《The Voidbound Rising》 The system’s arrival The sky fractured with light. Not the comforting glow of the sun or the silver sheen of the moon, but a cold, sharp brilliance that sliced through the clouds like a blade. Benji Wren paused mid-swing, his axe lodged in the stubborn wood of a half-chopped log. He blinked up at the sky, sweat dripping into his eyes. ¡°What in the¡­¡± he muttered, wiping his brow with the back of his hand. Around him, the small clearing seemed unnaturally still, as if the birds and bugs had collectively decided to hold their breath. Then it happened. A ding reverberated through the air, soft but undeniable, like the chime of a faraway bell. Benji staggered as something¡ªsomeone?¡ªspoke directly into his mind. [System Initialization: Welcome to the System.] The words weren¡¯t spoken aloud. They resonated inside his skull, cool and clinical, as if read from a script. His vision blurred, and for a terrifying moment, he thought he might pass out. But instead of darkness, something else appeared. A translucent screen materialized in front of him, glowing faintly. Words scrawled across it in neat lines: Name: Benjamin Wren Age: 15 Race: Human Class: Unassigned Level: 0 Strength: 6 Dexterity: 4 Endurance: 5 Intelligence: 3 Charisma: 2 Luck: 3 Benji stumbled back, nearly tripping over the uneven ground. ¡°What¡­what is this?¡± His voice cracked, but no one was there to hear him. His father was back in the house, probably napping after their long morning of chopping wood. The small village of Greenhollow was as quiet as ever, nestled deep in the forest and far from any semblance of excitement. Until now. The screen flickered, and a new message appeared: [Explanation of Stats: Stats reflect inherent and trained attributes. Average adult humans fall between 4-6 in most categories. Exceptional individuals may reach 7-8. Starting values are influenced by life experiences, genetics, and latent potential.]If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Benji¡¯s eyes scanned the list again, his gaze lingering on Strength. He supposed that made sense. Years of chopping wood, carrying logs, and hauling water had toughened his arms, even if his scrawny frame didn¡¯t show it. Dexterity? That must be from his quick reflexes. He was pretty good at catching things before they hit the ground. Intelligence? He frowned. Three didn¡¯t seem very high, but then, he¡¯d never been much for books or clever ideas. His life was simple, and he¡¯d never needed anything more. Luck made him snort. Three sounded about right. If there was a hole to step in or a bee to swat, he¡¯d always find it. The screen shifted again: [Select your initial Class.] [Options: Warrior, Archer, Healer, Commoner.] ¡°Class?¡± Benji repeated, his voice trembling. He¡¯d heard stories of the System from wandering traders and old soldiers who passed through Greenhollow. Fantastical tales of knights with impossible strength, mages who could summon fire with a snap of their fingers, rogues who could vanish into thin air. But those were just that¡ªstories. Weren¡¯t they? [Time Remaining to Choose: 01:00] A timer appeared in the corner of the screen, ticking down second by second. Benji¡¯s heart raced. ¡°Wait! I don¡¯t know what to¡ª¡± The ground beneath him trembled, a faint rumble that grew stronger with each passing moment. From the direction of the village came faint cries, shouts of confusion and fear. Whatever this was, it wasn¡¯t just happening to him. ¡°Warrior? Commoner?¡± He glanced at the axe still buried in the log. His fingers itched to choose something familiar, something safe. Then his eyes landed on the first option: Warrior. Warrior. The name sounded practical and strong. It suited him¡ªa life of physical work and hard labor had prepared him for a straightforward path. Unlike the fanciful magic users or mysterious healers, this class felt real. Solid. Achievable. [00:30] ¡°Alright,¡± Benji muttered, gripping the axe handle tighter. ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡± He reached out and tapped Warrior just as the timer dipped below ten seconds. The screen blinked, and a new message appeared: [Class Selected: Warrior. Initial skill acquired: Power Strike. Passive ability unlocked: Physical Fortitude.] Before he could process what that meant, a sharp pain lanced through his body. He cried out, dropping to his knees as heat surged through him, pooling in his chest and then spreading outward. It was as if something inside him had been unlocked, a reservoir of power that had lain dormant his entire life. When the pain subsided, he gasped for air, his vision swimming. The screen returned, but the words were different this time: [Quest Alert: First Steps.] Objective: Survive the Integration. Reward: 100 XP, Basic Weapon Training Manual.] ¡°Survive?¡± Benji echoed, pushing himself to his feet. The tremors beneath the ground were stronger now, and the cries from the village were growing louder. He turned toward Greenhollow, a sick feeling settling in his gut. Whatever this ¡°Integration¡± was, it wasn¡¯t going to be gentle. Clutching his axe in one hand, Benji took off running, the translucent screen hovering at the edge of his vision. The System had come, and his quiet life was over. The Village in Chaos The forest blurred past as Benji sprinted down the narrow dirt path toward Greenhollow. His chest burned, and his legs ached, but he didn¡¯t dare slow down. The distant shouts and cries from the village were growing louder, joined now by an ominous rumbling beneath his feet. Trees swayed unnaturally, their branches trembling as if caught in some invisible storm. The first signs of destruction came into view as he neared the edge of the forest. Smoke curled into the air from one of the smaller cottages on the outskirts of the village. A sharp metallic scent¡ªblood?¡ªwafted on the breeze, mingling with the acrid smell of burning wood. Benji¡¯s heart clenched. Please be okay. Please. He burst into the clearing, skidding to a stop. The scene before him was chaos. Villagers ran in every direction, clutching whatever they could carry. Some wielded farming tools¡ªpitchforks, sickles, even a rolling pin or two. Others carried crying children or hobbled along with injuries. And then there were the creatures. They looked like wolves at first glance, but their bodies shimmered unnaturally, their fur rippling like liquid shadow. Their eyes glowed red, and their claws carved deep gouges into the ground with every step. A pack of three was circling a group of villagers near the well. One lunged forward, only to be driven back by a desperate swing of a pitchfork. [New Enemy Identified: Void-Touched Wolf.] Level: 3 Threat Rating: Moderate. Benji froze. A primal fear gripped him, his hands shaking around the haft of his axe. These weren¡¯t the harmless woodland animals he¡¯d seen in the forest¡ªthey were predators, twisted by whatever power had brought the System. ¡°Benji!¡± a familiar voice shouted. He turned to see Sara, the village healer, waving frantically from the door of her hut. Her apron was smeared with blood, and a makeshift bandage covered her arm. Behind her, a small group of injured villagers huddled in the shadows.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°Get over here!¡± she yelled, her voice breaking. ¡°We need help!¡± Benji¡¯s legs felt like lead, but he forced himself to move. He dashed toward her, dodging panicked villagers and the occasional wolf darting through the melee. As he reached Sara, another notification flashed in his vision. [Quest Update: Aid the Villagers.] Objective: Defend the injured. Reward: +50 XP, Reputation Increase with Greenhollow. ¡°You have your axe, right?¡± Sara asked, nodding toward the tool in his hands. It was old and worn from years of use, but the blade was sharp, and the handle fit comfortably in Benji¡¯s grip. ¡°Good. The wolves keep coming, and we don¡¯t have enough fighters to hold them off.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never fought anything like this,¡± Benji admitted, his voice shaking. ¡°You¡¯ll figure it out,¡± Sara snapped. ¡°Because if you don¡¯t, we¡¯re all dead.¡± A low growl made Benji spin around. One of the Void-Touched Wolves had broken away from the pack and was stalking toward the healer¡¯s hut. Its glowing eyes locked onto him, and its lips curled back in a snarl. Benji raised the axe, his hands tightening around the worn handle. The wolf crouched, muscles bunching as it prepared to lunge. Time seemed to slow. He could hear his own heartbeat pounding in his ears. And then, something shifted. [Skill Activated: Power Strike.] A surge of strength flooded Benji¡¯s body, banishing his fear. He stepped forward just as the wolf leapt, swinging the axe in a wide arc. The wolf yelped as the strike connected, dark ichor spraying from the wound. It hit the ground hard, scrambling to its feet with a limp. Benji didn¡¯t let it recover. He stepped forward again, his body moving as if guided by some unseen hand. The axe came down in a decisive chop, and the wolf collapsed, its body dissolving into wisps of shadow. [Enemy Defeated: Void-Touched Wolf.] +20 XP. Benji staggered back, his chest heaving. The notification blinked out of existence, but his victory felt hollow. This wasn¡¯t over¡ªnot by a long shot. ¡°Benji!¡± Sara¡¯s voice snapped him out of his daze. ¡°There are more coming!¡± He turned to see two more wolves approaching the hut, their glowing eyes fixed on the injured villagers inside. A new kind of determination settled over him. He wasn¡¯t just fighting for himself anymore¡ªhe was fighting for them. Clutching the axe tightly, Benji stepped forward to meet the next challenge. [Quest Reminder: Defend the injured.] Progress: 1/3 Wolves Defeated. The System wasn¡¯t going to stop. And neither would he. Allies in the Fray Benji wiped the sweat from his brow, his grip tightening on the axe. The two Void-Touched Wolves prowling toward the frightened group near the well were larger than the first, their eyes glowing brighter and their growls reverberating deep in his chest. He knew he couldn¡¯t take them both alone. ¡°Benji!¡± a voice called from behind him. He turned to see a lanky boy sprinting his way, holding a makeshift spear cobbled together from a broom handle and a knife. It was Eli, the son of the village blacksmith. Though only a year older than Benji, Eli was taller and slightly better built, his brown hair flopping wildly as he ran. His eyes were alight with determination¡ªor perhaps desperation. ¡°Thought you could use a hand,¡± Eli said, skidding to a stop next to Benji. He twirled the spear awkwardly, his hands unsure but his resolve clear. ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± Before Benji could answer, a third figure joined them. This one was smaller, a girl with fiery red hair tied back in a messy braid. Lena, the baker¡¯s daughter, had her sling loaded and ready. Her freckled face was smudged with ash, but her green eyes were sharp and focused. ¡°Don¡¯t think you boys are leaving me out of this,¡± she said, standing beside them. She spun the sling in a practiced motion, the stone whistling through the air. ¡°I¡¯ve hit plenty of foxes raiding the chicken coop. These things can¡¯t be that different.¡± Benji felt a flicker of hope. They weren¡¯t seasoned fighters, but they weren¡¯t alone anymore. Together, they might stand a chance. [Quest Update: Defend the Injured.] Progress: 1/3 Wolves Defeated. [New Objective: Work with Allies to Defeat the Wolves.] Bonus Reward: +10 XP for Each Ally Remaining Uninjured. ¡°Alright,¡± Benji said, his voice steadier than he felt. ¡°Eli, you take the one on the right. Use that spear to keep it back. Lena, cover us with your sling. I¡¯ll go for the one on the left.¡± The wolves didn¡¯t wait for them to strategize further. The one on the right charged at Eli, its claws tearing up clumps of dirt as it lunged. Eli planted his feet and jabbed with the spear. The tip grazed the wolf¡¯s shoulder, making it snarl and back off momentarily. The second wolf darted toward Benji, its jaws snapping. He sidestepped just in time, bringing the axe down in a heavy swing. The wolf dodged, but the blade clipped its flank, leaving a shallow wound. Dark ichor oozed from the cut, the scent acrid and wrong. ¡°Gotcha!¡± Lena shouted. Her sling let loose a stone that struck the wounded wolf square in the side of the head. It stumbled, dazed but not defeated. Eli¡¯s wolf was quicker than its companion. It darted past his spear and lunged, claws raking at his arm. Eli cried out but managed to shove it back with the haft of his weapon. [Ally Status: Eli - Minor Injury.] ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Eli gritted through his teeth, raising the spear again. Benji focused on his target. The wolf circled him warily now, its glowing eyes calculating. Benji¡¯s heart pounded, but he felt the faintest whisper of something else¡ªguidance from the System, perhaps. He took a steadying breath and waited for the wolf to strike. It pounced. Benji shifted his weight and swung the axe upward in a diagonal arc. The blade connected under the wolf¡¯s jaw, and with a sickening crunch, it collapsed, dissolving into shadow. [Enemy Defeated: Void-Touched Wolf.] +20 XP. ¡°One down!¡± Benji shouted, turning to see Eli and Lena still holding their own. Lena¡¯s sling whistled again, striking the second wolf in the flank. Eli took the opening, driving his spear forward with all his strength. The tip pierced the wolf¡¯s chest, and it let out a final, guttural snarl before collapsing. [Enemy Defeated: Void-Touched Wolf.] +20 XP. [Quest Progress: 3/3 Wolves Defeated.] [Objective Complete: Defend the Injured.] The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.Reward: +50 XP. The field fell silent, save for the ragged breaths of the trio. Benji leaned on his axe, his arms trembling from exertion. ¡°We did it,¡± Eli said, his voice tinged with disbelief. He clutched his arm where the wolf had clawed him, but he was smiling through the pain. ¡°Of course we did,¡± Lena said, grinning as she tucked her sling back into her belt. ¡°You boys just needed a professional on your team.¡± Benji chuckled weakly, the tension in his chest easing. They weren¡¯t warriors or heroes¡ªnot yet. But today, they had protected their home. Together. The clearing was silent save for the faint rustle of the wind through the trees and the labored breathing of the three figures standing amid the fallen wolves. Benji leaned on his knees, exhaustion crashing over him like a wave. Blood stained his tunic and hands, but none of it was his own. ¡°Did we just¡­ win?¡± Eli gasped, wiping sweat from his forehead with a shaky hand. His hunting knife, slick with dark blood, hung limply at his side. Lena, still catching her breath, gave a weary nod. ¡°Barely.¡± The System chimed softly in Benji¡¯s mind. A notification unfurled before him, its glowing text more vibrant than usual.
