My world-tree system

Foster had always considered himself a solitary man, but when he entered the large common room of his new unit, he quickly realised that he was going to have to deal with some... unique personalities. The place had a raw, lively atmosphere, marked by the smell of worn leather, hot metal and a kind of acrid smoke coming from a corner where a brazier was burning.

The members of the unit were scattered about, each minding their own business, but as soon as Foster and his group entered, their attention turned to them.

A man stood up. He was slim and slender, with almost aristocratic features. His dark eyes shone with icy malice.

- Don't get your hopes up, kid,' he whispered as they approached. Nobody's going to hold your hand here. If you want to survive, you'd better learn fast. I'm Kael, and believe me, I know a corpse in the making when I see one.

His smile was more threatening than friendly, and Foster raised his head in defiance. Kael struck so quickly that Foster couldn't react in time and a lock of his hair flew out, cut by a weapon he hadn't even seen.

- Don't mistake your little strength for something you can count on, kid, and swallow your pride while I'm still nice. he threatened as a thunderous laugh rang out from across the room.

- Give him a break, Kael,' sneered a massive man as he stood up. He looks lost enough as it is.

The giant had a fine, elegant white beard that fell almost to his chest and carried a sword as big as himself across his back. He approached Foster, holding out a huge hand.

- I'm Borin. If you need a sword or some good wine, I'm your man. But watch out, if you try to slow me down, I might just throw you into the scenery.

His laughter still rang out, but it was hard to tell if he was really joking. Foster simply nodded, preferring to avoid answering. Another figure then approached, more discreet but just as impressive.

She was small, with messy hair and glasses placed crookedly on her nose. Her clothes were covered in stains and scratches, and she held a steaming flask in one hand.

- Do you want to survive?' she asked without preamble. Then you'd better not waste my potions. My name is Nyssa, and I'm the one who stops these idiots from getting blown up or poisoned. If you die stupidly, it won't be my fault.

She shoved the vial into his hands before leaving as quickly as she had arrived. Foster blinked, a little confused by the speed of the exchange. He was about to speak when another man entered the room. . Tall, silent and as imposing as a mountain, he carried a massive shield on his back. He stared at Foster for a moment, then nodded briefly:

- Tharon.

And that was all. No grandiloquent introduction, no veiled threat. Just a name. Yet something about her presence forced Foster to swallow.

At last, a woman with silver hair and piercing eyes appeared in a corner of the room, almost as if she'd always been there. She observed Foster with an intensity that made him uncomfortable.

- Saria,' she said simply. Keep a low profile and you'll be fine. If you don't, you'll find out why they call me the Silent Blade.

She returned to her work, leaving behind only a heavy silence.

Foster takes a deep breath, forcing himself to relax. This unit was a nest of predators, and it was clear that he was the weakest link. But he wasn't here to be pushed around.

Kassandra clapped her hands to attract attention.

- Now that the introductions have been made, listen carefully. Tomorrow, we leave on a mission. A mysterious creature has appeared and seems to have completely lost his mind. Normally it shouldn't worry us, but it's enough to test the abilities of the kids here. If you want to prove you belong, Foster, this is your chance.

The next day:

Dawn was cold and foggy when Foster's unit left the city. The wind was biting the skin. The orders were clear: a wild beast, driven mad and violent, was prowling this isolated part of the forest. It had already slaughtered a few elves and was now threatening the village. Their mission was seemingly simple: to eliminate it. But in this sea of shadows and strange noises, every step seemed to bring them closer to an invisible danger.

Kassandra led the way, her sharp eyes scanning the undergrowth. The team leader showed no sign of hesitation, her blade drawn and ready to strike at any moment. Borin and Tharon led the way, their heavy equipment creaking with every step. Nyssa walked beside Foster, holding a luminescent crystal shard between her fingers, muttering incantations to detect magical anomalies.

Foster could feel the tension in the air. This was his first mission with the unit, and all eyes, albeit discreet, seemed to be gauging his every move.

They stopped in a natural clearing, where the ground was littered with broken branches and withered leaves. The air was heavy with the acrid smell of blood and decay. The distant cries of birds had long since died away, replaced by an oppressive silence.

- She's close,' declared Kassandra, raising her hand to signal a stop. Get ready.

A hoarse growl was suddenly heard, followed by a rustle among the trees. All the members of the unit froze, their weapons ready. The tension was palpable, each second stretching out like an eternity.

Then it appeared.

A massive silhouette emerged from the shadows, breaking the branches in its path. It was a boar, but no ordinary boar. Its skin was bristling with blackened quills, and a violated aura pulsed around it, emitting an unhealthy energy. Its eyes, red as embers, burned with a demented fury. His long, curved tusks glowed metallic, and every step he took sounded like a thunderclap in the soft ground.

- What...?' murmured Nyssa, unable to take her eyes off the creature.

Even Kassandra, used to the most terrifying monsters, frowned.

- It's not normal,' Borin blurted out, backing away slightly.

But Foster froze, his face having lost all colour at the sight of the beast. He understood exactly what he was seeing. 

- This light, this evil energy. How can they already be here, it's two years too soon. The corruption of the Obscurus, that's their fucking experiment...' he murmured.

 Those buried memories resurfaced, and a cold shiver ran down his spine.

- Foster, despite the abnormal character of this beast, it's up to you. If there's the slightest serious problem, we'll intervene,' ordered Kassandra, her tone unmistakable. Show us that you can fight.

Foster drew his sword and prepared for battle