The deeper Aleanna ventured into the forest of Tarturas, the more it revealed its untamed beauty and immense power. Towering trees reached impossibly high, their branches forming intricate patterns that filtered sunlight into golden beams. Streams of crystal-clear water wove through the dense greenery, their surfaces glowing faintly with spiritual energy. Tarturas was alive in every sense of the word, a realm where nature itself seemed to thrive on cultivation.
Aleanna walked confidently, her golden serpent slithering gracefully beside her while Tianlong hovered above, his vigilant gaze sweeping the forest for any sign of danger.
"So," Aleanna said, glancing at the serpent, "what do you think we'll find next? Another overconfident cultivator? Maybe a beast with a superiority complex?"
The serpent hissed softly, its forked tongue flicking in amusement. Tianlong, however, let out a low growl. "You treat this forest too lightly, Aleanna. Tarturas is home to beasts that have dominated these lands for centuries. Their strength rivals even mine."
Aleanna smirked. "Sounds like fun."
Tianlong sighed, but before he could reply, the ground beneath them trembled. A guttural roar echoed through the trees, deep and resonant enough to shake the very air. Birds scattered from the treetops, and the smaller beasts that had been watching Aleanna from the shadows scurried away in fear.
"Oh, now we're talking," Aleanna said, her eyes lighting up with excitement. She turned toward the source of the sound, her divine aura flaring faintly. "Let's go say hello."
Tianlong groaned. "You are far too eager for your own good."
As they approached the source of the disturbance, Aleanna felt the air grow heavier with energy. The ground was littered with shattered trees and claw marks that carved deep into the earth. It wasn't long before the source of the destruction came into view—a massive bear-like beast with fur as black as night and eyes that burned like molten lava. Its claws glowed faintly, each as long as a sword.
The beast turned its gaze toward Aleanna and her companions, its fiery eyes narrowing. It let out a deafening roar, the sound reverberating through the forest and causing the air to shimmer with raw power.
"Well, aren't you a big one?" Aleanna said, unfazed by the display. She stepped forward, her radiant beauty and divine aura causing the beast to hesitate.
The bear growled, lowering its massive head as it took a cautious step back. It wasn't fear—it was reverence. The creature could feel the overwhelming presence of divinity emanating from Aleanna, and its instincts screamed at it to submit.
"See?" Aleanna said, glancing at Tianlong. "They're not so scary once they realize who's in charge."
The dragon huffed. "You're fortunate your aura speaks for you. Otherwise, your recklessness would have you devoured."
Ignoring him, Aleanna approached the beast, her steps confident but unthreatening. She reached out, her hand glowing faintly with divine light. The bear hesitated for a moment longer before lowering itself to the ground, its massive form bowing before her.
"Good boy," Aleanna said with a laugh, patting its enormous head. "See? This is much better than roaring and smashing things."
The bear let out a low, rumbling growl of contentment, its fiery eyes softening as it submitted to her. Aleanna stepped back, her smile widening. "Alright, you're in. Welcome to the team."
Tianlong let out a frustrated snort. "Another one? How many beasts do you intend to collect?"
"As many as it takes," Aleanna replied with a wink. "Besides, it's not like I'm forcing them. They just can't resist me."
Tianlong muttered something under his breath, but before he could argue further, the forest stirred once again. This time, it wasn't just one beast—it was several. From the shadows emerged a pack of wolf-like creatures with glowing silver fur, their eyes shimmering with intelligence. They moved as one, their movements fluid and silent as they circled Aleanna.
"Well, look at you," Aleanna said, her tone playful. "The whole pack came to greet me?"
The wolves stopped in unison, their gazes fixed on her. Slowly, the largest among them stepped forward, its silver fur catching the light as it bowed its head. The rest of the pack followed suit, lowering themselves in submission.
Tianlong groaned. "This is becoming absurd."
Aleanna laughed, turning to the dragon with a grin. "You're just jealous I'm more popular than you."
"It is not jealousy," Tianlong said, his golden eyes narrowing. "It is concern. These beasts will attract attention. The more you gather, the more chaos you invite."
"Chaos is fun," Aleanna said with a shrug. She turned back to the wolves, her voice softening. "Alright, you're in too. But no fighting with the bear, got it?"
The wolves let out a series of soft growls, their leader stepping forward to nuzzle her hand. Aleanna smiled, her divine aura radiating warmth as she patted its head.
As the day wore on, Aleanna continued her exploration, her entourage of beasts growing with each step. From mighty eagles with wingspans that blotted out the sun to serpents that shimmered with iridescent scales, the creatures of Tarturas flocked to her, drawn by her beauty and divine presence. Each one bowed, pledged its loyalty, and joined her growing procession.
By the time the sun began to set, casting the forest in hues of orange and gold, Aleanna's entourage had become a small army. Tianlong, who had been silently brooding for most of the day, finally spoke.
"This is no longer a journey," he said, his tone exasperated. "It is a parade."
Aleanna laughed, her voice light and melodic. "A divine parade. Isn't it fitting?"
Tianlong shook his head, muttering something about humility. But as he watched Aleanna interact with her new companions, even he couldn't deny the magnetic force of her presence. She wasn't just gathering beasts—she was uniting Tarturas in a way that no one, mortal or immortal, had ever done before.
As the golden serpent coiled around her feet and the bear settled at her side, Aleanna gazed at the horizon, her celestial beauty glowing in the fading light. "This forest has so much more to offer," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "I can't wait to see what's next."
The beasts growled softly in agreement, their loyalty unwavering as they prepared to follow her wherever she led.
Tianlong sighed, though a small, reluctant smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "You truly are impossible, Aleanna."
"And you wouldn't have me any other way," she replied with a wink.
With her ever-growing entourage in tow, Aleanna continued her journey deeper into Tarturas, her divine light guiding the way as the forest whispered her name.