Game's Extra

Aiden's team stood around their campfire, discussing their next move. They decided to split into two groups to cover more ground. Aiden and Elena formed the first group, while Olivia, Tomas, and Felix formed the second.

"We'll meet back here by sundown," Elena said, ensuring everyone was on the same page.

With that, the two groups ventured into the dense forest in different directions. After walking for a while, Aiden and Elena stumbled upon a serene lake. At the center of the lake was a small island with a lone tree standing tall.

"There might be a flag there," Elena said, pointing to the island. "Let's check it out."

They first explored the edge of the lake, scanning for any signs of danger or hidden flags. Finding nothing noteworthy, they turned their attention to the island.

"I can float us there," Elena suggested.

"I'll swim," Aiden said, eyeing the clear water. "You go ahead and check it out. I'll catch up."

Elena nodded and cast her floating magic, gracefully gliding across the lake toward the island. She landed softly on the shore and began to explore. Aiden, meanwhile, removed his top clothes, revealing his well-toned chest and abs, before diving into the water. The cool sensation invigorated him as he swam steadily to the island.

When Elena turned to check on Aiden, her gaze froze upon seeing him emerge from the water, droplets glistening on his muscular frame. Her cheeks flushed a deep red, and she quickly looked away.

"What's wrong with her?" Aiden thought, confused by her reaction. He wrung out his clothes and laid them on a boulder to dry before joining Elena.

Together, they ventured deeper into the island. It wasn't long before they spotted movement ahead. A large, wolf-like creature stood near the tree, a bright flag tied to its back. The beast had sharp fangs and fierce, glowing eyes.

"That's a forest jackal," Elena whispered. "It's fast and aggressive. We need a plan."

Aiden nodded, and the two quietly discussed their approach. Elena would cast a spell to weaken the jackal, and Aiden would take it down. Elena began chanting, summoning bolts of lightning that struck the jackal. The creature howled in pain but quickly recovered and charged at Elena with alarming speed.

"Look out!" Aiden shouted, pulling her to safety. They tumbled to the ground, with Elena landing on top of him. Her face turned crimson as she scrambled to her feet, realizing their compromising position.

"S-Sorry," she stammered, clutching her arm.

Aiden's eyes narrowed when he noticed blood dripping from her sleeve. "You're hurt," he said, his voice firm.

"It's just a scratch," Elena replied, trying to downplay it.

Aiden guided her to a safe spot and turned his attention back to the jackal. He spotted a large boulder nearby and placed his palm on it. Using his Overhaul ability, he pulled a stone spear from its surface, the weapon forming seamlessly in his hand.

Elena's eyes widened in shock. "What kind of power is that? I thought he was just a warrior..." she murmured to herself, wrapping her wound with a piece of cloth to stop the bleeding.

The jackal charged again, its fangs bared. Aiden sidestepped the attack and countered with the spear, but the creature was too fast. Adjusting his strategy, Aiden touched the ground and created spikes where the jackal stood, but it dodged at the last second.

The jackal lunged again, grazing Aiden's arm. Ignoring the shallow cut, he drove his spear into the jackal's side, leaving it embedded in the beast. The jackal howled in pain but remained standing, its ferocity undiminished.

Aiden retreated to the boulder and created more stone spears. With precise throws, he unleashed a barrage of spears, overwhelming the jackal. The creature let out a final cry before collapsing, multiple spears piercing its body.

Breathing heavily, Aiden approached the jackal's corpse and retrieved the flag. He returned to Elena, who had been watching in awe.

"Are you alright?" he asked, placing a hand over his wounded arm. Using Overhaul, he reassembled his cells, closing the wound before Elena's astonished eyes.

"Your arm... it healed," she said, her voice trembling.

"It's my ability," Aiden admitted. "Let me see your wound."

Elena hesitated but extended her arm. Aiden gently held it, his Overhaul ability reassembling her torn tissues. The pain faded as her wound closed seamlessly.

"Thank you," she said softly, her gaze lingering on him.

After ensuring the area was clear, they continued exploring the island but found nothing else of value. Deciding to head back, Aiden grabbed his now-damp clothes and swam across the lake again, while Elena floated gracefully.

When they reached the shore, Elena used her wind magic to dry his clothes. Aiden raised an eyebrow. "Why didn't you use that earlier?" he thought, shaking his head in mild exasperation.

Once ready, they set off to find more flags, determined to secure their team's victory.