Chapter 25.
"Thanks for the water, Sir Lucas," Lucien said, taking one of the bottles they'd brought. He drank deeply, sighing in relief. "I needed that after such a long run."
"It wasn't just a run, boy," Lucas replied, settling onto a nearby rock.
"What do you mean?" Lucien asked, sitting across from him.
"What you did back there wasn't mere running—you were watching the beast's movements, its attack patterns, and adapting to them."
"Ohhh… now I get it." Lucien smiled faintly. "That wasn't just training for speed,it was about learning to adapt."
"That's right," Lucas said, standing again. "It doesn't matter where you are as long as you can adapt in the midst of battle."
He dusted off his cloak. "Next training is simple."
Lucien snorted. "Yeah, that's what you all say before throwing us into death's mouth."
Lucas laughed. "You're right about that. But this one...well, you'll be the judge. All you have to do are push-ups. Sounds easy enough, doesn't it?"
Lucien narrowed his eyes. "Where, how… and what are the limitations?"
"Here's your timer." Lucas raised his staff; the orb embedded in it dimmed to a dull glow. "You'll fill that orb with your energy while doing push-ups."
Lucien groaned. "I knew it. No easy feats with you people—not even for a seven-year-old prince. That's why I like training here."
He grinned and stretched. "Well then… let's get to it."
---
"Hey!!!" Dreadmane's voice thundered through the dim cave. "It's been hours since we slept—when are we getting back to fighting?" He slammed his hands together, restless energy radiating off him.
"Rest is essential to the body," Obsidian said, calm and unmoved as he meditated in the corner. "Now close your eyes and rest."
"Yeah, sure, whatever…" Dreadmane scoffed, turning away.
"Hey, Slime… how about a little battle, just you and me? Let's see who's stronger."
Slime, sprawled lazily on the floor, shifted without opening an eye. "I'd win," he murmured. "Now let me sleep."
"You all are no fun…" Dreadmane grumbled.
A voice drifted from the corridor. "Then maybe you should try fighting your patience, instead of us."
It was Dress, walking out of Ethen's room.
---
"I think that's enough, Chris…" Theresa said softly, leaning on a rock.
Chris stood rigid, a massive boulder pressing into his back as he held his plank.
"I think so too," he breathed, sweat dripping. "But until my body forgets this weight… it's not enough."
"That's how a man does it."
Dreadmane's deep voice echoed as he passed. "I'm impressed. Weak as you are, you strive for strength. Keep at it."
Theresa glared after him, her jaw tight. Then she turned and walked off toward Seraphine, joining her in meditation.
---
Inside the cave, the air hummed faintly with power.
"Do you think it was wise to let him leave?" Slime asked, sprawled on the ground. "He hasn't fully recovered."
"He has," Obsidian replied without opening his eyes. "My body is at full strength now. As the former Apex Beast, his recovery would be even faster."
"I guess you're right," Slime muttered, standing. "I need water… and some air."
He oozed toward the exit.
Outside, Lucas sat upon a stone chair, reading a worn spellbook.
Without hesitation, Slime knelt. "Master."
Lucas turned. "Ah? Who are you?"
"The Black Slimes you created," Slime said. "It's us."
Lucas rose sharply, placing the book aside. "The Black Slimes…? But Master Ethen took you all!"
"Yes, my lord. He merged two of our kin into Obsidian Panther and Dreadmane."
Lucas froze, voice trembling. "How did he know such fusion would enhance them? If it had failed, both would have perished…"
"But it succeeded," Slime said evenly.
Lucas exhaled, shaking his head. "Get up. I'm not your master anymore. You and I serve only one now."
He stepped out of the cave.
Slime followed silently.
---
"Theresa!" Lucas called.
She cracked open one eye, mildly annoyed. "What is it?"
"I have something that might be of use to you," he said, approaching.
"Oh? And what's that?"
"Attack me...with that fiery ability of yours."
She smirked. "Thought you'd never ask."
Flames coiled around her hand, blazing to life. "Here we go!"
She hurled a punch, her fist trailing fire.
Lucas merely sidestepped, raising one finger to touch the flame and instantly, her fire died out.
"What?!" Everyone gasped except Chris, who continued his plank unfazed.
Theresa's eyes narrowed. "Okay… I'm going to kill you." She grabbed Lucas by the collar.
Lucas didn't resist. He simply pointed behind her.
Slime's eyes, once black, now glowed blue.
Theresa turned, realization dawning. Then a grin spread across her face. "Teach me. Now."
"Master! Why would you—" Slime began.
"This isn't about you," Lucas cut him off coldly. "It's about the other two. If left unchecked, they'll unbalance the forest. I built you for the ruins—not for the world."
A voice sliced through the air, deep and familiar. "And yet, you call them unstable?"
Ethen's shadow stretched across the cave entrance as he stepped forward. "I saw potential in what you made and now you speak of fear?"
"Master, those things are dangerous to the forest, to humanity!" Lucas snapped.
Ethen's gaze hardened. "And am I not dangerous? I was cast into this forest as an infant, remember?"
"That's different!" Lucas shouted. "They're immune to everything!"
"Except," Ethen said, "for what you just displayed."
"Master, please—"
"Fine." Ethen waved a hand. "Teach her the spell. After that, she and Dreadmane will settle their score." He turned back into the darkness.
"You have until midnight. Their power peaks then."
Lucas bowed low. "Thank you, my lord."
He turned to Theresa with a smirk. "Don't let me down."
---
"These monsters are weak…" Dreadmane murmured, standing amidst a field of corpses. His eyes glowed orange, blood splattered across his body and hands.
The forest around him was silent, trembling beneath his strength.
To be continued…