THE ONE WHO WE COULDN'T SAVE

Dylan wandered aimlessly, his boots kicking up dust as he walked along the narrow dirt path. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting a soft golden glow across the landscape. His mind buzzed with frustration.

"Of all the things I could forget, directions had to be one of them," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. His Temporal Dusk magic flickered faintly around his fingertips more out of habit than anything else like shadows dancing in the light. "Guess it's just me, the road, and blind luck."

The path led him into a dense forest. Tall trees stretched high above him, their leaves rustling in the soft breeze. His eyes darted around for any sign of life a chimney's smoke, the hum of a nearby river, or maybe even a random traveler but the forest was eerily quiet.

"Well, this is promising," Dylan said to himself, voice dripping with sarcasm. "I've gone from lost in the open to lost in the woods."

A flicker of movement caught his eye an animal darting between the trees. Curious, he followed, hoping it might lead him toward a stream or a clearing where another village might lie.

As he stepped deeper into the woods, the air grew cooler, and the golden light dimmed. Shadows lengthened, wrapping around him like a familiar cloak.

"Looks like it's going to be one of those days," Dylan sighed. "Here's hoping the next village actually exists and isn't just a figment of my imagination."

Dylan's footsteps faltered as the forest seemed to hold its breath. The rustle of leaves and the whisper of the wind took on a sinister tone, hinting that he was not alone. Out of the deepening gloom, shapes began to stir slender, figures with eyes that glowed like embers in the fading light.

Dylan's eyes narrowed as the corrupted treant burst from the shadows, its gnarled limbs twisting unnaturally, blackened by the Rift's influence. Its glowing red eyes locked onto him as it lunged with surprising speed, the ground trembling beneath its weight.

Without hesitation, Dylan leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding a massive, root like arm slamming into the earth where he had just stood. "A treant… great," he muttered, his body tensing as he prepared for the next attack.

The treant roared, its corrupted bark cracking as dark energy pulsed through it. Dylan clenched his fists, his eyes flashing with determination. He could feel the remnants of Rift energy stirring inside him. Though dangerous, it was power he could harness if he stayed in control.

He raised his hand, summoning a bolt of energy. "Let's see if you're as tough as you look."

Dylan took a deep breath, feeling the Rift's energy swirl within him. His left hand crackled with dark energy, black and violet flames dancing across his knuckles. His eyes narrowed as he focused the power into his fist, containing the chaotic force.

The treant roared again, raising its massive arm for another strike. Dylan dashed forward, faster than before, the ground cracking beneath his feet as he closed the distance. The air around his fist shimmered ominously, his punch charged with Rift energy.

With a single, devastating blow, Dylan's fist connected with the treant's core. A shockwave of dark energy erupted on impact, the corrupted creature shattering into fragments of bark and black mist. The ground trembled, and then... silence.

The mist dissipated into the air, leaving nothing but ashes behind. Dylan lowered his hand, his breathing steady. "That's what happens when you mess with the wrong guy," he muttered, shaking off the lingering energy on his knuckles.

He glanced around, ensuring there were no more threats before continuing on his path. "I need to keep moving. No time to waste."

As Dylan trudged deeper into the forest, the air grew heavier, and the presence of corrupted creatures multiplied with every step. First, it was one treant. Then another. And another. Soon, he couldn't walk more than a few paces without another beast lunging at him.

"Seriously?" Dylan muttered, dodging a clawed strike. "Why does every monster in this forest have it out for me?" He clenched his fists, crackling with Rift energy. "Fine. If you want a fight, then bring it!"

He unleashed a devastating punch, the Rift's influence surging through his arm, reducing another creature to dust in a single blow. But the monsters kept coming, their twisted forms emerging from the shadows, driven by the same strange pull toward him.

Then realization hit him like a bolt of lightning. As he sidestepped yet another attack, his eyes narrowed.

"I think… they're attracted to my Rift's influence," Dylan muttered under his breath, glancing at the dark aura flickering faintly around his hands. It wasn't just a coincidence they were being drawn to him, sensing the power he had taken control of.

"Tch, great," he sighed, cracking his knuckles. "So I'm basically a walking monster magnet now." He shot forward, smashing through another creature with a burst of Rift charged energy. "Guess I'll just have to deal with it."

Realizing the danger, Dylan clenched his fists, steadying his breath. He focused inward, suppressing the Rift's energy that swirled around him. Slowly, the dark aura faded until it was barely a whisper, hidden beneath the surface.

"That should keep them off me for now," he muttered, scanning his surroundings. The forest had grown eerily quiet, the absence of the monsters almost unsettling.

He adjusted his gear and started walking again, his footsteps cautious. "No more surprises, please," Dylan muttered, keeping his senses sharp as he pressed on.

Weeks had passed since Dylan began his journey through the wilds, each day blending into the next. His clothes were worn, and exhaustion clung to him like a heavy cloak. As he climbed a steep mountain path, a break in the trees revealed a breathtaking view below a small village nestled in the valley.

