The Forest

In the dense forest, Markus crouched low under a tree, his crimson eyes scanning the shadows. Ears twitching, picking up every faint rustle of leaves and distant growl. The air felt heavy, alive, as though the forest itself was watching him. His tail swayed slightly as he flipped open his battered journal, pausing to listen for danger.

Within his journal he wrote down his progress

Day 1: As soon as I landed on the forest floor, I realized I couldn't find my way back up the mountain. Hell, I couldn't even find the mountain I was shoved off of. Damn, did that fall hurt like hell. That must be why they call it the Death Forest… or whatever this nightmare is officially named.

Markus sighed, closing the journal briefly. His clawed fingers tapped the cover. He glanced around, his ears swiveling toward the faint creaks and groans of the forest. Nothing yet. He reopened the journal.

Day 2: I found supplies… finally. Not that it made me any less aggravated. At least there was some decent stuff—a hunting knife, some dried rations, and a book. Crowne's "10,000 Tips to Survive in the Most Dangerous Forest Known to Man." Yeah, because that's super helpful when everything here wants to kill you.

He shook his head, running his thumb along the blade of the knife. The thought of Crowne's smug grin when he shoved Markus into this place made him growl under his breath.

Day 10: This place messes with my head. Nothing here makes sense. Every time I climb to get a better view, all I see is forest—endless trees stretching forever. It's like this place is alive, like it's trapping me.

His pen pressed harder against the page as his frustration built. He paused to steady his breathing, his tail flicking irritably.

Day 14: Ran into some beasts today. They almost had me for lunch. Damn things didn't care that all I had was this dull hunting knife. I'm out of water now too. This forest is trying to kill me.

He winced, remembering the claw marks that still stung on his arm. Markus brushed the memory aside and kept writing.

Day 16: Finally found a water source. It tastes like garbage, but it's better than dying of thirst. Barely.

Day 40: Still no way out. My clothes are in pieces, and I'm beginning to think there isn't an exit. Is this even training? Or did Crowne just toss me in here to rot?

Markus leaned back against the trunk of a tree, staring into the endless stretch of forest. He flipped to the last page he'd written.

Day 80: I'm losing hope, but I'll keep pushing. Whatever it takes, I'll make it out of here alive.

Snapping the journal shut, Markus shoved it into his bag. He stood, brushing dirt off his tattered pants, when a deep growl rumbled through the trees. He froze, his crimson eyes narrowing as his ears picked up the sound of something massive moving nearby. From the shadows, a hulking beast emerged.

It was enormous, It was Lizard-like frame was covered in jagged, dark green scales. Glowing green eyes locked onto Markus, and jagged horns curved back from its head like a crown of spikes. Its claws dug deep into the ground, leaving scars in the dirt with every step.

"Damn it," Markus muttered, his tail stiffening behind him. The beast lunged with shocking speed, its massive paw smashing into the spot where Markus had been standing. Dirt and debris exploded outward as he dodged, his hunting knife slipping into his hand.

This thing's been trailing me for weeks. If I don't kill it, I'm not making it out of here.

The beast roared, shaking the ground beneath them. It charged again, snapping trees in its path. Markus sprinted into the forest, weaving between trunks as the monster pursued him. Each step from the creature sent shockwaves through the ground.

"I've been waiting for this, you nasty bastard," Markus growled, darting toward a cluster of trees where he'd stashed makeshift spears. He snatched one, spun, and hurled it with all his strength.

Shhh-thunk!

The spear buried itself in the creature's side, earning a deafening roar of pain. It thrashed wildly, tearing through nearby trees, but Markus was already on the move, grabbing another spear.

"Take this!" he yelled, hurling the second spear. This one struck its glowing eye, the impact sending the beast reeling backward.

The monster screeched, blood pouring from its wounded eye. It crashed into the trees, splintering trunks and scattering debris. Markus stayed low, watching it thrash in pain.

This is my chance.

He darted forward, knife in hand, and slashed at its flank. The blade cut deep, and Markus rolled away before it could retaliate. He struck again and again, moving in quick bursts. The beast roared louder with each hit, but its movements grew more frantic.

One more hit, Markus thought, his crimson eyes locked onto the creature. This ends now.

He charged, leaping into the air to deliver a final blow. "DIIEEE!" he roared.

But the beast was ready. With a swipe of its massive paw, it struck Markus mid-air, slamming him into the ground. Pain exploded through his body as the monster pinned him down.

"Bleh—" Markus coughed, blood dripping from his mouth. The weight of the creature's paw crushed him, leaving him gasping for air. His knife slipped from his hand, and for a moment, everything blurred.

No… not like this.

The beast roared above him, its jaws opening wide as it prepared to finish him off. Markus's mind raced, flashes of his family burning in his thoughts—his sister's laughter, his father's warm smile, and the shadow of the man who took it all away.

Something inside him snapped.

