A group of people wake up in a video game world and are forced to work together to survive and find out how to escape.

The group searches for their lost ally and things get odd?

Ok looks like most chapters will be around 4000-7000 words instead of 2-4 like I’d thought before this ones even longer than that so enjoy!
(It’s totally not cause I couldn’t wait to get to a certain part of the story…)

Chapter 5

With our gear packed and what little supplies we have, we make our way through the busy streets toward the city gates. The mood is heavy, but there’s a shared determination in our group. No one speaks much as we walk—the reality of the mission ahead doesn’t leave much room for conversation.

When the towering gates of Aeloria come into view, I feel a pang of unease. Stepping outside the safety of the walls means walking straight into danger, but it’s something we have to do.

As we approach, a familiar figure steps into view. It’s the guard who let us into the city the first time—the one who saved us from the winged beast. He’s leaning casually against the gate, his armor gleaming faintly in the morning light, and there’s a small, knowing smile on his face as he spots us.

“Well, if it isn’t the scrappy survivors,” he says, his tone light but friendly. “Heading out already? Didn’t think you’d be back out there so soon.”

Hrothgar steps forward, his massive axe resting on his shoulder. “We’ve got someone to find,” he says gruffly.

The guard raises an eyebrow. “Oh? Someone go missing?”

Kaida nods, clutching her staff tightly. “One of our party members. She was… taken. We think we know where she is, but…”

“It’s dangerous,” I finish, stepping forward. “And we don’t have much to go on, but we have to try.”

The guard’s smile fades slightly, replaced by a look of quiet understanding. “I see. Well, I won’t stop you, but… be careful out there. The wilds aren’t forgiving, and neither are the things that live in them.”

He pauses, then reaches into a small pouch at his side. “Here,” he says, holding out a bundle of something wrapped in cloth. “It’s not much, but it might help. A few rations and a healing potion. Consider it a parting gift.”

Kaida takes the bundle, her eyes wide with gratitude. “Thank you,” she says softly.

The guard waves her off. “Just don’t make me regret it. You’ve got guts, heading back out there. Guts and… maybe a bit of recklessness.”

He looks at me directly, his gaze sharp but not unkind. “You’re the leader, aren’t you? The one who’s been holding this group together.”

I hesitate for a moment, then nod. “Yeah, I guess I am.”

“Then listen to me,” he says firmly. “The Nexus doesn’t play fair. You’ve already learned that, I’m sure. But the key to surviving out there isn’t just strength—it’s trust. In yourself, and in them.” He nods toward the group. “Keep that in mind, and you might just make it back.”

I feel the weight of his words, and I nod again, my grip tightening on my bow. “We will,” I say. “Thank you.”

The guard steps aside, motioning for the gates to open. With a groaning creak, the massive doors swing outward, revealing the open world beyond—a mix of rolling plains, dark woods, and distant, foreboding hills.

“Good luck,” the guard says as we step through. “And try not to die.”

His words hang in the air as the gates close behind us, leaving us alone once again with the vast unknown stretching out before us.

As the gates close behind us, the faint sound of the bustling city fades, leaving only the rustle of wind through the tall grass and the distant hum of the wilds. We walk in silence for a while, following the glowing path marked on the locator map.

Then Kaida speaks up, her voice quiet but thoughtful. “That guy… the guard. He seems a little too real, don’t you think?”

I glance at her, raising an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

She hesitates, looking back toward the now-distant gates. “I don’t know. It’s just… the way he talked to us, the way he looked at us. It didn’t feel like he was just part of the game. NPCs usually feel… off, right? Like they’re following a script or something. But him? It was like he knew us. NPCs even advanced ones can’t hold full conversations like that, he even seemed to genuinely care.”

Lorien frowns, his grip on his spear tightening. “I thought the same thing,” he admits. “The way he talked about trust—it wasn’t just some generic advice. It felt… personal.”

Hrothgar grunts, his expression unreadable. “Does it matter? Real or not, he helped us when no one else has. That’s more than enough for me.”

Veyron smirks faintly, glancing over his shoulder. “Or maybe he’s just a very well-designed NPC. If the game’s trying to mess with our heads, it’s doing a good job.”

Kaida looks at me, her brows furrowed. “What do you think, Artemis? Do you think he’s just part of the game, or… something else?”

I glance back toward the city, my mind swirling with possibilities. The guard had felt different from the start—too sharp, too intuitive, too… alive. But I can’t say for sure whether he’s part of this world or something more.

“I don’t know,” I admit finally. “But you’re right—he doesn’t feel like the other NPCs we’ve met. If he’s something more, we might not know until it’s too late to ask.”

Kaida nods, her expression uneasy. “Yeah. I guess you’re right.”

The group falls silent again as we press forward, the path ahead growing narrower and darker as the terrain shifts toward the dense forest. Whatever the truth about the guard, it’s another mystery we don’t have time to solve—not yet, anyway.

As we walk, the tension in the air grows thicker. The edges of the forest loom ahead, shadows stretching long across the ground, and everyone’s nerves seem on edge. I glance around at the group, seeing Kaida gripping her staff tighter than usual, Lorien looking distracted, and even Veyron unusually quiet.

This isn’t going to help anyone.

I clear my throat, shooting a glance at Kaida. “You know,” I say, keeping my tone casual, “if that guard really is too real, maybe he’s some kind of secret player NPC hybrid. Like a weird undercover moderator or something.”

Kaida blinks, looking at me in surprise. “A… moderator? You mean, like, someone who watches over the game?”

“Sure,” I say with a small smirk. “He could be sitting in some hidden developer room right now, laughing at how easily we ate that free food he gave us. Maybe it was cursed.”

