The journey toward the beast's forest was one of those impulsive actions the boy undertook in the heat of the moment. He felt he had no other choice. He had to return to the place where it all began; he had to face his fears and perhaps even find answers that could finally bring him peace. He knew it was madness. Every rational part of his mind warned him not to do it, that this path led straight to ruin. But deep in his heart, he felt it was necessary. He couldn't move on until he confronted his past. It was a burden that suffocated him from within, one he had to shed, regardless of the consequences.
The Seekers he had left after the camp tragedy did not let him leave empty-handed. One of them, seeing hope for the future in the boy, gave him a modest bundle. In it, he found leftover food, a few bandages, and a dagger—a simple weapon meant to help him in case of sudden danger. This dagger replaced the weapon once given to him by an old wanderer. That dagger had been lost somewhere in the village destroyed by the beast, and the boy hadn't had even a moment to recover it. Now, however, he had a new weapon, but he knew that the dagger would not be his main strength. Although the dagger gave him some sense of security, the real power he needed to learn to wield came from within himself.
During his journey through the underbrush and endless paths, the boy increasingly felt the presence of that mysterious power that had awakened within him that night. It was like a wild, unknown animal—difficult to tame, unpredictable. Every step toward the forest made him feel its presence more distinctly, as if it was responding to his decision, ready to manifest itself when needed. He tried to control it, extending his hands and focusing his thoughts, imagining himself controlling the energy that pulsed within him. Often, however, the response was only an echo—strange, quiet vibrations, as if the power refused to obey, unwilling to yield to his will. He knew that this magic allowed him only to teleport short distances, but even that seemed beyond his reach when he tried to control it consciously.
As he traveled across hills and clearings, the boy felt growing tension. He didn't have many things with him—a modest bundle, a dagger, and an indomitable will, his only true weapon. He knew the food would run out, that the bandages might prove insufficient. He realized that entering the forest meant stepping into a world from which there would be no return, where each step forward meant risk and uncertainty. His mind was full of fear but also determination. He knew he had to be ready for anything, and any failure to control his power could mean his doom.
During one of his rests in a clearing, the boy sat down, trying to calm his breath. He focused on the power, extended his hands before him, trying to understand its nature. His fingers trembled, and the warmth spreading inside him turned again and again into a cold shiver that pierced his body. The power was wild, untamed, as if it had its own consciousness, unwilling to submit. He felt it was a part of him, but also something entirely foreign, like a parasite that had entered into a symbiotic relationship with his body. Each attempt to summon the magic was like a struggle—a struggle he often lost, leaving him exhausted and frustrated. He had managed to teleport a few times over a distance of a few steps, but the effect was unpredictable, and each such movement drained him almost completely. His body shook from exhaustion, and his mind barely maintained concentration.
But he didn't stop trying. He knew that without this power, he had no chance. The forest was getting closer, and his heart pounded harder at the thought of confronting whatever lurked in its depths. He knew he wasn't returning just for answers. He was coming back to confront himself, with his own fears and guilt that had haunted him since that night. He could no longer run. He had to face what pursued him, even if it meant his end. He knew that not only was the forest his enemy but also his own weaknesses and lack of self-belief. Every step toward the forest was a step toward his inner demons.
As the journey continued, the boy began to feel more comfortable with the power. It was a slow learning process, full of mistakes and failures, but each small success gave him hope. He knew he was still far from full control, but he felt he was making progress. Sometimes he managed to create a gentle glow in his hands, other times to sense a subtle tremor in the air that seemed to respond to his call. He increasingly attempted to teleport over short distances, although each such attempt was a challenge. Every moment in which he succeeded was a moment of triumph, giving him the strength to keep fighting. The progress was irregular—sometimes he felt he had control over the power, and other times everything slipped from his grasp, leaving him full of doubts.
During one of the stops, as the sun began to set, the boy decided to try something more. He focused all his energy, closed his eyes, and felt the power pulsing within him, ready to explode. He directed his thoughts to a spot a few meters away, trying to imagine that he was already standing there. In an instant, he felt as if the world spun around him, and his body became as light as a feather. In the blink of an eye, he found himself in a new place, exhausted but full of hope. He had done it. It may not have been a great distance, but he felt that with each passing day, he would improve. He knew that if he didn't stop trying, he would eventually gain full control over his power.