With a guttural growl, Markus sank his sharp teeth into the beast's claw. The monster howled in pain, jerking back slightly. Markus used the moment to free one arm and grab his knife.

"RAHHH!" he roared, stabbing into its foot repeatedly. Blood gushed over him as the creature screamed, shaking its massive head in agony. It flung him aside, but Markus rolled to his feet, his body trembling with exhaustion.

He crouched low, his crimson eyes blazing as his tail lashed behind him. Blood dripped from his face, his clothes soaked in red. His breaths came ragged, but his focus burned hotter than ever.

"Round two, you bastard," Markus growled, licking the blood from his lips.

The beast snarled, lowering its body as it prepared to charge again. Markus tightened his grip on the knife, his wolf ears pinned back.

"I'm not dying here."

Markus charged at the beast, his crimson eyes locked onto its glowing green ones. The creature snarled, lowering itself closer to the ground as it prepared to strike. Its massive claws lashed out with blinding speed, aiming for Markus's left side.

"Not today!" Markus shouted, dropping low just in time. He slid across the dirt, narrowly dodging the deadly swipe. As he passed under the beast's hulking frame, his knife slashed at its underbelly. The blade scraped against its tough scales, drawing thin streaks of blood but failing to deliver any real damage.

The beast reared back, roaring in fury. Its deep, guttural scream echoed through the forest, shaking leaves from the trees. Markus rolled to his feet, his gaze sharp as he grabbed one of the spears that had fallen from its body earlier.

The creature's massive tail swept toward him without warning, cutting through the air like a whip.

Markus's ears twitched. He moved on instinct, leaping into a backflip just as the tail slammed into the ground where he had been standing. Dirt and debris exploded into the air. Mid-flip, Markus adjusted his grip on the spear and hurled it at the beast's head.

"Take this!"

The spear struck true, embedding itself just above the beast's eye. The creature roared again, stumbling back as it clawed at its face.

But the attack only made it angrier. It stomped forward with renewed ferocity, each step shaking the ground beneath them. The beast's glowing eyes burned with rage as it swung its claws wildly, tearing through the trees in its path.

Markus darted around its attacks, his movements fluid and precise. Each time the beast swiped at him, he dodged just in time, slashing at its legs with his knife whenever an opening appeared. His blade drew blood, but the cuts were shallow—he needed more.

The creature growled low, crouching as its muscles coiled with tension. Markus barely had time to react before it lunged, jaws snapping open wide in an attempt to swallow him whole.

For a split second, the forest seemed to go silent.

Markus didn't flinch. His stance shifted as the ground beneath him cracked slightly, his legs tensing like a coiled spring.

"Let's finish this!" he roared.

Instead of retreating, Markus jumped straight into the beast's mouth. The jaws snapped shut around him, but he was already moving. His knife flashed in the darkness, slashing furiously at the flesh and muscle around him. Blood sprayed in every direction as he hacked his way through the creature's throat.

The beast roared in agony, thrashing wildly as it tried to dislodge him. Its claws raked at the ground, tearing through the earth in desperation.

Markus didn't stop. With one final, powerful slash, he tore through the other side of its neck and burst out into the open air. He landed heavily on the ground, rolling to absorb the impact. Blood dripped from his knife, his clothes, and his hair, but his crimson eyes remained locked on the beast.

The creature staggered, its movements slow and unsteady. Blood poured from the gaping wound in its neck, pooling on the forest floor. Its glowing eyes dimmed slightly as it let out a weak, choking cry.

Markus tightened his grip on the knife, forcing his trembling legs to move. He darted forward one last time, his gaze steady.

"This ends now!"

With a precise strike, he severed the beast's spinal cord.

The creature let out one final, guttural groan before collapsing to the ground with a thunderous crash. Its massive body twitched once, then stilled as its life faded away.

Markus stood over the fallen beast, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. His body trembled with exhaustion, his knife hanging loosely in his hand.

"It's over…" he muttered, his voice barely audible.

His knees gave out, and he stumbled back, landing heavily on the ground. He leaned against a nearby tree, staring up at the canopy above.

The forest was silent now, save for the faint rustling of leaves in the wind.

Markus clenched his fist, his frustration boiling over. With a loud growl, he slammed his hand into the dirt, cracking the ground beneath him.

"Damn it!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the empty forest. "When will I get out of this damn forest?!"

He sat there for a moment, his breathing heavy and uneven. As his anger began to fade, his gaze wandered.

Something in the distance caught his eye.

A mountain loomed on the horizon, its jagged peaks reaching high into the sky. Between the mountains was a narrow crevasse—a clear path cutting through to the other side.

Markus stared at it, his crimson eyes wide with disbelief. For the first time in what felt like forever, hope flickered in his chest.

A dry laugh escaped his lips, soft at first but growing louder with each passing second.

"So that's… it," he said, his voice trembling as relief and exhaustion washed over him.

