The forest around the world tree twisted with malevolent energy, warping the air and saturating it with corrupted mana.
Kyle narrowed his eyes as grotesque monsters emerged, their forms twisted and bubbling as though barely held together by flesh.
He struck down one with a swift blade of condensed mana, but for every creature that fell, two more crawled from the shadows.
Silvy fought by his side, breathing heavily.
"These things… they look like the forest beasts near the village!"
Kyle nodded grimly.
"The world tree's corruption is influencing the local wildlife. We need to seal it—fast."
Another creature lunged. Silvy threw a mana spear, piercing its eye, then turned to the tree, her voice laced with urgency.
"You two! Get away from the tree!"
The two remaining elves, faces pale and clothes torn, flinched at her voice. For a moment, they seemed frozen, then they turned to run toward Kyle and Silvy, relief flooding their features.
But it was too late.
