chapter 5

Ethin's heart still racing, he gazed out into the forest, his eyes scanning the sea of emerald green. The trees loomed over him, their branches like skeletal fingers reaching out to snatch him.

The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. He could feel the weight of his injuries bearing down on him, the pain in his arm throbbing like a drumbeat.

Ethin's vision blurred for a moment, and he stumbled, his hand reaching out to steady himself against the cold rock. He had almost died out there, torn apart by the wolves' razor-sharp claws and teeth.

Ethin's skin crawled at the memory, his mind replaying the terror he had felt as the wolves closed in. But he had survived, and now he had to keep moving.

Ethin took a deep breath, the cool air filling his lungs, and began to make his way deeper into the forest. As he walked, the trees seemed to grow taller and closer, casting long, ominous shadows on the ground.

Ethin's senses were on high alert, his ears straining to pick up any sound, his eyes scanning the underbrush for any sign of movement. He knew the wolves were still out there, watching him, waiting for him to let his guard down.

Ethin's hand instinctively went to his arm, his fingers tracing the bloody gashes left by the wolf's teeth. Suddenly, he heard a rustling in the underbrush.

Ethin's heart skipped a beat as a wolf emerged from the shadows, its eyes fixed on him. A wave of anger washed over him, and he charged at the wolf.

The wolf stumbled backward, and Ethin took advantage of the momentary distraction to strike, his fist connecting with the wolf's jaw. The wolf yelped in pain.

Ethin was about to continue his advance when he suddenly felt a sense of danger. He immediately rolled to the side, looking back to where he was before.

That's when he saw the other wolf. The other wolf had already stood up, its eyes fixed on Ethin with a fierce hunger. Ethin's heart racing, he prepared for another attack.

He instinctively grabbed a branch beside him. The branch had no aura, but Ethin could feel his aether flowing into it. The branch felt thicker, heavier, and more solid in his hand.

With a swift swing of his hand, Ethin hit the first wolf to the side. He turned to face the other wolf, holding out the branch. The wolf, undeterred, bit down on the branch, its jaws snapping wildly.

Ethin held firm, his grip on the branch unyielding. He could feel the wolf's hot breath on his hand, but he refused to back down. With a sudden surge of strength, Ethin shoved the branch forward, pushing the wolf back.

The wolf stumbled, its eyes widening in surprise. Ethin took advantage of the momentary distraction to strike, his fist connecting with the wolf's jaw. The wolf yelped in pain.

Ethin immediately plunged the branch deep into the wolf's body, killing it in the process. The last wolf was furious that Ethin had killed its brothers.

The wolf's eyes blazed with anger, and it charged at Ethin with a fierce growl. Ethin stood his ground, his grip on the branch still firm.

With a swift motion, Ethin threw the branch like a spear. The wolf, charging forward with unchecked momentum, was unable to change direction.

The branch struck the wolf with deadly precision, piercing its heart and ending its life instantly. Ethin fell to the ground, his chest heaving with exhaustion, as he gazed out at the lifeless bodies of the wolves beside him.

For a moment, Ethin felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. He had defeated the wolves, and he had survived. But as he looked down at his injured arm, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.

He had practiced his skills countless times, but nothing could have prepared him for the intensity of a real battle. Ethin realized that he still had much to learn, and that the road ahead would be fraught with danger.

As his vision began to blur, Ethin felt himself being pulled back into the pod. The familiar sensation of the simulated reality dissolving around him was a welcome relief.

Ethin's eyes flickered open, and he found himself back in the pod, the soft glow of the console lights illuminating his face. He took a deep breath, feeling a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration.