Chapter 17: The Beastlands

Elias stood at the base of the Trial's second layer, his body aching from the fierce battle with Aros, the Gatekeeper. He had barely scraped through the first layer, relying on his cunning and newly acquired powers to survive. But he knew better than to feel proud. Every step forward would only get harder, and his current strength was barely enough to keep him alive in the depths of this twisted tower.

As his feet sank into the dirt and his breath steadied, Elias observed the landscape before him. The Beastlands-a massive, untamed stretch of wilderness, where the land itself seemed to breathe and growl. Giant trees with thick, twisted trunks loomed over him, and the ground was scarred with deep claw marks. The air reeked of blood, sweat, and the unmistakable. scent of predators.

"This is only the beginning," Elias thought, his silver eyes scanning the surroundings, muscles tensed and ready. The landscape felt alive-hostile, even-and Elias knew he had no choice but to adapt or perish.

[System Notification: You have entered The Beastlands - Floors 11-20.]

The system's voice echoed in his mind, its sterile tone not matching the intensity of the scene before him. Elias grit his teeth and moved forward, his senses alert. He had absorbed a few abilities after defeating Aros-enhancements to his physical abilities and a deeper understanding of combat. The Beast Mastery he had gained would be put to the test now. If there was one thing he knew, it was that survival here wasn't just about strength-it was about becoming something else.

His footsteps echoed in the silence, the only sound other than the occasional rustle of leaves and distant growis. As he walked deeper into the Beastlands, a strange pulse of power surged through him. Something was nearby.

Then, from the trees, a massive dire wolf leapt at him, its teeth bared, eyes glowing with ferocity. It was nearly as large as a horse, its sleek, black fur shifting in the shadows. The creature's growl was bone-chilling, filled with raw hunger.

Without thinking, Elias tapped into his Beast Mastery, focusing on the animal's presence. For a moment, he could feel its emotions-its primal instincts, its hunger. A split-second of clarity. He reached out with his senses, commanding it to halt.

The wolf paused mid-air, its body trembling as if caught between two wills. For a moment, Elias could sense the conflict within it, and he seized the opportunity. He hurled his sword forward, driving it deep into the creature's side.

[System Notification: Dire Wolf defeated. Beast

Mastery Level 1 unlocked.]

Elias pulled his sword free, eyes flicking over the body of the fallen beast. His heart hammered in his chest, not from fear but from exhilaration.. His powers were growing stronger, but he couldn't afford to be complacent. The Beastlands were teeming with creatures far more dangerous than that wolf.

Suddenly, the ground trembled beneath him. Elias instinctively dropped to one knee, feeling the vibrations as something massive moved closer.

From the trees, another beast appeared-this time, a giant serpent, its scales shimmering like emeralds. It was at least thirty feet long, its massive coils slithering with unnerving speed. Its head rose above Elias, hissing with venomous intent.

Before it could strike, Elias didn't hesitate. He tapped into Primal Roar, channeling a burst of elemental energy into his lungs. With a primal scream, the force of his roar rippled through the air, sending shockwaves across the ground. The serpent paused, disoriented by the sheer power of the sound.

[System Notification: Primal Roar used. Enemy stunned.]

Seizing the moment, Elias sprinted forward, slashing at the serpent's underbelly with his sword. The serpent recoiled, but it was too late. Elias' strike found its mark, cutting deep into the beast's flesh.

[System Notification: Giant Serpent defeated. Beast Mastery Level 2 unlocked.]

His body was drained, and Elias staggered slightly, but there was no time to rest. As he caught his breath, he heard the sounds of more creatures gathering in the distance-faint growls, the snap of branches, the heavy thud of large paws hitting the earth.

More of them? Elias thought, his heart rate quickening. He had to keep moving. But now, he couldn't shake the feeling that something else was watching him. He sensed the presence of something far more dangerous-something that would truly test his abilities.

[System Notification: You are approaching the Beastlord's territory.]

Elias' eyes narrowed. This was it-the heart of the Beastlands, the territory of Kaelis, the Beastlord. He could feel the shift in the air. Kaelis wasn't just any beast. He was a god, a creature of untold power, and Elias was about to face him.

As Elias made his way toward the heart of the Beastlands, he could feel his powers surging within him-Beast Mastery enhanced by his battles, Primal Roar ready for use again. But Kaelis was different. The beasts were nothing more than stepping stones, tools for Elias to hone his abilities.

The real challenge lay ahead.