Chapter 5 Girden Heim Forest

“Welcome to Girden Heim Forest,” Lia said as they ventured deeper into the forest. Duen smiled as he looked around. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. Leaves partially obstructed the light, creating mesmerizing beams. The scent of nature, mingling with fresh greenery and mud, permeated the air. In the distance, the sound of a soothing stream could be heard, its gurgling water producing a therapeutic melody.

“Beautiful,” Duen whispered, moving forward with a sense of wonder.

“It truly is,” Lia replied, her smile reflecting their shared appreciation.

Amidst the tranquility, Duen’s keen senses detected the rustling of leaves. He watched as creatures resembling squirrels scampered up a tree. Curiously, these creatures had not one but two tails.

“It’s an entirely new world, teeming with unique creatures,” Duen mused, his voice barely audible, as he marveled at the forest’s mysteries.

In the distance, Duen glimpsed a fox-like figure briefly rising, then swiftly vanishing upon his notice. Fueled by curiosity, he approached cautiously, his ears picking up an intriguing sound – a rhythmic, almost melodic chant.

As Duen parted the thick foliage, he beheld an astonishing sight. Standing at a mere twenty inches tall was a diminutive warrior with hairy limbs. Ornate bone trinkets dangled from his neck, clinking as he danced with his hand raised, immersed in a joyous ritual. He gripped a miniature spear crafted from a tree limb, its tip adorned with a sharpened rock. The little warrior wore a mask nearly half its size, its painted design reminiscent of a fearsome beast.

A snapped branch beneath Duen’s feet shattered the silence, startling the tiny creature. It let out a startled shriek and leaped in fear. For a fleeting moment, it locked eyes with Duen before bolting into the dense forest.

“That’s a Rajaga,” Lia remarked with a knowing smile as she approached, examining the area. “They’re often found in these parts, and they tend to work together in packs to hunt.”

“Rajagas have an innate talent for crafting basic tools,” Lia continued, “which proves essential for their survival. Sometimes, they venture out alone in search of food.”

Lia’s gaze turned thoughtful. “When they stray from their group, these solitary foraging trips can lead them to engage in peculiar rituals, like the one we just witnessed. They dance with jubilance around their found prey or food.”

Kneeling, Lia picked up a shiny pebble from the ground and displayed it to Duen.

“This explains it. While Rajagas are typically timid and shy, they simply can’t resist the allure of shimmering spirit stones or colored gems. Their curiosity often outweighs their innate caution,” Lia explained.

“I see,” Duen replied, his smile revealing his admiration for Lia’s knowledge.

“Come on,” Lia urged, taking the lead. “We need to find a suitable spot to set up camp.”

As they trekked deeper into the woods, something caught Duen’s attention. He noticed the footprint of a large animal on the forest floor. Bending down, he examined the soil markings and followed the trail, his curiosity piqued. Meanwhile, Lia, unaware of Duen’s discovery, continued walking ahead.

Duen’s heart raced as he uncovered colossal soil markings and uprooted grass, evidence of a trail left by a massive beast. Shattered trees ahead deepened his intrigue. “What could have caused this?” he pondered, his voice hushed with caution as he followed the trail to an open clearing.

Pushing aside vegetation, he beheld the lifeless form of a colossal creature sprawled across the grassy plains.

“What is that? It looks like a massive boar of sorts,” Duen gasped, his voice a blend of awe and trepidation as he approached the majestic sight. The beast, stretching at least ten feet in length, bore thick, brown hide on muscular legs, with a massive, curving tusk adorning its snout.

Captivated by the awe-inspiring sight, Duen remained oblivious to the presence of another figure nearby. A female hunter stood beside the massive beast’s carcass, clad in eastern body armor and wielding a blood-slicked katana. Her cautious gaze remained fixed on Duen as she observed his reaction to the scene unfolding before them.

“She killed it,” Duen whispered in awe. Suddenly, a realization struck him like a bolt of lightning – he had been so entranced by the sight that he had let his guard down, vulnerable to any potential threat from the skilled huntress beside him.

Adjacent to the carcass, a colossal bone sword stood embedded in the earth, an imposing testament to the hunt that had taken place. A hunter, his face and brawny arms etched with tribal tattoos, emerged from behind the beast, his presence previously concealed by its massive form. With a sense of accomplishment, he proudly proclaimed, “It’s done,” cradling the beast’s core in his bloodied hands.

Carefully, he deposited the melon-sized core into a waiting spirit container bowl, securing it with the other half before sealing it with a twist. The glowing core now adorned his belt, a trophy of their successful hunt.

Meanwhile, another figure emerged from the shadows of the fallen creature, his stout frame and staff adorned with a brilliant topaz-yellow spirit stone marking him as their leader. Clutching his staff, he bellowed, “Where’s that Winged Beast, Gallagher?” His authoritative tone reverberated through the clearing.

Observing their distinctive eastern body armor and tribal tattoos, Duen mused to himself, “They seem out of place in these parts.”

The plump hunter cast a brief glance in Duen’s direction before addressing his companions with a booming voice. “Winged Beast, Ghost of the Sky! Blast it, five days and still no sign. Time to return, Miyabi!”

“They’re on the same hunt,” Duen noted to himself.

“Indeed, Lord Daegen,” Miyabi replied, her gaze fixed on Duen. With a deft downward motion, she expertly cleansed her blade of blood and returned it to its sheath, her actions a silent warning, a message to steer clear.

Suddenly, a firm hand grasped Duen’s, pulling him away. Startled, Duen turned to see Lia, her urgency evident.“Come on! It’s not safe,” she urged, pulling Duen into the sheltering embrace of the forest, where the trees and plants provided them with natural concealment. Duen nodded, trusting Lia’s instincts, and followed her deeper into the woods.

As Lia led Duen deeper into the forest, he found himself smiling softly as he held her hand.

“Her hand feels calloused, probably because she’s a blacksmith,” thought Duen, smiling as he looked at Lia. Before he could speak, Lia caught his gaze, her cheeks flushing with a soft blush as she swiftly released his hand, a hint of embarrassment coloring her features.

“Lia, those hunters, they killed that thing. That beast was enormous. How did they manage it?” Duen inquired, breaking the awkward silence.

“That was a Golophous hog,” Lia explained. “I’ve never seen one this big before, but in Girden Heim, they’re known to reach such sizes. At that scale, it would likely be considered a unique-grade beast.”

“Who are those people?” Duen asked.

“I overheard that guy mention they can’t find the Winged Beast. They’re here for it too,” Duen exclaimed.

“I’m not surprised,” Lia replied. “They’re bounty hunters. They’ve come to hunt, just like us. But you should know, hunters can be ruthless, often stealing from each other,” Lia explained. “And some hunters even resort to killing just so they can secure these valuable cores, which fetch high prices on the black market.” Lia fixed Duen with an intense stare, and he nodded in understanding.

After hours of tracking, they ventured deeper into the forest and reached a serene open area beside a gently flowing stream. Lia spotted something ahead and signaled Duen to remain quiet. A graceful, athletic beast grazed by the stream, glancing up briefly before resuming its meal. It measured about 8 feet in length and possessed majestic, glowing golden horns.

“Those horns are majestic, is that some kind of deer?” Duen remarked as he moved closer, his curiosity overpowering his caution.

The creature appeared curious, maintaining its stance and fixing its gaze on Duen as it sniffed the air. As Duen took another step, the crackle of the dried leaves beneath his feet startled the majestic beast. With a powerful grunt, it swiftly turned and vanished into the woods in a golden blur.

“Wow! That was incredibly fast! Did you see that?” Duen exclaimed, his excitement bubbling over.

“Duen, are you a child?” Lia scoffed, her words laced with a hint of sarcasm. “You frightened it. That was a Golden Hind, a magnificent and elusive beast.”

“It’s my first time seeing one as well,” Lia added, a smile of gratitude appearing on her face. “Abel mentioned they can move faster than arrows.”

Lia looked around; they were at the banks of a flowing stream. “We should rest here,” Lia suggested, pointing to a spot. Duen nodded, dropped his backpack, and walked over to the stream. Cupping his hands, he scooped up the cool, refreshing water.

“This is incredibly refreshing,” Duen exclaimed, savoring every sip from the stream. Lia filled her water bottle and took a drink. They both took a moment to relax, basking in the beauty of the surroundings.

“Wow, this is Eden, isn’t it?” Duen remarked, looking at Lia.

“Paradise,” Lia concurred, her smile reflecting their shared appreciation of the serene landscape.

“This area seems perfect for our camp,” Lia continued before walking towards the banks of the stream. Perched on the rocks, her gaze traced the crystal-clear waters where fish darted below, promising a potential meal.

Meanwhile, Duen wanting to impress Lia had already hatched a plan. He waded into the stream with Lia’s spear. Lia watched as Duen attempted to catch dinner, his actions a mix of eagerness and clumsiness. Each jab at the water yielded disappointment as Duen raised the spear, empty-handed.

“Why can’t I seem to catch any?” Duen’s frustration bubbled forth.

“You’re scaring the fish. Let me give it a try,” Lia offered with a smile, reaching for her spear. Duen nodded and waded up, handing Lia the spear.

Lia moved with deliberate grace on the rocks, and Duen watched closely as she positioned her spear near the water’s edge. She concentrated, performing an enchantment that caused the yellow stone in her spear to glow.

“Lia’s spirit stone is glowing, like how the stone in my pendant glowed when I was fighting that monster,” Duen observed with keen interest, recalling how The Stone of Eternity had engulfed him in flames during the battle.

Lia guided him quietly, saying, “You have to feel the aura of the fish. It’s not easy, but if you concentrate, you can see their aura, as all living things have spirit energy.” Her eyes remained locked on the stream. She detected the spirit energy of several fish nearby, their white and yellow auras moving within the water.

With her spear poised at the water’s edge, Lia saw the auras of the fish swimming towards her. In one swift thrust, her spear pierced the water, impaling one of the fish. She lifted up her spear, and the fish wriggled its tail.

“Wow! That was amazing!” Duen exclaimed, his admiration for Lia evident in his eyes. He stared at her for a moment, causing Lia’s face to flush.

“I’ll try to catch another one. Why don’t you help me with the campfire?” Lia suggested.

