saying that, but here you are."
She didn't answer. Instead, she handed him a small cloth pouch. "Take this. Bellroot. It helps when... when things get too loud in your head."
He took it, surprised. "Thanks."
Selene turned to leave. "Don't wait too long, Sylas. The longer that place stays quiet, the louder it becomes."
He watched her disappear into the trees again, her lantern swaying like a star in the dark.
Left alone, Sylas stared up at the patch of night sky between the branches. One quest at a time, he told himself. But deep down, he knew this wasn't a normal task. Something was wrong in Haresh.
Something buried.
And it was starting to wake up.
> [Quest Updated – Shadow Beneath Haresh]
Next Objective: Speak to Old Tanner
Secondary Objective: Prepare for mental resistance (Optional)
System Tip: Emotional resilience affects quest outcomes
Sylas stood, tucked the pouch into his coat, and made his way back through the darkening woods.
He wasn't afraid.
But he was no longer sure what exactly he was walking toward.