[Victory Achieved: Pack Leader Defeated] Experience Gained: 240 EXP Contributions: Shared Among Party Members [Level Up!] Rewards Unlocked:
Benji¡¯s eyes widened as the familiar surge of warmth rushed through him, filling his limbs with renewed energy. He stood up straighter, the soreness fading slightly as his body adjusted to the boost. ¡°I think¡­ I just leveled up,¡± he said, glancing at Lena and Eli. ¡°Did you feel that?¡± Eli stumbled backward, blinking as if trying to process what just happened. ¡°I¡ªwait. I feel¡­ stronger.¡± He clenched his fists, staring down at them with wide eyes. ¡°This is the System, isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s working for us!¡± Benji opened his System interface, feeling both curious and apprehensive. The options hovered before him.
[Attribute Bonus: Choose One]
  1. +2 Strength (Increases physical power and damage)
  2. +2 Health (Improves durability and survivability)
  3. +2 Agility (Boosts speed and reaction time)
He scanned the list, his fingers twitching slightly as he weighed the options. Strength seemed tempting, especially after how hard he¡¯d struggled against the Alpha Wolf, but Agility felt just as important. Being faster could mean the difference between life and death. ¡°Strength,¡± Benji muttered under his breath, selecting the attribute with resolve. He couldn¡¯t afford to be weak¡ªnot out here. A surge of power rippled through him, his muscles tensing for a brief moment before relaxing. It wasn¡¯t dramatic, but he could feel the difference¡ªa faint steadiness in his stance, a readiness in his limbs. Eli laughed as he fiddled with his own System panel. ¡°I picked Health. After that fight, I don¡¯t want to be on death¡¯s doorstep ever again.¡± ¡°What about you?¡± Benji asked, turning to Lena. Lena gave him a faint smile as she dismissed her interface. ¡°Agility. I¡¯ve always been fast, and I intend to stay that way.¡± Benji nodded, a sense of camaraderie settling between the three of them. They had survived something far greater than any of them had faced before, and the System had seen fit to reward them for it. The quiet was interrupted by a sudden pulse from Benji¡¯s interface. A new message flashed before him.
[Basic Ability Available] Choose one to unlock:
Benji¡¯s brows furrowed as he considered the choices. Both abilities were practical, but after the fight with the wolves, it was clear he needed better ways to stay on the offensive. ¡°Focused Dash,¡± he said, feeling the System acknowledge his choice. The knowledge sank into him, as if a door had unlocked in the back of his mind. He could already imagine how it would feel¡ªleaning forward, muscles coiling, and then bursting forward with speed that defied his natural limits. Lena and Eli stared at him as if waiting for an explanation. ¡°New ability,¡± Benji admitted with a sheepish grin. ¡°A dash of sorts. Should help me move faster in a pinch.¡± Lena tilted her head. ¡°Huh. That¡¯ll come in handy.¡± She stretched, clearly recovering faster than either of them. ¡°We should get moving. The wolves are dead, this won¡¯t be the last time we run into something worse.¡± Benji glanced back at the bodies of villagers he couldn''t rescue. The faint glow from their veins had already dimmed, leaving behind a husk of a body. His fists clenched at the thought of what lay beyond Greenhollow¡¯s borders¡ªwhat else the Void might have tainted. For now, though, they had survived. They were stronger than before, and the System had given them the tools to keep growing. ¡°Let¡¯s head back,¡± he said, leading the way toward the village. As the three of them disappeared into the treeline, Benji couldn¡¯t help but glance up at the sky. Somewhere out there, the System was watching¡ªtracking their progress, guiding them forward. And they had only just begun. Rallying the Village The morning sun rose over Greenhollow, casting light on a village marked by devastation. Smoke curled up from blackened rooftops, and the once-thriving streets were filled with the cries of children and the murmurs of frightened families. Yet, at the heart of the chaos, determination began to take root. Benji stood at the center of the square, his axe resting on his shoulder. The aftermath of the battle weighed heavily on him; every muscle ached, and exhaustion clawed at his mind. Still, the memories of the night¡ªthe wolves, the fight, and the villager who succumbed to the Void¡ªkept his focus sharp. By his side were Lena and Eli, equally battered but resolute. Lena, with her fire-red hair tangled from the night¡¯s battle, still clutched her sling, her green eyes scanning the crowd with an edge of defiance. Eli, lanky and awkward, leaned on a makeshift spear, the bandage on his arm hastily tied but holding firm. ¡°We can¡¯t wait for the next attack,¡± Benji said, addressing the uneasy crowd. ¡°We have to take back Greenhollow. Find our people and make sure the village is safe.