Chapter 17: The Road Ahead

With the immediate threat gone, the group took a moment to catch their breath and assess the situation. The once-dominant pack of wolves had been destroyed, and the dark crystal's influence had dissipated. However, the weight of the encounter lingered in their minds.

"We've taken down one obstacle," Eren said, his voice thoughtful, "but there's a lot more we don't know. Who was controlling those wolves? And why were they after us?"

Daisuke looked out across the now-quiet clearing. "It's connected to something bigger. This crystal wasn't just a random artifact. Someone wanted it to be here, to use it."

Liora stood beside him, her eyes scanning the horizon. "We've encountered power like this before, haven't we? Remember those mercenaries we fought earlier? They were being controlled too. This might just be the tip of the iceberg."

Daisuke nodded. "Exactly. We need to be prepared for whatever comes next."

The group spent the next few hours gathering what they could from the ruins of the altar, taking any remnants of the dark crystal and magical artifacts that might prove useful. With every step forward, Daisuke felt the weight of his mission growing heavier. The road ahead was uncertain, but he was more determined than ever to see it through.

As they set up camp for the night, Daisuke couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. His senses, heightened by his new powers, tingled with the awareness of something lurking just beyond the edge of their campsite. But for now, they were safe.

He would rest, recover, and prepare for the next stage of his journey. Whatever lay ahead, he knew that with his companions by his side, they could face it together.