The crew follows the fern-lined trail toward the Star Streak, Kael dressed again, his star-black armor and sword carried at hand. Provisions pass between them in careful bundles.
The woods explode outward. A huge antlered monstrosity, an adult male forest predator with slate-gray hide, a broad boarlike face, and six powerful legs surges from the silverleaf trees, its many-jointed bulk scattering branches and sending the water casks rolling.
Aurora
Behind me. The provisions must survive.
Aurora plants herself before the grain and herbs as the beast crashes against her silver frame. Anna catches a cask, while Sophie raises a wall of red fire.
Anna
Circle it! Keep its antlers away from the captain and the supplies!
Emma and Maisie draw the wounded provisions clear, Julia darts beneath the creature’s sweeping limbs, and Miles hurls a fallen branch to turn its charge. The crew closes around Kael as the beast thrashes.
Aurora locks the monstrosity in place. Sophie’s fire, Anna’s force, and Julia’s strike converge with the others’ assault, and the towering creature collapses into the ferns. Beneath its antlers, a dark crystal begins to pulse.
✓ Quest Accepted
Destroy the forest monstrosity