Kaida lets out a soft laugh despite herself, shaking her head. “If it was cursed, I think we’d know by now. But… maybe you’re right. Maybe he’s just some guy watching us screw everything up.”

Veyron raises an eyebrow, his smirk returning. “If that’s the case, then I hope he’s impressed by my sheer brilliance so far.”

“Yeah,” Lorien mutters under his breath, “because shouting at glowing stone monsters and almost getting yourself killed was real impressive.”

The rogue shoots him a glare, but I cut in before they can start bickering. “Hey, at least he’s consistent. If we ever need someone to be bait again, we know who to call.”

That earns a chuckle from Hrothgar, who looks over at Veyron with a faint grin. “She’s got a point. You’ve got a knack for running and screaming.”

Veyron huffs, crossing his arms. “You’re all just jealous of my natural talents.”

The group laughs quietly, the tension easing slightly as we walk. Even Kaida smiles, her earlier unease melting away for a moment.

I let out a soft breath of relief, glad to see the group relaxing—even if only a little. “Alright, enough about mysterious guards and curses,” I say, my tone light. “Let’s focus on getting through this forest in one piece. We’ve got a cleric to save.”

The group nods, their spirits lifted just enough to carry us forward into the shadows of the woods.

The forest greets us with an eerie stillness, the faint rustle of leaves and distant calls of unseen creatures surrounding us.

We press forward, the glow of the locator map lighting our way through the dense, shadowed forest. The trees stretch high above us, their thick branches intertwining to block out most of the sunlight. The air is cool and damp, carrying the faint scent of moss and earth.

Despite the eerie stillness of the woods, we don’t see any signs of creatures or threats. No glowing beasts, no unnatural sounds—just the quiet rustle of leaves and the crunch of our boots against the undergrowth.

“This is… weird,” Kaida whispers, her voice barely audible. “I thought there’d be more… something. Tracks, noises, anything.”

“I don’t like it,” Hrothgar mutters, his hand resting on the hilt of his axe. “The quiet means one of two things—either we’re lucky, or we’re walking into an ambush.”

“Let’s hope it’s the first one,” Lorien says, though his tone isn’t exactly convincing.

Veyron stays silent, his sharp eyes scanning the trees around us as if expecting something to jump out at any moment.

I glance down at the map in my hands, watching as the glowing path twists and turns. Lyra’s marker pulses faintly, still steady but getting closer. “We’re on the right track,” I say, keeping my voice low. “Let’s just stay focused and keep moving. The quieter we are, the better.”

The others nod, and we continue, our footsteps soft against the forest floor.

Minutes stretch into what feels like hours as we push deeper into the woods. The trees grow closer together, their gnarled roots twisting across the ground like veins. A faint mist begins to gather, curling around our feet and making it harder to see more than a few paces ahead.

Kaida clutches her staff tighter, her eyes darting nervously. “I don’t like this,” she says softly. “It feels… wrong here.”

“It’s just mist,” Veyron says, though even he sounds uneasy. “Nothing to worry about—yet.”

I glance back at the group, my own unease growing. The locator map still glows faintly in my hand, but the mist seems to thicken with every step we take.

Suddenly a deep, groaning sound echoes through the forest, and I spin around just in time to see the trees behind us shifting. Their massive trunks creak and twist unnaturally, their branches tangling together like grasping hands. Within seconds, the path we came from is gone, replaced by an impenetrable wall of bark and leaves.

Kaida gasps, stepping closer to me. “What—what’s happening?” she whispers, her voice trembling.

Hrothgar grips his axe tightly, his eyes narrowing. “Looks like the forest doesn’t want us leaving.”

“Great,” Veyron mutters, pulling out his dagger. “Just what we needed—a haunted forest.”

I glance down at the locator map, the glowing path still leading forward. Lyra’s marker pulses steadily, but the feeling of unease grows stronger in my chest. Whatever is happening here, it’s clear that turning back isn’t an option anymore.

“This is bad,” Lorien says, his voice low but tense. “If the forest can do that, what else can it do?”

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “We don’t have a choice,” I say, keeping my voice firm. “The path forward is still open, and Lyra’s out there. We keep moving.”

The group nods reluctantly, but I can see the fear in their eyes. Kaida stays close to me, her knuckles white as she grips her staff. Hrothgar takes the lead, his broad frame cutting through the mist as he steps carefully over the gnarled roots. Veyron lingers near the back, his dagger held low but ready, while Lorien walks beside me, his spear raised slightly.

The forest feels alive now, the groaning of trees and the rustling of unseen movement filling the air. Every step feels heavier, the weight of the forest pressing down on us like a living thing.

As we push forward, I keep my eyes scanning the shadows, my bow ready in hand. “Stay close,” I whisper. “And keep your eyes open. We don’t know what’s waiting for us.”

The group moves cautiously through the thickening mist, the path ahead barely visible. The locator map glows faintly, leading us forward, but the sense of being watched grows stronger with every step.

Veyron’s voice cuts through the eerie quiet, sharp and skeptical. “You know,” he says, his dagger spinning lazily in his hand, “maybe we shouldn’t be doing this.”

We all stop, turning to face him. His smirk is faint, but there’s no humor in his tone.

“What do you mean?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.

He shrugs, gesturing at the forest around us. “Look at us—wandering through a haunted forest, chasing after someone we don’t even know. What’s the point? Who’s to say she’d even help us if the situation were reversed? We’re risking everything for a stranger.”

Kaida stiffens beside me, her expression flickering between anger and disbelief. “She’s not just a stranger,” she says, her voice trembling slightly. “She’s part of our party. If it were you out there, wouldn’t you want us to come for you?”

