An Endless Journey Into Another World

11

I spun on my heel just in time to see the three massive beasts storming toward Aria's retreating figure. Without a second thought, I leapt into action, taking off at a speed that made the wind whip against my face. I've got to stop them before they get to her.

With the glowing orb's effects still coursing through me, I closed the distance in mere seconds. The first boar grunted, lowering its head to ram into me, but I was too fast. I slid to the side, letting the creature barrel past me and slam into a tree with a deafening thud.

By now, Aria had reached the tree, her hands scrabbling against the bark as she tried to climb, her breaths heavy with exhaustion and fear. But the remaining boars weren't done. They pawed the ground, preparing for their next move.

I squared my shoulders, my pulse steady despite the chaos. "Aria! Don't look down!" I called, keeping my eyes trained on the snarling beasts in front of me. These things just don't give up...

As I darted forward, one of the boars lunged at me, its tusks aimed straight for my chest. I stumbled over a loose rock at the last second, sending me tumbling awkwardly to the side—but it worked in my favor. The boar missed me by inches, its tusks embedding deep into the ground where I had just been.

"Seriously? Even my mistakes are saving me now?" I muttered under my breath as I scrambled back to my feet, shaking off the dirt. If I survive this, I'm buying myself a medal.

I glanced up just in time to see Aria climbing higher, but her breath caught in her throat when she looked down. The two-headed tiger had drawn closer, its massive paws shaking the ground with every step, and I could feel the tree trembling beneath her.

"Rhuer... I can't... it's too close!" Aria's voice cracked as she fought back tears, gripping the branches tightly.

"Don't worry about it! Just keep climbing!" I shouted, panting from the strain as I dodged another charge from the boar. "I'll deal with the ugly ones!"

My eyes darted between the remaining two boars and the encroaching tiger. Okay, one problem at a time. Just don't trip again.

My mind raced as I faced the onslaught of boars. Fighting them all at once was beyond my capability. My heart pounded, each beat a reminder of the dire situation I was in. In that moment of desperation, I made a split-second decision. I had no idea what the orbs might do to me, but I was willing to take any risk to survive.

The sky above darkened ominously, casting a shadow over the forest floor. The once serene atmosphere was now charged with tension and danger. The air felt heavy, suffused with the smell of sweat and blood. My breaths came in ragged gasps, my hands trembling as I reached for the orbs in my bag.

With steely resolve, I swallowed the red, yellow, and violet orbs all at once. The instant they hit my stomach, a torrent of energy surged through me. My vision momentarily blurred, and I staggered as my body absorbed the potent effects of the orbs. The forest around me seemed to pulse with my newfound power. My senses heightened, and my reflexes sharpened, transforming me into a blur of motion.

This is it, I thought, my mind racing. No turning back now. Let's see what these orbs can really do.

As my body adapted to the intense surge of energy, I felt my swordsmanship reach new heights. Each swing of my blade was precise and deadly. The once-formidable boars, now outmatched by my enhanced speed and strength, fell one by one. I dodged their desperate attacks with fluid grace, my movements almost like a dance. The forest, once a place of relative safety, had transformed into a battlefield, strewn with the remnants of my fallen enemies.

The boars were vanquished, but the true challenge lay ahead. The tiger-like monster remained, now more menacing than ever. Its red aura crackled with raw power, and its eyes glowed with a feral intensity. The creature's roar echoed through the forest—a bone-chilling sound that sent shivers down my spine.