Jimin approached the towering Great Wall, the impressive structure standing as a fortification between the bustling life of the city and the untamed wilderness beyond. Sunlight gleamed off the wide, sturdy stones, and the air buzzed with excitement as awakening adventurers prepared to enter unknown territories. Soldiers stood stationed at intervals, their sharp eyes trained on those transiting. Jimin's heart raced; this was his first venture beyond the city's safety into the wild.
As he reached the gate, a soldier beckoned him forward. The soldier, clad in reinforced armor and holding a large spear, scanned Jimin thoughtfully before asking, "What brings you here, Awakener?"
"I'm here to hunt beasts in the wilderness," Jimin replied, chest swelling with pride as he produced his freshly minted Awakener Certificate, the ink still shining in the daylight. "I need to locate the Vulcan Wolf in the Red Forest for my Career Advancement Mission."
The soldier took the certificate, scrutinizing it closely. "A summoner, huh? Impressive—two SSS Grade summons as well. You seem competent." There was a pause, then a sigh as the soldier's expression shifted to one of seriousness. "But listen, it's critical that you understand the dangers out there. I must inform you that you should not venture more than 10 kilometers from the wall. Beyond that lies stronger and more dangerous beasts than you can handle—those that even seasoned awakeners have trouble dealing with."
Jimin nodded, taking the warning to heart. "I understand. I'll be careful."
Satisfied, the soldier returned the certificate. "Alright, you're clear. Good luck out there, and may your journey be fruitful," he declared, stepping aside to let Jimin pass.
With a mix of trepidation and excitement, Jimin stepped through the towering gate and into the wilderness. The moment he crossed the threshold, he was met by breathtaking beauty that seemed to stretch out infinitely before him. Dense forests stretched alongside rugged mountains, their peaks reminiscent of ancient giants standing watch. The air felt different out here—alive with the rustling of leaves, distant animal calls, and the subtle whisper of magic weaving its way through the environment.
As he ventured further in, the thick foliage transitioned into a rich tapestry of flora and fauna—each step echoed with soft crunchings of twigs and leaves beneath his boots. He glanced around, taking in the vibrant greens illuminated by the sun, contrasted by shadows dancing among the underbrush.
Beyond the gate, Jimin noticed various teams gathering—awakeners preparing to embark on their own hunting missions. He could hear snippets of conversation, filled with the laughter and bravado of those looking to claim fame from hunting ferocious beasts. Jimin felt a momentary pull of camaraderie toward them but knew he had to focus.
"Stay focused," he whispered to himself as he turned away from the teams, deciding to make his way directly into the heart of the forest. He had no desire to get sidetracked; the Vulcan Wolf awaited him.
After checking his map, Jimin plotted out the trajectory leading toward the infamous Red Forest, noted for its heat-emitting trees and vibrant landscapes. With renewed determination propelling him forward, he dashed onward, navigating through the undergrowth, each nimble movement designed to keep his footing steady.
But before he could fully immerse himself in the freedom of the wild, he encountered his first challenge. A rustling sound erupted from the nearby bushes, and a pack of Wind Wolves emerged—sleek, agile beasts that possessed an uncanny ability to manipulate the winds around them.
"Here we go," Jimin muttered, the thrill coursing through him as he prepared to summon his comrades.
"Let's show them what we've got!" he shouted, activating the summoning and calling forth Latios and Latias. Both majestic creatures appeared, filling the clearing with radiant energy.
The Wind Wolves encircled Jimin, growling menacingly as they prepared to attack. However, he remained undeterred. "Latios, use Dragon Breath! Latias, support me with Heal Pulse if I need it—let's take them down!"
As the first Wind Wolf lunged at him with lightning speed, Jimin rolled to the side, barely avoiding its razor-sharp claws. Latios swooped low, unleashing a torrent of energy that hit the nearest wolf square in the chest, sending it crashing into a nearby tree.
"Good job! Let's keep pushing forward!" Jimin shouted, adrenaline fueling his movements. He deployed his Double Swords of Ice and Fire, sending ethereal flames and frost enveloping around him. He charged and slashed through the remaining wolves as they came at him one by one, his blades moving in a graceful dance that showcased both power and control.
