The sound of birds singing woke Yuma and Enji.
After packing their belongings, they set off once again through the forest, still covered in the morning mist.
In the distance, Yuma finally spotted the exit.
But suddenly…
A powerful growl echoed through the trees.
— What was that? Enji asked nervously.
Yuma immediately took a fighting stance, his body tense.
— Tell me it's just an animal waking up… Enji muttered. — If it were only that, it wouldn't be interesting, Yuma replied with a nervous grin.
The ground began to shake violently.
The trees trembled, and the air grew heavy and oppressive.
— Get ready… it's coming, Yuma said. — But what's coming?! Damn it, I really don't feel good about this…!
A massive shadow burst out from between the trees.
An enormous grizzly stopped right in front of them and let out a terrifying roar.
— Is it just me, or did you grow a little too big, buddy? Yuma said. — D–Don't tell me… that's a dominant animal… Enji stammered.
Yuma slowly nodded.
— We're dead… Enji whispered in panic. — ENJI, GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF! IF YOU PANIC, YOU'LL DIE! Yuma shouted.
The words hit Enji hard.
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath… and slowly calmed down.
— I know you're scared. I am too, Yuma continued.
But if you let fear control you, then you're already dead.
Enji opened his eyes, determination burning within them.
— Good. Now that you're calm, we can fight. — But dominant animals are insanely powerful… — With our mana, it's not impossible. — Wait… you knew I could use mana? — Of course, Yuma replied with a wide smile.
Suddenly, the grizzly charged at them.
— They don't even give us time to talk!
They barely managed to dodge.
The beast stood up as flames began to cover its body.
— Damn it… it's fully awakened now, Yuma muttered. — Yuma, I have a plan. But you have to trust me. — I'm listening.
The grizzly curled into a ball, completely engulfed in flames, and rushed toward them.
They avoided the attack, but found themselves cornered.
— We need to lure it over there, Enji said, pointing ahead. — A crevasse… — We make it fall in, throw it off balance, then hit it with everything we've got! — Alright. Let's do it.
Yuma rushed straight at the grizzly.
They collided violently.
Enji launched several mana attacks to distract the beast.
Taking advantage of the opening, Yuma struck with all his strength, forcing the monster back.
Enraged, the grizzly opened its mouth and fired multiple fireballs.
Enji tried to counter them, but there were too many.
Yuma focused his mana to protect himself…
When suddenly, a violent gust of wind deflected the main attack.
— ENJI, GIVE IT EVERYTHING YOU'VE GOT! — GOT IT!
Enji concentrated all his mana into his hands.
Yuma did the same, jumped onto a tree, and launched himself into the air.
— METEOR FIST! — FLASH MANA RAY!
The two attacks struck the grizzly head-on, sending it flying into the crevasse.
The beast toppled backward… and crashed down unconscious.
Completely exhausted, Yuma and Enji collapsed onto the ground.
— We… did it… — I can't believe it… that was amazing…
They burst out laughing, then stood up and left the forest behind.
After several hours of walking, the sanctuary finally appeared before them.
— We're finally here… that took forever, Yuma sighed. — What an adventure, Enji replied.
Yuma paused, thinking.
— Hey… how about we become hunters together?
Enji's expression suddenly darkened.
— Enji, honey!
A young girl was approaching them.
Yuma and Enji turned toward her.
End of Chapter 4