《Survival of Sumit》


 CH1: The Average Life

    In the quaint town of Willowbrook, where the streets buzzed with the rhythm of everyday life, lived a boy named Sumit. At seventeen, he was neither the star athlete nor the top student at Willowbrook High. He resided in a modest house with his parents, Sriraj and Sarah, who worked long hours to make ends meet. Sumit was their only child, and while they hoped for him to excel, they understood and respected his choice to lead an ordinary life.


    Sumit''s mornings followed a routine of bleary-eyed awakenings and the familiar aroma of his mother''s pancakes wafting from the kitchen. He''d drag himself out of bed, his tousled brown hair sticking up in all directions, and trudge downstairs to greet his parents before heading off to school.


    Willowbrook High was a typical suburban institution, bustling with students eager to make their mark. For Sumit, it was merely a place to pass the time, blend into the background, and avoid drawing attention. He wasn''t unpopular, but neither was he particularly well-known. He navigated the halls with a quiet anonymity.


    Classes came and went in a blur of lectures and assignments, which Sumit completed with detached diligence. Though he wasn''t passionate about any subject, he understood the importance of education and applied himself accordingly. His grades were average, reflecting his efforts to meet expectations.


    Afternoons were a haze of monotony, as Sumit meandered through the halls of Willowbrook High, exchanging pleasantries with classmates and teachers. He wasn''t interested in extracurricular activities or social gatherings, preferring instead to retreat into the safety of his own thoughts.


    Evenings were quiet at home. Dinner was a modest affair, with the three of them gathered around the table, sharing stories of their respective days. Sriraj and Sarah would inquire about Sumit''s classes, friends, and plans for the future. Although he appreciated their concern, Sumit often found himself retreating into silence, content to let the conversation wash over him.


    Nights were for solitude, as Sumit retreated to his room, the soft glow of his desk lamp illuminating the pages of the book he happened to be reading. He found solace in the written word, losing himself in tales of adventure and intrigue that offered a brief respite from the mundanity of his life.


    And so, the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, as Sumit settled into the rhythm of his existence. He wasn''t unhappy, nor was he particularly fulfilled. He simply was, content to let life pass him by as he drifted along its currents.


    But little did Sumit know, his ordinary existence was about to be turned upside down. On a seemingly ordinary morning, he would awaken to find himself thrust into a world far beyond his wildest dreams¡ªor perhaps his worst nightmares.


    It was a crisp spring morning in Willowbrook, the air tinged with the promise of warmth as the sun peeked over the horizon. Birds chirped merrily outside Sumit''s window, their cheerful melodies a stark contrast to the fog of sleep that clung to his mind. With a groan, he peeled himself from the comfort of his bed, limbs heavy with fatigue as he stumbled through his morning routine.


    As Sumit descended the stairs, the smell of freshly brewed coffee greeted him, mingling with the faint scent of syrup and pancakes. His parents sat at the kitchen table, engrossed in conversation as they sipped their morning brew. Sarah looked up with a warm smile as Sumit entered the room, her eyes crinkling at the corners in silent greeting.


    "Morning, sleepyhead," she said, gesturing to the empty seat across from her. "Join us for breakfast?"


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    Sumit offered a tired nod, sinking into the chair with a heavy sigh. He poured himself a cup of coffee, the warmth seeping into his bones as he took a tentative sip. His parents exchanged knowing glances, a silent acknowledgment of their son''s perpetual state of exhaustion.


    "So, any plans for today?" Sriraj inquired, setting down his mug with a soft clink.


    Sumit shrugged; his gaze fixed on the swirls of cream that danced atop his coffee. "Not really," he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. "Just another day at school, I guess."


    Sriraj and Sarah shared a concerned glance, their expressions a mirror of parental worry. They had watched their son drift through life with a sense of detached apathy, his once-bright eyes dimmed by the weight of the world. They longed to see him find passion and purpose, to break free from the confines of his self-imposed solitude.


    "Well, why don''t you try something new today?" Sarah suggested gently. "Join a club, talk to someone new... shake things up a bit."


    Sumit offered a half-hearted nod, the suggestion already fading from his mind as he pushed his plate away. He felt suffocated by the weight of their expectations, the pressure to be someone he wasn''t. All he wanted was to disappear into the background, to fade into obscurity where no one could reach him.


    With a muttered excuse, Sumit retreated to his room, the weight of the world heavy on his shoulders. He flopped onto his bed, the soft mattress enveloping him in a cocoon of comfort as he closed his eyes. But even in the darkness behind his eyelids, he couldn''t escape the nagging sense of unease that gnawed at his soul.


    Hours passed in a blur of restless sleep, the minutes stretching into eternity as Sumit drifted between wakefulness and dreams. Just as the sun began its descent below the horizon, he was jolted awake by an unsettling sensation.


    Blinking groggily, Sumit sat up, only to find himself lying in a vast field of grass surrounded by dense jungle. His heart raced as he surveyed his unfamiliar surroundings. Tall trees and thick foliage stretched out in every direction, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. The air was heavy with the earthy scent of the forest, and the distant calls of exotic birds filled the silence.


    Panic surged through him as he scrambled to his feet, his mind reeling with disbelief. This couldn''t be real. He must have been kidnapped and brought to this jungle by someone. His thoughts raced as he tried to piece together how he had ended up here. Could it be a prank, or had something more sinister happened?


    He looked around desperately, searching for any sign of human presence or a way to escape. The dense jungle seemed to stretch endlessly, offering no clear path or indication of how he had arrived. The unfamiliar terrain and the creeping darkness made it even more disorienting.


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, the jungle around him began to darken, casting eerie shadows that seemed to move with a life of their own. Strange, unidentifiable noises filled the air¡ªrustlings in the underbrush, distant growls, and the occasional snap of twigs underfoot. The sounds of the forest grew louder and more unsettling as night fell.


    Sumit''s fear escalated as he stumbled through the grass, his breathing quick and shallow. The weight of his predicament began to sink in more deeply with every step. He realized he had no idea where he was or how to find his way back. The forest seemed to close in on him, the darkness pressing against his senses and amplifying his sense of isolation.


    In a desperate attempt to make sense of his situation, Sumit took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. He needed to think clearly if he was going to survive this. He scanned the area for anything that might provide a clue or a means of escape¡ªa way to signal for help or a safer place to wait until dawn.


    Just as hope seemed to wane, he spotted a faint flicker of light through the dense foliage in the distance. His heart leapt with a mix of hope and trepidation. Could this be a sign of other people or a potential refuge? With renewed determination, Sumit began to make his way toward the light, pushing through the thick undergrowth.


    As he moved closer, the jungle seemed to come alive with an almost malevolent energy, as if aware of his intrusion. The shadows danced and shifted around him, and the strange sounds of the forest seemed to grow louder, more insistent. Despite his fear, Sumit pressed on, driven by the hope of finding something¡ªanything¡ªthat might lead him to safety or answers.

 CH2: Lost in the Unknown

    One fateful morning, Sumit awoke to find himself lying in the middle of an open field, surrounded by dense forest. Panic surged through him as he realized he was clad in nothing but his pajamas, with no recollection of how he got there. With a racing heart and trembling limbs, he began to run towards a faint flicker of light, hoping to stumble upon someone who could provide answers.


    As he approached the light, his steps slowed, the fear subsiding. He realized there was no one chasing him, no signs of a struggle, and his mind began to clear.


    Maybe I''m dreaming?


    SLAP.


    He slapped himself, not sure if he was dreaming or hallucinating. The sting of pain was real, a stark reminder that he was indeed awake. He took a moment to compose himself before starting to walk again toward the light. The light grew brighter, revealing a river that glowed with an eerie luminescence.


    It''s just a river.


    Sumit stared at the river, his curiosity piqued. He had never heard of such a phenomenon, but he knew that in the jungle, nature often held secrets beyond the realm of his textbooks. He approached the water''s edge, the glow reflecting on his skin. Cautiously, he dipped his hand into the water, expecting it to be warm or electric, but it was cool and refreshing, the current gently tugging at his fingers.


    It''s cold.


    He took it as a sign and made his decision. He would follow the river downstream, trusting that it would lead him to civilization. His survival instincts kicked in, and he knew that finding help was his only priority. He took a sip from the river and looked towards the jungle. The sounds of the jungle grew fainter as he calmed down and drank more water, his thoughts a whirlpool of questions about how he ended up here and what lay ahead.


    Let''s move.


    The first night was the hardest. Sumit climbed a tree with surprising ease, his years of playing in the mango orchards back home serving him well. He found a sturdy branch and curled up, the croaks and chirps of the night creatures lulling him into an uneasy sleep. His stomach growled, a reminder that he had not eaten since he arrived.


    I''m hungry.


    Desperation grew as the light from the river illuminated a patch of ripe berries. He plucked them greedily, ignoring the voice in his head that whispered of potential dangers.


    They look safe.


    The berries were tart and sweet, a welcome relief from the emptiness in his belly. He ate until he could eat no more, not caring if they were safe or not. As the night deepened, his stomach began to rebel, cramps twisting his insides into knots. He lay awake, his body writhing in pain, questioning the wisdom of his choice. The river''s glow grew faint, and he realized it was a side effect of the berries. The jungle around him was a black canvas, the stars hidden by the dense canopy above.


    Fuc¡­


    For four days, Sumit traveled with the river, his stomach a constant companion in his misery. Each night, he found refuge in the embrace of the trees, their branches a swaying cradle in the wind. The days were a blur of climbing and walking, the only constant being the ever-present light that guided him. He saw no signs of human life, no discarded wrappers¡ªjust animal footprints and the endless expanse of green. The glowing river was his silent guide through this uncharted territory.


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    On the fourth day, his body was a wreck, bruised and bitten by unseen insects. His stomach had settled into a dull roar, the berries a distant memory. He had learned to fish with a makeshift spear, but the fear of the unknown lingered like a shadow. Yet, there was something oddly liberating about his solitude. No one to judge him, no one to expect him to be anything other than what he was in this moment: a boy fighting to survive. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with fiery hues, he spotted something that made his heart leap¡ªa flicker of light in the distance, brighter than the river''s glow. It was a campfire. He approached cautiously, hope flaring in his chest like a candle in the dark.


    Sumit''s heart pounded in his chest as he broke into a run, the flicker of the campfire growing larger with each step. The warmth of the firelight was a beacon in the cold darkness, promising safety and perhaps, finally, some answers. As he neared the clearing, the silhouette of a humanoid figure sitting by the flames became clear. Cloaked in shadow, its features were hidden beneath a hood pulled low over its face, adding an air of mystery to the scene.


    The figure sat perfectly still, as if waiting. Sumit hesitated, his instincts urging him to be cautious, but the desire for human contact overpowered his fear. He took a tentative step forward, his breath shallow, each crackle of the fire sounding unnaturally loud in the stillness of the night.


    As Sumit drew closer, the figure stirred, turning its head toward him. A pair of eyes glinted from beneath the hood, catching the light of the flames. There was a tense pause, a moment where time seemed to stretch impossibly thin, and then a voice¡ªcalm, measured¡ªbroke the silence.


    "Who goes there?"


    Sumit froze, his breath catching in his throat. The voice was deep, almost melodious, and more importantly, it was speaking in a language he knew. Relief washed over him, soothing his racing heart. He began to walk toward the fire more confidently, the fear that had gripped him earlier beginning to ebb away.


    "I¡­ I''m lost," Sumit stammered, his voice trembling despite his efforts to stay calm. "I don''t know how I got here. I just want to go home."


    The figure remained motionless, its face still hidden in shadow. "Which tribe are you from?"


    Sumit blinked in confusion, the question throwing him off balance. "What? Tribe? I don''t understand."


    The silence that followed was heavy, the only sound the crackling of the fire and the distant rustle of the jungle. Sumit''s mind raced, trying to make sense of the question. Tribe? What does he mean by that? He was about to speak again when the figure suddenly moved, the motion slow and deliberate.


    With a fluid, almost graceful gesture, the figure reached up and pulled back its hood. What Sumit saw made his blood run cold.


    A face emerged from the shadows, but it wasn''t human. It was a cat¡ªa black cat, its fur sleek and glossy, its eyes reflecting the firelight with an eerie, almost supernatural glow. But this was no ordinary cat; it stood on two legs, its posture upright like a human''s. The creature''s eyes, a vivid green, locked onto Sumit''s with a sharp, intelligent gaze that seemed to pierce through him.


    The cat open his mouth and asked again. "Which tribe are you from?"


    Sumit''s mind reeled. This couldn''t be real. His body tensed, every instinct screaming at him to run, but he was rooted to the spot, unable to tear his gaze away from the cat''s face. The air around him seemed to thicken, the sounds of the jungle fading into an oppressive silence. His heart thundered in his chest, each beat echoing in his ears as his vision began to blur.


    This isn''t happening, he thought desperately. It can''t be real.


    But the cat''s eyes told him otherwise. They watched him with a calm, almost knowing expression, as if it had seen this reaction before, as if it understood exactly what Sumit was feeling.


    Sumit took a shaky step backward, his legs suddenly feeling like lead. His breath came in shallow gasps, the world tilting dangerously as his senses were overwhelmed. The campfire, the cat, the entire scene began to spin around him, the edges of his vision darkening.


    Before he could react, the ground rushed up to meet him. Darkness closed in around him, his last conscious thought a fleeting image of those green eyes watching him as he fell, their gaze unblinking, as if silently judging him before everything went black.

 CH3: Black-Cat

    Sumit''s eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the soft, dappled sunlight filtering through the thick canopy overhead. He found himself lying on a bed of leaves, their earthy scent mingling with the faint smell of smoke. Blinking away the last traces of sleep, he turned his head slightly and noticed the cat-man still seated by the fire, his feline eyes staring into the flames with a calm, almost meditative focus.


    For a moment, Sumit''s heart raced, but he quickly reminded himself that if the cat-man meant him harm, he would have done so while he was unconscious. This strange creature had watched over him, ensuring his safety through the night. Taking a deep breath, Sumit concluded that the cat-man must be harmless, at least for now.


    Sensing movement, the cat-man turned his gaze toward Sumit. "You''re awake," he said in a deep, soothing voice that seemed to rumble in his chest. "Are you feeling alright now?"


    Sumit pushed himself up to a sitting position, still a bit disoriented but otherwise unharmed. "Yes, I''m fine, thank you," he replied politely. His curiosity got the better of him, and he added, "Where am I?"


    The cat-man tilted his head slightly, as if considering how to answer. "We''re in the forest," he said simply.


    Sumit frowned, not entirely satisfied with the answer. "But where is this place? What''s it called?"


    The cat-man''s ears twitched slightly. "This is the Forestia Ferra," he answered. "But you, where are you from? Which tribe do you belong to?"


    Sumit hesitated, confusion clouding his thoughts. "I... I don''t know," he admitted. "What do you mean by tribe?"


    The cat-man''s eyes narrowed as he studied Sumit more closely. "You don''t know what a tribe is?" he asked, a hint of suspicion creeping into his tone. "A tribe is the group of people you belong to, the ones who call themselves your kin. Like me, I am from the Cat Tribe."


    Sumit nodded slowly, trying to piece together what the cat-man was saying. He was about to reply, thinking it would be easiest to say he was from the "Human Tribe," when suddenly, a low growl echoed through the trees.


    Before Sumit could react, something massive crashed through the underbrush. Emerging from the shadows was a monstrous creature that looked like a bull, but with a terrifying twist. Its body was covered in thick, green vines and leaves, giving it a camouflaged appearance as if it had grown directly out of the jungle itself. The creature''s horns were large and twisted, adorned with sharp, thorny plants that jutted out dangerously.


    Its eyes glowed with an eerie green light, and its mouth opened to reveal rows of jagged, leaf-like teeth. The plant-like creature exuded an aura of ancient power, as if it had been guarding this forest for centuries. The ground beneath it seemed to come alive, with small plants and moss growing rapidly around its hooves as it moved.


    Sumit felt a chill run down his spine as the creature locked its gaze onto him and the cat-man, its nostrils flaring as if sensing something unfamiliar. The cat-man immediately stood, his fur bristling, and took a defensive stance in front of Sumit. The air grew tense, and Sumit could feel the pulse of danger as the plant-bull let out another menacing growl, preparing to charge.


    The plant-bull''s eerie green eyes locked onto Sumit, its nostrils flaring as it let out a deafening roar that echoed through the jungle. Before Sumit could even think to move, the creature charged, its massive hooves thundering against the ground and sending small tremors rippling through the earth.


    Sumit''s body froze in place, his mind racing but his feet unable to respond. The creature''s gnarled horns, sharp and menacing, were aimed directly at him. Just as the bull was about to impale him, a blur of movement shot out from his right.


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    The cat-man leaped in front of Sumit, his body twisting in mid-air as he swiped at the bull''s face with his claws. The impact was enough to deflect the bull''s charge, causing it to stumble and skid across the forest floor. The bull let out a furious bellow, shaking its head as if trying to dislodge the pain from the cat-man''s strike.


    "Stay back!" the cat-man growled over his shoulder at Sumit, his voice filled with authority. Sumit scrambled backward, his heart pounding as he watched the two creatures square off.


    The plant-bull, enraged, lowered its head and charged again, this time with even greater ferocity. The cat-man dodged to the side with feline grace, avoiding the deadly horns by mere inches. With a snarl, he pounced onto the bull''s back, his claws digging deep into the thick, vine-covered hide.


    The bull bucked wildly, thrashing its head and trying to dislodge the cat-man. Vines and leaves whipped through the air as the creature twisted and turned, but the cat-man held on, his claws tearing through the greenery with each swipe. Greenish sap oozed from the wounds, but the bull seemed unfazed, its fury only growing stronger.


    With a powerful shake, the bull finally managed to throw the cat-man off its back. The cat-man landed on his feet, crouching low with his fur bristling and teeth bared. The two circled each other, each looking for an opening, their eyes locked in a deadly dance.


    The bull suddenly stomped its hooves, and vines shot up from the ground, snaking towards the cat-man in an attempt to ensnare him. But the cat-man was too quick. He leaped into the air, avoiding the grasping vines, and landed a solid blow to the bull''s side, his claws raking through the plant matter with ease.


    The bull let out a pained roar, stumbling slightly from the force of the strike. Seizing the opportunity, the cat-man dashed forward, delivering a series of rapid strikes to the bull''s legs, aiming to cripple the creature''s movements. The bull faltered, its balance thrown off by the relentless assault.


    Sumit, still watching in shock, noticed the ground beneath the bull beginning to shift. The plants that had grown around the creature''s hooves were weakening, the once-thriving greenery withering away as the cat-man''s attacks wore the bull down.


    With a final, furious bellow, the bull made one last desperate charge. But the cat-man was ready. He sidestepped the attack with ease and, using the bull''s own momentum against it, delivered a powerful swipe to the back of its neck. The force of the blow sent the creature crashing to the ground, its body convulsing as the life drained out of it.


    The jungle fell silent, save for the cat-man''s heavy breathing. The once-mighty plant-bull lay still, its green eyes dimming as the last remnants of its strength faded away. The vines around its body loosened, becoming lifeless and brittle.


    The cat-man turned to Sumit, his breathing steadying as he spoke. "Are you alright?"


    Sumit could only nod, his mind still reeling from the intensity of the battle. The cat-man approached the fallen creature, prodding it cautiously with his foot to ensure it was truly dead. Satisfied, he looked back at Sumit, his expression softening slightly.


    "You were lucky," the cat-man said, his voice calm but firm. "The Forestia Ferra is full of dangers like this. You''ll need to be more careful."


    As Sumit started to respond, a sudden movement caught his eye. The bull''s tail, which had appeared limp just moments before, suddenly sprang to life. It coiled like a serpent, moving with a speed and precision that neither Sumit nor the cat-man could have anticipated.


    "Look out!" Sumit screamed, but it was too late.


    The tail, tipped with a sharp, thorn-covered point, lashed out like a whip. It struck the cat-man in the back of the head with terrifying force. The cat-man''s eyes widened in shock, his body freezing in place as the thorny appendage drove deep into his skull.


    For a brief, agonizing moment, the cat-man stood motionless, his life ebbing away before Sumit''s horrified eyes. Then, the bull''s tail retracted, and the cat-man collapsed to the ground, lifeless.


    The plant-bull, with its last ounce of energy, let out a low, triumphant growl. But the effort was its final one. The creature''s body shuddered, and the light in its eyes faded completely, leaving it a lifeless husk on the forest floor.


    Sumit stared in disbelief, his heart pounding in his chest. The cat-man, who had just saved his life, now lay dead before him. The reality of the jungle''s dangers hit him with full force, a chilling reminder of how quickly things could change in this unforgiving world.


    He took a shaky step forward, kneeling beside the cat-man''s body. The creature had fought bravely, sacrificing his life to protect Sumit from the bull''s wrath. Guilt and sorrow welled up inside Sumit, but there was no time to mourn. He knew he couldn''t stay here¡ªthis jungle held even more dangers, and he was now completely alone.


    Sumit stood up, his legs trembling but his resolve hardening. The cat-man''s final words echoed in his mind: The Forestia Ferra is full of dangers like this

 CH4: The Burden of the Fallen

    Sumit stood frozen, staring at the lifeless body of the cat-man. The creature''s sleek, muscular form lay crumpled on the ground, a stark reminder of the brutal fight that had just transpired. The coolness of the body, now devoid of life, sent a shiver down his spine. What is this place? he thought, his mind racing. How do I find my way back home? But the answers eluded him, leaving only a growing sense of dread.


    As he hesitantly moved closer to the cat-man, a sharp, pungent smell filled the air¡ªa mix of blood, sweat, and something oddly metallic. Sumit''s stomach churned, but he forced himself to keep going. His thoughts were a chaotic whirl of confusion and fear. Was this some sort of twisted game? Or maybe a nightmare? The more he thought, the less sense it made.


    Just as he was within reach of the cat-man''s body, a sudden, unexpected movement caught his eye. The massive body of the plant-bull, which he had assumed was dead, began to twitch. His breath caught in his throat as the creature''s chest convulsed, and then, something metallic burst out, glinting ominously in the dim light.


    Sumit barely had time to react before the object¡ªa strange, otherworldly device¡ªlaunched itself toward him. He tried to dodge, but it was too fast. The device wrapped around his wrist with a cold, unyielding grip, resembling a watch, though unlike any he had ever seen. Panic surged through him as he yanked at the object, trying desperately to tear it off. But it was no use. The device clung to him like a living thing, and from within, a series of strange, rhythmic clicks and hums began to emanate.


    What the hell is this? Sumit thought frantically, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel the device pulsing slightly against his skin, as if it had a heartbeat of its own. Yet, despite the fear clawing at him, he noticed that the device wasn''t causing him any harm. Gradually, his panic ebbed away, replaced by cautious curiosity.


    As he began to calm down, a voice¡ªcold, mechanical¡ªsuddenly spoke from the device. "User found."


    Sumit jerked in surprise, his eyes widening. "What¡­what are you?" he stammered, his voice shaky.


    "The user is too weak," the device responded in its flat, unfeeling tone.


    Sumit blinked, taken aback by the words. Too weak? The phrase echoed in his mind, striking a nerve. It was almost insulting. The device reminded him of the gadgets in comics and anime¡ªthose mysterious items that kept track of the hero''s status and abilities. Could this be something like that?


    "Open status!" he commanded, hoping for a glimpse into its secrets. Maybe this would show him some hidden strength, a way to survive in this insane world. But instead, the device replied with the same frustrating message: "The user is too weak."


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    Sumit felt a wave of irritation wash over him. "Where am I? How do I get home? Where is everyone else?" he demanded, firing off questions in rapid succession. But each time, the device only repeated its infuriating refrain: "The user is too weak."


    His shoulders slumped in defeat. It was like talking to a broken record. "Can you help me at all?" he asked, desperation creeping into his voice.


    "User can receive one piece of advice as a hint," the device offered, its tone unchanging.


    Sumit''s heart skipped a beat. A hint? His mind raced with possibilities. "What kind of advice?" he asked, leaning in as if the device might whisper some profound secret.


    "It will help the user in the future in completing the task," the device intoned.


    Sumit frowned. "What task?" he pressed, but once again, the device''s answer was maddeningly vague: "The user is too weak."


    He groaned, rubbing his temples. This thing was going to drive him insane. But still, something was better than nothing. "Fine, I''ll take the advice," he sighed. "What is it?"


    The device emitted a soft hum, as if processing his request, then finally spoke. "Take the belongings of the fallen and take part in the competition."


    Sumit''s mind reeled. Competition? The word hung heavily in the air. Did that mean there was some kind of event coming up? A trial, perhaps? And why would taking the belongings of the dead be necessary? The thought of robbing the cat-man''s body made his stomach churn with guilt, but if this device was to be believed, it was something he needed to do to survive. Was it really okay to steal from the dead? he wondered, feeling a sharp pang of discomfort at the thought.


    But survival was paramount. With a deep breath, Sumit approached the cat-man''s body, his steps slow and deliberate. Kneeling beside it, he hesitated, murmuring a silent apology. Carefully, he began to gather the items¡ªa small pouch of silver coins, a strange, slate-like tablet, and the cat-man''s clothing, which still held a faint warmth. The clothes were rough against his skin as he put them on, but they fit well enough. He couldn''t shake the feeling that he was stepping into another''s life, a heavy burden of responsibility pressing on his shoulders.


    After securing the items, Sumit dug a pit beside the cat-man, the dirt cool and damp beneath his fingers. He laid the body to rest as respectfully as he could manage, offering a quiet prayer for peace. When he turned to the bull''s corpse, he repeated the process, though this time, he discovered a peculiar, fleshy fruit and a sturdy staff embedded in the creature''s remains. He took them, feeling their weight in his hands as he considered their purpose.


    With both bodies buried, Sumit found himself standing at a crossroads¡ªquite literally. While digging the pits, he had noticed a narrow path leading away from the clearing. It wasn''t much, but it was the only direction available to him. The path seemed to stretch into the unknown, winding through dense, shadowed woods that loomed like silent sentinels.


    With no other choice, Sumit tightened his grip on the staff and began to walk, each step taking him further from the safety of the known and deeper into the mysteries of this strange world. As he walked, the device on his wrist remained silent, its earlier coldness a constant reminder of how little he knew¡ªand how much he had yet to learn.

 CH5: Laughter

    Sumit was back in the forest, but something was different¡ªeerily different. The trees around him were shrouded in a thick mist, and the air was heavy with the scent of blood. His heart raced as he scanned his surroundings, trying to piece together where he was. Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the mist, and from the shadows emerged the figure of the cat-man, blood dripping from his head, his eyes burning with a vengeful fury.


