LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 9: The Trial of the Forest
The Lair of Shadows
Guided by Gaia (Misa Morino), Loki (Satoshi Koizumi) and the group ventured into the vast forest beyond the temple. Known as one of the most dangerous places in this otherworldly realm, the forest was said to harbor ancient monsters, and it was a place where the power of shadows grew stronger.
Gaia, her expression serious, explained, “This forest is home to the heart of the shadows. We must prepare for a ritual to seal the shadow’s power here.”
Uranus (Sora Amano) cautiously scanned the surroundings. “I can feel a stronger force here than in our previous battle. Our powers are returning, but we must stay alert.”
Apollo (Kira Moroboshi) boldly declared, “It feels like the shadow creatures are getting stronger, but so are we. We can face whatever enemy comes our way.”
Vishnu (Li Wenqiang) added with a calm voice, “The balance of nature is being distorted here. The shadow’s power is growing rapidly.”
Minerva (Tomomi Koizumi), focused and calculating, proposed, “First, we need to locate the altar at the center of the forest. This ritual will be more complex and powerful than the last.”
Asclepius (Masato Matsuda), preparing his healing powers, said, “I’ll stay ready in case anything happens. Let’s be prepared for anything.”
Exploring the Forest and Making a Discovery
They proceeded carefully through the forest. The surrounding trees cast eerie shadows, and the atmosphere grew increasingly unsettling. Eventually, they reached an enormous ancient tree standing at the center of the forest.
“This must be the heart of the forest,” Loki (Satoshi) murmured.
Minerva approached the tree, placing her hand on its bark. She noticed ancient runes carved into the trunk. “These runes are even stronger than the ones we saw at the previous temple. The shadow’s power is clearly growing.”
Suddenly, the shadows around them began to converge, forming a monstrous entity far larger and more terrifying than the one they had previously fought. The creature emanated a dark aura that filled the entire forest.
“This shadow… it’s far more powerful than the last one!” Apollo exclaimed, readying an arrow of light.
Gaia, remaining composed, remarked, “We cannot begin the ritual until this creature is defeated.”
Vishnu observed the beast carefully and stated, “This is one of the deepest roots of the shadow’s power. Defeating it will not be easy, but we are capable.”
Loki glanced at his comrades, his gaze resolute. “Everyone, are you ready? This enemy is stronger than before, but we will give it everything we’ve got.”
Following Minerva’s strategic guidance, they combined their powers and launched an attack on the shadow beast. Light and darkness clashed violently, shaking the entire forest.
“We cannot lose here!” Loki shouted, pushing himself to the limit.
The Battle with the Shadow Beast
After a fierce battle, they managed to defeat the shadow beast. The forest fell silent, and the dark energy that had enveloped it slowly dissipated.
“Is it over?” Apollo asked, panting from exhaustion.
Gaia smiled faintly, “For now. The threat to this forest is gone, but our work is not finished.”
Vishnu, gazing at the remnants of the shadow, added, “There will likely be stronger enemies to come. This is only the beginning.”
Loki nodded in agreement. “Let’s begin the ritual to seal the shadow’s power completely.”
Preparing for the Ritual
They gathered at the altar at the forest’s heart, preparing for the ritual. Minerva carefully deciphered the ancient runes and led the group in performing the ritual to seal the shadow.
“This ritual requires all of our power. We need to give it more energy than the last one,” Minerva instructed.
Apollo fired an arrow of light into the sky, directing energy toward the altar, while Uranus manipulated time, ensuring the ritual flowed perfectly. Asclepius pooled the group’s energy, focusing it toward the altar.
Sealing the Shadow
As the ritual progressed, a brilliant light erupted from the altar, purifying the shadow’s remaining power. With their combined strength, they successfully sealed the shadow’s influence.
“The forest can now return to peace,” Gaia said with a relieved expression.
Vishnu surveyed the forest, noting, “There may still be places where the shadow lingers, but for now, this area is safe.”
Loki expressed his gratitude to the group. “Thank you, everyone. We’ve overcome yet another trial.”
They stood quietly for a moment, taking in the calm that had returned to the forest. But all of them could sense that the next battle was looming. Loki’s expression tightened.
“This peace won’t last long. We need to find our next path before the shadow moves again,” he said.
Apollo, smiling yet resolute, responded, “Whatever comes next, we’ll face it together.”
They nodded to each other, ready to continue their journey. Sensing the shadow’s presence elsewhere, they began walking toward their next destination, prepared for whatever challenges awaited them.