Celestial Defender

Above the sky, a kilometer-long giant fish flew over the city, ignoring the bombardment of missiles. In Australia, a kilometer-long world-destroying python destroyed cities, devouring millions of people, and slowly left under the explosion of several nuclear bombs. Coming to this dangerous world, Jack Clark, who unexpectedly obtained a salamander clone, was a little confused. What could he do with a palm-sized hexagonal salamander? Make videos to earn money? Catch shrimps in a stream? Or... make it evolve into a giant beast? A hexagonal salamander, also known as a hexagonal dragon, with unlimited evolutionary abilities, gradually evolved into a mythical world-destroying beast. From a hundred meters long, it turned kilometers and tens of thousands of meters long... And under the synchronized strengthening, Jack Clark's original body also grew stronger, with increasing strength and speed, and even...

The End of all is a necessity, as was the Beginning. The Four Major Realms were at war with an extremely evil god, hungry for power. The evil god had acquired a device that brought even the other gods to their knees. What power did such a device possess that caused heavenly beings to experience dread? It could strip them of their divinity and erase them from existence! The Greater Gods were silent on the matter and did nothing to stop the evil god's misdeeds. Of course, they and the evil god had an agreement. What it entailed… who knew? The affected gods are desperate, gripped by fear of the evil god. Timothy, a promising individual, was reborn as their last hope in stopping His conquest. That is, if only things were actually that simple… "Those whom the gods wish to destroy... they first call promising." ...Here was a man that loved wholeheartedly, laid down his wants, his needs, his goals, his desires, his body, his soul… his entire existence! Even ready to be used as a soul-less tool for all of eternity... but how were they planning on repaying him? This, is the Birth of the Celestial Conqueror. And now, even the Greater Gods cannot escape their fate. After all, the End of all is a necessity... as was the Beginning. -Main Tags- +WeakToStrong +Romance +Mystery +NoSmut +Supernatural +System +Evolution

[Updates will slow down because of I have to study for my exams] Keith's life was totally destroyed. One minute it was normal, the next, hell on earth. The day everything went wrong, he lost the person he loved most. Now, Keith's heart was filled with hatred and anger. "I'll kill them all," he growled, his voice barely above a whisper. "I swear it." Keith's mind was consumed by revenge. No mercy. No pity. He'd make them pay. The old Keith was gone. A ruthless avenger took his place. Keith's quest for vengeance would know no bounds. No matter the cost. No matter the pain. Discord Server- https://discord.gg/qyK4rYfR

In a world where the stars themselves bestow power, the heavens have been shattered. Once whole and luminous, the celestial canopy now hangs broken, its pieces scattered across the mortal realm. The constellations—embodiments of strength, wisdom, and magic—lie in fragments, their power unleashed to the world below. What was meant to guide and protect now threatens to tear the world apart. The calamity was the work of Orion the Skybreaker, a celestial turned rogue. In his hunger for ultimate power, Orion shattered the heavens, breaking the constellations. Fragments rained upon the mortal world, granting unimaginable abilities to those who found them. But the power is wild and dangerous, corrupting those unworthy of wielding it. As chaos spreads and factions rise to claim the fallen stars, the celestial council is left weakened, unable to restore the shattered sky. Their only hope lies in a mortal: a young, unremarkable man named Kael. Kael’s courage and resolve catch the attention of Astraea, one of the last remaining celestials, who entrusts him with a sacred mission: to reclaim the fragments, rebuild the constellations, and repair the shattered sky. Kael’s path is fraught with sacrifice. To mend the heavens, he must face the truth about the constellations’ origins, Orion’s betrayal, and the terrible cost of repairing what has been broken. As he pieces together the celestial works, Kael learns that some stars burn too brightly, and some wounds may never heal. Will Kael have the strength to reunite the stars and stop the Void’s return? Or will he be consumed by the very power he seeks to restore? The journey to heal the shattered sky begins here—a tale of courage, betrayal, and the boundless hope that lies within even the smallest spark of light. The Shattered Sky: Herald of the Celestials is an epic fantasy of cosmic proportions, filled with breathtaking battles, intricate power struggles, and a protagonist whose growth inspires as much as it astounds. Prepare to witness the rebirth of the heavens, one chapter at a time.