    With each step the cat-man took, he cursed Sumit, his voice a chilling whisper that seemed to seep into Sumit''s very soul. "Why didn''t you save me? You left me to die..." The words hung in the air like a dark cloud, pressing down on Sumit''s chest, making it hard to breathe. The cat-man''s pace quickened, his curses growing louder, more intense, until he was standing right in front of Sumit, his face twisted in anger and pain.


    "Why did you not save me?!" the cat-man screamed, his voice a thunderous roar that shook the ground beneath Sumit''s feet.


    Sumit jolted awake, his body drenched in sweat, his heart pounding so hard it felt like it might burst from his chest. He looked around frantically, realizing he was still in the forest, sitting against the base of a tree. The nightmare had felt so real, but it was over now¡ªat least for the moment.


    He leaned back against the tree, trying to calm himself, but his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. It had been two days since he had taken the belongings of the fallen warrior cat-man. Two days since he had eaten the last of the fruit from the plant-bull. His stomach growled in protest, reminding him of just how dire his situation had become.


    "I''m lost..." Sumit muttered to himself, the words barely audible. His hands trembled as he looked down at them, realizing just how weak he had become. The isolation, the hunger, the fear¡ªit was all too much. He needed to get out of this place, to find food, to survive.


    But the more he thought about his predicament, the more the panic set in. Without warning, Sumit let out a cry of frustration and began throwing whatever he could find¡ªsticks, rocks, leaves¡ªanything to release the pent-up anger and despair that had been building inside him. "I just want to go home!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the trees, only to be met with the mocking laughter of a group of monkeys.


    "hehe hahaa heheee," the laughter echoed through the trees, shrill and mocking. Startled, Sumit looked up and saw them¡ªplant-monkeys, similar to the plant-bull he had encountered earlier, perched on the branches above him. But these creatures weren''t attacking him; they were laughing at him, their faces twisted into mocking grins. The plant-monkeys had vibrant green fur that seemed to blend seamlessly with the foliage around them. Their bodies were a fusion of wood and plant matter, with small leaves sprouting from their limbs and backs, making them look like living extensions of the trees they clung to.


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    Sumit recalled the plant-bull he had encountered, a creature whose very presence had been a blend of flora and fauna. The bull had been massive, its body covered in thick, mossy vegetation that gave it a camouflaged appearance against the forest floor. Its horns, long and menacing, had been intertwined with vines, and its eyes had glowed with a mysterious, almost mystical energy. The plant-bull''s back was adorned with lush, green plants, some of which even had small, delicate flowers blooming from them. It was as if the creature had been born from the earth itself, a creature of the forest, with roots that ran deep into the soil.


    But unlike the plant-bull, these monkeys weren''t as intimidating¡ªthey were mocking him, their "hehe hahaa heheee" laughter echoing through the forest, each chuckle a stab to Sumit''s already fragile psyche.


    "Shut up! Leave me alone!" Sumit shouted, picking up a rock and hurling it at them. But the monkeys were too quick, catching the rocks and throwing them back at him, their "hehe hahaa heheee" laughter growing louder and more obnoxious with each passing moment.


    Sumit''s frustration boiled over. He began throwing more rocks, but it was no use. The monkeys were toying with him, making him feel even more powerless. But then, from behind him, came a second burst of laughter¡ªdeep and resonant, unlike the shrill cackles of the monkeys.


    "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA," the sound was powerful, reverberating through the forest with an almost tangible force. The plant-monkeys froze, their "hehe hahaa heheee" laughter abruptly silenced as they looked past Sumit, fear flashing in their eyes. Without hesitation, they scattered, disappearing into the trees as quickly as they had appeared.


    Sumit turned slowly, his heart pounding in his chest, and saw him¡ªa towering figure, covered in thick, gray fur, with the body of a man and the head of a wolf. The wolf-man stood a few feet away, his muscular arms crossed over his broad chest, his mouth curled into a sinister grin. His eyes gleamed with a mischievous light, as if he had been watching Sumit for a while, enjoying the spectacle.


    At first, Sumit felt a surge of fear but after remembering the kind nature cat-man, he calmed down and moved towards the wolf-man. The fear subsided, replaced by a cautious determination.


    Summoning his courage, Sumit walked towards the wolf-man, trying to keep his voice steady as he spoke. "Do you have anything to eat?" he asked politely, his voice barely hiding his desperation.


    The wolf-man chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Sure," he said, "but first tell me where you''re from. Which tribe are you from? Are you here for the competition? If you tell me your story, I might just give you something to eat. It''s been a long time since I had a good laugh, and I sense that today, you''re going to make me laugh even more."


    Hearing the word "competition," Sumit''s mind raced. Was this the clue he had been searching for? Maybe this was his chance to find out more, to get closer to the truth. He couldn''t let this opportunity slip away.


    "I''m from the human-tribe," Sumit said, choosing his words carefully. "I come from a land far from here, and I''m here to take part in the competition."

 CH6: A Very Talkative Wolf

    "So, you''re saying that you traveled from a faraway place just to take part in the competition. You didn''t know the way, so you decided to follow the river downstream. You didn''t pack anything to eat, so you ate wild blueberries. Then, you encountered a plant-bull and barely survived it, and after that, you started playing with the plant-monkeys. Is that everything?" The wolf-man''s voice was laced with a mix of disbelief and amusement, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized Sumit.


    They sat in a small clearing, surrounded by towering trees whose thick canopy filtered the sunlight into dappled patterns on the forest floor. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, carrying with it the earthy scent of the woods and the faint chirping of distant birds. The air was cool, but Sumit felt a bead of sweat trickle down his neck, more from anxiety than exertion.


    Sumit nodded, keeping his expression neutral despite the unease gnawing at his insides. It was best not to mention the cat-man or reveal too much. He had no idea how Jack might react to such information, and his instincts told him to keep certain details to himself. Trust was a luxury he couldn''t afford just yet.


    The wolf-man''s sudden laughter broke the tension, the sound deep and resonant, echoing through the clearing. "I don''t know if you''re this dumb or just incredibly unlucky!" he roared, his eyes crinkling with genuine amusement. He slapped his thigh, causing the leather of his trousers to creak under the force.


    Sumit felt his face flush with embarrassment. His hands, now clammy, tightened around the half-eaten apple Jack had given him. He lowered his head, trying to focus on the fruit''s sweet taste rather than the mortifying situation. The apple''s crisp flesh crunched between his teeth, but it did little to soothe his wounded pride.


    Eventually, Jack''s laughter subsided, though a few chuckles still escaped as he caught his breath. "Ah, forgive me," he said, his voice still tinged with amusement. "I didn''t mean to make fun of you... well, not too much." He grinned, showing off his sharp canines, which gleamed like ivory in the dim light. "Name''s Jack, of the Wolf Tribe."


    Sumit looked up, meeting Jack''s golden eyes. They were sharp and predatory, yet there was a certain warmth in them, a sincerity that made Sumit feel a bit more at ease. Still, he remained cautious.


    "Consider this an apology for laughing at you: a bit of advice," Jack continued, leaning back against a tree. The bark crackled under his weight, and a few leaves drifted down from the branches above.


    Sumit listened intently as Jack began to speak, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "First off," he said, "those blue berries you ate? They''re poisonous. They''ll give you a nasty stomach ache at best, and something worse if you''re not lucky. You''d be fortunate to get away with just a few cramps."


    Sumit''s eyes widened slightly. He had felt fine after eating the berries, but now that Jack mentioned it, there had been a slight discomfort in his stomach that he had attributed to hunger. The thought of being poisoned made his heart skip a beat.


    "And those plant-monsters?" Jack continued, waving a hand dismissively. "They''re generally not aggressive. Plant-bulls, plant-monkeys, plant-rabbits¡ªthey won''t attack unless provoked. They''re more defensive than anything."


    Sumit frowned, confusion knitting his brows. "Then why did it attack me?"


    Jack shrugged, his broad shoulders rolling in a nonchalant gesture. "There are always exceptions in nature," he said. "Maybe it didn''t like your non-fur body? You do look a bit... strange, you know. Oh, that reminds me¡ªare all the people from your tribe without fur, tail, and fangs? I''ve never heard of a human tribe before."


    Sumit flinched, his heart pounding in his chest. He hadn''t expected such a direct question. "We... live far from here," he stammered, eager to divert the conversation. "Can you tell me more about the competition?"


    Jack''s curiosity was evident, but he let the topic slide, much to Sumit''s relief. "Oh right, the competition," Jack said, nodding. "To enter, you need to submit a fee of two silver coins, fill out the entrance form, get your aura tested, take part in the selection round, and¡ª"


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    Sumit interrupted, his mind catching on the unfamiliar term. "What do you mean... get my aura tested?"


    "Oh, that." Jack waved a hand as if brushing away a fly. "It''s a new rule. After the last competition''s casualties, they decided to lessen the risks. Now, participants need to be at least lower-level aura users to compete."


    Sumit''s confusion deepened, anxiety twisting in his gut. "What is aura? I don''t think I have this aura thing."


    Jack''s laughter returned, though this time it was softer, more amused than mocking. "You might know it by a different name, but trust me, you have it. I can sense at least middle-level aura coming from you."


    Sumit blinked in surprise, his mouth slightly agape. "I don''t think I have aura... and how can you sense it?"


    Before Jack could answer, a deafening roar shook the clearing, sending birds fluttering out of the trees in a panicked flurry. Both Sumit and Jack snapped their heads towards the source of the noise, where a massive wooden tiger emerged from the shadows. Its body was an intricate lattice of roots and branches, woven together into a terrifying semblance of a great cat. Its eyes glowed with an eerie amber light, and its teeth, made of sharpened wooden spikes, gnashed together menacingly.


    Jack''s eyes narrowed, a predatory grin spreading across his face. "Perfect timing," he muttered, more to himself than to Sumit. "I''ll show you what aura is."


    The tiger''s growl rumbled like an approaching storm, and without warning, it lunged at Jack, its powerful legs propelling it forward with frightening speed. The ground trembled under its weight, and Sumit could feel the vibrations through his boots.


    Jack didn''t move at first. Instead, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. As he exhaled, a faint, shimmering light began to radiate from his body, surrounding him in a soft, ethereal glow. The air around him seemed to hum with energy, and even the ground beneath his feet felt more solid, more connected to him. This was his aura¡ªan extension of his will, his spirit, manifesting as a tangible force.


    The wooden tiger leaped at Jack, claws outstretched, aiming to tear him apart. But Jack was faster. His eyes snapped open, now glowing with the same light as his aura, and he sidestepped the beast''s initial attack with a fluid grace that seemed almost supernatural. The tiger''s claws slashed through the air where Jack had been standing, but he was already moving, his aura enhancing his speed and agility.


    With a swift motion, Jack extended his claws¡ªwicked, gleaming talons that glinted in the fading light¡ªand slashed at the tiger''s flank. His aura-infused claws cut through the wooden hide like a hot knife through butter, splinters flying as the tiger let out a pained roar.


    But the beast was far from finished. It twisted with unnatural agility, its tail¡ªa thick, knotted whip of roots¡ªswinging towards Jack. The tail struck with the force of a battering ram, catching Jack in the side and sending him crashing into a nearby tree. The impact was so hard that the bark cracked, and leaves rained down like confetti.


    Sumit''s breath caught in his throat as he watched Jack struggle to his feet, a grimace of pain flashing across his face. But the wolf-man''s aura flared brighter, the energy surging through his body, numbing the pain and reinforcing his resolve. His eyes burned with a fierce determination, the thrill of the hunt igniting something primal within him.


    The tiger charged again, undeterred by its wounds. It leaped, claws outstretched, aiming to pin Jack to the ground. But Jack was ready. He ducked under the attack, moving with the fluid grace of a predator, and struck out at the tiger''s legs. His aura-infused claws dug deep into the wooden limbs, severing tendons and snapping roots. The aura acted as an extension of his physical strength, amplifying the damage and ensuring that every strike counted.


    The tiger stumbled, its movements becoming more sluggish as the damage took its toll. It let out a roar, more of frustration than pain, and lashed out wildly. But Jack was relentless. He dodged the clumsy swipes and circled around the beast, looking for an opening.


    Finally, he saw it. With a feral growl, Jack leaped onto the tiger''s back, his aura flaring like a blazing fire. His claws extended to their full length, now glowing with the intensity of his aura. The muscles in his arms bulged as he brought his claws down in a powerful arc, slicing clean through the tiger''s neck. The wooden head toppled to the ground


    with a heavy thud, and the rest of the tiger''s body followed suit, collapsing into a lifeless heap of splintered wood and broken branches.


    The clearing fell silent, the only sound the labored breathing of Jack as he straightened up, wiping the sweat from his brow. His aura slowly dimmed, fading back into an invisible force as the tension of the battle ebbed away. He looked down at the defeated tiger with a mix of satisfaction and weariness, then turned to face Sumit, who was staring wide-eyed, mouth slightly agape. "That, my friend, is aura in action."


    Sumit stared in awe, his mind racing as he realized just how little he knew about this world and the dangers it held. The path ahead was far more treacherous than he had imagined, but at least now, he had a glimpse of the power he would need to survive.

 CH7: Aura Ranking

    The sun was dipping below the horizon, casting long shadows through the dense forest. The air was thick with the earthy scent of moss and damp leaves, and the soft chirping of crickets began to fill the silence. Sumit sat by a crackling fire, its warmth a stark contrast to the cool evening breeze that rustled the treetops. He stared into the flames, the events of the past few days replaying in his mind like a vivid dream.


    Jack, the imposing wolf-man, sat across from him, his golden eyes reflecting the firelight. There was a calm yet fierce aura about him, a presence that commanded respect. His fur bristled slightly as he leaned forward, his deep voice breaking the silence. "That," Jack said, his voice calm but firm, "is what aura can do. It''s not just about strength; it''s about control, focus, and understanding your own limits. With aura, you can push beyond those limits and achieve things that would be impossible otherwise."


    Sumit''s heart pounded in his chest as he listened. There was something about Jack''s voice¡ªfirm yet carrying an undercurrent of something almost primal¡ªthat made it impossible to ignore.


    "There are three stages of aura mastery," Jack continued, his gaze never leaving Sumit''s. "The low stage is where everyone begins. At this stage, you can sense the aura around you and circulate it within your body. It strengthens your muscles, sharpens your senses, and makes you faster, stronger, more resilient."


    Sumit nodded, his mind racing. But Jack wasn''t finished.


    "Then comes the mid stage," Jack said, his voice dropping to a near whisper, as if revealing a secret. "Here, you learn to extend your aura beyond your physical form. Your aura becomes a part of the world around you, and you can apply it to other things you touch"


    Sumit''s breath hitched slightly. The idea of projecting his aura outward, of reaching beyond the limits of his body, was both thrilling and terrifying.


    "But the high stage..." Jack paused, his expression darkening. "That''s where the true monsters lie. A high-level aura user can shape their aura according to their will. They can manifest it into claws, tails, or even as full body¡ªwhatever they desire. The masters of this stage can slice a mountain in half with their claws"


    The image that Jack painted hung in the air between them, heavy and surreal. Sumit swallowed hard; his throat dry. The fire crackled, sending a flurry of sparks into the darkening sky.


    "So¡­does that mean you are a high-level aura user?" Sumit asked, his voice small, almost afraid of the answer. The memory of his extended claws during the fight flashed before his eyes, filling him with fear.


    "HAHAHAHAHAHA" Jack''s laughter broke the tension, a deep, rumbling sound that seemed to resonate through the ground beneath them. "I wish," Jack said, shaking his head with a bemused smile. "It wasn''t high-level aura manipulation. I''m a mid-level user, and even I can''t shape my aura outsider my body. What you saw were my claws, strengthened by circulating aura within and around them. High-level users... they''re on a different level entirely. They don''t just fight¡ªthey change the very landscape with their power."


    Sumit fell silent, the weight of Jack''s words settling in his chest like a stone. The idea of someone with such power¡ªsomeone who could literally shape the world around them¡ªleft him both awestruck and uneasy. His imagination ran wild, picturing towering figures cleaving mountains, reshaping the earth with a mere gesture. The reality of how far he had yet to go hit him like a cold splash of water.


    Jack noticed the shift in Sumit''s demeanour and leaned closer, his eyes narrowing with interest. "But enough talk. Now it''s your turn. Show me your aura," he said, his voice filled with a mix of anticipation and challenge.


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    Sumit hesitated, the pressure of Jack''s gaze weighing heavily on him. His mind raced for an excuse, any reason to delay what felt like an inevitable disappointment. He finally managed to avoid Jack''s piercing eyes and asked, "Before that, can you tell me more about the competition?"


    Jack seemed to recognize the diversion but indulged it anyway. He leaned back, his expression softening. "Ah, the competition," he said, his voice taking on a more relaxed tone. "It''s not just a test of strength¡ªit''s a rite of passage. To even participate, you must be an aura user. The selection process is brutal, weeding out the weak. Only 40 participants will make it through. Once selected, you''ll be placed into one of five blocks, each with eight participants. The winner of each block earns the right to face the elders."


    "Elders?" Sumit repeated, his curiosity piqued but a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach.


    Jack nodded, his expression growing serious once more. "The elders are high-level aura users, ancient and powerful. They''ve honed their skills over centuries, and they are the final hurdle you''ll have to overcome if you want to claim victory. But that''s not the most dangerous part. In the final round, you''ll have to¡ª"


    A sudden column of smoke rose from the northern horizon, cutting Jack off mid-sentence. His sharp eyes caught the sight immediately, and he sprang to his feet, his body tensing with urgency. "Looks like my time''s up," he muttered, his tone shifting to one of businesslike efficiency.


    Sumit watched as Jack quickly gathered his belongings, his movements precise and calculated. "I have to go now, but remember, the selection process begins in three months. Make sure you''re there on time, and be prepared, participants have the full right to kill during the matches. Follow the river upstream for five days to reach the site, but whatever you do, don''t go downstream. That''s where the stronger monsters dwell."


    As Jack began to sprint northward, he called back over his shoulder, "Monsters avoid the glowing river!"


    Sumit stood there, the gravity of Jack''s words sinking in. The wolf-man''s figure soon disappeared into the forest, leaving Sumit alone once more. The crackling fire seemed to dim as the weight of the situation pressed down on him. "So that''s why I didn''t encounter any monsters for three days," he mused, piecing together the mystery of his journey so far.


    He turned his gaze back to the river, its surface shimmering in the twilight. With the competition looming on the horizon, he knew his priorities had to be clear. "I have to go upstream to take part in the competition," he said to himself, the determination in his voice hardening. "But first, I need to learn how to control aura if I''m going to survive here. And for that... I need to survive long enough to figure it out."


    Meanwhile at Forestia Ferra''s capital Ferrodon Stronghold¡­


    The dense forest gave way to the imposing walls of Ferrodon Stronghold, the capital of Forestia Ferra. The city was a fortress, its high walls made of thick, ancient stone, reinforced with iron and guarded by vigilant sentries. The streets within were bustling with life¡ªcreatures of all shapes and sizes moved with purpose, their fur, scales, and feathers glistening in the torchlight.


    Jack''s arrival was met with a flurry of activity. As he passed through the front gate, numerous animals on two legs snapped to attention, saluting him with respect and deference.


    "Salute! Welcome back, Captain!" they chorused, their voices echoing off the stone walls.


    A dog-headed soldier hurried through the crowd, his uniform slightly disheveled from the rush. He stopped in front of Jack, panting slightly. "Captain! Here!" he managed between breaths.


    Jack gave him a curt nod, his demeanor calm but alert. "Relax, soldier. What''s the current situation?"


    The soldier straightened, his face serious as he reported, "We encountered a Dark-tree just outside the western gate."


    The news hit Jack like a bolt of lightning. His eyes widened in alarm, and his voice, usually so steady, betrayed a hint of urgency. "What!? How could it grow near us without anyone noticing?"


    "We''re still investigating, sir," the soldier replied, trying to maintain his composure despite the gravity of the situation.


    Jack''s mind raced. Dark-trees were no ordinary threat; their presence signaled something deeply wrong, something that could destabilize the entire region. "Forget it," Jack said, shaking off his initial shock. "I''ll deal with it personally."


    The soldier hesitated, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. "But, sir... Vice-Captain Leo is handling it right now."


    Jack''s expression softened slightly, though his resolve remained unshaken. "Is that so? Then he''ll need my help. Let''s go."


    With that, Jack and the soldier moved swiftly toward the western gate, the weight of the impending battle looming over them like a dark cloud.

 CH8: Dark Tree

    The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the narrow streets as Jack, the wolf-man and captain of the city''s soldiers, sprinted towards the western entrance. His heart pounded in sync with each step, a mixture of adrenaline and concern coursing through his veins. The message had been clear¡ªa dark-tree was growing dangerously close to the city walls. This was the first time such a threat had appeared so near, and Jack couldn''t shake the sense of urgency.


    As he ran, memories of the past two years flashed through his mind. These dark-trees had started appearing out of nowhere, defying the natural order. Their sinister roots dug deep into the earth, and their twisted branches reached skyward like claws ready to tear into the heavens. Jack clenched his fists, recalling the first time he had encountered one. Fire had always been their greatest weapon against such threats, but the dark-trees had proved immune until they were cut apart. And if left unattended for seven days, they would begin to produce monsters¡ªvile creatures born of the tree''s malevolence, attacking anything in their path. This made the dark-trees a grave threat, one that demanded immediate attention.


    "This close to the city¡­" Jack muttered to himself, his eyes narrowing as he pushed his legs to move faster. The trees had never grown this near before. What could have changed? What was driving them closer?


    As the western gate came into view, Jack''s sharp eyes spotted the source of his worry. A massive dark-tree stood ominously at the entrance, its gnarled, blackened bark pulsating with an unnatural energy. Vines as thick as a man''s arm whipped through the air, lashing out at a figure trying desperately to cut the tree down.


    "Leo," Jack recognized his vice-captain immediately. The tiger-headed man''s usually pristine fur was matted with sweat, his claws slashing through the air in a futile attempt to breach the tree''s defenses. But the dark-tree was relentless, its vines intercepting every attack, blocking Leo from getting close enough to deal a fatal blow.


    Leo growled in frustration as he danced around the tree''s assault, his movements a blur of agility. His aura was faint but visible¡ªa golden sheen that covered his body, enhancing his strength and speed. Despite this, he was struggling. Each time his claws found their mark, they barely left a scratch on the tree''s tough bark. The dark-tree seemed to anticipate his every move, its vines moving with a sinister intelligence, wrapping around his limbs, trying to pull him closer.


    Leo twisted his body, tearing himself free from the vine''s grip and retaliating with a powerful swipe aimed at the tree''s trunk. The impact sent a shockwave through the air, but the dark-tree''s bark absorbed the blow, barely splintering. The vines responded instantly, lashing out with even greater ferocity, forcing Leo to retreat.


    "Damn it!" Leo cursed under his breath, his muscles straining as he dodged and parried. His low-level aura was doing its best to keep up, but it was clear he was outmatched. The dark-tree''s defenses were too strong, its vines too fast. He needed to get closer, needed to strike at the core, but the tree wasn''t giving him any openings.


    A particularly vicious vine struck out, wrapping around Leo''s leg with the speed of a striking serpent. Leo let out a grunt as he was yanked off his feet, the ground rushing up to meet him. He managed to roll with the fall, slashing at the vine with his claws, but it was like trying to cut through stone. The vine tightened its grip, lifting him off the ground, constricting around his leg like a vice.


    Leo''s mind raced as he struggled against the dark-tree''s grip. He could feel his aura flickering, the strain of maintaining it taking its toll. He had to think fast, or he''d be crushed. Summoning the last reserves of his strength, Leo focused his aura into a single point in his claws. With a roar of defiance, he slashed at the vine, finally managing to sever it with a desperate, all-out strike.


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    The vine snapped with a loud crack, releasing Leo, who tumbled to the ground, panting heavily. But the dark-tree wasn''t done. More vines lashed out, sensing its prey''s vulnerability. Leo barely managed to get back on his feet, his vision swimming from the exertion. He knew he was in trouble¡ªhis aura was almost spent, and the dark-tree showed no signs of slowing down.


    Just as another vine was about to strike, a familiar voice cut through the chaos.


    "Move aside!" Jack''s voice rang out, commanding and urgent.


    Without hesitation, Leo obeyed, using the last of his strength to leap out of the way. He collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily, as he watched his captain charge towards the tree.


    Jack didn''t slow down as he approached. His aura flared to life, a brilliant blue light that surrounded his body, focusing on his claws. Unlike Leo, Jack''s aura was strong, honed by years of experience. He was a mid-level aura user, and he knew exactly how to use it.


    The dark-tree''s vines shot towards him, but Jack was ready. With a swift motion, he dodged the first vine, slashing through it effortlessly. The severed vine fell to the ground, writhing before it withered away. Jack continued his advance, cutting through the dark-tree''s defenses with precision and power. Each swing of his claws was decisive, his aura cutting through the bark like it was paper.


    As he reached the base of the tree, Jack leaped into the air, bringing his claws down in a single, powerful strike. The impact was immense, the sound of tearing wood echoing like a thunderclap. The dark-tree shuddered, its vines flailing wildly for a moment before it split apart, collapsing into a lifeless heap of timber and twisted roots.


    Breathing heavily, Jack turned to survey the scene. The dark-tree lay defeated, its menace neutralized. Leo struggled to his feet, wincing in pain, but his eyes were filled with relief.


    "You''re late again," Leo said, walking towards him with a smirk, though it was clear he was still recovering from the fight.


    Jack, still catching his breath, shot him a sidelong glance. "But I made it in time this time," he replied, a small grin spreading across his muzzle.


    The moment of levity was short-lived as Jack immediately began issuing orders. "Burn the remains. Make sure nothing is left behind." The soldiers, who had been standing at a cautious distance, rushed forward, setting the dark-tree ablaze with controlled bursts of fire. The tree''s remains crackled and hissed as they were consumed by the flames, reduced to harmless ash.


    Jack turned back to Leo, his expression serious once more. "What happened here? How did it get so close to the city?"


    Leo sighed, his ears flicking back in frustration. "We found it just a few hours ago. It was already this big when we got here. We fired the smoke signal immediately, but¡­" He trailed off, his eyes filled with a mixture of guilt and helplessness.


    "Any casualties?" Jack asked, his tone laced with concern.


    "Not this time," Leo answered, shaking his head. "It was too close to the city for that. We managed to keep it contained until you arrived."


    Jack nodded, relieved but still uneasy. "That''s good, but what are the higher-ups doing? Why haven''t they come up with a solution to this? We can''t be everywhere at once, and the number of dark-trees has only increased in the past two years."


    Leo''s expression grew more serious. "Don''t you remember? There was a prophecy made¡­ that the one who wins the competition will save us. That''s why the difficulty of the competition has been increasing. The higher-ups believe it''s our best chance."


