Samuel was making his way through the winding corridors of the cave, feeling every muscle in his body strengthen under the influence of his new skills. His movements were faster, more precise, and each step resonated with calculated force. His two skills, Muscle Reinforcement and Awakened Speed, activated almost instinctively. He was training to master them against the creatures that dared to cross his path: armored rats blocking his way, feathered bats diving into the darkness to attack unexpectedly, and even giant scorpions and large red lizards.

The clash of his rusty sword against the shell of those creatures did not slow him down. Despite its degraded condition, the weapon proved effective in the hands of a former general. Each strike was precise, every movement calculated, as his skills enhanced his speed and power.

Helydia, in her human form, watched Samuel's progress with a smirk. She let him handle the minor threats, keeping her distance, pleased to see that he was getting used to his powers. She only interrupted him to offer brief advice, using their telepathic connection to help him refine his techniques.

They were making their way through the cave until Helydia suddenly stopped. She strained to listen, her eyes piercing the darkness ahead of them. Samuel, attentive, did the same.

"Stop." Helydia's thoughts echoed in Samuel's mind. "The exit is just behind this room."

Samuel, determined, replied without hesitation. "Very well." "Let's go."

But Helydia hesitated. "Wait..." "There is, so to speak, a problem that I hadn't mentioned to you."

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Samuel frowned. "What problem?"

Helydia sighed inwardly. "The exit is guarded by a hellish bear." "He lives there." Seeing Samuel's frown, she continued. "It's a powerful creature, and that's why I couldn't get out of here two months ago."

Seeing the cold determination and anger in Samuel's gaze, she continued, as if to soothe his worries: "Don't worry, he doesn't stand a chance against us. and your mastery of the sword, you just have to ..."

Samuel, a former general, reacts instantly. He gently pressed her against the cave wall, one hand covering her mouth to silence her. "Stay discreet," he thought firmly.

On the other side of the cave, a massive creature entered through the exit they coveted. A bear, at least five meters tall, was dragging a huge dead cow behind it. Its fur was bright red, and bony protrusions followed along her spine. it's eyes projected continuous flames, and from his mouth escaped black smoke, making each breath terrifying.

The bear dragged its prey to the center of the room, before tearing it apart with a single swipe of its claw to begin devouring it. He was imposing and frightening, but Samuel showed no fear. His face remained stoic, his cold gaze fixed on the beast.

"Is this a infernal bear?" he thought towards Helydia. "Are you sure we can beat him, the two of us?"

Helydia pulls Samuel's hand from his mouth, transforming into her semi-arachnid form. "We have no choice," she replied. "If we want to get out of here, we will have to defeat him."