¡± The villagers exchanged glances. Fear flickered in their eyes, but so did something else¡ªhope. ¡°He¡¯s right,¡± Thom, the burly miller, grunted, hefting a wooden mallet. ¡°If we don¡¯t fight back, the village is done for.¡± ¡°What about the injured?¡± Sara, the healer, asked, stepping forward. Her apron was stained with blood, and exhaustion shadowed her face. ¡°We can¡¯t just leave them unprotected.¡± ¡°We won¡¯t,¡± Benji replied. ¡°A group will stay behind to guard the healer¡¯s hut and protect the children. The rest of us will split up, search for survivors, and drive out any remaining wolves.¡± The crowd murmured their agreement, and Sara gave a reluctant nod. Then, a golden shimmer flickered at the edge of Benji¡¯s vision, followed by the familiar chime of the System.
[Quest Alert: Retake Greenhollow!] Objective: Rally the villagers and secure the area. Bonus Objective: Locate Missing Villagers (0/5 Found). Reward: +100 XP and Improved Village Reputation.
Benji blinked as the notification hovered before him. He glanced at Lena and Eli, who wore matching expressions of surprise.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. ¡°You both saw that, right?¡± he asked. Eli nodded, his face pale. ¡°Looks like the System¡¯s keeping score.¡± Lena smirked, her freckles crinkling with the grin. ¡°Great. Now we¡¯re officially heroes.¡± Benji couldn¡¯t help but smile despite the tension. He turned back to the villagers. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s move. Thom, you¡¯ll lead the group staying here to defend the healer¡¯s hut. The rest of you, grab whatever you can use as a weapon¡ªpitchforks, knives, anything. Search every house, barn, and field. Be careful, and call for help if you see something.¡± The villagers sprang into action, hurriedly forming teams and arming themselves with whatever they could find. Benji, Lena, and Eli formed the smallest group, tasked with searching the eastern edge of the village where the forest loomed. Before leaving, Benji stopped by the healer¡¯s hut. His father lay on a cot, his leg tightly bandaged. The sight of him alive filled Benji with relief. ¡°Dad,¡± Benji said, kneeling beside him. His father¡¯s lips twitched into a faint smile. ¡°Still alive, thanks to Sara¡¯s quick hands. How are you holding up?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Benji replied, his voice steady. ¡°We¡¯re going to take back the village. I¡¯ll come back as soon as it¡¯s safe.¡± His father reached out, gripping Benji¡¯s arm. ¡°Be careful, son. Your mother would¡¯ve been proud.¡± Benji nodded, rising to his feet. He gave his father one last glance before rejoining Lena and Eli outside. The group moved cautiously through the village, checking abandoned homes and following faint trails. Near the edge of the forest, they found their first clue: a broken cart with splintered wheels and scattered belongings. ¡°Tracks,¡± Lena said, crouching to inspect the ground. ¡°Fresh ones. They lead into the woods.¡± Benji gripped his axe tighter. The System quest glimmered in the corner of his vision, a reminder of the stakes. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± The forest was eerily silent as they followed the trail, the air heavy with foreboding. The underbrush rustled faintly, but no birds sang, and no insects buzzed. When they came to a clearing, they found two villagers huddled behind a fallen log. Their clothes were torn, and their faces were pale with fear, but they were alive. ¡°It¡¯s safe now,¡± Benji said gently, kneeling beside them. ¡°We¡¯ll take you back to the village.¡± The man shook his head, pointing toward a narrow path deeper into the forest. ¡°More wolves¡­ that way. We barely escaped.¡± Benji glanced at Lena and Eli. ¡°Take them back. I¡¯ll check it out.¡± Eli looked ready to argue, but Lena put a hand on his arm. ¡°Come on,¡± she said. ¡°We¡¯ll be back for you, Benji.¡± Benji nodded, watching them lead the villagers back toward the square. As they disappeared into the trees, a chime echoed in his mind, and a new System notification appeared.
