The hunting party left Riverwood just as the sun dipped lower in the sky.
Ten adventurers moved together along the eastern road, their pace steady but cautious. The earlier noise of the guild had faded, replaced by a focused silence.
This wasn't like the ogre hunt. Everyone here understood that a troll was something far more dangerous.
Bren walked at the front, leading the group with confident strides. Two of the more experienced adventurers followed close behind him, carrying torches and small flasks filled with oil.
"Stay alert," Bren said without turning around.
"It attacked a caravan earlier, so it's already aggressive."
Alex walked near the middle of the group beside Kael. The forest ahead looked darker than usual. The trees were thicker, their branches twisting together to block out much of the remaining sunlight. A faint wind moved through the leaves, creating a low, whispering sound.
Alex frowned slightly.
"This place feels different."
Kael nodded.
"Troll territory often does."
"That doesn't sound reassuring."
"It's not meant to be."
The group continued forward. After about twenty minutes, they reached the remains of the attacked caravan. The sight made several adventurers curse under their breath.
A broken wagon lay tipped on its side near the edge of the road. Crates were scattered everywhere, some crushed, others split open with their contents spilled across the dirt.
Deep claw marks carved through the wood.
And there was blood. A lot of it. Alex felt his stomach tighten slightly.
"Looks like it didn't hold back," he said quietly.
Bren crouched near the wagon, examining the damage.
"Heavy blows," he muttered. "Strong enough to shatter reinforced wood."
One of the adventurers pointed toward the forest.
"Tracks lead that way."
Everyone turned. Large footprints were clearly visible in the dirt, each one deep enough to show the immense weight of the creature that made them.
Bren stood up.
"That's our target."
He looked at the group.
"We follow the tracks, but stay together."
No one argued. The party moved off the road and into the forest. The air grew colder almost immediately. The deeper they went, the quieter everything became.
No birds.
No insects.
Just the sound of their own footsteps.
Alex's Combat Instinct began to stir again.
A faint warning.
Not immediate danger.
But close enough to matter.
He glanced around, his hand tightening on the hilt of his sword.
"How far do you think it is?" he asked quietly.
Kael's eyes moved across the trees.
"Not far."
As if to prove his point— A low sound echoed through the forest. A deep, guttural growl.
The entire group froze.
"There," one of the adventurers whispered.
Ahead, through the trees, something moved.
Slow.
Heavy.
Branches snapped as the creature shifted its weight. Then it stepped into view. The troll was massive. Easily taller than the ogre they had fought earlier.
Its body was thick and muscular, covered in rough gray skin that looked almost like stone. Long arms hung at its sides, ending in massive clawed hands. Its eyes glowed faintly in the dim light. And its mouth stretched into a wide, twisted grin.
Alex felt his breath catch for a second.
"Yeah…" he muttered. "That's worse."
The troll sniffed the air. Then its gaze snapped toward the group. It had found them.
"Positions!" Bren shouted.
The adventurers spread out quickly. Two shield-bearers moved to the front, raising their defenses.
The others circled slightly, preparing to attack from different angles.
"Torches ready!" Bren called.
Flames flickered to life as several adventurers lit their weapons.
The troll let out a low growl. Then it moved.
Faster than something that size should be.
It charged. The ground shook under its weight.
"Brace!" Bren shouted.
The shield-bearers stepped forward— The impact came like a falling boulder. The troll slammed into them with terrifying force.
Both men were thrown backward, crashing into the ground. Alex's eyes widened.
That strength…
"Move!" Kael snapped.
Alex didn't hesitate. He rushed forward, circling to the side as the troll focused on the fallen defenders. The creature raised one massive arm— And brought it down.
The ground cracked where the blow landed.
One of the shield-bearers barely rolled out of the way in time.
"Attack now!" Bren shouted.
The adventurers moved. Blades struck against the troll's thick hide. But the creature barely reacted. Alex saw it clearly. The wounds were already closing.
"Fire!" someone yelled.
A torch slammed against the troll's arm.
Flames spread across its skin. This time, the creature reacted. It roared.
A deep, furious sound that echoed through the forest. Alex felt the system activate again.
Combat Active
High-Level Enemy Detected
Adaptation Recommended
Alex's grip tightened on his sword. The fight had begun. And this time… It wasn't going to be easy.