RPG Warriors - Book 1 AWAKENING: An Earth Apocalypse System Integration LitRPG Adventure novel by Craig Zerf

Author:Craig Zerf [Zerf, Craig]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-08-30T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

As they trudged deeper into the forest, the change in the atmosphere was almost palpable. The light filtering through the trees dimmed, the thick canopy above turning the day into an eerie twilight. The trees themselves seemed to grow in size, their gnarled roots snaking across the ground like the twisted limbs of some ancient beast. Each step felt heavier, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and something else—something darker, more sinister. Even the usual forest sounds, the rustle of leaves, the distant calls of birds, seemed muted, swallowed by the oppressive quiet that had settled around them.

Jack glanced at the map, its crude lines now taking on a more ominous significance. They were close, too close for comfort. His hand tightened around the hilt of his sword, a growing unease gnawing at him. Elaria, leading the way with her bow in hand, paused every few steps, her keen eyes scanning the shadows. Mike, ever the bulldozer, simply pushed forward, though even he seemed to feel the weight of the darkening forest.

They didn’t speak much, the silence only broken by the occasional grunt or muttered curse as they navigated the treacherous terrain. Roots and vines caught at their feet, the underbrush growing thicker and more tangled with every step. Progress was slow, each of them on edge, senses heightened, expecting something to leap out from the shadows at any moment.

By the time they decided to make camp, the sky above was completely hidden by the dense foliage, and the forest had settled into an oppressive gloom. They found a small clearing, just wide enough to set up their tents and build a small fire. The flames crackled weakly, barely pushing back the darkness that seemed to press in from all sides.

“Alright,” Mike said, dropping his pack with a thud and setting to work on the fire. “Let’s get this over with.” He sat down heavily, pulling a strip of dried meat from his bag, chewing thoughtfully before a smirk crept across his face. “You know,” he said, glancing at Jack and Elaria, “this reminds me of a story.”

Jack rolled his eyes. “Here we go.”

Mike chuckled, the sound a rare break in the tension. “So, there was this mercenary I knew back in the day—mean bastard, built like a brick shithouse. He and his crew get hired to protect this billionaire's daughter on a trip to Europe. Bunch of rough, unforgiving terrain, Paris, London, obviously much more dangerous than this place.” He gestured to the forest around them.

“Anyway, the daughter’s a real piece of work. Spoiled, used to getting what she wants. And she’s got her eye on this merc—can’t blame her, really, the guy was a looker—so she starts flirting with him, trying to get him to break his professional code. He’s having none of it, right? Total pro, all business. But one night, after a few too many drinks, she corners him and says, ‘You know, I’ve always had a thing for scars. They’re just so… manly.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.