[Bonus Objective Completed: Locate Missing Villagers (2/5 Found)] Reward: +20 XP.
Benji exhaled sharply. The System¡¯s updates felt like a cold reminder of the stakes, but the reward gave him a spark of hope. He turned toward the darkened path, gripping his axe. If there were more wolves¡ªor something worse¡ªwaiting ahead, he would face it. For Greenhollow. For his father. And for the System¡¯s promise of strength. Into the Forest The dense forest loomed ahead, a wall of shadow and tangled branches. Benji adjusted his grip on the axe, its familiar weight both a comfort and a reminder of the danger ahead. Behind him, Greenhollow faded into silence, leaving only the faint rustle of leaves and the crunch of boots on the forest floor. The tracks were easy to follow at first, fresh pawprints pressed into the soft earth. But as the trail wound deeper into the woods, the air grew colder, and the light dimmed, as if the forest itself resented his intrusion. Drag marks soon joined the pawprints, sending a chill through Benji. They¡¯ve taken more people. It wasn¡¯t long before a low growl broke the uneasy quiet. Benji froze, eyes scanning the shadows. At the edge of the clearing, a lone wolf stepped into view, its fur matted and eyes glowing faintly with an unnatural light. It didn¡¯t attack. Instead, it howled¡ªa mournful, echoing cry. The underbrush exploded with movement. Three more wolves emerged, fanning out around Benji. He barely raised his axe in time to deflect the first lunging beast.
[System Notification: Combat Engaged! Defeat the Void-Touched Wolves.]
The fight was brutal. Teeth snapped inches from his face as he swung his axe in wide, desperate arcs. One wolf leapt at his side, claws raking his arm. Pain flared, but he slammed the axe handle into its ribs, knocking it back. He pressed the advantage, splitting the wolf¡¯s skull with a downward blow.
[System Notification: Enemy Defeated. +20 XP.]
Benji turned just in time to dodge another attack, but the third wolf caught his leg. He roared, slamming the axe into its flank and sending it yelping into the trees. Bloodied and breathing hard, he turned on the last wolf. This one hesitated, then backed away, snarling before disappearing into the shadows. He leaned on his axe, chest heaving, as the final wolf¡¯s howls faded. A soft chime sounded in his mind.
[System Notification: Level Up! You have reached Level 3.] +3 Attribute Points Available.
Benji let out a breathless laugh. He was bleeding, exhausted, and alone in a haunted forest¡ªand the System chose now to reward him. Opening his interface, he quickly assigned his new points: +1 Strength, +1 Endurance, +1 Agility. Energy surged through him, dulling his pain and sharpening his focus. He ripped a strip of cloth from his shirt to bandage his arm, wincing as he tied it off. The drag marks led deeper into the woods, and he pressed on, determined to find the villagers.
The trail ended at a steep ravine. Below, nestled among jagged rocks, lay an ancient ruin. Moss-covered stone walls rose like jagged teeth, faintly glowing crystals embedded in their cracks. At its heart, a flickering light pulsed like a heartbeat. Benji crept down the slope, each step deliberate. The air grew colder, and the oppressive silence deepened. At the ruin¡¯s entrance, he paused. A low growl rumbled from the shadows.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Inside, he found himself in a cavernous chamber, the walls aglow with eerie, pulsating light. Three villagers were here: In the center of the room, one wolf towered above the rest. Its fur was bristling with dark energy, and its glowing eyes burned like twin suns.
