"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"
Granny Ivana dropped the wet cloth she was holding. Her eyes widened in horror at Hariel's resolute declaration.
"Don't be a fool, Hariel! The Onivira Forest is dangerous! In there, you'll find..."
But before Granny Ivana could finish her string of warnings, Hariel turned to her.
He wasn't wearing his usual stubborn-kid expression, ready to argue. This time, he was smiling—a wide, confident smile so bright it was almost dazzling. A smile that showed no trace of doubt, let alone fear.
"That's exactly why I have to go, Granny!" Hariel cut in. His tone was cheerful, yet held an undeniable firmness.
He puffed out his chest with pride. "Think of it as a warm-up! If I want to become a Sky Conqueror and find ZERO ONE, I have to pass this first challenge, right? Don't worry, I'll be back! Maybe I'll even bring back a souvenir of the Forest King's horn!"
Granny Ivana fell silent, her mouth still slightly agape. She saw the unshakable glint of conviction in those golden-orange eyes. Though anxiety twisted in her chest, a small part of her couldn't suppress a spark of admiration for his fiery spirit.
She could only let out a long sigh, a breath that carried a mixture of resignation and prayer.
Without waiting for further objections, Hariel had already turned and dashed back to his mushroom house.
His decision was unshakeable.
His movements were swift and efficient as he snatched his worn-out backpack from the corner of his room. A few packs of "Hellfire Crackers"—his mandatory fuel—a bottle of water, and his favorite folding knife were all tossed inside in the blink of an eye.
Lastly, he touched the blue sun pendant left by his Grandfather, which hung faithfully around his neck. Its surface felt cool, as if holding deep memories. He closed his eyes for a moment, asking for a silent blessing.
"Alright, Gramps," he murmured softly, tightening the straps of his backpack. "Just you watch, I'll pass this test with flying colors!"
When he stepped outside again, the atmosphere in the small village square felt different.
Most of the residents of Inspiriaville, from children to the elders, had gathered. Their faces showed a mixture of unconcealed worry and tingling curiosity.
They all knew of Hariel's recklessness, but the Onivira Forest was no playground.
"Is he really going in there?" "I heard that forest swallows anyone who dares." "May the forest gods protect him..."
The whispers ceased when Ed Wan, the respected elder nicknamed "Old Man Stone," stepped forward. His powerful arms, as hard as teak wood, were crossed over his chest. His time-carved face remained flat, but his sharp gaze locked onto Hariel.
"So, you're truly going in there, son?" Ed Wan asked, his deep, calm voice cutting through the crowd's murmur.
"Of course!" Hariel answered loudly, his signature wide grin firmly in place. "This is the first trial! If I want to be a Sky Conqueror, how can I not even conquer the forest right in front of my own house?"
Ed Wan was silent for a moment, observing the unwavering gleam in Hariel's orange eyes. Finally, he gave a slow nod.
"That spirit of yours is good, Hariel. Reminds me of myself in my youth," he said. A rare, thin smile etched the corner of his lips.
"But the Onivira Forest is not a light opponent."
His advice continued, "Remember my words: true strength doesn't just lie in the fire in your hands. Use your head, too." Ed Wan pointed to his own temple.
He then pointed towards Hariel's chest.
"...and most importantly, use your heart. Never underestimate this forest."
"Got it, Old Man! I understand!" Hariel nodded firmly.
"Good," Ed Wan pulled a small pouch from his pocket. "Here, take this. A good luck charm from the forest itself. Think of it as a bit of extra encouragement from all of us."
Inside the pouch lay a beautiful, shimmering emerald-green gemstone that felt warm to the touch.
"WHOA! THIS IS SO COOL! THANKS A LOT, OLD MAN!" Hariel exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with delight.
Just then, his eyes accidentally caught sight of Alina, standing slightly apart at the edge of the crowd. The girl looked so small, her fingers laced tightly together in front of her chest, clearly showing the anxiety she was trying to hide.
"Alina!" Hariel called, his smile softening slightly. "Hey, don't make that face! Just wish me luck, okay?"
Alina could only manage a small nod, her cheeks flushing red.
"Be careful, Hariel..." she whispered so faintly it was almost lost to the wind.
"Always!" Hariel replied with a reassuringly broad smile.
Then, without a hint of hesitation, he waved one last time to all the villagers. He broke into a light run, his steps steady and full of spirit, towards the unseen border that separated Inspiriaville from the mysterious Onivira Forest.
The moment his foot crossed that line, the atmosphere changed drastically.
The air became heavier, more humid.
A silence so heavy it was almost oppressive replaced the low hum of the village.
The once-eager sunlight now had to struggle to pierce the canopy of the giant trees, creating strange patterns of shadow that seemed to dance and lurk.
"Whoa... I don't remember it being this creepy..." Hariel muttered, his eyes darting around warily.
He remembered playing hide-and-seek here as a child, but the forest felt different now. This was no longer a place for games.
This was his first battlefield.
If I fail this first obstacle, how can I possibly call myself a Sky Conqueror? he thought, steeling his resolve.
RUMMMBLE!
A powerful tremor suddenly shot up from the ground beneath his feet, making him stagger slightly. The giant trees swayed violently, and a flock of jet-black birds shot out in a panic from the high branches.
Then, from behind the shadow of the largest tree, a gigantic creature stepped out.
Each of its heavy steps made the earth tremble again.
Its massive body was jet-black, as hard and solid as obsidian, with terrifyingly prominent, brawny muscles. Two giant horns curved proudly from its head, while the long, sharp claws on its hands glinted menacingly.
Two burning red eyes stared straight at Hariel, radiating a cold, pure aura of hostility.
"GRRRROOOOOAAAAARRRR!"
The deafening roar exploded, its vibration not only felt in the ground but crawling into and shaking Hariel's very chest cavity.
"ZUGAAA... FOOLISH LITTLE HUMAN!" the creature growled, its voice as deep and gravelly as an earthquake. "YOU HAVE TRESPASSED UPON MY DOMAIN!"
"AND FOR THAT INSOLENCE... YOU WILL PAY WITH YOUR LIFE!"
The heavy threat hung in the air.
But instead of cowering, Hariel's orange eyes only shone brighter.
His signature smirk began to form.
"Heh, so you really are that legendary ruler of the forest!" he shouted, his voice a defiant challenge.
With a swift motion, he clenched both his fists.
Instantly, red flames erupted violently, circling his fists with a hot hiss.
"Don't disappoint me, Forest King!"
"Let's fight!"