The descent from the mountains was faster than Hiro had expected, the adrenaline from the battle still coursing through his veins. The air was cold and sharp, biting at his skin as the wind whipped through the narrow passes. But none of it fazed him. His mind was elsewhere, focused entirely on what he had just uncovered.
The ancient tamers had been able to draw out the true potential of their beasts, power that rivaled the gods. And now, Hiro had tapped into that same power, awakening a piece of the strength that had been buried within the creatures for centuries. The gods had tried to erase that knowledge, but they had failed.
His wolf and bear moved silently beside him, their eyes still glowing faintly from the remnants of the power Hiro had unlocked. He could feel their connection to him, deeper and stronger than it had ever been before. They were more than just tamed beasts now, they were partners, bound to him by something greater than words.
As they made their way through the forest at the base of the mountains, Lina remained quiet, her thoughts clearly racing. Hiro could sense her unease, but he knew that she was processing everything that had happened. It was a lot to take in.
Finally, as they reached a small clearing, Lina spoke.
"Do you think… do you think the gods are watching us now?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Hiro paused, his eyes scanning the treetops, searching for any sign of movement. The forest was still, save for the rustling of leaves in the wind. But he knew the answer to her question. He had felt the gods' gaze ever since he had first formed his bond with the wolf. And now, after unlocking the power hidden within his beasts, he was certain of it.
"They're watching," he said quietly. "They've always been watching."
Lina shivered slightly, pulling her cloak tighter around her shoulders. "What do we do now?"
Hiro turned to face her, his expression calm but resolute. "We get stronger. We unlock more of this power. And when they come for us again, we'll be ready."
Lina nodded, her resolve hardening. "I'm with you."
Hiro smiled faintly. He knew she was telling the truth. Lina had proven herself in the battle, her connection to the stag and hawk growing with each passing day. She had the potential to become a powerful tamer, but it would take time. They both had a long journey ahead of them.
As they continued their trek through the forest, Hiro's thoughts returned to the servant of the gods. The man had spoken of something coming, something Hiro didn't fully understand yet. But whatever it was, it was clear that the gods were growing desperate. They had sent their first emissary, but there would be more.
And Hiro needed to be ready.