Veyron chuckles darkly, shaking his head. “You assume too much, Kaida. Loyalty’s a nice idea, but it doesn’t mean much when survival’s on the line. I’m just saying maybe we’re wasting our time and putting ourselves in danger for someone who might not even make it out alive.”

Hrothgar steps forward, his towering presence casting a shadow over Veyron. “Enough,” he says, his tone low and dangerous. “She’s alive, and that’s all that matters. If you want to turn back, and try and mantle that wall go ahead. But don’t expect the rest of us to follow you.”

Veyron holds his ground, his smirk fading as he meets Hrothgar’s glare. “I’m just being practical,” he mutters, though his tone is less certain now.

I take a step forward, fixing Veyron with a steady gaze. “Lyra’s part of this group,” I say firmly. “We don’t know her well, but she’s one of us. And if it were any of us out there, I’d want the rest of the group to do the same.”

Veyron stares at me for a long moment before letting out a sigh, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “Fine,” he says, slipping his dagger back into its sheath. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you if this all goes south.”

“It won’t,” I say, my voice steady. “Because we’re going to get her back.”

The group falls silent again, the tension lingering but unspoken as we press forward. Kaida gives me a small, grateful nod, her grip on her staff steadying.

The forest grows darker around us, the mist swirling like something alive.

The sudden snap of a branch echoes through the mist, sharp and unnatural. I freeze, my bow already drawn, the tension rippling through the group like a wave.

“What was that?” Kaida whispers, her eyes darting around nervously.

Hrothgar raises his axe, stepping in front of us with a low growl. “Stay sharp. Something’s here.”

Veyron’s dagger is in his hand in an instant, his eyes scanning the shadows. “Told you this was a bad idea,” he mutters, though his voice is low and ready.

Another rustle. A faint blur of movement just ahead. I tighten my grip on the bowstring, my heart racing. “Get ready,” I whisper.

The figure emerges—small, quick, darting up the side of a tree with an almost comical lack of menace.

It’s a squirrel.

The group collectively exhales as the tiny creature pauses on a branch, staring down at us with wide, curious eyes. It twitches its nose, as if mocking our overly tense reaction, before disappearing higher into the canopy.

Hrothgar lowers his axe with a grunt, muttering under his breath. “Damn forest is playing tricks on us.”

Veyron groans, slipping his dagger back into its sheath. “You’ve got to be kidding me. We almost went to war with a squirrel.”

Kaida lets out a nervous laugh, clutching her staff tightly. “It’s not funny,” she says, though the relief in her voice is clear.

I slowly lower my bow, shaking my head. “Alright,” I say, trying to steady my voice. “That was… embarrassing. Let’s just hope that’s the worst of it.”

The group relaxes slightly, though the tension doesn’t completely fade. The forest still feels alive around us, watching, waiting. I glance down at the locator map again, the glowing path pulsing faintly.

“We’re still on track,” I say, motioning for the group to keep moving. “Let’s go before the real threats show up.”

I glance around the forest, the strange stillness settling in once more after the squirrel’s appearance. The mist still swirls around us, but the faint light filtering through the treetops reminds me that it’s still daytime.

I take a deep breath, gripping my bow tightly. “Let’s keep moving,” I say, my voice firm. “It seems safe enough during the day, but I have a feeling that won’t be true once night falls. We need to get to Lyra before then.”

Kaida nods quickly, relief clear in her eyes. “Agreed. The sooner we get out of this forest, the better.”

Hrothgar adjusts his axe, glancing at me with a grunt of approval. “Fast is good. Just don’t get sloppy.”

Even Veyron, despite his earlier skepticism, doesn’t argue. “Right,” he says, falling into step near the back. “I’d rather not find out what kind of nightmares this place has waiting for us after dark.”

With that, we quicken our pace, the group moving in unison as we follow the glowing path on the locator map. The forest blurs around us as we push forward, the gnarled roots and thick mist no longer slowing us down.

Every so often, I glance at the sky through the cracks in the canopy, watching the light shift slightly as the day stretches on. The locator map pulses steadily in my hand, Lyra’s marker growing closer with each step.

As we move, I keep my ears sharp for any sign of danger. The forest remains quiet, almost unnervingly so, but there’s no sign of movement beyond our own.

“This is too easy,” Veyron mutters after a while, his voice low but uneasy. “I don’t like it.”

“Easy?” Kaida says, glancing back at him. “We’re rushing through a haunted forest with no backup, no gold, and no idea what’s waiting for us. How is that ‘easy’?”

“Exactly my point,” Veyron replies, his smirk faint but humorless. “It’s too quiet. Like the calm before the storm.”

I glance at him, then back at the path ahead. “Let’s hope the storm holds off until we get Lyra,” I say, keeping my voice steady.

Hrothgar grunts. “And if it doesn’t, we deal with it. Just stay sharp.”

Hours pass as we move deeper into the forest, the path on the locator map glowing steadily ahead of us. The tension from earlier has faded somewhat, replaced by an almost eerie monotony. The only signs of life are the occasional birds fluttering between branches and small critters scurrying through the underbrush.

Despite the lack of immediate danger, the forest’s oppressive atmosphere weighs on us. The trees feel taller here, their branches twisting like skeletal hands reaching toward the sky. The mist has thinned, but the air still feels heavy, almost charged with something unseen.

Finally, we come to a clearing, the trees parting to reveal a dark, yawning cave entrance set into a rocky hillside. The path on the locator map leads straight to it, Lyra’s marker pulsing faintly just beyond.

Kaida stops beside me, her eyes wide as she stares at the cave. “This… this is it, isn’t it?” she says softly.