    "The competition¡­" Jack muttered, his mind drifting back to the strange encounter he''d had earlier that day. "That reminds me, I met a boy today. He had no fur, no tail¡­ I forgot to ask his name."


    Leo sighed, rolling his eyes at his captain''s forgetfulness. "You''re hopeless sometimes, Captain."


    Jack chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.


    The flames from the burning dark-tree flickered in the background as Jack and Leo stood there, pondering the future. The threat of the dark-trees was growing.

 CH9: I...Forgot

    The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the city''s western entrance. The aftermath of the battle against the dark-tree lingered in the air, thick with the scent of scorched earth and the acrid tang of charred wood. The once serene breeze now carried a heavy sense of unease, rustling through the charred remains like a whispered warning. Jack, the wolf-headed captain, stood with his arms crossed, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. But his thoughts were far from the burnt landscape before him¡ªthey were fixated on the boy he had encountered earlier, a boy who shouldn''t have left such a profound mark on him.


    Leo, the tiger-headed vice-captain, approached with a mix of curiosity and concern in his gaze. "So, will you tell me or not?" Leo began, his voice probing gently yet persistently. "Why did you mention the boy after hearing about the competition? What was so special about him? It can''t just be his strange appearance that made a mark on you."


    Jack''s ears twitched slightly, betraying his inner turmoil as he turned to face Leo. For a moment, the ever-steeled captain''s expression softened, a rare crack in his usually impenetrable demeanor. Vulnerability flickered in his eyes, mingling with an emotion he rarely allowed himself to feel¡ªhope. "You''re right," Jack confessed, his voice carrying a note of unexpected joy, "It wasn''t just his looks. Despite his young age and the fact that he doesn''t have fur like the rest of us, he has the potential to become a mid-level aura user, just like me." Jack''s voice took on an almost incredulous tone as he added, "And the funny part is, he doesn''t even know what aura is. Can you imagine that? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"


    Leo''s eyes widened in shock, his tail flicking in agitation. His usually calm demeanor cracked as disbelief and concern colored his words. "A mid-level aura user?" he echoed, his voice edged with disbelief. "And he doesn''t even know what aura is? Jack, that''s not funny; that''s alarming. There are plenty of aura users out there who don''t realize their abilities until someone guides them. But what you''re saying¡­ that he has the potential to be mid-level? That''s beyond rare. You know as well as I do, only one in ten thousand aura users ever reach that level."


    A heavy silence hung between them, the weight of Leo''s words sinking into Jack''s chest like a stone. Leo sighed, his expression a conflicted blend of concern and disappointment. "You could have recruited him, Jack. Someone with that kind of potential could be a game-changer for us. Leaving him behind... it might have been a mistake."


    Jack''s fists clenched, his knuckles whitening as a wave of regret washed over him. The boy''s face, so young and yet so determined, flashed in his mind. "I might have forgotten in the heat of the moment," he admitted, his voice tinged with a rare vulnerability, barely above a whisper. The regret in his heart was palpable, a gnawing guilt that refused to be silenced. "But he''ll be coming here in three months to take part in the competition. We can recruit him then."


    Leo''s expression darkened as realization dawned on him. His voice dropped, heavy with worry. "Yeah, we should when he gets here... Wait, did you say the competition? A boy with no knowledge of aura is going to take part in the competition? Have you lost your mind, Captain? He could die out there! Why didn''t you stop him?"


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    A pang of guilt shot through Jack, but he found himself fumbling for words. "Well... I... forgot," he stammered, the weight of his oversight pressing down on him. "But I can go and tell him now."


    Leo shook his head, frustration evident in his voice. "No, we need you here, and any other hands we can find. The competition is drawing close, and there''s no guarantee that more dark-trees won''t appear. We can just stop him when he arrives here."


    Jack nodded, a flicker of determination returning to his eyes. "That''s a great idea. Let''s do that." He paused, noticing the way Leo was looking at him. "Hey, why are you looking at me like that?"


    Leo simply sighed, shaking his head as he turned away. The gravity of their situation weighed heavily on both of them, but Jack''s heart remained tethered to thoughts of the boy.


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the world in deep shades of orange and red, the city''s defenders steeled themselves for the battles yet to come. Meanwhile, far from the commotion of the dark-tree''s aftermath, the boy at the center of their conversation was dealing with his own struggles.


    After Jack left, Sumit sat on the ground, his heart pounding with a mix of determination and frustration. He closed his eyes, trying to concentrate, to summon the aura Jack spoke of so confidently. But no matter how hard he tried, all he managed to do was attract a group of plant-monkeys. Their presence was unsettling, but unlike before, they didn''t attack. Instead, they simply watched him, their beady eyes gleaming with curiosity and something else¡ªmockery.


    "Aura, come on! Aura, come to me! Aura!!!!" Sumit''s voice echoed through the silent woods, desperation creeping into his tone.


    But instead of the power he sought, all he heard was the cruel, chattering laughter of the plant-monkeys. "Hehehehehehehehehehehe!" Their mocking laughter grated on his nerves, each sound a sharp reminder of his failure.


    Sumit''s frustration boiled over. He stood up abruptly, grabbing a stone and hurling it at the nearest plant-monkey. "Shut up! I will be able to use aura just like that wolf-guy said I could!"


    But the plant-monkeys didn''t stop. Their laughter only grew louder, their mocking eyes never leaving him. Sumit felt a wave of anger and embarrassment wash over him. He was trying so hard, pushing himself to the brink, and yet these creatures saw him as nothing more than a joke.


    "Go away! I''ll master this aura thing soon!" he shouted, though his words felt hollow, even to himself.


    ''Why can''t I use it?'' Sumit''s thoughts spiraled as he dropped to his knees, clutching the earth beneath him. ''That guy said I could use it, so why can''t I? Was he lying? That wolf-idiot!''


    Anger turned to despair as he continued to curse the innocent wolf-man, his hope slipping through his fingers like sand. He picked up another stone and threw it with all his might, but the plant-monkeys only laughed harder, their chittering voices echoing through the trees. Each laugh felt like a stab to his pride, a reminder of how far he still had to go.


    But beneath the frustration and anger, a small ember of determination burned in Sumit''s heart. He didn''t know how or when, but he was going to make that aura his own, no matter what it took. As the laughter of the plant-monkeys filled the air, Sumit''s resolve only grew stronger.

 CH10: Will to Survive(Part-1)

    Sumit stood alone in the dense forest, his heart pounding in his chest. The shadows of towering trees loomed over him, their gnarled branches swaying ominously in the wind. The oppressive night seemed to close in on him, each rustle of leaves and distant creak of branches amplifying his isolation. His body was exhausted, battered from countless failed attempts to summon the aura Jack had spoken of. His throat was parched, his muscles ached with a deep, persistent soreness, and his mind was frayed from overwhelming frustration.


    "Why can''t I do this? What''s wrong with me?" Sumit thought bitterly, sweat trickling down his face.


    But nothing compared to the danger that now surrounded him. The forest was alive with a menacing silence, punctuated only by the distant, haunting growls of the plant wolf. Sumit''s breath came in ragged, uneven gasps. The darkness was not just a physical presence but a smothering force that seemed to press in on him from all sides. He had been running for what felt like hours, his every step a desperate attempt to escape the relentless pursuit of the beast.


    The plant wolf had emerged from the shadows like a nightmare. Its body was a grotesque fusion of animal and plant life. Covered in matted, vine-like fur that shifted with every movement, it looked as if it had been born from the darkest depths of the forest. Its eyes glowed a sickly, phosphorescent green, casting an eerie light on the surrounding trees. Jagged thorns protruded from its snout and paws, adding a menacing edge to its already fearsome appearance.


    The wolf''s first attack had come without warning. With a guttural growl, it lunged at Sumit from behind a tangle of underbrush. Its claws, elongated and tipped with razor-sharp thorns, slashed through the air. Sumit barely had time to react. The wolf''s attack was swift, a blur of motion that left deep, ragged scratches on the tree trunks as it passed. Sumit stumbled backward, narrowly avoiding the wolf''s jaws which snapped shut where his head had been moments before.


    "This is insane! I can''t keep this up!" Sumit thought, panic rising in his chest.


    Panic surged through him. He grabbed a jagged rock from the forest floor, its rough edges digging into his palms. As the wolf turned to face him again, its eyes blazing with hunger, Sumit swung the rock with all his might. The impact connected with a sickening thud against the wolf''s side. The creature let out a pained snarl but quickly recovered, its vines twisting and lashing out in retaliation.


    Sumit''s heart raced as he dodged a swipe from the wolf''s claws. He could hear the rustle of the vines as they lashed through the underbrush, seeking to ensnare him. Each time he thought he had found a safe spot, the wolf was there, its glowing eyes cutting through the darkness, relentless and unyielding.


    "I can''t keep this up forever. I need to find a way out!" Sumit thought desperately.


    Desperation fueled Sumit''s movements. He ducked beneath a low-hanging branch, the wolf''s claws barely missing him. With a swift motion, he hurled the rock again, this time striking the wolf''s head. The creature staggered, but only for a moment. It shook off the blow and charged at him with renewed fury.


    Sumit''s breath came in sharp, painful bursts. His arms ached from swinging the rock, and his legs felt like lead. He was running out of time. The wolf was relentless, its vine-covered body moving with a disturbing grace, weaving through the trees as it closed in on him.


    In a desperate bid to escape, Sumit grabbed a low-hanging branch and swung himself into a narrow crevice between two large boulders. The wolf followed, its vines stretching into the gap, trying to drag him out. Sumit pressed himself against the rocks, his heart pounding as the wolf''s claws scraped against the stone just inches from his face.


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    Lost. Helpless. Alone. "Is this it? Is this how it ends?" Sumit''s mind raced as he grappled with the dire situation. He could feel the wolf''s claws just outside his reach, and his heart pounded with fear and exhaustion. The darkness seemed to press in from all sides, a suffocating force that made it difficult to think.


    With one final, desperate effort, Sumit grabbed another rock and shoved it between the wolf''s vines, using it as a wedge to force the creature back. The wolf snarled in frustration, its claws raking at the air as it tried to pull itself free. Sumit took advantage of the momentary reprieve, scrambling out of the crevice and sprinting away through the forest.


    The chase seemed endless. Sumit''s legs burned with each step, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The forest around him was a blur of shadows and fleeting glimpses of moonlight. He could hear the wolf''s growls growing fainter, but he didn''t stop to check. His only thought was to keep moving, to escape whatever dangers lay ahead.


    Eventually, the sounds of pursuit faded into the distance, leaving Sumit alone in the oppressive silence. He collapsed against a tree, his body trembling from exhaustion and fear. The silence of the forest was now deafening, the normal sounds of the night eerily absent. As he struggled to catch his breath, the feeling of dread grew stronger. He had no idea where he was, and the oppressive stillness was more terrifying than the wolf''s pursuit.


    It was then that he noticed it¡ªa twisted, blackened tree standing ominously among the others. Sumit''s eyes widened in disbelief and terror. The tree was unlike anything he had ever seen. Its bark was a deep, unnatural shade of black, with veins of sickly green pulsing through it like veins of poison. The surface of the bark was smooth, almost glossy, but there was a sinister undertone to its sheen.


    The branches were gnarled and twisted, reaching out like skeletal fingers grasping for the sky. They were devoid of leaves, and the few remaining limbs were adorned with thorn-like growths that seemed to twitch and writhe. The roots, thick and gnarled, seemed to move with a life of their own, curling and twisting through the soil, some even reaching out toward Sumit with an unsettlingly slow, deliberate motion.


    Sumit''s pulse quickened as he approached the dark-tree. His breath caught in his throat. The tree seemed to exude a malevolent aura, its presence almost tangible. A faint, sickly green glow emanated from the core of the tree, casting eerie shadows on the surrounding foliage.


    "What... what is this thing? I''ve never seen anything like it before." Sumit thought, his fear escalating.


    Sumit took a hesitant step back, his instincts screaming at him to flee. But before he could react, the ground beneath him began to shift. Vines erupted from the soil, wrapping around his ankles with a sudden, almost sentient force. He stumbled, trying to pull free, but more vines emerged, coiling around his arms and legs. Panic surged through him as he realized the vines were dragging him toward the dark-tree.


    He was going to die here. Alone. Forgotten. "No¡­ no!" The cold grip of despair tightened around him. His breaths grew shallow, and the darkness seemed to press in from all sides. The life force was being drained from him, the cold grip of death tightening around his throat.


    "No¡­ no!" Sumit''s voice cracked with terror and exhaustion. "Why should it end like this? I don''t want to die." His voice trembled with desperation, a broken whisper lost in the oppressive silence.


    "I¡­ I refuse." Sumit''s thoughts were a storm of fear and defiance. "No. Not like this." His anger, his will to survive, flared brightly in his mind, a final flicker of defiance against the overwhelming dread.


    As the last of his strength ebbed away, he felt a fierce, primal force rising within him. It was a fire, a spark of raw, untamed energy that had lain dormant.


    "I''ll survive¡­this" Sumit''s scream cut through the silence, a cry of pure determination. In that moment, his aura flared to life, an explosive burst of energy that illuminated the dark, wrapping him in a protective cocoon of light.


    The dark-tree recoiled, its vines burning away where Sumit''s aura touched them. The glowing core of the tree seemed to waver, its hold on him weakening as the light of his aura pushed back against the darkness.


    Sumit''s eyes flared with the same energy that now surrounded him. He dropped to his knees, gasping for breath, his aura still glowing brightly. The oppressive silence was broken by the hum of his newly awakened power.


    As the last of the vines fell away and the dark-tree''s influence receded, Sumit was left trembling but alive. The dark-tree loomed behind him, a dark silhouette against the faint light of dawn. He had survived the encounter, but he knew this was just the beginning.


    His aura, his will to survive, had awakened in the face of his deepest despair.

 CH11: Will to Survive(Part-2)

    Sumit gasped for air, trembling as the vines around him fell away, scorched by the eruption of his newly awakened aura. For a brief moment, he felt a surge of relief, but the sensation was fleeting. His legs buckled, and he collapsed to the forest floor, panting, his body shaking from the strain.


    "I did it... I really did it," he thought, his mind racing as he tried to grasp what had just happened. His aura¡ªhis will to survive¡ªhad awakened in the face of certain death. He could feel it now, thrumming just beneath his skin, a strange warmth coursing through his muscles. It made him feel alive, powerful even.


    But he didn''t have long to savor the feeling.


    The dark-tree was far from defeated. As Sumit struggled to stand, he noticed the black vines, once burned and shriveled, regrowing rapidly. They slithered across the forest floor like snakes, their movements eerily deliberate. The core of the dark-tree pulsed faintly, as if feeding the vines with life, and with each pulse, they grew faster and stronger.


    Sumit''s heart sank as realization set in. This thing¡ªthis twisted abomination of nature¡ªwasn''t going to stop. He couldn''t afford to waste time celebrating. He had only bought himself a few moments of freedom.


    He clenched his fists, feeling the aura strengthening his muscles once again. He knew what he had to do, though the weight of it made his stomach churn. He couldn''t fight like Jack or the other aura users who could manipulate energy outside their bodies. His aura could only bolster his physical strength, and he had to rely on that to survive.


    "Alright, let''s see what this power can really do," Sumit muttered under his breath, his determination hardening.


    The vines lunged at him again, quicker this time, as if the tree itself was becoming more aggressive. But now, Sumit was ready. With a sudden burst of speed, he dodged to the side, his body moving faster than ever before. His aura-enhanced reflexes allowed him to react just in time as the thick vine cracked the ground where he had stood moments earlier.


    Sumit turned and struck with all his might, his fist colliding with the vine. There was a satisfying crack as the vine split apart from the impact. The aura coursing through his arm made his punch feel like hitting with the force of a boulder. But as the severed piece of vine fell away, more of them sprang up in its place, coiling and snapping like vipers.


    "This isn''t working," Sumit grunted, his frustration mounting. He slammed his fist into another vine, shattering it, but two more immediately replaced it. No matter how many he destroyed, the tree regenerated faster than he could keep up.


    The dark-tree loomed above him, its core glowing brighter now, as if feeding on the surrounding energy. Vines began swarming toward Sumit from all sides, closing in like a predator circling its prey. He fought with everything he had, punching, kicking, and tearing through them with aura-boosted strength. But it was a losing battle.


    His body, though enhanced by the aura, was beginning to feel the strain. His punches weren''t hitting as hard, and his movements were slowing. He could feel his energy depleting, the aura inside him flickering like a candle in the wind.


    "Damn it!" Sumit cursed as another vine wrapped around his ankle. He yanked his leg free, but not without a sharp jolt of pain shooting through his muscles. His stamina was running low, and the dark-tree was only getting stronger. He couldn''t keep this up much longer.


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    The vines came faster now, and one of them managed to snag his arm, pulling him off balance. Sumit twisted his body, tearing the vine apart, but in doing so, left himself open to another attack. A thick vine wrapped around his torso, squeezing the breath out of him. He gasped, struggling to break free, but the pressure was overwhelming.


    He gritted his teeth, channeling the last of his aura into his arms. With a roar of defiance, he tore the vine apart, freeing himself once again. But as he stumbled back, panting and drenched in sweat, he knew he had reached his limit. The dark-tree''s vines were too numerous, too relentless. And his aura, as powerful as it was, wasn''t enough to overcome the tree''s regenerative abilities.


    "I have to get out of here," Sumit thought desperately. His gaze flickered to the edges of the clearing, where the forest offered some hope of escape. He couldn''t defeat the dark-tree¡ªnot now, not like this. But he could live to fight another day.


    Gathering what little strength he had left, Sumit turned and ran. The aura in his legs flared, giving him a final burst of speed as he sprinted through the forest. The vines lashed out behind him, but he was faster, weaving through the trees with agility he never thought possible.


    The dark-tree''s grasping vines grew smaller and smaller in the distance as Sumit pushed himself to his absolute limit. His chest burned with every breath, his legs screamed in protest, but he didn''t stop. He wouldn''t stop until he was far away from that cursed place.


    The ground beneath him was uneven, roots and rocks tripping him up, but Sumit pressed on, pushing his tired body to its limits. He couldn''t fight the dark-tree, not yet. His only option was to flee.


    As he ran, his mind flashed back to the terror of being trapped in the tree''s cocoon. The crushing pressure of its vines, the suffocating darkness, and the sense of his life being drained away had all felt too real. He still felt the lingering touch of those vines on his skin, as if they had left an imprint of their malice.


    The forest seemed endless as he sprinted. His aura flickered within him, but it was too weak to call upon again. He couldn''t strengthen his body much more, and his movements became sluggish, his limbs heavy with exhaustion.


    Suddenly, his foot caught on an outstretched root, and Sumit fell forward, crashing to the forest floor. Pain shot through his arms as he caught himself, the rough ground scraping his palms. For a moment, he lay there, panting, staring into the thick underbrush. His body screamed at him to rest, to give up, but he knew he couldn''t stop¡ªnot yet.


    Pushing himself back to his feet, he glanced over his shoulder. The dark-tree was no longer visible, hidden behind the thick trees, but he knew it was still there. He could feel it¡ªthe oppressive silence, the unnatural stillness of the forest, the heavy weight of the dark aura that hung in the air. He was still in its territory.


    He pressed on, his legs dragging beneath him. The trees became a blur of shadows as he stumbled forward, but eventually, the exhaustion became too much. He had no idea how far he had run, only that the tree was no longer in sight.


    His legs finally gave out beneath him, and Sumit collapsed onto the soft earth. His body ached with every breath, the adrenaline that had pushed him this far fading rapidly. The dark-tree''s looming presence was still at the back of his mind, but all he could think about now was how tired he was.


    "I¡­ I''ll come back," he whispered, his voice weak and barely audible. His eyelids drooped as he lay on the cold ground. "I''ll¡­ beat it."


    His vow was the last thought he had before exhaustion took him. As his consciousness faded, the oppressive silence of the forest remained, a haunting reminder that he was still within the dark-tree''s domain. Yet, despite the danger, Sumit couldn''t stay awake. His body gave in, and he drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.


    The dark-tree loomed in the distance, its vines writhing through the soil like searching fingers. But for now, Sumit was out of reach, too far for the tree to grasp¡ªbut not far enough to escape its influence entirely.


    The dark-tree might have won this battle, but Sumit would be the one to end the war.

 CH12: A Cats Deal

    Sumit stood in a strange, mist-filled landscape, disoriented. The edges of the world seemed to blur, bending and shifting as though it were a dream. And then, like before, a figure appeared¡ªwalking out of the mist, calm and unhurried.


    It was him. The black Cat-man.


    But this time, the Cat-man wasn''t covered in blood. His sleek fur gleamed in the dim light, his piercing yellow eyes locking onto Sumit with a mix of amusement and disdain. As he came closer, Sumit instinctively tensed, a shiver of unease running down his spine.


    "Why are you back?" Sumit asked, his voice tinged with both fear and frustration.


    The Cat-man tilted his head, smirking as if he had expected the question. "I could ask you the same thing, kid."


    Before Sumit could respond, the Cat-man''s expression hardened. "You''re stupid, you know that?" His voice was sharp, the words cutting like blades. "You don''t even know your own power."


    "What are you talking about?" Sumit demanded, feeling a surge of irritation. But before he could say anything more, the Cat-man suddenly lunged at him.


    Sumit barely had time to react as a fist collided with his chest, sending a shockwave of force through his body. The world around him shattered like fragile glass, fragments of the dream scattering into the void. He felt himself falling, spiraling down into darkness.


    And then, with a gasp, Sumit woke up.


    He lay on the cold, damp ground of the forest, his heart racing. His hand flew to his chest where the Cat-man had punched him, expecting to feel pain, but there was none. It had all been a dream¡ªa strange, vivid dream. He sat up, rubbing his face as he tried to shake off the lingering confusion.


    "That was weird," he muttered, trying to dismiss the whole encounter as some sort of nightmare. But deep down, he couldn''t help but feel a gnawing sense of unease.


    As he stood, the cool air of the forest brushing against his skin, Sumit became aware of something else¡ªsomething new. A tingling sensation rippled through his body, a faint but powerful energy humming beneath his skin. His aura. He could feel it now, coursing through him like a river of light.


    A grin crept onto his face, excitement bubbling up inside him. He had done it. He had awakened his aura.


    He took a deep breath, flexing his fingers as he felt the raw energy flowing through his limbs. Every movement felt lighter, faster. Stronger. He could sense the power in his muscles, his bones, and he was eager to test it.


    Without thinking, he began to run. His feet barely touched the ground as he sprinted through the trees, faster than he had ever moved before. The world around him blurred, the wind whipping against his face. He laughed, exhilarated by the rush of his newfound power.


    But then, as he rounded a bend in the forest, he saw them¡ªthe plant monkeys.


    Perched on the branches overhead, their vine-like bodies swayed in the wind, their beady eyes watching him with a strange curiosity. These were the same monkeys that had mocked him before, jeering at him when he had been powerless to defend himself. He could still hear their shrill laughter in his head, echoing like a bad memory.


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    Sumit''s grin turned into a sneer. "Not this time," he muttered under his breath.


    He could feel his aura pulsing through him, his confidence surging as he squared his shoulders and charged toward the nearest monkey. His fists clenched, ready to deliver a powerful blow. He would show them. He wasn''t the weakling they had laughed at anymore.


    As he closed the distance, his eyes locked onto one of the larger monkeys. Sumit swung his fist, aiming to knock the creature off its branch with one powerful strike. But at the last moment, the monkey darted to the side with surprising speed, its body twisting in the air as it dodged his attack effortlessly.


    Before Sumit could recover, the monkey retaliated, its vine-like arm lashing out and landing a solid punch to Sumit''s midsection. The force of the blow sent him sprawling to the ground, gasping for breath.


    The familiar sound of mocking laughter filled the air.


    Sumit groaned, his body aching from the impact. He could hear the other monkeys joining in, their laughter ringing in his ears like a cruel melody. Rage bubbled up inside him, his fists tightening as he scrambled to his feet. He wasn''t going to let them humiliate him again.


    With a growl, he charged at the monkeys again, but every time he swung at one, they dodged with ease. And each time they dodged, they countered with swift, stinging punches that knocked him back down.


    It was like they were toying with him.


    Sumit''s frustration grew with every failed attack. His aura flickered, his energy draining faster than he could keep up. He was stronger now¡ªhe knew it¡ªbut why wasn''t it enough? Why couldn''t he hit them?


    The laughter grew louder, more taunting. The monkeys danced around him, their movements fluid and mocking, as if they knew exactly how to push his buttons. Finally, after another failed charge, Sumit''s legs gave out beneath him.


    Tears of humiliation stung his eyes as he lay on the ground, panting heavily. He couldn''t take it anymore. Without another word, he pushed himself to his feet and fled from the scene, his pride shattered.


    He ran until his legs burned and his lungs screamed for air. When he finally stopped, he was far from the clearing, far from the laughter. Exhausted, Sumit collapsed onto the forest floor, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath.


    There was no one behind him. No more laughter. Just silence.


    Closing his eyes, he drifted into sleep.


    Sumit found himself back in the dream world, standing in the same surreal landscape as before. The black Cat-man was there again, but this time, he was laughing¡ªa deep, throaty laugh that made Sumit''s blood boil.


    "Stop it!" Sumit yelled, his fists clenched at his sides. "Leave me alone!"


    The Cat-man smirked, walking towards him with his tail flicking lazily behind him. "Sorry, but it was funny to watch," he said, still chuckling.


    Sumit glared at him, his face flushed with anger. "You saw that? How?"


    The Cat-man shrugged, his expression amused. "I don''t know. I see things when I''m trapped here. It''s not like I have control over it."


    "Trapped?" Sumit frowned. "What do you mean, trapped? Forget it, just leave me alone!"


    But the Cat-man didn''t move. "No."


    "What?" Sumit blinked in confusion. "Why not?"


    "At first, I wasn''t able to leave," the Cat-man said, his tone shifting slightly. "But now? Now, I don''t want to."


    Sumit narrowed his eyes, confused. "Why? What do you want from me?"


    The Cat-man''s eyes gleamed as he stepped closer. "Before I died, I was a storyteller. I always wanted to tell an amazing story, but my stories¡­ well, they were always a little boring." He leaned in, his gaze piercing. "But ever since I met you, I''ve seen something interesting. Something exciting. Your story."


    Sumit''s face twisted in frustration. "What does that have to do with me? Just leave!"


    The Cat-man''s smirk returned, sly and confident. "Let me make a deal with you. I''ll help you become stronger. In return, you help me experience an interesting story."


    Sumit hesitated, uncertainty gnawing at him. His instincts told him not to trust the Cat-man, but a part of him¡ªdeep inside¡ªknew that he needed the help. If he was going to survive in this world, he needed to be stronger. Much stronger.


