NOVEL WEB Chapter 7: Exploration of the Dark Forest
Unraveling the Mystery of the Shadows
Strengthened by their resolve in the otherworldly village, Loki (Satoshi Koizumi) and the group decided to track down the source of the shadow that had been plaguing the village. According to the village elder, the origin of the shadow lay in an ancient temple deep within the forest near the village.
Loki (Satoshi) declared confidently, “The forest is dangerous, but if we combine our powers, we will overcome this challenge.”
Asclepius (Masato Matsuda), ever cautious, replied, “Whatever the source of this shadow is, we must proceed with vigilance.”
Apollo (Kira Moroboshi) was eager to act. “Then let’s waste no time—let’s head to the temple!”
Minerva (Tomomi Koizumi) nodded calmly. “I’m ready whenever you are.”
Uranus (Sora Amano) agreed, speaking coolly, “With our combined knowledge and strength, no obstacle can stand in our way.”
Gaia (Misa Morino), attuned to the natural world, looked toward the forest and said thoughtfully, “The earth and trees here are speaking to us… It’s as if they’re showing us the path forward.”
Vishnu (Li Wenqiang) observed the situation quietly before adding, “This shadow isn’t merely a phenomenon; the balance of this world is on the verge of collapse. If we don’t act soon, the situation will become much more severe.”
After preparing themselves, the group set off toward the ancient temple deep within the forest. The forest grew darker and more ominous as they progressed, the atmosphere thickening with an unsettling stillness. With each step, the eerie tension mounted.
An Encounter in the Forest
As they ventured deeper into the forest, they nearly lost their way, but eventually stumbled upon an old stone marker. It was a relic once used by the gods, meant to guide them to their destination.
Loki (Satoshi) gazed at the marker and murmured, “This marker… It’s proof that we once walked this land as gods.”
Uranus (Sora) compared it to his map and confirmed, “If we follow this path, it should lead us to the temple.”
At the Entrance of the Temple
Soon, the group arrived at the entrance of the temple. The doorway was ancient, emanating an aura of foreboding.
“This is where the shadow originates…” Loki (Satoshi) muttered under his breath.
At that moment, a villager came stumbling out of the forest, covered in blood and trembling with fear.
“Help! I was attacked by the shadow in the forest!” the villager cried out, panting heavily.
Without hesitation, Asclepius (Masato) rushed over to the villager, cradling him. “Don’t worry. I’ll heal you now.”
Placing his hands over the villager’s wounds, Asclepius concentrated, and a warm light flowed from his hands, gradually healing the villager’s injuries.
The villager let out a sigh of relief and whispered, “Thank you… gods…”
Exploring the Temple Interior
With the villager safely treated, the group entered the temple, determined to find the source of the shadow. Inside, they began their exploration, gradually regaining more of their divine powers, preparing themselves for the challenges ahead.
The temple walls were adorned with ancient carvings and murals, a testament to the glory of a bygone era. Yet, shadowy figures seemed to materialize from the walls, as if blocking their way.
Apollo (Kira), stepping forward cautiously, commented, “It feels like time has stopped in this place.”
Uranus (Sora) nodded. “This place is saturated with a strange power. There’s no doubt that our abilities will be tested here.”
Confrontation with the Shadow Beast
As they ventured deeper into the temple, a massive shadowy beast suddenly appeared before them. Its form was terrifying, wrapped in the darkness that seemed to pulsate with malevolent energy.
“Everyone, stay sharp!” Loki (Satoshi) shouted.
The group rallied together, using their divine powers to battle the monstrous shadow. Asclepius (Masato) used his healing abilities to tend to his comrades’ injuries during the fight, while Apollo fired arrows of light, striking the creature’s shadowy form. Uranus (Sora) employed his intellect and strategies to counter the beast’s attacks, while Minerva (Tomomi) devised tactics to guide the group, ensuring they fought in harmony.
Together, the gods combined their strength, each playing their part in the battle.