“Campfire? Alright, that should be easy,” Duen replied.

Duen strode towards the trees, intent on gathering firewood. After a while, he had chopped and stacked branches and logs in a neat pile. As he toiled, the fiery baby bird spirit, materialized and settled on his shoulder.

“Ah, there you are, Esh!” Duen greeted with a smile, wiping sweat from his brow. “This should keep us warm for the night,” he remarked as he hoisted the stacked wood and headed back to the campsite.

“So, the spirit stones control elements. When I faced the Tormentor, my stone activated, turning my Shinai into a flaming sword,” Duen mused as he walked. “That means you can manipulate fire, right?” he asked eagerly, turning his head to converse with Esh, who bobbed his head in response, still perched on Duen’s shoulder.

Upon reaching the camp, Duen deposited the firewood and began arranging a few pieces together.

“Help me out here, Esh,” he said, drawing his dagger from his belt. The diamond white stone of Eternity gemmed in the hilt of the dagger shimmered.

“Let’s give this a try,” Duen murmured, closing his eyes before plunging the dagger into a nearby piece of wood. He took a deep breath, focusing his concentration, and the fiery baby bird vanished as Duen commenced his enchantment.

Lia, who had just finished spearfishing at the stream, approached the campsite clutching two fish in her hand. She observed silently as Duen delved into his enchantment.

“I can feel the spirit stone’s energy flowing through me,” Duen murmured, connecting with the pulsating aura of the diamond white stone. The Stone of Eternity glowed, its warmth coursing through him.

“I can visualize it,” Duen declared, opening his eyes just as the scent of burning wood reached him. The dagger in his grasp ignited, flames flickering to life with an orange hue.

“Fire, Burn!” he exclaimed with exhilaration.

“Wow!” Duen turned to Lia, excitement dancing in his eyes. “Did you see that, Lia?” He was eager to impress her, but Lia hesitated, raising her hands as if to caution him.

Before she could intervene, Duen cried out, “Ow! Ow!” and dropped the searing-hot dagger, frantically waving his hands in pain. The flames had overheated the dagger, scorching his hands in the process.

“Have you regressed to a novice after that hunt, Duen?” Lia’s tone was sharp and her expression stern. “Spirit enchantment 101: concentration,” she lectured. “You must maintain the enchantment, merging with your spirit stone. Only then will the heat and flames cease to harm you. Lose focus, and you’ll get burned.”

“Ah… okay,” Duen breathed, feeling perplexed yet determined. Retrieving his dagger, he closed his eyes, immersing himself in concentration. He was resolute to master this, especially in Lia’s presence, eager to impress her.

“That stone… it doesn’t seem ordinary,” Lia mused, observing the diamond white stone embedded in Duen’s dagger.

As Duen enchanted, the diamond white stone gleamed brilliantly. He channeled more spirit energy through the dagger into the firewood, an aura of brightness enveloping him. Flames erupted, accompanied by crackling sounds and the scent of smoke. When he opened his eyes, a full campfire illuminated the surroundings.

“Hahaha! Wow! I did it, Lia! This is exhilarating!” Duen laughed, his joy infectious, prompting Lia to smile in return.

“Fire! I can wield fire with this,” Duen exclaimed, his excitement palpable. “What else can I do, Lia?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.

“What you can achieve depends on three factors,” Lia explained. “Firstly, the grade of the spirit stone, which directly correlates with its spirit power. Secondly, it’s the skill of the user, though it doesn’t grant access to 100% of the beast’s strength due to the third factor: affinity,” she elaborated.

“Affinity? What’s that?” Duen inquired.

“I’m not an expert on affinity. Professor Gus would be the best person to consult about that,” Lia admitted. “But think of it as your capacity to fully tap into the spirit stone’s power. Like a tap,” she illustrated. “A user with inferior affinity can only access around 50% of the potential spirit power; it’s like the spirit flow of the tap is obstructed,” Lia clarified.

“In contrast, a skilled user with superior affinity can harness everything, even up to 100%. I’ve heard tales of skilled spirit stone users witnessing ethereal images of their live spirits,” Lia added, shedding light on the mystical realm of spirit enchantment.

“Oh…” Duen mused, contemplating his apparent affinity with Esh, the fiery baby bird. “Does that mean I share a strong bond with it?”

Lia scrutinized the diamond white stone adorning Duen’s dagger. “Duen, come to think of it, I’ve never had a close look at your dagger. Have you ever appraised that spirit stone? What grade is it?” Lia’s curiosity sparked, wondering if the stone might be of a higher grade or even a live stone.

“I have no idea. I was actually planning to ask you about it,” Duen replied. “I suppose I can examine it when we get back,” Lia suggested. “The campfire will keep us warm tonight and ward off any predators. I’ll go gather more firewood,” she declared, striding toward the forested area.

While gathering firewood, Lia’s ears caught the rhythmic thud of an axe chopping wood. Intrigued, she followed the sound to discover an elderly woodcutter diligently at work. A small hut emitting smoke in the distance hinted at his dwelling. The old man spared Lia a brief glance before focusing on his task once more.

