Chapter 87: Starfall Lake

Hearing "Starfall Lake," Lucio, guarding the rear, chimed in: "My father mentioned it—said it's cursed."

Lilith sighed, "So we learned. We thought it a legend… until we stumbled into its trap."The Fateful PursuitTwo days prior, they'd chased the undead wizard into the forest's depths. His skeletal horde left obvious tracks, leading them to a final showdown at dusk. The wizard, Silver Rank -Low Silver, was no match for Cain's holy power and Lilith's elite squad. They slew him, losing two Bronze warriors.

Victorious but weary, they chose a shortcut back—straight through the forest. That's when they saw it: Starfall Lake, a shimmering sapphire pool, its waters crystal clear, tempting exhausted mercenaries to rest.

Cain and Lilith knew the legend but were too late. A thunderous roar split the air—a golden-furred bear, Gold Rank, burst from the woods.The Gold Rank Horror"We ran," Lilith admitted, voice hollow. "The bear unleashed Mass Stone Spire, shredding the ground. We escaped with minor wounds, but our crew… the bear feasted."

Blood from their injuries attracted predators, whittling their group to just the two captains. They dared not take shortcuts again, retracing their steps until they met Sean's party.The Nature of Starfall Lake"Our path was the wizard's," Cain confirmed. "He must've cleared the area of beasts to avoid detection."

Lucio nodded, "No wonder we saw nothing today—the undead scared away prey."

Sean frowned, "But how did you stumble into Starfall Lake? I thought its location was unknown."

Lilith explained, "A Sanctuary-level elven mage hid it with illusions. It appears randomly across the forest—last sighted 15 years ago. Even Gold or Sky Rank warriors rarely find it. We were… unlucky."A Warning for the FutureSean's wariness spiked. Starfall Lake's outer edges hold Gold Rank beasts; who knows what lies within? He cared little for the mage's fabled treasure—his System offered greater power.

As they exited the forest, Cain and Lilith relaxed for the first time in days, trauma etched in their faces.Return to RiversideIn town, Sean sent uninjured companions to the castle for dinner—wolf meat supplemented by stored boar and beef. He led the wounded to Anduin, who healed Windsor and Monica quickly.

Henry arrived, fussing over the guests. Sean turned to Cain, eyeing his severed arm, "Our clerics are Black Rank—can Benjamin heal this?"

Cain smiled weakly, "The Bishop can restore limbs within seven days, if the stump is preserved. I'll return to Yorn soon."The Weight of SecretsThat night, as Cain and Lilith slept, Sean pored over maps. Starfall Lake, the Count's ambush, the undead wizard—all signs the forest hid deeper dangers.

Kyle entered, staff glowing, "I sensed ancient magic on their wounds—Elven, but corrupted. Starfall Lake's secrets run deeper than legends."

Sean nodded, hand on the dragon egg. Let the lake keep its treasures. My focus is Riverside's survival. And when the Count strikes…

He smiled darkly. I'll meet his Gold Rank bear with a dragon of my own.

The grind for Bronze Rank continued, but now with new stakes—Starfall Lake's horrors proved the forest was more than a hunting ground. It was a battlefield, where even the bravest mercenaries fell, and only the most cunning— or blessed—survived.

In Riverside's lights,Sean vowed one thing: no legend, no count, no Gold Rank beast would halt his rise. The System had given him a path; now, he'd carve it in blood… and maybe, one day, turn Starfall Lake's curses into his own advantages.