Shadow Being System

As the group scanned the map for guidance, they noticed that all the areas closer to the shelter were more green while the areas that were a bit further away were redder. The one area which had the darkest red of them all was the harsh sandy desert. And the red area was the deadliest

The group had decided that for the first two days they would head to one of the green areas nearby. They were unsure of how powerful the beasts were or what they were like. After defeating a few tier one beast in the green zone and it proves too easy for them, then they would make their way into the red zone, definitely the tier one beasts there will be stronger

The group had finally reached the exit where several guards where stood just inside of the wall. The whole shelter was surrounded by vibranium, the strongest and rarest metal not found on earth, but on beasts planets like this. So the place was impenetrable to the beasts on this planets attack.

And even then stood up on the wall there were two power rangers like giant machines, the same William saw at the military base 4 stood side by side. After declaring they wished to go outside the gates were opened and the group was free to travel.

The heavy gates groaned as they parted, the thick vibranium slabs sliding open to reveal the endless expanse beyond. The group stood just inside the shelter's perimeter, the stale metallic scent of the fortified walls clashing with the raw, untamed air outside. For the first time since arriving on this planet, they were about to step into the unknown.

Gavin led the way, his eyes flicking between the analog map and the barren landscape ahead. The terrain was an endless stretch of reddish sand, broken only by the occasional jagged rock formation. As they walked, the crunch of sand beneath their boots was the only sound accompanying them, aside from the distant howling wind.

Liam, glancing around with an uneasy expression, finally voiced the question that had been bothering him since they arrived. "We're on another planet, right? So… how come we can breathe without masks?"

Eleanor, walking beside him, didn't even pause before answering. "That's because after a portal to a new planet is established, researchers are sent in. They use spell tech to alter the atmosphere, making it breathable for humans. But it's not instant—it takes years and a ton of beast crystals to complete the process."

Liam nodded slowly, digesting the information. "So, if they hadn't done that…"

"We'd all be suffocating right now." Eleanor finished with a shrug.

William listened, but his focus was on the landscape ahead. Something about the eerie silence of this place made his skin crawl. Even the wind felt unnatural. He turned to Gavin, who was still studying the map. "What kind of beasts are in this area?"

Gavin glanced at him before shifting his gaze back to the analog map containing some informations about what kind of beasts to expect in certain area, although it wasn't hundred percent reliable as beasts can migrate due to certain reasons like presence of a stronger beast in their territory or due to lack of food, 'humans' in their territory. "Uh… looks like they're called Teethworms."

"Teethworms?" Liam repeated, a nervous chuckle escaping him. "That name doesn't sound friendly."

Gavin continued reading. "They move under the sand, but they're easy to spot—just look for a big lump of sand moving toward you. Once they get close, they pop out and—" He stopped, his eyes narrowing at the description before looking up at the others. "—they open their mouths. Apparently, they have thousands of tiny, razor-sharp teeth inside."

William smirked. "Perfect. My arrows will be good to take them out without getting close to them."

They continued forward, their pace steady but cautious. The two suns beat down mercilessly, making the air shimmer above the sand. It was dry, hot, and smelled of scorched earth. Every now and then, a gust of wind would pick up, sending fine grains of sand swirling around them, making it hard to see.
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After about thirty minutes of trekking, they reached their destination—a small oasis nestled between the dunes. It was the first sign of life they had seen in this desolate wasteland. A pool of clear water sat at the base of a small hill of sand, surrounded by patches of greenery. Palm-like trees stretched toward the sky, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze.

But they weren't alone.

Several other groups of students were already here, some engaged in battle while others stood watching, waiting for their turn. The air was thick with the sounds of combat—metal clashing, shouts of effort, and the guttural screeches of dying beasts.

William scanned the area, watching as a group of three students fought against a Teethworm. The sand shifted violently before the beast emerged—a massive, writhing creature with a gaping, circular mouth lined with rows of rotating teeth. One of the students slashed at it with a sword, barely dodging as it lunged forward, its mouth snapping shut just inches away from his leg.

Gavin was already stepping forward, but William grabbed his shoulder. "Let's move closer to the water."

Gavin frowned. "Why? There's plenty of space here."

William's expression remained unreadable. "We'll have better footing near the oasis. Less loose sand."

Sofia glanced at him, but didn't argue. She knew William well enough to sense when he had another reason for something. And she had a feeling this was about more than just better footing.

As they moved, William subtly glanced at the other groups. The assassin could be among them. He wasn't taking any chances.

The closer they got to the water, the more the air changed. It was cooler here, the scent of fresh water mixing with the earthy aroma of damp soil. The ground beneath their feet was firmer, more stable.

Gavin finally spoke up. "Alright. We're here. Let's see what these things are made of."