I nod, lowering the map. “She’s inside,” I confirm, my voice quiet but steady.

Hrothgar steps forward, gripping his axe tightly as he examines the entrance. “A cave,” he mutters. “Could be worse. Could’ve been a dungeon.”

“Caves are basically dungeons,” Veyron says, his tone dry. “Dark, cramped, and probably full of things that want to kill us.”

Lorien glances at me, his grip on his spear tightening. “What’s the plan, Artemis? Do we just… go in?”

I hesitate, studying the cave entrance. The faint glow of the map doesn’t reveal what lies inside, and the shadows beyond the entrance seem unnaturally deep. Every instinct tells me to be cautious, but Lyra’s marker is so close now, and the thought of her waiting—trapped, alone—makes me want to move quickly.

As we stand there, weighing our next move, the sound of faint, shuffling footsteps catches my attention. I raise my hand, motioning for the group to stay quiet as we watch the cave entrance.

A small figure emerges—a skeleton, no taller than a child, its bony frame held together by faintly glowing magic. It moves cautiously, its hollow sockets scanning the clearing as if searching for something—or someone.

It stops just outside the entrance, seeming satisfied, and sits down against the rocky wall. Its movements are strangely… calm, almost lazy, as it leans back and crosses its bony legs.

Kaida’s grip on her staff tightens, her eyes wide. “Is that… a skeleton?” she whispers, her voice trembling slightly.

“Looks like it,” Veyron murmurs, his tone laced with curiosity. “Not exactly what I expected to find guarding a cave.”

Hrothgar frowns, his axe at the ready. “Don’t let your guard down. Even the small ones could be dangerous.”

The skeleton doesn’t move, its head lolling slightly as if it’s resting. A faint blue glow pulses from somewhere within its ribcage, like a tiny ember of energy keeping it animated.

I glance at the group, my mind racing. The skeleton hasn’t noticed us yet—or maybe it doesn’t care. Either way, it’s clearly connected to the cave and whatever lies inside.

“We need to decide,” I whisper. “Do we try to sneak past it, or take it out now before it can alert anything else?”

Kaida looks nervous but determined. “If we fight, we’ll lose the element of surprise. But… what if there are more of them inside? If it alerts them, we could be overwhelmed.”

Lorien frowns, his spear at the ready. “It’s small. Maybe we could take it out quickly before it can do anything.”

I hold up a hand to stop the group from drawing weapons. “Wait,” I say softly. “It’s small… it could be a kid.”

The others give me skeptical looks, but I keep my voice steady. “I know how it sounds, but look at it—it’s just sitting there, not guarding, not attacking. Maybe its… parents aren’t around. Let’s not jump to conclusions. We’ll approach carefully, but let’s try to be friendly.”

Hrothgar grunts, lowering his axe slightly but keeping it within reach. “Friendly with a skeleton? That’s a new one.”

Veyron smirks faintly, slipping his dagger back into its sheath. “Sure, why not? Let’s go make friends with the undead. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Kaida gives me a hesitant glance, but she nods. “Alright, Artemis. Lead the way.”

I take a deep breath, slinging my bow over my shoulder as I step forward. The skeleton doesn’t move at first, its bony fingers tapping idly against the rocky ground as it stares out at the forest.

“Hey there,” I call out gently, keeping my tone calm and non-threatening.

The skeleton’s head jerks up at the sound of my voice, its hollow sockets locking onto me. For a moment, it just stares, tilting its head curiously.

“We’re not here to hurt you,” I say, taking another cautious step forward. “We’re just passing through. Is this your home?”

The skeleton doesn’t respond, but it shifts slightly, sitting up straighter. Its bony hand raises, pointing back toward the cave entrance.

“Okay,” I say, glancing back at the group. “I think it understands us.”

Kaida’s eyes widen. “Do you think it’s trying to tell us something?”

“Maybe,” Lorien says, his grip on his spear relaxing slightly. “It doesn’t seem hostile.”

I turn back to the skeleton, taking another step closer. “Is it okay if we go inside?” I ask. “We’re looking for someone—a friend. She might be in there.”

The skeleton tilts its head again, then stands slowly. It doesn’t attack, but it doesn’t move aside, either. Instead, it points at the cave again, this time with a more deliberate gesture.

Veyron crosses his arms, his smirk fading slightly. “So… what’s it doing? Giving us permission, or warning us to stay out?”

Hrothgar grunts. “Could be both.”

Kaida steps up beside me, her voice quiet. “What do you think, Artemis? Do we trust it?”

The skeleton shifts its weight, its bony feet scraping against the ground as it takes a step closer. I freeze, unsure of what to expect, but it doesn’t move aggressively. Instead, it reaches into the faintly glowing cavity of its ribcage and pulls out a small object.

I tense instinctively, my hand twitching toward my bow, but the skeleton extends its arm slowly, holding the object out to me. As it gets closer, I see what it is—a stone ball, small and worn, its surface cracked as though it’s been through countless years of use.

I hesitate, exchanging a glance with the others. Kaida looks nervous, her grip on her staff tightening, but she doesn’t stop me. Hrothgar watches intently, his axe lowered but ready, while Veyron mutters something under his breath about this being “too weird.”

I cautiously reach out, taking the ball from the skeleton’s hand. The moment my fingers brush against it, I feel a faint pulse of warmth, almost like it’s alive. The skeleton tilts its head again, its hollow sockets locked onto me, and then it steps back, returning to its place by the cave entrance.

“It gave you… a ball?” Kaida whispers, her voice full of confusion.

