Chapter 5: Shadows in the Horizon

The night in the forest was silent, save for the occasional rustle of leaves. Ishar and Fei trudged through the darkness, with Ishar's skeletal warriors trailing behind, their glowing eyes illuminating the path. Fei carried a look of quiet resolve, but the tension in his shoulders betrayed his nerves. The events at the Night Guard's training ground had shaken him, yet it was clear he was determined to follow Ishar—for now.

"Master," Fei said after a long silence, his voice uncertain. "What now? Where are we going?"

Ishar didn't break his stride. "To grow stronger, one must seek opportunities. This forest is vast, and I've no doubt that others are vying for the same resources. We'll find them and take what's needed."

Fei hesitated. "But… wouldn't it be better to build allies? If… if you want power, others could help."

Ishar halted abruptly, turning to face the younger man. "Allies?" His pale eyes glinted dangerously. "Allies are a liability. I need servants, not equals. Remember that, or you'll learn the hard way."

Fei's face paled, and he quickly nodded, stepping back in submission. Ishar turned and continued walking, his expression cold and unreadable.

As they moved deeper into the forest, the terrain became more rugged. The towering trees loomed overhead, their gnarled branches casting eerie shadows in the moonlight. Ishar's senses were sharp, his undead nature heightening his awareness of the slightest disturbances. Soon, he sensed it—a presence nearby, something alive yet unnatural.

He raised a hand, signaling for Fei to stop. The skeletons shifted silently into defensive positions, their weapons at the ready. Ishar scanned the darkness, his pale eyes narrowing.

"Come out," he said, his voice cutting through the stillness. "I know you're there."

The shadows shifted, and a figure emerged from the undergrowth. It was a young woman clad in dark robes, her movements graceful yet wary. Her hair was tied back in a braid, and her eyes glinted with intelligence and cunning. She held a long staff adorned with intricate carvings, the faint glow of qi pulsing from its tip.

"I didn't expect to find another cultivator here," she said, her voice calm but edged with suspicion. "Who are you?"

"A traveler," Ishar replied, his tone neutral. "And you?"

She smirked, tilting her head slightly. "Lin Yao. A rogue cultivator, much like yourself, I presume. This forest is no place for the weak. What brings you here?"

Ishar's gaze remained steady. "I could ask you the same question."

Lin Yao's eyes flicked to the skeletons behind Ishar, her expression tightening for a brief moment. "Interesting companions you have there. Necromancy is rare in these parts. Dangerous, too."

"Dangerous only to those who stand in my way," Ishar said, his voice cold.

She studied him for a moment, then laughed softly. "Fair enough. I'm here for the same reason as anyone else: to survive and grow stronger. There's a beast den not far from here, brimming with qi-rich cores. But the creatures guarding it are… troublesome."

Ishar's interest was piqued. "A beast den?"

Lin Yao nodded. "Demonic beasts. Low to mid Mortal Realm, but in numbers that make them dangerous. I've been watching the den for days, waiting for an opening. Perhaps we can… cooperate."

Fei looked at Ishar, his eyes wide with unease. "Master, can we trust her?"

"Trust is irrelevant," Ishar said. "If her information is true, the den could be valuable." He turned back to Lin Yao. "Show me."

The trio moved through the forest with practiced caution, Lin Yao leading the way. After an hour of careful navigation, they arrived at the edge of a rocky outcrop overlooking a shallow valley. Below, Ishar saw the den—a series of caves carved into the hillside, their entrances surrounded by thick vegetation. The faint glow of qi emanated from within, and Ishar could sense the presence of numerous beasts.

"There," Lin Yao whispered, pointing to a clearing near the largest cave. A group of demonic wolves prowled the area, their sleek black fur shimmering faintly. Their eyes glowed an eerie red, and their movements were coordinated, almost as if they were being directed by something within the den.

"Wolves," Ishar muttered. "What else is inside?"

"Hard to say," Lin Yao admitted. "But I've seen traces of larger beasts. Possibly a pack leader or something more dangerous. Whatever it is, it's keeping the wolves organized."

Ishar considered the situation. The wolves were numerous, but his skeletons could hold the line. If there was a pack leader, defeating it would likely scatter the others.

"We'll take the den," he said. "You'll assist."

Lin Yao raised an eyebrow. "Assist? I wasn't aware I'd agreed to that."

"You want the cores, don't you?" Ishar said. "Fight with me, and you'll have your share. Refuse, and I'll take them all myself."

She smiled faintly. "Fair enough. Let's see what you and your… companions can do."

The attack was swift and calculated. Ishar sent his skeletons into the clearing first, their iron-coated weapons gleaming as they clashed with the wolves. The beasts snarled and lunged, their claws raking against the undead warriors. Though the skeletons took damage, their relentless nature allowed them to hold the line.

Lin Yao joined the fray, her staff glowing as she channeled qi into powerful strikes. Each swing sent bursts of energy toward the wolves, knocking them back and disrupting their coordination. Fei stayed behind, his face pale as he clutched a dagger, unsure of how to contribute.

Ishar remained at the edge of the battle, observing and directing. When a particularly large wolf broke through the line, he raised his hand and cast Dark Grasp. Shadowy tendrils erupted from the ground, ensnaring the beast and dragging it down. The skeletons swarmed it, their weapons tearing through its flesh.

The wolves began to falter, their numbers thinning as the combined assault overwhelmed them. But then, a deep growl echoed from within the den, and a massive figure emerged. It was the pack leader, a wolf twice the size of the others, its fur streaked with silver and its eyes burning with intelligence and malice.

Ishar's lips curled into a cold smile. "This must be the leader. Perfect."

Lin Yao glanced at him. "Careful. That one's no ordinary beast."

"Neither am I," Ishar said.

The pack leader charged, its speed and power far surpassing the other wolves. Ishar stepped forward, his skeletons flanking him as he prepared for the clash. The battle for the den had only just begun.