    "Fine," he muttered at last, his voice laced with reluctance. "But if you''re lying¡ª"


    "I don''t lie, kid," the Cat-man said with a grin. "This is going to be fun."

 CH13: The First Lesson

    Sumit remained in the dream world, his chest still heaving from his earlier frustration. The black Cat-man stood before him, a sly grin playing on his lips, as if he could see right through Sumit''s doubts. The mist swirled around them, the eerie silence broken only by the Cat-man''s deep voice.


    "Now that you''ve agreed," the Cat-man began, his eyes gleaming, "let''s get to work."


    Sumit took a hesitant step forward. "Work?"


    "Yes, kid. You want to survive, don''t you? That''s your goal, isn''t it?" The Cat-man''s tone softened, but his expression remained sharp. "But first, there''s a condition. If you''re going to learn from me, you must never attack first."


    Sumit stiffened at the words. "What?" His fists clenched. "Never attack first? What about the plant-monkeys? They humiliated me!" His voice carried the weight of his bitterness, the memories of their mocking laughter still fresh in his mind.


    The Cat-man''s grin faded, replaced by a thoughtful look. "So what? Is that your reason for fighting them? For what¡ªrevenge?"


    Sumit opened his mouth to respond but found no words. His mind whirled, replaying the fight, the laughter, the pain of being outmaneuvered. It wasn''t about revenge, was it?


    "Look," the Cat-man continued, crossing his arms over his chest, "you need to understand something. Your goal isn''t to be the strongest or to get revenge, right? That''s not who you are. Your goal is survival. That''s what''s driving you. Am I wrong?"


    The word struck a chord deep within Sumit, causing him to falter. Survival. The Cat-man was right. All Sumit wanted was to live, to survive another day in this unfamiliar world. Slowly, he nodded, unable to argue with the truth.


    "So, if survival is your goal," the Cat-man pressed on, his gaze locking onto Sumit''s, "then you must live by this rule. Never attack first. But always be the first to help others when they need it."


    Sumit hesitated, his pride still bruised from the encounter with the plant-monkeys. He wanted to lash out, to prove his strength, but deep down, he knew the Cat-man was speaking sense. After a long silence, he sighed. "Fine. I''ll follow your condition."


    The Cat-man''s grin returned, satisfied. "Good. Now, let''s get to the real lesson."


    Sumit shifted his weight, listening intently as the Cat-man began to explain. "Aura isn''t some limitless power you can throw around carelessly," he said, pacing in front of Sumit. "It''s a form of energy that flows through everything¡ªliving beings, objects, the environment. But the thing is, everyone has a limited amount of aura, including you."


    Sumit frowned, trying to absorb the information. "So¡­ I can run out?"


    "Exactly," the Cat-man said, pointing a clawed finger at him. "Every time you use your aura, it drains. And if you waste it, it won''t come back until you rest. The key is learning how to use it efficiently."


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    Sumit nodded, a glimmer of understanding forming. "So, what''s the best way to use it?"


    "Control," the Cat-man said simply. "Instead of spreading your aura all over your body, you need to focus it. Concentrate your aura in one part of your body at a time. For example, if you''re going to punch, focus all your aura into your fist. If you''re going to run, concentrate it in your legs. This way, you''ll use less aura and still get the power you need."


    Sumit listened carefully, his mind racing with possibilities. He had been too reckless before, wasting his aura in every move. Now, the pieces were starting to fit together.


    After a moment of silence, Sumit blurted out the question that had been bothering him. "Why did you punch me before?"


    The Cat-man''s grin widened, his sharp teeth glinting in the misty light. "Because I got angry looking at your face, that''s why!" He chuckled, his tail flicking playfully. "Besides, it was fun."


    Sumit rolled his eyes, but despite himself, a small smile tugged at his lips. "You''re impossible."


    "Enough talk," the Cat-man said, stretching lazily. "Now go out there and punch something useful."


    Before Sumit could respond, the dream world began to fade. The mist swirled around him, and in the blink of an eye, Sumit found himself lying on the forest floor once again.


    Sumit stayed where he was, his back against the cool earth. The soft breeze whispered through the trees, but his mind was focused on something else. His aura. He could feel it, pulsing lightly through his body like a faint current of energy. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on the sensation.


    As he lay there, Sumit tried to apply what the Cat-man had taught him. First, he let his aura flow freely through his entire body, feeling its warmth spread from his head to his toes. But he knew this was inefficient¡ªit was the very mistake the Cat-man had warned him about.


    Gritting his teeth, Sumit focused, trying to gather all that energy into one place¡ªhis fist. The first few attempts were messy. His aura spilled over, uncontrolled, surging through his body instead of concentrating in his hand. But he didn''t give up. Time after time, he tried again, forcing the aura to gather in his fist.


    It wasn''t easy. Sweat dripped down his forehead as he pushed himself, straining to keep the aura in check. But after what felt like hours, something finally clicked. He felt it¡ªa surge of power focusing in his hand, while the rest of his body remained still.


    His eyes snapped open, and he stared at his fist, now tingling with concentrated energy. A wild grin spread across his face. "I did it," he whispered, excitement bubbling up inside him.


    Without wasting a second, Sumit sprang to his feet and sprinted toward the nearest tree. His fist, brimming with aura, flew forward and collided with the tree''s trunk. The wood splintered and cracked, the entire tree shuddering from the impact before crashing to the ground.


    Sumit laughed, exhilarated by the success. "I did it!" he shouted, punching another tree for good measure. The forest echoed with the sound of his blows, tree after tree falling as he unleashed his newfound strength.


    But after the forty-third punch, his body gave out. Exhaustion hit him like a wave, and he collapsed to the ground, panting heavily. His aura was nearly drained, and he could feel it slipping away as his vision blurred.


    Darkness overtook him, and when he opened his eyes again, he was back in the misty dream world.


    The black Cat-man stood before him, a smirk on his face. "Well, well, look who''s back," he said with a chuckle. "How''s that aura control working for you?"


    Sumit groaned, rubbing his aching head as he pushed himself to his feet. "Exhausting," he muttered.


    The Cat-man smiled wider, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Good. That means you''re learning."


    Sumit sighed, but despite his fatigue, a small smile tugged at his lips. He was getting stronger. Slowly, but surely.


    "Welcome back, kid. The fun''s just beginning."

 CH14: A Good Week

    Sumit crouched by the riverbank, letting the cold-water drip from his fingertips as he splashed some onto his face. The icy sensation jolted him from the dull ache of fatigue that had set into his bones over the past week of grueling training. His reflection rippled, a face he barely recognized anymore¡ªa mix of exhaustion, determination, and something new. Confidence.


    He stood, gazing at the endless stretch of trees before him. It was a strange feeling, to no longer fear the forest as he had before. The towering, twisted trees, once looming as symbols of his isolation and helplessness, now seemed like mere challenges to overcome. A week of training under the harsh and cryptic guidance of the black Cat-man had transformed him, body and mind.


    At first, Sumit had been obsessed with the memory of his humiliation¡ªthose cursed plant-monkeys laughing at him and mocking him. It burned in his chest like a slow flame. But the Cat-man had drilled into him the importance of letting it go.


    " Never attack first , but always be the first to help others," the Cat-man had said repeatedly, his voice a steady echo in Sumit''s mind. And in time, Sumit had learned. His fists, once clenched with anger, now relaxed, opening only in defense, in necessity. Revenge had lost its allure. He didn''t need it anymore¡ªnot when he had found something stronger. Aura. Control. Survival.


    Sumit stood with a happy face as he remembers his hardship of past week. On the second day of training, Sumit had his first real test.


    He had been resting, his senses sharp, when a plant-rhino appeared¡ªa towering beast with thick bark-like skin, its horn made of vines twisted into a deadly spiral. It charged without warning, the earth trembling under its massive weight. Sumit''s heart leaped into his throat as he barely rolled out of the way, feeling the beast''s crushing force in the air as it tore through the ground where he had been standing.


    Panic. It surged through him like wildfire. But he remembered the Cat-man''s teaching cut through his fear: "Focus, Sumit. You''re faster. Use your legs."


    Sumit''s breath steadied, and in a moment of clarity, he channeled his aura into his legs. His muscles hummed with energy, and as the plant-rhino charged again, he leaped to the side with a speed he hadn''t known was possible. The world blurred, the rhino missing him by mere inches.


    For a moment, a surge of power and relief coursed through him. But it wasn''t over.


    The beast skidded, its head snapping toward him as it prepared for another charge. Sumit analyzed the creature , his mind racing. Its skin was impenetrable. Hitting it head-on would be useless. He would tire before it did. But the plant-rino was slow to turn. That was his advantage.


    As the rhino pawed the ground, preparing to charge again, Sumit planted his feet, focusing on his hips for balance, his aura flowing like water into his core. His mind sharpened, no longer distracted by fear. This was his fight.


    The plant-rhino barreled forward. At the last second, Sumit veered to the side, pivoting effortlessly, and channeled aura into his arms , delivering a powerful blow to the creature''s exposed underbelly. The impact reverberated through his fists, and the rhino staggered, its legs buckling as it stumbled to the ground. But it wasn''t enough.


    Sumit, now fully attuned to his body, gathered aura into his back and shoulders for endurance. The fatigue that had crept in moments before vanished as he moved with calculated precision. He struck again, a sharp, precise hit, breaking through the beast''s head. With a final groan, the plant-rhino collapsed, leaving behind a lifeless body.


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    Sumit stood over the defeated creature, chest heaving. He felt alive , more than he ever had. He had fought, he had conquered. Not because of rage, not because of fear, but because he had controlled the fight. And that was far more powerful than any emotion.


    He was going to leave it as it was, but his eyes saw something in the rhino''s body, it was a fruit like the fruit he has eaten before, he took it out.


    Sumit hesitated but eventually gave in, biting into the fruit. As he chewed, a warmth spread through him, and he could feel his aura surge maybe it was because he doesn''t have aura before but this time, he feels his aura increasing.


    Over time, the Cat-man''s teachings had begun to sink in. Control over emotion, control over aura ¡ªthat was the key. His aura wasn''t just energy, it was a part of him. And he could shape it, use it, just like he used his body.


    That understanding was tested again, three days later, when Sumit found himself surrounded by a pack of plant-dogs . The creatures were smaller than the rhino but far more aggressive, their glowing green eyes cutting through the dark. They moved in erratic, unpredictable patterns, snapping and biting at him with thorned fangs.


    At first, the panic returned. There were too many. They came at him from every angle, circling him like prey. His heart pounded, and for a moment, he considered running.


    But then, a thought broke through the chaos: Aura is efficiency. He couldn''t fight them all at once. He needed to conserve his energy, focus on key movements. He inhaled, closing his eyes briefly, and focused his aura into his hips and legs , his core strong as steel.


    When the first plant-dog lunged at him, Sumit sidestepped, using the momentum to pivot and redirect aura into his arms. With one powerful motion, he struck the dog with a spinning punch, its thorny body flying into the bushes. He kept moving, channeling aura into his back for recovery and his shoulders for endurance . His body was a machine, each movement precise, every strike calculated. He didn''t waste energy; he didn''t let his aura spill.


    It was over faster than he anticipated. Exhausted, but victorious , he stood among the remains of the plant-dogs, he walks towards the bodies and took the fruit out of their bodies, biting into the fruit he again felt his aura increasing which he uses to recover his body and heal his wounds. Sumit can heal himself by focusing the aura on the wound, this was something he learn by his own.


    For the next few days, Sumit found few fruits on trees but this time they didn''t increase his aura which result him concluding that only fruits from plant-animal increases his aura.


    By the seventh day, Sumit felt invincible. His fights were calculated, controlled. He had learned to focus aura into specific parts of his body during battle¡ªhis legs for power, his back for recovery, his arms for speed and strength. Every movement felt fluid, natural.


    And for the first time in a long while, he was happy . A genuine, deep-seated happiness that came from knowing he was surviving. No¡ªhe was winning.


    Walking through the dense trees that afternoon, Sumit hummed softly to himself, his mood light. He felt at ease, the constant tension of survival lifting, if only for a moment. But it didn''t last long.


    Sumit''s smile faded as a strange unease crept over him, sending shivers down his spine. His senses sharpened, his muscles tensing as he instinctively crouched behind a tree. He peered through the branches, and what he saw turned his blood cold.


    A figure¡ª dark, twisted, unnatural ¡ªmoved between the trees. It was a grotesque mix of monkey and tiger, its body rippling with an aura so dark and heavy that the air around it seemed to shimmer and warp. It moved slowly, deliberately, as if it knew no creature would dare challenge it.


    Sumit''s breath hitched in his throat. His heart pounded, but this wasn''t the rush of adrenaline he felt during battle. This was fear , deep and primal. He pressed himself closer to the tree, willing himself to disappear.


    The dark figure eventually passed by him, its eyes glowing with malevolence. Sumit didn''t dare move, barely even breathed, as it disappeared into the distance, heading towards the plant-monkeys'' territory.


    A pit of dread settled in Sumit''s stomach. Something was wrong. Very wrong.


    As the dark figure vanished into the shadows, Sumit''s heart began to calm, but his thoughts raced. What was that? It wasn''t like the plant-monsters he had fought. Its aura was something else entirely¡ªsomething dangerous. And if it was heading toward the plant-monkeys, he had a sinking feeling that whatever happened next would be bad. Very bad.

 CH15: Shadow and Gem

    Sumit crouched in the shadow of a large tree, his heart pounding in his chest. The Dark Figure had disappeared into the underbrush, leaving an eerie stillness behind. The creature''s presence still lingered in the air, oppressive and suffocating. His breath came in shallow, quiet gasps as he waited, senses straining for any sign of danger.


    After a long silence, he cautiously emerged from his hiding place. His eyes traced the path where the monster had walked, and what he saw made his stomach twist. Everything the monster had touched¡ªbranches, trees, grass¡ªhad turned black. It was as if all life had been sucked out, leaving behind only a hollow, brittle shell. Leaves crumbled to dust beneath his feet, the once vibrant green now faded to a lifeless grey. The contrast was stark, unnerving.


    Sumit''s thoughts spiralled. Did that thing... destroy everything it touched? The idea chilled him to the bone. He couldn''t shake the image of the lifeless plants and the deathly stillness that followed in the creature''s wake. Instinctively, he looked ahead, toward the direction the monster had gone. A dark trail of devastation stretched before him, leading straight toward the plant-monkey territory.


    His mind raced with indecision. What do I do? The urge to flee surged within him¡ªrun as far away from this nightmare as possible. Ignore it. Pretend it didn''t happen. But deep down, he knew he couldn''t. His gut told him something worse was about to happen. The plant-monkeys... that thing is targeting them. I can feel it.


    He clenched his fists, nails digging into his palms as he tried to steady himself. The weight of a promise pressed heavily on his mind. A promise he had made to the Cat-man. Always be the first to help.


    "Cursed your promise, Cat-man," Sumit muttered, biting back frustration. He glanced at his surroundings, feeling the pressure build. He could turn away, ignore the catastrophe ahead, or he could follow that monstrous thing and face whatever horrors lay ahead.


    With a deep breath, Sumit steeled himself. His jaw tightened as he started walking toward the plant-monkey territory, cursing himself for being such a fool. I''ll save my aura for the battle ahead, he reminded himself. Whatever was coming, he needed to be prepared.


    ...


    After what felt like an eternity of walking, he neared the plant-monkey territory. The dense jungle gave way to open clearings where the monkeys lived among towering trees. But then, the sound he had been dreading reached his ears¡ªthe terrified screams of the plant-monkeys. His heart dropped into his stomach.


    Panic surged through him as he rushed forward, his legs carrying him as fast as they could. He burst into the clearing, only to be met with a sight that froze him in place.


    The plant-monkeys were fleeing in all directions, but half of them were already too late. Their bodies had turned to stone¡ªsolid, unmoving statues of terror. The others screamed in fear, trying to escape the Dark Figure, but it was relentless. The monster moved with eerie precision, capturing the fleeing creatures one by one.


    Sumit''s throat tightened as he saw the monster reach out and grab a plant-monkey by its neck. In seconds, the monkey''s body hardened, its expression of fear frozen in stone. At that exact moment, the gem embedded in the monster''s chest glowed a sickening blue, pulsating as if drawing energy from the petrified creature.


    That gem... it''s draining their energy! Sumit realized, his mind spinning with the horrific conclusion. This wasn''t just a monster. It was something far worse¡ªsomething that consumed life itself.


    He couldn''t stand by any longer.


    "HEY!" His shout echoed through the clearing, cutting through the chaos like a blade. He broke into a sprint, his legs pumping hard as he raced toward the Dark Figure, his mind already focused on the battle ahead. Focus your aura on your legs and arms, Sumit. You''ll need every bit of strength for this.


    The monster''s head swivelled toward him, its red eyes locking onto him with a predatory gaze. A low growl rumbled in its chest as it shifted its stance, preparing for Sumit''s attack. Up close, the monster was even more monstrous than Sumit had realized. Its body was a hulking mass of muscle, covered in dark, striped fur that bristled with menace. Its face was a grotesque combination of a tiger''s snarling maw and a monkey''s calculating eyes. And that tail, long and sinewy, flicked behind it with terrifying precision, ready to lash out at any moment.


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    Sumit closed the distance in a heartbeat, his aura-enhanced legs propelling him forward with blinding speed. He swung his fist toward the monster''s head, aiming to strike it hard and fast. But the monster was faster.


    With an almost casual motion, it deflected his punch with the back of its hand, sending Sumit stumbling off balance. Damn, it''s strong...


    Sumit barely had time to recover before the monster was on him. It lashed out with its claws, aiming for his chest. He threw himself to the side, narrowly avoiding the strike, but the monster was relentless. It followed up with a flurry of swipes, its claws cutting through the air with deadly precision.


    Sumit dodged as best he could, rolling and ducking to avoid the strikes, but he was already tiring. The monster''s movements were almost impossible to predict, and every missed attack was followed by another faster and more precise. Each dodge left him a step behind, his body screaming in protest from the effort.


    In desperation, Sumit channeled more aura into his legs, hoping to increase his speed. He launched himself at the monster again, this time aiming low for its ribs. His fist connected, but it was like punching a wall of steel. The monster barely flinched. It swatted him away again, this time harder. Sumit''s body hit the ground with a painful thud, the impact jarring his bones.


    This... this isn''t working.


    As Sumit struggled to get back on his feet, he saw movement from the corner of his eye. The plant-monkeys¡ªthose who had not yet turned to stone¡ªwere watching him. Then, in a sudden rush, they charged toward the monster, leaping from trees and rocks to attack it from all sides.


    For a brief moment, Sumit felt a flicker of hope. Maybe together we can...


    But the monster was a force of nature.


    It moved like a whirlwind, striking down the plant-monkeys with brutal efficiency. Its hands shot out, grabbing monkeys by the throat and turning them to stone almost instantly. The more it absorbed, the brighter the gem in its chest glowed, pulsing with sickening energy.


    Sumit''s mind raced. I can''t keep this up. Even with the plant-monkeys'' help, we''re just getting picked off one by one. We''re going to lose...


    His eyes darted to the gem. That cursed, glowing gem. That''s the key. I have to destroy it.


    Summit took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his ears. He shouted as loud as he could, hoping the plant-monkeys would understand him. "MONKEYS! ATTACK THE GEM!" he shouted desperately, pointing toward the glowing crystal embedded in the monster''s chest. But the plant-monkeys didn''t understand. They looked at him in confusion.


    "THE GEM! GET THAT GEM!" Sumit yelled again, frustration boiling over. But instead of attacking, the plant-monkeys scattered, retreating into the trees, leaving Sumit alone.


    His heart sank as the monster turned its full attention toward him. The creature''s glowing eyes bore into him, and it began to move, stalking toward him like a predator closing in on its prey.


    I messed up... I''m alone. Sumit''s chest tightened with fear. He tried to move, but the monster was faster. In an instant, its clawed hand wrapped around his neck, lifting him off the ground with ease. Sumit gasped for air as his body began to harden, the petrification creeping over his skin. His arms and legs felt heavy, unmoving. Stone.


    No... I can''t...


    His thoughts spiraled, panic rising as he felt his body succumb to the stone curse. His eyes darted around desperately, searching for anything¡ªany chance to escape. But there was none. The monster''s grip tightened, and Sumit felt his strength fading. His vision blurred as the stone crept over his shoulders.


    This is it... He cursed the plant-monkeys in his mind, wondering why he ever thought he could save them. The Cat-man''s promise felt like a bitter joke now.


    Just as the darkness began to close in, a voice cut through the haze.


    "AHHHHHHHH!" A plant-monkey''s voice, high-pitched and frantic.


    Sumit''s gaze shifted just in time to see one of the plant-monkeys rushing toward him, clutching something familiar. His staff.


    The monkey threw the staff with all its might, and with the last ounce of strength left in his body, Sumit reached out. His hand¡ªstill unpetrified¡ªcaught the staff mid-air.


    This is my only chance.


    Summoning every last drop of aura, Sumit channeled it into the staff, feeling the familiar surge of power pulse through the wood. His muscles screamed in protest as he raised the staff, aiming straight for the glowing gem in the monster''s chest.


    With a final, desperate cry, Sumit thrust the staff forward, driving it directly into the gem.


    The impact was immediate.


    The gem shattered with a deafening crack, and in that moment, the entire clearing was engulfed in a blinding flash of light. Energy poured out of the broken crystal, rushing through the air like a tidal wave. The plant-monkeys, frozen in stone, began to return to flesh, their bodies softening, their faces regaining life.


    As for the monster, the moment the gem broke, its body began to disintegrate, crumbling into dust. The dark aura faded, and the once terrifying creature was reduced to nothing but ash, swept away by the wind.


    Sumit collapsed to the ground, the staff slipping from his hand. His body was exhausted, every muscle screaming in agony. But the petrification had stopped. He was alive.


    The last thing he saw before his eyes fluttered shut was the swirling dust of the monster, carried away by the wind.


    Then, everything went black.

 CH16: Monkey Party

    Sumit opened his eyes to find himself once again in the dream world. The familiar fog surrounded him, thick and heavy, almost suffocating in its silence. His chest tightened with frustration and confusion, the weight of recent events pressing down on him like an unseen force. Standing there, lost in the fog, a sense of unease curled in his stomach¡ªhe knew exactly what was coming next.


    Out of the mist, the black Cat-man emerged, his feline eyes glinting with amusement, as if he''d been waiting for Sumit all along. That infuriating smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. "Good work, kid," the Cat-man said casually, his tone light, almost mocking.


    Sumit felt his blood boil. Good work? The memory of his near-death experience surged forward¡ªflashes of the battle, the crushing fear, the razor''s edge of survival. He couldn''t hold it in any longer. Rage flooded through him like fire.


    Without thinking, Sumit sprinted toward the Cat-man, fists raised, heart pounding in his chest, ready to land a blow that might make him feel better¡ªanything to vent the overwhelming storm of anger swirling inside him.


    But, as usual, the Cat-man sidestepped with ease, his movements fluid and effortless, as if Sumit were no more than a child throwing a tantrum. "Why are you so angry?" he asked, his voice calm, curious even. That calmness, that detached indifference, only fanned the flames of Sumit''s rage.


    "Why am I angry?" Sumit shouted, his voice trembling with frustration. "Because I nearly died, that''s why!"


    The Cat-man tilted his head slightly, almost as if pondering Sumit''s words. "Why are you whining? You''re alive, aren''t you? And you''ve gotten stronger."


    Sumit could feel his heart hammering in his chest, not just from the anger, but from the flood of emotions that had been building up ever since that fight. "Yeah, I''m alive," he spat, his voice shaking, "but that doesn''t change the fact that I was almost killed because of your advice!"


    The Cat-man chuckled softly, a sound that felt like it scraped against Sumit''s nerves. "What are you blaming me for? I admit it was my condition that you should always be the first to help... but deep down, you would have done it anyway, even without me saying so."


    Sumit''s jaw tightened. "That''s not true."


    "Believe what you want to believe," the Cat-man replied with a shrug, his voice light and unconcerned. "It''s not like you can kill me for it, can you?"


    Sumit''s shoulders slumped, the weight of exhaustion and emotional turmoil bearing down on him. He knew, somewhere in the back of his mind, that the Cat-man was right. But the truth didn''t make the anger or frustration disappear.


    "Fine," Sumit muttered, trying to steady himself, "but are you going to tell me or not? What was that thing I fought?"


    The Cat-man''s playful demeanor shifted, his eyes narrowing slightly in thought. "Honestly? I don''t know for sure. But didn''t it feel... familiar? Like something you''ve already encountered?"


    Sumit''s heart sank as the answer clicked into place. "The black tree," he whispered, a sense of dread creeping into his voice.


    The Cat-man nodded, his gaze sharpening. "Exactly. That monster had the same aura, the same feel as that black tree you faced. Whatever it is, they''re connected."


    Sumit''s hands clenched into fists again, this time out of frustration, not knowing what to do next. "So what do I do now? Should I go back to the tree?"


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    The Cat-man''s gaze softened, his smirk returning. "That''s up to you, kid. But remember¡ªgood deeds always bring good results."


    Sumit sighed, the weight of responsibility pressing heavily on his chest. He was tired. Tired of fighting, of not knowing what was happening, of feeling like he was one wrong step away from death. "Wait," he said suddenly, a new concern creeping into his mind. "What happens to my body when I''m here?"


    The Cat-man raised an eyebrow, his tone almost amused. "Nothing. Your body recovers while you''re here. It means you''re sleeping."


    Sumit''s eyes widened in panic. "What? Send me back! Punch me, or whatever¡ªI can''t trust those idiot monkeys with my body!"


    The Cat-man smirked, clearly enjoying Sumit''s discomfort. "Come on, they helped you."


    "Helped me?" Sumit scoffed, frustration rising again. "They ran away in the middle of the fight!"


    The Cat-man''s grin widened. "Because you asked them to bring the staff."


    "No, I didn''t! I asked them to get the gem, not the staff!" Sumit shot back, his voice rising in disbelief.


    The Cat-man shrugged lazily. "Whatever, kid. Just get out of here." And with that, he delivered a swift punch to Sumit''s chest, knocking him out of the dream world.


    Sumit woke with a jolt, gasping as his eyes adjusted to the soft light filtering through the canopy above. He blinked, trying to get his bearings. The first thing he noticed was the bed¡ªmade of soft, woven leaves. It cradled his aching body, and for a moment, he just lay there, staring up at the sky, wondering where he was.


    Then, he felt eyes on him. Lots of eyes. He turned his head and found himself surrounded by plant-monkeys. They were watching him closely, their bright, curious eyes fixed on him as if he were something precious. The second they realized he was awake, they erupted in happy, chattering sounds, jumping and clapping, their excitement palpable.


