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The darkness outside seemed to stretch endlessly, wrapping the cabin in a thick, suffocating silence. Yuna's heart raced in her chest as she kept her focus on the window. The creatures had not moved from their positions, their glowing eyes watching intently, never blinking. She could feel their presence like an oppressive weight, their malevolent gaze heavy upon the cabin.
Lisa sat beside Yuna, her small hands trembling as she clung to the dragon hatchling, her breath shallow with exhaustion. Yuna could sense the fear in her, seeping into her skin. Rite, still standing by the far wall, was equally on edge, his eyes scanning the area outside. His body was tense, poised for action, yet there was an air of uncertainty. Even he wasn't sure how this would play out.
Yuna's mind raced, trying to come up with a plan, any plan. Her instincts screamed at her to do something, but what? She wasn't strong enough to fight. Not yet. She needed to survive this. She needed a way to help. But the more she thought, the more she realized just how unprepared she was. The "Predator" skill could slow the creatures down, sure, but it wouldn't be enough to keep them from tearing her apart.
Her heart pounded as she glanced back at the creatures. They were patient, unmoving, almost as if they were waiting for something. A wave of unease washed over Yuna as she considered their intent. What were they waiting for? Was it fear? They hadn't attacked yet, but that didn't mean they wouldn't.
Then, a thought hit her. Wait. I have "Inspect." If I can learn more about them...
She closed her eyes, focusing, calling on the Inspect skill. It was worth a shot. She needed to know what they were dealing with, to gain any advantage she could.
"System, show me the stats of the creatures outside," Yuna muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. The screen didn't appear at first, but after a moment, a faint glow filled her vision.
Inspect (Target: Unknown Entity)
The information flickered on the screen, but it wasn't like anything she had seen before. The creatures were too foreign, too different from the familiar enemies she had read about or seen in her past life.
Name: Voidborne Entity
Race: Unknown
Level: 10
HP 200/200
Mana: 50/50
Abilities:
Corruption – Can infect and warp the minds of nearby creatures, instilling fear.
Void Claws – A physical attack that damages and weakens the target.
Telepathic Link – Can communicate and coordinate with other Voidborne entities over vast distances.
Dark Vision – Able to see in complete darkness.
Yuna's breath caught in her throat. These creatures were nothing like she had ever encountered before. Their abilities were terrifying—Corruption that could warp the minds of those nearby, making them easier prey. Her stomach churned. These creatures didn't just want to kill; they wanted to break them down from the inside.
She turned her attention to Lisa, who was still trembling beside her. Yuna could feel the panic rising in her friend, the fear that had already started to grip her mind. The Corruption ability—she could sense it now. It was faint, but it was there. The creatures were using it to feed on Lisa's fear, to make her more susceptible to their attacks.
I have to stop this.
Yuna's thoughts raced as she looked at Lisa. The fear in her eyes was becoming more pronounced. Yuna couldn't let it take hold. She needed to act, and fast.
Turning her attention to the "Inspect" skill again, she focused on Lisa. Maybe there was something she could do.
Inspect (Target: Lisa)
Level: 26
Species: Green-Wood Elf
Health: 185/185
Stamina: 90/100
Mana: 400/400
Strength: 38
Agility: 68
Physical Resistance: 37
Elemental Resistance: 25
Magical Resistance: 48
Ability:
Endurance – Increases stamina and resistance to physical fatigue.
Alertness – Increases the ability to notice changes in the environment, and detect hidden threats.
Weak Heal (Lvl 2)
Fireball (Lvl 3)
???
Yuna's heart fluttered with hope. Lisa wasn't entirely helpless. She had skills that could help, but she needed guidance. Lisa could stay alert. She could focus on her surroundings, on the changes in the air that could signal the creatures' next move. If Yuna could help her focus, help her use her skills to stay sharp, they might stand a better chance.
Yuna nuzzled Lisa gently, nudging her arm with her snout to draw her attention. Lisa looked down at her, her face pale but determined. Yuna couldn't speak, but she gave a firm, almost encouraging nudge. The message was clear.
Stay calm. Focus on what you can do. Use your skills. You can do this.
Lisa's shaky smile was small but genuine. She nodded, her hands steadying as she tried to push back against the fear. "Right. I'll try."
Yuna's gaze shifted to Rite, who had been observing the creatures' movements intently. His voice broke through the tension. "They're waiting for us to slip up," he muttered, his eyes narrowing. "They're not just mindless predators. They're toying with us."
Yuna's claws dug into the floor, her resolve hardening. The creatures were trying to manipulate them, trying to make them weaker. But she wasn't going to let them win. They would not take her peace. Not this time.
"Stay close," Rite continued. "If they attack, we don't fight. We run. We need to stay together."
Yuna's mind whirled. Run? But where? The creatures were all around them. There was nowhere to escape.
But that wasn't the point. The point was to survive. They needed to keep their wits about them, avoid letting the creatures get inside their heads. They could run, but they had to do it smartly. They needed to stay focused. They needed to work together.
Suddenly, a sharp noise pierced the night—a low growl that vibrated through the air. Yuna's heart skipped a beat. The creatures were closer than ever. She could feel them. They were preparing to strike.
Her pulse quickened. They didn't have much time.
Yuna gave Lisa one last, determined look before turning to Rite. It was time to act.
"Everyone, stay focused. We survive this together," Yuna said, her voice a low growl as she faced the oncoming darkness.
The creatures were closing in, and Yuna knew that whatever happened next, it would be a test of their strength, their resolve, and their unity. And no matter what, she would fight to protect the peace she had always longed for.
The night was far from over.