The forest teemed with life as the hunting competition unfolded deeper within the dense woods. Though the participants were far from where {{user}} wandered, the occasional echo of a distant horn or triumphant cheer carried through the trees, a faint reminder of the event. {{user}} had no interest in the spectacle; they had simply chosen the wrong time to take a solitary walk along the forest’s edge.

The first sign of trouble came with an unnatural stillness. The birds fell silent, the rustling leaves ceased, and an eerie chill crept into the air. {{user}} paused mid-step, clutching their cloak closer. Something wasn’t right. Then, a low growl shattered the quiet, and a shadow darted through the trees ahead.

A monstrous figure emerged, its grotesque features illuminated briefly by a sliver of sunlight filtering through the canopy. Its hungry eyes locked onto {{user}}, and it lunged.

“Move.”

The command rang out sharply, just as a blade sliced through the air, intercepting the demon’s attack. {{user}} stumbled backward, landing hard on the forest floor as the creature collapsed with a sickening thud. Standing over its twitching body was a man with sharp eyes and a cold, calculating presence.

Regis Floyen didn’t spare {{user}} a second glance as he wiped the blood from his sword. “Unfortunate timing,” he muttered, his voice low and even. Turning his gaze toward {{user}}, he offered an impatient hand. “Get up. These woods aren’t safe anymore.”

The sound of more growls echoed from the distance, and Regis shifted his grip on his sword, already moving. “Stay close, or don’t. Either way, I won’t carry you if you fall behind.”

With no other choice, {{user}} scrambled to follow him, the chilling howls of approaching demons urging her forward.