Approaching him, Lia began, “Good evening, sir. I apologize for the intrusion. I am in search of the Winged Beast. Have you, by any chance, seen it or could you point me toward its last known location?” Her tone remained polite and inquisitive.

The woodcutter didn’t immediately respond, continuing to chop wood. After a moment, he set down the axe and fixed his gaze on Lia. “You should go back,” he advised cryptically.

Puzzled, Lia pressed, “Why do you say that?”

“In my 70 years of living here, I’ve only seen it once—the Ghost of the Sky, also known as the Winged Beast,” the woodcutter revealed, his words laden with gravity.

“I’m here to hunt the Winged Beast. I assume that the Winged Beast are the Rocs native to these areas?” Lia inquired.

The woodcutter erupted into a sarcastic laugh. “Haha, that’s the silliest thing I’ve heard!” he retorted. “The Winged Beast is no Roc. If we’re talking about the same beast that all you greedy hunters have been after, that beast is Zycosas, also known as the Ghost of the Sky,” he revealed.

“What! Zycosas?” Lia exclaimed, taken aback. “It can’t be, I’m sure there’s been a mistake because—” Lia started, but the woodcutter interrupted. “There’s only one Winged Beast,” he interjected. “That’s Zycosas, the apex predator of the skies in Girden Heim,” the woodcutter stated gravely. “Do you know how many hunters like you have come?” he continued. “The lucky ones were those who didn’t find it; quite a few have perished. Driven by greed, you hunters come in droves, valuing silver more than your lives.”

As the woodcutter packed his wood and prepared to leave, he left Lia with a final piece of advice. “Go back to where you came from,” he said, his words echoing with solemnity.

Lia, with a show of respect, bowed politely to the Woodcutter. Yet, beneath her courtesy, she grappled with disbelief. How could the Winged Beast be Zycosas? A creature of such power would surely command a far higher bounty than a mere 10,000 silvers, she reasoned.

“Lia! You have to see this!” Duen’s voice echoed from a distance, drawing Lia’s attention. She hastened to his location.

“Look at this,” Duen exclaimed, gesturing towards the massive carcass of a bird-like creature sprawled on the ground. He had ventured out in search of Lia and stumbled upon the lifeless beast. The deceased creature was colossal, measuring an astonishing 26 feet from head to tail, with an immense 14-foot wingspan on each side.

“Whatever could do this to such a colossal bird must be a true monster,” Duen remarked, his voice tinged with awe at the sight before them.

Silent, Lia scrutinized the carcass, the truth unraveling before her eyes. “Oh my God, he was telling the truth,” she whispered, her voice barely audible as she continued her examination. “This bird is a Roc, a rare native beast,” Lia explained. “It’s a predator, yet it fell prey to another beast, much smaller but deadlier,” she added, her expression pensive. “A predator designed to hunt Rocs, known as Zycosas, or the Ghost of the Sky,” Lia disclosed, unveiling the startling reality.

“The Ghost of the Sky,” Duen echoed slowly, the name stirring a distant recollection in his memory. “Yes, the hunters we encountered mentioned that name,” he recalled, the pieces falling into place.

“This Roc was soaring through the sky, likely in search of food. It failed to detect Zycosas high up in the clouds,” Lia began, her voice steady as she investigated the carcass, narrating the potential sequence of events.

“Once Zycosas locked onto its target, the Roc’s fate was sealed. Zycosas possesses a unique ability to dive,” Lia explained, her tone grave. “By folding its wings and descending headfirst, it plummets through the sky like a meteorite, achieving incredible speeds.”

“Do you see those wings? Broken and torn,” Lia pointed out, indicating the Roc’s damaged wing. “Zycosas sliced through them, shattering the wing bones with its blade-like feathers and powerful horn.”

“The Roc was caught off guard. As it struggled to regain control, Zycosas made another dive,” Lia continued, drawing attention to the deep gash at the Roc’s neck. “A direct hit. The Roc stood no chance. A brief struggle on the ground, and this is all that remains.”

“Speaking of the Ghost of the Sky, those Orient hunters were also after it,” Duen noted. Lia nodded in agreement. “According to the woodcutter, quite a number of hunters have attempted to slay this beast,” said Lia. “And it has already claimed the lives of a few hunters,” she whispered with a somber tone.

“Claimed the lives of a few hunters,” Duen repeated, taken aback by the gravity of the situation. “I had thought the Winged Beast was the Roc, but it’s not. It’s Zycosas,” Lia confirmed. “Let’s head back to camp,” she suggested, her disappointment evident as she walked away.

As night descended, the woods embraced a profound silence, interrupted only by occasional forest sounds. Having finished the freshly caught fish, they now sat around the crackling campfire. Duen added more firewood, ensuring warmth, light, and a deterrent against wild beasts. Sensing Lia’s somber mood, he gently inquired, “Lia, are you okay?”

Lia shook her head, her disappointment evident. “No, it’s been a wasted trip. We’re heading back home tomorrow,” she declared firmly.

“What? After coming all this way—” Duen began to protest, but Lia cut him off, her annoyance palpable. “Do you know what grade Zycosas belongs to?”

Duen paused, meeting Lia’s gaze, sensing the weight behind her words. “Zycosas is a Mythical Grade Beast, Duen,” she snapped.