“Looks like it,” I murmur, turning the object over in my hands. The warmth fades as I examine it more closely, but there’s something… strange about it. Faint symbols are etched into its surface, almost like runes, though they’re too worn to make out clearly.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Veyron says, crossing his arms. “It gives you some old toy and then just… sits back down?”

“Maybe it’s trying to tell us something,” Lorien says, his tone thoughtful. “Like… the ball might be important.”

Hrothgar grunts, his gaze fixed on the skeleton. “Or it’s just a distraction. Either way, it hasn’t attacked us, so we keep moving.”

I hold the ball tightly, glancing back at the skeleton. It doesn’t react, its head turning slightly to stare out at the forest again. Whatever its intentions, it’s clear that it doesn’t see us as a threat—or, at least, it doesn’t feel the need to stop us from entering the cave.

“This might be a clue,” I say, tucking the ball into my satchel. “We’ll figure it out later. For now, we keep going.”

The group nods, and we move cautiously toward the cave entrance. The skeleton remains seated, its hollow sockets following us briefly before it turns its gaze away, as if we no longer matter.

We step cautiously into the cave, the air growing cooler and heavier as the shadows swallow us. The faint glow of the locator map in my hand provides the only light, casting eerie blue hues onto the damp, rocky walls.

The path slopes gently downward, the sound of our footsteps echoing faintly in the enclosed space. The faint pulsing of Lyra’s marker on the map grows stronger, reassuring me that we’re heading in the right direction.

Kaida sticks close to my side, her staff gripped tightly. “This place feels… wrong,” she whispers, her voice barely audible over the echoing stillness.

“It’s a cave,” Hrothgar grunts from the front, his axe resting on his shoulder. “They’re supposed to feel wrong.”

“I’d rather take this over the creepy skeleton kid outside,” Veyron mutters, though his eyes dart nervously to the shadows around us. “At least here we know what we’re dealing with—or we will soon enough.”

Lorien lingers near the back, his spear held ready. “Do you think Lyra’s… okay?” he asks hesitantly, his voice tinged with worry.

“She’s close,” I say, trying to sound more confident than I feel. “We’ll get to her in time.”

The deeper we go, the darker it becomes. The faint trickle of water echoes through the cave, and every so often, I hear the distant sound of something shifting—rocks, maybe, or something else. The air smells damp and earthy, but there’s an underlying metallic tang that makes my stomach twist.

Kaida glances at me nervously. “Do you think there’s anything… waiting for us down here?”

“There’s always something waiting,” Hrothgar mutters grimly, his eyes scanning the path ahead. “The question is whether it’s ready for us.”

We come to a fork in the path, the locator map pulsing brighter as I hold it up. The glowing line points to the left, but the right path looks equally traveled, the faint outline of footprints visible in the dirt.

“What’s the call, Artemis?” Hrothgar asks, glancing back at me. “We follow the map, or check the other route?”

I glance at the right-hand path, noting the faint footprints in the dirt, but I quickly shake my head. “We stick to the map,” I say firmly, holding it up so the group can see the glowing path. “The skeleton outside may have been friendly, but we don’t know what else is down here. The last thing we need is to get lost or ambushed.”

Kaida looks relieved, her grip on her staff relaxing slightly. “I agree. The map hasn’t led us wrong so far.”

Veyron smirks faintly. “Fine by me. Let’s save the sightseeing for another day.”

We take the left-hand path, following the glowing line of the map as it leads us deeper into the cave. The air grows colder, the metallic tang becoming stronger, almost like blood. The sound of dripping water echoes faintly, and the tunnel narrows slightly, forcing us to move closer together.

The pulsing on the map grows stronger with every step, Lyra’s marker glowing brighter. “We’re getting close,” I say softly, my voice echoing slightly in the confined space.

Kaida glances at me nervously. “Do you think she’s… okay?”

“We’ll find out soon,” I reply, my tone steady. “Stay ready.”

The path eventually opens up into a larger chamber, the ceiling rising high above us and the walls lined with faintly glowing crystals. The light from the crystals reflects off the damp rock, casting the room in an eerie, shifting glow.

At the center of the chamber is a stone pedestal, and on it lies a figure—a young woman with long, pale hair, her body motionless and bound by faintly glowing chains of magic.

“Lyra,” Kaida whispers, her eyes widening.

Lyra’s marker pulses brightly on the map, confirming what we already know: we’ve found her.

But before we can take another step, a deep growl echoes through the chamber.

From the shadows near the pedestal, a massive creature emerges—its body a grotesque mix of bone and tendon, its glowing eyes locked onto us with predatory intent. It lets out a low, rumbling snarl, its claws scraping against the stone floor as it moves to block our path.

Hrothgar raises his axe, stepping into position. “Looks like we’ve got company.”

The chamber explodes into action as the creature snarls and charges. Hrothgar roars, his axe swinging in a wide arc to block its path, while Veyron darts to the side, his dagger flashing as he looks for an opening. Kaida begins casting, her staff glowing with faint light as she hurls a spell at the creature’s legs.

“Keep it busy!” Hrothgar barks, his voice booming through the chamber.

Lorien, meanwhile, rushes toward the pedestal, his spear slung across his back as he starts working at the glowing chains binding Lyra. “I’ll get her free!” he shouts, his voice strained.

I raise my bow, pulling an arrow from my quiver, but before I can fire, something strange happens.

The ball in my satchel begins to glow, faint at first but quickly growing brighter. I freeze, my hand moving to the bag instinctively as the warmth from the ball spreads through me. The strange runes etched into its surface begin to shimmer, and then the creature’s head snaps toward me, its glowing eyes narrowing.

It snarls, its massive claws scraping against the stone as it changes direction, ignoring the others and stalking toward me with deliberate intent.

