The Blood Moon Forest trembled under the oppressive aura of the nine-headed serpent, its massive, scaled body coiled like an ancient monument of destruction. Each of its heads, crowned with jagged horns, glared at Gray with glowing crimson eyes, dripping venom that sizzled as it touched the forest floor. The serpent was a Rank One beast, a true terror of the wilds, its presence capable of reducing lesser beings to trembling husks of fear.
Gray stood his ground, clutching the rusted dagger in his hand, his heart pounding like a war drum. He was painfully aware of his weakness, but retreat was not an option. This beast was blocking his only path forward, and beyond it lay his chance to ascend.
"Stay focused," Gray muttered to himself, his abyss-like eyes narrowing as he studied the serpent's movements. Each head swayed hypnotically, watching him as if deciding which would strike first.