He knew he had to hurry. The forest was getting closer, and the boy felt that whatever awaited him there would require his full readiness. Every step, every day of the journey was preparation for the ultimate trial. He didn't know exactly what awaited him, but he felt that the moment was approaching when he would have to use everything he had learned. He knew there was no turning back, and his fate depended entirely on him. The forest was dark and mysterious, and the boy knew he had to enter it with his head held high, ready to face any danger that awaited him.
Every breath, every attempt to control his power was a step toward a new destiny. The boy was exhausted but also full of hope. He knew that his journey was not only a physical challenge but also a spiritual one—he had to find the strength deep within himself and learn to wield it. The forest was just another step on this path. What awaited him in its depths would test not only his skills but also his heart and will to survive.
As the boy approached the forest, the landscape around him became increasingly harsh, and the shadows grew longer, as if nature itself was warning him of the dangers lurking within the trees. The edge of the forest seemed to emanate a dark energy, saturated with memories of past tragedies. Every step brought greater tension—both from the surrounding reality and from the untamed power within. The forest seemed to remember his previous visit, and his heart beat anxiously, recalling old fears and failures.
The forest was now his goal, but also the place that stirred the greatest unease. He wandered for hours near its borders, as if trying to sense the right moment to step into that unknown, dangerous world. Fear stayed with him every step of the way, but he knew he couldn't give in. He had to face his fears, not run from them. Before entering the thicket, he focused on his power, trying to control it fully. The attempts to control the energy were unpredictable and exhausting, but he knew his determination would eventually pay off.
When he crossed the edge of the forest, he noticed clear signs of the beast's presence. Deep gouges marked the ground, as if left by enormous claws, and trees were torn and broken. The area was littered with scattered remains, only confirming the gravity of the situation. Despite this, the boy's heart began to beat faster—not just out of fear, but also out of determination. He knew he had to discover the truth, regardless of the cost.
He ventured deeper into the forest, moving slowly and cautiously, trying to tread as quietly as possible to avoid drawing attention to himself. Every step led him deeper into the world of his own fears, as if he were immersing himself in his darkest side. His movements were precise, his mind focused on the pulsing magic, ready to use it in a moment of danger. He had to act sparingly—he couldn't afford to waste energy. He knew that each failed attempt at teleportation could exhaust him and leave him defenseless against the dangers.
The further he went, the more he felt the forest's hostility. The silence was unnatural, broken only by the rustling of leaves and the sound of his footsteps. He felt as if the forest was watching him, like a living being ready to strike at any moment. He tried to focus on his power, to sense its pulse, as if it were his lifeline. Still, the magic remained unpredictable—sometimes responding to his call, other times staying dormant, as if playing with his determination.
After a while, he noticed something unsettling—a circle of broken trees, as if something had passed through the area without regard for obstacles. The tracks led further into the forest, and the boy felt he had to follow them. Every step in that direction felt like a final decision, but he knew he couldn't back out. This place allowed no room for doubts. The forest was like a labyrinth, full of hidden traps, and he had to move forward, even if it meant risking an encounter with the beast.
Night fell quickly, and the boy felt the forest growing increasingly hostile. The shadows lengthened, and darkness took control of the surroundings. He knew he had to find shelter before complete darkness set in. Finally, he found a small clearing, hidden among the dense trees, and decided to rest there. He was exhausted but couldn't afford to sleep. He focused on his power, trying to master it, to feel its presence, ready to use it at any moment if the need arose.
The forest seemed to test his endurance, and his instincts constantly warned him of potential danger. Every sound, every change in the surroundings prompted a reaction, and he had to be ready. He felt every part of his body demanded rest, but he couldn't allow himself that luxury. Magic was his only weapon, but it was still unreliable, ready to fail him at the worst possible moment. He had to tame it, understand its nature, and make it a part of himself.
The boy spent a long moment in meditation, trying to calm his breathing and focus his thoughts. He knew his power was linked to his emotions, and understanding them could be the key to controlling it. He imagined the energy flowing through his body, trying to give it shape and direction. It was difficult and exhausting, but every moment of success, however small, gave him hope.
At night, the forest took on a sinister character. The boy felt he wasn't alone, that something was watching him from the darkness. Every rustle of leaves seemed to herald an impending threat. He kept his hand close to the dagger, ready to defend himself. He knew that if his magic failed, he would have to rely on instinct and basic survival skills. His heart pounded rapidly, and his mind worked at full speed, analyzing every sound, every shadow, every movement around him.
