Ray had been advised on multiple occasions by his father, the Marquis Jamie, and Kevin, the knight captain, "Never underestimate the treacherous nature of the forest." Their words resonated deeply with him, ingrained in his memory: "Until you reign supreme, invincible among all species, never take any territory lightly. The moment you lose focus, it will mark the end of your journey."
Ray never scoffed at this advice, for the haunting memories of his previous encounters with death were etched in his mind, a constant reminder of the consequences he wished to avoid.
As he ventured deeper into the heart of the forest, Ray endeavoured to harmonise his breathing with the rhythm of nature, seeking unity with his surroundings. Every step he took was calculated, ensuring his presence remained undetected. With one hand firmly clutching the hilt of his sword and the other deftly parting the foliage, he treaded cautiously.
Time passed uneventfully until, after approximately fifteen minutes, a thunderous roar reverberated through the trees, shattering the silence. The sound pierced Ray's consciousness, causing a momentary pause as his instincts kicked in.
In that fleeting moment, doubts clouded his mind: "Should I flee from the unknown? Or should I muster the courage to delve deeper into the enigma that lies before me? What course of action shall I embark upon?"
After contemplation, fuelled by the fiery determination coursing through his veins, Ray resolved to confront the source of the disturbance head-on. The ember of his past demise fuelled his newfound resolve to face danger with unwavering courage.
Adopting a balanced approach, he silently pressed forward, his senses honed and his movements imbued with caution. The anticipation in his heart palpitated, pulsating in synchrony with his measured breaths.
A profound astonishment overcame him as his gaze fell upon a colossal figure within his line of sight—a seven-foot-tall gorilla, its fiery-red fur aglow, and its eyes gleaming with piercing intensity. The gorilla's resonating roars were intended to assert its dominance, a primal proclamation to all creatures of the forest.
Ray's knowledge served him well, for he recognized this imposing creature as the Red Berserk Gorilla—a species notorious for its brutality and ruthless extermination of any humans unfortunate enough to cross its path. The accounts he had read in books became vividly real before his eyes, igniting a flicker of exhilaration within him.
Yet, amidst the adrenaline coursing through his veins, he reminded himself to regain composure. Mindful of his past experiences, he regained control over his breath, steadying his nerves. With renewed focus, he surveyed the expanse of the forest, alert to any potential opportunities or lurking threats.
To his astonishment, a sight unfolded before him that shattered his expectations—a cave, nestled prominently in the vicinity of the berserk gorilla's territory. It emanated an aura of mystery, a portal to the unknown. Within its depths, a pair of eyes fixated upon the gorilla, silent and menacing. The outline of a formidable creature gradually materialized—a towering green-scaled python, its gaze unyielding, its presence commanding.
A sense of awe mingled with trepidation gripped Ray's being as he beheld this scene—a clash of titans, an imminent battle for dominion over this hallowed domain. The stage was set for the ascendance of a new Overlord, and Ray found himself entangled in the unfolding drama, an unwitting witness to an ancient power struggle.