Artemis Unveiled:The Descent

Untitled Part 57: Secrets of the Lunar Essence Clan

A deafening roar suddenly echoed, and the ground shook violently. The dense fog shrouding the forest grew even thicker. Aria glimpsed a squad of fierce warriors emerging from the distant woods. Their appearance was like the dawn, bringing a glimmer of hope yet also stirring suspicion and wariness. These warriors were clad in black leather armor, moving swiftly and gracefully, their weapons glinting coldly in the faint light.

The warriors moved with agile and light steps, each one feeling as if it were pounding on her heart. Aria's breath quickened, she couldn't tell if these people were friends or foes and could only helplessly look to Neven.

"Who are they?" Neven asked in a low voice, gripping his sword hilt, ready to face any potential threat.

The warriors closed in quickly, making their identities hard to discern. Aria's heart raced, a mix of fear and confusion engulfing her as her awareness began to blur, her body overwhelmed by pain and exhaustion.

"Reinforcements or enemies?" Alexander frowned, his eyes warily fixed on the approaching figures.

The warriors charged into the howling Night Ghouls like an unstoppable torrent, engaging in fierce combat. The roars of the Night Ghouls and the warriors' shouts intertwined, creating a heart-pounding symphony. Although these figures brought a turning point, their identities remained a mystery, filling hearts with suspense.

The battle grew more intense, the Night Ghouls seemingly endless, surging forward like waves. Aria felt her consciousness fading, her body's pain and fatigue crashing over her like a tidal wave.

In her final moments before passing out, she saw Felix swing his sword in front of them, his long braid flying in the wind. The massive blade cleaved through the attacking Night Ghouls. Aria's vision blurred, and she vaguely saw more warriors in black leather armor gathering, moving swiftly and gracefully. Their figures gradually faded from her sight, leaving only the sound of Neven's voice and the echo of her heartbeat. Then, she closed her eyes, sinking into a deep unconsciousness.

The tranquil morning saw the lake shimmering with light. The northern land, ablaze with autumn's red foliage, welcomed its first winter snow. King Magnus stood on the snow-covered shore, the cold wind ruffling the soft fur of his cloak. He gazed out over his kingdom, the rolling mountains, the serene lakes, and the distant dark northern forest.

A shadow of worry crossed King Magnus's face as the northern skyline was tinged with blood red.

"Father, Father, I found a hunting dog!" A boy ran up, excitedly holding a black puppy.

King Magnus, with a look of stern authority, calmly lowered his eyes, waiting for the boy to speak his mind.

The boy glanced nervously at his father's serious face and quietly asked, "Father, may I keep it?"

"Xander, tell me why you want to keep it first," King Magnus asked.

"It seemed lost. I found it under a tree over there. If we leave it out overnight, it will be eaten by wild beasts. Father, look at its eyes, they are such a beautiful green," the boy said enthusiastically. Under King Magnus's unflinching gaze, he quickly lowered his head and his voice softened. "Father, I want to learn how to hunt. I heard every hunter has their own hunting dog. Can I keep it?"

After a moment of silence, King Magnus slowly said, "You must promise to feed and water it every day, train and take care of it until it dies. Can you do that?"

"Does that mean you agree?" The boy raised his sparkling eyes. "I can do it, I swear." He raised his hand and swore, "I, Xander Magnus, son of the Guardian of the North, swear to the gods today. I will keep my promise to train Green Eyes to be a true hunting dog and care for it until death."