【The Deception Style】【Show off in Public】【With High IQ】! Ryan, who has awakened the supernatural power of 【Causality】, is able to advance his future cultivation achievements just like advancing salary. In order to become an immortal, he decides to disguise as a celestial prodigy, defraud the resources of the sect, and enhance his cultivation efficiency! Thus, in the eyes of outsiders, Ryan... The abstruse and mysterious divine cultivation manual, he can understand it in an instant! The supreme profound pill that even the alchemy grandmaster is helpless with, he can refine it in a moment! While others are still fighting fiercely for the manuals of the predecessors, he is already invincible!

(Trigger warning: Harsh Language, Abuse, Slavery, Excessive Violence, Injustice) The Celestial is a symbol of the divine, a pillar which stretches high into the heavens. It is worshipped for the blessings it brought upon the world; extraordinary power, revolutionary tools, and beings beyond understanding. Bearing its power will not only change your fate, but the fate of the world. Grelt has existed within a struggle for power for over a century. A war between Angels and Demons ravaged the land, but only ended with the alliance between the angels, the hybrids, and the non-unified. The non-unified race did not receive the divine gifts of the celestial, they were not worthy. As beings who were second to the blessing of the Celestial, they have no choice but to bow before the hybrids and angels. It has been a week since the execution of Jacks parents, and he has taken their place as a miner in the small non-unified town of Logos. He is beginning to feel the despair living the rest of his life under the hybrid alliance, and seeks to change the world he was born into.

Sihle is a poor villager who has nothing to their name. In order to save his home and sister. He and five of his friends must venture into the worlds most expansive VRMMORPG to strike a fortune in the game. One week before launch...Sihle becomes a reincarnotor. Now how will he change his future... The book is slow paced but once it picks it steam rolls... Please vote for book

In a land torn between war and celestial games, Meredith, the shameless princess of Pyria, must uncover the truth behind her kingdom's ties to dragons and angels, all while navigating a dangerous bond with Gabriel, an angel whose enigmatic loyalties could tip the balance between salvation and destruction.

In a kingdom where darkness rules, Dahlia Lore is a living contradiction. Gifted with light magic, she's an outcast, feared by those who should love her. When a powerful celestial book becomes the key to her kingdom's future, Dahlia is thrust into a deadly journey across realms. But as she uncovers secrets about her magic and her past, she begins to question everything she's ever known. Is the truth worth the cost of betrayal-and is she ready to face the darkness within herself?

Warning!!!  Mature Content (R18) Yuan wakes up in the body of an 18-year-old boy who oddly resembles his former self from Earth and also goes by the same name. He was an orphan on Earth who passed away after being told that he had leukemia because he was unable to pay for his treatment because he was struggling to make ends meet. [Ding! The system has successfully rebooted.] Watch this brilliant young man as he and his partners achieve the pinnacle of cultivation and go on to become legendary figures in the future. ________ (English is actually my third language, not my first. Hindi is my second language; Assamese is my first, hence even if I use Grammarly, there may be some grammatical errors. (I apologize for my inexperience.) Discord— https://discord.gg/wR7KyerXgc

Stepping onto the path of immortality, the journey is fraught with peril, storms raging at every turn. Countless times, death came knocking—teetering on the edge of despair, on the brink of annihilation. Every step forward is marked by blood and fire, yet the resolve remains unshaken: to stand upright, without shame to the heavens, without guilt before the earth. And one day, when the moment comes, I will rise with the wind, soaring to the nine heavens, parting the clouds with a wave of my hand, gazing down upon the vast sea of life below

The Crown of Star. A mighty artifact that symbolizes the Divine Federations might across the galaxies. Gone. Missing. The Colony Planets region is on the brink of disaster after the uprising in the Federation. But that won't stop Leonard Haravok from seeking his revenge even if it comes at the expense of the Divine Federation. Meanwhile on a distant planet, millions of light years away from the Federation, a young woman is about to endeavor on a great journey as the planet undergoes a transformative event. An event that might be linked to her past and her family.

