Phoenix
The final evaluation was coming soon and she wanted everything to be ready. The level of the forest's beasts were adjusted for a more player friendly experience. The log out system was in working order. She had even mastered connecting with the game's artificial intelligence on the concussion level. All that was left was to gather the last material she needed to craft gear that would be uniquely hers. Something that would cloak her from unwanted attention. A savage stalker's pelt. For that, Phoenix would need to hunt one of the most elusive and powerful wild animals in the forest. Not only that, another ominous quest had popped up.
[Prove Yourself]
[Defeat the Strongest Predator]
Phoenix trained hard for five weeks, growing to level 100. Drax and Lira had also made it to level 91 and level 89 respectively. Even Opal leveled up to level 90. However, she knew all too well that if she didn't prepare for the upcoming challenge it could end in disaster.
She set to work at the craft table. First, going through her inventory to select the best leathers and herbs to create high tier first aid bandages. Second she meticulously processed and crafted each one. Then lastly she stored them back in her inventory to preserve them for later use.
She was so focused on her task that she jumped when Drax touched her shoulder. She took a minute to calm her racing heart. Looking straight up at him from her seated position made him seem as if his face was upside down above her. "Hey, what's up?"
"I was going to ask you the same thing." Drax's eyes hardened. She could smell his apprehension. See the stiff set of his jaw. Ever since she was taken to the infirmary, he had become overwhelmingly protective. "Why are you making enough healing items to heal a whole army?"
Phoenix fought back the frustration burning in her blood, schooling herself to present a mask of calm. "Drax, I recently received a quest and I also need some rather elusive materials from the same location."
"Chelsea and I can help. What is it you need?" He stood tall, proud, and ready to defend. He had proven to be an excellent knight, but Phoenix needed more than just a devoted knight. She needed him to be pack.
Phoenix stood up, spinning to face him. Now she was nose to nose with him. Too close. Her eyes tried to close, but she kept them locked on his with sheer willpower. "We need to work together as one. All of us. You, Chelsea, Opal and I with any beast that answers my call."
They stared each other down in a silent battle of wills, their breath mingling between them. Something in his scent changed, luring her in. She sharpened her focus, not daring to cross that line. There was too much at stake to let the magnetic pull between them ruin that.
His breathing turned into shallow pants during the silent exchange. A bead of sweat formed at his brow. Finally, he dropped his gaze in bitter defeat. "You're right. There's just so much risk involved. I don't know what to do if something happens to you again."
Phoenix tapped her forehead to Drax's, recapturing his gaze. The hum of electricity from the affectionate gesture reverberated through her chest in a soft purr-like growl. "It's frightening, but I know better than anyone that we need to keep moving forward. Besides, you know if we get in another tight spot we can handle it."
Drax let out a quiet chuckle. His arms wrapped around her in a tender embrace. "Here I thought I was supposed to guide you. By the way, are you sure you're a wolf shifter?"
A tiny fang peeked from her upper lip with the delivery of her lopsided grin. "That's yet to be determined." She pushed him gently away, immediately missing his warmth. "We don't have much time left and I want to be at my best. We better get going."