The dense forest was eerily quiet as Apophis, Finn, and Cyrus gathered themselves after the intense battle. The oppressive weight of the trees seemed to press in around them, as if the very forest itself was aware of the monumental task ahead. Rakar loomed large in their minds—a creature of unmatched power, one who had transcended what they could comprehend.

Apophis looked out over the treetops, his mind racing. "We can’t face Rakar like this. His strength... it’s beyond anything we’ve encountered."

Cyrus, standing beside him, cracked his knuckles with a heavy sigh. "You don’t have to tell me. He’s reached the level of a Monster Sovereign, something that none of us are ready to challenge. Not yet."

Apophis turned, a curious glint in his eye. "Monster Sovereign? What exactly does that mean?"

Cyrus's tone grew serious, his usual cocky demeanor falling away. "It’s more than just strength, Apophis. A Monster Sovereign is a being that has ascended past the limits of normal monsters. They command their domain, both in power and influence. Rakar isn’t just strong—he’s become a force of nature. You felt it, didn’t you? His very presence warps the world around him."

Finn, who had been quiet until now, nodded. "It’s like he’s the forest itself, bending everything to his will. What stage are we in, then?"

Cyrus’s eyes narrowed as he considered. "We’re still far behind. Right now, I’m between Savage Awakening and Elemental Mastery. I can harness my raw strength, sure, but I’ve only just begun to unlock the elemental forces at my disposal. Water, poison—those are within my grasp, but I’m nowhere near mastering them."

Finn flicked his tail, looking skeptical. "So, what? We just hope we get stronger by the time we face him?"

Cyrus growled slightly, frustration clear in his voice. "It’s not that simple. There’s a reason we’ve survived this long. Savage Awakening isn’t just about unlocking brute strength. Sometimes, when I tap into that primal rage, I can push past my limits—but it comes with a cost. It’s like a frenzy, a berserker state. I lose control, but the power I gain in those moments can be enough to turn the tide of a fight." He smirked, but there was an edge of concern in his eyes. "Of course, if I stay in that state too long, I might not come back."

Cyrus: grunting “It’s like flipping a switch. My strength surges, far beyond my normal limits. But the more I give in, the more control I lose. I become a beast, driven purely by rage. It’s a temporary power boost, but... there's a price.”

Finn: snickering, though his eyes held concern “And that price is you trying to eat us when you lose it?”

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Cyrus: growling “I can handle myself... but if it comes to that, just make sure you can handle me.”

Apophis: nodding, eyes focused “We won’t let you go alone. If you lose control, we’ll pull you back. This fight isn’t just yours—it’s all of ours.”

Finn’s ears perked up at the mention of a frenzy. "So you’re telling me you can temporarily break through your current level? That’s crazy. But if it’s that dangerous, we can’t rely on it."

Apophis, ever thoughtful, nodded. "We’ll need to be strategic. Rakar’s beyond us right now, but he wasn’t always this strong. He must have gone through the same evolution, the same phases of growth. We’ve seen glimpses of what he’s capable of, but we don’t know everything yet."

Cyrus crossed his arms, his tone dark. "He’s not just strong. Rakar has fully embraced the dark essence that corrupted this forest. He’s gone beyond Abyssal Transformation, becoming a monster king. That kind of power warps not just the body, but the mind. He’s not just a beast—we’re fighting a force of destruction itself."

Apophis clenched his fists, his determination growing. "Then we have to catch up. Fast. I’ve only scratched the surface of Savage Awakening, but there’s more power inside me. The Essence of the Abyss has changed me, and I’ll use every bit of it to stop him."

Finn’s gaze flicked between them, uncertain but resolute. "So what’s our plan? Charge in and hope we’ve gained enough power by the time we face him?"

Apophis shook his head. "No. We need to find the sacred grove Kael spoke of. Severing Rakar’s connection to the source of his power will weaken him. That’s the key. It’s the only way we stand a chance."

As they prepared to move forward, a silence fell over the group, not from uncertainty, but from the gravity of what lay ahead. Each of them knew their limitations. They were growing stronger, yes, but would it be enough?

Cyrus, still staring into the distance, broke the silence. "Before we head out, know this: I’m not stopping until we bring Rakar down. I’ll push through whatever limits I have, berserker state or not. But if I lose control out there... don’t hesitate. You’ll need to stop me."

Apophis met his gaze, a flicker of respect passing between them. "You won’t be alone in this. We’re in this together."

Finn, as usual, tried to lighten the mood, though his voice held a nervous edge. "Just try not to go full crazy on us, alright? I’ve got enough on my plate without having to deal with a rogue giant croc."

Cyrus let out a short laugh, but the tension remained thick. As they moved deeper into the forest, Apophis felt the weight of their journey pressing on him. The path ahead was dark and full of unknowns, but they had no choice but to face it.