The knowledge that the beast's lair was somewhere nearby was overwhelming, but he hadn't reached it yet. Tomorrow, he planned to follow the tracks further, to the place where he expected to find answers. He had to prepare for a confrontation—not only with the beast but also with what lay hidden in his heart. For now, he had to focus on survival, on mastering the power that could save his life. He felt that the forest gave him no respite, as if it wanted to test him, to see if he was ready for what lay ahead.
The night dragged on, and he battled exhaustion. With each passing hour, he felt the weight of loneliness and uncertainty more intensely, but determination grew in his heart. He knew he couldn't give up—this was just the beginning of his journey toward the truth he so desperately sought. Every minute spent in the forest, every fear overcome, was a step toward understanding himself and his power. At that moment, it was no longer just about survival; it was about something more—finding his place in this dark, mysterious world.
When dawn began to break through the treetops, the boy felt a sense of relief. He had survived the first night in this hostile place, and that was already a small victory. He stood up, weary but ready to move on. The mystery of the beast's lair still lay ahead of him, and he had to solve it, no matter the risk. He was aware that the next day would be full of dangers and challenges, but he couldn't turn back. He took a deep breath, focused his thoughts on his goal, and moved forward, ready to face all the threats that awaited him in the depths of the forest.
The boy continued his journey, feeling the tension rise with every step. The forest seemed to come alive, but this awakening held something unsettling. The trees whispered, leaves rustled restlessly, and the atmosphere around him seemed to react to his presence. He felt the darkness still lingered in the corners of the forest, as if the night had never left, and its shadow still followed him, observing his every move.
The beast's tracks, which he had discovered the day before, became more distinct, and the path more difficult to traverse. The trees grew denser, their branches resembling outstretched hands ready to grab any intruder. The boy paused from time to time, listening to the sounds of the forest. The silence was ominous, as if the entire forest was holding its breath, preparing for something inevitable. Only one thought occupied his mind—he had to be ready for anything that might come.
After several hours of marching, something disturbed him. The air seemed to grow thick, and an unsettling silence fell around him. He felt every hair on his body stand on end. He knew he wasn't alone. He tried not to make any sudden movements, his hand slowly moving toward the dagger. He knew, however, that if what he sensed was the beast, this simple weapon would not be enough. He focused on his magic, trying to feel its pulse, ready to use it if necessary.
Suddenly, a dull, deep sound came from beyond the trees—a powerful roar that echoed through the forest. It was the beast. The boy felt an icy fear clutch his heart, but at the same time, a sense of determination emerged. He knew he couldn't back down now. This was what he had been waiting for—a rematch with the beast, this time with greater awareness and preparation. He held his breath, trying not to move. The forest seemed to freeze with him.
Even so, he knew he wasn't ready for an open confrontation. He had to act smart, using every opportunity to survive. He recalled how the beast had attacked earlier and realized that his strength lay in avoiding direct combat and gathering information about his opponent. His goal wasn't to defeat the beast but to survive and understand its weaknesses.
The beast emerged from between the trees, its presence overwhelming. It was enormous, and its body seemed made of shadow and stone; each step made the earth tremble. The boy felt the magic within him come alive, ready to act. He focused on the thought of teleportation—he had to find a way to avoid direct confrontation, still unsure how to effectively face this adversary.
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He made a sudden move, teleporting a few meters to the side, disappearing from the beast's view. He felt his body become weightless, as if he ceased to exist for a moment, and then suddenly appeared in a different place. Exhaustion immediately overtook his muscles, but he knew it was his only chance to avoid the attack. The beast roared in fury, sensing that its prey was slipping away. Its roar filled the air, tearing through the forest's silence.
The boy knew he couldn't fight the beast directly. His goal was to survive, to evade the beast and gain precious seconds for recovery and planning his next move. Every moment the beast couldn't see him was a small victory. He had to use every second, focus on his surroundings, and find any advantage—a place to hide or some time to gather himself.
Every second was crucial, and his magic, though unpredictable, could give him a chance at survival. The beast moved slowly, yet its presence was relentless, as if it were the embodiment of the forest's rage. The boy spotted a hollow between the roots of a massive tree. Without hesitation, he rushed toward it, slipping inside and curling up to remain unseen. The beast passed right by him, and the ground beneath his feet shook with every step it took. He held his breath, feeling fear mix with determination. He knew it was only a temporary refuge. The forest wouldn't let him rest for long, and the beast wouldn't easily give up on its prey.
