Jack was restless in his cell, his mind racing with thoughts of escape. But before he could formulate a plan, the cell door creaked open, and two armored soldiers stepped inside, their expressions as stony as ever.
SOLDIER 1:
You are summoned to the hall.
Jack's heart pounded. He knew that this was no ordinary summons. The tension in the air was palpable, and he could feel the weight of his impending fate pressing down on him. But as they marched him through the dimly lit corridors, something inside him snapped. He couldn't just go quietly—he had to try, even if the odds were against him.
As they neared a narrow passageway, Jack made his move. He twisted out of the grip of one soldier, shoving the other into the wall with all his might. He sprinted down the corridor, his heart racing with hope and adrenaline. But his escape was short-lived. More soldiers emerged from the shadows, blocking his path. Jack fought desperately, but he was outnumbered and overpowered. They subdued him, dragging him kicking and struggling back to the hall.
When they finally arrived, Jack was thrust onto the cold stone floor before the throne. Igris looked down at him, his expression unreadable.
IGRIS:
Do you still refuse, Jack?
Jack glared up at him, defiance burning in his eyes.
JACK:
I will never accept it—never, ever.
Igris's gaze hardened, his voice low and menacing.
IGRIS:
Think again. The Mighty Flames are not just any flames. They are the flames that can erase your existence entirely. You will not remain anywhere—not in this world, nor in the next. Is that truly what you want?
Jack's heart thudded in his chest, but his resolve remained unshaken. He would not be swayed by threats, no matter how terrifying.
JACK:
If I can't reunite with my wife, I refuse to live as your slave. I would rather face the flames.
For a moment, the room was silent, the weight of Jack's words hanging in the air. Then, Igris's lips curled into a cold smile.
IGRIS:
Very well, then. Get ready.
With a snap of Igris's fingers, the world around Jack shifted. The throne room dissolved, replaced by a vast, wild landscape. It was like the Blessed Forest, but instead of serene beauty, there was a primal, untamed wilderness. This was the Zoothony—the fourth side of the forest, where the spirits of animals roamed free. Towering trees with thick, twisted branches surrounded him, and the ground was alive with the sounds of creatures rustling in the underbrush.
In the distance, Jack saw a towering volcano, its peak glowing with an ominous red light. The air was thick with the scent of sulfur, and the heat was almost unbearable. It didn't take long for Jack to realize that this was the place Igris had spoken of—the home of the Mighty Flames.
Jack felt a wave of fear wash over him as he gazed up at the volcano. The flames that could erase him from existence were there, waiting for him. But even in the face of such overwhelming terror, Jack's resolve did not falter.
JACK: (muttering to himself)
If this is my fate, then so be it. But I will not bow down.
As the soldiers began to march him toward the volcano, Jack took a deep breath, bracing himself for what was to come. The path was steep and treacherous, but Jack's mind was set. He would face whatever awaited him, unafraid and unyielding. He would not let Igris or anyone else break him.
And so, with each step, Jack drew closer to the flames. But It was only the beginning of the true test of his will.