On a peaceful planet filled with magic and power, Kyle's life was lazy and ordinary, but little did he know, he possessed something extraordinary. He lived his life with his family like any other lazy human, or so he thought, unaware that everything happens for a reason. However, everything changed when he turned sixteen. His older brothers, who were fed up with his laziness, came up with a ridiculous plan to teach him a lesson. They asked him to take the entrance test for one of the biggest academies. They thought this would knock some sense into their lazy brother. Kyle was stunned, but because of their coordinated planning, he reluctantly agreed with a hint of resignation. "I don't think I'll pass the test anyway. So, trying it for the experience isn't a big deal." "The only problem is, I can't guarantee that all my body parts will stay intact until the end of the entrance test." But to Kyle's shock, he passed the test without even lifting a finger! Still, he was convinced that he would eventually be kicked out of the Academy due to his lack of strength. But the moment he set foot in the Academy, he discovered something incredible about himself. He was special and nature's favorite. . . . ______ (#It's my first time writing. So, support me with ps, gt and gifts. Hehe, THANK YOU) (Note: The cover is not mine, found it from pinterest. All credits go to the owner who can ring me up in the comment section if he/she wants me to remove it.) It might be empty right now and maybe needs more work, but there's finally a Discord server! ^^ Link; https://discord.gg/eBBXatxWVb

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After a fatal accident, Alexwakes up in a mysterious new world filled with towering trees and landscapes unlike anything he's ever known. As he tries to make sense of his strange surroundings, memories of his past life begin to surface—especially of Elara, the girl he loved and promised to marry. Separated by death and now in an unfamiliar world, Alex struggles with the pain of being apart from her, but their bond gives him the strength to push forward. Determined to honor the love they shared, Alex embarks on a journey of survival and self-discovery in a place where magic, danger, and adventure await at every turn. Faced with the unknown, he must find his way through this new life, all the while wondering: is there a chance he could return to the world he left behind, or is he destined to forge a new path without his lover by his side?

Nathan, a boy with whose race was not determined , a race that is a result of the greed of a few demons and celestials alike,but in Nathan's situation, his was totally different. A soul that's not complete yet is strong enough to make creatures and powerhouses beyond the immortal transcendent plane to be wary of his existance. He retrieves and restores the lost fragments of his soul as he fights with his life always on the line. Existances with the power to anihilate a whole universe in just a single breath without using even 20% of their power were forced to be wary of a boy whose lineage and origin was unknown to many with an aura of a pure peerless Monarch, whose presence and words alone can make gods cower in fear of uncertainty. He had the power to become an existence with unfathomable might and power. An existence that laws that bind the universe can be bent at his will. An absolute powerhouse who chose to forge his own path and destiny with his own hands, blood and effort from the ground up. Who would dare challenge him when mere powerhouses who claim to be gods will be vulnerable against him. Not even powerhouses beyond the god realm. ......... "You carry the blood of a Celestial god, the blood of The Demon Queen and yet you die in this pitiful manner. Pathetic, with those two powerful bloodlines you could have ruled all seven realms and realities yet look at you" Said a voice deep within Nathan's being.It resounded again. "Rise, celestial warlock and rule like the true Monarch you are!! ..... [ Skill unlocked Skill name: Devine Monachory{ level 1} Description: You are the first existence to achieve a skill of this magnitude. You have forged a path only you can walk with pain and hardship...... ...] [ all skills have undergone a change. Congratulations you have ................. Congratulations you have ................. Congratulations you have .................] The description alone was unlike he had seen before. Now He knew the Journey has just bagan, he now had the power to transcend the celestial realm to what layed beyond it. DISCLAIMER: Covers not mine

"I'll do whatever it takes to protect my world even if i become a villain". Iode de Pandavatton, a wizard from an average peasant home supposedly found out that he the inheritor of one of the founder of the wizard tribe. Due to these power, he was having visions of a distant future. he went around his world (heaters) telling them of his visions. but as time goes on it was forgotten and Iode himself vanished. many years passed, Iode saw himself traveling around various planes; underworld, earth, the celestial realm etc. but Iode soon found his way back home but instead of laying low and protecting the his world behind the scenes, he went on a conquest campaign claiming it for the greater good. He succeeded in his conquest but heroes soon rise from the conquered nations to put an end to his villainous act. but when the true threat comes would Iode, the heroes and the nations have unity and strength to stop it?