    Sumit blinked, confused. "What''s going on?" he muttered under his breath, rubbing his eyes.


    One of the larger monkeys stepped forward, holding out his staff¡ªthe one Sumit had thought was lost forever. The monkey placed it gently in Sumit''s hand, then tugged on his arm, urging him to follow. Sumit, still dazed and unsure, complied, letting the monkey lead him through the dense jungle. They eventually arrived at the base of a massive tree, its trunk hollowed out and filled with items¡ªcoins, clothes, bags, dolls, and various trinkets. It looked like a hoard.


    Sumit''s eyes widened as he pieced it together. The monkeys must have collected these things over time, much like they''d taken his staff earlier. The monkey pointed toward the collection, then held up five fingers.


    Sumit raised an eyebrow. "So... I can pick five things?"


    The monkey nodded eagerly.


    Sumit hesitated, scanning the items. He finally picked out a small pouch of coins, a cloak, a bag of clothes, a water pouch and when Sumit was about to pick his 5 reward he was stopped by the monkey. The monkey points towards the staff Sumit was hold.


    "You mean this is my 5 item fine its not like he have anything better" The monkey gave an approving nod and then, to Sumit''s surprise, grabbed his arm again and led him to a wide, empty field.


    Before Sumit could ask what was going on, the plant-monkeys began to gather around him, one by one, placing fruits in front of him. He felt a flicker of unease. Was this some sort of offering? What were they expecting him to do?


    He looked at the monkey who had brought him here, and the monkey placed another fruit at his feet. Feeling the weight of all their expectant gazes, Sumit grabbed one of the fruits, hesitantly took a bite, and¡ª


    His eyes widened. The taste was incredible. Sweetness flooded his mouth, and before he could stop himself, he let out a joyful shout. "Sweet!!"


    The plant-monkeys exploded with excitement, their happy shrieks filling the air. Sumit couldn''t help but laugh. Despite everything, this moment felt pure, uncomplicated. For the first time in a while, he felt... content.


    Maybe the monkeys weren''t so bad after all.


    But just as he was thinking that, a small monkey approached him with a mischievous glint in its eyes. It held out a tiny berry. Sumit, feeling playful, took it and popped it into his mouth.


    A second later, he gagged. "Bitter!" he shouted, his face scrunching up in disgust.


    The young monkeys burst into laughter, jumping around with glee. Sumit shook his head, wiping his tongue. "I take it back," he muttered, grimacing. "Monkeys are bad."


    The little monkey darted away, and with a grin, Sumit shot up, chasing after it. "Get back here, you little¡ª!"


    The older monkeys watched, smiles tugging at their lips, while the younger ones laughed and teased, enjoying the sight of Sumit running after their mischievous companion. The scene was light, almost surreal in its warmth¡ªa sharp contrast to the dangers Sumit had faced earlier.


    As Sumit sprinted after the young monkey, his laughter echoing in the field, he felt something he hadn''t felt in a long time¡ªa sense of belonging. Maybe, just maybe, this strange world wasn''t so bad after all.

 CH17: Stick and Stone

    The next morning, Sumit gathered up some of the fruits the plant-monkeys had gifted him. He carefully packed them in his bag, making sure not to crush them. He''d learned the hard way that juice-soaked supplies weren''t ideal for travel. As he swung his bag over his shoulder, he grabbed his staff, now more than just a walking stick¡ªthis was his weapon, his tool, his lifeline. He looked back at the crowd of plant-monkeys gathered to see him off. There was a warmth in their eyes, and he felt a pang of something close to gratitude. But just as he was about to say a farewell, he locked eyes with one of the little monkeys, a particularly mischievous one, staring at him with that smug, knowing look.


    Sumit narrowed his eyes, smirking. He raised a fist, playfully mimicking a "Just wait ''til I catch you!" look. The little monkey squeaked and stuck its tongue out at him. Sumit huffed in mock anger, rolling his eyes. "Stupid little furball," he muttered, though he couldn''t stop the grin tugging at his lips. Turning away, he mumbled, "I''m out of here before I turn into one of them."


    Sumit started walking just like usual, but this time, he knew exactly where he was heading. His gaze followed the dark, lifeless trail that wound through the jungle¡ªa trail left by the dark figure that had terrorized him and nearly ended his life. Most people would think he was out of his mind for going after something so dangerous, but he had his reasons.


    "Not just one of them," he whispered to himself. "If there''s one, there might be more. And if I have to help them let''s do it all the way through."


    Then there was the memory of the black tree, the twisted, menacing thing he''d encountered early on. That same sickening feeling, the aura of decay, hung around this creature too. It couldn''t be a coincidence. The traces left behind by the dark figure led straight in the direction where he remembered that black tree being rooted, hidden deep in the jungle''s heart.


    "And lastly¡­" he muttered, tightening his grip on the staff, "that thing attacked me first. I''m not just going to forget that."


    "The cat-man told me to never attack first but it was the dark tree that attacked me that means I can get my revenge this time and besides I am stronger now"


    The thought of revenge gave him a grim satisfaction, but it also kept his nerves steady as he followed the trail. After a few minutes of silent walking, his eyes drifted down to his staff. The memory of shattering the dark gem with it flashed in his mind. He didn''t think of it first but how did he was able to do that? Could he now channel his aura outside his body? Or could he only do it with the staff, as he had when he''d broken that gem?


    He stopped and pointed out his empty left hand in the air and tried to push the aura out of his body through his hand, after some time he could feel his aura getting out of his body but as soon as the aura flowed out it disappeared in the air.


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    "Tsk¡­that just made me waste my aura but what if I¡­"


    He put his hand down and took a deep breath, holding the staff tightly. Focusing his aura, he channeled it into the wood, feeling it surge down his arm and into the point. Testing it, he struck the staff into a nearby tree. At first, there was just a faint crack in the bark, and he frowned, feeling slightly deflated.


    "It was a strong attack but not as strong as my punch. Why it is weaker than before?" he muttered. But he wasn''t about to give up that quickly. He took another deep breath, this time focusing harder, letting his aura build in his chest before he funnelled it into the staff and again struck the tree but this time he stabbed it.


    When he struck the tree again, the effect was immediate. The entire trunk exploded, bark and splinters flying in all directions. He stumbled back, shielding his face from the debris, his heart pounding with both fear and exhilaration. The impact left him speechless for a moment as he took in the splintered remains of what had been a solid tree.


    "Whoa¡­so only stab works" he whispered, a smile slowly spreading across his face. But the feeling was short-lived as he noticed the staff''s condition. A thin crack had formed near the tip, splitting slightly from the force of the explosion.


    "Damn it¡­," he cursed softly, inspecting the staff more closely. "Looks like it can''t handle that level of force all the time."


    He flexed his fingers around it, testing its balance. It was clear now that the staff had limitations¡ªit could channel his aura, but only so much before it became unstable. If he wasn''t careful, he could break it, or worse, he could end up with shards of wood embedded in his hand.


    "Alright, then," he sighed, accepting the challenge. "If I can''t use too much power, I just need to focus on precision."


    As he tested his aura, an idea began forming. Sumit bent down and picked up a small stone, curiosity sparking in his eyes. He poured a light stream of aura into the stone, watching as it began to glow faintly in his hand. He held his breath, mesmerized by the small, pulsing light, but the stone suddenly exploded, sending sharp shards into his hand. Wincing, he clenched his teeth, trying to keep his voice steady as he muttered, "Well, that was... unexpected."


    The pain in his hand was sharp, but he quickly channeled his aura to heal the wound, watching as his skin slowly mended itself. He took a deep breath, letting the healing process calm his mind. The stone wasn''t like the staff. It couldn''t channel his aura; it could only store it for a moment.


    "Was it too small to store the aura? Let''s test more" Sumit said to himself and concluded that the bigger the stone, the more aura it could handle before it became unstable.


    "Alright," he murmured, bending down and finding a larger rock, one about the size of his palm. He poured aura into it slowly, watching as it glowed brighter, then carefully pulled his hand back and threw it toward a large boulder nearby.


    BOOOOOOM!!!!


    The rock hit its target, and the explosion was immense. The boulder shattered into fragments, and Sumit barely shielded himself from the flying rubble. His mouth dropped open in shock, a thrill rushing through him.


    "Shit¡­ did I just¡­" He took a shaky breath, grinning. "Did I just create a bomb?"


    He chuckled, the adrenaline rushing through him as he looked at his hand, still tingling from the aura he''d poured out. "Now that''s what I''m talking about." But as he looked down at the damaged staff, he realized he''d have to be careful. With the right tools, the aura he controlled was powerful, but he needed to know his limits, or he''d be left defenseless.


    "Alright now it''s time to find its limits" saying this he picked up another rock and soon the sound of the explosion filled the forest.

 CH18: Mid-level

    BOOOM!!!


    The dense forest had transformed into a war zone. Singed leaves fluttered down like ash, the ground lay charred in blackened patches, and splinters of shattered wood littered the ground. Sumit wiped the sweat from his brow as he surveyed the wreckage, his latest "experiment" leaving a smirk of satisfaction on his face. He was pushing his limits, pouring nearly 80% of his aura into understanding this peculiar, explosive power he''d only just begun to wield.


    Another rock glowed in his hand, vibrating with an unstable energy. Sumit grinned and hurled it, a small bomb waiting to detonate mid-flight.


    BOOOM!!!


    "Aura Bomb," he murmured, almost as if naming a new friend. "That''s a fitting name for you." He''d spent hours figuring out the mysterious rules of aura-infused rocks. Once the aura touched the stone, an explosion was inevitable. Larger rocks could hold more aura, creating bigger blasts, but the moment they started glowing, he had only ten to fifteen seconds before they detonated, or sooner if they struck anything. But there were limits, always limits.


    He sighed. "Can''t even use them as traps." The aura wouldn''t linger in the rocks long enough¡ªthey dissipated too quickly. At best, he could make eight or ten bombs before his aura reserves were entirely drained, and every attempt left him a little closer to exhaustion.


    With a deep breath, Sumit slumped against a tree, reflecting on everything he''d learned. "So¡­ only rocks explode. But why?" He eyed the staff he''d grown so attached to, the one that had saved his life. Its bark was smooth, its frame sturdy and dependable, but he knew its true nature. It wasn''t just a stick; it was the backbone of the plant-bull.


    It could channel aura.


    It made sense, he realized. This wasn''t any ordinary piece of wood; it was part of a creature bred to harness and wield energy. Rocks, on the other hand, couldn''t channel aura naturally, and forcing it into them only made them unstable, erupting violently. The realization washed over him in waves of understanding and relief. Rocks couldn''t handle aura, but his staff could.


    "But what about other woods?" he wondered aloud. Driven by curiosity, he reached for a fallen branch nearby. He channeled aura through it as he did with his staff, testing his theory, Sumit felt his aura moving in the branch just like the staff but almost immediately, the branch cracked and splintered in his hands, crumbling into shards.


    "So¡­ ordinary wood can channel aura but can''t handle it," he muttered, feeling another piece of the puzzle click into place.


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    "But what about the ground itself"


    He then crouched down, his fingers brushing the cool ground as he prepared for one last test. He directed a small pulse of aura into the ground, half-expecting a ripple, a rumble, or any sign of reaction. But nothing happened. His aura was absorbed, swallowed by the vastness beneath him as if the ground had simply drunk it up, leaving not even a tremor.


    "It''s just like releasing aura into the air," he whispered, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. "Throwing a drop into the ocean¡­" The enormity of the ground made his power feel small, but there was also something comforting in it. He lay back on the cool ground, feeling exhaustion begin to settle over him. After all his ''bombing'', he''d likely scared off anything that might come lurking. Tonight, he''d sleep here, under the open sky.


    ...


    In his sleep, Sumit drifted into the now-familiar dreamscape. Before him stood the black Cat-man, his enigmatic mentor, with a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes. The feline figure''s tail flicked lazily as he studied Sumit, his gaze half-mocking, half-proud.


    "What''s so funny?" Sumit asked, trying to sound annoyed, but unable to stop the smirk tugging at his lips.


    "You," the Cat-man purred, stepping closer. "So eager to blow things up, and yet, still so green." He moved around Sumit, his eyes sharp and assessing. "You''ve been reckless, yes, but you''re getting better. Now that you understand the basics, let''s work on sharpening your technique."


    Sumit listened, his mind opening to the flood of guidance. Together, they delved into techniques he''d only scratched the surface of¡ªways to conserve his aura, methods to strike with precision, and ways to maximize impact while keeping his energy reserves steady. He could feel each lesson imprinting on his mind, the sensation both grounding and electrifying.


    As the dream began to fade, the Cat-man turned, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Alright, it''s time for you to go. But let me ask, do you think you''re ready to face the black tree?"


    Sumit''s resolve hardened. "Yes. I don''t know if I''m strong enough, but I need to face it. The tournament is about to begin. It''s time I leave the jungle."


    "Is that so?" The Cat-man''s eyes glowed, reflecting a mixture of pride and warning. "Then go and face your fear."


    "Really? I thought you''d try to stop me."


    The Cat-man gave a soft, almost sad smile. "Who am I to stop you? While I want you to use your power only to protect, I can''t force you to follow my path. It''s your power; it''s up to you how you use it."


    Sumit nodded, an unexpected wave of gratitude washing over him. "Thank you¡­ I guess."


    The Cat-man''s grin grew playful again. "Now go¡ªand don''t die. The story''s only just begun."


    "Wait, one last question," Sumit blurted out. "How can I reach mid-level aura control?"


    The Cat-man chuckled, as if the answer were self-evident. "You already have. The fact that you can project your aura beyond your own body¡ªthat''s the sign of a mid-level user."


    Sumit''s eyes widened, his breath catching. "What?" But before he could say more, the Cat-man began to fade, vanishing as quickly as he had appeared.


    ...


    Sumit woke with a start, a renewed sense of purpose coursing through him. Mid-level, His hands trembled with excitement as he clenched his fists, feeling the faint hum of aura beneath his skin, warmer and more alive than ever. There was so much more to learn, but he''d taken one step closer to mastering his power. With a final glance at the morning light filtering through the leaves, he set off, ready to face the black tree.

 CH19: Doomed

    Sumit walked slowly down the dark path the tiger-monkey monster had left behind. The path was dark, as the monster had corrupted the path he had travelled. While walking Sumit couldn''t stop his happiness and soon found himself smiling, a quiet sense of pride flickering within him as he remembered the cat-man''s words:


    "You already have. The fact that you can project your aura beyond your own body¡ªthat''s the sign of a mid-level user." The phrase ''mid-level user'' echoed in his mind, a reminder of how far he''d come.


    "Mid-level¡­" he whispered to himself, almost testing out how it felt to say. Now that he thought about it, he''d been able to draw more aura than before, reaching levels of strength and awareness that had once been unimaginable. He could feel the vibrations of aura all around him, as though the forest itself pulsed with energy¡ªthrough the trees, the roots tangled beneath his feet, the whispering leaves, even the damp, mossy air. His own aura hummed in response, intertwining with the forest''s heartbeat.


    ''Would it be possible for me to directly control the aura from the environment as now I am a mid-level''


    But his thoughts were interrupted as the path split, and Sumit came to a sudden halt. His smile faded, replaced by a furrowed brow. Three additional trails joined the one he was on, each path winding out from unknown, foreboding depths. The ground beneath each trail was darker, the leaves withered and scorched. His pulse quickened. Three more paths¡­ Three more monsters?


    The tiger-monkey monster he had fought not long ago flashed in his memory, its claws and fangs vicious, its power unrelenting. If there were three more creatures of that kind, all converging on the same point, it could only mean one thing: the dark tree had powerful guardians.


    ''It doesn''t matter if there are three more as I have defeated one I can defeat three more''


    He glanced at each shadowed trail, his mind racing. All four paths pointed toward a single destination, a place he had been avoiding yet knew he had to face. The dark tree was waiting for him at the heart of this cursed forest.


    Taking a deep, steadying breath, Sumit continued forward. The forest had grown eerily silent; not even the faint rustle of leaves or chirp of insects filled the air. As he walked, his surroundings became grimmer, like he was stepping into a graveyard. Just up ahead, he noticed something unnatural in the shadows.


    He stopped, feeling a chill crawl up his spine. Plant-wolves. Statues of plant-wolves, to be precise, scattered around the path. Their faces were frozen in expressions of terror¡ªmouths wide, eyes hollow, claws poised mid-strike as if their final moments had been sealed in stone.


    Sumit crouched down, running his hand along one of the statues. Its texture was coarse, and brittle, as though the life had been siphoned out, replaced by a cold, petrified shell. His jaw tightened.


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    "These wolves hadn''t died. They were suspended in a state between life and death, their aura drained until they were left in this stone prison." If he could somehow return their aura, he could bring them back, but until then, they were as good as lifeless.


    Seeing this, his resolve hardened. "I will burn that damn tree to dust," he muttered under his breath, his voice carrying a low, simmering anger. He pressed forward, but each step only brought him closer to more statues¡ªplant-deer, plant-rhinos, even the occasional plant-monkey¡ªall frozen in the same horrific poses, their last moments captured in stone.


    The darkness deepened as he walked, casting the statues in strange, shifting shadows that made them appear alive as if they could spring up at any moment. Sumit could feel his expression darken with every petrified creature he passed, a grim resolve settling over him.


    "This dark tree was nothing short of a parasite, sucking the life out of everything it touched."


    After an hour of tense, silent marching, he arrived at the edge of the dark tree''s territory. His senses prickled as he took in the scene before him, a landscape drenched in shadow and decay. The once-small dark tree he remembered was now towering and massive, its trunk twisted and gnarled, bark blackened like charred flesh. Thick, skeletal branches clawed upward, blotting out what little light had been left.


    He blinked, unable to process the monstrous sight. "How¡­ how did it get this huge?"


    As his eyes adjusted, he noticed movement near the base of the tree. Three hulking figures stood guard, and Sumit''s heart thudded painfully as he took in their forms. Each creature was a grotesque fusion of beasts, twisted together to form perfect monstrosities.


    "They¡­look strong"


    The first was a towering blend of elephant and turtle, a creature with thick, plated armor covering its massive body, and a shell that gleamed like polished obsidian. Its legs, as thick as tree trunks, rooted it to the ground with an unyielding force.


    Next to it loomed a beast with the frame of a bull, its body laced with scales that shimmered faintly in the shadows. Its snout flared as it snorted, revealing rows of sharp, twisted teeth. Powerful muscles rippled under its lizard-like skin, and Sumit could almost feel the raw strength radiating from it.


    The last creature sent a chill through his veins. Its lower body was a long, serpentine tail, coiling restlessly, while its upper half was a muscular, broad-shouldered gorilla with scaled arms and claws that seemed to twitch in anticipation. Its eyes gleamed with a predatory hunger, locking onto the dark tree as if in silent worship.


    Sumit''s stomach twisted in a knot. These weren''t just guards; they were embodiments of the dark tree''s twisted, malevolent power.


    Then he saw it: each monster slowly lumbered toward the dark tree, pressing a hand to its trunk. Their gems, embedded in their chests, began to dim, the once-bright light fading as the stolen aura within was transferred to the tree. With each pulse, the dark tree grew visibly larger, its branches stretching further, thickening, its bark writhing as if alive.


    Sumit''s hands went cold, his heart racing as he watched the tree grow before his eyes. This was why the creatures had been stealing aura¡ªthey were feeding it directly to the tree, empowering it with each sacrifice. His thoughts raced, and dread gnawed at him from within.


    He swallowed, the weight of his reality crashing down. What chance did he have against something so monstrous, so insatiable in its hunger?


    "I¡­ I am doomed." The words slipped from his lips before he could stop them, a grim recognition of just how outmatched he truly was. Yet even as fear settled over him, a small ember of determination flickered inside him. There was no turning back now.


    Clenching his fists, he took a deep breath, steeling himself for the impossible battle that lay ahead.

 CH20: Divide and Destroy

    Sumit crouched low, hidden by the dense undergrowth as he observed the dark tree and its monstrous guards from afar. The forest around him was suffused in shadows, the towering, twisted trunk of the tree just barely visible from his position. He had moved far enough away to stay out of sight, but close enough to keep his eyes on the scene.


    A plan¡­ He needed a plan.


    He let his gaze drift to the dark tree, the core of this nightmare. Who''s the main target here? he asked himself. The answer came immediately: It''s the tree. Destroying it was the only way to end this petrification curse in the forest. But attacking the tree directly was out of the question¡ªit was protected by those three hulking monsters. Each was a formidable threat; together, they''d be nearly unstoppable.


    "The good thing is that I know about my enemy"


    What are their abilities? He mentally listed off what he''d observed. They''re incredibly strong, they can absorb aura, and they can turn anyone to stone by draining their aura. He could already feel his stomach twist with unease. One wrong move, and he''d end up another statue, a monument to fear alongside the wolves and rhinos.


    "And what do I have?"


    He took a quick inventory of his assets. He had mid-level aura control now¡ªno small feat¡ªand his trusty staff, though it was damaged from earlier fights. He also had his aura bombs, though they were costly; each bomb drained more aura than he could afford in a long, drawn-out battle. And, most importantly, he had something none of those monsters possessed: his ability to think, to strategize. They might be stronger, but he could use his mind as his greatest weapon.


    "I also know their weakness"


    The monsters'' weak spot¡­ His mind landed on their gems, each embedded in their chests, which seemed to be the source of their power. He could see the gem on the gorilla-snake''s chest, but the other two monsters were different. Their bodies were built for quadrupedal movement, making their chests¡ªand their gems¡ªalmost impossible to reach.


    "I think I know what to do"


    Sumit mulled over the information, piecing together a rough plan. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was about to come. It was risky, but he''d have to split them up if he wanted any chance of survival.


    He scanned the forest floor, selecting a heavy, jagged rock, nearly the size of his head. He gripped it in his hand and channeled his aura into the stone. It was so large that it demanded three times the usual amount of aura, his energy draining rapidly as he fed it into the stone. When the rock began to vibrate and glow faintly, he tensed his body, channeling aura into his shoulder, back, arms, and core. With a calculated focus, he aimed, then let the rock fly. The aura-charged stone arced through the air, whistling as it zeroed in on its target¡ªthe gorilla-snake.


    BOOOOM


    With a deafening crash, it struck the beast square in the chest, shattering the gem and sending shards flying in all directions. The gorilla-snake staggered, letting out a guttural roar before collapsing into a twisted heap. Sumit didn''t wait to savor the victory. He bolted, his heart pounding, as he darted into the forest.


    The reason I didn''t target the tree directly¡­ he thought as he raced ahead, is because the gorilla-snake was the biggest threat and its gem was the easiest to destroy. Even if I hit the tree, it might not die right away. I need to weaken it by removing its protectors first.


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    Ahhhhhhhhhh!


    Ahhhhhhhhhhh!


    As expected, the remaining two monsters¡ªthe elephant-turtle and the bull-lizard¡ªcaught sight of him and let out enraged bellows. He pumped aura into his legs, sprinting through the trees. But even as he pushed himself, he could feel the two monstrous presences bearing down on him. The bull-lizard''s thunderous footsteps shook the earth, while the elephant-turtle moved with a crushing weight, its massive shell barreling through the underbrush.


    "That''s right follow me you mindless monsters"


    Sumit poured more aura into his legs, feeling a surge of energy that carried him faster through the dense underbrush. The bull-lizard closed in, its massive form bulldozing trees as it bore down on him. Sumit twisted to the side, narrowly dodging a clawed swipe, but the edge of its talon grazed his arm, leaving a stinging cut.


    He ignored the pain, feeling the warm trickle of blood on his skin as he ducked under a low-hanging branch. The bull-lizard lunged, snapping branches and tearing up the earth in its path. Sumit gritted his teeth, timing his movements. As the creature lunged forward again, he dived to the ground, rolling under its belly. Summoning his aura into the staff, he jammed the staff upward, straight into the lizard''s chest, aiming for the gem.


    CRACK!


    With a sickening crunch, the gem shattered. The bull-lizard reared back, its body writhing as it let out a final, guttural bellow. But the victory came at a cost. Sumit''s staff splintered from the force, leaving only a jagged piece in his hand. The once-reliable weapon was now useless.


    "Shit¡­now all that is left is you"


    He didn''t have time to mourn his loss. The elephant-turtle, undeterred, charged at him, its massive feet pounding the ground as it advanced. Sumit backed up, realizing that this creature was built like a fortress. Its armored shell gleamed, and the beast showed no sign of fatigue.


    He dodged around it, searching for an opening, but each time he got close, it withdrew its head into its shell, protecting itself. Then he noticed something¡ªa faint glint of the gem inside its shell, almost hidden.


    If I can''t break it from the outside¡­ I''ll have to go for the mouth.


    The elephant-turtle, frustrated by his evasiveness, let out an enraged roar, baring its teeth as it lunged. This was his chance. Sumit quickly formed another aura bomb, channeling his energy into a smaller stone until it glowed in his hand. Just as the creature''s mouth opened wide, he tossed the aura bomb straight in.


    "Say aah"


    The stone disappeared down the creature''s throat, its glow illuminating the inside of the monster''s jaws for a split second. Then¡ª


    BOOOM!


    The explosion was deafening. The creature''s shell cracked from the inside, and thick, black smoke poured from its mouth as it stumbled, swayed, and finally crashed to the ground with a thunderous impact.


    "That was tiring"


    After the intense battle, Sumit leaned against a nearby tree, his chest heaving as he gulped down air, desperate for rest. The two monstrous guardians¡ªfirst the bull-lizard and then the elephant-turtle¡ªhad dissolved into clouds of dust after their gems shattered, leaving nothing behind but empty ground. Their vanishing gave him a small sense of satisfaction, the sense of victory echoing softly in the silent jungle.


    "Finally... just the tree left," he muttered, forcing a tired smile as he relaxed against the tree. "I''ll just sit here for a moment and recover. It''s not like it can come after me..."


    He allowed himself to close his eyes, letting the calm seep into his aching muscles.


    But the peace was fleeting.


    A low, ominous groan pulled him from his rest. The ground beneath him trembled, sending a ripple through the dirt and snapping him back to alertness. He opened his eyes to see a horrifying sight: the dark tree was shifting, pulling its roots from the earth. Each root lifted like a twisted, skeletal leg, stretching out and planting itself into the soil¡ªmoving the monstrous tree closer to him.


    Sumit felt the blood drain from his face as he stared at the unholy creature advancing with a relentless purpose. A bitter laugh escaped him, hollow and shocked. "Did I... did I just jinx it?"


    The reality hit him like a wave of ice-cold water. He had almost nothing left¡ªbarely any aura, a broken staff, and his body already bruised and battered from the fight. All that kept him going now was the barest thread of determination.


    Gritting his teeth, he pushed himself to his feet, ignoring the trembling of his legs. He tightened his grip on the shattered remains of his staff, now little more than a splintered weapon. It was a feeble defense against the towering menace before him, but it was all he had left.


