WORSE TO SIGHT

The afternoon sun filtered through the swaying trees that lined the path toward the Iron Mine district. Shafts of golden light danced across the earthy road as the scout team rode onward. Vaelith Ren led the formation, his silver armor glinting with every stride of his horse. Behind him, Tarric Vohl rode silently, eyes sharp and focused. Ismere Daeva followed, her crimson-lined cloak fluttering as she sat atop her mare, fingers casually tapping the hilt of her blade. Beside her rode Zayan Taelrin, the Apex Knight known for his mastery of psychic displacement and light manipulation, his cloak bearing the insignia of the Royal Apex. Vira Lysaria, though Zenith-ranked, had volunteered to observe this operation and accompany them for support. A handful of Royal Guards formed the rear, their armor clinking with each trod.

Birds chirped above as the trees danced in a whispering breeze. The horses' hooves clopped gently on the packed soil, and the occasional rustling of forest creatures in nearby bushes kept the party alert. It was, strangely, peaceful.

"Look at this road," Ismere said softly, breaking the silence. "You'd never guess there's a demon site at the end of it."

"Peace often masks chaos," Vaelith replied without looking back.

As they passed Rowan Village, the villagers peeked from their homes, murmuring blessings and well-wishes. A young boy ran beside Ismere's horse for a few seconds before a woman pulled him back. The team nodded respectfully to the villagers and moved on.

They reached the outskirts of the Iron Mine by early afternoon. The terrain shifted—trees thinned, the soil grew darker, and the air grew heavier. Black stones protruded from the ground in sharp angles, and a faint vibration coursed underfoot.

The entrance to the demon site lay ahead—a cavern mouth torn into the side of a small ridge. A thick, red mist seemed to pour from it, hugging the ground and casting eerie reflections in the nearby puddles of runoff water. Strange symbols glowed faintly on the jagged stone around the entrance.

Zayan dismounted first, inspecting the markings. "Same structure as the others," he murmured, brushing a gauntlet over the glyphs. "But...the energy here feels restless."

Vaelith nodded. "Stay sharp."

Inside the cave-like Demon Site, the earth itself seemed alive. The walls pulsed faintly with demonic veins, and strange fiery symbols were drawn in deep red on the stone.

Vaelith's voice was hushed. "No crystals yet... but these symbols..."

Suddenly, a shriek echoed through the cavern.

Out from the shadows darted a cluster of goblins—gnarled, green-skinned, and screeching with jagged spears in hand. The scouts raised their weapons.

"Hold the line!" shouted Zayan.

Tarric surged forward, his boots sparking with lightning as he slammed a goblin into the wall with a thunder-charged punch. Vira summoned spears of golden light, piercing two goblins at once. Vaelith channeled restorative energy into his teammates mid-fight, his eyes glowing faint green.

Ismere was swift, weaving through enemies with fluid grace. Her daggers flashed red as they danced across goblin throats.

But then, the cavern shook.

A loud, snarling growl rolled through the tunnel. A new creature emerged—taller than a man, hunched and covered in midnight-purple scales. Its face was eyeless, and on its arms were bone-blades shaped like scythes.

Zayan took a defensive stance. "What is that thing?!"

Ismere lunged before anyone could stop her.

"Ismere, wait!" yelled Vaelith.

Too late. She struck first—but the creature countered with a brutal backhand swipe. Its bone-blade tore across her midsection and sent her flying against the wall.

Her scream echoed.

Vira gasped and rushed to her side. "Ismere!"

Blood pooled beneath her. She clutched her stomach, breath ragged.

"It... moved faster than I thought..." she whispered.

Vaelith dropped beside her, pressing glowing hands to the wound. "Stay with me, Ismere. Breathe. Don't talk."

Zayan barked orders. "Form up! We can't let that thing reach the exit."

The battle intensified. Tarric leapt in with crackling fists, striking the creature's knee. It staggered, roaring in rage. Vira cast a barrier of light between the monster and Ismere.

The creature howled again, releasing a dark pulse that sent a shockwave outward.

Guards were thrown back. Zayan grunted, slicing across its chest with his twin sabers, but it only enraged the beast more.

"Its armor's thick!" he shouted. "Go for joints!"

Vaelith, trembling, kept healing Ismere. "I'm losing her—she needs a full medic team."

The team fought like a single organism—dodging, slashing, defending—but the creature seemed tireless.

Finally, Vira concentrated a spear of pure radiant force and launched it at the creature's throat.

It struck true.

The monster let out a final, horrid shriek and collapsed.

The cave grew quiet again.

Vaelith cradled Ismere. "She's alive. Barely."

Zayan sheathed his weapons. "We need to get her out—now. Take any crystals you can find quickly."

Vira gathered several glowing shards from the far wall while Tarric carried Ismere gently. The scouts regrouped and raced back through the woods.

The wind howled above the trees. Horses neighed as the team returned.

As they mounted up, Zayan turned to Vaelith. "She'll make it. She has to."

Vaelith nodded, pale and quiet.

The trees that once whispered peace now loomed in silence as they rode with urgency, the weight of their discovery and the wound of a friend heavy on their backs.