The forest felt normal again.
The unnatural pressure, the suffocating stillness—it was gone.
But Leon didn't feel relieved. If anything, he felt more uneasy.
Kaelen had been right. The creature wasn't truly destroyed. It had been forced back. Next time, it wouldn't just return—it would adapt.
And Leon had no doubt that next time, it wouldn't come alone.
Jarek let out a long breath. "So. That was horrifying."
Kaelen sheathed his blades. "This will not be the last time you encounter it."
Leon clenched his fist, feeling the dull throb in his marked palm. "I know."
Jarek threw up his hands. "Right. And since when are we just accepting void creatures as a part of our daily routine? Because I did not sign up for this."
Leon gave him a tired look. "You literally followed me knowing full well I was after things no one else had found."
"Yeah, but I was thinking **ancient treasure, secret skills—**not monsters that break reality!"
Leon smirked. "Too late to back out now."
Jarek groaned. "I hate that you're right."
---
The Mark's Influence
As they resumed their journey, Leon couldn't ignore the lingering burn in his hand.
Something was different.
He flexed his fingers, watching as faint traces of silver light flickered along his palm. It wasn't strong, but it was there—a remnant of whatever power had connected with him.
Kaelen noticed. "Your mark has changed."
Leon nodded. "I felt… something. When I touched the Hollow's spawn, I wasn't just attacking it. I was—reaching into something beyond."
Jarek raised an eyebrow. "And that doesn't worry you at all?"
Leon exhaled. "Of course it does."
But he couldn't deny it. Something inside him had shifted.
And deep down, he had the feeling that this was just the beginning.
---
A Warning from the South
As they traveled, Kaelen spoke little. But Leon noticed the occasional glance he sent his way.
Finally, Leon broke the silence. "You already knew about the Hollow, didn't you?"
Kaelen didn't answer immediately. Then—
"We have stories. Warnings passed down for generations. We have always known the veil was thin in places."
Leon frowned. "Then why hasn't anyone done anything about it?"
Kaelen's golden eyes locked onto him. "Because we have never seen it awaken. Not until now."
That sent a chill down Leon's spine.
The Hollow had been waiting.
And for some reason—it had chosen now to act.
Jarek sighed. "Fantastic. So we're in the middle of something no one understands, with monsters that shouldn't exist. What's next, the sky turning red?"
Kaelen's ears twitched. "Do not speak carelessly. The world listens."
Jarek groaned. "Great. Now I have to be afraid of the world itself?"
Leon didn't laugh.
Because a small part of him was starting to wonder—
What if Kaelen was right?
---
A Silent Observer
As night fell and they set up camp, Leon found himself unable to sleep.
His mind was too full.
The shrine, the Hollow, the mark on his hand—everything was connected.
But why now?
His eyes flickered to Kaelen, who sat watch at the edge of their camp, still and silent.
And just beyond him, deep in the trees…
Leon felt it.
A presence.
Not hostile. Not aggressive.
But watching.
Waiting.
Leon didn't move.
He simply closed his eyes, exhaling slowly.
Whatever was coming… he would be ready.
---