Still chuckling softly, he pushed himself to his feet, his legs shaky but steady. He wiped the blood from his face, his expression hardening with determination.

"I wonder what everyone else went through," he muttered to himself.

With one last glance at the fallen beast, Markus turned his gaze back to the mountain.

The forest behind him was still, but the path ahead was clear.

As Markus stepped out of the forest's suffocating embrace, his feet sank into a soft bed of grass. The cool breeze brushed against his face, and for the first time in what felt like forever, he could breathe freely.

He collapsed onto the grass, staring at the sky above. The horizon stretched endlessly, and in the distance, he could see the glimmering spires of Mars's capital city.

"I'm done," he whispered, his voice hoarse from exhaustion.

For a while, he just lay there, letting the tension drain from his aching body. His mind, however, offered no peace. Images of his family flashed through his head—faces he would never see again, laughter that had been silenced too soon.

His chest tightened as he bit back tears.

He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. "Don't worry," he muttered, his voice low but sharp. "I'm going to make them pay… I'll make them all pay."

The sound of rustling nearby made him snap his eyes open, his body instantly alert.

Malrik Crowne stood over him, a smug grin plastered across his face.

"Congratulations!" Crowne declared, throwing his arms up dramatically. "You survived! I knew you would make it… Probably."

Markus's expression darkened. Without a second thought, he lashed out with his knife, aiming straight for Crowne's chest.

But Crowne was already gone. His form shimmered and reappeared a few feet away, still grinning.

"Must you keep pestering me?" Markus growled, his crimson eyes burning with fury.

Crowne chuckled, tilting his head. "What could you possibly mean?"

"Damn you," Markus spat, gripping his knife tighter. "You're the worst."

Crowne gasped in mock horror, clutching his chest. "Hey! You hurt my feelings." He pretended to wipe away a tear, sniffling. "Fake crying is harder than it looks, you know."

Markus glared at him, his patience wearing thin.

"Anyway!" Crowne's demeanor shifted instantly, his playful tone dropping into something more serious. "Let's not waste time. Tell me—what have you learned?"

Markus's jaw tightened. "That you must be a demon."

Crowne wagged his finger. "No, no! I taught you how to survive with little to no information. In the most hellish way possible, I might add."

Markus couldn't argue with that, as much as he hated to admit it. "I hate that you make so much sense."

Crowne smirked, raising an eyebrow. "So, what's next for you?"

"You want me to quit?" Markus shot back, standing up straight despite his exhaustion.

Crowne's grin widened. "Not even close. I knew you'd stick with it. After all, war is a hundred times worse than anything you've faced in that forest."

Markus stared at him, his crimson eyes narrowing. "You understand that better than anyone, don't you?"

Crowne's expression softened—just for a moment. Then he smiled again, though it seemed less mocking this time. "You're starting to get it. Let me give you some advice."

He stepped closer, his tone dropping to a near whisper. "Any morals you're clinging to? They'll only get in your way."

Markus's ears twitched at the words. He straightened his posture, his voice steady. "But my morals are what make me strong."

Crowne threw his head back and laughed, the sound echoing across the open field. "My goodness! You're just like me when I was younger."

Markus's grip on his knife tightened. "You mean before you went crazy?"

Crowne shrugged. "Twas a side effect," he said casually, waving his hand. "But here's the thing—your enemy won't care about your strength or your morals. They're willing to slaughter everything in their path to get what they want. Like an animal, you need to charge head-on with the same ferocity. Whoever's the strongest wins. That's it."

Markus frowned, his gaze lowering to the ground. He thought of his family again. If only he had been stronger… If only he had been ready…

Crowne snapped his fingers, breaking Markus's thoughts. "Well, no time to dwell. It's time for your weapons training!"

Markus blinked, caught off guard. "Weapons training?"

Crowne grinned as he waved his hand. A shimmering light appeared before them, and from it, a sleek, black sniper rifle materialized. Its surface glowed faintly, magical runes etched into its design.

"How about this beauty? Sniper rifles are all the rage these days," Crowne said, holding it out.

Markus shook his head, unimpressed. "No."

Crowne frowned, snapping his fingers again. The rifle disappeared, replaced by a sword and a pistol—both radiating a faint, magical aura.

"Better?" Crowne asked, his tone light but expectant.

Markus reached out, his fingers brushing against the hilt of the sword. He could feel the power humming through it, raw and untamed. His gaze shifted to the pistol, its design sleek and efficient.

"Good," Crowne said, his grin widening. "Because I'm going to force you to master all of these!"

"All of these?" Markus asked, raising an eyebrow.

Crowne nodded enthusiastically. "I'm going to mold you into the perfect soldier. Someone who's comfortable in every part of the battlefield."

Markus smirked, gripping the sword tightly. "Sounds… perfect."

Crowne's grin remained as he stepped back, watching Markus with a glint of approval.

"Then let's get started," he said, his tone as sharp as the weapons Markus now held.