My friends are gods

Chapter 20: The Beast of the Shadowed Forest (Season Finale)

The ground trembled as the monstrous beast stepped into the clearing, its massive frame illuminated by the faint light of the Core of Ascension in Han Li's hand. Its glowing red eyes locked onto him, and a low growl rumbled from deep within its chest. Han Li couldn't tell if the creature was angry, hungry, or both—but either way, it wasn't going to let them leave without a fight.

Lian stood behind him, her staff glowing faintly. "Han, this thing is no ordinary beast. Its aura is… unnatural."

Han Li smirked, trying to mask his unease. "Unnatural? Great. That means it's probably not too fond of fire."

The beast roared, shaking the very air around them. Trees shuddered, and birds scattered into the night sky. Han Li raised the Blade of Eternal Flame, the purple and orange flames reflecting in the beast's predatory gaze.

"Lian, keep your distance," Han Li said, his voice steady. "I'll handle this."

---

The First Clash

The beast lunged forward with astonishing speed, its massive claws slashing at Han Li. He barely managed to roll out of the way, the claws carving deep gouges into the earth where he had just stood. Han sprang to his feet, swinging his sword in a wide arc. The flames struck the beast's flank, but the attack only seemed to anger it.

"That didn't do much," Han muttered.

From the shadows, Tyra's voice echoed in his mind. "Han Li, this creature is not of Humu. It's a remnant of the ancient realms, corrupted by forbidden magic."

"Great," Han thought back sarcastically. "Any tips?"

"Hit its core," Tyra instructed. "Every corrupted beast has one—it's the source of its power. Aim there."

Han nodded, scanning the creature for a weakness. Amidst its dark fur and sinewy muscles, a faint glow pulsed in the center of its chest—a core, just as Tyra had said. But reaching it would be no easy task.

---

A Desperate Plan

"Lian, I need your help!" Han shouted as he dodged another swipe of the beast's claws.

Lian hesitated, but seeing Han's determined gaze, she nodded. "What do you need?"

"Distract it," Han said. "I'll go for its core."

Lian raised her staff, summoning a flurry of glowing green orbs that shot toward the beast. The orbs exploded on impact, lighting up the clearing and forcing the creature to recoil. It snarled, turning its attention toward her.

"Over here, you overgrown furball!" Lian taunted, firing another bolt of energy.

The beast roared and charged at her, giving Han the opening he needed. He sprinted toward the creature, flames licking at his blade as he prepared to strike. But just as he closed the distance, the beast spun around, swiping at him with its tail. The impact sent Han flying into a tree, the breath knocked out of him.

---

A Gift from the Gods

Han struggled to his feet, his vision blurry. The beast was relentless, already closing in on him. For a moment, doubt crept into his mind—was this fight too much for him?

"No," he muttered, shaking his head. "I've come too far to lose now."

As the beast lunged, Han felt a surge of energy coursing through him. The Core of Ascension in his hand pulsed brightly, and he heard a familiar voice in his mind—Borin, the god of flames.

"Still alive, I see," Borin said with a chuckle. "Looks like you need a little help."

"Wouldn't say no," Han replied mentally.

Borin's laughter echoed in his mind. "Then take this. It's a one-time deal, so make it count."

The Blade of Eternal Flame erupted with a blinding burst of fire, its flames now infused with golden energy. The heat was so intense that the air around Han shimmered. The beast hesitated, sensing the sudden change.

Han smirked, gripping the sword tightly. "Alright, big guy. Let's dance."

---

The Final Strike

With newfound strength, Han charged at the beast, dodging its claws with ease. Each swing of his blade sent waves of fire cascading through the clearing, forcing the creature back. Lian continued her assault from a distance, her magic keeping the beast disoriented.

Finally, Han saw his opening. The beast reared up on its hind legs, exposing the glowing core in its chest. Han leaped into the air, flames trailing behind him as he brought his sword down in a powerful strike.

The blade pierced the core, and the beast let out a deafening roar. Its body convulsed, dark energy spilling out as the core shattered. With one final cry, the creature collapsed, its massive frame disintegrating into ash.

---

A Cryptic Revelation

Han landed on the ground, breathing heavily. The Core of Ascension in his hand dimmed, its light stabilizing. Lian rushed over to him, her expression a mix of relief and awe.

"You did it," she said, helping him to his feet.

Han smirked, wiping sweat from his brow. "Of course I did. Was there ever any doubt?"

Before Lian could respond, the ashes of the beast began to swirl, forming strange symbols in the air. Han and Lian watched in silence as the symbols coalesced into a map—one that marked several locations across Humu.

"What is this?" Lian asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Han frowned, studying the map. "Looks like it's telling us where to go next."

As the symbols faded, a voice echoed through the clearing—a deep, otherworldly tone that sent chills down their spines.

"The first trial is complete. The journey to the ancient ruins begins."

Han and Lian exchanged uneasy glances. Whatever they had stumbled into, it was far bigger than either of them had imagined.

---

The Season Ends

As the forest fell silent once more, Han looked at the Core of Ascension in his hand. It had led them to victory, but it also seemed to hold secrets far beyond their understanding.

"Well," he said, his tone light despite the tension. "Guess we've got our next adventure lined up."

Lian sighed, shaking her head. "You're impossible."

The two of them began their trek out of the clearing, the faint light of dawn breaking through the trees. Unbeknownst to them, shadowy figures watched from the distance, their intentions unknown.

The journey into Humu had only just begun, and the trials ahead would test them in ways they could not yet comprehend.

To Be Continued...