In a world where the boundaries between mortal and divine are blurred, Kriel, a frail and neglected outcast, struggles with a life filled with rejection and despair. Abandoned by his parents and mocked by his peers, he’s a boy whose existence seems destined for obscurity. However, everything changes the night a mysterious rift appears in the forest near his home, an event that fractures reality and sets in motion forces beyond his comprehension. As Kriel stumbles upon the rift, he encounters the spirit of Vaelith, a fallen celestial being whose brother—an ancient tyrant—was responsible for a cosmic rebellion that shattered the balance of the universe. Vaelith’s soul, bound to the mortal realm, finds an unexpected host in Kriel’s body. The merging of their spirits unlocks a dormant power within Kriel, a connection to the very forces that rewrote the cosmos. Now, Kriel must navigate the treacherous and ever-shifting landscape of both the mortal and celestial realms. With a newfound, godlike strength coursing through his veins, he is caught between the lingering influence of Vaelith and his own burning hatred for the world that has long forsaken him. His quest for power becomes a relentless drive to reshape the universe in his image, to tear down the systems that failed him, and to free Vaelith’s brother—the tyrant—who promises to give him the power to destroy the Creator itself. As Kriel’s power grows, so does his corruption. The voice of Vaelith in his mind both guides and manipulates him, pushing him toward actions that blur the lines between heroism and villainy. Torn between his human desire for revenge and his celestial capacity for destruction, Kriel must confront his true self—before he loses his humanity entirely. The Celestial Convergence is a dark and gripping tale of cosmic rebellion, divine manipulation, and the journey of a boy who was once nothing, but now has the power to challenge the very forces that govern the universe. As the worlds collide and the boundaries of existence bend, Kriel’s path toward ultimate power will either save or doom all of creation. Will he rise to become a god—or fall into the abyss of his own making?

In a world scarred by war and betrayal, Orion Vex, a reclusive technomancer, struggles with the haunting memories of his past. Living in the ruins of a once-great civilization, he has isolated himself from the remnants of humanity, fearing the pain of connection. When a group of settlers seeking refuge from a ruthless faction known as the traitors arrives at his doorstep, Orion is reluctantly drawn into their fight for survival. As he joins forces with Kaelin, a determined leader, and Mira, a fierce warrior, Orion uncovers the dark plans of the traitors, who have allied with the sinister Zarkai. Together, they forge a fragile alliance, combining their strengths to fortify their defenses against an impending assault. With the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders, Orion must confront his fears and embrace his legacy as a technomancer. As the battle looms closer, the settlers rally around him, igniting a flicker of hope in the face of despair. In the chaos of war, Orion learns that true strength lies not only in power but in the bonds forged through trust, loyalty, and the courage to stand against the darkness. In "Echoes of the Celestial Realm," the fight for survival evolves into a journey of self-discovery, where the echoes of the past guide the way toward a brighter future.

watch as a farmer a nobody become a strong cultivator

In the kingdom of Valoria, an area the Celestial Accord unveils, there is a kingdom where a bitter wind came that carried a fierce message; there is a dragon, a legendary creature trapped within a prophecy that has awakened. High Mage pulls together Sir Elian Stormblade who is summoned to him, claiming him to be the one meant to bring together five chosen heroes and confront this ancient peril. The journey of Elian kicks off at the Emberwood where he meets an elven mage called Kaela Firethorn, well-versed with fire magic. They however get to trust each other after they perform a link through a procedure which allows them to perceive the Celestial Accord, an old magic for the need for togetherness as well as those for sacrifice. The next stop is Ironspine Mountains; as they try to find him they introduce us to Grimmir Stonejaw an exceptionally skilled dwarven forge-smith. Grimmir joins their venture following their demonstration by defeating a forge wraith and bringing back its ember. Following this success, the trio proceed to Verdant Vale where they are looking for Lira Swiftfoot a shrewd halfling scout. Though hesitant initially, Lira finally accepts after seeking guidance from an age-long sanctuary in the quest for purposeful clarity. Coming together, the heroes have individual anxieties and collective destinies become overwhelmed. Each has their own unique abilities that they bring into play as they embark on a journey that promises to be an epic of courage, and companionship against evil with the dragon looming ever closer threatening to engulf Valoria in the mayhem.

In a world where powerful forces govern destinies, Kael Tenebris lives a seemingly peaceful life with his parents, Nerissa and Arden. Under the strict teachings of his father and the strategic wisdom of his mother, Kael prepares for an uncertain future. However, the fragile balance of peace he knows begins to crumble, revealing an ancient legacy he barely understands. When his father's death sets off a series of unpredictable events, Kael is forced to confront his destiny and the truth behind the power that runs through his veins. Between intense training, family secrets, and forces beyond his control, Kael will discover that his journey is only just beginning, and what’s at stake is more than he could ever imagine.

