Chapter 12 – Echoes of the Wild

Qin Sheng reappeared in the town's plaza, the Silverwind Hatchling circling above as the familiar system chime echoed.

[System Notification: Welcome back, Qin Sheng.]

[Hunger Level reset to 0%.]

The town buzzed with life—players haggled with vendors, groups formed for dungeon runs, and others trained in the square. Qin Sheng's reputation points now made him a recognized figure; players gave respectful nods as he passed.

He took a moment to review his map. Nearby lay the Verdant Wilds, a vast forest known for its elusive monsters and hidden treasures.

"Perfect," he muttered, summoning his minions.

Gorath, Velnar, and the towering Forest Guardian materialized in shimmering flashes. The Silverwind Hatchling landed on his shoulder, chirping softly.

"Let's hunt."

---

Verdant Wilds

The forest was dense, its towering trees casting deep shadows. Qin Sheng moved silently, minions trailing close. Creatures rustled in the underbrush—small critters and low-level monsters scurried away, sensing the danger.

He targeted a cluster of Razorclaw Beasts—wolf-like creatures with blade-like claws.

"Velnar, draw aggro. Gorath, flank left. Forest Guardian, provide cover."

Velnar charged, shield raised, while Gorath swept in from the side, his axe cleaving through the first beast. The Forest Guardian fired ethereal arrows, pinning another.

The battle was swift. Qin Sheng stepped in, dispatching the last Razorclaw with a precise slash.

[System Notification: Razorclaw Beast defeated. EXP +500]

[System Notification: Level Up! You are now Level 8.]

Qin Sheng felt the familiar surge of strength as his stats increased. He allocated his points, focusing on agility and strength.

As he looted the area, a faint glow caught his eye—a hidden path revealed itself as a Secret Grove appeared on the map.

"Let's check it out."

---

Secret Grove

The grove was serene, with crystalline pools and bioluminescent plants. At its center stood a massive tree, roots curling around a stone altar.

On the altar lay an ornate chest.

Cautiously, Qin Sheng approached, but the ground trembled.

A spectral figure emerged—the Grove Sentinel, a D-Rank spirit beast.

"Who dares trespass?" it boomed.

"I seek strength," Qin Sheng replied, raising his blade.

The battle began. The Sentinel lashed out with vines, but Qin Sheng's minions countered—Gorath's axe severing roots, Velnar shielding attacks, and the Forest Guardian firing ethereal bolts.

Qin Sheng found an opening and struck.

[System Notification: Grove Sentinel defeated. EXP +1,200]

The Sentinel's form flickered.

"You are strong... I will serve."

[System Notification: Grove Sentinel's soul extracted. New Minion acquired – Grove Sentinel (D-Rank).]

The chest opened, revealing a glowing ring.

[Item Acquired: Ring of Verdancy (D-Rank) – Boosts minion health by 10%.]

Qin Sheng slipped it on, feeling the power course through him.

With the Sentinel added to his forces, his strength grew.

He glanced at his map—new quests had unlocked deeper within the Verdant Wilds.

Smiling, he led his minions forward, the path ahead promising even greater challenges.