    "Alright," he said, his voice a low growl as he locked his gaze on the advancing tree. "Come at me you trash tree"

 CH21: The Art of Absorbing

    Sumit steadied his breathing as he faced the towering dark tree. Its twisted, bark-covered frame was now mobile, its roots writhing violently through the earth with alarming speed, and thick, thorny vines slithering like snakes around it. His fingers curled tighter around his damaged staff as he assessed the situation. His aura reserves had dwindled to 10%¡ªbarely enough to survive what lay ahead.


    "Damn it."


    Every inch of his body ached, muscles fatigued, and aura stretched thin, but he couldn''t afford to stop now. The ground trembled with each creak of the monstrous tree''s movement as it uprooted itself to pursue him. Thick vines hung from its branches like the tentacles of a malevolent creature, each tipped with thorns that glistened like obsidian under the dim forest light.


    He shifted his weight, gripping his staff tightly, knowing it was only a matter of time before the tree struck. Just hold on a little longer, he thought, determination flickering in his eyes despite his exhaustion.


    The tree groaned low and menacingly. Its roots shot forward in a sudden attack, lashing out like a whip. Sumit barely had time to dodge, diving sideways and rolling across the ground. As he sprang up, he swung his staff, aiming for the nearest root¡ªbut the impact barely jarred his arm, and the staff bounced back with no effect on the thick bark.


    "If I only had a little more aura left..."


    He leaped to his feet, darting backward as the tree swung another root at him, its speed defying its massive size. Forced into a series of quick, frantic dodges, each movement drained his remaining aura reserves. His heart raced, a mixture of adrenaline and dread, and frustration gnawed at him. I can''t keep this up forever.


    A vine wrapped around his ankle, yanking him off his feet. He twisted midair, hacking at the vine with the jagged edge of his staff. It took three strikes before the vine snapped, and he hit the ground hard, breath knocked out of him.


    Desperate, he poured his last ounce of aura into his limbs, slashing the vine away just in time to roll clear of another incoming root. Struggling to his feet, blood trickling from minor scrapes, an idea sparked in his mind.


    Maybe... I can do it too.


    A desperate plan formed. He wasn''t sure it would work, but with no other choice, he had to try. Taking a steadying breath, he raised one hand and placed it firmly against one of the tree''s roots. He concentrated, feeling the immense aura surrounding him¡ªan overpowering, suffocating force. Summoning all his will, he began to pull the aura from the tree into himself.


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    "Shit... bad idea."


    The instant he did, a surge of dark energy rushed into his body like a tidal wave, nearly knocking him off his feet. The power was vast, wild, and untamed, and he staggered as his senses were overwhelmed by the force. The tree''s aura was colder, darker than anything he''d ever felt, an ancient malevolence clinging to every strand of energy. For a moment, he thought he might lose himself, consumed by the torrent.


    Too much... it''s too much! His vision blurred, knees buckling as he struggled to contain the flood. Panic surged in him. If he didn''t release the energy soon, it would destroy him. His body wasn''t built to hold this much.


    Then, through the haze of panic, an idea surfaced. If I can''t hold it all... maybe I don''t have to.


    Summoning every ounce of strength he had left, he stretched out his other hand, pointing it toward the edge of the clearing where the petrified animals stood as statues.


    It''s time to return this.


    With gritted teeth, he pushed, directing the energy through him. One hand absorbing, the other releasing, he funneled the dark aura outward in pulses toward the lifeless forms. As he did, the weight began to lift, his body slowly regaining its balance as the excess energy flowed out of him.


    Gradually, the suffocating pressure eased. He dared a glance at his arms, seeing wounds close and cuts seal over as his body healed. The stolen aura was replenishing him, mending his injuries. The tree seemed to sense what was happening, its branches thrashing in fury as roots smashed down around him in a desperate attempt to sever the connection.


    "What''s wrong? Don''t like your technique turned against you?"


    Sumit grinned through the strain, dodging as he maintained the flow of aura. The tree''s form weakened with every passing second. Its branches sagged, roots slowed, and the once-aggressive tendrils sank back into the earth in slow, halting motions.


    Steadying himself, Sumit felt renewed strength coursing through his veins. The aura had revived him, and now that his reserves were full, he was no longer the cornered prey he had been moments ago.


    With a final shudder, the tree groaned. Sumit severed the last connection, watching as its form withered. The branches drooped, and its bark turned brittle, dry as dust. But it wasn''t dead¡ªnot quite. The once-menacing behemoth was a hollow shell of its former self.


    Clenching his fist with newfound strength, Sumit gathered the last remnants of his aura. Channeling it into a powerful punch, he muttered, "Time to end this."


    His fist struck the tree dead center, glowing with the last of his aura. The dark tree split in two with a mighty crack, dust and splintered bark flying through the air. The twisted form collapsed, its energy finally spent.


    As the dust settled, Sumit stood, chest heaving. Silence returned to the forest.


    He staggered back, his aura nearly drained once again. Collapsing against a nearby tree, he finally allowed himself a moment of rest. His eyes scanned the distant statues¡ªhe knew not all the animals would be restored. But a flicker of determination lit within him.


    "I''ll go to each of them. I''ll bring them back," he murmured, catching his breath. "But let me rest first."


    He closed his eyes, letting the moment of peace wash over him. The dark tree was no more, and his battle¡ªexhausting, triumphant¡ªhad come to an end.

 CH22: After Battle

    "You did well," the Cat-man said, calm yet edged with concern.


    Sumit opened his eyes, finding himself once again in the dream world. The familiar darkness enveloped the surroundings, pierced only by the shimmering form of the black Cat-man, who stood with arms crossed, his tail swaying in subtle agitation.


    "I did well? I did great!" Sumit grinned, sitting up as if to bask in imaginary applause. "Did you see that? I defeated the tree and its three guards all by myself! Plus, I revived most of the stone animals, and I''ll revive the others by using the ground''s aura in the same way I used the tree''s aura once I woke up."


    "Yes, you did achieve all of that," the Cat-man acknowledged, his golden eyes narrowing. "But you put your greatest possession on the line."


    "What?" Sumit''s expression shifted to confusion. "Oh, you mean the staff? Don''t worry, I''ll find another one later."


    "No, you idiot," the Cat-man snapped, his ears flicking in irritation. "I meant your life. How can you be so careless? You could have died. Why didn''t you retreat when you were outnumbered from the start?"


    "I could have," Sumit admitted with a shrug, though his tone carried little remorse.


    "You could have waited for them to leave and dealt with the tree then," the Cat-man pressed pacing.


    "I could have."


    "You could have hunted them individually, weakening their numbers first."


    "I could have," Sumit repeated, his voice calm but resolute.


    "Then why," the Cat-man growled, his frustration palpable, "were you in such a hurry that you ignored your own life?"


    Sumit''s expression softened, his gaze falling as if weighing his words. "Because if I''d waited too long, they would''ve killed more animals."


    The Cat-man froze, his piercing glare faltering. For the first time, he seemed at a loss for words. "Uhm¡­" he muttered, tail swishing in thought. Finally, he sighed. "Even so, you must not forget¡ªyour life is the most important thing. Cherish it, kid."


    "Understood," Sumit said with a small nod, the resolve in his voice unwavering.


    For a moment, silence lingered between them. The Cat-man''s usual sharp demeanor softened as he studied Sumit''s face, perhaps recognizing the unyielding determination that had driven the boy to act despite the risks.


    "Now then, tell me about the technique you used to defeat the tree," the Cat-man asked, his tone more inquisitive than stern.


    "You mean ''energy drain''?" Sumit replied with a hint of pride. "I was able to do it after experiencing it twice. Before I tell you how I did it, let me ask you something¡ªwhat exactly is aura?"


    The Cat-man blinked, caught off guard by the question. "What? Didn''t I already tell you? Aura is the power that everything has."


    Sumit shook his head with a knowing smirk. "This is where you''re wrong. Aura isn''t present everywhere. It''s a technique¡ªa way to harness the energy that''s already there in everything."


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    "What?" The Cat-man tilted his head, his ears flicking in confusion. "I don''t follow you."


    Sumit leaned forward, his tone taking on the cadence of someone who had stumbled upon a revelation. "You see; after experiencing my aura being sucked by that tiger-monkey monster, I realized something. It wasn''t sucking my aura. It was pulling the energy¡ªthe raw essence¡ªfrom me. It felt the same as when I released aura into the air, but reversed. That got me thinking¡ªwhat if I could reverse the flow? Instead of releasing, what if I absorbed it?"


    The Cat-man''s tail flicked faster, his expression narrowing in thought. "Interesting theory. So, that''s what you tried on the tree?"


    "Exactly," Sumit confirmed. "When I let the tree''s massive energy flow through me, I noticed something strange¡ªtiny, sparking things in everything around me, at least for a moment. That''s when I knew I wasn''t just channeling my aura¡ªI was interacting with the raw energy of the tree itself."


    The Cat-man let out a low hum, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "That''s an intriguing approach. By your theory, these ''sparking things'' must be the essence of energy itself, and you''ve somehow figured out how to see and absorb them."


    Sumit nodded, a small grin creeping onto his face. "Yeah, exactly! Cool, right?"


    The Cat-man''s expression darkened slightly, his ears folding back. "Not so fast, genius. I have some bad news for you."


    Sumit''s grin faltered. "What? What bad news?"


    The Cat-man sighed, his golden eyes narrowing as he tried to explain. "According to your theory, you could absorb the tree''s energy because you could sense it. But think about why that worked. The only reason you could do it was that the tree''s energy channels were open to you."


    Sumit tilted his head, confused. "What do you mean?"


    "Simply put," the Cat-man continued, "when you grabbed the tree, it tried to absorb your energy first. That action opened its energy channels, creating a flow. When you sensed the energy moving, you reversed it, turning its technique against it. But here''s the catch¡ªthis only worked because the tree let you in, even if unintentionally."


    "Oh¡­" Sumit said, frowning. "I think I get it. But what''s the bad news here?"


    The Cat-man''s voice lowered; each word delivered with deliberate weight. "The bad news is you can''t directly absorb the energy of anything you touch. The tree was a special case¡ªit opened its channels to you, which let you use your technique. But with something like the ground¡ªthose channels are closed. You won''t be able to absorb energy from them, which means¡­"


    Sumit''s heart sank as the realization hit him. "Which means I won''t be able to revive the stone animals."


    The silence between them was deafening, the weight of the truth settling heavily on Sumit''s shoulders. He clenched his fists, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "But I promised them that I would save them"


    The Cat-man stepped closer; his voice soft but firm. "Listen, idiot. You did something incredible. You destroyed the tree, saved most of the animals, and stopped a force that could have killed even more. But you''re too busy staring at what you couldn''t do to see what you did do."


    Sumit looked up, his eyes reflecting doubt. "But the ones I couldn''t save¡ª"


    "Kid," the Cat-man interrupted, his gaze piercing. "You can''t save everyone. That''s the hard truth of life. But you saved most of them. Look at what you''ve accomplished, not at what you couldn''t. That''s how you keep going."


    "I¡­ I guess you''re right, but I will still try" Sumit said slowly.


    "I knew you would say that now go but remember you did your best"


    ...


    When Sumit opened his eyes, the soft light of dawn filtered through the trees. He moved to the nearest stone statue of a plant-wolf and placed one hand on the ground and the other on the statue. With determination, he tried to replicate the energy-drain technique, focusing on the faint hum of energy within the ground.


    "Come on¡­ just a little," he muttered through gritted teeth. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t pull the energy toward him.


    Frustration clawed at his chest. "Damn it¡­ how can I call this a victory if I couldn''t save them all?"


    WOOOOOOO!


    A sudden sound broke through his thoughts¡ªa low, harmonious howl.


    Sumit looked up to see the animals he had revived earlier. Wolves, monkeys, and others cautiously approached him. Their eyes, once lifeless, now shone with gratitude. Slowly, one by one, they bowed their heads to him in silent acknowledgment of his efforts.


    "¡­"


    Sumit froze, overwhelmed by the gesture. As the animals began to leave, their figures disappearing into the forest, a small smile crept onto his face.


    "Your welcome"

 CH23: New Weapon New Name

    "Anyway, it''s time to leave this place since it''s almost time for the tournament," Sumit said aloud, as much to himself as to the lingering silence. "But first, it''s time to claim my reward."


    He turned and began retracing his steps to the spot where the remains of the black tree lay. Unlike the plant monsters that disintegrated into dust upon defeat, the tree hadn''t completely vanished. Its upper sections were obliterated during the fight, but parts of its trunk still clung stubbornly to existence, though they were visibly decaying.


    The sight was unsettling¡ªthe blackened remains were leeching energy from the ground as they decomposed, leaving patches of soil lifeless and brittle.


    "If you''re going to die, you should at least die alone," Sumit muttered, stepping closer. Without hesitation, he placed both hands on the decaying trunk, activating his ''energy drain'' technique.


    This time, he didn''t release the absorbed energy. He simply pulled it in, fueling his energy while hastening the tree''s decomposition. The process was rapid. The dark wood withered and crumbled, breaking apart into ash-like fragments that scattered in the wind. In mere moments, the once-menacing tree was gone.


    What remained surprised Sumit. Among the debris, a single, dark wooden stick lay untouched. It was 34 inches long and shaped like a blade¡ªsleek, curved, and sharp like a katana, though it lacked a hand guard.


    Sumit picked it up, turning it over in his hands. The dark wood felt strange, almost alive, and it pulsed faintly with residual energy.


    "Although I wanted something fancier, this isn''t so bad," he said, admiring his new weapon. Curious, he channeled his energy into the blade. The moment his energy flowed through it, the sword felt different¡ªlighter, sharper, and brimming with power.


    "What''s this feeling?" Sumit wondered aloud, giving the blade a test swing. It cut through the air with a low hum, leaving a faint shimmer in its wake.


    His gaze shifted to a nearby boulder, towering at 100 inches tall and 170 inches wide¡ªabout the size of ten people standing shoulder-to-shoulder. With his aura coursing through the blade, Sumit stepped toward the massive rock and swung.


    SLICE.


    The sound was clean, almost surgical. The enormous boulder split in two, each half sliding apart and thudding to the ground.


    Sumit stared at the result, his jaw hanging open. "What the hell!? Is this boulder made of paper or butter?"


    He looked down at the blade in his hands, awe mixing with exhilaration. "This¡­ this might be the coolest thing I''ve ever had but the problem is it consumes more energy than the staff."


    Sumit swung the sword a few more times, his movements becoming smoother with each attempt. He focused on infusing less energy into the blade with every swing, observing the effects. Over the next hour, through trial and error, he managed to minimize the energy consumption. However, he noticed a trade-off¡ªless energy meant reduced output.


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    "All right, that sums it up," Sumit said, wiping a bead of sweat off his brow. He stared at the sword, its faint wooden glow dimming as his aura settled. "I''ll call this attack Aura-Slash. Even if it consumes more energy, the power it packs is insane. Let''s leave it at that."


    Satisfied with his progress, he walked over to the tree where he had hidden his bag before the battle. Retrieving it, he slung it over his shoulder and took a deep breath. "Time to move out of this forest," he muttered, determination settling in his eyes as he began his journey to the capital.


    ...


    The dense forest canopy above filtered the sunlight into fragmented beams, guiding his path through the wilderness. As Sumit walked, his thoughts drifted to the tournament and his reason for participating. His eyes flickered to his wrist, and the faint weight of the device returned to his consciousness.


    "This damn watch," he muttered under his breath. It had attached itself to him without warning and given him that cryptic piece of advice about joining the competition. He slowed to a stop, suddenly struck by a thought.


    "Does this device have a feature to erase its presence or something?" He raised his wrist, staring at the device as if it might respond. "I completely forgot about this thing stuck to me. Scary."


    It was just Sumit''s thoughts, but in truth, he is just an idiot who easily forgets things. Plus, he is a person who accepted anything easily that was the reason he accepted the whole transported to another world simply.


    Shaking his arm as if to emphasize his frustration, Sumit resumed his journey. Whatever the device''s true purpose, he was determined to uncover its secrets. One thing was certain¡ªthe tournament held answers, and he was going to find them.


    The hours stretched on as Sumit walked through the dense forest. After three hours, he stumbled upon the river. Grateful for the discovery, he decided to follow it upstream as instructed by the Wolf-man Jack. For the next seven days, the river was his guide, though his frequent detours to gather food slowed his progress. Each time he ventured off, it took him four to five hours to locate the river again, making his journey feel like an endless cycle.


    By the seventh day, Sumit felt like a zombie, trudging along the riverbank with a single-minded focus. His persistence finally paid off when he reached a massive gate flanked by towering walls. The river, to his surprise, flowed straight through the city beyond the gate. Dusting off his clothes, he approached with cautious excitement.


    "Stop right there!" a gruff voice called out. Two goat-man guards, clad in polished armor, stepped forward, blocking his path.


    "State your purpose," one of the guards demanded.


    "I''m here to take part in the tournament," Sumit replied confidently.


    The second goat-man narrowed his eyes. "Do you have identity proof?"


    "What? I don''t have something like that," Sumit said, his tone laced with confusion.


    "Then you can''t enter the capital. Turn around before you get hurt," the first guard said firmly, gripping his weapon.


    "Wait! Wait! Let me check my bag¡­ where is it¡­ is it this? No, that''s just coins¡­ maybe this?" Sumit rummaged through his bag with increasing urgency. Just as the guards exchanged a skeptical glance, Sumit pulled out the slate-like tablet he had taken from the Cat-man long ago.


    He held it up triumphantly. "Is this what you''re looking for?"


    The goat-man took the tablet from him, examining it closely. After a moment, he punched a hole in the slate with his finger, handing it back to Sumit.


    "Welcome to the Capital, Mr. Kaali Billi," the guard said, gesturing for him to pass through the gate.


    Sumit froze. "Who?" he asked, utterly baffled as he stared at the guard.

 CH24: The Roaring Encounter?

    "What!?" Sumit exclaimed; his face contorted into an awkward expression of surprise.


    "It''s your name, isn''t it?" the goat-man asked, his sharp gaze lingering on Sumit as though trying to peel away a layer of deception.


    "Y-Yeah¡­ that''s my name! Kaala Billa, ha ha ha," Sumit replied, forcing a laugh that sounded more like a hiccup.


    The goat-man''s brows furrowed. "You mean Kaali Billi?"


    "Oh, yes, of course! Kaali Billi¡­ that''s my name. Definitely." Sumit''s voice cracked slightly as he nodded vigorously, hoping the conversation would continue.


    "You''re acting suspiciously," the goat-man said, stepping closer, his hand now resting on the hilt of his sword. "Where are you from?"


    "Uh¡­ north," Sumit replied hastily.


    "But you came from the south," the other goat-man interjected, circling behind him like a predator closing in on its prey.


    "That''s¡­ because I went south first!" Sumit blurted out, sweat beginning to form on his brow.


    The goat-men exchanged glances, their expressions shifting to one of mild amusement mixed with skepticism. "Oh really? Why don''t you come with us? We can talk all about your fascinating journey from north to south over a couple of drinks," the first goat-man suggested, his voice dripping with mock hospitality.


    "But¡­ I''m not thirsty," Sumit protested weakly.


    His mind raced. What should I do now? If this keeps up, they''re either going to imprison me or, worse, kill me for lying. Should I run?


    Before Sumit could decide, a commanding voice cut through the tension like a blade. "What''s going on here?"


    Both goat-men straightened immediately, their demeanor changing from suspicion to deference. "Vice-Captain! Greetings!" they said in unison, stepping aside to make way for the newcomer.


    Sumit turned toward the voice and saw a towering figure approaching. The man''s body was powerfully built, with rippling muscles beneath armor adorned with intricate designs. His tiger-like face was a blend of regal authority and raw ferocity, with sharp amber eyes that seemed to see straight through Sumit.


    Sumit''s heart sank as a single thought echoed in his mind: He''s strong.


    "What''s the matter here?" the tiger-headed man asked, his deep voice carrying a weight of authority that made Sumit''s knees feel weak.


    "This boy is acting strange," one of the goat-men replied, pointing toward Sumit.


    The Vice-Captain, introduced by the guards as Leo, turned his piercing gaze on Sumit, studying him from head to toe. He let out a low hum of curiosity. "A boy with no tail, no horns, no claws¡­Tell me, boy, are you familiar with an idiot wolf-man?"


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    Sumit blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation. "You mean Jack?"


    Leo''s eyes narrowed, and for the first time, a faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "So, you are the one, jack told me about"


    Sumit hesitated, unsure whether this recognition was a blessing or a curse. "Y-Yeah¡­maybe?"


    Leo crossed his arms, his gaze unwavering. "Interesting. Jack doesn''t usually associate with anyone but fools and troublemakers. Which one are you, boy?"


    Sumit opened his mouth to respond but quickly realized there was no good answer to that question. Instead, he let out a nervous chuckle. "Uh¡­ both?"


    To his surprise, Leo laughed a deep, rumbling sound that echoed off the towering walls. The goat-men exchanged puzzled looks, clearly unsure of what to make of their vice-captain''s reaction.


    "Well then," Leo said, his smile fading as quickly as it had appeared, "let''s go and meet that idiot. Follow me."


    Sumit followed Leo through the massive gates of the capital, his eyes wide with awe. As he stepped into the city, he was struck speechless by the sight before him. The sprawling metropolis lay before him like something out of a dream¡ªa vast city made of towering stone buildings and intricate metalwork, with wide streets crisscrossed by bustling crowds. At the very center, dominating the landscape, was a massive tree, its trunk thick and gnarled, its canopy stretching high above the city, providing shade to the people below. The tree''s presence was so grand that it seemed as though the entire city had grown around it as if it were the beating heart of this place.


    "Amazing, right?" Leo said, noticing Sumit''s wide-eyed expression. "Everyone who comes to the capital for the first time has the same reaction. You can gawk at the beauty later. First, let me take you to the captain."


    Sumit snapped out of his trance, still processing the city''s grandeur. "Okay, we should meet with the captain¡­ wait, who?"


    Leo''s expression barely shifted, but there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. "I know it''s hard to believe, but that idiot is the captain."


    Sumit stared at Leo, blinking in disbelief. The idea of Jack being a captain didn''t sit well with him, but he didn''t have time to protest. Leo was already leading him through the streets, and Sumit had no choice but to follow.


    As they walked deeper into the capital, Sumit took in everything around him. The streets were lined with bustling shops, their signs hanging out over the sidewalks, enticing passersby to come inside. Market stalls were set up on the side of the road, with vendors shouting to sell their wares. But more than anything, it was the people¡ªbeast-people¡ªthat caught his attention. Everywhere he looked, there were people with animal traits: fur, claws, horns, and tails. There were all kinds¡ªwolf-men, goat-men, cat-men, even more exotic creatures that Sumit couldn''t identify. It was a world of diversity and raw power, a world where strength seemed to matter more than anything else.


    They continued walking, with Leo moving at a steady pace. Sumit tried to take it all in, but after twenty minutes, he realized they had walked a fair distance. The buildings had started to feel more cramped together, and the streets had grown narrower, and more winding, as they headed deeper into the heart of the city.


    Finally, they arrived at a building that didn''t quite fit in with the rest of the capital''s grandeur. It was a pub, worn and lived-in, with a large sign hanging above the door that read "The Roaring Bull." Sumit stopped in his tracks.


    "Here?" he asked, his voice tinged with surprise.


    Leo glanced at him with a knowing smile. "Yes."


    They were about to enter when a loud commotion erupted from within. A deep voice shouted angrily, "I told you I''ll return your money, just wait for a couple more days!"


    A second voice, high-pitched with frustration, shouted back, "You bastard, it''s been a year now!"


    Before Sumit could ask what was happening, the door to the pub was suddenly flung open, and a figure came crashing through, soaring toward them. Leo and Sumit instinctively dove out of the way, narrowly avoiding the impact.


    The figure slammed into the cobblestones with a loud crash, rolling to a stop just a few feet away. Leo and Sumit froze for a moment before they both slowly turned to look at the fallen figure.


    Sumit''s eyes widened as he recognized the face. It was Jack.


    "What the hell?" Sumit muttered under his breath.

 CH25: Qualifications of a Captain

    "What the hell?" Sumit muttered under his breath, watching Jack groan and sit up, brushing dust off his fur.


    "Oww, that hurt, you overgrown bull," Jack grumbled, glaring back at the pub as if it had personally offended him. His expression brightened upon noticing Leo standing nearby. "Oh, Leo, great timing! Let me borrow some coins from you."


    Leo''s face remained stoic. "No."


    Jack blinked, tilting his head. "Why not? I promise I''ll return it!"


    "That''s what you said last time. And the time before that. And the time before that," Leo replied, his tone even but pointed.


    Jack sighed dramatically, waving a hand dismissively. "Fine, fine. I don''t need your money, cheapskate." He turned toward Sumit, his eyes widening in surprise. "Kid, is that you? When did you arrive?"


    "Just now," Sumit replied, still processing Jack''s antics. Internally, he wondered, Was he always like this?


    Jack''s face split into a wide grin as he strode over and threw a heavy arm around Sumit''s shoulders. "It''s so nice to see you again! Come on, let''s head inside."


    "Wait, don''t you were just thrown out from there"Sumit asked


    "Don''t worry, Leo here will be thrilled to pay for your welcome party." Jack said happily


    "Wait. I never agreed to this," Leo protested, following the pair into the Roaring Bull.


    The pub was a lively, chaotic space, filled with the scents of ale and roasted meat. Beast-people of all kinds crowded around wooden tables, some laughing, others arguing, a few already slumped over in a drunken haze. The energy of the room was infectious, though Sumit couldn''t shake his unease as he caught wary glances from several patrons.


    As they stepped into the lively chaos of The Roaring Bull, Sumit''s brows knitted together. He turned to Jack, his voice tinged with curiosity and disbelief. "Is it really ok to be here?"


    Jack laughed, waving off the concern like it was a minor inconvenience. "Relex kid, I only got kicked out because I had no money. But now that we''re with Leo here," he gestured dramatically toward the stoic tiger-man, "we''re practically VIPs. Leo''s one of the best customers this place has. Trust me, kid, we''re good."


    Leo sighed but didn''t protest, which seemed to be enough confirmation for Jack. They found a table in a quieter corner, away from the rowdier groups. Jack slumped into his seat, motioning for Sumit to sit across from him. Leo followed suit, sitting down with the composed grace of someone used to maintaining order in chaos.


    Jack clapped his hands together. "Alright, introductions! We''ve already crossed paths, but it''s time to make it official. I''m Jack, Captain of the Capital Guards. Not that the title means much to me these days." He leaned back, grinning smugly.


