Is this really a Game?!

M'azgara listened attentively as Reign recounted their journey into the fog-covered territory and the cosmic trial they faced within the colossal shadow's fortress. As the tale unfolded, her expression shifted from curiosity to a deep understanding of the profound challenges they encountered.

Upon hearing about the colossal shadow, the cosmic battle between gods, and the revelation of a power beyond their current comprehension, M'azgara's eyes glowed with a mix of fascination and contemplation. She absorbed the details of the narrative, recognizing the significance of the experience her team had undergone.

"I guess one drawback to being like me and staying back, allowing my children to hunt and continuously make me stronger is that I rarely come across any encounters like you," M'azgara said with a smile on her face.

She shifted her gaze towards Shadow, who remained composed but with a thoughtful demeanor. "Shadow, you have a unique connection to the power that was shown.

Before your powers evolved, you were able to manipulate shadows, part of the reason your powers had changed into darkness was because of the mark, but it was partly because that was how it was always meant to be, after all, not all abilities will evolve the same.

The power displayed might offer insights into the potential evolution of your abilities. Embrace the lessons learned, for they will guide you on the path ahead, after all, even with your darkness, you are still able to manipulate shadows."

Reign nodded, acknowledging the weight of M'azgara's words. The team sat in a circle, contemplating the revelations of the cosmic trial. The journey had taken an unexpected turn, unlocking new perspectives on the vastness of the universe and the challenges that lay ahead.

After a moment of reflection, Elijah broke the silence, "So, what's next? Do we continue exploring, facing whatever comes our way?"

M'azgara, with a reassuring smile, responded, "The journey never truly ends. There will always be trials and discoveries. The cosmic battle you witnessed is but a glimpse into the tapestry of existence. As you continue, remember the lessons learned, and let them shape your choices."

With renewed determination, the team discussed their next steps. The Blightspawn threat was eradicated, thanks to M'azgara's children. The focus shifted to their original mission - getting rid of the last monster territory that was nearby and then going back to what they were doing before, hunting in the jungle and leveling up.

The team bid farewell to M'azgara and the underground tunnels of Doncaster. As they emerged into the open air, the sun cast its warm rays upon them. They glanced around, looking at the people who were merrily going about their everyday lives in the new world they were now living in.

The Earth they knew was nowhere near the same as it was months ago, but humans were truly incredible when it came to adapting, even under such circumstances, they were able to see kids walking around, joking and playing as if they were back in the good old days when the planet was normal.

"So, what next, do we go to the last monster territory right away?" Wolf asked as Reign glanced at him.

"We're not that tired, so I don't see why not."

"There's a good chance the monsters that have their own territory will keep on getting stronger and stronger quickly, so dealing with them right away is definitely the best course of action."

"We should wait for M'azgara's monsters and the rest to come back, and then go, after all, even though I doubt they will give us troubles, the more people we have, the better," Mia added from the side as the others nodded.

It only took about 10 minutes for the rest to come back. The battle against the Blightpawns was as expected, not a really difficult one.

They had more Tier Vs than expected, numbering 6, but when faced against the full force of M'azgara's children, as well as the other Tier V combatants that had come with them, they were powerless to do anything to stop them.

Thanks to that, the people who went with M'azgara's monsters were not tired either, and they immediately joined Reign's team and made their way to the last monster territory that was nearby.

The enemies there, as Aelrinder had previously notified them, looked like elves, but had red skin and bones sticking out of their bodies, forming a protective layer on parts of their bodies. The black tattoos were visible as they didn't cover their bodies with much, only covering their crotch and sometimes their chest.

From what Aelrinder had experienced, being attacked by two mid-grade Tier Vs right as he came close to the territory, Reign and the others expected this territory to be more powerful than the others.

As the team approached the last monster territory, the atmosphere grew tense. The transformed landscape, once lush and vibrant, was now eerie and seemingly evil. Twisted trees and eerie flora surrounded the entrance to the territory, giving an ominous feel to the surroundings.

Reign surveyed the area, his eyes narrowing as he observed the eerie creatures patrolling the perimeter. The red-skinned elves with bone armor moved with an unnatural grace, and their eyes glowed with an otherworldly intensity.

"This territory feels different," Elijah remarked, his senses on high alert.

Greenie cracked his knuckles, a mischievous grin on his face. "Different means more challenging, right? I'm ready for some action."

Reign nodded, acknowledging the heightened danger. "Stay vigilant. We don't know what surprises await us. Beast, any insights from your observations?"

Beast had his eyes closed, focusing on the surroundings with the help of his connection with his tamed beasts. After a moment, he opened them and spoke, "The monsters here are a bit weird, they move differently as if they're possessed or something."

With the strategic input from Beast, the team approached the territory entrance with caution. The monsters detected their presence and reacted immediately. A group of red-skinned elves emerged, their eyes locking onto the intruders.

The battle erupted with a clash of blades and supernatural abilities. With their large number, they had nothing to fear, however, their combined strength overwhelmed the initial wave of defenders. The Tier V combatants moved with precision, exploiting weaknesses in the enemy formation.

The first clash was against only low-grade Tier Vs, however, and they knew that more would definitely appear.

The first clash was a surprise though, as there were already 6 low-grade Tier V monsters present.

As the team pushed deeper into the territory, the creatures became more formidable. Mid-grade Tier Vs emerged, wielding dark magic and formidable physical prowess. The battles were intense, and each member of the team faced unique challenges.

Reign engaged in a fierce duel with a red-skinned elf wielding a deadly spear. The creature moved with unnatural speed, its bone armor deflecting sword strikes. Reign focused his aura, enhancing his speed and reflexes, countering the elven opponent's agility.

Greenie used his hammer to battle against an elf that used a greatsword but danced around nimbly while Wolf used his fire and greatsword to clash against a large elf that held a giant shield in his hands.

The battles within the territory were relentless, the team pressing forward despite the increasing challenges. The entire territory was weird, the flora changing the deeper they went.

As they approached the heart of the territory, the environment took a darker turn. The twisted trees formed an ominous canopy, casting shadows that seemed to move independently. Strange whispers echoed through the air, heightening the eerie atmosphere.

Reign could sense a powerful presence ahead, a source of power that pulsed with malevolence. The team braced themselves as they entered a clearing, revealing a grotesque figure at the center – a corrupted entity, a monstrous being that radiated darkness.

The creature had a humanoid form, but its body was warped and contorted, covered in tendrils of corruption. Its eyes glowed with a malevolent light, and its mere presence sent shivers down the spines of the team.

"The leader of the territory, I presume." Reign said as they all looked around, only for their faces to turn dark.

Aelrinder, for one, was shocked before his face turned red in anger.

They were now able to understand why the monsters here looked so similar to elves.

It was because they were elves, at least they once were.

Around the monster that was the leader of the territory were over a hundred pods that were filled with some sort of liquid, and inside of them were elves. More elves could be seen a bit further away, all of them in cages.

It was obvious that the monster was somehow changing them, transforming them into the red elves that they had fought against.

The entity unleashed a wave of dark energy, summoning minions to defend itself. Tier V creatures emerged, their forms distorted and twisted by the pervasive corruption. The ensuing battle was a chaotic dance of blades, magic, and supernatural abilities.

Reign and the team fought with unwavering determination, each member pushing their limits. The red elves were a slight problem for some, but compared to the leader, they were far below as Reign was now struggling to fight against it by himself.