“Artemis!” Kaida cries, her firebolt flying wide as the creature’s focus shifts entirely onto me.

My breath catches as the ball pulses again, the light now so bright that it spills out through the fabric of the satchel. The creature growls low in its throat, its eyes locked onto me with an intensity that sends a chill down my spine.

“Why’s it looking at you?” Veyron shouts, darting behind the creature to try and strike from behind.

“I don’t know!” I yell back, gripping my bow tightly. “But it’s definitely not friendly!”

The creature lets out a deafening roar, its claws digging into the ground as it prepares to lunge. I glance at the others and thinking, I reach into my satchel, grab the glowing ball, and hurl it toward the far wall of the chamber. The faint runes on its surface shimmer brightly as it arcs through the air, landing with a hollow clink against the stone floor.

For a heartbeat, everything stops.

The creature freezes mid-step, its glowing eyes snapping away from me and locking onto the ball. A deep, guttural snarl rumbles in its throat as it whirls around, its claws scraping across the stone as it lunges toward the ball with terrifying speed.

Kaida gasps, her hands gripping her staff tightly. “It worked!” she cries, her voice a mix of relief and surprise.

The creature skids to a stop near the wall, its massive frame hunched over as it snarls at the glowing ball. It circles the object cautiously, its eyes narrowing as it seems torn between attacking and guarding it.

“Whatever that thing is,” Veyron says, his dagger flashing as he creeps closer, “it wants that ball more than it wants us.”

I take a deep breath, my heart racing as I turn to the others. “Keep it distracted! Lorien, how’s it going?”

Lorien doesn’t look up, his hands working frantically at the glowing chains binding Lyra. “Almost there!” he shouts, his voice strained. “Just keep it away from us!”

Hrothgar steps forward, his axe raised as he places himself between the creature and the pedestal. “You heard her!” he roars, swinging his weapon to catch the creature’s attention. “Focus on me, you ugly bastard!”

The creature lets out a low growl but doesn’t move from its position near the ball, its glowing eyes flicking between Hrothgar and the object as if torn.

Kaida steps closer to me, her voice hushed. “What was that thing you threw? Why does it care so much about it?”

“I don’t know,” I admit, my voice shaking slightly. “Maybe it’s tied to whatever’s keeping this thing here.”

Kaida bites her lip, glancing nervously at the creature. “If that’s true, then we need to be careful. It’s not going to ignore us forever.”

The creature roars again, its claws digging into the stone as it crouches low, its glowing eyes locked back onto the ball. Whatever its connection to the object, it’s clear that it’s buying us time—but not much.

Lorien works furiously at the glowing chains, and with a final surge of effort, they shatter into fragments of light. Lyra’s body collapses into his arms, limp but breathing.

“She’s free!” Lorien shouts, hoisting her carefully as Hrothgar and I turn to make sure the creature is still distracted.

The massive beast continues to growl and snarl, but its focus remains on the glowing ball. It claws at it cautiously, as though unsure what to do, giving us the perfect opportunity.

“Move!” I yell, motioning for the group to retreat.

Kaida takes the lead, staff at the ready, while Lorien carries Lyra in his arms, her pale hair trailing like silver as she remains unconscious. Hrothgar stays close, his axe slung over his shoulder, and Veyron darts to the back, keeping watch for any sign of pursuit.

We rush out of the cave, the cool forest air hitting us like a wave as we stumble into the clearing. But before we can catch our breath, we stop short.

The little skeleton is still there, sitting by the cave entrance. But this time, it’s not alone.

A group of taller skeletons surrounds it—four in total, their frames larger and more imposing, their glowing ribcages pulsing faintly. They stand as if conversing silently, their bony hands gesturing in strange, deliberate ways.

When they see us, their heads snap toward us in unison. The little one tilts its head, the faint blue glow in its ribcage pulsing brighter, as if trying to communicate something.

“They’re just… standing there,” Kaida whispers, her voice trembling. “What are they doing?”

“I don’t know,” I reply, my voice low as I reach for my bow. “But I don’t think they were expecting us to make it out.”

The larger skeletons glance at the little one, then back at us. They don’t move to attack, but their postures are tense, as if unsure whether to see us as a threat.

“Are they… confused?” Lorien says, his voice strained as he shifts Lyra in his arms.

Hrothgar grips his axe tightly, his gaze fixed on the group. “Doesn’t matter. If they so much as twitch toward us, we cut them down.”

The little skeleton steps forward, tilting its head as it looks directly at me. The faint blue light in its ribcage pulses again, and it raises one bony hand—not in an attack, but in what almost looks like a gesture of… curiosity?

Kaida glances at me, her eyes wide. “What do we do, Artemis?” she asks softly. “They don’t seem hostile, but… they’re blocking the path.”

The larger skeletons remain still, their empty sockets locked onto us. The little one takes another step closer, its movements slow and deliberate, as if trying to communicate.

The tense standoff continues, the little skeleton taking slow, deliberate steps toward us while the larger ones stay rooted, their hollow sockets locked onto us. Before I can decide what to do, Kaida suddenly steps forward, holding something in her hands.

My breath catches as I see it: the glowing ball.

“Wait!” I blurt out, staring at her. “The creature had that. How did you—”

Kaida glances back at me with a sly smile, her eyes gleaming. “Magic,” she says with a playful shrug. ;)

I blink, completely caught off guard, as she crouches down and holds the ball out toward the little skeleton. It tilts its head, the faint glow in its ribcage pulsing brighter, and then it steps closer, reaching out with one bony hand.