In the quiet space between the roots, the boy began analyzing the situation. He had to understand what drew the beast to him. Was it his magic? Or was it something else he carried? He tried to piece together the facts, recalling past events. Perhaps something in his actions, something he had done, had provoked the beast? He knew that understanding this might be key if he was to survive future encounters.
He waited until the sounds of the beast's footsteps faded away. When silence finally settled, he felt his body relax a little, though tension still gripped him. This was only the first encounter, and the beast would surely return. He needed to find a way to gain the upper hand, not just survive but also learn more about his opponent. His encounter with the beast showed him that he wasn't yet ready for open combat, but it also gave him hope—he had survived.
When he felt relatively safe, he crawled out from under the roots, trying not to make any noise. He knew he couldn't afford too much rest. He had to keep moving, following the beast's tracks, but this time with more awareness. He needed answers; he had to understand why the beast was hunting him and what his role in all of this was. He knew the forest held secrets that might be the key to his survival. Despite his fear, he was ready to uncover them.
The boy moved on, knowing that his task wasn't just to avoid the beast but also to discover how he could gain an advantage over it. He had to learn to control his power so that it could become his ally in this fight. The memories of the previous encounter were fresh, and he tried to draw conclusions from them. He understood that he couldn't afford impulsive decisions—every action had to be deliberate.
Every step he took was full of caution, his thoughts focused on a single goal—to survive and find answers. The forest seemed to grow denser, and the path ahead more unpredictable. But the boy knew he wasn't the same person who had entered the forest for the first time. He was stronger, more determined, and above all, aware of what he had to face.
He knew that the time would eventually come when he would have to face the beast head-on and try to defeat it. But before that happened, he had to find the answers that could give him an advantage. He needed to understand what connected him to this creature, why the forest seemed to constantly test him, and what his true destiny was. And although the road was full of dangers, the boy felt that every step brought him closer to the truth he so desperately sought.
Fatigue began to take its toll, but he knew he couldn't stop now. He had to understand what drove the beast and what its motivation was. Every encounter, every roar of the beast was a clue he had to analyze. He knew this knowledge could mean the difference between life and death. As he continued onward, he observed his surroundings, looking for signs that might help him. He had a feeling that the forest was more than just a backdrop—it was a living entity, and he was an intruder trying to understand its secrets.
He was approaching the place where the beast's tracks grew more distinct. He felt that what he might discover there might not be the answer he sought, but he needed to find out. His power was his only hope, but he still hadn't mastered it fully. Each step carried with it the sensation of pulsating magic that sometimes seemed to slip out of his control. He had to find a way to tame it, to make it his tool.
The forest around him seemed to fall silent, as if watching his actions. Every move now carried weight, and every decision could have significant consequences. He knew there was no turning back—he had to move forward, to uncover the secrets that could save him from the looming danger. He needed to find the answers hidden deep within this dark forest, understand his power, and learn why the beast kept hunting him. He felt that this place held the key to his survival, that his fate was inextricably tied to the mysteries of the forest and this terrifying creature.
Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a small cave hidden among the dense roots of an old tree. The entrance was narrow, almost invisible, as if nature itself wanted to conceal this place from unwanted eyes. He felt a surge of hope and simultaneously anxiety—he didn’t know what might be inside. Gathering his strength, he moved toward the cave, ready to discover what lay within. He knew this place could be the beast's lair or hold something even darker, but he had no choice. He had to try, regardless of the risk. He moved closer, listening for any sound from within, his heart pounding like a hammer.
He stepped into the cave, and the darkness swallowed him instantly. As he crossed the threshold, the air grew heavier, filled with the scent of dampness and a metallic odor of blood that made him nauseous. His heart pounded like a drum, and each step echoed dully off the rocky walls, which seemed to close in, creating a claustrophobic feeling. The further he ventured into the darkness, the more his anxiety grew, his hands beginning to tremble.
He touched the wall—it was rough and uneven, as if something had tried to break free. He knew he had to be careful—one wrong move could lead to disaster. Once his eyes adjusted to the darkness, the only light he could see came from the cave's entrance behind him. He moved deeper, trying to avoid making noise, each step deliberate. Every sound, every rustle beneath his feet could give away his presence, and he had no intention of waking whatever might be lurking in this abyss.