“Mythical… just one grade below an Ancient,” Duen whispered after a long pause. Lia nodded solemnly. “I’ve read reports of it in the Royal Library,” she added. “We don’t even possess any live stones, Duen. How do we stand a chance against it? Hunting Zycosas with our current resources would be suicidal,” Lia concluded, her gaze unwavering.

“Get some rest. We leave at dawn,” Lia said as she rose and headed toward the tent. She was visibly upset and faulted herself for being foolish. She had been naive to assume that a 10,000 silver bounty could only equate to a rare grade beast hunt.

As Lia lay inside the tent, her gaze fixated on the interplay of shadows cast by the campfire and the surrounding trees. “Did I go too far with Duen just now?” she questioned herself, concern creeping in as she contemplated her earlier harsh words. Despite her unsettled mood, fatigue eventually claimed her. It had been a long and exhausting day, and she surrendered to sleep. However, during the night, a subtle movement roused her from slumber.

“What was that? I heard something,” Lia thought, sitting up in the tent.

She rose to her feet, stepping outside to find the campfire still burning brightly. Duen lay asleep by the fire, fatigue having overtaken him as well. The sight of Duen peacefully sleeping softened Lia’s mood. Throughout the night, he had stayed awake, ensuring the fire remained alight as she slept.

However, that calm didn’t last long. Lia heard a shuffle in the bushes and whirled around to scan the surrounding area. “What could be out there? A lurking predator?” thought Lia as she stared into the darkness, her senses alert. An unsettling feeling washed over her as she sensed something in the dark shadows watching them.

Swiftly, Lia entered her tent and retrieved her spear. “Should I wake Duen?” she pondered as she emerged from her tent, her gaze shifting between Duen and the darkness beyond. She debated whether to wake him, but reasoned that it could simply be her imagination or some harmless creature.

Lia moved slowly toward the source of the sound, her spear clutched firmly in her grasp. “What was that?” she whispered, her heart racing. Suddenly, movement in the trees startled her. There was undoubtedly a presence, a beast watching them. Step by step, she advanced and activated the enchantment on her spear, causing the yellow spirit stone to glow and illuminate the path ahead.

As the light pierced the darkness, revealing the silhouettes of trees, Lia’s heart skipped a beat at the glint of eyes in the bushes. In a blink, the creature vanished into the shadows. “What was that?” Lia gasped. She dimmed the glow on her spear and advanced cautiously toward the spot where the mysterious presence had vanished. With her spear re-enchanted, she illuminated the path, determined to unveil the identity of the elusive creature.

As her light swept through the foliage, Lia’s pulse quickened as she stumbled upon the beast. Concealed behind dense bushes, just four meters away, loomed a colossal creature, stretching 13 feet in length. Pristine white, full-feathered wings were gracefully folded at its sides, while a long tail extended behind it, supported by four sturdy legs. With a feline-like head, it sported two proud spiraling horns atop its brow, adding to its majestic appearance.

Lia’s recognition of the beast was immediate. “Zycosas…” she uttered in both awe and trepidation, her voice barely above a whisper. With deliberate care, she edged backward, mindful not to startle the majestic creature. As Zycosas emerged from the foliage, it displayed its powerful limbs and razor-sharp talons, its presence commanding respect. At rest on all fours, it towered at a height of around 5 feet, its agitation evident as it stamped the forest floor, its head swaying with irritation.

As the majestic beast advanced, inch by inch, Lia cautiously retreated, her gaze unwavering. In the soft glow of her spirit stone, Lia was taken aback by what she saw. “There are so many scars, you’ve been hunted!” Lia gasped, as she observed the numerous marks marring its body—a stark testament to past encounters with hunters.

Suddenly, the beast stirred with a low, ominous rumble, its movements fraught with tension. It lifted its front legs, emitting an ear-piercing screech that reverberated through the forest, sending shivers down Lia’s spine. In an instant, aggression surged through its massive form as the creature lunged forward in a menacing charge.

“Argh!” Lia cried out in alarm, her instincts kicking in as she swiftly enchanted her spirit stone. A brilliant, blinding light erupted from the stone, freezing Zycosas in its tracks. The beast screeched in discomfort, then swiftly pivoted and vanished into the surrounding bushes. Lia seized the moment, making a hasty escape, zigzagging through the dense foliage.

As she fled, the sounds of the beast crashing through the underbrush echoed behind her. Zycosas moved with astonishing speed and formidable strength on foot, hot on her trail. “Why is it attacking me? I’m not its prey!” exclaimed Lia in fear and confusion. “Unless…” gasped Lia in realization as she reached the brightly lit camp.

“Duen!” Lia’s voice pierced the night with fear as she sprinted toward where he rested. Startled, Duen jolted upright, bewildered by the urgency in her tone.

“Zycosas. I saw it,” Lia replied, her voice laden with dread. “With all those battle scars, it’s been hunted so much, it’s furious!” she explained as they stamped out the remaining embers.

“Now it wants us dead!” Lia gasped, her breaths shallow as she crouched, scanning the dimming area. With the fading cinders, darkness encroached, punctuated by sounds from the bushes signaling the beast’s looming presence. “She’s no ordinary beast; her scars attest that no one has captured her yet!” Lia whispered urgently.

