Jace witty

Chapter Three: poltergeist in evergreen

Evergreen Forest was shrouded in an eerie fog, the kind that seemed to seep into your bones and chill your very soul. Jace Witty stood at the forest's edge, the dim light of dusk barely penetrating the dense canopy. Reports of disappearances had been escalating, all linked to a vengeful spirit from the past: Wushi, the indomitable samurai.

As Jace entered the forest, the air grew colder, and the sounds of the city faded away, replaced by an oppressive silence. He moved cautiously, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, senses alert to every rustle and whisper of the woods.

A sudden movement to his right made him stop in his tracks. "I know you're there, Wushi. Show yourself," Jace called out, his voice echoing through the trees.

The fog thickened, swirling around a figure that began to materialize in front of him. Wushi, clad in ancient samurai armor, his spectral form glowing with a haunting blue light, stepped forward. His eyes burned with an otherworldly fire.

"Intruder," Wushi's voice was a guttural growl, filled with centuries of anger. "You dare trespass in my domain?"

"I'm here to end your reign of terror, Wushi," Jace replied, drawing his sword. "You've tormented enough souls."

Wushi raised his katana, the blade shimmering with ghostly energy. "Many have tried. All have failed. You will join them."

With a roar, Wushi charged, his movements a blur. Jace barely had time to parry the first strike, the force of the blow sending vibrations through his arm. He countered with a swift slash, but Wushi deflected it effortlessly.

"You fight well, but not well enough," Wushi sneered, launching a series of rapid attacks. Jace dodged and blocked, his demonic reflexes barely keeping him alive.

Jace focused, channeling his inner strength. He knew he couldn't match Wushi's skill in a prolonged fight. He needed to find a way to disrupt the samurai's ghostly form. As they clashed, he noticed the blue glow intensifying around Wushi's chest—a potential weak point.

Wushi lunged again, and Jace sidestepped, striking at the glowing spot. His blade connected, and Wushi howled in pain, his form flickering.

"You've found my weakness," Wushi hissed, eyes blazing with fury. "But it will not save you."

Wushi's attacks became more erratic, his form flickering with each strike. Jace pressed his advantage, aiming for the glowing chest. He delivered a powerful blow, his sword piercing the spectral armor and striking true.

Wushi staggered, his form beginning to dissolve. "You... are stronger than the others," he gasped. "But this is not the end."

With a final, defiant cry, Wushi's form disintegrated into the mist, leaving Jace standing alone in the silent forest. He sheathed his sword, breathing heavily.

"Rest in peace, Wushi," Jace murmured, turning to leave the forest. "Your fight is over."

Jace Witty stepped out of Evergreen Forest, the first light of dawn breaking through the fog, casting an ethereal glow over the city. His muscles ached from the battle, but his mind was sharp. He made his way to a small coffee shop on the edge of the forest, a place where he and Laura often met to debrief and plan their next move.

The bell above the door chimed softly as Jace entered the warm, inviting space. He spotted Laura at a corner table, a steaming cup of coffee in front of her. She looked up as he approached, concern etched on her face.

"Jace, you look like hell," she said, motioning for him to sit.

"Thanks, Laura. Good to see you too," Jace replied with a tired smile, sliding into the seat opposite her.

"So, what happened out there?" she asked, leaning forward.

Jace took a sip of his coffee, savoring the warmth. "Wushi was tougher than I expected. But I found his weakness and took him down. He's not going to be bothering anyone anymore."

Laura nodded, relief washing over her features. "Good. That forest has been a death trap for too long."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the sounds of the bustling coffee shop around them. Jace was about to speak when the door opened again, and a chill ran down his spine.

A pale, long man in a black trench coat and hat covering his eyes walked in, his presence unsettling. He moved with an unnatural grace, his head turning slightly as he scanned the room. Jace felt a prickle of unease as the man's gaze seemed to fix on him, despite the hat obscuring his eyes.

The stranger approached their table, stopping just short. "Jace Witty," he said, his voice a low, raspy whisper. "Your time is coming."

Jace's hand instinctively moved towards his concealed weapon, his eyes narrowing. "Who are you?" he demanded.

The man smiled, a thin, unsettling grin. "I am but a messenger," he said, his voice almost hypnotic. "The darkness is gathering, and it has taken notice of you. Be ready, detective. The true battle is yet to come."

With that, the man turned and walked out of the coffee shop, leaving Jace and Laura staring after him, a palpable sense of foreboding hanging in the air.

"Who the hell was that?" Laura asked, her voice tinged with fear.

"I don't know," Jace replied, his mind racing. "But we need to find out. And fast."

They exchanged a look of determination, the weight of the stranger's words pressing down on them. The shadows of Fallcreek were closing in, and Jace knew that the battle with Wushi was just the beginning. The true darkness was yet to be faced, and he needed to be ready.

"Let's get to work," Jace said, standing up. "We've got a lot to do."

Laura nodded, following him out of the coffee shop. The city awaited, its secrets and dangers lurking in every corner. But Jace Witty was ready to face whatever came next, no matter how dark the path ahead.