The wind howled across the Grimfang Wastes, tossing ash and loose stones into the air.
Eclipse Collectors approached cautiously, their steps crunching over blackened soil. Every shadow seemed to flicker unnaturally, every gust of wind carrying a sense of foreboding.
Reeve's eyes scanned the horizon. Something… felt wrong.
And then he saw him.
A figure clad in dark clothes, mask hiding every detail of his face, emerged from the mist: Lynvar.
His gaze locked onto Reeve. Every instinct in Lynvar screamed kill, yet he didn't hesitate. The moment stretched—just for a second—before he lunged.
But the second his foot touched the ground, Reeve vanished.
Not a sound, not a trace.
Even Elaryn, standing beside Lunareth and Kaelith, froze.
"What… where did he—?" she whispered.
Lynvar's hand sliced through empty air. His eyes widened in disbelief.
Reeve had moved so fast he disappeared from sight, leaving Lynvar standing alone in the mist, unsure if what he saw was real.
The Cave — A Stranger Appears
When Reeve opened his eyes again, he was in a dim cave. Sunlight leaked faintly through cracks in the rocks.
At first, he tensed, sensing a figure moving in the shadows. A girl.
Her eyes glimmered in the dim light. Reeve instinctively prepared to fight—but before he could act, she stepped forward.
A soft, green glow emanated from her hands, touching his shoulder. Reeve felt a healing warmth seep into his body.
Shock froze him.
"…Who… who are you?"
"I'm Nerisse," the girl said gently.
"You're in Eldenwood Forest. You've walked far… farther than you realized."
Reeve's eyes widened. He looked around, realizing the vastness he had crossed, how far the wastelands of Grimfang Wastes must be behind him.
"…My name is Reeve," he replied cautiously.
Nerisse smiled softly.
"Then Reeve… you should rest a little. You've pushed yourself too hard."
Reeve nodded, feeling energy returning. After a moment, he rose.
An Unexpected Bond
Three steps outside the cave, he paused. His instincts tugged him back.
"…Wait," he called.
"Where are you from, Nerisse?"
Her smile faded slightly.
"My village… it was destroyed. There's nothing left for me there."
Reeve's heart clenched.
"…Then… can you join my team? Come with us?"
Nerisse hesitated, then nodded firmly.
"Yes. I will."
Reeve reached out and held her hand gently, feeling a silent promise pass between them.
Somewhere far behind, the winds of Grimfang Wastes whispered, carrying the ominous shadow of Lynvar, still searching, still patient.
The quest had just begun—and the Eclipse Collectors didn't know that danger was already closing in… faster than even Reeve could see.