After leaving Alice behind, Eryon found a secluded clearing and collapsed against the roots of a massive tree, breathing heavily.
The exhaustion from the brutal battle weighed on him, but his spirit burned brighter than ever.
He closed his eyes for a moment, allowing his body to recover. As he rested, he reaffirmed the resolve burning within him—he would not just survive this trial.
He would emerge first.
He would show the world, and himself, that he was destined for greatness.
When he rose again, there was a new fire in his golden eyes.
Eryon plunged back into the forest with relentless determination. Every beast he encountered—Horned Hares, Duskrender Panthers, Razorbeak Falcons—fell before his blade. His movements were fierce, efficient, brutal.
Hours passed in a frenzy of combat. His pouch grew heavy with beast cores, far surpassing what he had gathered the previous day.
Driven by an unyielding will, Eryon pushed his body beyond its limits.
And then something strange began to happen.
Unaware at first, Eryon's body subtly started to change. As he fought under the relentless midday sun, the light seemed to cling to him, sinking into his skin. A faint red hue began to shimmer around him, almost imperceptible at first, then growing stronger.
His strikes grew sharper. His reactions faster. His endurance, which should have waned long ago, seemed to replenish itself with every breath he drew beneath the sun.
Oblivious to this awakening, Eryon continued his assault through the Verdant Wilds, his body glowing faintly like the first embers of a crimson dawn.
The second day was drawing to a close, but for Eryon Solaris, the true fire was only just beginning to burn.