With each strike, ice coated the fur of the wolves while flames danced along the edge of his sword, mesmerizing any who watched. The battle erupted
intourry of fur and flames, energy surging as Jimin deftly maneuvered around the remaining Wind Wolves. Each strike with his Double Swords of Ice and Fire illuminated the forest with bursts of elemental magic, a testament to his growth and training.
"Latios! Focus on the wolf on the left!" Jimin commanded, his tone firm. The majestic dragon obeyed, swooping down with a fierce roar, unleashing Dragon Breath that sent shockwaves through the air. The blast struck the wolf mid-leap, sending it tumbling backward, causing disarray among the pack.
The remaining wolves regrouped, sensing their numbers dwindling, but Jimin's resolve only intensified. "Latias, heal any wounds as I fight! We can't let up now!" he shouted, adrenaline coursing through his veins as he charged toward the largest of the Wind Wolves, a formidable beast towering over the rest.
With a powerful leap, Jimin soared through the air and aimed a devastating strike with his sword, landing a blow that sent the wolf sprawling. Suddenly, a swift gust of wind whipped by, blurring his vision for a moment. Another wolf had positioned itself, leaping toward him with teeth bared.
"Not today!" Jimin countered, executing a Dueling Stance. He flicked his blades in a fluid motion, catching the wolf off guard as it collided with his elemental defenses. The wolf flew back as his swords radiated with energy, the elemental infusion amplifying his strikes.
As other Wind Wolves tried to flank him, Jimin activated Whirlwind Flash, spinning rapidly to confuse his enemies. A brilliant light erupted from him, casting an awe-inspiring display of prowess as he sliced through their ranks, leaving a trail of stunned wolves behind him.
"Good work, team!" Jimin shouted as he took down the last of the Wind Wolves, feeling a surge of victory wash over him. "That should do it. Now, let's keep moving toward the Red Forest!"
As he continued onward, he checked his map to ensure he was on course—three kilometers deep into the wilderness, Jimin could still feel the energy emanating from his battles. Victory surged within him, and although ribbed and weary, he was determined to reach his objective.
After over an hour of traversing the wilderness, Jimin started to notice a vibrant change in the environment. The trees thickened, and the foliage became denser, casting deeper shadows that danced with every gust of wind. The path ahead shifted from hardened earth to a foreboding stretch of red-tinted leaves, trailing like lava beneath his feet.
"There it is! The Red Forest!" he marveled, eyes widening as he stepped into the crimson expanse before him. The sight was breathtaking; trees stretched toward the sky with blood-red foliage, their trunks radiating warmth that made the very air vibrate with energy. The red ambiance was striking and unusual, almost surreal as if the forest had a mind of its own.
The heat intensified as Jimin continued forward, feeling the arid air tinged with the essence of fire element—this was a place of primal power, home to fierce beasts that thrived in the vivid landscape. But even with the beauty surrounding him, he felt the weight of the unknown pressing in.
Suddenly, he caught sight of shapes moving between the trees. Leaning against the bark, various teams of awakeners were convening, their expressions a mix of excitement and concentration as they strategized their hunting plans. Jimin paused, weighing his options; he could join them or venture deeper alone.
"I've got to find the Vulcan Wolf," he decided, turning back into the forsaken depths of the forest. He had a mission to fulfill—this path was meant for him alone.
As he advanced, the underbrush crackled beneath his feet, and memories of his confrontation with the Wind Wolves replayed in his mind, fueling the fire of determination within him. He was preparing for this challenge, aware that any moment could herald new dangers.
After a while, however, the tranquility of the forest shattered; he sensed movement around him. Suddenly, the ground shook as a pack of thirty Fire Wolves charged into view, their fiery bodies racing through the foliage like glowing embers unleashed from a furnace. Jimin's heart dropped—these wolves were at least a level between 10 to 15, gleaning the power of fire elemental tendencies.
"Latios! Latias! Time to summon your might!" Jimin felt a rush of adrenaline as he invoked his summons. The duo appeared, wings spreading majestically as they positioned themselves protectively beside him.
"Watch out for their fire skills!" Jimin warned, eyeing the approaching pack. "We need to be strategic!"
