Our journey through the so-called Fake Paradise had been going surprisingly smoothly. Almost too smoothly.

Everything had gone according to plan, lulling us into a false sense of security.

We were nearing the end of today's objective: take out the last pack of Oberons guarding the rest area, summon Gorgroth to stand watch, and finally enjoy a full night's sleep without taking turns on patrol.

That was the plan.

And it went completely to hell.

I called out Gorgroth, who wasted no time sinking its massive jaws into a nearby Pappus Pouncer, slamming it into the dirt like a ragdoll.

"Secure Darwyn and stay near Gorgroth!" I barked at Orin, already sprinting toward Muradin.

The poor dwarf stood frozen, taking hit after hit of blinding light from the Flashmites. He could only hear the thunderous blows of the Oberons slamming down around him. Thankfully, Tempest Shield managed to deflect all the attacks.

But we both knew it wouldn't hold forever.

I raised my staff, about to cast another buff on him, when it felt like a hammer the size of a cart hit my shoulder.

The impact knocked me clean off my feet. My staff slipped from my hand as I hit the ground hard.

"Shit... not good."

I could still see Muradin, rooted in place. Bright flashes lit up the area around him, again and again.

Worse still, several Flashmites still had glowing tails. Their bulbs were fully recharged.

Through the blinding lights, I heard the awful sound of Oberons landing hits. At first, it was just the ground shaking, but then it turned sharper, louder. Like metal being smashed.

Muradin was down now. His condition looked grim.

He had activated Bulwark of Defiance earlier, thickening his armor and doubling his resistances, but the effect had worn off.

And the monsters were smart.

They weren't just attacking at random anymore. They were targeting the unarmored parts of Muradin's body. Strategic. Precise. Cruel.

I heard bones snap and flesh tear.

I watched in horror as his blood-soaked armor barely held together.

Gritting my teeth, I forced myself to move, crawling toward my fallen staff.

[Ethereal Form cast]

Muradin's body shimmered into a translucent green glow as the spell took effect. An Oberon's attack phased right through him, missing entirely.

The Daze effect from the Flashmites lingered longer than usual. It was a magical debuff, after all, but I had no other option.

[Rejuvenation cast]

A soothing green light enveloped Muradin, mending his shattered body.

[Medium-rank Healing Potion used]

I popped the cork off a potion and hurled its contents straight at him. The liquid splashed across his chest, and the effect was instantaneous. Ripped skin knit itself back together, bruises faded, and torn muscles realigned.

Muradin stood again. Wobbly, but on his feet.

Ethereal Form didn't just make him immune to physical attacks; it also boosted all magic effects by 200%, damage and healing. And since that potion was brewed with magic, its effect got amplified.

I fired a weak shot from my staff at the nearest glowing Flashmite. The damage barely scratched it, but it was enough to get their attention.

The Oberons, frustrated by their inability to hit Muradin, turned to me instead and began lumbering forward.

[Flameburst Flask used]

I threw a glass vial into their path. It exploded mid-air with a sharp crack, releasing a wave of searing flame.

The Oberons halted, startled, then began backing away slowly.

Meanwhile, the Flashmites with dimmed bulbs swarmed toward the fire like kids chasing sparklers, drawn by its heat and light.

"Finish this, dwarf," I called out, casting Inner Beast on Muradin.

Energized, Muradin activated Quickdraw, swapping his shield for his trusty twin axes.

[Thunderstrike Slam cast]

A thunderous boom split the night as his axes slammed into the ground behind the scattered monsters.

The heron-like Oberons screeched in agony before crumpling and fading into motes of light.

The Flashmites didn't even get the chance. They were obliterated mid-air by the shockwaves.

Suddenly, an explosion rang out above Muradin's head.

Darwyn, just in time, had just loosed an arrow tipped with a Sticky Bomb, blasting a Pappus Pouncer that had leapt at Muradin from the shadows.