“We must attempt to flee, Duen!”gasped Lia, urgency laced within her words.

“Okay!” gasped Duen, his hand tightening around the hilt of his dagger.

“Follow me!” Lia whispered urgently as they dashed toward the forest. “It’s tracking us, Duen!” Lia’s voice trembled with tension, the rustling leaves signaling Zycosas, the colossal beast, closing in on their trail.

Emerging from the shadows, the beast charged forward, its menacing presence palpable. Lia swiftly enchanted her yellow spirit stone, its sudden brilliance causing Zycosas to screech and hesitate momentarily. “Yaaa!” Lia’s battle cry echoed as she thrust her spear forward, but the beast deflected the attack with its powerful front legs. With a swift motion, it lunged at Lia, its sharp talons slashing her arm, causing Lia to stumble to the ground. “Argh!” Lia groaned in agony, blood trickling from her wounds, staining the forest floor red.

Duen lunged forward, his dagger slicing through the air, but Zycosas deftly countered with its white feathered wings, deflecting the attack with ease. With a menacing focus, the beast turned its attention to Duen, charging at him with its spiral horns aimed like a deadly spear. Duen stumbled backward, desperately parrying the relentless thrusts with his dagger. “What do I do?” he cried out, his voice fraught with panic as he struggled to fend off Zycosas’s aggressive onslaught.

Lia gritted her teeth, as she rose to her feet, clutching her wounded arm. With swift precision, she enchanted her spear, the yellow spirit stone pulsating with bright flashes of electric energy. From a pouch on her belt, she retrieved a round bomb and ignited the fuse with the crackling bolts of electricity. With unwavering resolve, Lia charged toward Zycosas. “Duen! Close your eyes!” she bellowed, her voice ringing with urgency as she hurled the bomb directly at the beast’s head. Duen, catching sight of the lighted fuse, averted his gaze just in time, bracing for the imminent explosion.

A deafening explosion echoed through the forest, accompanied by a searing white flash. Zycosas let out a piercing screech of agony, its massive form reeling from the impact as the blast temporarily blinded the creature. Duen staggered, disoriented by the sudden brightness, until he felt someone grasp his hand, pulling him forward.

“Duen! Let’s move!” Lia’s voice pierced through the chaos, guiding him through the disorienting aftermath of the explosion. As Duen’s vision slowly cleared, he saw Lia’s determined figure pulling him along, her arm stained with blood from the deep gash.

“Lia, you’re injured!” Duen exclaimed, his concern evident as they raced through the dense woods. But Lia remained focused on their escape, her silence speaking volumes as they pushed forward.

They weaved through the trees, their breaths ragged, lungs burning with exertion. Suddenly, Lia’s sensed danger from above.

“Duen! Argh!” Lia’s warning pierced the air as she shoved him aside just in time, narrowly avoiding Zycosas’s lethal swoop from the sky. Duen crashed to the ground, stunned by the realization of the near-fatal strike.

With relentless ferocity, Zycosas turned its fury towards Lia. Ping! Lia’s swift reaction deflected the beast’s attack with her spear. “Argh!” she roared, driving the spear into Zycosas’s limb. The creature screeched in agony, thrashing wildly as it retaliated, its blade-tipped wings slicing into Lia’s shoulder. “Argh!” Lia winced, blood staining her torn flesh as she stumbled backward, clutching the searing wound.

“What do I do?” gasped Duen, his heart pounding with fear and immobilized by an overwhelming sense of helplessness.

“Run, Duen!” Lia yelled as she valiantly stood in front of Zycosas. In that moment, a sudden presence materialized—a fiery baby bird with its elegant, trailing tail perched on Duen’s shoulder.

“Esh! You’re here! What do I do now?! Help me!” Duen gasped, his desperation palpable as he turned to acknowledge the enigmatic spirit. Memories flooded his mind, recalling moments of empowerment. “I can manipulate fire! I’ve done it before, at the campsite and against the Tormentor!” Duen’s resolve surged as he closed his eyes, focusing his intent.

Esh, the fiery baby bird, vanished into the shimmering brilliance of the diamond white stone embedded in Duen’s dagger. In an instant, the air ignited with radiant flames, engulfing Duen’s dagger in a brilliant display of elemental power.

As Zycosas hurtled toward Lia, she acted swiftly, channeling her enchantment to unleash a bolt of lightning at the charging beast. The crackling energy struck, eliciting a pained screech from Zycosas, but the creature pressed on undeterred. “It’s no use! It’s too weak!” Lia gasped in horror, her heart racing as she raised her spear, steeling herself for the impending clash.

In the brink of impact, a fiery slash rent through the air, deflecting the lethal strike. “Duen…” Lia gasped, her astonishment evident as Duen surged forward, intercepting the blow just in time to thwart Zycosas’s deadly assault. With fiery determination, Duen countered, his dagger ablaze with searing flames, painting the night with an enchanting inferno.

Zycosas, undaunted, parried the fiery onslaught with its mighty wings and retaliating with swift thrusts of its spiral horn.