Roars erupted back and forth, fire swirling as the wolves came at them with impressive speed. Jimin expertly dodged the first wave, channeling his magic as prepared for the onslaught.
"Latios, use Dragon Breath to create some distance!" Jimin commanded, instinct guiding his actions. The majestic dragon complied, releasing a torrent of bright blue flames that swept across the foreground, creating a barrier of heat that repelled the closest wolves.
"Now, Latias! Heal Pulse to keep us fresh!" he added, feeling the warm glow of her magic reinforce his defenses as the flames roared behind him.
The pack of Fire Wolves momentarily recoiled from the powerful breath attack, but adrenaline surged through their veins, fueled by their innate resilience to fire. They quickly regrouped, ready to assault again. Jimin felt the tension build as he positioned himself—now was the time to make his move.
"Let's go!" he shouted, charging forward with his swords glimmering in the ambient light of the forest. The warmth radiating off the Fire Wolves created a unique environment, where every strike needed to be precise and calculated. He faced down the first wolf, its snarling teeth gleaming, and swung his sword. The spectral flames erupted with elemental magic as he executed his signature Elemental Infusion, creating a combination of fire and ice.
Tendrils of frost laced around his attack; the wolf was swift and leapt sideways to evade him, only to find Latios waiting, launching another Dragon Breath toward it. The ensuing battle erupted—Jimin and his summons simultaneously clashing with the advancing wolves. As he weaved through the pack, he struck with agile moves, alternating between slashes and elemental spells.
The energy of the forest pulsed beneath his feet as he dodged and countered, his blades carving fiery arcs that left trails in the air. Jimin felt alive, caught in the rhythm of battle, but the challenge was far from over.
"Latias! Use Tailwind to boost our speed! It's time to take the fight to them!" he shouted, tapping into the essence of teamwork. The gust of wind enveloped him, making him feel lighter and faster, like a flash of lightning amidst the chaos.
With the surge of speed that followed, he dashed toward a cluster of Fire Wolves, slaying one with a swift upward slash that ignited it into embers, experimenting with alternating strikes to harness the flames effectively. Each wolf he faced was fierce, their fire skills crackling through the air like living flames; they retaliated, launching fireballs from their mouths toward him as they advanced.
Jimin ducked and weaved, his instincts sharpened by training and experience. He jumped past the fireball of one wolf and executed a smooth roll, using Whirlwind Flash to dart past another beast, severing its fiery mane with a solid blow as he danced around them.
"Keep it going, Jimin!" Latios voiced his encouragement like a protective elder, swooping low and unleashing bursts of energy as Jimin continued to slash through the pack.
After what felt like an eternity of battling, slowly, the numbers began to dwindle. The embers of their fire skills slowly faded as Jimin fought with unrelenting resolve, concentrating his focus on the lead wolf. It stood taller and more aggressive than the rest, its eyes glowing fiercely, and Jimin could tell it was the alpha of the pack.
The pack was starting to lose morale as their ranks thinned. Twenty wolves remained, but the dominant one howled, resonating through the trees, commanding its companions to rally. They hesitated, falling back to its side, clearly torn between their fiery instincts and the realization of their losses.
With a swift motion, it rallied its forces and charged at Jimin, its powerful form cutting through the air like a flame on the wind. "Don't let it intimidate you!" he shouted, positioning himself for an attack.
The leading wolf lunged forward, jaws snapping, and Jimin barely dodged in time, ducking just beneath its fangs. "Latios! Launch counter fire!" he yelled as he aimed for the alpha's throat with his swords.
With a brilliant burst of energy, Latios released another Dragon Breath, creating a wave that cascaded toward the alpha as Jimin unleashed a powerful strike. The combined force of their power met the fiery creature head-on in a brilliant display of color and light, intensifying the air around them with the heat of the battle.
Yet even as the alpha wolf staggered under the combined assault, its solid form remained. A second howl erupted from its throat, louder and ringing with an intensity that reverberated through the ground—the call seemed to echo, and suddenly Jimin realized he could feel the ground tremble.
As five more wolves emerged from the shadows of the trees, he cursed under his breath. "This isn't good at all," he thought, realizing he now faced a regrouped pack.