Return Aurora

  In the hidden laboratory deep within the Dark Forest, Moris sat silently. His mind was focused on only one thing—rescuing Aurora. But this time, it wasn’t just a plane or a drone; he felt he needed something far more powerful, something capable of shaking the ground itself. He stood up. Donning the inventor’s goggles hanging on the wall, he levitated the surrounding metal parts into the air. The clanging of metal pierced the night’s silence as the pieces began to assemble together. His hands moved swiftly, and his thoughts turned into a precise plan. As time passed, the shape became clearer. Before him appeared the outline of a massive vehicle. This was no ordinary machine—its iron shell could withstand heavy blows, its wheels were made of a uniquely resilient material, and its chassis was strong enough to survive drops. Every bolt and fixture was an engineering marvel crafted by Moris. When the last piece was installed, the lights flashed on. A horn was mounted on the front of the dark gray vehicle. On its roof, six lamps glowed coldly like a wolf’s eyes. Spikes were placed here and there, making the vehicle resemble a predator rather than just a machine. Moris stepped to the front of the vehicle, touched the iron horn with his hand, and smiled: “Looking at you, I think of a bison… Your name will be ‘Bison.’” He opened the door and sat in the driver’s seat. When he turned the key, the engine roared, echoing through the forest. The powerful motor’s growl was not that of a simple machine but of an angry beast. Even the ground trembled, sending dust into the air. Moris smiled and glanced at the weapon rack. He picked up the modified M60 machine gun. Heavy as it was, it felt like a reliable companion. Alongside it were an automatic rifle, a shotgun, and sniper weapons, but he chose the M60—it was the most suitable for this mission. He loaded the machine gun, took a deep breath, and pressed the gas on “Bison.” The roaring engine rattled the forest, and as it surged forward, the ground seemed to quake. “Wait for me, Aurora…” Moris whispered. “Bison” tore through the Dark Forest, slicing the night toward the kingdom. Shaking the Dark Forest, the massive “Bison” Monster Truck thundered forward. Each rotation of its wheels seemed to shake the earth, and nearby monsters scattered in all directions. Suddenly, a golem made of tall stone blocked the path. Its eyes burned like fire, stopping the way. Moris pressed the gas without hesitation. “Bison” surged forward and struck the golem with tremendous force. The iron shell and specially resilient wheels shattered the golem into pieces. This was a clear demonstration of “Bison’s” power. Ahead, the prison where Aurora was held appeared darkly. Its tall walls and towers were heavily guarded. The guards watched the sky—they assumed Moris could only come from the air. 

 But no one expected the iron beast approaching from the ground. A lookout on the prison roof spotted the glowing lights from afar and rang the alarm: “Alert! A beast is coming to the prison!” All the guards readied their weapons and gathered in the courtyard. The alarm bell shattered the night’s silence, shaking the prison. But it was too late. The scene slowed. “Bison” reached the prison wall and smashed against it, the stone crumbling. Dust filled the air, and from the rising clouds of dust, two large lamps glowed. Fear gripped the guards’ hearts. When the dust settled, before them stood not a beast, but the massive iron vehicle. On top of it, Moris emerged, holding the M60 machine gun and spoke: “Good evening, gentlemen…” Then the machine gun thundered. Bullets rained, demolishing walls, towers, and wooden pillars. The guards fled in all directions; some hid for protection. But Moris deliberately killed no one, merely instilling terror. Suddenly, he stopped the machine gun and stepped out of the vehicle. His cold face revealed no emotion. He raised his hand and summoned magnetic magic. The iron gate creaked, twisted, and fell inward. “Make way.” The guards tried to resist, but their armor and weapons turned against them, leaving them immobilized. Controlling the metal, Moris held them in place. Some could not move and began to cry. He entered the prison corridor. Doors fell open and crashed one after another. Finally, Moris reached the cell where Aurora was imprisoned. “Moris?! You… how?..” Aurora exclaimed, unable to hide her surprise. “I’ll explain later. There’s no time. I’ve come to rescue you,” Moris said calmly. He ripped open the cell’s iron door and lifted Aurora in his arms. “We must move quickly.” Aurora blushed in embarrassment but did not resist. When they returned to the courtyard, the Silver Sword Order awaited them. Smirks were on their faces. “Look, the criminal arrived at the prison on his own feet…” one of them said mockingly. Moris looked at “Bison’s” roaring engine, ice-cold fire flashing in his eyes. “Then… let the game begin.” Moris threw a smoke grenade, enveloping the entire courtyard in thick smoke. The knights, blinded, stumbled into each other. Taking advantage of the moment, Bison sped toward the forest. “After him!” shouted Lord Lawrence, captain of the Silver Sword Order. The order’s elite knights pursued Moris. They were no ordinary soldiers—they were the kingdom’s strongest warriors. Some fired flaming arrows, others leapt from tree to tree, moving like shadows. The Monster Truck jumped over rocks and roots, shaking the ground.