The moment its fingers touch the ball, the entire group of skeletons seems to relax. The larger ones lower their stances, their glowing ribcages dimming slightly as if some invisible tension has been released. The little skeleton holds the ball close, its movements almost… gentle, as it turns back to the others.

Kaida steps back quickly, her face lighting up with relief. “I think that worked,” she whispers.

The little skeleton glances at her, its head tilting again before it turns back to the group. The larger skeletons seem to exchange glances—if that’s even possible—before stepping aside, clearing the path back into the forest.

Hrothgar lets out a low grunt, his grip on his axe relaxing slightly. “Well, I’ll be damned. That actually worked.”

Veyron raises an eyebrow, smirking faintly. “Guess magic’s good for more than just flashy light shows.”

Kaida sticks her tongue out at him, but her smile is genuine.

Lorien shifts Lyra in his arms, glancing at me. “We should go while we have the chance,” he says, his voice low. “Before they change their minds.”

I nod, motioning for the group to move.
As we pass the skeletons, they remain still, their glowing eyes following us but showing no sign of hostility. The little one clutches the ball tightly, its posture calm and almost… content.

Once we’re back on the forest path, the weight of the encounter begins to lift, though the strange, silent interaction lingers in my mind.

I glance at Kaida, my curiosity finally getting the better of me. “Alright,” I say, giving her a faint smirk. “Seriously, how did you get the ball back? Was it really magic?”

She grins, her expression full of mischief. “Let’s just say I might’ve summoned it while we were running. It was risky, but… totally worth it.”

I shake my head, letting out a soft laugh despite myself. “You’re full of surprises, Kaida.”

She shrugs, her smile widening. “What can I say? Magic has its perks. I think I’m actually starting to enjoy having it.”

With Lyra safe and the skeletons behind us, we push forward. The forest grows darker with every passing moment, the fading light casting long shadows across the trees. We find a small clearing to make camp, close enough to cover for safety but open enough to spot anything approaching.

Hrothgar takes to the edge of the camp to watch for danger, while Kaida works with me to start a small fire. Lorien carefully lays Lyra down near the warmth, her pale face still calm but her breathing steady—a relief after everything we went through to free her.

As the fire flickers to life, night fully descends, and the forest comes alive with the faint rustling of unseen creatures and the low hum of wind through the trees.

I grab the potion the guard had given us and hand it to Lorien. He lifts the girls head pouring it into her mouth.

Suddenly, Lyra stirs. Her eyelashes flutter as her breathing changes, and then her eyes slowly open. For a moment, she looks confused, her gaze darting around the clearing until it lands on Lorien, who’s still sitting beside her, his arms cradling her gently.

“You saved me,” she whispers, her voice hoarse but filled with emotion.

Lorien blinks, caught off guard. “I—I mean, we all did,” he stammers, his face turning a deep shade of red. “I just—”

Before he can finish, Lyra reaches up, her hands grabbing the sides of his face. She pulls him toward her with surprising strength, her lips meeting his in a kiss that’s both sudden and heartfelt.

The clearing falls silent, the rest of us frozen in place, stunned by the unexpected display. Veyron, sitting off to the side, lets out a low whistle. “Well, didn’t see that coming, guess I should’ve carried her,” he mutters, his smirk visible even in the dim firelight.

Kaida’s eyes widen as she looks between Lyra and Lorien, her cheeks turning pink. “Um… wow,” she whispers, clearly unsure of how to respond.

Hrothgar just grunts, his expression unreadable. “Guess that’s one way to say thanks.”

Lorien, meanwhile, looks completely flustered as Lyra pulls back, her eyes filled with gratitude. “I don’t know how to thank you,” she says softly, her voice trembling. “I thought I was going to die in there. But you… you didn’t give up on me.”

Lorien stammers, his words barely coherent. “I-I just… we couldn’t leave you. You’re… part of the team.”

Lyra smiles faintly, her exhaustion evident but her relief even more so. “Thank you,” she says again, her voice softer now as she rests her head back against his chest.

I glance at Kaida, who looks equally stunned, and then at the rest of the group. The awkward silence lingers for a moment before I clear my throat, trying to bring the focus back. “Alright,” I say, my tone steady. “We made it through the day, and Lyra’s safe. That’s what matters. Let’s take shifts tonight and keep the fire low—we don’t want to draw any unwanted attention.”

The others nod, though Lorien still looks dazed as Lyra leans against him.

As night settles in, I find myself staring at the fire, the events of the day swirling in my mind. The forest is quiet now.

My thoughts drift back to what just happened. Lyra’s sudden kiss, Lorien’s reaction—the way he turned bright red, stammering like he couldn’t string a sentence together.

I shouldn’t care. I don’t care.

But then why is it gnawing at me?

I glance over at Lorien, who’s still holding Lyra carefully, his expression somewhere between nervous and flattered. The way she looked at him, the way he reacted… it’s all so unfamiliar to me. It’s not just the kiss—it’s the way I felt when I saw it.

Jealousy.

The word flickers in my mind like an annoying ember I can’t stamp out. But… why?

In the real world, I’ve never been the jealous type. And even if I was, it’s not like I’ve ever felt anything for a guy. I’ve never been in a situation where something like this would even matter. But now, here, in this world, everything feels… different.

It’s not just the kiss itself. It’s the way Lorien looked when it happened—flustered but thrilled, like for a brief moment, he was the center of someone’s world.

I shake my head, forcing my gaze back to the fire. This is ridiculous, I tell myself. We’re trapped in a deadly game, fighting to survive, and I’m sitting here getting worked up over a kiss.

But even as I tell myself that, I can’t help but glance at Lorien again, the feeling stirring in my chest like a faint ache I don’t quite understand.

Is it because I’ve changed? Because I’m a girl now? Or… is it something else?

