As the group ventured deeper south into the mountain ranges of Axie Infinity, the towering peaks around them seemed to swallow both time and light. The sun, which had been a comforting presence, disappeared behind the mountains, ushering in an abrupt night. The narrow trail they followed offered no respite, no ideal spot for a safe camp, yet the descending darkness left them with little choice.
WIF, sensing the urgency, left his position at the back and hurried to catch up with Solana. “We need to set up camp,” he advised, his voice firm yet tinged with concern.
Solana, understanding the necessity of their situation, nodded in agreement. She turned to the group, her voice carrying the weight of leadership, “We’ll set up camp here for tonight. Gather closely, please. We’ll have three shifts for guarding again, with WIF, Bonk, and Doge leading packs to secure our perimeter.”
Whispers of concern rippled through the group, but they quickly organized to follow her instructions. The shift leaders—WIF, Bonk, and Doge—gathered to divide their pack and establish lookout points, ensuring all angles of their makeshift camp were covered.
Claire and Chillguy, ever the helpful duo, assisted wherever needed. They helped erect digital tents, their forms shimmering with a blend of natural and digital essence, creating shelters that would offer some protection from the night’s unknowns. Campfires were set up, not with physical flames but with digital constructs that emitted warmth and light, their glow mingling with the blue luminescence of the mountains.
Meals were prepared with haste yet with an eye on their surroundings. The digital code pulsing from the mountains bathed the camp in a soft, eerie blue glow, giving the night an otherworldly atmosphere. As people began to settle down for a quick meal, the mountains themselves seemed to awaken. Echoes from all directions filled the air, a reminder that they were at the mercy of this digital wilderness and its inhabitants.
From time to time, glowing eyes would appear in the distance, only to disappear just as quickly, suggesting that most of the Axies were more interested in avoiding them than engaging. This gave the group a momentary sense of relief, but it was short-lived.
While enjoying their meal, the tranquility was shattered by distant roars that reverberated through the mountains. Everyone paused, their meals forgotten as they looked around, alert. The pack, led by WIF, Bonk, and Doge, was instantly on high alert, their senses sharpened to detect any incoming threats.
The roars grew closer, louder, creating an orchestra of power and intimidation that seemed to come from every direction. It was as if the mountains themselves were alive with the sound of these formidable creatures. The group stood, their eyes scanning every shadow, every movement.
Then, from high in the dark above, a roar that dwarfed all others split the night. It was a sound of pure, unadulterated power, rattling everyone to their core, a primal call that spoke of dominance and territory. The smaller Axies, those that had been merely observing or fleeing, now scattered in sheer terror.
After this monumental roar, silence fell like a heavy cloak over the camp. The echo faded, leaving behind a tension so thick it could be felt in the digital air. The group, still on their feet, looked in the direction from which the roar had come, their expressions a mix of awe and apprehension.
Nothing could be seen; the darkness of the mountains was impenetrable to their eyes. Yet, the message was clear: they were not alone, and whatever had roared held significant power over these lands. The observer, the mysterious figure that had been watching them since they entered Axie Infinity, had chosen this moment to reveal its presence, not through sight but through the undeniable authority of its voice.
In this moment of silent awe, the group now more aware than ever of the dangers that lay within these mountains. The power of the unknown creature, the guardian or perhaps the ruler of this digital domain, had made itself known. They were guests in its territory, and the night would test their resolve, unity, and the strength of their will to continue their journey towards Decentraland.