After his sudden death in his ordinary world, Aric, a humble but driven young man, awakens in a realm filled with ancient magic, mythical beasts, and kingdoms vying for power. He’s not just reborn, though—he's the reincarnation of a powerful, nearly mythical figure known as the Celestial Vanguard, a warrior-mage who once wielded powers that protected the balance of the realms. The catch? Most of his memories from that past life are locked away, forcing him to rediscover his former abilities while cultivating new powers in this vibrant yet dangerous world.

Dangerous Omega Series #1 After dying in a horrific hate crime, Suki, a certified Fudanshi and a covert celestial fox spirit living in the human realm undergoes a mysterious transmigration. He was unwittingly transported into the very world depicted in "Their S-Class Affairs," an intense, hardcore and smut-ty BL manhua. The story that he was reading before his untimely demise. Suki, as the legendary nine-tailed fox, would have an easy and comfortable life if he possessed a body of a nameless extra. He could watch the betrayal and messy lives of the characters in the Manhua without throwing himself into the eye of the storm. However, fate proves harsh for a demon spirit like Suki as he unexpectedly becomes the omega husband of the enigmatic alpha and wild stallion ML, Bai Tingfeng. In the panels of the manhua, Bai Tingfeng harbors no affection for his vain and irresponsible husband. Suki, who now assumes the identity of the renowned model omega, Shen Yuan, knows this all too well. There's no way in hell that he can rely on the S-Class alpha's help in consolidating his new body. Since Suki can't acquire help, he doesn't want to be affected by whatever drama that the ML's halo would attract. Who would want to get all the trouble without reaping the benefits? No one. Shen Yuan/Suki decided to stand on the sidelines while munching popcorn, ready to watch the drama. Let Bai Tingfeng unleash his beastly nature and become the notorious f*ck boy in the city. Suki/Shen Yuan doesn't care about that. All his concern was to be separated from this difficult man! Will the husband and husband fall for each other? No one knows. Only the electronic billboard asking someone's WIFE for a coffee date would do the talk. #omegaverse #alphaxomega #MPREG #dungeons #magic #transmigration #powercouple #childraising #beast #nonhumanMC #supersmutBL #misunderstanding

In the majestic God Realm, Seraphine, the mischievous Chief God, and Ignatius, the steadfast God of Fire, were once inseparable pillars of balance. But when Seraphine’s playful mischief went too far, a powerful curse was unleashed, casting them both out of the divine realm and into the human world. Stripped of their celestial powers, they find themselves reborn as mortals in an unfamiliar world, their divine essence transformed into extraordinary talent. Rising to fame as the most celebrated idols of the modern age, their lives intersect in a whirlwind of rivalry and reluctant partnership. Though separated by misunderstandings and the remnants of their forgotten past, the bond they once shared begins to resurface. Amidst the glitz of the stage and the struggles of mortal life, Seraphine and Ignatius slowly rediscover the love that bound them together in the God Realm. As their true identities and the reason behind their fall are revealed, they must confront the curse and prove that their bond is strong enough to overcome the trials of both realms. Only then can they return to their rightful places in the God Realm, united as leaders and lovers.

