The forest swallowed them before dawn.
Cold fog coiled between the trees like living smoke. The deeper they walked, the quieter it became—no birdsong, no wind. Just the sound of boots crunching wet leaves and the occasional creak of dying branches.
Lira adjusted the pack on her shoulder. "We'll reach the outpost before dark if we keep this pace."
Kael glanced at her. "Assuming the forest doesn't kill us first."
She snorted. "You scared?"
"No," he said. "But I'd be stupid not to be cautious."
Lira didn't reply. She scanned the woods, hand never far from the hilt of her dagger.
It wasn't paranoia.
This forest wasn't normal.
Kael felt it the moment they crossed the old border stones—small pillars half-buried in moss, carved with runes that pulsed faintly as they passed.
> Warning: Boundary breach detected. Area Status: Cursed Zone. Passive Threat: Soul Drain (Minor). System Protection Engaged.
"Charming," Kael muttered.
They kept moving.
Hours passed.
At one point, they found a pile of bones under a tree—picked clean, armor rusted beyond recognition.
Lira didn't stop. "Probably an old patrol. This place has been off-limits for years. Locals call it the Witherwood."
Kael frowned. "Why?"
She looked back at him. "Because nothing lives in it."
They didn't speak after that.
Eventually, the path opened into a small clearing. Cracked stones jutted from the earth, forming the broken outline of a courtyard. Overgrown walls rose on all sides, and a crumbled watchtower leaned like it was too tired to stand straight.
Lira exhaled. "We made it."
Kael walked through the gate, inspecting the ruins.
It wasn't much—just four mossy buildings and the remains of a well—but the thick stone walls offered cover, and the trees didn't crowd this far in.
It felt... less cursed. For now.
They dropped their packs in the central hall. Lira started setting traps. Kael stood guard by the ruined archway, eyes scanning the trees.
That's when he felt it.
A chill that wasn't from the wind.
> System Alert: Unknown presence detected.
"Lira," he said, quietly.
She froze. "You feel it too?"
Kael turned slowly.
The trees beyond the clearing shifted—not physically, but like their shadows had warped. Something moved within the mist.
Then came the whisper.
"Who treads where the dead sleep…"
Kael's breath caught.
Lira stood, face pale.
"...Don't speak," she whispered.
Kael didn't.
A figure stepped into view—cloaked in rags, tall and silent. Its face was a pale mask, smooth and eyeless. No footsteps. No sound.
The air grew heavy.
Kael reached for the System with his mind.
> Requesting information: Entity classification.
> Analyzing…
> Result: WRAITH CLASS - Forgotten Sentinel. Origin: Pre-Empire. Aggression Level: Passive (Awakened). Weakness: Bound soul structure. Danger: High.
Lira whispered, "It's a soul guardian. It was left behind to protect this land. If it sees us as invaders—"
The Wraith stopped.
Then spoke, voice hollow.
"One among you carries the scent… of the buried king."
Kael felt his chest tighten.
It was talking about him.
Lira looked at him. "What did you do?"
"I didn't—"
The Wraith lifted a hand.
The wind howled.
Leaves scattered. Stones shook.
Kael barely moved in time.
CRACK. A spear of shadow slammed where he'd just stood.
Lira dove behind a pillar.
Kael gritted his teeth and reached for the System.
> System. I need something. Now.
> Accessing Emergency Spell Slot… New Spell Unlocked: "Soul Chain." Type: Control Class. Effect: Bind a hostile spirit's movement temporarily. Cost: 10% Mana, +2% Corruption.
> Confirm activation?
"Do it."
Kael lifted his hand, shouting the command.
Chains of spectral light burst from his fingers—glowing blue, covered in runes. They lashed out, wrapping around the Wraith's limbs, halting its movement mid-strike.
The Wraith screamed—a sound like glass cracking underwater.
Kael staggered back from the force of it.
> Target restrained: 8 seconds remaining.
He turned to Lira. "I've got it pinned! Run!"
But she didn't move.
Instead, she pulled out a vial and threw it at the creature.
It shattered on impact. A blast of white fire surged over the Wraith, making it screech louder.
"Wraithbane potion," she said breathlessly. "Had one left."
Kael didn't ask why.
They ran.
The Wraith didn't follow.
Not right away.
---
Back in the central building, they dropped to the floor, chests heaving.
Kael checked his System.
> Corruption: 6% Mana: 48% Condition: Stable
He groaned. "That thing wasn't supposed to be here."
Lira stared at him. "It followed you. Not me. You're marked."
Kael looked away.
She walked over, kneeled in front of him.
"You need to tell me the truth."
He didn't answer.
She grabbed his hand.
"Kael."
He met her eyes.
And then, finally, he spoke.
"I'm not just a noble. I was royalty. The Emperor's son."
Lira froze.
"What?"
Kael's voice was low. "My brothers betrayed me. I was executed for crimes I didn't commit. But something brought me back. Not in my old body—this one. And now the System's inside me."
He waited for her to run. To scream. To curse him.
But she didn't.
She stood slowly.
Then said, "That explains the power. And the rage."
Kael blinked.
"You're still an idiot," she added. "But at least now I know why."
He almost laughed.
Almost.
Then the ground shook.
And the Wraith screamed again—louder this time.
Kael stood.
"Guess we're not done yet."