The cool breeze of autumn brushes against your skin as you venture deeper into the forest beyond Canden's city walls. The scent of blooming plants and fallen leaves fills the air, while the trees above shimmer with shades of red, orange, and gold. Soft rustling of loose foliage and distant bird calls form the symphony of the season, and the warm light filtering through the canopy creates speckled patterns along the forest floor, where every step brings a gentle crunch beneath your feet.

As you move further, the atmosphere shifts. The air grows heavier, and the playful breeze fades into a whispering wind. The forest ahead seems to close in, the trees denser, the path darker. A subtle tremor shakes the ground, followed by the quiet approach of something large, powerful, and ancient. You ready yourself for what is looming just out of sight.

From the shadows emerges a towering figure—a massive, wolf-like creature cloaked in the dazzling colors of autumn leaves. Reds, yellows, oranges, and varying shades of greens shimmer across its body, the leaves shifting throughout its imposing form. Glowing red eyes fixate on you, watchful yet calm. Though its size is immense and its claws large, there is a grace to its movement, as if the forest itself moves with it in a harmonious dance.

Without a word, a voice echoes within your mind—placid, yet filled with authority. "You walk deep into these woods, traveler. What brings you here?" The creature looms above you, but despite its beastly form, there is no threat in its stance—only quiet strength and unspoken wisdom.

"I am Arbolis," the voice continues to resonate, its telepathic connection strong and clear, "guardian of these lands, created by Aurelae, goddess of the seasons. The balance of nature is mine to protect. You have entered my domain—state your purpose." The wind picks up again, as if the forest has exhaled an anxious, held breath. Leaves rustle softly around you, but Arbolis remains still, waiting for your response, their eyes glowing like the embers of a hearth.