Inside the Sapher Manor, a large and old mansion filled with Eldoan history, there was an air of worry. In one of its beautifully decorated rooms, Chalu, a young chimpanzee beastfolk, lay in a deep sleep. The room was softly lit by candles, casting gentle shadows on the walls decorated with tapestries of historic battles and noble crests.
Bale Lomius, a 15-year-old Eldoan girl with brown hair and a look of concern etched on her face, sat vigil by Chalu's bedside. Her eyes were filled with worry as she watched over him. She murmured softly, "Chalu..."
..............
Inside Chalu's Mind
Chalu found himself panting heavily, facing a figure standing tall and imposing. The figure's features were obscured by an aura of radiant light.
"Is that all you've got, Chalu?" the figure asked, his voice resonant and challenging.
Chalu managed a weary smile. "You haven't seen anything yet, Sir Roe."
Roe, the legendary hero, smiled back. "Just what I'd expect from someone chosen by Jesus."
................
Flashback to Chalu's Arrival
Before this intense confrontation, Chalu had found himself in a disorienting void. He looked around, seeing nothing but pitch blackness. Panic started to set in when, suddenly, the void transformed into a breathtaking, ancient landscape. Majestic ruins surrounded him, covered in vines and flowers, with a serene sky overhead that seemed to stretch infinitely.
A calm, authoritative voice broke the silence. "So, you are here."
Chalu turned to see a man standing before him. He had an aura of power and wisdom that made him seem larger than life.
"Wh- who are you?" Chalu stammered.
The man smiled kindly. "I am Roe."
Chalu's eyes widened in recognition. "You… You are the legendary Roe?"
Roe nodded. "I've heard from Jesus that you need my help."
Chalu, still trying to grasp the situation, asked, "Jesus? Wait, did Jesus send you here?"
Roe chuckled softly. "Wrong. You were sent here by him."
"Me?" Chalu looked confused. "Wait, if I'm here, then my friends… They'll be shocked if I suddenly disappear!"
Roe laughed heartily. "No, you haven't been teleported. You are here in your dream. Your body is asleep, but your mind is awake."
Understanding dawned on Chalu. "Then this means…"
Roe nodded. "That's right. You will train here."
"But how?" Chalu questioned, his curiosity piqued. "How can I train here when I'm asleep and this is all just a dream?"
Roe's expression became serious. "Let me explain. When your mind trains while your body is asleep, your physical form may not change, but your aura—your inner strength—will transform significantly."
"Really?" Chalu asked, hope filling his voice.
Roe nodded. "Yes, and you can hone your techniques here to perfection."
Chalu's eyes lit up with determination. "This is perfect for me. I can master my techniques in this place."
Roe smiled approvingly. "Exactly."
Chalu hesitated, then asked, "Sir, did Jesus do this because I'm a wanted criminal? To protect me? Jesus is truly kind and benevolent."
Roe laughed and patted Chalu on the head. "Indeed, Jesus is both kind and wise."
End of Flashback
As Chalu prepared to face his training with renewed vigor, Bale continued her watch over his sleeping form in the Sapher Manor, her thoughts filled with concern for her friend. Little did she know, within the depths of his mind, Chalu was on a journey that would transform him in ways unimaginable.
...........
[JOE POV]
As I watched Chalu panting from our training session, I thought to myself; Sheesh, my role play is a success. I knew this was necessary for him, so I had transformed myself into the legendary hero Roe, my other avatar, to help him.
Looking at Chalu, I could see his aura growing stronger, but it wasn't enough to defeat Athos yet. He needed to become much stronger.
Chalu looked at me and said, "Sir Roe?"
I quickly responded, "Oops, sorry! Shall we continue?" I put a smile on my face.
"Now, let's make him stronger than ever." I thought, determined to push him to his limits.
..............
The battlefield was littered with the bodies of both Eldoans and beastfolk, a grim testament to the ferocity of the conflict. Blood soaked the earth, and the air was heavy with the stench of death. The trees surrounding the clearing were scorched and shattered, evidence of the powerful magics and brutal combat that had taken place.
Amidst the carnage, Athos stood tall and menacing. His monstrous form was covered in dark, swirling shadows, giving him an almost ethereal appearance. His eyes glowed with a malevolent light, and a sinister smile played on his lips as he surveyed the scene.
Grizz, the formidable bear beastfolk, was kneeling on the ground. His fur was matted with blood from numerous wounds, and his breathing was labored. He glanced over at Kelly, a young Eldoan mage, who lay unconscious a few feet away. Her robes were torn and singed, and a trickle of blood ran down her temple.
Athos sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. "It looks like that girl is unconscious," he said, casting a disdainful glance at Kelly.
Grizz's eyes blazed with fury as he struggled to stand. "You bastard!" he roared, his voice a deep, guttural growl. Despite his injuries, Grizz's powerful muscles rippled as he forced himself to his feet, gripping his massive axe tightly.
Athos merely laughed, a chilling sound that echoed across the battlefield. "Come, beastfolk," he taunted. "Show me what you've got."
Grizz charged at Athos with a roar, his axe raised high. The ground trembled beneath his heavy steps, and the air seemed to vibrate with his raw power. He swung the axe with all his might, aiming to cleave Athos in two.
