[ENG] Last Reader Standing

Chapter 3: Within the Embrace of the Grimm Forest

The Forest of Grimm, a mysterious enclave where the whispers of ancient myths were lost among a choir of trees with centuries-old branches forming natural arches and vaults, was a living testament to the unfathomable richness of Grimms' Fairy Tales. It was in this magical setting that Jun and Calla, bearers of the secrets of the books that had chosen them, walked with measured steps, giving cautious respect to the environment that breathed the majesty of the legends it had brought to life.

They advanced through a patchwork of chiaroscuro shaped by the diaphanous light, which enveloped the woods in an unreal veil. The velvety moss carpeting the roots of the forest giants seemed to pulsate with ancient magic, and the whispering stones shared forgotten tales of the epics that had shaped this world.

Calla, whose agility was surpassed only by the sagacity with which she navigated the wooded paths—as if she danced on the sensitive strings of the wind—led their quest with caution, her eyes scrutinizing the shadows. Jun, meanwhile, engaged in a silent conversation with the Chronicles of the Immortal, feeling his instincts sharpened by the presence of the book he always carried against his heart.

It was then that a cry of distress rose, breaking the ancient melody of the forest. In the center of a clearing where veiled moonlight filtered through, the duo discovered a scene reminiscent of an ancestral painting: a deep black wolf, its eyes filled with nobly endured pain, was trapped in a brutal and unexpected snare.

Calla instinctively prepared for the worst, the echo of the darkest fables resonating within her like warnings issued by The Queen of the Night. Against all expectations, Jun stepped forward. He saw beyond the fierce beast, recognizing in it a spark of ancient humanity. His hands gently released the unforgiving grip of the metallic jaws, while the wolf watched with regal serenity.

« I will call you Sora, » Jun pronounced with a voice imbued with solemnity, choosing a name for this companion rather than just a passing creature. This name was a vow, a silent acknowledgment of the alliance forming between them, weaving a new chapter into the Chronicles of the Immortal.

Recognizing the scope of their shared quest and the increasingly compelling call of the Rose of the Winds, the newly formed coalition resumed their march. They were bound by the invisible threads of destiny, with the Forest of Grimm as both sanctuary and trial, guiding each other through the whispers of a world where every leaf, every blade of grass, held a story to tell.

As they progressed through the forest, they encountered various obstacles. Disturbing illusions tried to mislead them, mythical creatures guarded secret passages, and ancient riddles blocked their way. Calla, with her knowledge of legends and sharp intellect, outwitted the traps and guided the group through the labyrinthine enchanted forest.

Jun, for his part, used the powers granted by the Chronicles of the Immortal to decipher the riddles and overcome the challenges. Sora, their faithful companion, provided invaluable assistance by spotting hidden dangers and defending the group against surprise attacks.

One day, as they crossed a clearing bathed in the golden light of twilight, they came upon an ancient altar covered in mysterious runes. The inscriptions spoke of the Rose of the Winds and its power to manipulate the boundaries between worlds. Jun read aloud, feeling a deep connection to the words engraved in the stone.

« The Rose of the Winds is not just a relic, » he murmured. « It is a key that can open portals to parallel realities, uniting worlds once separated. »

Calla nodded, her eyes shining with determination. « We must find it before someone else does. »

As they continued their quest, a new threat arose before them. Shifting shadows emerged from the depths of the forest, taking shape to attack them. Jun, Calla, and Sora prepared for battle, knowing their survival depended on their unity and determination.

The fight was intense, but thanks to their coordination and courage, they managed to repel the shadows. Breathless but victorious, they regrouped, realizing that their quest was only beginning.

« Every trial we overcome brings us closer to our goal, » Jun declared, his gaze fixed on the horizon. « Together, we will discover the secrets of the Rose of the Winds and protect our world. »

Calla, Jun, and Sora resumed their march through the Forest of Grimm, their steps echoing with hope and determination. They knew their journey would be fraught with obstacles, but they were ready to face every challenge, guided by the legends and powers of the Chronicles of the Immortal.

At twilight, as the first stars began to shine in the sky, the trio halted for the night. Around a crackling fire, they shared their stories and hopes, strengthening the bonds that united them. Jun felt a familiar warmth emanating from the Chronicles of the Immortal, like a silent promise of support and protection.

As night enveloped the forest, they fell asleep, their dreams filled with visions of the Rose of the Winds and the adventures to come. Together, they were ready to write their own legend, one chapter at a time, in the endless epic of the Chronicles of the Immortal.