The journey to Forest Park took forty-seven minutes through residential neighborhoods where dimensional convergence had rewritten basic geography. Theo led the group along routes that avoided main streets, using alleys and residential blocks to minimize exposure to potential hunter patrols. The wounded hunter leader remained gagged during transport, carried by Dracul with mechanical precision that never jarred her shattered leg.
A subtle awareness pressed against Theo's consciousness as they moved—the convergence rate continuing its steady progression. Based on the hidden deity's information and the time elapsed since their conversation, the integration should be approaching 14.4%, maintaining the established pace of 0.1% every twenty-four hours. Each passing day brought them incrementally closer to the 15% threshold where level 12 entities would begin manifesting.
The refugees adapted to mobile operations with surprising efficiency. The halflings moved with practiced stealth despite their unfamiliarity with urban environments, while the star-eyed cats scouted ahead using enhanced senses. Sarah Martinez maintained close proximity to the injured prisoner, her medical training compelling her to monitor vital signs despite understanding the woman had tried to capture her friends.
"Breathing is steady, pulse is strong but elevated," Sarah reported quietly as they paused at an intersection. "Blood loss from the leg wound is controlled, but she needs proper medical attention within the next few hours."
Theo nodded while studying the tactical map recovered from the dead hunters. The document showed Forest Park divided into sectors with patrol schedules and notes about "minimal anomalous activity." According to their intelligence, the park's heavily forested areas had experienced less convergence effects than urban zones.
The predawn darkness provided excellent concealment, though the refugees required constant guidance with human technology. The halflings had never encountered streetlights or traffic signals, while the centaur struggled with navigating around parked vehicles. Only the star-cats seemed comfortable in the urban environment.
Forest Park's transformation was immediately visible once they passed the entrance markers. Ancient Douglas firs now grew alongside trees with silver bark and leaves that chimed softly in the morning breeze. Crystalline formations provided gentle illumination along what had once been hiking trails, while sections of the forest floor showed patterns that suggested deliberate cultivation.
"This place feels... different," Sarah said, her Life Cleric abilities apparently providing sensitivity to the area's magical properties. "Not dangerous, exactly, but like there's something here that's been waiting for a long time."
The halfling leader, who had introduced himself as Finn Goodbread, studied the transformed landscape with professional interest. "The soil composition has changed," he observed, examining the ground near a crystalline formation. "This earth would support crops that couldn't grow in normal conditions. Someone with botanical knowledge has been working here."
They followed a modified hiking trail deeper into the forest, the path marked with subtle symbols carved into crystalline formations. The markings appeared to be navigation aids rather than territorial warnings. Whatever entities had modified this area seemed focused on coexistence rather than exclusion.
After twenty minutes of careful progress, they reached a clearing approximately the size of a football field. The space showed evidence of recent construction using materials that blended natural and architectural elements. Structures that appeared to have been grown rather than built provided shelter, while carefully tended gardens displayed crops that belonged to no earthly taxonomy.
The clearing's inhabitants emerged from concealment with obvious caution. Theo counted seven individuals representing species he recognized from gaming experience. Three elves with skin that held traces of natural camouflage, two dwarves whose beards contained actual mineral deposits, and two gnomes whose garden tools sparkled with integrated magical properties.
The lead elf stepped forward with diplomatic poise that suggested significant leadership experience. "Welcome, travelers. I am Silviana Moonwhisper, formerly of the Deepwood Territories, currently attempting to establish sustainable operations in this convergence zone." Her voice carried the musical quality that fantasy literature had always attributed to elven speech, but her practical clothing and tool-calloused hands marked her as someone focused on survival rather than ceremony.
"We seek temporary sanctuary while we establish our own operations," Theo replied, maintaining respectful distance while his undead remained in defensive positions. "We can contribute skills and resources in exchange for area access and information about local conditions."
Silviana's assessment of their group was systematic and professional. Her gaze lingered on his undead servants with obvious discomfort, but she showed no fear or hostility. "Death magic is... uncommon in our territories, but not inherently evil. Your actions will determine how we judge your presence here." She gestured toward the wounded hunter. "That one requires medical attention that exceeds what we can provide."
"She's a captive, not a companion," Theo clarified. "Her organization has been hunting non-human refugees for capture and containment. I need intelligence about their structure and operations."
The dwarf leader, a broad-shouldered woman whose beard contained actual gems, stepped forward with interest. "Aye, we've encountered their kind before. Three separate incidents where armed humans attempted to capture members of our group for 'assessment and quarantine.' Lost good people to their containment operations."
"We have space for temporary settlement," Silviana decided after consulting with her companions. "Anyone with medical knowledge would be welcome—we have injured from recent encounters with hostile entities. Your... unconventional approach to security might prove valuable as well." She gestured toward the wounded hunter. "But your undead must remain under strict control. Our people have difficult histories with necromantic magic."
The negotiation concluded with practical agreements. The refugees would establish temporary shelters in the clearing's eastern section, while Theo would position his interrogation area far enough from the main settlement to avoid disturbing their hosts. Sarah would provide medical support for their injured.