Athos didn't flinch. With a swift motion, he raised his right hand, which was now a twisted claw of shadowy tendrils, and met Grizz's attack head-on. The clash of axe against shadowy claw sent shockwaves through the air, but Athos remained unfazed.
"Is that all?" Athos said coldly. With a quick movement, he pushed Grizz back and unleashed his power. "Shadow Spike!" he cried out, and dark spikes erupted from the ground, aiming directly at Grizz.
Grizz roared in pain as the spikes pierced his flesh, but his rage and determination kept him going. He blocked another incoming attack with his axe, his teeth gritted against the pain.
Seeing Grizz struggle, Kelly, though badly injured, open her eyes but barely conscious, murmured something. Her fingers twitched, and a faint glow surrounded her. Summoning her last reserves of strength, she chanted, "Water Spear!" A spear made of water materialized and shot towards Athos.
Athos noticed the attack and quickly responded. "Shadow Shield!" he intoned, and a barrier of dark energy formed around him, absorbing the water spear with ease. He turned his gaze back to Grizz, his smile widening.
"Impressive, but futile." Athos said. He then unleashed another attack. "Dark Wave!" A wave of darkness surged towards Grizz and Kelly, carrying immense destructive power.
Grizz tried to brace himself, but the wave was too strong. It sent him flying backward, his body crashing into a nearby tree with a sickening thud. He groaned in pain, trying to rise but finding his strength failing.
Kelly, summoning her last bit of magic, cast "Aquatic Shield!" A barrier of water formed around her, but it shattered under the force of the dark wave, sending her sprawling to the ground.
"Aaugh!" Kelly cried out, feeling the impact as she was thrown backward, her vision blurring.
Athos stood amidst the devastation he had wrought, his laughter echoing in the desolate battlefield. "Hahaha, you should have surrendered. Now, you will all become my prey." He looked down at Grizz, who was struggling to move, and Kelly, who was barely conscious, with a twisted sense of satisfaction.
Grizz, though broken and battered, refused to give up. "I... won't let you win," he growled, trying to push himself up once more.
Athos stepped closer, his shadowy form looming over Grizz. "It's over, beastfolk. Accept your fate."
But in the face of despair, a flicker of hope remained in Grizz's eyes. He knew that as long as he fought, there was still a chance, however slim, to protect his comrades and avenge the fallen. And with that thought, he prepared to make one last stand against the overwhelming darkness that was Athos.
..............
Gori the gorilla, Raro the cat, and Lyro, an Eldoan student mage disguised as a Beastfolk using Raro's fok power, were making their way through a dense forest. The thick canopy of leaves above let in patches of sunlight, creating a mix of light and shadow on the ground. The air was alive with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves, making the forest feel peaceful and lively.
Lyro, walking eagerly, couldn't contain his excitement. "I can't wait to see more Beastfolk." he said, his eyes wide with anticipation as he looked around at the lush forest.
Raro, his cat ears twitching in amusement, chuckled. "Are you really that excited to visit our hometown, a place full of Beastfolk?" he asked, his tail swishing behind him as he moved gracefully over the uneven ground.
Lyro nodded enthusiastically, stepping over a fallen log covered in moss. "Yes, I can't wait to see all the different types of Beastfolk." he replied, his voice brimming with excitement.
Raro smiled cutely, his whiskers twitching. "Okay, but I'm warning you, always be careful." he advised, his tone a mix of caution and fondness.
Gori, the large gorilla, moved gracefully despite his massive size, easily pushing aside branches that blocked their path through the dense forest. Normally serious and reserved, Gori couldn't help but smile slightly at the friendly banter between his companions. Their lighthearted conversation warmed him inside, momentarily easing the seriousness of their mission.
The forest around them was full of tall trees and thick underbrush. The smell of the earth and fresh air filled their senses. Every now and then, a small animal would dart across their path, and the sound of a distant stream added a calming backdrop to their journey.
As they continued walking, the ground started to get rockier, with occasional clearings that offered views of distant mountains. The sunlight grew stronger, showing they were nearing the edge of the forest.
Raro paused, his ears perking up as he scanned the surroundings. "We're getting close to the border. Stay alert." he said, his eyes narrowing slightly as he focused on the path ahead.
Lyro nodded, his excitement now mixed with determination. He knew the journey was dangerous, but the chance to see the Beastfolk kingdom and understand their way of life filled him with resolve.
Gori, took the lead. His broad shoulders cleared a path through the dense foliage as they advanced. His presence reassured the group, acting as a shield to keep them on course and safe from potential threats.
...........
Meanwhile, in the Magux Academy
Inside Ash Minse's Room
Lerona Everdale, a knight teacher at the academy, knelt on the ground in shock and grief. Nearby, the lifeless body of Dawk Coe, another teacher known for his expertise in offensive and defensive combat magic, lay still on the ground. He had been killed by Ash Minse.
Lerona stared at Ash with a mix of anger and despair. "You traitorous bastard!!!!!!" she yelled, her voice echoing in the tense silence of the room as she clutched her chest in disbelief.
Ash looked back at Lerona, his expression twisted into a wild smile. "Idiot. Who said that...," he began, his smile fading into a cold gaze as he locked eyes with Lerona. "...I'm not." he finished, his voice chillingly calm.
What atrocities did Ash commit, and what danger awaits the teachers and students of the Magux Academy? Find out in the next chapter!
To be continue