The World Beyond Reality

The forest loomed around him, draped in a strange, dim twilight that felt almost otherworldly. Massive trees rose endlessly, their tops lost in a thick fog that hung just above. Each step Minho took echoed softly as his foot sank into the damp earth, the sound stabbing through the eerie silence. He gripped his dagger tightly, its simple metal handle pressing uncomfortably into his palm. Though it was more of a tool than a weapon, it was all he had at the moment.

The air was dense, filled with a heavy energy that seemed like a weight sitting in his chest. There was no cheerful birdsong, no whispering winds—only the faint rustle of leaves disturbed by unseen creatures lurking nearby. **Keep moving,** Minho reminded himself. The oppressive stillness of the Tower's first floor unnerved him; standing still felt like a sure way to invite trouble.

He pushed onward, his eyes scanning the shadows. Every branch seemed like it could spring to life, every bush filled with hidden threats. His breath came in shallow gasps, fatigue from climbing to the Tower's gates still clinging to him. **Focus. Survive. Move.**

Suddenly, a low growl froze him in place.

His heart raced as he turned toward the sound. From the underbrush emerged a pair of glowing red eyes, flickering like embers in the gloom. Then came another pair, and soon three creatures were in view—Shadow Wolves. Their sleek black fur glimmered faintly, moving like smoke as they circled him. Each stood about half his height, fangs bared, saliva dripping as they began their menacing dance.

Minho's chest tightened. He had read about these creatures in the Hunter manuals back home. Individually, they weren't incredibly strong, but in packs, they were fearsome, using their speed and teamwork to overwhelm their prey. There was no way he was escaping easily.

Without warning, the first wolf lunged, its claws aimed at Minho's chest. Instinct kicked in, and he sidestepped awkwardly just in time to avoid the attack. He retaliated with a swing of his dagger, grazing the side of the creature as it snarled in pain, stepping back to reassess him.

The second wolf struck next. Minho barely raised his weapon in time, barely managing to deflect its snapping jaws that nearly connected with his face before it sprang back, joining its packmates.

They're testing me, Minho thought, tightening his grip on the dagger. This wasn't a random attack; they were studying his every move, anticipating when he'd slip.

Sweat trickled down his face as he adjusted his stance. His legs screamed from fatigue and tension. A nagging voice suggested turning back, that he wasn't prepared for this, but it was too late to retreat.

The third wolf sprang from his blind side. Minho twisted sharply, slashing down with his dagger. It struck true, digging into the creature's shoulder and eliciting a sharp yelp before it crumpled, dark ichor seeping from the wound and staining the ground.

Before he could gather himself, the remaining wolves attacked together. One jumped high, aiming for his throat, while the other aimed low, its claws reaching for his legs. Minho dove to the side, rolling awkwardly through the dirt. The leaping wolf's claws grazed his shoulder, tearing through his hoodie and stinging his skin. Pain shot through him, but he pushed it aside, scrambling back to his feet.

The wolves kept up their assault. The heavier one barreled into him, knocking him to the ground and sending his dagger skidding away.

Minho gasped, struggling for breath as the wolf pinned him down with claws digging into his body. Its glowing red eyes locked onto his, rancid breath hot against his face. He thrashed, one arm trapped, while the other flailed for anything at hand. His fingers brushed against something rigid—a jagged rock half-buried in the earth.

Gathering his resolve, he shouted and drove the rock into the wolf's temple. It yelped, loosening its grip just enough for him to wriggle free. He scrambled up, seizing his dagger and spinning to face the beast.

It lunged again, hungry for vengeance, but this time Minho was ready. He sidestepped, plunging the blade deep into its side as it rushed by. The wolf howled before collapsing, its form fading into mist and swirling away.

Only one wolf was left.

It hesitated, ears back and body crouched low. Minho could see the fear shimmering in its eyes; it had witnessed the fall of its packmates. But survival instincts kicked in, and it charged with a ferocious growl.

Minho sidestepped cleanly, his movements sharper now. As the wolf flew past, he thrust his dagger into its heart in one fluid motion. It whimpered softly, a final breath escaping as it dissolved into the mist, leaving Minho alone in the clearing.

Silence settled back in, heavy and complete. He stood there, chest heaving, sweat and blood mixing on his hands. His arms quaked as the adrenaline ebbed, leaving weariness in its wake. He wiped his face with his sleeve, smearing dirt and the creature's ichor across his skin.

He had made it through.

A soft, melodic chime broke the stillness of the forest, and in the distance, a faint blue glow appeared, marking the portal to the next phase. Its inviting light promised a moment of rest, but it also reminded him that the trials were far from over.

Minho took a shaky breath, feeling the rough fabric of his torn hoodie. The battle had drained more from him than he wanted to admit. His shoulder throbbed where the wolf had clawed him, and every movement ignited fresh pain.

Yet, he forced himself to continue. Dwelling on the pain wouldn't help, and there was no time to linger. The Tower didn't tolerate weakness.

As he stepped toward the portal, he glanced back at the forest. The place where the wolves had fallen looked untouched, as if the battle hadn't taken place. The air felt lighter now, the oppressive weight lifting just a bit.

Turning back to the glowing portal, its light enveloped him as he closed the distance. He hesitated for a heartbeat, hand hovering above the edge. There was no turning back now. The trials laid ahead would only get tougher.

"This is my fresh start," he murmured, steadying his voice against the chaos within.

With one last deep breath, he stepped into the light, diving into the unknown.