The Head Of The Shadow Forest (3)

[The key? A new quest element!]

Atlas frowned. Key… Obviously something important.

–Where could he be?

– Stolen. Lost. Torn up.

The words sounded clipped, but that was enough for Atlas. If the key is torn, it means that it could have been divided into parts. Perhaps like the medallion he collected earlier?

–Who stole it?

The guard swayed slightly, his silhouette darkening for a moment.

– The caretakers. They... hid it. They're gone... but the key remains.

Atlas tightened his grip on the dagger's hilt.

[Received a new quest goal: "Find fragments of the Key of Silence."]

Another puzzle. However, nothing new.Atlas felt that he needed to learn more about the mysterious Essence of Silence that Levius had told him about. He asked him again.

–What do you know about the Essence of Silence? Where can I find her?

The guardian froze, his outline darkened again, as if he was sinking into memories. Several long seconds dragged by in silence, until finally, the words escaped from the dark shadows of his body.

–The essence is... ancient. The damned one. Hidden in the Head of the Forest. Where only shadows walk and no light penetrates. She can heal... but also destroy.

Atlas raised an eyebrow, realizing the importance of these words. Deep Head of the Forest… He had heard of that place, but he had never thought that it could be associated with such a powerful artifact.

– What dangers lurk in the depths of the Forest Head? He asked, trying to get more information.

The guard made a gesture as if he didn't want to remember. His face remained hidden in the shadows, but his voice became quieter and more tense.

–Dark beasts like pitch. The shadow that devours… It can consume anyone who tries to take the Essence. But if you decide… You can get the power to break the seal. But be careful... not everyone who enters comes back.

Atlas listened, processing the information. He understood that the path to the Head of the Forest would be dangerous. But if this Essence could really help him in his quest, he couldn't back down.

[Quest: "Seals of Silence." updated ]

Now he had a new path—dangerous and risky, but he was ready to try.

Atlas gathered his willpower and made a decisive decision. He had to go to the Head of the Forest, despite all the risks. Not only because of the desire to obtain the Essence of Silence, but also because it was a great chance to raise your level, improve your skills, and perhaps open up new possibilities for yourself and your mountain beast.

"If I come back alive, I will become stronger than ever" – Atlas thought, taking a step towards the dark forest, from where there were only rustles and a light cold wind.

The guard who was watching him didn't say another word, but his gaze remained serious, and Atlas realized that he was aware that something extremely dangerous was waiting for him. However, he had no other choice now.

He headed deeper into the Head of the Forest, preparing for the unknown dangers that await him ahead.

The fog thickened as Atlas and his aerial shark crossed the border of the forest. Every tree here was covered with moss, and its dark branches curved in such a way that it gave the feeling that this forest was alive — it seemed to be watching their every move.

However, Atlas could feel his heart starting to beat faster. He didn't know what was waiting for him, but he was sure of one thing — just go ahead.

As soon as he entered the forest, the shadows began to move faster and the air became heavier.

Atlas noticed that even his mountain beast, which was usually full of energy, was now hanging around, keeping a wary eye on the sides.

[System notification: "You have entered the location: Head of the Forest. Threat level: High."]

Atlas knew that he needed to be prepared for any danger. He focused his attention and carefully examined the surrounding area.

With every step forward, he noticed the dark creatures starting to gather around, but they kept their distance, as if hesitating to attack.

Atlas did not make hasty movements and, instead of attacking, tried to comb the surroundings for possible traps and hidden hostile creatures.

[System notification: "You have discovered a hidden trap."]

Atlas carefully walked around her, paying attention to the magical essence hiding in the ground. The trap was covered in dark energy, and he knew that his ability to "Study Lost Artifacts" would help him avoid such threats.

As Atlas moved through the forest, he began to notice that the ground was getting harder and harder, and the shadows were ominously thickening. Somewhere far away from him, a light was flickering, and perhaps it was the very Essence of Silence.

He stopped and thought, listening to the surrounding silence before taking the last step towards the center of the forest.

Atlas, feeling his resolve grow stronger with every step, resolutely headed towards the source of the light that flashed in the darkness of the forest.

With each movement, the air became more saturated, and the atmosphere became more tense. He could feel how every step brought him closer to something important.

The dark trees parted, and ahead Atlas saw a mysterious glowing spot, barely flickering among the shadows. It wasn't bright, but rather hazy, as if a ghostly creature was trying to hide from his gaze.

As he got closer, the light became clearer, and Atlas realized that it wasn't just magic—it was a center of ancient power, a kind of energy concentrate. There was a faint aura in the air that made his heart beat faster.

[System notification: "You have discovered the Essence of Silence. It is a powerful artifact with the power of absorption. Use can have unpredictable consequences."]

Atlas realized that this was exactly the essence he was looking for. She wasn't just an artifact—she was the key. The key to unraveling the mysteries that lurked in this forest and in its past.

Gathering his strength, he walked closer and felt a slight vibration in the air when his hand touched the artifact. The Essence of Silence was cold and strangely attractive. He could feel its power, but he knew it could be dangerous.

[System notification: "You have received the Essence of Silence. The artifact's power has been added to your inventory. You can use it to restore your magic reserves, improve your skills, or activate hidden mechanisms in this world."]

Atlas froze. He had power in his hands, but he also realized that using it could have both positive and destructive consequences. He carefully placed the essence in his inventory and decided that he would not activate it for the time being.

As soon as Atlas put the Essence of Silence into his inventory, the ground beneath his feet trembled. The moment he decided to move on, a deep, rumbling sound came from the darkness of the forest, as if nature itself had rebelled against his presence.

There was a feeling that he had become part of something much bigger — ancient, powerful and hostile.

Through the thickets of the Shadow Forest, a creature appeared in his path. It was tall, almost reaching the sky, and its body was covered with black, shiny scales that shimmered in the dim light.

The creature's face was hidden under a hood, but shadows were coming out from under it, emitting cold light. Atlas instantly sensed that this was not just an enemy, but something that guarded this land, this place, and perhaps even the very Essence of Silence.

[System notification: "You are faced with a Unique Boss of the location – the Spirit of the All-consuming Shadow Forest. Level: 30."]

The boss raised his hand, and the air around Atlas suddenly became dense and viscous. The shadows, as if alive, began to bend around him, creating a barrier that did not allow him to move. Every movement was slowed down, as if the forest itself was trying to hold him back.

The guardian let out a loud, almost air-rending scream. His eyes sparkled, and Atlas felt as if the energy emanating from him was absorbing the surrounding nature, as if the Guardian himself were the embodiment of this world.

[System Notification: "You cannot leave the location until you defeat the Spirit of the All-Consuming Shadow Forest."]

– That's what I got. The game is called Flanard Ford!

At that moment, Atlas felt like his chances of winning were extremely slim. His level was only 9, and in front of him was an enemy that was three times stronger. But he had the Essence of Silence in his hands, and perhaps it could be the key to victory.

To be continued, please like and save…