Morning in Eldoria never arrived slowly. The sun broke through the treetops, painting the forest in golden and shadowed hues as the mist faded like a subtle veil. But for Lucas, waking up was marked by a cold that had nothing to do with temperature—a restlessness that tightened his chest and made him eye every shadow with suspicion.
The group was still recovering from the battle against the Rift creatures. The physical wounds had begun to heal, but the sense that something greater was behind it all grew stronger each day.
Kaela, the Shadow Huntress—once distant and skeptical—was now a constant presence among them. During the night, she had remained alert, her golden eyes scanning the forest for any sign of danger. But that morning, her gaze carried a different shadow—like she was hiding secrets she dared not share.
"Something's wrong," Kaela said, breaking the silence as she sharpened her spear. "The Black Order isn't the only threat. There's a bigger conspiracy moving in the shadows, and we're caught in the middle of it."
Lyra frowned, holding an herb she was about to use to prepare a bandage.
"You mean someone within the group?" she asked, glancing at Lucas and Selene.
Kaela shook her head, her eyes gleaming with cold determination.
"No. I don't know if it's someone we know. But information is leaking, and the Black Order always seems one step ahead. That can't be a coincidence."
Lucas felt a weight settle on his shoulders. The sense of security that had started to form with his allies now felt fragile, like glass on the verge of shattering.
"We have to move fast," Selene added, sharpening her daggers with precise movements. "If the Black Order is planning something, we can't wait for them to strike first."
Iris, silent as always, adjusted the black cloak over her shoulders and spoke for the first time that day.
"There's a nearby village called Darnis. I've received information that it might be their next target. If we're prepared, we can intercept them."
Lucas activated the system, searching for maps and information.
"Darnis is two days away through the western trail," the interface informed.Secondary Quest Unlocked: Protect the Village of Darnis from the Black Order.
The responsibility was heavy, but Lucas knew he couldn't back down.
"Let's go," he said, rising with determination. "The sooner we get there, the better."
The journey to Darnis was tense. The group moved in silence, alert for any sign of ambush. The trees felt denser, and the wind carried whispers Lucas couldn't decipher.
On the third night of travel, while setting up camp, Lucas once again sensed the presence of the Shadow Whispers. Something—or someone—was watching them.
"Who's there?" he called out, his voice firm, as the system alerted him to a stealthy presence about twenty meters away.
No response came, but the fire seemed to cast shadows that moved unnaturally.
"They're coming," Kaela murmured, readying her blades. "Get ready."
Suddenly, a group of hooded figures emerged from the shadows, attacking with brutal speed. Lucas immediately activated Combat Mode: Shadow Heritage, feeling the power of the black claws surge into his hands.
The fight was intense, with quick and precise strikes on both sides. Selene and Iris guarded the flanks, while Lyra fired glowing magic arrows, taking down enemies with lethal accuracy.
In the middle of the clash, Lucas felt a sharp pain in his shoulder—a dagger had pierced his light armor, drawing blood.
"This can't be!" Selene shouted, launching herself at the attacker trying to flee.
But when she captured the figure, something deeply shocked Lucas: it was someone he knew—a man who once claimed neutrality, now masked by betrayal.
"You..." Lucas began, stunned.
"I'm sorry, Lucas," the man's voice was cold and bitter. "But I can't let you interfere with our plans."
The shock of betrayal left the group vulnerable, and more enemies took advantage to press the attack.
After the skirmish, with the attackers dispersed, the group gathered in silence, the weight of betrayal hanging in the air.
Kaela broke it first.
"The Black Order has eyes everywhere. We can't trust anyone—not even appearances."
Lyra held Lucas's hand, offering silent support.
"We need to be stronger," she said. "Not just in combat—but in trust and unity."
Lucas took a deep breath, feeling the chill of suspicion but also the strength drawn from his companions.
"We'll protect Darnis," he said with conviction. "No matter what it takes."
As night fell over the forest, the group lit the campfire, knowing the true test still lay ahead.In the silence of the trees, invisible eyes watched, whispering promises of chaos and destruction.
The veil of betrayal had been lifted, and Lucas's path grew darker with each step.