Chapter 10: New Powers Awaken
The Fierce Battle with the Shadow Behemoth
After defeating the core of the shadow in the forest, Loki (Satoshi Koizumi) and his companions took a moment to catch their breath. As the calm returned to the forest, they began preparing for their next destination. Just then, Athena and Artemis appeared.
“Well done, everyone. That was an impressive battle,” Athena said with a smile.
“Thank you, Athena, but we know this isn’t over yet, is it?” Loki asked.
“Indeed, many trials still lie ahead,” Artemis replied calmly.
At that moment, an ominous presence emerged from deep within the forest. A massive shadow began to materialize, slowly advancing toward them.
“A new enemy approaches,” Uranus (Sora Amano) said, his face tense.
“Stay sharp, everyone,” Minerva (Tomomi Koizumi) directed, her voice calm but firm.
The approaching figure took the form of a colossal beast, cloaked in black flames. The air around it distorted from its immense power. The creature, known as the “Shadow Behemoth,” let out a deafening roar.
“This… this is far stronger than anything we’ve faced before!” Apollo (Kira Moroboshi) exclaimed, eyes wide in shock.
“We have to defeat it here,” Gaia (Misa Morino) said resolutely.
New Strategies and Vishnu’s Decision
Before the battle began, Athena used her wisdom to pinpoint the creature’s weakness. “Its weak spot is the red stone embedded in its chest. Focus your attacks there!” she instructed.
“Understood!” Loki responded, determination in his voice.
Just then, Vishnu (Li Wenqiang) stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the behemoth. “I will end this battle. The rest of you support me,” he said quietly, but with authority.
Uranus summoned lightning from the storm clouds above, while Apollo unleashed powerful arrows of light to immobilize the behemoth’s movements.
“This is the finishing blow!” Apollo cried, releasing his arrow, but Vishnu’s gaze remained calm and sharp.
Vishnu’s Powerful Strike
“The Shadow Behemoth’s strength can’t be overcome by mere physical force. I will destroy its essence,” Vishnu said, raising his hand as a massive vortex of energy formed behind him. It was an energy drawn from the very depths of the universe, a decisive force aimed at obliterating the behemoth.
Minerva issued a warning. “Everyone, stay clear of Vishnu’s energy! That power is… dangerous!”
Gaia, observing the battle closely, guided the natural forces around them to focus Vishnu’s attack toward the behemoth. “Vishnu, we entrust this to you. Nature’s power will support your strike.”
Vishnu raised his right hand toward the sky, gathering the energy. “This ends now, Shadow Behemoth.” He released the energy, sending it crashing toward the behemoth. The creature was engulfed by the overwhelming force and began to disintegrate.
The behemoth let out a final roar as its shadow energy spread across the forest, but Vishnu’s power eradicated every trace of it.
The Shadow’s Dissolution and Its Immortality
After the intense battle, the group succeeded in sealing away the shadow behemoth’s power. Light from the altar enveloped the creature, and its massive form gradually faded away.
“Is it… finally over?” Apollo asked, panting heavily.
Gaia scanned the forest with a stern expression. “No, the shadow is immortal. It’s only disappeared here temporarily.”
“Immortal…? Does that mean it will return?” Loki asked in disbelief.
Vishnu, still composed, replied, “The shadow’s essence is tied to the darkness of this world itself. To truly eliminate it, we must find and confront the deeper source.”
Loki absorbed Vishnu’s words, his resolve hardening. “So this isn’t over… We’ll keep fighting until we find a way to stop it for good.”
The Awakening of New Powers
Later, the group rested by a clear stream at the edge of the forest. It was here that Gaia encouraged them to unlock new strengths.
“The trials we face will only grow more difficult. But within each of us lies dormant power. If we awaken it, we can become even stronger,” Gaia explained.
Loki took a deep breath. “You’re right. Let’s unlock the full potential of our abilities.”
They entered a state of deep meditation, each connecting with their inner power. Through this process, they discovered new abilities, allowing them to tap into even greater strengths.
“We will continue moving forward, united. Let’s prepare for the next trial,” Uranus said, his newfound resolve clear.
The journey through this otherworldly realm was far from over. Many more trials awaited them, but with their new powers awakened and their bond as strong as ever, they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.