The journey back to the Elf Palace began in earnest. Erend, Saeldir, Adrien, and Billy made their way through the dense forests after going through the underground structure that close to the borderlands of Khazadrim. The air was crisp and cool, a stark contrast to the sweltering heat of the forges they had left behind.
However, the serene surroundings couldn't mask the growing sense of unease that hung over the group.
As they delved deeper into the forest, the first signs of the anomalies began to manifest. Erend, leading the group, was the first to notice.
"Weird," he muttered, his eyes scanning the treetops. "Did any of you see that flash of red?"
Adrien who walking beside him frowned and looked up. "Red? No, I didn't see anything."
But Billy nodded to that statement. "I saw it too. Just for a split second. Looked like a streak of red and black in the sky."
Saeldir paused and inhaled deeply. He said. "Do you smell that?" he asked, his elven senses alert. "It's... strange. Almost like sulfur mixed with something metallic."
Erend furrowed his brow, feeling a prickle of unease. The air did carry an odd scent, one that didn't belong in the pristine forest. He closed his eyes for a moment and focusing on the sensations around him. A strange feeling of displacement washed over him, as if the world around him was subtly shifting.
"We need to stay alert," he said, his voice steady despite the unease. "These anomalies are likely more signs of the Great Calamity's approach. We can't afford to be caught off guard."
The group pressed on, their senses heightened and their weapons at the ready. As they moved deeper into the forest, the anomalies became more frequent. Flashes of red and black light darted across the sky, vanishing as quickly as they appeared. The unsettling smell grew stronger and the forest seemed to grow eerily silent in response.
One evening, as they set up camp, Erend sat by the fire, staring into the flames. The flickering light cast shadows on his face, highlighting the worry etched into his features.
Saeldir joined him.
"Whatever these anomalies are, we'll stand against them. We've overcome great challenges before, and we'll do it again," Saeldir said. He said that more to himself rather than to Erend. As if trying to reasure himself that they will be able to beat this challenge.
The ghosts moved toward them, their eyes glowing with crimson light. They surrounded Erend and his friends with spectral forms that twisting and shifting.
Erend, Saeldir, Adrien, and Billy brandished their Starsteel weapons. The ethereal glow of the metal seemed to intensify in the presence of the ghosts, casting an otherworldly light across the valley.
The first ghost lunged at Erend, its spectral claws reaching for him with a chilling hiss. Erend met its attack head-on, his Starsteel sword slicing through the ghostly form with ease. The red haze around the ghost flicker and dissipate as the weapon made contact, a faint wail echoing through the air as the spirit was banished.
Adrien and Billy fought side by side. Saeldir danced among the ghosts with his Starsteel weapon a blur of motion.
The valley echoed with the sounds of battle—the clash of metal against spectral forms, the hissing wails of the ghosts. The red haze that had filled the air began to dissipate, replaced by the soft glow of the Starsteel weapons.
Finally, the last of the ghosts was vanquished, its form dissolving into nothingness with a final, mournful cry. Erend lowered his sword. His eyes scanned the valley, ensuring that no more threats remained.
He didn't feel any exhaustion when using the Starsteel sword. It was as if the sword had a life of its own, resonating with Erend's desire to kill his enemies, making his movements even smoother.
"These ghosts... They weren't here before," Saeldir said.
"You shouldn't be surprised anymore, right?" Billy said in a lightly sarcastic tone.
Saeldir sighed. "Yeah, you're right. This is not the first time anomalies like this have happened... And certainly not the last."
Adrien looked at the now silent battlefield with a calm expression. "We need to move quickly to reach the Palace. That way, we can avoid encountering even more troublesome anomalies."
Everyone seemed to agree with his words. They sheathed their weapons and picked up their pace.
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