The Village of Fear [1]

The day was nearing its end when Ryo, Jin, and the boy entered the small village. Thick clouds blanketed the sky, making the sun seem as if it refused to cast its light on this place. Everything in the village hinted at something unusual: the crumbling houses, the eerie silence, and the fearful, wary gazes of the villagers.

The trio stopped at the village's only inn, which seemed to stand firm only by sheer luck. The innkeeper, an elderly man with a pale face and anxious eyes, greeted them.

Ryo (in a steady tone): "We need three rooms and some food."

Innkeeper (in a low voice): "You're not from around here, are you?"

Jin (mocking): "Do we look like we belong in this gloomy place?"

Ryo (cutting in): "Yes, we're outsiders. But we're not here to cause trouble. Just tell us what's going on here."

The innkeeper hesitated for a moment, as if fearing his words might escape beyond the walls.

Innkeeper: "There are… people in the shadows. They come at night, taking whoever they want. No one dares to resist them."

Boy (whispering): "They're from the cult, aren't they?"

Ryo nodded before turning to the innkeeper.

Ryo (firmly): "Where are they hiding?"

Innkeeper (glancing around nervously): "I don't know. But some say they come from the southern forest. No one dares go near it."

As night fell, Ryo and Jin decided to head to the southern forest, where it seemed clear the cult was hiding something. The boy, despite his fear, insisted on accompanying them.

Jin (glancing at the boy): "Seriously, can't you think of staying out of danger just this once?"

Boy (determined): "I promised to be strong. I won't run away."

Ryo gave a faint smile, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder.

Ryo: "Strength isn't just about facing danger. It's about knowing when to be brave."

As they entered the forest, shadows closed in around them. Strange sounds filled the air, as if the trees themselves were watching.

System (calmly): "Alert: Five enemies detected, 15 meters away. Energy levels: moderate to high."

Jin (sarcastically): "Only five? I was expecting more."

Ryo (seriously): "Don't underestimate them. The cult doesn't send its weakest to guard their locations."

Suddenly, the shadows moved as if they had been waiting for a moment of weakness. Five cult followers, their faces hidden behind black masks, attacked simultaneously.

Ryo (calmly): "Stay behind me."

Ryo gripped his sword tightly, charging to face two of the enemies while Jin handled the others.

System: "Alert: Enemy approaching from the right. Reaction speed required."

Ryo turned swiftly, delivering a precise slash with his sword. The enemy barely managed to block it, but Ryo pressed forward with superior skill.

Ryo (as he struck his opponent): "If you think you can scare me, think again."

On the other side, Jin fought with refined skill, his movements precise and fast, as if he knew what his opponents would do before they did.

Jin (mockingly): "Are you sure you want to fight? I can still show mercy if you stop now."

But their enemies didn't relent.

System (to Ryo): "Alert: Minor injury detected in left arm. Recommendation: retreat slightly and reposition."

Ryo (ignoring the advice): "It's just a small cut. It won't stop me."

After what felt like an eternity, Ryo and Jin managed to defeat their enemies. Both were breathing heavily, exhaustion evident on their faces.

Boy (fearfully): "Is… is it over?"

Ryo (wiping his sword): "No. This is just the beginning."

System: "Alert: Energy levels in the forest remain high. There is a possibility of stronger enemies further in."

Jin (gazing deeper into the forest): "Then let's take a short break. Things are about to get worse from here."

Inside the southern forest, where darkness consumed everything, Ryo, Jin, and the boy sat around a modest fire. The atmosphere was heavy, and the silence laced with danger was anything but reassuring. Each of them was lost in thought.

Ryo (in a calm tone): "This forest is full of dangers, and we don't know all the secrets it hides. We need to be smarter than our enemies."

Jin (with a sarcastic smile): "That's new. Since when did you become so cautious? Or is fear starting to creep in?"

Ryo (with a confident smile): "It's not fear, Jin. It's called logical thinking. If you want to survive, you plan—not charge in like a madman."

Before Jin could reply, the system's voice echoed in Ryo's mind.

System (in a cold tone): "Alert: Three strong signals approaching rapidly. Distance: 50 meters. Their power exceeds the normal range."

Ryo stood immediately, his eyes gleaming with caution.

Ryo (in a firm tone): "The discussion is over. We're not alone. Get ready."

Jin stood beside him, his sword already drawn, while the boy behind them looked nervous but determined to fight with whatever strength he had.

From the shadows emerged three men cloaked in black, strange glowing red markings on their foreheads. At their center was a tall man, his eyes burning like embers in the darkness.

Tall Man (in a quiet but intimidating voice): "You dare enter the Cult's territory? This mistake will cost you your lives."

Jin (mocking): "How cliché. Nothing new from the likes of you."

Tall Man: "Arrogance won't save you from your fate. Soon, you'll understand why everyone fears the name of the Shadow Cult."

Ryo didn't wait for anyone to make a move. He shot forward like an arrow toward the tall man, his sword slicing through the air in a decisive strike. However, the man deflected it with ease, and the shadows around him began moving as if alive, closing in on Ryo from all sides.

System (in Ryo's mind): "Warning: The shadows can absorb energy. Suggestion: Move quickly and avoid direct attacks."

Ryo smirked lightly.

Ryo (whispering): "This is more exciting than I expected."

While Ryo was occupied with the tall man, Jin faced his own opponent. The second man wielded dual weapons with swift movements, forcing Jin to be more cautious.

Jin (angrily): "Really? I don't have time for this."

Nonetheless, Jin managed to land a surprising side strike, injuring his opponent's arm and forcing him to retreat.

In the corner, the third man attempted to circle around the fight to attack Jin from behind. But the boy noticed and, without hesitation, rushed toward him, striking him with a stick he had found on the ground.

Third Man (angrily): "You little brat… I'll make you regret that!"

What he didn't expect was Ryo suddenly appearing behind him. With a single strike, Ryo ended the fight, then turned to the boy.

Ryo (with a faint smile): "You did well. But be more careful next time—I won't always be nearby."

The System Warns of a Greater Threat

System (in a cold tone): "Warning: Massive energy levels detected. The leader of this group is 100 meters away. Prepare yourselves."

Ryo and Jin exchanged quick glances.

Jin (calmly): "So, this was just the beginning. Looks like the next one's going to be more of a pain."

Ryo (confidently): "Don't worry. We're good at dealing with trouble."