Looming at the Corner

As the day wore on, Samson kept a close eye on Eva. She seemed restless, her gaze darting around as if she expected an attack at any moment. Samson couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Samson noticed a shadow moving unnaturally across the village square. His heart raced as he realized it was the same man who had attacked Eva the night before.

Without thinking, Samson grabbed Eva's arm. "We need to move. Now."

Eva hesitated but followed him as he led her down a side street, away from the square.

"What's going on?" she demanded.

"He's here," Samson said grimly. "The man who tried to kill you."

Eva's eyes widened, but she didn't argue. Together, they disappeared into the shadows, their footsteps muffled by the cobblestones.

---

As they navigated the winding streets of Rillow Point, Samson's mind raced. He knew the odds were stacked against them, but he was determined to protect Eva at all costs.

"Why are stopped here? Let's go. Run...." Eva demands as Samson suddenly stops behind a huge tree.

"This isn't just about you," he said as they hid behind a stack of crates. "Whoever this guy is, he's dangerous. If we don't stop him, more people could get hurt."

Eva looked at him, her expression changing for the first time. "You're serious about this, aren't you?"

Samson nodded. "I am. And I need you to trust me."

For a moment, Eva seemed to consider his words. Then, she gave a small nod. "Okay. What's the plan?"

Samson exhaled, relief washing over him. "We're going to find him before he finds us."

With that, the two of them set off into the night.

The moon hung high over Willow Point, its silver glow casting long shadows across the quiet village. In a small room dimly lit by a flickering lantern, the old man sat behind his desk, his expression grim. Across from him stood Bjorn, his massive frame nearly eclipsing the doorway.

"Bjorn," the old man began, his voice low and steady. "I need you to handle something for me. Privately."

Bjorn crossed his arms, his sharp blue eyes narrowing. "What's the job?"

The old man leaned forward, his hands clasped together on the desk. "Samson and Eva. I want you to keep an eye on them, from a distance. Protect them if necessary."

Bjorn raised an eyebrow. "You don't think Samson can handle it?"

The old man's gaze hardened. "It's not about whether he can handle it. It's about the shadow magic user. If my hunch is correct, he'll show up soon. And at night, shadow magic is at its strongest. Samson doesn't fully understand the danger he's in."

Bjorn nodded, his demeanor serious. "Understood. I'll make sure nothing happens to them."

The old man relaxed slightly, though the weight of the situation still hung heavily in the air. "Good. Now go. Time is running out."

Bjorn turned and left without another word, his steps heavy but purposeful.

---

The Forest's Silent Stage

Meanwhile, deep within the forest on the outskirts of Willow Point, Samson stood alone in a small clearing bathed in pale moonlight. The trees around him loomed like silent sentinels, their shadows stretching across the ground in eerie patterns.

He adjusted the Mana Relay watch on his wrist, its faint glow the only source of comfort in the oppressive darkness. Taking a deep breath, he raised his voice, letting it carry through the still night.

"I know you're out there!" he called, his tone defiant. "Come out and face me!"

The forest responded with silence, save for the rustling of leaves in the faint breeze. Samson's heart pounded in his chest, but he kept his expression calm, his posture steady. He knew he was bait, and the shadow magic user wouldn't be able to resist.

As he waited, his thoughts drifted to Eva, who was hidden nearby under the cover of trees. He had insisted she stay out of sight, knowing that the shadow magic user would be drawn to the open target. He only hoped she wouldn't reveal herself if things got dangerous.

---

Bjorn's Vigil

Unbeknownst to Samson, Bjorn was also nearby, hidden among the shadows. He leaned against a tree, his large hands gripping the hilt of his massive battle axe. His piercing eyes scanned the clearing, every muscle in his body tense and ready.

"This kid's got guts," Bjorn muttered under his breath. "But guts won't save him if he's not careful."

He had been tracking Samson and Eva since the old man gave him the assignment, staying far enough away to avoid detection. Now, as Samson openly called out the shadow magic user, Bjorn knew he might need to step in at any moment.

---

The Predator Reveals Itself

Minutes passed, and the tension in the clearing grew thick. Then, without warning, the shadows began to shift. They moved unnaturally, converging at the edge of the clearing like a living entity.

Samson's eyes narrowed as a figure emerged from the darkness, cloaked in black, its features obscured. The shadow magic user's voice was low and chilling as it echoed through the clearing.

"You've got nerve, kid," the figure said. "But you're playing a dangerous game."

Samson clenched his fists, his breath visible in the cool night air. "If you wanted me dead, you wouldn't have waited this long," he said. "What do you want?"

The figure chuckled darkly. "What I want isn't your concern. But since you're so eager to throw your life away, I'll oblige."

Without warning, the figure lunged forward, its movements fluid and unnatural. Tendrils of shadow extended from its hands, snaking toward Samson like living whips.