As the group began establishing their temporary settlement, Theo found himself with time to properly assess his advancement since reaching level 4. The secure forest environment provided an opportunity to review his expanded capabilities, though testing his temporary undead ability would have to wait until he had access to fresh corpses.
With his temporary undead testing postponed until suitable source material became available, Theo finally had time to check his permanent servants' advancement status. During the urgent evacuation to Forest Park, he hadn't been able to assess the significant experience they'd gained from the hunter encounter.
UNDEAD STATUS REVIEW
Carapace (Death Beetle)
Level: 5 | Experience: 2,275/3,500 XP (LEVELED UP!)
Class: Fighter | HP: 26/28
Evolution Progress: Stage 1 at Level 7 (3,475 XP remaining)
Prism (Spectral Stalker)
Level: 5 | Experience: 2,275/3,500 XP (LEVELED UP!)
Class: Rogue | HP: 20/22
Evolution Progress: Stage 1 at Level 7 (3,475 XP remaining)
Dracul (Draconic Skeleton)
Level: 5 | Experience: 1,675/3,500 XP
Class: Fighter | HP: 35/35
Evolution Progress: Stage 1 at Level 7 (4,075 XP remaining)
Both Carapace and Prism had gained significant experience from eliminating the four hunters, advancing them two full levels. The substantial experience gain had enhanced their combat capabilities and brought them much closer to their first evolutionary milestone. Dracul remained at his current level but was progressing steadily toward the same advancement threshold.
All three servants were progressing steadily toward their first evolutionary milestone. When they reached level 7, each would presumably undergo Stage 1 Evolution—hopefully a significant transformation that might enhance their capabilities beyond simple stat increases, though exactly what form those changes would take remained unknown.
Setting up the interrogation area required careful planning. Theo selected a location fifty meters from the main clearing, using natural terrain features to provide concealment and security. Dracul secured the bound and gagged hunter leader to a tree using rope provided by the refugees, while Carapace and Prism established overwatch positions.
Sarah approached with medical supplies. "I can stabilize her leg wound and treat for shock, but I won't participate in any interrogation that involves torture or coercion," she said firmly.
"Understood," Theo replied. His approach to intelligence gathering focused on psychological pressure and information leverage rather than physical torture.
After Sarah completed her medical treatment, she packed her supplies with obvious reluctance. "Her condition is stable, but the fracture needs proper medical attention within twelve hours. I'll be back to check on her in a few hours." She glanced meaningfully at Walsh. "Medical ethics apply to everyone, regardless of circumstances."
"Sarah," Theo called quietly as she prepared to leave. "Could you bring back some food and water? I haven't had anything since before the convergence began."
She nodded with understanding. "Of course. Basic human needs don't stop for cosmic crises."
Theo raised an eyebrow at her choice of words. Cosmic crises? An interesting phrase from someone who should only know about the dimensional merger from direct observation. He filed the detail away for later consideration - everyone in this new reality deserved careful evaluation, regardless of how helpful they seemed.
Sarah returned to the main clearing, leaving Theo alone with his prisoner.
He removed the gag from the hunter leader. Captain Rebecca Walsh, according to her identification, was a former Army officer whose background was evident in her immediate assessment of her situation.
"Theodore Blackwood, retired Marine Special Forces," she said after studying his posture and equipment positioning. "Service record suggests deployment in specialized operations that required... flexible moral parameters."
Theo felt surprise that she had identified him so accurately from observation alone. "Your intelligence gathering extends beyond monitoring refugee populations."
"We maintain files on individuals who display capabilities inconsistent with civilian backgrounds," Walsh replied, her voice steady despite obvious pain. "Your competence marked you as a priority assessment target before you demonstrated necromantic abilities."
"Who provides your operational funding and equipment?" Theo asked. "Your gear shows modifications that exceed civilian acquisition capabilities."
Walsh's expression hardened. "Name, rank, and serial number. That's all you're getting from me."
"Your team is dead, Captain. Your sponsors aren't coming to rescue you. The only question is whether you walk away from this or become another test subject for my necromantic abilities." Theo gestured toward the bones of Shadowstep and Grimjaw in his pack. "I've successfully animated goblins and dragonborn. I'm curious to see how human physiology responds to the process. Your choice."
The color drained from Walsh's face as she processed the implications. After a long silence, she spoke carefully. "Multiple sources. Private contractors, government elements, concerned citizen groups. The convergence created power vacuums that various interests are trying to fill."
"Private contractors working for whom?"
"Companies positioning themselves for post-convergence markets. Magical resources, dimensional technologies, capture and study of enhanced beings. The economic opportunities are substantial."
The intelligence painted a picture of systematic exploitation rather than security response. Corporate interests viewing the convergence as a business opportunity, funding hunter operations to secure valuable resources and eliminate competition.
"How many teams are operational in Portland?" Theo continued.
"Fifteen teams when I last received updates. Mix of capabilities and funding sources. Some focus on refugee capture, others target specific magical resources, a few specialize in eliminating perceived threats." Walsh's professional demeanor remained intact despite her vulnerable position. "Your necromantic abilities place you in the elimination category for several of those teams."