[System Notification: Boss Encounter! Alpha Void-Touched Wolf. Recommended Party Size: 3-5.] Benji¡¯s breath came in ragged gasps as the remaining wolves melted into the shadows, leaving him and the Alpha Void-Touched Wolf alone in the cavern. The beast¡¯s glowing eyes burned with malice, and its growl rumbled like distant thunder. It stepped forward, muscles rippling under its matted fur, each movement radiating unnatural power. Benji tightened his grip on his axe, forcing himself to stand tall despite the tremor in his legs. He glanced at the unconscious villagers and the frightened mother clutching her child. I can¡¯t let this thing get to them. The Alpha moved first, a blur of dark energy streaking toward Benji. He barely had time to react, throwing himself to the side as the wolf¡¯s claws raked the ground where he had been standing. Shards of stone exploded outward, one slicing across his cheek. Benji rolled to his feet and swung his axe in a wide arc, aiming for the Alpha¡¯s exposed flank. The beast twisted, faster than he thought possible, its jaws snapping shut on the axe¡¯s handle. With a powerful jerk, it ripped the weapon from his hands and sent it clattering across the cavern. Too strong. Panic flared in Benji¡¯s chest, but he forced it down. As the Alpha lunged again, he ducked and grabbed a jagged piece of glowing crystal from the floor. The sharp edges bit into his palm as he swung it upward, burying it in the beast¡¯s side. The Alpha howled, a deafening sound that shook the air and sent ripples of dark energy cascading through the room. Benji was thrown backward, slamming into the wall hard enough to knock the breath from his lungs.
[System Notification: Status Effect: Staggered. Movement and Reflexes Reduced by 20% for 10 Seconds.]
Not now, dammit. Benji clawed his way to his feet, his vision swimming. The Alpha circled him, the crystal shard still embedded in its side, its dark energy seeping out like thick smoke. It lunged again, and this time Benji was ready. He sidestepped, ignoring the screaming protest of his muscles, and grabbed his fallen axe. Spinning, he brought the weapon down with all his strength, aiming for the wolf¡¯s hind leg. The blade connected, sinking deep into muscle and bone. The Alpha stumbled, its roar of pain echoing through the cavern. Benji didn¡¯t hesitate, yanking the axe free and striking again. This time, the blade grazed its shoulder, but the beast retaliated, its claws raking across his chest. Pain flared, and Benji staggered back, his breath hitching. Blood dripped from the gashes, staining his shirt, but the wolf was limping now, its movements less precise. The two circled each other, both bloodied and exhausted. Benji¡¯s mind raced. He couldn¡¯t keep this up much longer, not against something so powerful. His eyes darted to the embedded crystal still glowing faintly in the Alpha¡¯s side.
[System Notification: Weak Point Detected. Target: Void-Touched Crystal Embedded in Alpha¡¯s Core.]
The beast charged again, and Benji feigned weakness, stumbling backward. As the Alpha lunged, jaws wide, he pivoted, letting its momentum carry it forward. He brought the axe down one last time, aiming for the shard of crystal. The blade struck true, driving the shard deeper into the wolf¡¯s body. The effect was immediate. The Alpha let out an earsplitting howl, its body convulsing as the dark energy within it exploded outward. Benji threw himself to the ground, covering his head as the cavern was consumed in a blinding flash of light and smoke. When the air cleared, the Alpha was gone. In its place was a single, glowing fragment of dark energy, suspended in midair.
[System Notification: Boss Defeated. +150 XP.] [Loot Acquired: Void-Touched Core.]
Beyond the Ruins The cavern was quiet now, save for the soft crackling of residual energy where the Alpha had fallen. Benji leaned against the stone altar, his breathing ragged and his axe hanging limply at his side. Blood dripped from his wounds, pooling at his feet, but he didn¡¯t have the luxury of stopping to rest. The villagers needed him. The glowing fragment of dark energy¡ªthe Void-Touched Core¡ªhovered where the Alpha had dissolved. It pulsed faintly, a reminder of the danger that had just been vanquished. Benji reached out hesitantly, feeling the strange heat emanating from it. The moment his fingers brushed the surface, a surge of energy coursed through him. Benji swallowed hard, his grip tightening around the glowing shard. He had no idea what it was or how it worked, but something told him it wasn¡¯t safe to leave it here. Sliding the core into his belt pouch, he turned his attention back to the villagers. The mother and her young child huddled near the altar, trembling but alive. Their eyes darted toward Benji as he approached, their fear palpable. ¡°It¡¯s over,¡± he said gently, though his voice was hoarse from the fight. ¡°You¡¯re safe now.¡± The woman nodded slowly, tears streaming down her dirt-streaked face. ¡°Thank you,¡± she whispered. ¡°We thought¡­ we thought we¡¯d never make it out.