Chapter 24: Into the Heart of the Island

Vulcan pressed deeper into the jungle, excitement building with every step. He'd been battling the beasts that roamed the island's outer perimeter for weeks, honing his skills with the bone naginata. But now, as he ventured toward the heart of the island, the atmosphere shifted. The air grew thicker, and the shadows seemed to stretch longer. Something about this part of the island was different—more dangerous.

His naginata was at the ready, and his body was sharp, primed for combat. The creatures he had fought before had been easy enough, but he craved something more. He could feel the pull of the island's center, and the promise of greater challenges.

The first sign came when he heard a low, rumbling croak echoing through the jungle. Vulcan's eyes narrowed, his instincts kicking in. Moments later, a giant bullfrog, the size of a boulder, leapt into view, its body covered in thick, spiked armor. Its yellow eyes glared at Vulcan with a predatory gleam, and its wide mouth revealed rows of jagged teeth.

Vulcan's grin spread wide. This was what he had been waiting for.

The bullfrog lunged with surprising speed for something so large, its hind legs propelling it forward. Vulcan vanished from its path with a burst of Soru, reappearing behind it just as the creature slammed into the ground where he had stood. The impact shook the earth, but Vulcan was already moving.

He darted in, slashing at the bullfrog's underbelly with his naginata, aiming for the softer flesh between its armored plates. The blade cut deep, and the beast let out a screech of pain, leaping backward. Vulcan followed with another burst of Soru, landing a second strike before the bullfrog could recover. He kept his movements sharp and quick, not giving the creature a chance to counter.

The bullfrog roared in frustration, thrashing wildly, but Vulcan's speed kept him ahead of every attack. With a final thrust, he drove the naginata deep into its underbelly, twisting the blade until the creature fell silent, collapsing in a heap of armor and flesh.

Vulcan straightened, breathing heavily, but the grin never left his face. The creatures were getting tougher. Finally, he was being tested.

He continued his journey deeper into the jungle, and it wasn't long before the next challenge appeared.

A Hydra Boa slithered into view, its massive body winding between the trees. Its steel-like scales gleamed in the fading light, but what set it apart were the three heads, each one hissing and snapping with venom-dripping fangs. Vulcan's heart raced with excitement.

The snake struck first, all three heads lunging at him with terrifying speed. Vulcan dodged with Soru, vanishing just before the heads collided with the ground. The Hydra Boa screeched in frustration, its massive tail lashing out in a sweeping arc. Vulcan leapt back, narrowly avoiding the strike, his mind already calculating the best approach.

He dashed forward again, using Soru to close the distance between him and the beast. The middle head snapped at him, but Vulcan twisted his body, spinning the naginata in a precise arc aimed at the base of its neck. The blade struck true, but the snake's thick scales absorbed much of the impact.

Vulcan clicked his tongue, retreating as the other heads lunged. He needed to adjust his strategy. He focused on the snake's movements, watching for a weakness. One of the heads hissed, its jaws wide open, but Vulcan was ready. He activated Tekkai, hardening his body just as the head struck. The snake's fangs bounced off his iron-like skin, and before the creature could recover, Vulcan countered, slicing his naginata into its exposed jaw.

The first head fell limp, but the others were quick to retaliate. Vulcan danced around their attacks, his speed keeping him one step ahead. He ducked low as the second head lunged, then dashed to the side, thrusting his weapon deep into the creature's neck.

Blood sprayed as the second head collapsed to the ground. The final head hissed in fury, its eyes wild with rage. Vulcan's grin widened as he dashed forward one last time, his naginata slicing through the air. The blade cleaved through the Hydra Boa's neck, silencing the beast for good.

The massive body crumpled to the jungle floor, its three heads lying motionless. Vulcan exhaled, his chest heaving. This was exactly what he needed—the thrill of a real challenge. The further he went, the stronger the beasts became.

But something felt off.

As Vulcan ventured deeper into the island's center, the number of beasts began to dwindle. The jungle, once alive with the sounds of predators and prey, grew unnervingly quiet. Vulcan's instincts screamed at him—this wasn't natural. The beasts were becoming stronger, yes, but they were also fewer in number.

The silence was broken by the heavy stomping of something massive approaching from the jungle.

Vulcan turned, his eyes locking onto the next beast—a Rockback Rhinoceros. The creature towered over him, its massive frame covered in jagged stone-like armor. Its horn, long and sharp as a spear, gleamed in the dim light, and its beady red eyes fixed on Vulcan with predatory intent.

Vulcan's pulse quickened, a smile creeping back onto his face. This was going to be fun.

The rhinoceros snorted, lowering its head before charging. The ground trembled beneath its massive weight as it barreled toward him, but Vulcan didn't flinch. He stood his ground until the last possible moment, then vanished with Soru, the beast's horn grazing the air where he had been.

Reappearing at the rhino's side, Vulcan slashed at the gaps between its armor, aiming for the soft flesh underneath. The blade barely scratched the surface, and the rhino bellowed in frustration, turning to charge again.

Vulcan frowned. The creature's armor was nearly impenetrable. He'd have to find a different approach.

As the rhino charged once more, Vulcan used Tekkai, hardening his body as the beast's horn clipped him. The force of the blow sent him sliding back, but his body remained unscathed. The rhino, confused that its attack hadn't worked, hesitated for a moment—just long enough for Vulcan to spot its weakness.

There, just behind the front leg, the armor was thinner.

Vulcan darted forward, using Soru to close the distance, and thrust the naginata into the exposed gap. The blade sank deep, and the rhino let out a deafening roar of pain, stumbling forward.

But it wasn't over yet.

Vulcan dashed around the beast, keeping his movements quick and precise. He thrust the naginata again, this time targeting the neck. His blade found its mark, cutting deep into the vulnerable spot between the armored plates. The rhinoceros roared one final time before collapsing to the ground, defeated.

Vulcan stood over the massive creature, panting. The beasts were getting stronger, more dangerous. But their numbers were dwindling. He could feel it—the island's center held something even greater, something waiting for him.

His blood pumped with adrenaline, the thrill of battle consuming him. He raised his naginata high and laughed, his voice echoing through the silent jungle.

"Bring it on!" he shouted, his voice filled with excitement. "Hahahaha!"

Whatever awaited him at the heart of the island, Vulcan was ready.