His eyes lit up with relief. Stretching his arms wide, he shouted at the top of his lungs, "FINALLY! A VILLAGE! I CAN REST!" His voice echoed through the mountains, startling a few nearby birds into flight.

Grinning like a madman, Dylan picked up his pace, half laughing to himself. "Beds! Food! No monsters! Thank the gods!"

Dylan leapt off the edge of the cliff without a second thought, a wild grin plastered on his face. The wind whipped around him as he plummeted toward the ground at an alarming speed. Just before impact, the air shimmered around him as he activated Rift Travel, vanishing in a swirl of dark energy and reappearing safely on solid ground.

"YES! No more forests, no more monsters!" Dylan whooped, his feet hitting the dirt road running. He sprinted toward the village like a madman, kicking up dust in his wake, the promise of real food and a warm bed driving him forward.

Villagers glanced up from their tasks, startled as he tore through the gates, laughing breathlessly. "I'm saved!" he shouted. "Food! Water! Civilization!"

The villagers froze, their eyes locking onto Dylan as he burst into the village like a whirlwind. Mothers pulled their children closer, merchants paused mid-transaction, and an old man nearly dropped his walking stick.

"Who is this guy?" one villager whispered.

"Did he just yell about food and water?" another murmured, eyebrows raised.

Dylan, oblivious to the stares, bent over with his hands on his knees, catching his breath. "Finally… I'm free! No more creepy monsters!" he laughed to himself. Then, noticing the wide-eyed stares, he straightened up awkwardly, giving an exaggerated wave.

"Uh… hi! Don't mind me! Just... passing through," he said, flashing a sheepish grin.

The crowd slowly resumed their activities, still eyeing him warily.

"Great," Dylan muttered under his breath, scratching his head. "First thing they think is I'm some kind of crazy drifter…"

As Dylan wandered through the village streets, his stomach growled loudly, practically demanding attention. He scanned the area, his eyes lighting up as he spotted a small restaurant tucked between two stone buildings. A wooden sign above the door read "The Hungry Cactus Tavern."

Without hesitation, Dylan bolted toward the entrance, throwing the door open. The scent of roasted meat and fresh bread hit him like a warm embrace. His mouth watered instantly.

"I'm saved!" he said dramatically, drawing a few glances from nearby patrons.

A tired-looking waiter raised an eyebrow. "Table for one?"

"Just bring me everything!" Dylan declared, plopping into the nearest seat. "I haven't eaten a decent meal in weeks!"

The waiter blinked, then shrugged. "Alright… one 'everything' coming up."

As Dylan waited, tapping his fingers on the table, he couldn't help but feel a little relief. For now, at least, no monsters, no fighting just food.

As the waiter set the plates down with a sigh, he wiped his forehead. "Here's your food, sir. Enjoy it," he said, his voice monotone from exhaustion.

Dylan's eyes sparkled at the sight of the feast before him steaming stew, freshly baked bread, roasted vegetables, and a massive plate of grilled meat. Without wasting a second, he dove in, eating like a man who hadn't seen food in months.

The other customers watched in stunned silence as Dylan devoured everything at lightning speed. Forks clattered, stew disappeared in seconds, and even the bread didn't stand a chance.

The waiter raised an eyebrow. "You sure you're not part starving beast?"

Dylan wiped his mouth with a grin. "Trust me, after what I've been through, this food's a lifesaver!" He grabbed another slice of bread and added, "You've got no idea how long I've been dreaming about something like this."

The waiter chuckled and shook his head. "Well, eat up. Seems like you've earned it."

Dylan nodded, happily stuffing his face. For the first time in a long while, he felt like everything was going to be okay at least until the next adventure.

As Dylan finished the last bite, he leaned back in his chair, thoroughly satisfied. But then, reality hit him.

He reached into his pouch to pay, rummaging around with growing concern. His fingers touched nothing but the bottom of the pouch.

His eyes widened in shock. Oh no... I gave most of my money to Leora! And the rest went toward supplies! I barely have anything left!

He froze, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Glancing at the tired waiter, who was wiping down a nearby table, Dylan muttered under his breath, "Okay... think, Dylan, think. You just ate a feast... and you're broke. What now?"

The waiter turned toward him with a polite smile. "Ready to settle the bill?"

Dylan gave an awkward chuckle, rubbing the back of his head. I'm in trouble… big trouble.

As Dylan rummaged through his pocket, his fingers brushed against something cold and smooth. Curious, he pulled it out a white crystal, glowing faintly with stored mana.

He held it up, the soft light reflecting in his eyes. A mana crystal? Where did this come from...?

The waiter raised an eyebrow, noticing the crystal. "Oh, a mana crystal. Those are quite valuable around here. You can trade that for more than enough to cover your meal."

Dylan sighed in relief, offering a small grin. "Looks like luck's still on my side." He handed the crystal over, watching the waiter inspect it briefly before nodding.

"More than enough. You're all settled, sir. Have a good day!"

As Dylan stepped out of the restaurant, he chuckled to himself. "Guess I won't starve after all. Time to figure out where I am... and what's next."