With each step, he felt more clearly that the cave held something ancient and dangerous. This place wasn't just an ordinary cave—it had something inhuman about it, as if it was never meant to be discovered. The walls were covered with strange symbols, etched into the stone, as if someone or something had wanted to leave a warning for those who dared to venture so far. He gently ran his fingers over one of the symbols, feeling a piercing chill. These signs looked like an ancient, forgotten language, their intricate forms evoking fear.
The entire cave looked like the beast's lair—traces of the past, remnants of animals, and scattered bones lay across the floor. The darkness gave the cave an eerie, menacing appearance, and every shadow seemed to have a life of its own, as if something was lurking, ready to strike. Questions swirled in his mind—was it just an illusion, or was something truly watching him from the darkness?
He moved closer, noticing that the floor was littered with old, decayed bones—some human, others from wild animals. Torn skulls, broken ribs, and limbs lay scattered, evidence of numerous victims who had perished here. White fragments of bone contrasted with the dark, damp ground. Despite his mounting unease, he knew he couldn't turn back now. He had to understand why the beast had chosen this place for its lair. Everything indicated that this place had a deeper meaning, that the beast was more than a mindless monster—it was the guardian of a dark secret. The cave seemed to pulse with an energy that drew him in but also instilled fear. He knew that gaining this knowledge would come at a price.
He glanced over his shoulder, making sure he wasn't being followed. The cave was filled with an ominous silence, broken only by the sound of dripping water. The feeling that something was lurking in the darkness was unbearable. He closed his eyes, trying to focus on his power. He knew that if anything went wrong, his only chance of survival would be teleportation—he had to be ready to move quickly to avoid danger. He felt his senses sharpen, every cell in his body preparing for action.
Moving forward, his steps were cautious, almost soundless. Suddenly, he stopped abruptly, his heart pounding, his breath quickened. He knew he was not alone. The darkness surrounding him was more than just a physical threat—this place had its own force, which seeped into his mind. He felt the cave affecting him, as if his thoughts were intertwining with foreign, dark visions. The past of this place seemed to echo off the stone walls, trying to compel him to understand his role. The energy that filled this place was ancient and unsettling, as if it still lived, pulsating in rhythm with something primordial.
He had to make a decision. He stood at a crossroads—on one hand, curiosity urged him to explore the cave further, while on the other, instinct told him that each moment spent here increased the risk. He knew there was no turning back, regardless of his choice. The cave, with its dark aura and brutal traces, was a place that would put his courage and determination to the test. It was no longer just about survival, but about facing his deepest fears and understanding why the beast was so dangerous. Each bend revealed new mysteries, and this place seemed alive, drawing him deeper into its embrace.
At one point, he saw something that caught his attention—a small object lying on the ground, barely visible in the dim light. He crouched down cautiously to examine it more closely. It was a hilt, appearing as if it were made of bone, whitened by time. Slender, with intricate ornaments winding into spirals and runes that pulsed with a faint glow, as if they emitted their own ethereal light. The places where it would meet the hand were subtly grooved, perfectly fitting his fingers, making the grip feel like a natural extension of his hand.
At the end of the hilt was a small, milky, translucent crystal that absorbed the ambient light. As he grasped it, he felt a strange chill spreading through his hand. Suddenly, pain shot through him—the hilt unexpectedly cut him, and blood began to trickle down its surface. The crystal reacted to his blood, and before his eyes, a translucent blade emerged from the hilt, ethereal and immaterial, flickering in the darkness like moonlight seen through the clouds. It looked as though it did not fully belong to this world, rather an apparition of it.
He stared at the blade in disbelief. He knew this was no ordinary weapon—there was something far deeper in it. It emanated energy that penetrated him to the core. Though he didn’t yet understand the full power of this object, he knew he had found something extremely important, something that could be the key to surviving in this dark cave. Perhaps it was one of the secrets the beast so fiercely guarded. He felt a shiver of hope—perhaps this object would give him the advantage he so desperately needed to make it out alive.
Holding the hilt, with its blade still glowing with ethereal light, he slowly stood up. The cave was filled with an unchanging silence, as if everything around him had held its breath, waiting for his next move. He knew he couldn’t stay here for long. This place emanated dark energy that seemed to pervade his thoughts, gradually numbing his senses. But he knew he had to learn more. He felt this place held the answers to questions that had haunted him for so long—answers that might be key to his survival.