“Duen! Oh no…” Lia gasped, her eyes widening with dread as she witnessed the intense struggle unfolding before her. “What should I do now? This is the power of a mythical-grade beast. If we don’t escape, we’ll surely perish…” Lia’s mind raced with fear and urgency as she clutched the deep wound on her arm.

The battle raged unabated, with Zycosas relentless in its assault, its primal fury aimed squarely at Duen. With each menacing swing and thrust, the mythical beast pressed its advantage, driving Duen backwards.

As Zycosas lunged with a devastating thrust, Duen’s deft evasion was not enough. The swirling horn impaled Duen’s torso.“Argh!” Duen’s anguished cry pierced the night as he grappled with the horn, his strength waning against the beast’s relentless onslaught.

“Duen!” Lia’s desperate cry reverberated through the forest as she raced towards him.

Zycosas hoisted Duen high into the air with a violent thrust of its horn and hurled him across the clearing like a ragdoll. He tumbled and rolled, his body crashing through the undergrowth, each impact eliciting a groan of agony. Helpless and battered, Duen lay sprawled on the forest floor, pain coursing through his battered form.

Lia surged forward with her spear poised for battle. With lightning speed, she thrust at the towering beast, aiming for its vulnerable points. Zycosas deftly parried Lia’s assault with a mighty sweep of its wings, sending her crashing to the ground with brute force.

Lia, thinking on her feet, swiftly rolled to the side as she fell. As she rolled, she retrieved another flash bomb from her belt, her fingers moving with practiced precision. Enchanting her spear, she ignited the bomb’s fuse, a brief spark of hope amidst the chaos. With a swift motion, Lia hurled the bomb toward the charging Zycosas.

A deafening boom rent the air, accompanied by a blinding flash of light as the bomb detonated with ferocious intensity. Zycosas screeched in torment, momentarily blinded by the searing brilliance.

With the beast momentarily stunned, Lia raced to Duen’s side, urgency driving her movements. She helped him to his feet, his weight heavy against her shoulders. “Come on, Duen!” she screamed, adrenaline coursing through her veins as they fled through the forest, their escape the sole focus of her thoughts.

Struggling to stay conscious, Duen gasped, “Lia, drop me and go. You won’t make it if you carry me.”Lia stayed silent as her mind wrestled with the truth, she knew there was very little chance of making it out together. “I can’t leave you,” she replied, her voice strained but resolute.

As Zycosas swooped down for another attack, Lia broke away from supporting Duen, her heart pounding with fear and determination. With a battle stance, she faced the approaching danger head-on, her spear ready for the impending clash.

Exhausted and overwhelmed, Duen lay on the ground, the chaos of the battle unfolding before him. “Am I going to die…is this just a bad dream?”gasped Duen helplessly. “I must aid Lia, but how?” Duen pondered, his mind racing as he grasped his dagger. The radiant diamond white stone embedded within it shimmered. The words “Stone of Eternity” reverberated in his thoughts.

Zycosas lunged at Lia, its formidable talons ensnaring her arms in a vice-like grip. Lia’s anguished cry pierced the night air as she struggled against the beast’s grasp. With a powerful beat of its wings, Zycosas ascended into the darkness, carrying Lia aloft, her cries fading into the night.

“Lia! No!” Duen’s voice rang out with fierce determination as he ignored the searing pain of his wound. Summoning all his resolve, he rose to his feet and focused his attention on the dagger before him. The diamond white stone responded to his will, radiating a brilliant glow in answer to his call.

“Esh, aid me! Stone of Eternity, release all your powers!” Duen’s voice echoed with resolve, and in response, the diamond white stone emitted a dazzling, luminous glow. A torrent of energy surged through Duen, pulsating throughout the forest. Flames engulfed his form, casting an ethereal light, his eyes ablaze with unearthly fervor.

In his wake, fiery feathers akin to the fiery baby bird shimmered brightly. Duen marveled at the power coursing through him, his wounds healing rapidly in the warmth of the regenerative flames.

“My wounds are healing, it’s just like before,”gasped Duen in astonishment as determination surged in him.

He sprinted toward Zycosas, his body now engulfed in flames and fiery wings extending from his back. Duen ran at an astonishing speed, blazing through the grass like a fireball. With a mighty leap, he soared into the night sky, his fiery wings lifting him into the sky.

“Lia! I’m coming!” Duen’s voice resounded in the dark forest as he pursued Zycosas with incredible speed. Lia watched with awe as Duen approached, his fiery form like a meteorite streaking through the sky. He crashed into Zycosas, his flaming dagger thrusting into the beast’s flesh.

Zycosas writhed in pain, releasing its grip on Lia. “Duen!” Lia screamed, her eyes wide with fear as she began to plummet from the sky. Duen, flames still ablaze around him, swiftly turned and soared towards her. He reached Lia, grabbing her mid-air just in time.

With his fiery wings flickering and unsteady, Duen struggled to control this newfound power. “Argh, how do I control these wings?” he exclaimed in frustration. Determined to keep Lia safe, Duen held her tightly as they careened into the underbrush, crashing safely onto the ground.

