SEASON 4 CHAPTER TEN
In the kingdom of Junaid, the heroes had just completed their morning training when new information was delivered to their instructors.
Heroes, there is an unexpected quest from the king and the high priest for you.
A quest!?
Indeed, you are all to venture deep into the forest to investigate the source of the recent monster appearances at our borders.
The heroes exchanged glances, each lost in thought.
We trust that your training has not been in vain and will yield positive results, as this quest is fraught with uncertainty and danger. Stay vigilant out there.
Understood!
They were then dismissed to their quarters to prepare for the journey ahead.
Deep within the forest, strange occurrences were unfolding. The remains of monstrous creatures were giving rise to a toxic, misty fog that enveloped parts of the area. Nearby, two humanoid bulls were present, along with a figure named Chu.
It seems the situation ahead is quite hazardous.
Indeed!
So, you're Chu, correct?
Yes, as instructed by our master, you are to train here alone. Do not venture deeper into the forest; the toxicity increases significantly, so exercise caution.
Understood.
We will take our leave now. Our master will come to assess your progress, so give it your all.
Chu nodded and turned in the opposite direction, while the humanoid bulls went off to enjoy their day.
Chu began his training, while the heroes were finalizing their preparations for the expedition into the forest.
Jeff, have you gathered everything we need for our journey?
Yes, I certainly don't want a repeat of our last battle where we found ourselves in a precarious situation.
No kidding; we barely escaped with our lives.
"That's no exaggeration; we barely escaped with our lives."
"I recall that encounter with Zen, Dominic, and Berry when they confronted a stranger rumored to be behind the monster attacks at the village border."
"I heard something along those lines. It's hard to believe that one individual could cause such chaos."
"Well, this world operates under different rules, so it's not surprising that things can be quite enigmatic."
"The challenges ahead are going to be brutal, especially considering the foes we will face."
"Let's move out; we can't afford to be late."
They exited their rooms and made their way to the meeting point where the other students were gathered, preparing to venture into the forest. Each student had been provided with a map to guide them on their journey.
Chu was becoming accustomed to the training with the relic he had received when he suddenly heard footsteps approaching. To his surprise, it was Max, dressed in different attire.
"It seems you're getting the hang of the relic I entrusted to you; that's reassuring!" Max remarked.
"Thank you, sir!" Chu replied.
"No need for thanks; we are both benefiting from this," Max responded. "However, I sense that the atmosphere ahead feels unusual and perilous."
"I came to offer you some secret training to help you maximize your abilities, bringing you closer to becoming the strongest," he continued.
Chu expressed his gratitude once more, and Max began to train him in secret. Meanwhile, not far away, Max's classmates, the heroes of Junaid, were prepared to enter the same forest.
"It appears all the heroes are assembled and ready, my king!" one of them announced.
"Excellent! Heroes, I understand this quest was unexpected, but given the events of the past two days, we must stay ahead of what is to come. I urge you to give your all and return victorious," the king of Junaid declared before leaving the group in the hands of the commander and heading back to the castle. The heroes mounted their horses, with one of the commanders from the Junaid army leading them as they set off on their expedition into the forest.
It had been eight hours since Chu and Max began their intense training in the forest.
Great job! Let's take a break; it seems your first training session is complete, and you need to recuperate.
Max produced a box filled with bread and canned drinks seemingly from nowhere.
Here! Enjoy this; it will help you recharge.
On the road the heroes were starting to have a closer conversation
Zen, what do you think our experience in the forest will be like?
From what I understand, we may encounter monsters of unknown origins.
Monsters of unknown origins!?
Indeed, the ones I faced were incredibly powerful; I doubt they were exerting their full strength during our battle.
I concur; their master was formidable. I hope we don't cross paths with him again.
The commander and the heroes finally reached the edge of the forest. They dismounted their horses and prepared themselves for the journey ahead. Just a meter in, Max was directing Chu to a new dwelling located in the northeastern part of the forest. After that, he continued walking straight ahead.
This forest remains unchanged, but the scent of blood is overwhelming.
Regardless, I need to return to the academy to further investigate the other clan leaders and their intentions.
As Max walked for another half hour, he unexpectedly encountered some familiar faces.
What the! Who are you, and what are you doing in the forest?
Khan, it's inappropriate to question a stranger in such a manner.
Well! Well! Well! Look who we have here!
Do you recognize us, stranger?!
Ahahaha, perhaps a question of mine will jog your memory.
A question!
Who was the individual you all humiliated, tormented, and ultimately killed before arriving here?
No! This can't be! Max!
Ahahaha, it seems you've found the answer. Now, let's have some fun.
The heroes found themselves in a perilous situation, having stumbled upon something they should have avoided. With a sinister grin, Max was prepared to unleash his full wrath on every last one of his former classmates.