¡± Benji offered a faint smile and helped her to her feet. The child clung to her, wide-eyed but silent. ¡°Let¡¯s get you back to the village. Can you walk?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± the woman said, though her legs wobbled as she tried to take a step. Benji supported her as they made their way out of the cavern. The glowing crystals embedded in the walls cast an eerie light, but without the wolves, the oppressive weight of the place had lifted. Each step was agonizing for Benji, his wounds a constant reminder of how close he had come to death. As they climbed out of the ravine, a sudden rustling in the forest made Benji tense. A few remaining wolves, smaller and less imposing than their Alpha, emerged from the shadows. Their glowing eyes flickered, and for a moment, Benji braced for another fight. But then, one by one, they backed away, their movements hesitant and uncoordinated. Without their Alpha, the pack seemed aimless, their unity shattered. The wolves retreated into the depths of the forest, their howls fading into the night. Benji exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing. The pack had been broken, at least for now. Halfway back to the village, a familiar voice called out.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Benji! Over here!¡± Lena and Eli appeared from the treeline, both looking worse for wear but alive. Relief washed over Benji as they hurried toward him. ¡°We were starting to think you¡ª¡± Lena¡¯s voice faltered when she saw his bloodied state. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°The Alpha,¡± Benji said simply. ¡°It¡¯s dead.¡± Eli let out a low whistle. ¡°You took it down alone?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t have much choice,¡± Benji replied with a weak grin. ¡°But we¡¯ve got survivors. Help me get them back to the square.¡± Together, the three of them escorted the woman and child the rest of the way. As they reached the outskirts of the village, a familiar chime echoed in Benji¡¯s mind. [Quest Updated: Retake Greenhollow!] Bonus Objective Completed: Locate Missing Villagers (5/5 Found). Reward: +60 XP and Improved Village Reputation. ¡°Looks like we did it,¡± Lena said, a small smile tugging at her lips as she glanced at the translucent notification hovering in her vision. ¡°For now,¡± Benji said, his voice laced with exhaustion. ¡°Let¡¯s just get everyone together.¡± When they reached the village square, a wave of relief swept over the gathered crowd. The sight of the rescued villagers brought tears and embraces, but Sara, the healer, quickly stepped in to tend to the injured. Benji allowed himself to collapse onto a nearby bench, his body finally giving in to the fatigue. Thom, the burly miller, approached him with a grim expression. ¡°You did good, lad. Took a beating for it, but you¡¯ve given us hope. That¡¯s more than most would¡¯ve managed.¡± ¡°We¡¯re not out of the woods yet,¡± Benji replied, wincing as Sara began wrapping his arm with fresh bandages. ¡°The wolves were Void-Touched. This wasn¡¯t just a random attack.¡± Thom frowned, his eyes narrowing. ¡°Void-Touched? Here?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Benji said, pulling the Void-Touched Core from his pouch. The faint glow caught the attention of those nearby, and a murmur rippled through the crowd. ¡°The Alpha left this behind. Whatever¡¯s going on, it¡¯s not natural.¡± ¡°Let me see that,¡± Sara said, her hands stilling as she leaned closer. Her face paled as she examined the Core. ¡°This¡­ this is dangerous. It¡¯s infused with Void energy. Keeping it here is a risk.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll figure it out,¡± Benji said firmly, tucking the Core back into his pouch. ¡°But right now, we need to focus on rebuilding. We¡¯ve bought ourselves some time, but there¡¯s no telling when the Void might strike again.¡± The villagers nodded, their expressions somber but determined. The scars of the attack would take time to heal, but Greenhollow had survived, and that was no small victory. As the crowd dispersed to tend to the injured and rebuild, Lena sat beside Benji, her sling still hanging from her belt. ¡°So what now?¡± she asked, her tone light but her eyes serious. Benji leaned back, staring up at the sky as the first stars began to appear. ¡°We get stronger. If the System¡¯s going to throw stuff like this at us, we¡¯ll need every advantage we can get.¡± ¡°Stronger, huh?¡± Lena said with a small smirk. ¡°Good thing I¡¯m already ahead of you.¡± Benji raised an eyebrow, his grin faint but playful. ¡°How¡¯s that possible?¡± ¡°More fights on my end. Guess you just weren¡¯t keeping up,¡± Lena teased. ¡°Or maybe I¡¯m just better.¡± Benji chuckled, the sound rough but genuine. ¡°Not for long.¡± The warmth of camaraderie settled over them, a brief respite from the chaos. But in the back of his mind, Benji couldn¡¯t shake the lingering unease. The Void wasn¡¯t done with Greenhollow, and he had a feeling their fight was only just beginning. announcement Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.