“Lia, are you alright?” Duen’s voice trembled with urgency as he pressed his hands against Lia’s deep wound. “There’s regenerative power in this stone,” he exclaimed, desperation mingling with hope in his eyes. “The flames can heal wounds, it healed mine!” With a fervent focus, Duen channeled the stone’s energy, determined to save Lia. Her breaths labored, Lia had been losing blood, her strength waning. A comforting warmth enveloped Lia as the flames danced around her, weaving their mending magic. Slowly, the deep wounds on her arms began to close, the pain ebbing away with each passing moment.

Lia stared at Duen, a mix of shock and awe reflected in her eyes. “This power, Duen… you possess a live stone!” she gasped, realizing the enormity of what she had just witnessed.

Zycosas reappeared, its gaze locking onto Duen with unmistakable aggression. Duen braced himself, adopting a defensive stance in anticipation of the impending clash. With a primal grunt, Zycosas surged forward. Duen closed his eyes in concentration, weaving enchantments around him.

Clutching the dagger tightly to his chest, Duen unleashed its power, causing it to hover in the air. The diamond-white stone embedded within the dagger glowed with intense fiery energy, flames swirling around Duen’s clenched fist. With a resounding roar, he hurled three fireball projectiles at Zycosas, the explosions resonating with deafening force, eliciting agonized screeches from the beast.

“Duen, it’s still alive!” Lia’s urgent cry pierced through the chaos as she struggled to rise, her gaze fixed on the still-moving Zycosas amidst the dissipating smoke. “The wings act as a shield,”Duen analyzed, as he observed Zycosas’s feather-like wings shielding it from harm.

With the dagger clasped tightly against his chest, Duen focused his concentration, infusing it with enchantments that reshaped its form into a flaming longsword. “This length suits me, the exact length of my Shinai,” Duen remarked as the sword ignited with fiery red flames.

In a synchronized charge, Zycosas and Duen clashed head-on. Duen’s movements showcased unparalleled agility, deftly sidestepping Zycosas’s menacing talons to land three precise strikes with the blazing longsword. Each blow elicited a pained screech from Zycosas. “I can anticipate its attacks and match its pace!” Duen declared, his determination unwavering amidst the chaos of battle.

Lia watched in awe as Duen’s speed and strength surged to unprecedented levels. “Incredible! That stone holds remarkable power,” she murmured to herself, witnessing the tide of battle turning before her very eyes.

Zycosas retaliated with ferocity, thrusting its horns and utilizing its blade-like wings to slice into Duen's arms. Yet, as the wounds opened, they were swiftly engulfed by the flames, beginning to heal almost instantaneously. "Argh! Let's end this!" Duen's voice thundered through the chaos as he crouched amidst the fiery aura surrounding him.

With determination blazing in his eyes, Duen propelled himself forward with a burst of fiery power, hurtling towards Zycosas at breakneck speed. The flaming sword gleamed as it sliced through the air, finding its mark deep within Zycosas's torso. "Argh!" Duen's roar echoed through the battleground as he drove the blazing blade even further into the beast's body, eliciting a harrowing screech of agony from Zycosas as it staggered backward, the flames of battle consuming them both.

“Argh!” Duen’s roar reverberated as he continued to drive the flaming sword deeper into Zycosas’s torso. Suddenly, the fiery baby bird, Esh, materialized, perching on Duen’s shoulder. “Thank you, Esh! Let’s finish this,” Duen whispered, a fleeting moment of gratitude shared between them.

Esh bobbed its head in acknowledgment before vanishing from sight. Duen’s eyes blazed with newfound intensity as colossal fiery wings materialized behind him. With a resounding shout, he declared, “Argh! It’s now or never!”

Summoning every ounce of his strength, Duen clasped the wings together, unleashing a torrent of searing flames upon Zycosas. The blistering heat engulfed the beast, its agonized screeches echoing through the battleground. Desperately, Zycosas sought refuge behind its wings, but the protective feathers began to wither away in the face of the inferno unleashed by Duen. With unwavering determination, Duen firmly gripped the sword, denying the creature any chance of escape amidst the fiery onslaught.

“Those fiery wings and that power, is that phoenix fire?” Lia mused, drawn closer by the mesmerizing display unfolding before her eyes.

Zycosas’s anguished screeches pierced the air as it writhed in torment, engulfed by the relentless onslaught of flames. With desperation driving its actions, the creature lunged forward, its spiral horns extended, piercing through the fiery inferno toward Duen, who was caught off guard by the sudden attack. In an instant, the horns found its mark, impaling Duen’s torso, a fleeting connection formed as the eyes of man and beast met in a moment of profound intensity.

“Duen! No…” yelled Lia in anguish as she attempted to move closer, but the intensity of the heat and flames prevented her from getting any nearer.

“Eck!” Duen coughed in surprise, blood trickling from his mouth alongside the wound’s crimson stain. Weakened, his consciousness slipping away, he murmured hoarsely, “It could extend its horns… this is bad.”

With heavy eyelids, Duen surrendered to the darkness. The flames surrounding him began to wane, dwindling until they vanished entirely. Slumping to the ground, unconsciousness claimed him.

“Duen!” Lia’s frantic cry pierced the air as she dashed to his side. But there was no response, no sign of recognition from Duen’s motionless form, as he lay still.