The giant ape lunged at Snehwal with a terrifying roar — its speed so fierce that even the air around its claws trembled.
But before it could reach him, the two guards bound by Lily's command stepped forward — standing like walls of stone before the beast.
The ape swung its mighty arm — both guards were flung through the air, crashing to the ground far away.
The dreadful sound of breaking bones echoed through the cave — they lay motionless, lifeless, as though every drop of vitality had been drained from them.
The ape's burning gaze then turned back toward Snehwal — its next prey decided.
Snehwal swiftly touched his amulet; in that very instant, a bow materialized in his hands.
He pulled the string — a faint green energy arrow formed, gleaming as it shot toward the giant ape.
The arrow struck its chest,
but it was as if it had hit a wall of iron —
the ape remained completely unaffected.
Snehwal's face turned pale, fear seizing his breath.
He was about to step back when Lily's fierce voice rang out —
"Wretch! I will destroy you!"
Fire blazed in her eyes.
She raised her staff high, and from it burst a wave of raw energy —
it crackled through the air like lightning.
At that very moment, Liora shouted —
"You filthy, stinking beast! How dare you!"
Both of them drew their swords and leapt at the ape.
Their movements were swift, their strikes precise, and with every clash, sparks scattered into the air.
Snehwal stepped back — he gripped his bow once more,
the green energy within his palms thickening again,
as though some dormant power within him had begun to awaken.
The ape roared again, charging forward — its breath turning to mist as it met the cold air.
The ground quaked, the leaves of the trees trembled,
and upon that battlefield, fear, courage, and destiny
stood face to face.
Snehwal conjured another arrow, and in a firm voice shouted, "Die!"
But before he could release the arrow, the gigantic ape seized the moment and struck him with its massive hand.
"Ah!" Snehwal cried, flying backward and crashing to the ground some distance away. The atmosphere grew dark and hazy, dust and tension spreading across the battlefield. Snehwal groaned in pain.
Seeing this, Lily erupted in fury. Her voice thundered, "I will kill you!" Flames burst around her, and a massive wall of fire erupted from her being, scorching the air.
On the other side, Liora assumed her stance, standing in the shape of a thunderbolt, lightning flashing across the sky. The roar of the storm shook the battlefield. Seeing this, the gigantic ape hesitated and began to retreat.
A faint smile appeared on Snehwal's face.
Then, Lily and Liora together unleashed a torrent of fire and thunder upon the beast. The combined force of fire and lightning struck the ground, raising clouds of dust and producing a terrifying explosion.
At that very moment, the final scream of the gigantic ape echoed. Moments later, when the dust cleared, the ape lay dead on the ground — its body crushed, and the earth beneath turned into pits and craters.
Snehwal vomited blood and turned his head downward. Just then, Lily ran forward and reached his side.
Lily, overcome with panic and fear, cradled Snehwal's head in her lap. A fire of worry blazed in her eyes. She whispered,
"Snehwal… Snehwal, are you alright?"
But there was no response from Snehwal. His body lay lifeless, and Lily's heart seemed to skip and falter with every beat.
At that moment, Liora also leapt forward. Her face was filled with concern and panic. She, in her anxiety, touched Snehwal.
Lily gave Liora a glare full of anger and said in a stern voice,
"Stay back!"
Then, slowly and carefully, she lifted Snehwal and began moving toward the cave. There was no haste in her steps; each step reflected her concern and sense of responsibility.
As they took the first steps into the cold, dark path of the cave, she said to Liora,
"Inside, we will take care of him… the injury is severe."
Then her attention shifted to the gigantic ape. A spark of fire appeared in her eyes. She said softly,
"Inside… there must be some hidden items."
Walking through the dark cave, they suddenly saw a divine light deep inside the cave, which was shining and lighting up the entire vast cavern. The glow reflected in Lily's eyes, filling them with wonder and amazement.
Liora ran quickly toward the light and shouted,
"So much…!"