  Moris glanced back from the driver’s seat. “They won’t give up easily…” he gritted his teeth. Then he stepped out of the cockpit, holding the iron steering wheel with one hand and the machine gun in the other. He fired at the knights behind him. One was hit in the leg and fell to the ground. The remaining five did not retreat, skillfully dodging and continuing their attack. “Truly the elite…” Moris muttered. He used tactics, injuring each one’s leg and finally leaving them all behind. But just as he was about to return to the vehicle, Lord Lawrence leapt from behind, swinging his sword. Moris raised his hand and pulled the sword with magnetic magic. Even without his weapon, Lawrence attacked with bare fists. They fought atop the Monster Truck. Moris blocked strikes on one side while controlling the vehicle with the other. Suddenly, an idea struck him. He turned the steering wheel sharply. The massive inertia sent Lawrence flying off the vehicle. But Lawrence would not yield easily—he stood immediately and lunged at Moris again. Moris threw a flash grenade. Blinded by the brilliant flash, Lawrence staggered, rubbing his eyes. Taking advantage of the moment, Moris climbed back into the vehicle and sped into the forest. However, he remembered Aurora beside him. Shaken violently, the girl’s face had paled, and she was distressed. “What are you doing?” Aurora scolded, “It’s like you forgot me!” Moris kept his eyes on the steering wheel: “Forgive me, Aurora.

  The situation was too dangerous. It won’t happen again.” Aurora frowned, placed her hand on her chest, and turned away. Moris thought to himself, “I still have much to learn.” After the long chase through the forest, Moris slowed the vehicle. The night had thickened, making the path almost invisible. “We must rest,” he said. At that moment, a faint light flickered in the distance. Moris turned the vehicle toward it. As he approached, a dog barked from the house. “Baris, what’s wrong?” asked an old man leaning out of the house. Seeing the massive vehicle before him, he was startled. “A monster! A monster has come!” Moris jokingly responded by revving the Monster Truck, increasing the engine’s roar. The old man flinched and collapsed to the ground in fear. “What have you done?!” Aurora exclaimed angrily. “He’s an elder, where is your respect?!” Moris jumped from the vehicle and ran to check on the old man. “Calm down, Aurora,” Moris said calmly. “Don’t worry, he just fainted. Let’s get him inside and lay him down. I’ll wake him myself.” They carried the old man into his house and laid him on the bed. Moris brought water and touched his forehead. After a moment, the old man stirred and opened his eyes. “That… monster, where is it?” he asked, starting to sit up. “Father, don’t be afraid,” Moris smiled. “It’s no monster. It’s just a self-driving magical cart. Only its appearance and sound are frightening.” The old man took a light breath. 

 “Ah… I see…” he said. Aurora leaned forward warmly: “How are you feeling, sir?” “I’m fine, my girl,” he said. “And who are you two? What are you doing here?” “We are just passing through,” Moris said. “May we stay at your house tonight?” “Of course,” the old man smiled. “I live alone. It’s good to have company to talk with.” Aurora looked at Moris and laughed: “At least you said the right thing. Otherwise, my father would have been scared and gone to the church to become a monk.” “You can rely on me for everything,” Moris said jokingly. “After all, I am an inventor.” The three of them spent the night together like that.