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    Leo nodded, his voice calm and measured. "Leo. Vice-Captain of the Capital Guards."


    Sumit hesitated for a moment, the alias feeling strange on his tongue, but he eventually said, "Kaali Billi." He managed a sheepish grin. "That''s¡­ my name."


    Jack barked a laugh, and even Leo''s lips twitched upward for a split second. "Kaali Billi, huh? Suits you, kid," Jack said with a wink.


    Before the conversation could continue, a waiter approached their table, balancing a tray laden with an assortment of fruits, nuts, beer, and juice. He set the dishes down with a practiced efficiency, stepping back to let them enjoy. Sumit eyed the spread, his stomach growling, but a thought nagged at him.


    "Uh, excuse me," Sumit called out to the waiter. "Is there anything¡­ spicy?"


    The waiter frowned, tilting his head in confusion. "Spicy? What''s that?"


    Sumit blinked, realization dawning on him. This world doesn''t have spicy food? They have beer, but no chili or spice? What kind of weird place is this? He shook his head and offered a quick, "Never mind," before the waiter left.


    Jack was already digging in, cracking a nut between his sharp teeth. Sumit nibbled at the fruit, his longing for spice overshadowed by curiosity about the two men sitting with him. He turned to Jack, raising an eyebrow. "So¡­ are you really a captain? You were acting more like a thug earlier."


    Jack froze mid-bite, his ears twitching before he burst into laughter. "A thug, huh? Can''t argue with that. But yeah, I''m the captain¡ªunfortunately. Honestly, I''ve wanted to retire for ages. I just couldn''t because no one else was mid-level. Then, finally, this guy¡­" He gestured at Leo with a nod. "¡­broke through to mid-level two weeks ago."


    Sumit''s gaze shifted to Leo, curious. "So, you''re the captain now?"


    Leo sighed, his expression almost tired. "No. Jack asked me to take his place, but I refused."


    Sumit blinked in confusion. "Why?"


    Leo leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "Because I am not ready for it yet and I believe the captain should be someone who can handle the responsibilities which come along with the position. Jack might complain about it, but he''s better at inspiring the guards than anyone else." His eyes narrowed slightly as he added, "And in response to my refusal, he''s become even more irresponsible, lazy, and idiotic."


    Jack smirked unapologetically. "If you hate me so much you should take my place but if I have to be stuck with the title, I might as well have some fun with it."


    Sumit snorted, amused by their dynamic. These two were nothing like the imposing figures he had first imagined. Despite their titles, they felt oddly approachable¡ªor at least Jack did. As he chewed on a piece of fruit, he wondered what kind of adventure he had stumbled into this time.

 CH26: Registration and Revelations

    "Sigh"


    Sumit let out a long, exhausted sigh, leaning back in his chair as he watched Jack devour his food with unrestrained enthusiasm. Somehow, the wolfman''s sheer Vigor made even the most chaotic events of the day feel trivial. Around them, the pub buzzed with life¡ªbeast-people clinking mugs, exchanging boisterous tales of battles and roaring with drunken laughter.


    "No matter how I look at it, this world is weird," Sumit muttered, shaking his head.


    The table was piled high with a variety of dishes¡ªfresh fruits, an assortment of nuts, and, to Sumit''s growing unease, slabs of raw meat. He stared at the meat, its faintly marbled surface glistening under the dim, flickering light. Raw meat? The plant animals he''d encountered never had flesh like this. Was it from a completely different creature? The thought churned in his mind.


    Jack, ever observant, caught Sumit''s hesitation and grinned, his sharp teeth glinting in the low light. "What''s the matter, kid? Don''t tell me you''re afraid of a little meat."


    Sumit shrugged, masking his discomfort. "I''m vegetarian," he replied simply.


    Jack threw his head back in booming laughter, drawing curious glances from nearby tables. "Vegetarian, huh? You''re just like those grass-eaters out there. Your loss, you know. A good chunk of meat builds strength like nothing else."


    Seated beside Jack, Leo, a tiger man with sharp eyes, gave him a disapproving look. "Leave him alone, Jack. Not everyone has the same taste."


    Sumit chuckled at their banter, finding their dynamic oddly comforting. "I''ll stick to the fruit and nuts, thanks," he said, reaching for the nearest platter. He picked up a crisp, golden fruit and bit into it, savoring its sweetness¡ªa welcome reprieve from the harsh bitterness of survival. His curiosity, however, lingered. He glanced back at Jack, who was still wolfing down his meal.


    Jack paused mid-bite, noticing Sumit''s gaze. "What, changed your mind?" he teased, holding up a piece of raw meat. "You want to give it a try?"


    Sumit shook his head firmly. "No, thank you," he said, returning his attention to his food.


    As he nibbled on the fruits and nuts, he focused intently, savoring every bite as though it might be his last. Despite the strange, overwhelming world he had found himself in, moments like these¡ªsimple meals and light-hearted company¡ªoffered a fleeting sense of peace.


    As they finished the last scraps on the table, a dog-man approached with a neatly folded apron draped over one arm and a small slate in hand. "Your bill, gentlemen. Seven silvers and eight copper."


    Sumit instinctively glanced at Jack, half-expecting the wolf-man to turn to him for payment. Before he could say anything, Leo calmly reached into his pouch and handed eight silver coins to the dog-man without a word.


    "Thanks, Leo!" Jack exclaimed, slapping the tiger-man on the back with enough force to rattle nearby mugs. "See, kid? Told you Leo would cover it."


    Leo''s glare could have frozen fire. "That was a loan," he said coolly. "You''re paying me back. With interest."


    Jack leaned back, feigning innocence. "A loan? I thought this was your treat."


    Leo didn''t dignify the comment with a response. He rose from his seat, his tail flicking sharply in irritation as he headed for the door.


    Amused by their exchange, Sumit turned to Jack. "The tournament you mentioned earlier¡ªhow soon does it start?"


    Jack paused mid-stretch and glanced at him. "Oh, right. You''re here for that." He scratched his chin thoughtfully. "If I remember correctly, it starts in fifteen days. But you''ll want to get registered tomorrow¡ªsooner''s always better."


    Sumit nodded, his expression turning serious. Fifteen days. Time was short, and preparation would be key. In this unpredictable world of beast-people, the tournament was his only tangible clue for finding his way home.


    After finishing their meal, Jack led Sumit through the bustling streets to an inn called Bear''s Cave. The building radiated rustic charm, its wooden beams polished with age and lanterns casting a warm, flickering glow. A family of bear-people ran the establishment, their burly frames and booming voices creating an atmosphere that was equal parts homely and intimidating.


    "Two silvers per night, meals included," Jack announced as they stepped inside. "Cheap, right?"


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    Sumit did a quick calculation. With the 73 silvers he had received from the plant-monkeys, he could easily afford twenty nights. He handed over 40 coins, securing himself a modest room for the next twenty days.


    The room was simple but clean. The bed, with its coarse blanket and firm mattress, felt like a luxury after weeks of sleeping on dirt and leaves. As he sank into it, a wave of relief swept over him. For the first time in what felt like forever, Sumit allowed himself to truly relax.


    His body rested, but his consciousness drifted into the now-familiar dream world. Standing in the surreal landscape, he saw the black Cat-man after what felt like a long absence.


    "Hello. What do you want to talk about today?" Sumit asked, now accustomed to these dream encounters. He knew the Cat-man often addressed whatever questions had been lingering in his mind.


    "Straight to the point, huh?" the Cat-man replied with a teasing smirk. "So, tell me¡ªwhat''s the deal with the watch?"


    "You can see my memories, right? Just look for yourself," Sumit said with a shrug. Sharing memories was one of the peculiar abilities they had discovered in these dreamlike meetings.


    "Very well." The Cat-man stepped closer, his piercing eyes glowing faintly as he sifted through Sumit''s memories since his encounter with the strange device.


    After a moment, the Cat-man pulled back, his expression thoughtful. "So, you''re from another world, and to return home, you need to take part in this ''competition'' as the watch advised."


    "Yeah," Sumit admitted, "but I''m not confident I can win the tournament."


    The Cat-man tilted his head. "True, it won''t be easy to win. But the watch didn''t say win, did it? It just said to take part."


    Sumit''s eyes widened in realization. "Oh, you''re right! That''s a relief. I don''t have to win to get back."


    The Cat-man smirked. "That''s correct. But don''t get complacent. You should still give it your all¡ªjust in case."


    "Yeah, I know," Sumit replied, determination creeping into his voice.


    The Cat-man nodded approvingly. "Good. Now, rest up. You''ll need it. Goodbye for now."


    "Wait!" Sumit called out as the Cat-man turned to leave. "Why do you have such a weird name?"


    Without turning back, the Cat-man simply said, "Bye," and vanished, leaving Sumit alone with his thoughts.


    ....


    The morning sunlight streamed through the thin curtains, but Sumit was oblivious, lost in the embrace of sleep. It wasn''t until Jack burst into his room, his voice a thunderclap, that Sumit stirred.


    "Get up, kid! We''ve got work to do!" Jack''s grin was infectious, his energy unstoppable as he dragged Sumit¡ªstill half-asleep¡ªout of bed.


    "Jack, what the hell?" Sumit groaned, trying to pry himself free. "Can''t a guy get some rest?"


    "Rest later," Jack said with a wink. "Registration first."


    Their destination was a towering white building that shimmered like a pearl under the sun. The Temple of Life was an architectural marvel, its spires reaching skyward as if in prayer. Intricate carvings adorned the walls, depicting scenes of creation, growth, and renewal. The air around it felt sacred, charged with an energy that made Sumit''s skin tingle.


    "This," Jack said, his tone unusually solemn, "is the Temple of Life. They''re the ones overseeing the tournament. Don''t mess around here, kid. This place is as serious as it gets."


    Inside, the temple was even more breathtaking. The ceilings seemed impossibly high, and every inch of the walls was covered in murals, each one a story in itself. At the center stood a Deer-woman, her white robes flowing like liquid light. Her presence was serene yet commanding, her eyes piercing as they met Sumit''s.


    "Welcome," she said, her voice soft but firm. "Are you here to register for the tournament?"


    "Yes," Sumit replied, his voice steady despite the growing weight of the moment.


    The priestess led him to a vast hall, her footsteps echoing in the silence. She turned to face him, her gaze unwavering. "To register, you must prove your aura. Only mid-level users are exempt from the selection round. Show me your power."


    Sumit nodded, extending his hand. Channeling his aura outward, he let the golden glow envelope his palm. He glanced at the priestess, expecting approval.


    "Shape it," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.


    "Shape it?" Sumit repeated, frowning.


    "To qualify as mid-level, you must shape your aura outside your body," she explained.


    Sumit swallowed hard, the weight of her expectation pressing down on him. He tried to form claws, like Jack''s, but the aura flickered and faded. He tried a blade next, but it dissipated before taking form. The priestess''s lips tightened, disappointment shadowing her serene face.


    Desperation clawed at Sumit''s chest. He closed his eyes, focusing every ounce of his will. Finally, an idea sparked. He enveloped his hands in the aura, molding it into crude gauntlets. When he opened his eyes, the golden glow had solidified.


    The priestess studied his work, her expression softening. "Good, you qualify as a mid-aura user," she said. "Please pay the registration fees for completing your registration."


    ...¡­..


    Unbeknownst to Sumit, a clandestine meeting was unfolding within the shadowed recesses of the Temple of Life. The sacred structure, revered as a bastion of hope and renewal, now bore silent witness to a gathering that betrayed its purpose. In a hidden chamber far from the watchful eyes of its keepers, hooded figures sat in a circle, their whispers a chilling contrast to the temple''s sanctity.


    "How are the preparations?" one figure asked, his voice a venomous hiss that seemed to taint the air.


    "All proceeds as planned," another replied, his tone calm but laced with malice. "The tournament will bring the strongest here. They''ll come willingly, drawn by the promise of glory, unaware they march to their deaths."


    A third figure chuckled, the sound sharp and sinister. "Blind fools. They think they''re chasing greatness, but their strength will be harvested to awaken him."


    "Our lord will rise," the first figure intoned, his voice a low growl. "And when he does, even this place of life will bow to him."


    The group''s laughter was muted but no less chilling, their sinister intentions weaving a thread of shadow into the heart of the temple itself. Beyond the hidden chamber, the temple''s hallowed halls remained quiet, the echoes of prayers and hymns unable to reach the darkness within.

 CH27: The Art of Shaping

    The doors of the Temple of Life creaked shut behind them, their heavy groan swallowed by the vibrant hum of the bustling capital. The city streets were alive, teeming with beast-people of all shapes and sizes going about their daily lives. The sun stood high in the sky, its bright, golden rays casting sharp shadows that danced across the stone buildings and illuminated the marketplace in a brilliant glow. Despite the lively atmosphere, a tense silence lingered between Jack and Sumit.


    Jack was the first to break it. "Well, kid," he said, clapping Sumit on the back, "congratulations! You''ve made it past the mid-level test. That''s no small feat." His wolfish grin widened. "You''ve just skipped the messy selection round. Straight to the competition! We should celebrate. A new pub just opened¡ªit''s supposed to have the best ale in town."


    Jack''s enthusiasm was infectious, his words flowing with an energy that could light up the dullest rooms. But when he turned to check Sumit''s reaction, he found the younger man staring at his hand. Sumit''s brows were furrowed, and his focus elsewhere. Thoughts churned in his mind, grappling with the intricacies of his new technique, leaving Jack momentarily puzzled.


    "Hey." Jack waved a hand in front of Sumit''s face. "Are you listening?"


    Sumit blinked, snapping out of his trance. "Huh? Sorry, I didn''t hear you."


    Jack tilted his head, studying him. "What''s wrong? You look like you''ve got a lot on your mind"


    "It''s nothing," Sumit said quickly, shaking his head. "I just¡­ want to train."


    Jack sighed dramatically, throwing his arms in the air. "So that''s how it is, huh? You''re just like Leo¡ªalways brooding, always training. Fine. Follow me."


    Jack strode off without waiting for a response, his tail swishing lazily behind him. Sumit followed in silence; his thoughts still clouded by the memory of his aura shaping. The gauntlet made of aura had felt so powerful on his hand, but he wanted to try it now. He couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to it.


    They passed through the heart of the city, where vendors shouted over one another, hawking wares from glistening fruits to strange clothes. The air was thick with the aroma of roasted meats, mingling with the occasional scent of wet fur from the beast people bustling around them.


    The streets became narrower as they headed west, the ornate facades of the central district giving way to the utilitarian architecture of the barracks. Soldiers in polished armor sparred in open courtyards, their movements precise and purposeful. As they passed, many stopped to salute Jack, addressing him as "Captain." Each time, Jack''s ears twitched, and his face contorted into an expression of barely concealed annoyance.


    Sumit couldn''t help but chuckle. "You really hate that title, don''t you?"


    "''Hate'' doesn''t even begin to cover it," Jack muttered, glaring at the next soldier who saluted him. "I''ve been trying to dump this job on Leo for days, but the bastard refuses to take it. Says he''s not ready or some nonsense about responsibility. So here I am, stuck with the title and all the headaches that come with it."


    Sumit raised an eyebrow. "Headaches like what?"


    "Like you," Jack shot back with a grin. "But don''t worry, I''ve got a plan to make you someone else''s problem soon enough."


    They arrived at a large training field at the western edge of the city, where rows of soldiers practiced drills under the watchful eyes of their instructors. Jack led Sumit to a small building tucked away at the far end of the field. Inside, the air was cool and still, a stark contrast to the noise and heat outside.


    "This is my personal training room," Jack said, leaning against the doorframe. "No one will bother you here. Use it as much as you want."


    Sumit hesitated. "Why are you doing this for me?"


    Jack smirked. "Simple. There aren''t many mid-level users around, and if you stick around, you might end up as a soldier under Leo''s command. I''m just giving you a taste of the perks."


    Sumit''s lips quirked into a wry smile. "So this is just recruitment?"


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "Call it what you want," Jack said with a shrug. "But don''t forget¡ªtraining''s important, but so is living a little. It''s a shame I won''t get to share a drink with you tonight." He turned to leave, waving over his shoulder. "Don''t overwork yourself, kid."


    Sumit stood in the center of the dimly lit space; his breathing steady but his mind racing. The room itself was not big but it was not small either. The faint scent of sweat and old wood hung in the air, a testament to the countless hours of toil spent here.


    Sumit extended his hand, summoning his aura. The golden energy flickered to life, wrapping around his fingers like liquid light. It felt warm and alive, a force both familiar and foreign. He closed his eyes and pictured the gauntlets he had formed in the temple. Slowly, the glow solidified, encasing his hands in a crude, golden gauntlet.


    It wasn''t enough.


    The next few hours were a haze of trial and error. He tried to form blades, claws, shields¡ªanything beyond the basic gauntlets¡ªbut the shapes refused to hold. Each failure chipped away at his confidence, but he refused to stop. After a few hours, Sumit stopped his training for the day as he was hungry and tired when he came out of the room the sun had already gone down. He somehow walks back to the bear''s cave and sleeps right after eating.


    That night, the dream came as it always did. Sumit found himself standing in the familiar surroundings. Waiting for him, as always, was the Cat-man.


    "You look tired," the Cat-man said, his tail swishing lazily. "Rough day?"


    Sumit sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I can''t get it right. I can barely form anything with my aura, let alone control it the way I need to."


    The Cat-man tilted his head, his piercing eyes narrowing. "Control isn''t the issue. You''re trying to force it into shapes you don''t truly understand. Start simple."


    "Simple? I''ve been trying simple," Sumit snapped, frustration bleeding into his tone.


    The Cat-man''s whiskers twitched with amusement. "Have you? Or are you trying to leap before you''ve learned to crawl?" He crouched low, his movements fluid and deliberate. "Your aura is an extension of you. To shape it, you need clarity, not force. Picture something familiar, tell me how you were able to make the gauntlet?"


    Sumit hesitated, the word familiar echoing in his mind. His thoughts drifted to the gauntlets¡ªtheir weight, their texture, the way they seemed to meld seamlessly with him as if they were an extension of his very being. Slowly, he nodded, his voice tinged with both certainty and nostalgia. "I''ve seen them before," he said, his gaze distant. "My father had a pair of gauntlets... He used to let me play with them when I was a kid."


    "Good," the Cat-man said, sensing his shift in focus. "Imagine familiar things or improve things you can make"


    The following days were a blur of grueling repetition. Sumit woke at dawn, ate a simple meal of fruits left the bear''s cave, and spent the rest of the day pushing himself to the limit and returning to the bear''s cave only to eat and sleep. Seeing this bears of the inn start calling him crazy behind his back.


    As the days passed, Sumit refined his gauntlets, perfecting their design until they felt as natural as his own hands. Then he moved on, experimenting with other shapes. He imagined claws, like the ones Jack had used in the forest. His first attempts were pitiful¡ªshort, stubby protrusions that shattered at the slightest pressure. But he learned from each failure, adjusting his focus, and visualizing the shape in greater detail. By the fifth day, he could create claws sharp enough to cut through the training dummies.


    He moved on to the other shapes that were familiar to him, this, too, was a struggle. The aura resisted his attempts to shape it out, collapsing inward whenever he lost focus. It was only on the seventh day, after countless tries, that he succeeded in forming a new shape.


    His body adapted to the constant strain. At first, the effort of summoning and shaping his aura left him drained, his limbs heavy and his mind foggy. But as the days passed, his stamina grew. The golden glow of his aura burned brighter and lasted longer, responding to his will with increasing ease.


    Each night, the Cat-man guided him, offering cryptic advice that seemed infuriatingly obvious in hindsight.


    "Why do you keep trying to copy others?" he asked one night, lounging on a rock that floated in the dreamscape. "Your strength lies in what you create, not in mimicking what you''ve seen."


    The words struck a chord. Sumit realized he had been trying to replicate Jack''s claws and other''s attacks like the tiger-monkey''s attack instead of developing his techniques. From that moment on, his training took on a new focus. He experimented with shapes that felt natural to him¡ªspikes, tendrils, even simple spheres. He discovered that the more personal the shape, the easier it was to form.


    On the thirteenth day, Sumit stood in the center of the training room, surrounded by the remnants of his efforts¡ªshattered dummies, gouged floors, and scorch marks where his aura had flared too brightly.


    A grin spread across his face. He had done it.


    For the first time in days, Sumit stepped outside the training room while the sun was still high in the sky. He inhaled deeply, the cool evening air filling his lungs. Despite the aches in his muscles and the exhaustion weighing on his body, he felt lighter than he had in weeks.


    On the fourteenth day, he allowed himself a rare break. He wandered through the capital, soaking in its beauty. The streets were alive with color and sound¡ªbeast-people of every kind, their unique features blending into a vibrant tapestry. He marveled at the exotic foods, the ornate architecture, and the sheer energy of the city.


    The fifteenth day arrived in a whirlwind of anticipation. The city buzzed with excitement as the tournament began.

 CH28: Let the Tournament begin!!!

    The streets of the capital were alive with anticipation. A vast crowd moved as one, flowing toward the colossal coliseum at the city''s heart, nestled beneath the sprawling branches of the legendary Great Tree. Today was the Promised Day, when warriors from every corner of the world would clash in battle, each vying for the coveted title of the world''s strongest.


    Excitement buzzed through the air, mingling with the scents of street food and the metallic tang of sharpened weapons. Merchants hawked their wares, eager to sell charms for good fortune or finely crafted armor to last-minute entrants. Young and old spectators chattered about their favorite fighters, debating who would triumph and who would fall.


    Amidst the sea of eager faces, a seventeen-year-old boy walked with hesitant steps. His lean frame tensed with every cheer and chant, his fingers clenching and unclenching at his sides. Unlike the seasoned warriors around him, he lacked the hardened confidence that came with years of battle. His heart pounded against his ribs, the weight of the moment pressing heavily upon him.


    "There are more people than I thought. This makes me kind of nervous," Sumit said, glancing at the massive crowd.


    "A piece of advice: ignore the crowd and just focus on the opponent in front of you," Jack replied with a grin. "Come on, let''s see who you''re fighting."


    "Wow, I didn''t know an idiot like you could give such good advice," Leo teased.


    "Who are you calling an idiot?" Jack snapped. "Anyway, let''s check the match board."


    The group made their way toward the match board.


    The board was divided into five blocks, each containing eight matches.


    "Kid, what token number did you get from the priestess?" Jack asked.


    Sumit took out the token he had received from the Priestess of Life after registering for the tournament. A small silver eagle was engraved on it.


    "It''s an eagle," Sumit said.


    "Ah, so you''re in the Eagle Block. Let''s see... Ah, there you are ¡ª at the bottom."


    "Shouldn''t it be at the top?"


    "Why?"


    "I mean¡­ it flies¡­ so¡­ never mind. Let''s just see who I''m up against," Sumit sighed, noticing the mischievous smile on Jack''s face.


    "Uh¡­ where''s my name?"


    Jack smirked. "It''s right there ¡ª ''Kali Billi.''"


    Sumit''s eye twitched. "Oh¡­ right. I''m up against Raph."


    "WHAT!?" Jack leaned closer. "Oh no, you''ve got some bad luck."


    "What do you mean? Is he strong?"


    "Not just strong ¡ª Raph is one of the fighters everyone''s watching. He''s from the Rhino Clan, famous for their high defensive power. But their weakness is speed ¡ª except Raph. He''s got the defense of his clan and high speed, making him the strongest of his generation."


    "So he''s fast and strong?"


    "Yeah."


    Sumit''s shoulders sagged. "You''ve got to be kidding me."


    ...¡­.


    "Welcome to everyone present here! I, Sushant the Snake, will be your commentator for this year''s tournament!"


    The crowd erupted into cheers.


    "As we all know, today we''ll witness the rise of the strongest warrior! So tell me¡­ are you ready?!"


    "YEAH!!"


    "I can''t hear you!"


    "YEAHHHH!!!"


    "Excellent! Without further delay, let''s call out our first competitors ¡ª Bulu from the Bull Clan and Ishita from the Leopard Clan! Now, let the tournament¡­ BEGIN!!"


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    The arena pulsed with tension, the air thick with dust and the scent of sweat. Torches flickered along the edges of the pit, casting jagged shadows on the rough stone walls. The crowd''s roar was deafening, a primal chant of violence and bloodlust.


    Two figures stood at the center of the pit.


    Bulu stood like a fortress, nearly seven feet tall with shoulders broad enough to blot out the torchlight behind him. His dark brown fur was crisscrossed with faded scars, and steam curled from his flared nostrils with each breath. His crimson eyes glowed beneath the heavy curve of his horns. A dark red aura shimmered around his body, flickering like wildfire. His massive hands clenched into fists, jagged crimson energy crackling around them.


    Across from him, Ishita crouched low, her golden eyes narrowed beneath her spotted brow. Sleek and toned, her lean frame pulsed with a deep violet aura that wrapped around her limbs like smoke. Her claws flexed, shimmering with sharpened violet light. Her spotted tail swayed behind her, low and steady.


    The horn sounded.


    Bulu charged.


    His red aura surged, wrapping around his legs and chest. The ground trembled beneath his hooves as he closed the distance in three thundering strides. His right arm swung outward, a massive fist wrapped in burning crimson.


    Ishita''s eyes sharpened. Her violet aura flared around her legs ¡ª and she vanished in a burst of motion.


    Bulu''s fist struck the ground where she had been standing, creating a deafening shockwave that cracked the arena floor. Dust and stone erupted into the air.


    A blur of violet flickered behind him.


    She struck.


    Her claws, now lengthened by sharpened aura, flashed toward his exposed back. Bulu twisted at the last second ¡ª his red aura surged over his back, hardening into armor. Her claws scraped against the hardened energy with a piercing shriek.


    He spun, his massive elbow ¡ª coated with spiked crimson aura ¡ª slamming toward her.


    Ishita ducked, but the shockwave from the blow sent her skidding across the dirt. She rolled to a stop, crouched and breathing hard. Blood dripped from her lip.


    Bulu snorted, steam curling from his nostrils.


    "Fast," he growled. "But not fast enough."


    Ishita smiled, wiping the blood from her mouth with the back of her hand.


    "We''ll see."


    Bulu charged again, slower this time. His red aura condensed over his arms, forming jagged, armor-like patterns along his muscles. His horns elongated, energy twisting into spear-like points.


    Ishita''s aura darkened, sinking into her legs and forearms. Violet tendrils curled around her hands, lengthening her claws into shimmering daggers.


    Bulu''s left hook came first. Ishita sidestepped ¡ª but the follow-up knee shot upward toward her ribs.


    She twisted, her violet aura snapping around her waist, and avoided the blow by a hair''s breadth. Her tail flicked out, charged with aura, and struck Bulu''s leg. His knee buckled.


    She darted forward ¡ª claws flashing toward his throat.


