The mist thickened as they moved deeper into the forest. Each step sounded louder than it should have, the damp earth amplifying every footfall. Jiwon stayed close to Haein, the skeletons forming a protective line around them.
A low growl echoed from the shadows. This time, it wasn't a small pack of wolves. The ground trembled slightly, and the mist parted to reveal a massive creature.
A stag-like beast, its body skeletal, veins glowing faintly blue, antlers twisted like blackened trees. Its eyes burned with intelligence—this was no ordinary forest enemy.
[Elite Enemy Detected: Forest Guardian]
[HP: Unknown]
[Level: High]
Haein's hand tightened on her sword. "That… that's big."
Jiwon felt the system stir. [Combat Strategy Recommended]
He studied the creature. Its movements were slow but deliberate, each step crushing undergrowth, each flick of its head sending the mist swirling. "Skeletons," he said quietly, "observe, don't engage yet."
The skeletons froze, their heads tilting as if sensing danger.
The Forest Guardian charged suddenly, faster than its size suggested. The first skeleton moved to block, but the force of the impact threw it back several meters. Bones cracked, but it remained standing.
Haein leapt forward, striking at the glowing chest. Sparks of blue energy burst off the blade. The Guardian staggered, then slammed its hooves into the ground, sending a shockwave toward them.
Jiwon gritted his teeth. "Bone Spike, now!"
The ground erupted beneath the Guardian's hooves, jagged spikes piercing through earth and bone. The creature staggered, letting out a screech that echoed through the trees.
Haein used the opening to slash across its neck, but the creature twisted, retaliating with one antler that swung dangerously close. Jiwon jumped forward, guiding the skeletons to flank from behind.
The battle raged, each move precise. Jiwon felt the thrill of control—the mana flowing into the skeletons, the way they mirrored his thoughts. He noticed subtle weaknesses: a glowing joint near its ribcage and slight hesitation in its rear legs.
"Focus there," he muttered to himself. "Everything we have—now."
With a coordinated push, the skeletons moved as one, pinning the Guardian while Haein struck the glowing joint. The beast let out a final roar before collapsing. Dust and mist swirled around its body, slowly settling.
[Enemy Defeated: Forest Guardian]
[EXP Gained: 200]
[Raise Skeleton Lv.3 → Lv.4]
[Bone Spike Lv.4 → Lv.5]
Haein exhaled deeply. "You… really control them well. I've never seen anything like it."
Jiwon nodded, feeling the adrenaline still coursing. "It's just the beginning."
From behind a tree, a small rustle caught their attention. A young woman stepped out, eyes wide. She wore tattered clothes and carried a small satchel.
"You… survived," she whispered. "And your skeletons… I want to learn. Please, let me join."
Jiwon glanced at Haein, who gave a faint nod. Then back at the girl. "Rules are strict. One mistake, and this dungeon kills you."
The girl swallowed hard but nodded. "I understand. I won't fail."
Jiwon felt a strange certainty. This journey wasn't just his anymore. Allies were beginning to gather.
And somewhere deep in the forest, hidden eyes watched them, waiting for the right moment.