### Chapter 16: Boss Fight 2
Sun Han and Mia walked cautiously through the dense forest, their senses alert to every sound and movement. They had been walking for about thirty minutes, navigating through terrain that seemed more treacherous with every step. Along the way, they encountered creatures they had never seen before—massive insect-like beings with iridescent wings, lumbering beasts covered in thick fur, and eerie, glowing eyes watching them from the shadows. Each time, they managed to avoid confrontation, moving silently and swiftly through the underbrush.
The forest was alive with strange noises: the rustling of leaves, distant roars, and the occasional screech of unknown animals. The air was thick with tension, the anticipation of the coming battle hanging over them like a dark cloud.
Suddenly, Mia stopped abruptly, causing Sun Han to walk into her back by accident. He muttered a quick apology, rubbing his nose where he had bumped into her shoulder. But as he looked past her, his eyes widened in shock.
Ahead of them was a massive cocoon, about five meters long and pulsating with a strange, eerie light. The cocoon's surface was smooth and iridescent, shimmering with colors that seemed to shift and change. Above it, a red bar hovered in mid-air, counting down the time until it awakened: 25 minutes and 45 seconds.
Sun Han's breath caught in his throat. "What is that?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Mia shook her head, her eyes fixed on the cocoon. "I don't know, but whatever it is, it's big. And we don't have much time until it awakens."
Sun Han glanced at the countdown timer again, his mind racing. They had less than half an hour to prepare for the battle. He turned to Mia, his expression resolute. "We need to get ready. I'll go live just before the fight starts to keep everyone updated."
Mia nodded, her face set in determination. "Good idea. We need to be strategic about this. Let's use this time to prepare as best we can."
They moved a little farther from the cocoon, finding a spot that offered some cover while still giving them a clear view of the countdown timer. Sun Han took out his katana, inspecting the blade and ensuring it was sharp. He adjusted his crocodile-skin chestplate, feeling the reassuring weight of the armor.
Mia, meanwhile, checked her own weapons and supplies. She had a small dagger and a few makeshift grenades they had managed to cobble together from scavenged parts. They didn't know what kind of creature would emerge from the cocoon, but they were determined to be as ready as possible.
As the countdown continued, the air around them seemed to grow heavier. The forest grew eerily quiet, as if holding its breath in anticipation of the imminent battle. The tension was palpable, each second that ticked by only serving to heighten their anxiety and resolve.
Sun Han's thoughts raced. He needed to ensure they were as prepared as they could be. He checked his inventory one last time, making sure he had everything he might need. The katana felt steady in his hands, a familiar weight that brought a sense of reassurance.
"Mia, stay close and be ready to move," Sun Han said, his voice calm but firm. "We don't know what's going to come out of that cocoon, but we need to be ready to adapt."
Mia nodded, her eyes never leaving the cocoon. "Got it. I'll be right behind you."
Sun Han took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. He knew that going live would keep his followers informed and might even provide some valuable insights. He checked the timer once more: 20 minutes left.
"We'll go live when the fight starts," Sun Han said, more to himself than to Mia. The thought of having millions of viewers watching his every move was both exhilarating and terrifying. But he knew that sharing their experience could help others, provide crucial information, and maybe even inspire hope in these dark times.