"Really? That hard to do earlier?" Muradin said, pretending to scowl.

Turned out Darwyn, Orin, and Gorgroth had cleaned up the battle at the rear.

Despite our plan falling apart spectacularly, we'd made it out alive.

Once we were sure the area was safe, we began picking through the monster remains for loot.

After that, we made our way to a small clearing not far from the battle site.

"What a day," Muradin muttered around a mouthful of roasted meat. "I was this close to going permanently blind thanks to those damn Flashmites."

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"At least we all made it out in one piece," Orin said soothingly. "Though... kinda sucks we didn't get any Soul Fragments."

"There's still plenty of road ahead," Darwyn chimed in, shrugging. "More chances coming our way."

"Exactly. And we better get some proper sleep tonight," I added while flipping the meat over the fire. "Tomorrow's journey won't be any easier."

"So who's taking first watch?" Muradin asked, raising an eyebrow. "Not me. I've already suffered enough for one day."

"I got it," I offered. "You all fought hard today. I'll keep an eye out."

"Too bad my summon's completely useless for night watch," Orin grumbled, dramatically sighing.

"Oh right," Darwyn said, suddenly remembering. "Weren't you gonna show us that new trick of yours?"

"Patience," Orin said, flashing a mischievous grin. "I'll reveal it when the time is right."

After some casual banter and a surprisingly satisfying meal, the team drifted off one by one, leaving me alone with the crackling campfire and the silence of the night.

The night here was eerily serene. In the distance, I could see faint glimmers of light from Flashmites, wandering in the dark. Fortunately, our camp was a good distance from any monster respawn points.

I leaned back and gazed up at the star-filled sky. Even at night, this place looked like a paradise.

A fake paradise that would kill you the moment you let your guard down.

My thoughts began to wander when suddenly, I heard a rustling in the tall grass nearby.

Instantly alert, I grabbed my staff and pointed it toward the sound.

I crept forward slowly.

A soft blue glow shimmered through the grass. It was unlike the sharp, flickering light of a Flashmite. Gentler, almost... soothing.

Is that a rabbit? I squinted, trying to make it out more clearly.

A small creature, definitely rabbit-shaped, hopped into view. Its fur glowed faintly, like it was made of moonlight. Strangely, it didn't run away. It just sat there, looking right at me.

Then, without a sound, it turned and hopped forward. After a few steps, it stopped and looked back, waiting for me.

It wanted me to follow.

I glanced back at my team, all fast asleep.

Should I wake them?

Nah. Let them rest. This shouldn't take long, I thought.

Besides, the area should be safe enough...

My gamer instincts were screaming that this was something special.

I'd never seen anything like this glowing rabbit before, not in Dreadspire, not in this world. There had to be a secret behind it.

So I followed, keeping a healthy distance, just in case.

For the next ten minutes, it led me through twisting, unfamiliar trails flanked by bramble-covered ridges. Every turn felt more surreal, more detached from the rest of the world.

Eventually, the rabbit stopped at the base of an ancient tree, its bark covered in glowing runes that pulsed with a gentle light.

Then the rabbit placed its tiny paw on a knot in the wood.

The ground rumbled faintly.

And from the base of the tree, a spiral staircase slowly unfolded, twisting down into the roots below.

I slowly descended into the hidden tunnel, its steps formed by twisted roots, glowing faintly with bioluminescent moss. A calming scent of lavender lingered in the air, easing my nerves and blanketing me in an odd sense of comfort.

Somehow, the energy here felt... familiar. It reminded me of Willow's End.

Not long after I started walking, the light behind me began to fade. The entrance sealed itself shut, swallowing any trace of the surface world. Darkness enveloped the space, save for the soft glow radiating from the rabbit ahead of me.

I followed it through the winding path until, at last, a distant light flickered up ahead.