Ding [congratulations you have acquired the Celestial{God of speed}System] [Do you accept the term and conditions of the system] With a huge claw at his face ready to take off his head, sending him back to the dark abyss from which he had just arrived not so long ago, already accepting his fate for a second death. Henry saw a holographic screen flash in front of him, one that would change his new life for the better... or worse, seeing no other option in his current dilemma and with nothing else to lose. "Yes, yes i accept!" he screamed out with determination and hope that this might just be a miracle here to save him from certain doom,and indeed it was. [You have successfully acquired all the functions and priorities of the system,including its benefits and disadvantages] Henry saw the screen again but that wasn't all he saw to his disbelief everything in the surroundings including the ferocious beast trying to kill him, were now completely still with the lion's claws just a few centimeters away from his head. "Wow, i guess this must be part of the benefits the system granted," he exclaimed with surprise "But what about the demerits?" I guess we'll find out soon enough as this was only just the beginning. Now with his newly acquired "cheat" system in a new world he had just been reincarnated to. From an urban civilization to an even more futuristic, civilized urban utopia where magic and technology are well versed, Henry must find his true purpose in the new world as he discovers more beings like him both good and bad. And as he navigates his way to a better second chance, making new friends and encountering old foes courtesy of his predecessor. Going against both celestial entities and monsters from other realms and doing as he pleases, defying rules of the multiverses and discovering worlds beyond. "Or maybe I'll just kick back and relax in this New World." SNEAK PEAK! Henry stood face to face with the mysterious figure, their suits a stark contrast to each other. Henry's white and gold suit gleamed in the sunlight, while the other figure's black and purple suit seemed to absorb the light around them. A mask covered the figure's face, making it impossible for Henry to discern their identity. "You're quite the legend, Henry," the figure said in a low, gravelly voice "I've heard a lot about your skills." Henry's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?" The figure chuckled. "Someone who's been watching you. Someone who's been waiting for the perfect moment to strike." Henry's grip on his fists tightened. "What do you want?" The figure smiled, their mask glinting in the light. "I want to see how fast you really are." Without warning, the figure took off, their black and purple suit blurring as they sprinted away. Henry's eyes widened, and he grinned. "Game on!" he exclaimed, taking off after the mysterious figure. The two speedsters tore through the city streets, their suits leaving trails of distorted air in their wake. As Henry left a trail of gold lightning so did the figure leave one of purple. Henry's Nitro suit glowed with a brilliant white light as he pushed himself to his limits, his feet pounding the pavement in a blur. The mysterious figure was fast, but Henry was determined to catch up. He focused all his energy on the chase, his senses heightened as he navigated the crowded streets. The city became a colorful blur as the two speedsters clashed in a battle of velocity and agility. Henry's heart pounded with excitement, his mind racing with the thrill of the chase. Who was this mysterious figure, and what did they want? Henry was determined to find out. Crap! I wanted to write more but looks like I've reached the word limit. Sigh* Well I hope I've gotten your attention with all this, i like my summary to always look like a trailer, that's why it's so long. Anyways check more of these when you read my book and support, I'll appreciate. Gracias! Check my discord link in bio, join for more info.

Liang Tian, born into the despised Liang Clan, hides a powerful secret: the Eternal Primordial Pearl. Struggling against scorn and rivalry, he defeats a prodigy at the Annual Sect Trials, earning a chance to join the prestigious Azure Sky Sect. As he rises from an Apprentice to an Ascendant, he uncovers dark secrets and divine conspiracies, all while grappling with the internal conflict between ambition and morality. Venturing into the Divine Realms, Liang Tian discovers hidden truths and faces enemies beyond imagination. With each breakthrough, he grows stronger, but his path leads him to a pivotal choice: to preserve the balance of the cosmos or reshape it for his own vision. Eternal Ascension follows his journey from humble beginnings to the brink of transcendence, where his decisions will determine the fate of all realms.

The Trials are about to begin; Seraphim looks to the past to learn about her uncertain future. Being a Celestial Arborist has never been easy; and soon she learns there are more secrets to unfold. Will she abandon everything she knows in search of the truth? Check out our other story Snow White and Her Vampire King. Updates on Mondays. http://wbnv.in/a/1dibx6X “Harriette,” she whispered, her voice trembling, “we need to go. Now.”  The temperature dropped around them, Seraphim could see her breath, and her breathing was ragged as it drew in the sharp air.  Harriette’s body began to quiver as she too, sensed the shift in the air. But before they could move, a figure emerged from the shadows of the trees. It was unlike anything Seraphim had ever seen—a towering, hunched creature cloaked in darkness. Its eyes glowed faintly, twin orbs of eerie green light. The gaze seemed to pierce through her, seeping into her very soul. “Don’t look at it!” Seraphim hissed, grabbing Harriette’s arm and pulling her back. “Whatever you do, don’t meet its eyes!” The sisters stumbled backward, the creature’s guttural growl vibrating through the air. Seraphim’s heart pounded as she tried to remember the stories she had heard—legends of beasts that roamed beyond the wall, their gaze capable of paralyzing even the bravest of souls. They turned to flee, crashing through the underbrush in a desperate attempt to escape. But the creature was fast, its heavy footsteps thundering behind them.

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