A Heavy Truth Ethan left the Guild Hall, his mind racing. The encounter at the outpost was worse than he had thought. Not just because of the creatures—but because the Guild already knew something was happening. They just didn’t know how bad it was. And now? It was his problem. He needed to tell his party. Because if he was going back—he wasn’t going alone. Finding the Team Gareth, Kara, and Leah were exactly where Ethan expected them—The Iron Flask Tavern. The place was loud with the sounds of rowdy adventurers, the air thick with the scent of roasted meat and ale. The party sat at a corner table, relaxed for the first time in days. But when Gareth saw Ethan’s face, his expression hardened. “You look like someone just told you your sword broke.” Ethan slid into the seat next to them. “We have a problem.”
The Conversation Turns Serious Kara raised an eyebrow. “That was fast. Didn’t we just finish a dungeon?” Ethan took a breath, then told them everything. The empty outpost. The creatures. The way they moved, adapted, regenerated. The way they let him leave. By the time he finished, the tavern noise faded into the background. Kara had gone completely still. Leah’s face was pale. And Gareth? His expression was grim. “You’re sure about this?” Gareth asked. Ethan nodded. “Elias said the Guild has gotten other reports. But no one’s actually seen these things—until now.” Leah swallowed. “If they’re that dangerous… why did they let you go?” Ethan hesitated. Then he told them the worst part. “The System recorded an error when I fought them,” he said. “Like it couldn’t recognize what they were.” Kara sat up straighter. “The System… didn’t register them?” Ethan shook his head. “Not completely.” Then he hesitated. “…And I heard something. A voice.” Gareth’s eyes narrowed. “A voice?” Ethan nodded. “You are not ready yet… but soon.” Silence. The weight of those words settled over the table like a storm cloud. Finally, Gareth exhaled. “Shit.” A Party Decision “So let me get this straight,” Kara said, leaning back. “The Guild wants you to go back. And you’re actually considering it?” Ethan met her gaze. “Yes.” Kara scoffed. “Are you insane? You barely survived the first time.” Leah spoke up, her voice quieter. “But if we don’t go, what happens?” Gareth’s expression was unreadable. But Ethan could tell—he was already thinking ahead.
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Weighing the risks. Judging whether this was worth it. Then—he sighed. “We’re not letting you go alone.” Ethan felt a mix of relief and gratitude. “…So we’re doing this?” Kara groaned. “Looks like it.” Leah nodded. “If these things are spreading, we need to know what we’re dealing with.” Gareth folded his arms. “Then we prepare. We’re not walking into a trap unarmed.”
Checking His Status Before anything else, Ethan needed to see his growth. He opened his status screen.
Name: Ethan Voss
Class: Shadowcaster (Hybrid Assassin-Mage)
Level: 10 → 11 (+1 Level from last battle)
Health: 320 → 340
Mana: 80 → 90
Strength: 24 → 25 (+1 Level Gain)
Agility: 32 → 34 (+2 Level Gains)
Endurance: 23 → 24 (+1 Level Gain) Perception: 25 → 26 (+1 Level Gain)
Mana Control: 10 → 12 (+2 Level Gains)
Available Stat Points: 5
New System Log from Predator’s Absorption:
Random Stat Absorption: +2 Agility, +1 Endurance
Skill Absorption Roll: FAILED (No new skills acquired this time.)
Ethan frowned slightly. His agility boost would help him move faster, but he had hoped for another skill. Still—every stat counted. Preparing for the Next Mission Gareth stood.
“We need gear,” he said. “Better weapons, better supplies.” Ethan nodded. He still had his dagger, but if he was going to fight these things again—he needed more. Kara sighed. “Guess I’ll get my sword reforged.” Leah adjusted her cloak. “I’ll stock up on potions.” Gareth glanced at Ethan. “We head out at sunrise. Be ready.” Ethan exhaled slowly. They were doing this.
