Chapter 21: The First Clash

A chill sense of anticipation was thick in the morning air as we left the camp of the Eastern Tribe in one firm formation. I gazed around at the wolves closing in from all sides, a mix of determination and fear in their eyes.

The road ahead twisted to wind between tall trees, whose leaves danced in the breeze, casting changing shadows on our path-a dark omen of what was to come. Ember pressed closely to my side, her golden eyes alert and unwavering.

His scouts had been back to report that the corruption had overspilled into the adjoining Murkmire Swamp. From tiny insects to giant beasts, everything disappeared into it, only to come back different, their minds conquered by some dark power even the System was poor at handling. With the power of the Eastern Tribe backing me, Ember, and myself, we would be confronting this corruption head-on.

As we approached the swamp, a sound all too familiar rung inside my head.