The cool dampness of the cavern offered temporary respite to Micheal and Selene, yet it did little to alleviate their tension.
The faint echoes of growls from afar and the unsettling hum of the jungle made it clear that danger was never far away.
Micheal sat down on the cavern floor, tightly holding the Veralune Staff. Guilt heaved in his stomach from leaving Kai behind.
A myriad of "what-ifs" raced through his mind. 'What if they had remained there and fought? What if they hadn't run?'
"You need to focus," Selene said suddenly, breaking the silence. She was seated against the wall, sharpening one of her daggers with quick, precise strokes.
"Kai's tough. He knows how to handle himself. Worrying about him won't help you survive what's coming."
Micheal glared at her, his frustration suddenly boiling over. "How can you be so calm? We just left him there!"
Selene's eyes shufted to him, sharp, unyielding. "Because I've learned that panicking gets you killed. You will, too, soon enough."
Stinging, the words seemed to cut deep, though Micheal knew he couldn't refute the truth in them.
As they rested, Micheal had felt this strange pull-a feeling minuscule, yet seemingly deeply emanating from within the jungle itself. The Veralune Staff vibrated faintly in his hands, its runes glowing softly.
"Do you feel that?" he asked, looking at Selene.
She frowned, cocking her head as if listening. "Feel what?"
Micheal hesitated. Whatever it was, it was getting stronger, almost like a voice calling to him. It wasn't words exactly, but a feeling:a beckoning.
"I think the jungle is… calling me," he said, unsure of how else to describe it.
Selene raised an eyebrow. "The jungle doesn't just call people. If it's reaching out to you, it's probably a test-or a trap."
Micheal stood, clenching the staff tightly. "Whatever it is, I need to find out. If the jungle is testing me, then I have to prove myself."
Selene sighed, pushing herself to her feet. "Fine. But if this gets us killed, I'm going to haunt you in the afterlife.
The two exited the cave, and immediately, the oppressive heat of the jungle enveloped them. The pull Micheal felt was stronger now with every step as he glided through thick foliage and across tangled roots.
The jungle seemed to change as they moved. The air grew thicker, the sounds of the jungle growing dim until all Micheal could hear was the rhythmic beating of his own heart.
Do you even know where you're going?" Selene asked, her voice low and cautious.
"No," Micheal admitted. "But the staff does."
Selene muttered something under her breath but followed him without further complaint.
After what felt like hours, they arrived at a small clearing. In the center stood an ancient tree, its massive roots twisting and spiraling into the earth.
The tree's bark was etched with glowing runes, and its branches seemed to hum with a soft, otherworldly light.
Micheal approached cautiously, the Veralune Staff glowing brighter as he neared the tree.
"This feels… important," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
The ground rumbled beneath as Micheal reached out to touch the tree. The glowing runes flared bright, and a deep voice echoed through the clearing.
"Why do you seek the heart of the jungle?"
Micheal's hand, outstretched and just inches from the tree, paused. "I don't know," he confessed.
"I just. I want to stop the Shadow Lords. I want to protect the jungle and everyone it's trying to destroy."
The voice rumbled like distant thunder. "Words are hollow. The jungle demands action. Prove your worth.
The light from the tree exploded outward, engulfing Micheal and Selene. Opening his eyes, Micheal found that he was in a different place altogether.
The clearing was gone. He stood on a great, open plain under a blood-red sky. Shadow beasts surrounded him, their eyes glowing with malice. But this time, Micheal was alone but there was no Selene to be seen.
"What is this?" Micheal muttered, his hand tightening on the Veralune Staff.
The voice spoke again, this time softer but no less commanding. "This is your trial. Fight, or perish."
The first shadow beast lunged at Micheal, its claws tearing through the air. He barely dodged, tumbling back and swinging the staff in desperation.
Light emanating from the staff hit the beast, making it dissolve into mist. Immediately, two more took its place.
Micheal's breathing turned ragged as he fought, the beasts coming in relentless waves. Each strike with the staff sent ripples of light through the air, but the beasts gave no indication of cessation.
"I can't do this," he gasped, his arms shaking from the effort.
"You are stronger than you believe," the voice echoed. "Do not fear the darkness. Embrace the light within."
Micheal closed his eyes, focusing on the staff. He felt its power coursing through him, a steady pulse that seemed to synchronize with his heartbeat.
When he opened his eyes again, the runes on the staff were ablaze, and the beasts hesitated, as if their senses had picked up on the shift in his resolve.
With a newfound confidence, Micheal struck out, the staff's light cutting through the beasts like a blade. He moved with purpose now, his fear replaced by determination.
When the last beast dissolved into mist, the blood-red sky faded, replaced by the familiar canopy of the jungle. Micheal found himself back in the clearing, the ancient tree standing before him.
Selene was there, too, leaning against a rock with her arms crossed. She looked him over, a mixture of annoyance and relief crossing her face.
"Took you long enough," she said.
Micheal ignored her comment as he stared at the tree. The glowing runes on the bark seemed to shimmer in approval, and a small orb of light emerged from the center of the tree before it floated toward him.
"This is for you," the voice said. "A fragment of the jungle's heart. Use it wisely, and protect this land from those who seek to destroy it."
The orb merged with the Veralune Staff, its glow intensifying. Micheal felt its power settle within him, a steady, reassuring presence.
Selene raised an eyebrow. "So? What did you get this time?"
Micheal smiled faintly. "Something that might actually give us a chance."
Selene smirked. "Good. You're going to need it."
As they turned to leave the clearing, Micheal felt a renewed sense of purpose.
The jungle had tested him, and he had proven himself.