"Command structure?"
"Decentralized by design. Each team reports to different sponsors, but information sharing protocols exist for mutual support operations." Walsh studied his expression while providing information. "Jake Morrison's encounter with you marked you as a person of interest. Killing my entire team has confirmed you're exactly the threat he described."
"What specific resources are the corporate sponsors seeking?"
"Magical items, dimensional materials, enhanced beings for study, territorial control of convergence sites." Walsh's voice carried exhaustion. "Your undead servants represent particularly valuable assets—permanent supernatural soldiers with apparent intelligence and loyalty."
The implication was disturbing. His necromantic abilities weren't just viewed as threats—they were seen as resources to be captured and exploited.
During the interrogation, Theo became aware of subtle changes in the local environment. New crystalline formations were appearing along the clearing's perimeter, while some of the silver-barked trees showed growth patterns that defied natural biology. Based on his time tracking, the convergence should have reached approximately 14.4%, and the environmental changes confirmed the cosmic forces were maintaining their steady progression.
"One final question," Theo said, focusing on Walsh again. "Are you personally committed to the hunter mission, or are you a professional following orders for payment?"
Walsh met his gaze directly. "I'm a soldier who believes the convergence threatens everything humanity has built. But I'm also practical enough to recognize when situations have shifted beyond recovery." She gestured toward his undead servants. "You've demonstrated capabilities that exceed our current countermeasures. Continuing operations against you would result in unnecessary casualties."
Theo made his decision with analytical precision. Walsh represented valuable intelligence, but keeping her as a prisoner would require resources he couldn't afford. Releasing her would provide her organization with information about his capabilities. Eliminating her would remove a source of ongoing intelligence.
"You're going to leave Portland," he said finally. "You're going to report to your sponsors that continuing operations against necromantic targets is economically unsustainable given current capability disparities. You're going to recommend redirecting resources toward less dangerous acquisition targets."
"And if I refuse?"
Theo gestured toward Dracul, whose burning eye sockets focused on Walsh with predatory attention. "Then you become source material for testing theories about animating human corpses with military training."
Walsh studied the draconic skeleton for several seconds before nodding. "Understood. But you should know that other teams are already investigating your recent activities. Moving locations was the correct choice, but it won't buy you unlimited time."
"Noted." Theo directed Dracul to release her restraints while maintaining guard position. "You have twelve hours to clear Portland city limits. If any hunter teams attempt operations in this area during that time, I'll assume you violated our agreement."
Walsh stood carefully, testing her injured leg's stability. "For what it's worth, Blackwood, I hope you survive what's coming. Your competence deserves better opposition than corporate mercenaries."
Theo watched her limp toward the forest edge, supported by a walking stick provided by the gnomes. As she disappeared from view, he sent a mental command to Prism. The spectral stalker immediately faded to near-transparency and began following Walsh's trail.
"Keep distance, observe where she goes, identify any safe houses or contact points, then return," he directed through their mental link. "Do not engage unless she attempts to bring reinforcements back to this area."
The information Walsh had provided revealed the scope of organized threats while suggesting potential strategies for disruption. But verification was essential - her compliance with their agreement, her actual destination, and any intelligence assets she might contact could provide valuable insights into hunter operations and potential vulnerabilities.
As the sun climbed higher above the canopy, bringing full daylight to their forest sanctuary, Theo felt the accumulated fatigue from over thirty-six hours of continuous operations. His stomach chose that moment to remind him with a sharp pang that he hadn't eaten anything since before the convergence began, while his dry mouth and the dull headache building behind his eyes made it clear he was seriously dehydrated.
Sarah returned shortly after Walsh's departure, carrying a waterskin and travel rations. "Finn insisted on the dried meat and bread," she said, setting the supplies beside him. She looked around the empty interrogation area with obvious confusion. "Where's your prisoner? Her leg wound needs monitoring."
"Released," Theo said simply, drinking deeply from the waterskin. The water eased his headache almost immediately. "Our conversation reached a productive conclusion."
Sarah's expression showed concern mixed with professional frustration. "She needed medical follow-up. That fracture could develop complications without proper care."
"She understood the risks when she chose to leave," Theo replied, methodically consuming the dried meat and bread. His body's desperate gratitude for sustenance was almost overwhelming - he hadn't realized how much his dehydration and hunger had been affecting his judgment and reaction times.
Sarah studied his face for a moment, clearly wanting to ask more questions but recognizing he wasn't going to provide additional details. "I'll be helping Silviana with her injured if you need anything else," she said finally.
"Thank you for the food and water," Theo replied with a slight nod. "And for your medical assistance earlier."
Sarah's expression softened slightly at the acknowledgment before she returned to the main clearing.
"Since I have to wait for Prism to return, I may as well get some rest," he muttered, directing Carapace and Dracul to maintain perimeter security.
Only after addressing his basic needs did he find a spot against a large Douglas fir that provided both concealment and sight lines to the main clearing. With his undead servants standing guard and new allies providing early warning of threats, he finally felt secure enough to sleep. Whatever intelligence Prism returned with would determine his next moves, but for now, proper rest was the priority.