Chapter 10 – Promise & Resolve
The forest trembled with the roar of the massive creature, its glowing eyes locked onto us. Selene's daggers shimmered faintly, and I gripped my energy blade, feeling the raw pulse of power surging through my veins.
"This is it…" I muttered, heart racing. "No turning back."
The creature charged, faster than any guardian we had faced before. Its claws tore through the undergrowth, leaving scorched marks on the glowing moss. I met its charge head-on, energy flaring around my blade as sparks collided with the monster's immense power.
Selene moved fluidly beside me, striking with precision, keeping smaller minions at bay. Together, we formed a deadly rhythm, dodging, parrying, and countering with everything we had.
But the creature's sheer size and strength began to overwhelm me. I stumbled, almost crushed beneath its claw. Pain shot through my arm, and my energy blade flickered dangerously.
I gritted my teeth. I can't die here… not now…
A surge of energy ignited from deep within me. My chest burned, my vision blurred, and then—clarity. The energy blade responded, brighter and sharper than ever, resonating with a hidden force I had never accessed before.
I swung with everything I had, releasing a wave of pure energy that slammed into the beast. It roared in agony, staggering backward, its glowing eyes flickering. I felt my strength grow with every strike, every heartbeat.
Selene's eyes widened. "You… you've awakened something!" she exclaimed, dodging a tail swipe from the massive creature.
I nodded, sweat and blood mixing on my face. "I… I have to control it… or I'll lose myself."
The beast lunged one final time, and I focused all my willpower, guiding the energy within me. The blade flared into a brilliant arc of light, striking the monster directly in the chest. It let out a deafening roar before dissolving into glowing particles, vanishing from the forest entirely.
I sank to my knees, exhausted, chest heaving. The forest was silent again, save for our ragged breathing.
Selene approached, placing a hand on my shoulder. "That… was incredible. But be careful. Power like that… attracts attention. The true challenges are only beginning."
I nodded, still processing what had happened. I had survived, gained a new level of power, and discovered a hidden potential I didn't know existed.
From the shadows, a faint glow appeared. A portal shimmered into view, and through it, a figure emerged—a silhouette wreathed in mysterious energy. The light pulsed rhythmically, almost like a heartbeat.
"They know you've awakened," Selene whispered, her voice tense. "And they're coming for you… sooner than you think."
I clenched my fists, determination blazing in my eyes. "Then I'll be ready. I will survive, I will grow stronger… and I won't let them take this world from me."
Cliffhanger: The mysterious figure stepped closer, its presence warping the forest air. A single phrase echoed through my mind, chilling and clear:"Human… the game has only just begun."