Reincarnated As The Dark Knight

Artur stood before the great forest observing the dense mass of trees less than a hundred meters away. There was something about the forest that made Artur uneasy, and he sadly knew what it was. Below the trees was a thick fog that prevented them from at least seeing what the forest looked like on the interior part. Merlin, for one, knew that this forest was far worse than it looked from the outside. He had been there before after all. He was not with Artur this time for some reason he could not give but he was able to communicate with him through a scepter-like artifact that he had given to him.

Artur had a backpack on, fully packed like he was going on a camping trip. Belted to his left hip was a scabbard with a decent sword for someone around his height. He was equipped with a small leather pauldron on his right shoulder, greaves on both shins, vambraces on both hands, cuisses on both thighs and a leather armor to match. All of this was Merlin's suggestion because he wanted Artur to have the best protection he could offer. Within the bag was also many protective charms. Artur knew that if even Merlin could be so uneasy about this forest, then it was definitely no joke.

Even he could feel the inhumane pressure coming from this forest.

"Now Merlin, would you mind telling me what is in this forest?" Artur asked in a nonchalant voice.

Merlin was quiet for a while before responding "That place is known as Wraiths' Hollow. It is full of Magic Beasts from the Awakened to Feral rank, class one to class four"

"Wait, what do you mean it's full of Magic Beasts?!" Artur shouted, alarmed.

Just like people, there were beasts capable of harnessing the energy that is called mana. These beasts were given the simple term, Magic Beasts. They were beasts that were drawn to strong magic and were very hostile towards others especially those of other species.

Magic Beasts also had their own pecking order. They were ranked in accordance with humans but there was a slight deviation in theirs. Unlike humans who had ten from Awakened to Divine Magic Beasts who constantly embraced their beastly nature were ranked Awakened, Empowered, Feral, Aberrant, Apex, Primordial, Eldritch, Calamity, Apocalyptic in ascending order. Even if he only encountered awakened Magic Beasts, they were still very dangerous, especially them because they had just awakened.

They usually had no idea what to do about the Mana and changes in their bodies and that made them very sensitive, and aggressive. 

"That's not the real problem Artur. After that forest, there are mountains that contain Demonic Beasts" Merlin said.

Artur was about to take his first step toward the forest but then he suddenly paused in response to Merlin's statement. "Come again?"

"I don't know about higher Beasts, but those mountains contain up to class three Empowered Demonic Beasts"

This was the dealbreaker for Artur. According to what he had learned, if Magic Beasts could be compared to a pistol, then Demonic Beasts were canons.

Demonic Beasts were an advanced form of Magic Beasts which the Mana within them had mutated into something malevolent and they were driven by their lust for fear. It was more of a lifestyle than a fetish. They were far stronger than Magic Beasts in the same ranks and classes.

They had a habit of striking fear into their prey, watching it suffer and getting high on its complex negative emotions before finishing it off. Truly demonic.

Weighing his odds, Artur wondered if getting a Runestone was worth this risk. Artur dismissed the thought as soon as it came and fixed his eyes on the forest with determination.

"You're not saying that to try to get me to come back, are you? You were the one who told me about this in the first place"

"I'm not Artur but I do hope you do"

"No. I'm already here so turning back will be cowardice. Tell me what I have to do"

Merlin knew that Artur was not going to listen to any further objections to his decision and he responded "First of all Artur, make sure to keep that scepter with you at all times so I can reach you"

"Yeah, sure, whatever. What do I need to know before entering this forest?"

"Check your map, I have laid out the path for you on it, no matter what you do Artur do not leave that path or it will be very hard for you to get back on track"

Artur took out a map and a compass from his pocket and unfolded the map to looked at it. Merlin had made the map very detailed, not even missing the slightest change in the landscape. He even took the time to make legends for Artur to understand. But there were some things that were not put in the legend.

"I could not put all the details of the map in the legends so check the tiny journal I gave you. There's info on some of the beasts in there, some of their territories and many more"

"Thanks Merlin" Artur said with sincerity "You didn't want me to come here but I still came and despite that you are still worrying about me.... even if we haven't known each other for long"

"I'm just doing what I'm meant to do as an adult. You don't have to thank me"

"What else do I need to know?"

"I've told you, keep on that path and avoid the Magic Beasts and Demonic Beasts, that's all. Once you reach the end of the forest you will come upon the mountains and begin the second part of the journey. Keep to that path and you should be able to make it there within a week"

"A day and half, that's wild"

"But Artur?"

"Yes?"

"Are you hesitating? You can always come back if you don't want to go in"

"No, I'm fine. I just wanted to ask you all these questions because...."

"Wait Artur. Don't tell me you're...."

"Sorry Merlin but you can't follow me into Wraiths' Hollow"

Artur turned around and stood in a throwing position.

"Artur wait, don't...."

Artur threw the scepter away and turned back around to face the forest.

"Now it's just you and me"