Nate stood at the edge of the massive dormant volcano. The entrance to the underground tunnels lay before him ā a jagged crack in the earth leading into darkness. Steam hissed from the nearby crevices, and the heat was stifling.
He held his breath.
Nate (thinking):
"This is it. I canāt fail."
He began his descent, the echoes of his footsteps disappearing into the abyss.
The dark cavern pulsed with heat, glowing faintly from the veins of molten lava that flowed beneath the rocky terrain. Nate crept through the shadows, carefully maneuvering past the twisted, blackened pillars that lined the inner chamber. His fists were clenched, and his heart pounded in his chest.
The plan had been simple. Lure Magsui to the volcanic center, trigger a series of explosions by manipulating the unstable rocks, and bury the demon general beneath a torrent of molten destruction. It was daring. Foolish, even. But Nate had nothing to lose.
Nate (thinking):
"This ends today. No more tributes. No more suffering."
_ _ _
All the steps were executed perfectly but before he could initiate the final step, a gust of scorching wind blasted through the cavern.
A monstrous, twisted figure emerged from the shadows ā Magsui, the demon general. His jagged, horned face twisted into a wicked grin.
Magsui: (darkly looking at the setup)
"A foolish little insect dares challenge me?"
Nate's eyes widened in fear, but he held his ground.
Nate:
"I'm not afraid of you, Magsui!"
The demon general laughed, his booming voice echoing through the cavern.
Magsui:
"Then let me show you the true meaning of fear."
With terrifying speed, Magsui lunged forward, slamming Nate into the rocky floor.
The ground cracked beneath the force, and Nate let out a pained gasp.
_ _ _
Back in the Village
The sun had fully risen, casting a crimson glow over the volcanic plains. Safari, Zack, and Jen rushed across the landscape, following the trail Nate had left behind.
Jen's expression was anxious, her hands trembling slightly.
Jen: (worried)
"He shouldnāt have gone alone. What if heās in danger?"
Zack noticed the concern in her eyes and smirked mischievously.
Zack:
"Aww, Jen, donāt tell me youāve taken a liking to him already."
Jenās cheeks flushed.
Jen:
"I-Iām just worried! Heās reckless!"
Safari growled in frustration.
Safari:
"Enough with your nonsense, you little annoyance! Iām done listening to you. Iāll do whatever I want!"
Zack: (grinning)
"Sure, sure. But I can see right through you, big bro."
Before Safari could respond, they reached the base of the volcano. What they saw next froze them in place.
Nate, bloodied and bruised, was suspended mid-air by Magsuiās molten chains. The demon generalās laughter echoed as he twisted the chains tighter, relishing in Nateās suffering.
Magsui: (mocking)
"You thought you could challenge me? Pathetic."
Jen: (horrified)
"Nate!"
Without wasting another second, Safari's fists ignited with fierce energy.
Safari: (roaring)
"Youāre mine, Magsui!"
He charged forward, his powerful steps shaking the earth as he transformed.
Zack and Jen rushed to Nateās side as Safari engaged the demon general in a furious clash.
Zack knelt beside Nate, placing his hands over the wounded young man.
His palms began to glow with a soft, warm light as his healing powers took effect.
Zack: (determined)
"Hang in there, Nate. Youāre not dying on my watch."
Nate groaned, barely conscious. His breathing was shallow, but the pain visibly eased under Zackās touch.
Meanwhile, Jen clasped her hands together, her voice trembling.
Jen: (whispering)
"Please, let him be okay..."
Her prayers lingered in the air, filled with hope as Zack continued his work.
The battlefield erupted with blasts of heat and smoke.
Safariās Devil Hammer collided with Magsuiās molten body, sending shockwaves through the air.
The demon general retaliated with massive swings, his molten chains striking the ground like fiery serpents.
Safari: (grinning despite the heat)
"Is that all youāve got? I expected more from a so-called demon general!"
Magsui roared, releasing a burst of scorching energy. Safari barely dodged, the molten blast grazing his arm. But he didnāt flinch. He relished the battle ā the surge of adrenaline, the thrill of the fight.
Meanwhile, in Space...
Far above, Angeleva was enduring a fate far more frustrating.
The humanoid weirdos clung to her like barnacles, their ceaseless chatter filling her ears.
Weirdo 1:
"Miss! Miss! Did you know your wings sparkle in seven colors?"
Weirdo 2:
"What shampoo do you use? Your hair smells like flowers!"
Weirdo 3: (sniffling dramatically)
"Please, consider me your humble servant for eternity!"
Angelevaās face was twisted in utter disgust. Despite her powers, even she couldnāt bring herself to use her seduction abilities on them.
Angeleva: (thinking)
"Theyāre not even strong! Just... overwhelmingly annoying!"
She tried soaring faster, but the weirdos only clung tighter.
Angeleva: (desperately)
"Let go of me, you lunatics!"
Weirdo 1: (beaming)
"But weāre bonded by fate!"
Angeleva: (gritting her teeth)
"The only fate youāll meet is me tossing you into a black hole!"
Despite all her efforts, her speed was drastically reduced. She was still far from Gorvax, her tracker beeping relentlessly.
Angeleva (thinking):
"Ugh! That mosshead better not finish all the fun before I get there!"
Back at the Volcano
Safari's hammer struck true, forcing Magsui back momentarily. The ground beneath them cracked as lava spewed upward.
Magsui growled, his molten form glowing even brighter.
Magsui: (snarling)
"You will burn, insolent fool!"
Safari only grinned.
Safari: (with fierce determination)
"Weāll see about that."