Moving outer

The moment Hobs mentioned the mythical creature, the tavern fell silent. Most people around him didn't believe in such legends.

"We still have no proof of its existence. Besides, it's just a myth. It's not like you've ever encountered one before," one adventurer countered.

The room filled with murmurs, and it became clear that no one had seen the creature Hobs was talking about.

"Yeah, now that you mention it, has anyone here ever met this mythical beast?"

"Nah, not me."

"Not me either."

"Don't look at me, man. I'm just the bartender."

"How about you, Hobs? Have you ever seen it?"

Hobs, now outnumbered, tried to defend his claim. "I-I did encounter it. It has the strength of ten alpha wolves. It has eyes all over its body and releases a red aura."

People found Hobs annoying as he described something that seemingly didn't exist. His detailed description didn't convince them.

"Hobs, I know you're worried about us going through the forest, but you don't have to make up such stories," an adventurer said.

"Yeah, after all, we are skilled adventurers. We all know that monsters are easier to handle than bandits because they're thoughtless," another chimed in.

Hobs was defeated; it was one against the entire tavern. He sat back in his seat, muttering to himself, "I swear that thing exists. The legend says the Weeping Wolf was once one of Aetheria's protectors. You guys won't stand a chance against it. Just believe me, only this once. You're marching to hell."

The discussion between the merchant and the adventurers settled as they all understood their assignments. People started preparing their horses, loading their crossbows, and checking their swords.

Meanwhile, Harith and Charbel approached Natan to join the expedition.

"Aah, Harith, Charbel. I guess this is our farewell. We're moving in a few minutes," Natan said.

Harith grew nervous. Charbel made a hand gesture, encouraging Harith to ask for permission to join.

"Mr. Natan," Harith stammered.

"Yes?"

"May I, may I… erm… j-join?"

It took what felt like an eternity for Harith to finish his sentence. Luckily, Charbel stepped in.

"He's asking if he can join you guys," Charbel clarified.

"What?!"

"He's nervously requesting to join."

"Aah, hahaha, I see. So Harith wants to be a hero like his father," Natan chuckled.

Harith endured his embarrassment. Fortunately, Natan didn't mind if he joined, as anyone who could fight was welcome.

"Yeah, sure," Natan agreed.

"Really?!" Harith exclaimed.

"Yeah, as long as you brought your weapon."

"Yes, I did."

"Then you're qualified, boy."

Hearing those words from someone like Natan made Harith ecstatic. Meanwhile, Charbel was getting emotional.

"Sniff Please, don't die."

"I won't."

"And don't get caught by the myth."

"Yeah, whatever."

They bid farewell. Harith mounted his horse and joined the formation, which included Natan and Hobs. There were three formations: front, middle, and back. Harith joined the middle formation due to his lack of combat experience.

The adventurers moved out, their only light sources being the moonlight and some lanterns. They were instructed to avoid using torches to keep their position hidden from potential enemies and to light lanterns only when necessary.

Scene: Inside the Forest

In the forest, a pack of wolves moved stealthily. Suddenly, one of them was attacked by a larger creature. The pitch-black environment made it hard for humans to see, but the wolves sensed something was wrong. Before they could react, one by one, they were slashed to pieces. Some were eaten, and others were left with only their upper halves.

The last wolf, seemingly the alpha, turned to see that the creature had already killed its pack. The alpha tried to fight back, but the creature's sheer presence made its soul shiver. Before the wolf could do anything, the creature pounced and killed it without mercy. The scene revealed a creature with numerous eyes all over its body, chewing on the corpses of the fallen wolves.

Back at the Caravan

The caravan moved steadily through the forest, unaware of the danger lurking within. Harith, in the middle formation, glanced around nervously, recalling Hobs' ominous warning about the Weeping Wolf.

"Stay alert," Natan advised. "We don't know what we might encounter."

Harith gripped his weapon tightly, his heart pounding. The forest seemed eerily quiet, the only sounds being the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures.

As they progressed deeper into the forest, the shadows grew thicker, and the air felt heavy with anticipation. The adventurers, though confident in their skills, couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched.

Suddenly, a blood-curdling howl pierced the night, freezing everyone in their tracks. Harith's heart raced as he exchanged worried glances with Charbel and Natan.

"Everyone, stay close and be ready for anything," Natan commanded, his voice steady but tense.

The howl was followed by eerie silence, and then, in the distance, glowing red eyes appeared, cutting through the darkness like beacons of doom. The Weeping Wolf was real, and it was coming for them.

4o