The tunnel opened into a vast underground chamber, perfectly circular, with a vaulted ceiling that shimmered like a star-filled night sky. Towering mushrooms pulsed with soft light, casting a warm glow over the ancient druidic runes etched into the walls.

At the center lay a spiral-shaped nest of glowing feathers and crystal shards, radiating an intense, vibrant energy.

The glowing rabbit hopped into the nest, curled up, and let the light consume it. Within seconds, it transformed into a tall, elegant figure clad in robes woven from living light.

She was breathtaking, radiating the grace of an elf and the wisdom of a druid. Yet I couldn't see her face clearly; it was veiled by the radiant light pouring from her form.

Out of instinct, I drew my staff.

"Don't be afraid, O hero of the druids. Welcome to the Nest of Lumora."

I flinched. A woman's voice echoed directly inside my mind.

She hadn't moved her lips.

I tried to respond mentally, but received no reply.

So I hesitantly opened my mouth. "Why did you bring me here?"

"You were called to this place."

So she could hear me. And understand.

That was odd. In the Tower, sentient beings, especially those capable of two-way communication, weren't supposed to exist. And this was the second time I'd encountered something like this.

"What do you mean? Weren't you the one who showed yourself to me?"

"Only the worthy can see me."

"So, I'm… worthy? What exactly qualifies as 'worthy'?"

Just like the Eldertide... Full of curiosity.

"What do you mean? Could you explain what's going on? I don't have much time, my friends are waiting."

So many questions, so little patience.

I decided to shut up and wait for her to continue.

"You were chosen by the forest's memory. Few still carry the resonance of the old world. Within you burns the spark of renewal."

"I don't understand," I said flatly.

"You carry the hero trait, the potential to bring great change into this world."

Wait. Hero trait? That reminded me of something the Archdruid had said when I received his blessing.

"So… is this because of my high Willpower?" I asked cautiously.

"See? You already know the answer."

This conversation was starting to get under my skin.

"Then what do you want from me? Why lead me here?"

She didn't answer.

I tried again, changing my wording. "What can a so-called hero like me do in the Nest of Lumora?"

Despite the brilliance veiling her face, I could sense her smile.

"To change your destiny. But that choice is yours to make."

Cryptic much? Still, I kept my frustration in check.

"Lumora… please. Tell me more. What kind of destiny am I supposed to change?"

"Lumora is the name of this place. I am Lunarin, the guardian who watches over it."

"Then what exactly is your role, Lunarin?"

Lunarin raised her hand. Two orbs floated toward me, both resembling Soul Fragments, but without any monster silhouette inside.

They were nearly identical in shape, differing only in color. One was a brilliant white; the other, pitch black. Each radiated a distinct aura.

"As a hero, your path will be filled with hardship and misfortune. Darkness will chase you, cling to you."

Now she really sounded like the Archdruid.

"The white orb will release you from your burdens and duty. The black one will affirm your destiny, and the responsibilities it demands. The choice is yours."

"Well, that seems like an easy choice," I said dryly. "Isn't it obvious? I'll take the white one."

Lunarin remained silent.

I reached out to grab the white orb. But something deep inside me pulled my hand back.

It felt like watching a child drown, knowing you can't swim, yet still feeling your heart scream at you to jump in.

As if moving on its own, my hand snatched the black orb instead.

Unlike a Soul Fragment, which had to be swallowed, this orb dissolved the moment I touched it, the dark mist seeping into my skin.

"The world has lingered in darkness long enough. You are now the bearer of light. Just remember: the light must stay alive, and it must be passed on."

[Eryndor Leafshade (Marked)] [Soul Level: 2 Vitality: 51 Strength: 78 Agility: 19 Wisdom: 37 Luck: -11 → -21 Willpower: 134 → 184] [Spells: Rejuvenation, Galestride, Inner Beast, Tempest Shield, Gorgroth's Call Skills: Fiery Wrath, Hellfire Passives: Ooborosk's Mantle, Blazing Cinderstorm]

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