Chapter 4 – Deadly Training
The forest clearing was silent now, but I knew the peace was temporary. My heart still pounded from the beast's attack, and sweat dripped down my forehead. The energy blade hovered in my hand, flickering nervously, as if sensing the coming danger.
A shadow moved from the trees, and the Demon King's voice echoed again:"Your first lesson begins now. Survival is earned through strength, courage, and speed of thought. Fail… and you die."
Before I could ask anything, the ground trembled. From the shadows emerged creatures I had never seen before—hulking beasts with scales like armor, claws sharp enough to tear through stone, and eyes that glowed a fierce, unnatural red.
"Your task is simple," the Demon King continued, watching from a distance. "Defeat them—or die trying."
I gulped, gripping my blade tightly. My limbs trembled, but a spark of determination flared in my chest. I couldn't die—not now, not here.
The first beast lunged, faster than I anticipated. I barely dodged its massive claw, rolling across the forest floor. My blade flickered, a thin stream of energy slicing through the air, and struck the beast's side. Sparks flew, but it didn't fall—it roared and charged again.
I realized then that this wasn't just a fight—it was a test. Every movement, every attack, every dodge, was being measured. The forest itself seemed alive, shifting subtly with each step I took.
Minutes stretched into hours—or perhaps it was only minutes—I lost track of time. Sweat poured down my face, my muscles screamed in pain, yet I fought relentlessly. With every swing, every parry, my control over the energy blade improved. I could feel it responding to my will, almost as if it were alive.
Then, from above, a shadow descended—another figure, cloaked in dark energy, observing silently. "Interesting," the voice said, melodic yet dangerous. "The human is not as weak as I expected."
I barely had time to react before a new beast emerged, larger than the last, with scales shimmering like black crystal and fangs dripping with glowing venom. My blade flared as I prepared for the attack, and adrenaline surged through me.
I swung, parried, dodged, and countered with everything I had. The beast roared, and the forest shook violently. I realized this training was not just about fighting—it was about awakening something inside me. Something primal, something powerful.
Finally, exhausted and bleeding, I managed to strike the beast's heart with a precise energy slash. It let out a final, ear-splitting roar before dissolving into particles of light.
I sank to my knees, gasping for breath, barely able to stand. My body screamed in pain, but a strange exhilaration coursed through me. I had survived… for now.
From the shadows, the Demon King's figure appeared, looming over me. "Impressive," he said, his voice calm yet filled with authority. "You have potential… but do not mistake this victory for mastery. Stronger challenges await. And remember—every failure costs more than pain; it costs your life."
I nodded weakly, still catching my breath. "I understand," I whispered, my voice hoarse but determined.
The shadowy observer from before reappeared, stepping closer. "This is only the beginning," it said. "Survive the forest, and you might earn the power you seek. Fail… and your soul will be claimed."
Cliffhanger: A low growl echoed from the forest's deepest shadows. Something massive moved, faster than anything I had faced so far. And this time… it wasn't alone.