    Bulu''s red aura surged upward, hardening into a protective shell around his neck and chest. Her claws glanced off the energy armor.


    His hand shot out, wrapping around her wrist.


    He grinned.


    "Got you."


    His aura flared, red energy spiking around his arm as he swung her like a rag doll.


    Ishita twisted mid-air, violet aura flaring around her limbs. Her claws shot outward, latching onto his forearm. Her aura pulsed.


    Bulu''s hardened red armor cracked.


    His eyes widened ¡ª and then she pulled.


    A burst of violet light erupted between them as her claws dug into his arm, slicing through the aura-reinforced muscle beneath. Blood sprayed across the ground.


    Bulu roared and ripped his arm back. His aura pulsed chaotically, trying to repair the damage. He stumbled, holding his arm as red light flickered and dimmed.


    Ishita landed on all fours, panting. Her golden eyes gleamed.


    "Strength means nothing," she purred, "if you can''t keep up."


    Bulu''s red aura surged again, wild and unstable. His horns darkened, the jagged tips of red light pulsing dangerously.


    "You talk too much."


    He charged ¡ª but this time, his movements were sloppier. Slower. His injured arm dragged at his side.


    Ishita smiled and darted toward him.


    Violet aura gathered around her legs and arms, condensing into sharp tendrils. She leapt upward, twisting through the air as his horns swept beneath her. Her claws extended, glowing violet as they flashed downward.


    She landed on his back, claws digging into his shoulders. Her aura poured into his wounds, tearing through his protective energy.


    Bulu stumbled, knees hitting the ground. His red aura flickered ¡ª then shattered.


    He roared and swung wildly ¡ª but Ishita was already gone.


    She appeared at his side, claws flashing toward his ribs. Bulu twisted ¡ª but his injured arm slowed him.


    Her claws struck true. His red aura collapsed.


    Bulu gasped, his eyes wide. He staggered, his breath ragged.


    Ishita crouched in front of him, claws pressed against his throat. Her violet aura curled around his neck.


    "Yield," she whispered.


    Bulu growled, his chest heaving. His hand twitched ¡ª but his body betrayed him. His strength was gone.


    Bulu''s eyes flashed with defiance. His jaw clenched. His body shook under the weight of exhaustion ¡ª but he didn''t speak.


    Instead, he lifted his hand ¡ª one last swing.


    Ishita''s eyes narrowed.


    Her aura flared.


    She blurred ¡ª and appeared behind him. Her claws struck the back of his head, the impact laced with a surge of violet energy.


    Bulu''s eyes widened. His massive body swayed. His breath hitched ¡ª then slowed.


    His knees buckled. His aura flickered, the crimson glow fading.


    And then he collapsed forward with a thunderous crash, his horns digging into the dirt. His chest rose and fell slowly ¡ª unconscious, but breathing.


    Ishita stood over him, her claws fading as her violet aura dissolved into smoke.


    She flicked blood from her claws and smiled.


    "Fast enough."


    The crowd erupted into chaos.


    Ishita rolled her shoulders, stretching her limbs. Behind her, Bulu''s chest rose and fell steadily.


    He fought until the very end.


    But in the end¡­


    Speed beat strength.

 CH29: Horn Vs Boom!?

    "The winner is Ishita from the Leopard Clan!" Sushant the snake shouted.


    "Yeah!!!" Cheers erupted from the crowd after hearing the result.


    "Wow, what a great match! Breathtaking. Now, let us take a short break to give the next competitors time to prepare," Sushant announced.


    "That was amazing," Sumit said.


    "I know, right? I even won more than expected," Jack said happily.


    "You won? You mean from betting?" Sumit asked, surprised.


    "Yes! There were so many idiots who bet on Bulu just because of his big body. That helped me win three times the original prize," Jack said with a grin.


    "I didn''t know we could bet," Sumit said.


    "Last time, there were too many illegal bets that couldn''t be stopped, so we decided to legalize it," Leo explained.


    "That''s a stupid idea. Who came up with something like that?" Sumit asked.


    "Want to guess?" Leo said, pointing toward someone.


    "You mean¡­ Jack!?" Sumit said, shocked.


    "Of course! I was the one who came up with the idea," Jack said, smiling smugly.


    "Okay, but tell me one thing¡ªdidn''t you say the loser gets killed?" Sumit asked.


    "Oh, I was kidding about that part," Jack said, laughing.


    "What?" Sumit''s eyes widened.


    "You seriously believed everyone here was savage enough to kill each other? I said that to scare you," Jack said, still grinning.


    "You¡­" Sumit glared at Jack angrily.


    "Alright, enough talking. You should head down there¡ªyou''re up next," Jack said, pushing Sumit toward the arena.


    "I know," Sumit said, shaking off Jack''s hand.


    "Kid, don''t feel too bad when you lose. Oh, and by the way¡ªI''ll be betting against you," Jack teased.


    "We''ll see about that." Sumit turned to Leo. "Sir Leo, I have a favour to ask."


    ....


    "Welcome back, everyone! Are you ready for the second match?!" Sushant asked in a cheerful voice.


    "Yesss!!!" the audience roared.


    "Excellent! Let''s see who our competitors are. The second match will be between Raph from the Rhino Clan and¡­ Kaali Bili from the Human Clan? I''ve never heard of a Human Clan before, but I expect a good match from Raph. Let''s see how this goes!" Sushant announced.


    Sumit stepped onto the rough, uneven ground of the tournament pit. Dust and pebbles crunched beneath his feet as the crowd''s roar swelled into a deafening wall of noise.


    Across from him stood Raph ¡ª the towering figure of the Rhino Clan. Broad shoulders, thick muscles, and armor-like skin ¡ª the embodiment of power and endurance.


    Raph''s dark gray hide was marked with deep scars, remnants of past victories. His eyes were sharp and calculating beneath the heavy ridge of his brow. Deep silver aura flickered around him, pouring into the ground beneath his feet, causing the earth to tremble.


    Sumit exhaled, golden light flickering around his hands. His aura felt steady ¡ª focused. He knew Raph was faster than most rhinos and hit like a hammer. This wouldn''t be an easy fight.


    The horn sounded.


    Raph''s foot slammed into the ground. A pulse of silver aura shot through the earth ¡ª and the arena floor erupted beneath Sumit''s feet. The shockwave sent him skidding backward. Raph charged through the dust, his massive frame cutting through the air like a battering ram.


    "What the¡­?" Sumit muttered in shock.


    The speed isn''t the only problem.


    Sumit''s golden aura flared around his legs. He pivoted, the edge of Raph''s horn grazing his side as he narrowly avoided the charge. Gathering aura into his fist to form a gauntlet which he used to punch Raph''s side.


    Raph twisted mid-stride, planting his feet into the ground. His aura surged downward ¡ª and the ground buckled beneath Sumit''s feet. Sumit stumbled, his balance thrown off by the artificial quake.


    "Nice try," Raph growled. His silver aura flared, gathering around his fists.


    Sumit''s eyes narrowed. He focused his aura into his arms and back, feeling the familiar heat fill his muscles.


    Raph''s fist shot toward him. Sumit leaned into it.


    Light surged across his forearm as he blocked. The impact rattled his bones, but Sumit absorbed the force, redirecting it through his aura into his legs.


    Seeing Raph not attacking anymore, Sumit asked, "How are you doing that?"


    "What?" Raph frowned.


    "I mean the artificial quake. Can you teach me?" Sumit asked.


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    "You want to learn my techniques? Why would I teach you my techniques?" Raph said, narrowing his eyes.


    "So¡­ is that a no?" Sumit asked.


    "Yes." Raph said.


    "Wait¡­ yes as in you''ll teach me?" Sumit asked hopefully.


    "No. I said no," Raph snapped, his aura flaring as he charged at Sumit again.


    "I see. You''re selfish," Sumit said, dodging the charge and landing on his feet. He dusted himself off.


    "Okay¡­ enough testing the waters." Sumit pulled a wooden sword from beneath his cloak.


    "A sword?" Raph said, surprised.


    "I don''t know why you''re so surprised ¡ª but it''s too early to be shocked," Sumit said, pouring his aura into the wooden sword. A golden blade of energy flared to life along the edge of the wood.


    ...


    In the stands, Jack''s lazy grin faded. His eyes sharpened.


    "Did he¡­ just use aura in a sword?" Jack said, sitting up straighter.


    Leo''s jaw tightened. His eyes narrowed as he watched the glowing sword in Sumit''s hand.


    "Impossible," Leo muttered.


    Beside Leo, a young soldier with pointed ears and short gray fur ¡ª Jimi ¡ª frowned.


    "What''s wrong, sir? Isn''t he just using his aura in the sword?" Jimi asked.


    Jack leaned forward, eyes glinting with sharp focus. "Have you ever seen a mid-level aura user holding a weapon?"


    "No, sir. But shouldn''t it be the same as a low-level using one?" Jimi said.


    Leo sighed and reached for the sword strapped to Jimi''s back. "Give me your sword."


    Jimi handed it over without hesitation ¡ª a standard steel blade. Leo held it out in front of him. "Observe."


    Leo''s amber aura pulsed around his hand. The light poured into the sword, and the metal immediately cracked. Fissures spread along the length of the blade before it shattered into pieces. The fragments fell to the ground with a hollow clink.


    Jimi''s eyes widened. "W-What the¡ª?"


    "That''s what happens when a mid-level aura user channels aura into a weapon," Leo said, letting the broken hilt drop. "Our aura is too strong. The weapon can''t handle it."


    Jimi''s gaze flicked toward the arena, where Sumit''s wooden sword still glowed with golden light.


    "But¡­ his sword isn''t breaking."


    "Exactly," Jack said, his grin returning. "That''s not normal."


    ...¡­


    Sumit lifted his glowing sword high and charged toward Raph. In response, Raph poured his aura into the ground, creating an artificial earthquake that knocked Sumit off balance. Raph charged again, his horn sharpening with jagged silver aura.


    This time, Sumit didn''t dodge ¡ª he blocked the attack with his sword.


    Mistake.


    Sumit''s sword was as sharp as Raph''s horn, but Raph had more strength. The impact blasted through Sumit''s arms, sending him rolling backward. Pain flared in his chest as he coughed up blood.


    Raph chuckled. "I admit it ¡ª you surprised me. But that''s all you''ve managed to do."


    Sumit wiped the blood from his mouth and smiled faintly. "Didn''t I say it''s too early to be surprised?"


    He picked up a few stones from the ground and stood up.


    Seeing Sumit rise, Raph gathered his aura in his feet and struck the ground. Dust curled around his legs as his aura condensed, sharpening his focus. Raph charged ¡ª but this time Sumit ran toward him.


    Their auras collided mid-stride ¡ª silver meeting gold. Raph''s horn glowed with jagged silver light as he thrust it toward Sumit''s chest.


    Sumit ducked low, golden aura spiraling around his arms, forming gauntlets. He caught the horn with both hands.


    Sumit''s knees buckled ¡ª but his aura pulsed through his back and shoulders. He redirected the force downward, forcing Raph''s horn to the side. Sumit twisted, his sword flicking toward Raph''s exposed flank.


    A shallow cut.


    Raph''s aura surged defensively, hardening his skin. He retaliated with a crushing elbow aimed at Sumit''s ribs. Sumit shifted his aura into his legs and launched backward ¡ª but the shockwave from Raph''s strike sent him skidding.


    Sumit coughed, tasting blood. His eyes sharpened.


    Raph planted his foot ¡ª and the ground beneath him shattered. A massive pulse of silver aura rippled outward, shaking the entire arena.


    Sumit''s balance broke ¡ª his foot slipped.


    NOW!


    Raph lunged, aura sharpening around his fists like spiked armor. Sumit''s aura shot into his legs. He blurred sideways ¡ª but not fast enough.


    THWACK!


    Raph''s fist smashed into Sumit''s shoulder. Pain exploded through his arm as he crashed to the ground, his aura flickering.


    Sumit groaned, clutching his arm. His golden light pulsed weakly. Raph''s shadow loomed over him.


    "Got you," Raph said.


    Sumit grinned through the pain. "Says who?"


    His aura gathered in his hand ¡ª and his sword dissolved. Sumit''s fingers closed around a small stone. His golden light seeped into it, causing it to pulse faintly.


    Raph''s eyes narrowed. "What are you¡ª"


    Sumit flicked the stone toward Raph''s feet. It landed softly between them.


    "A stone? You think you can defeat me with a stone?" Raph scoffed.


    Sumit smiled. "Yes, I can."


    BOOM


    The stone exploded in a burst of golden light. Dust and debris shot upward. Raph''s balance broke ¡ª and Sumit was already moving.


    His sword hummed with golden light as he slashed toward Raph''s exposed side.


    SLASH!


    A clean line of red appeared across Raph''s ribs. He stumbled, his aura flickering.


    The crowd''s noise dimmed ¡ª a stunned silence spreading through the stands.


    "What¡­ was that?" asked Raph while healing the cut with his aura


    "I will tell you if you yield," Sumit said. His sword''s glow faded as his aura settled. He kept his stance light and relaxed.


    "If I yield¡­you say" Raph''s aura surged violently. His silver light exploded outward, forcing Sumit to step back. Raph turned, breathing hard. "Don''t make me laugh"


    Raph''s breath came in ragged bursts. His silver aura flared violently, cracks spreading through the ground beneath his feet. Dust curled around his legs as his muscles tensed.


    He slammed his foot into the ground. A pulse of silver aura surged outward. The ground beneath Sumit fractured, jagged pieces of earth flying into the air.


    Sumit jumped back, golden aura flickering around his legs ¡ª but Raph was already moving.


    A blur of gray and red.


    Sumit barely raised his sword in time.


    CLANG!


    Raph''s horn met Sumit''s blade in a deafening clash. Sparks of red and gold scattered through the air. Sumit''s legs buckled under the sheer force. His feet dug into the loose dirt as Raph pushed forward, the weight behind his attack like a battering ram.


    Sumit''s arms trembled as Raph''s horn pressed closer to his face. His muscles screamed under the pressure. Then, his golden light pulsed ¡ª and he twisted his grip, forcing the blade upward.


    Raph stumbled ¡ª just for a second.


    Sumit''s free hand flicked downward. Another stone slid between his fingers.


    Golden light pulsed through it.


    BOOM!


    The stone exploded at Raph''s feet. Dust and golden light shot upward. Raph''s balance wavered ¡ª his footing gone.


    Sumit shot forward. His golden aura spiraled into his legs. He blurred toward Raph, sword poised.


    Raph''s aura thickened around his chest like armor. Sumit''s sword struck.


    CRACK!


    The impact pushed Raph back ¡ª but the cut was shallow.


    Raph''s fist shot toward Sumit''s face.


    Sumit dropped low. His golden aura wrapped around his legs as he drove his palm toward Raph''s knee.


    THWACK!


    Raph''s leg buckled. His aura flickered.


    Sumit jumped back, tossing another stone into the air.


    BOOM!


    The explosion sent Raph sprawling onto one knee. Blood dripped from the cut on his ribs. His breath hitched.


    Sumit stood over him, a golden aura crackling around his frame.


    Raph''s muscles tensed ¡ª then slumped. His aura sputtered. His fist, half-raised, lowered slowly.


    Raph''s body tensed ¡ª then slumped. His aura dimmed. His fist, half-raised, lowered slowly.


    "Damn it¡­" Raph coughed, wiping blood from his mouth. He stared at Sumit with narrowed eyes. "How¡­ how are you doing that?"


    Sumit smiled, flipping the stone between his fingers. "If you want to learn, I can teach you."


    Raph''s eyes widened. For a moment, his mouth opened ¡ª then he chuckled. A deep, rumbling sound.


    "Heh¡­ Hahaha¡­"


    Raph tilted his head back, laughing despite the pain. He pushed himself onto one knee.


    "I look forward to it" Raph raised his hand weakly. His grin was sharp, feral. "I yield!!!"

 CH30: Tribal Technique

    "The winner is Kaali Billi from the Human Clan!" Sushant the snake shouted, his voice echoing across the arena.


    A wave of noise erupted from the stands ¡ª a mix of cheers and groans. Some roared in excitement, while others clutched their heads in disbelief. Coins and betting slips were already being exchanged.


    "Yeah!!!" Jack pumped his fist. "I knew that boy had something in him!"


    But his celebration didn''t last long. A horrifying realization struck him like a punch to the gut.


    "Wait¡­ WAIT!" Jack''s eyes widened as the truth hit him. "MY MONEY!!!"


    Leo, standing beside him with his arms crossed, sighed. "Relax, Jack. It''s common to lose a bet."


    Jack ignored him, already frantically calculating in his head. "No, no, no¡­ If I''d bet on the kid, the odds were crazy¡­ That means¡­ That means I could''ve won¡­" His eyes narrowed dangerously as the numbers aligned in his mind. "500 times more?! Are you kidding me?!"


    Leo''s mouth twitched into a small smile. "165 gold coins, to be exact."


    Jack froze. "Huh? You mean to say you¡ª"


    Leo pulled a small slip of paper from his sleeve and held it up between two fingers. "He gave me 33 silver coins and told me to place a bet on him before the match. Under his name."


    Jack''s eyes bulged. "WAIT. YOU''RE TELLING ME¡­ HE PLACED A BET ON HIMSELF?!"


    Leo''s smile widened. "Yep."


    Jack''s mouth opened and closed as his brain scrambled to process the news. Slowly, he turned toward Sumit, who stood nearby with a smug grin.


    "YOU¡­ WHY DIDN''T YOU TELL ME YOU WERE GOING TO WIN?!" Jack shouted, pointing a trembling finger at Sumit.


    Sumit chuckled.


    Jack grabbed his head with both hands. "AAAAAHHHHHH!!! THAT SHOULD''VE BEEN MY MONEY!!"


    Sumit''s grin deepened. "That''s what you get for lying to me."


    Jack collapsed to his knees, sobbing dramatically. "I was so close¡­ So close to fortune¡­"


    Leo patted Jack on the back, his rare amusement showing. "You''ll win next time."


    Sumit''s satisfaction was interrupted by the quiet approach of a figure in white robes. A cat beast-person with pale blue eyes beneath a hood stood before him ¡ª a priest of life.


    "You''re injured," the priest said in a calm voice. "Come with me to the medical room. We''ll heal you."


    Sumit hesitated, but the dull throb in his shoulder and the taste of blood in his mouth convinced him otherwise. "Yeah¡­ I probably need that."


    "Come on," Raph grunted as he stood beside Sumit, rubbing the cut on his ribs. His silver aura still faintly flickered around his broad frame. "I''ll come with you."


    Sumit gave a tired nod, following the priest as he led them through a narrow passage beneath the arena.


    As they walked, Sumit''s gaze drifted toward the entrance of the tunnel. A tall figure stood at the edge of the arena, preparing to enter.


    A lion beast-man.


    Golden mane, fierce amber eyes, and a body carved from muscle and raw power. His aura pulsed around him like a steady drumbeat, calm but devastatingly powerful.


    Sumit''s breath hitched. Even from a distance, he could feel the sheer pressure radiating off him.


    He''s strong.


    No ¡ª stronger than anyone Sumit had faced so far.


    I need to get stronger.


    Sumit''s fists tightened. His body still ached from the fight, but his mind was already sharpening.


    ...


    In the medical room, soft white light filled the air as the priest''s aura worked through Sumit''s wounds. His bruises faded, and the ache in his shoulder softened into a dull throb. The quiet hum of the priest''s aura blended with the faint rustle of cloth and the muted sounds of the arena beyond the thick stone walls.


    Raph sat beside him, his broad chest wrapped in white bandages. His scarred arms were crossed as he studied Sumit with quiet focus, his dark eyes sharp beneath the heavy ridge of his brow.


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    Sumit''s gaze slid toward him. "What? Why are you staring at me?"


    Raph''s brow furrowed in thought. "In my whole life, I''ve never seen or heard of a human tribe. But¡­ it''s not like I''ve met every tribe." His gaze narrowed slightly. "That explosion technique of yours ¡ª it must be a tribal technique."


    "Tribal technique?" Sumit repeated.


    "It might be called something else in your tribe," Raph said. "It refers to techniques passed down within a tribe. Normally, they''re kept within the tribe, but there are cases where one tribe teaches its technique to another."


    Sumit''s eyes glinted. "Oh, yeah. Definitely a tribal technique," he said, lips curling. "So¡­ you want to learn it from me?"


    Raph''s mouth twitched into a slight grin. "Yes. In exchange, I''ll teach you my tribal technique."


    Sumit''s brows lifted. "You mean the earthquake thing?"


    "Rumbling," Raph corrected. "I call it Rumbling. I''ll teach you ¡ª but I''m not guaranteeing you''ll be able to learn it."


    Sumit''s smirk widened. "We''ll see about that."


    "Then let''s go" said Raph


    "Where?" asked Sumit.


    "Outside to learn and teach," said Raph


    "What about the match?" Sumit asked.


    "Your next match will be tomorrow and recommend you to learn it before your next match or do you want to see another''s match?" said Raph


    Sumit thought for a movement and said "Fine, let''s go"


    ...¡­


    In an empty field near the coliseum, Sumit and Raph stand in the middle of the field. The place was empty as everyone was at the coliseum.


    "So you are telling me that all I have to do is pour a little amount of aura enough to make it glow and throw it?" Raph asked


    "Yes, try it," said Sumit


    Hearing this Raph picked up a stone and poured aura to make it glow, then he threw it


    Boom!


    "It did work but the quality was bad, maybe it is the amount of aura?" said Raph "I need to practice it more but first let''s your turn to learn"


    "So, how do I do it? Do I stomp my feet hard with aura or something?" asked Sumit.


    "First try doing it with your hands, it''s easier that way," said Raph. "Sit down and try to flow your aura into the ground"


    Sumit sat cross-legged on the rough, uneven on the ground. His breathing was steady, golden light flickering faintly around his hands as he focused his aura into the ground beneath him.


    The ground remained still.


    Sumit frowned, his hands pressing into the dirt. He pushed more aura into the earth¡ªstill nothing. His golden light shimmered weakly, but the ground beneath him stayed stubbornly unresponsive.


    He tried again, and again, and again and again, but nothing happened.


    "Tsk." Sumit gritted his teeth. "Why isn''t it working?"


    "Because you''re doing it wrong."


    Sumit''s eyes snapped upward. Raph stood at the edge of the ground, arms crossed over his chest. His dark gray hide gleamed under the sunlight, and his heavy frame cast a long shadow over Sumit.


    "I''ve been doing exactly what you told me to do," Sumit said, frustrated.


    "No, you haven''t." Raph stepped closer, his silver aura flickering faintly around his feet. "You''re forcing it."


    Sumit''s brow furrowed. "What''s the difference?"


    Raph sighed, dropping to one knee. His thick fingers brushed against the dirt. "Aura isn''t about force. It''s about connection."


    Sumit''s eyes narrowed. "Connection?"


    "Watch."


    Raph''s silver aura pulsed through his hand. The light seeped into the earth¡ªnot in a flood, but in slow, steady pulses. The ground beneath his hand trembled faintly.


    Sumit watched as tiny cracks spiderwebbed across the dirt beneath Raph''s palm. The ground didn''t resist¡ªit responded.


    "You''re trying to dominate the ground with your aura," Raph said. "But the ground isn''t an opponent¡ªit''s an ally. You have to coax it, not crush it."


    Sumit frowned. "That¡­ sounds vague."


    "Of course it does," Raph said with a snort. "It''s a tribal technique. You don''t learn it by thinking about it¡ªyou feel it."


    Sumit closed his eyes. His golden aura flowed through his arms and into the ground. He focused on the soil beneath his fingers, imagining it as an extension of his body. He pushed his aura downward¡ª


    The earth absorbed it.


    Sumit''s aura scattered across the surface of the ground, fading into nothing. He opened his eyes with a scowl. "I don''t get it."


    Raph shook his head. "Stop pushing so hard. Relax."


    Sumit''s jaw tightened. "I am relaxed."


    "No, you''re not." Raph''s silver aura flared beneath his feet. The ground beneath him pulsed softly, shifting without cracking. "Your aura is like a hammer. My aura is like water."


    Sumit''s brow furrowed. "Water?"


    "You can''t smash water into the ground and expect it to stay. You have to let it flow."


    Sumit''s eyes darkened. "I don''t know how to."


    "Clearly." Raph stood, towering over Sumit. "That''s why you''re failing."


    Sumit exhaled sharply. "Alright, fine. Show me again."


    Raph''s silver aura pulsed gently into the ground. The earth beneath his feet trembled, shifting without resistance. The ground seemed to welcome his aura.


    "Feel the ground beneath you," Raph said. "Don''t force your aura into it¡ªlet it merge with the earth."


    Sumit placed his hands on the ground. He drew his golden aura into his arms¡ªbut this time, he hesitated before releasing it. He closed his eyes and focused not on the force, but on the sensation.


    The coolness of the dirt. The roughness of the pebbles beneath his fingertips. The faint vibration of the earth beneath him.


    Sumit slowly released his aura¡ªnot in a surge, but in a steady trickle. His golden light seeped into the ground.


    The ground shock.


    Sumit''s eyes widened. "It''s¡­ shaking?"


    "Good," Raph said. "Now control it."


    Sumit''s aura faltered¡ªand the ground stopped moving. He scowled. "What happened?"


    "You panicked." Raph''s voice was calm. "You have to trust the ground. Keep your aura steady. If you pull back, it will reject you."


    Sumit took a steady breath. He tried again. His golden aura seeped into the ground, flowing slowly this time. He focused on the sensation beneath his palms¡ª


    The ground trembled faintly. Sumit''s eyes sharpened.


    "Now¡­" Raph''s voice lowered. "Shift it."


    Sumit''s golden aura pulsed. He imagined the ground moving, not violently¡ªbut deliberately. His aura responded. The dirt beneath his hands vibrated, tiny cracks forming beneath his palms.


    Sumit''s golden light flickered¡ª


    ¡ªand the ground beneath Raph''s feet trembled.


    Raph''s eyes widened slightly.


    Sumit''s aura wavered¡ªbut he steadied it. The trembling beneath Raph''s feet grew stronger. Dust curled into the air.


    Sumit''s breathing quickened. His arms tensed.


    "That''s enough!" Raph barked.


    Sumit pulled his aura back. The trembling stopped instantly. His golden light faded, and his arms slumped at his sides.


    He wiped the sweat from his forehead, chest heaving. "Did¡­ did I do it?"


    "You barely scratched the surface," Raph said, arms crossed. "But¡­ it''s a start."


    Sumit''s breath slowed. He sat back, golden light still faintly shimmering around his hands. "So¡­ the secret is flow?"


    "The secret is connection," Raph said. "You don''t control the ground. You work with it."


    Sumit''s golden aura flickered faintly across his fingers. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "I think I''m starting to get it."