Kaida shifts beside me, breaking my thoughts. She doesn’t say anything, just glances at me with a faint look of concern, as if sensing the storm of emotions I’m trying to bury.

Kaida’s soft voice pulls me out of my spiraling thoughts, her tone careful and kind. “Are you okay?” she asks quietly, leaning in just enough that no one else can hear. Her eyes are full of concern, flickering briefly toward Lorien before locking onto me again.

My heart skips a beat as I realize where this is going. Before I can say anything, she continues, her voice even softer. “I’ve seen how he looks at you, Artemis. And… your reaction to all of this.” She hesitates, then asks gently, “Do you… like him too?”

I freeze, caught completely off guard. “I—” My voice catches, and I glance at Lorien instinctively, seeing him still sitting beside Lyra, his face calm now but still faintly flushed from earlier. The memory of that kiss flares in my mind again, stirring that strange, unfamiliar ache in my chest.

“I don’t know,” I whisper honestly, my voice barely audible.

Kaida tilts her head, her expression softening. “It’s okay if you don’t know,” she says, her tone reassuring. “I mean… this is all so new. Your body, this world, everything. It’s a lot to figure out.”

I let out a shaky breath, staring into the fire. “It’s just… weird,” I admit. “Back in the real world, I never thought about guys like that. But now… everything feels different. The way he looks at me, the way I felt when Lyra kissed him… I don’t know what’s going on with me.”

Kaida nods slowly, her gaze understanding. “It’s not surprising, honestly. You’re not the same person you were before—not completely, anyway. Your body, your emotions… they’re probably influencing how you feel. But that doesn’t mean it’s not real, Artemis. It just means you’re figuring it out as you go.”

I glance at her, grateful for her calm, nonjudgmental tone. “Have you… ever felt like this?” I ask hesitantly.

She gives me a small, bittersweet smile. “Not exactly, but… I get it. In the real world, I kept everything bottled up. My feelings, my fears… all of it. But here, it’s harder to ignore, you know? Everything feels more intense for some reason.”

I nod slowly, her words sinking in.

She places a gentle hand on my shoulder, her voice soft but steady. “You don’t have to figure it out right now. Just… be honest with yourself. And if you ever want to talk, I’m here. Always.”

Her words make something in my chest loosen, and I give her a small, grateful smile. “Thanks, Kaida. That means a lot.”

She squeezes my shoulder lightly before leaning back, her gaze flickering to Lorien and Lyra. “For what it’s worth,” she says quietly, “I think he’d choose you if it came down to it. Just… don’t rush yourself, okay?”

I nod again, my thoughts swirling but feeling a little steadier now.

Kaida’s soft voice draws me back from my thoughts. She glances at me, her cheeks faintly pink in the firelight, and says with a hesitant smile, “If it makes you feel better… I think I have a crush on him.” She says glancing at Veyron.

I blink, taken aback by the sudden admission. “Veyron?” I ask, my voice just as quiet as hers.

She nods, her smile turning a little sheepish. “I don’t know why, though. He’s kinda rude most of the time. And cocky. And impossible to read.” She groans softly, resting her chin on her hand. “Honestly, he’s exactly the kind of person I wouldn’t have given the time of day back in the real world.”

I can’t help but smile, some of my tension melting away at her confession. “That’s… surprising,” I admit. “You’re so level-headed, and he’s, well…”

Kaida laughs softly, rolling her eyes. “A total pain?”

“Exactly,” I say, grinning.

She shrugs, her expression thoughtful. “I guess there’s something about him. I don’t know. Maybe it’s the way he acts like he doesn’t care, but then he always shows up when it matters. Like… there’s more to him than he lets on.”

I glance over at Veyron, who’s sitting on the edge of the camp, sharpening his dagger. He’s completely focused on his task, his smirk gone, replaced by a rare look of concentration.

“You’re braver than me,” I say, chuckling softly. “I don’t think I’d have the patience to figure him out.”

Kaida smiles, her gaze flickering between Veyron and the fire. “I don’t know if it’s bravery or just… curiosity. But thanks for not laughing at me. I didn’t exactly plan on liking someone like him.”

I shake my head, my smile softening. “I’m not laughing. Honestly… it’s kind of nice to hear someone else is feeling just as confused as I am.”

Kaida’s laugh is quiet but genuine, and for the first time all night, I feel a little less alone.

The fire crackles softly between us, the warmth cutting through the chill of the night. The forest remains quiet, and for a moment, the strange feelings of the day don’t seem so overwhelming.

I lie back on the soft forest floor, the flickering fire casting warm shadows across the clearing. The distant rustle of leaves and the soft crackle of the flames fill the quiet night, lulling me into a rare sense of calm.

Kaida settles beside me, her staff resting on the ground within reach, her breathing slow and steady. Hrothgar sits near the edge of the camp, keeping watch with his axe resting across his knees. Veyron remains a little farther out, his dagger glinting faintly in the firelight as he toys with it absentmindedly. Lorien cradles Lyra, who seems to be resting peacefully now, her head leaning lightly against his shoulder.

The tension from earlier still lingers faintly in the back of my mind, but the quiet night and the presence of my companions make it easier to push it aside.

I close my eyes, letting the soft sounds of the forest surround me. The fire’s warmth feels comforting against the cool night air, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I allow myself to relax completely.

Sleep comes slowly but steadily, pulling me into its embrace. The last thing I remember is the sound of the fire crackling softly, the gentle hum of the forest, and the quiet comfort of not being alone.

End of chapter 5

Yep I did the ball thing haha. Plus the odd guard at the gate hmmm and romantic drama for our characters begins finally!