The cave felt like a living organism. The damp, moss-covered walls seemed to pulse with a subtle light that pierced the darkness from time to time, as if the place itself was reacting to the presence of an intruder. Every sound, every drop of water falling onto the stone floor echoed back in distorted form. The silence in the cave wasn’t emptiness but a space filled with tension, almost tangible, piercing him to the bone. Every moment spent in this place brought a mix of fear and determination, forcing him to remain highly alert.
Suddenly, he heard a sound that froze his blood. A deep, resonating roar echoed off the cave walls, putting his body on high alert. The beast was back. He felt shivers run down his spine, and his heart began to beat faster. He knew he had no time to hesitate. The beast must have sensed his presence. The shadows around him seemed alive, moving, while adrenaline filled his veins, awakening a primal survival instinct within him.
The air in the cave thickened, and his time to act was running out. He had to use his power, the one he had struggled to master, along with his determination to survive. Every second was precious. Before the beast even appeared in his field of vision, he could feel its presence. Every muscle in his body tensed in response to the threat. The air was heavy, and the darkness seemed to pulse, as if it were alive. Suddenly, he saw it—a massive figure, almost blending into the cave's darkness, as if it were part of it.
He couldn't wait any longer. There was no chance of relying on luck. He raised the hilt and focused all his willpower on the blade. It was his only hope. The blade glowed more intensely, and he lunged forward. The beast's roar filled the cave as it responded with a brutal swipe of its paw, which nearly knocked him over. He felt the force of the blow knock the breath out of him, pain coursing through his body, but he knew he had to keep fighting.
The battle was fierce, and every move the beast made emanated a brutal strength he couldn’t match. The beast was too strong. Though the blade struck its body, it did not inflict significant harm. Its blows were powerful, each one causing him to lose balance. His efforts seemed futile, as if he were facing an unstoppable force of nature. The beast's sharp claws cut through the air, the echo of their strikes reverberating through the cave, creating a terrifying symphony.
He knew he wouldn’t win this fight; his only chance was to escape. He felt his body begin to give way, the pain spreading through his muscles, exhaustion clouding his consciousness. Each movement became increasingly mechanical, his body operating on sheer willpower. The beast let out another bone-chilling roar that echoed off the walls, and he realized he had to act now, or he would never see daylight again.
He focused, closing his eyes. His heart pounded like a hammer, every cell in his body screaming to flee. His thoughts swirled in his mind, but he had to stay calm. He concentrated all his power, imagining a place outside the cave, a place where he could be away from danger. He felt his body passing through space, as if the world around him had become a blur. As if time had stopped for a moment, and he drifted in a boundless void.
He opened his eyes and realized he was on the edge of a precipice. Cold air hit his face, and he tried to comprehend exactly where he was. The beast was still nearby—he could feel its presence, hear its steps, sense its rage emanating from the stone corridors, like an echo of fury. His power hadn’t transported him as far as he had hoped, but it had given him a few precious seconds. He was cornered—his only escape was to jump. The chasm before him seemed endless, the darkness below almost tangible, but at this moment, he knew he had no choice.
He gritted his teeth, his breathing becoming increasingly ragged. He tried to muster all the courage he had left to make the decision. The darkness before him seemed to call, offering an escape from the pursuing beast, though it was an escape full of uncertainty. Behind him, he heard the beast drawing closer, its steps echoing off the stone floor, filling the space with a low, resonant thud.
"This is the only chance," he thought, his heart pounding even faster. The chasm, though terrifying, was the only way. He knew he had to trust his instincts. He swallowed hard, trying to steady his growing fear. The cold wind lashed his face, carrying with it the scent of damp rocks and the impenetrable darkness that awaited him below.
Behind him, he heard a roar that sounded like a mix of anger, hatred, and triumph—the beast felt its prey was trapped. There was no more time for further deliberation. The last moments seemed to stretch into eternity, each second feeling like a minute. He took a deep breath, looked toward the darkness ahead one last time, and then, without further hesitation, leaped into the abyss.
He clenched his teeth and jumped.
For a fraction of a second, he felt as if time had ceased to exist. The air whistled in his ears, and he felt his body being swallowed by the darkness. The chasm was like an endless void, and the cold pierced him to the bone. He felt as if he were falling through nothingness, the entire world around him disappearing, leaving only him and the void. His heart raced, and a single thought filled his mind: "Survive."