Shiv and Manu continued their journey through the Engulf Forest, a treacherous region filled with magical beasts and monsters. However, due to Shiv's powerful aura, none of the creatures dared to approach them.
As they traveled, they stumbled upon signs of civilization within the forest. After examining them, Manu concluded that these signs belonged to elves. She suggested that there might be a hidden elven kingdom within the Engulf Forest, protected by a barrier similar to the beastmen kingdom. Shiv, feeling hungry, decided to take a break and eat. While they were preparing their meal, an elf girl approached them.
"My name is Selina," she said respectfully. "We are honored to have the inheritor of Rudra in our forest. "Surprised, Shiv asked, "How do you know about me?", "Our king, Epan, has been expecting your arrival," Selina replied. Intrigued, Shiv agreed to visit the elven kingdom. Upon their arrival, they were warmly welcomed by the elven people, who shouted, "Welcome, Lord Shiv!"Shiv was astonished by the enthusiasm and respect shown by even the elven king, who welcomed him personally. Shiv was escorted to the elven king's palace, a magnificent structure built from crystal and wood. Epan, the elven king, greeted Shiv warmly, his eyes filled with admiration.
"I have heard much about your deeds, Lord Shiv," Epan said. "You are a true hero, just like your father."Surprised, Shiv asked, "How do you know about my father?"Epan replied with respect, "Your father was a hero who saved our kingdom from demons and helped us build the barrier around the elven kingdom."Shiv was deeply moved by Epan's words. He then told the king about his quest to learn more about Rudra and his connection to the ancient deity.Epan listened intently, his eyes filled with curiosity.
"Rudra is a powerful force, a symbol of both creation and destruction," Epan said. "He has chosen you for a great purpose." Epan offered Shiv access to the elven kingdom's vast library, filled with ancient texts and scrolls. Shiv spent countless hours studying, delving deeper into the mysteries of Rudra and the universe. During his time in the elven kingdom, Shiv formed friendships with the elven people. He learned about their culture, their traditions, and their way of life.
He also discovered that the elves possessed unique abilities, granted to them by their connection to the forest. shiv noticed that the bond with manu is also increased. As Shiv grew in power and knowledge, he realized that his journey was far from over. The secrets of Rudra still called to him, and he knew that he must continue his quest. With a newfound sense of purpose, Shiv bid farewell to the elven king and his people. He thanked them for their hospitality and friendship.
As he left the elven kingdom, a newfound weight settled on Shiv's shoulders. Learning about his father, a hero revered by the elves, filled him with a mix of pride and pressure. He realized he had a legacy to uphold, a purpose that extended beyond his own quest.Manu, sensing his shift in mood, nudged him gently with her serpentine head. "Your father sounds like a brave man," she said, her voice soft and melodic. Shiv looked at her, a flicker of gratitude warming his heart. Manu, despite her hidden identity, had been a constant source of support throughout their journey.Suddenly, a tremor shook the forest floor. The once vibrant melody of birdsong was replaced by an unsettling silence. Shiv and Manu exchanged a worried glance."What was that?" Manu hissed, her forked tongue flickering."I don't know," Shiv replied, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his sword. "But it doesn't seem good."With a newfound sense of urgency, they pressed on, following the path that led them deeper into the forest. The air grew thick and humid, and an unnatural darkness seemed to seep through the trees.As they rounded a bend, they stumbled upon a horrifying sight. A monstrous creature, unlike anything they had ever seen, lay sprawled across the forest floor. Its black, glistening hide was covered in pulsating wounds, and its guttural growls echoed through the silent trees.Surrounding the creature were a group of elven warriors, their faces grim and determined. But their movements were sluggish, and their usually vibrant light seemed muted.Shiv realized with a jolt that the creature was a demon, a powerful entity responsible for the unnatural silence that had descended upon the forest. The elven warriors, drained by the battle, were on the verge of defeat.Without hesitation, Shiv drew his sword and charged into the fray. He swung his blade, fueled by a desire to protect the elves and honor his father's legacy. Manu, sensing his intent, coiled around his arm, her scales shimmering with an otherworldly light.Together, they fought with a ferociousness that surprised even themselves. Shiv's connection to Rudra seemed to amplify his every move, while Manu's agility and venom proved deadly against the demon's minions.The battle raged on, the forest floor becoming slick with blood and demonic ichor. Just as the elven warriors seemed on the brink of collapse, Shiv landed a critical blow on the main demon, sending it shrieking back with a burst of dark energy.The remaining demons, sensing defeat, fled back into the shadows from which they came. The unnatural silence lifted, replaced by the sounds of exhausted breaths and relieved sighs.Leaving the elven kingdom, Shiv and Manu continued their journey towards Mount Kai. The Engulf Forest, once a place of fear and danger, now held a sense of familiarity for them. They had faced its challenges, overcome its threats, and emerged stronger for the experience.As they traveled, Shiv pondered the events of the past few days. The revelation of his father's heroic deeds had filled him with a newfound sense of purpose. He was determined to live up to his father's legacy and protect the world from the encroaching darkness.Manu, sensing his thoughts, coiled around his arm. "You are a great warrior, Shiv," she said, her voice filled with admiration. "Your father would be proud of you."Shiv smiled, a warm feeling spreading through him. He knew that Manu was right. He had come a long way since his humble beginnings.As they approached Mount Kai, the peak loomed large before them. It was a majestic sight, its snow-capped summit piercing the clouds.Shiv and Manu ascended the mountain, their journey arduous but filled with a sense of anticipation. The air grew thinner, and the temperature dropped, but they pressed on, their determination unwavering.Finally, they reached the summit. There, nestled in a small, snow-covered valley, was the cave where Nandi, the beastmen, resided.Shiv and Manu approached the cave, their hearts pounding with anticipation. Nandi emerged from the darkness, his eyes ancient and wise.